ACB Focus: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in 1954 that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.  How did that landmark case affect schools for the blind across the country? What had gone before, and what came afterward, in the integration of the schools? Micheal Hudson, Director of the museum at the American Printing House for the Blind, guided us through this chapter of our history from both the students' and the staff's points of view.

Eric Marcus, Journalist and podcaster, New York, NY returned to lead a fascinating discussion on how the HIV/AIDS epidemic changed the LGBTQ community forever.

Attendees heard a direct and thoughtful discussion by a panel of audio description experts on the importance of diversity within the field, how to describe in today’s diverse world, and reflected on what consumers want to hear in their descriptions.

Moderator: Kim Charlson, Audio Description Project Co-Chair, Watertown, MA

Panelists:

♦ Dr. Rachel Hutchinson, Project and Community Engagement Manager, Royal Holloway, University of London, Inclusive Description for Equality and Access (IDEA) #InclusiveAD, London, UK

♦ Thomas Reid, Reid My Mind Radio, Stroudsburg, PA

♦ Cheryl Green, Audio Describer/Voicer, Portland, OR

♦ Maria Vicky Diaz, Ph.D., Dicapta Foundation, Oviedo, FL

♦ Renee Arrington-Johnson, Audio Description Consumer, Member, ACB ADP Steering Committee, Lyndhurst, OH

Co-sponsored by: ADP and MCAC

This is our tenth annual Voices from Around the World celebration, so we decided to pull out all the stops. This year, it was decided to take a deep dive into issues surrounding culture and disability. Some cultures embrace it while others may relegate the members who are blind or have low vision to a fate worse than death. This year’s panel discussion promised to be livelier than ever. Listing the panelists here would spoil the surprise, attendees were asked to indulge us by helping to support our 10th anniversary and welcoming our international guests.

Presented by DRA attorneys Torie Atkinson and Rose Lee Bishell.

Our theme this year is symbolic of the diversity of our organization as we come together looking toward a brighter future. To that end, our session featured a panel of individuals from diverse backgrounds who shared with us unique aspects of their cultures. They highlighted family traditions, cultural customs, poems, special events and other aspects of their cultures. This was an informative and entertaining session.

Panelists:

♥ Catalina Martinez, Roseville, MN

♥ Hannah Mae Aldeza, Customer Service Professional, Transcriptionist and an ESL Teacher, Philippines

♥ Art Cabanilla, President, Hawaii Association of the Blind

♥ Swatha Nandhakumar, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist, Naperville, IL

Attendees listened to a discussion about disability history/awareness with AFB’s President Kirk Adams, ACB’s President Dan Spoone, and ACB Students President Minh Ha, as they discussed the benefits and disadvantages of mandatory and voluntary disability awareness education in society.

Co-Sponsored by: ACBS/ACBNG

Dr. Webler is a Computational Chemist, Entrepreneur, Wine Expert, and Promoter of diversity and inclusion. Attendees listened to the life lessons from this remarkable man from Petaluma, CA.

Co-sponsored by: ACB Next Gen, ACBS, BPI, IVIE, and ACB Employment Committee

– Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 18"

Speakers featured vendors and their experiences in a mostly white male profession. They shared tips for others considering the RS program.

Welcome to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Track of the ACB Focus Podcast Series.