ACB Focus: Health and Wellness

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Shae Puckett of the diaTribe Foundation described work to build a world in which people with diabetes were treated with dignity, curiosity rather than judgment, and compassion. The presentation explored how stigma could cause isolation and misunderstanding. Examples included assumptions that people had caused their own diabetes, criticism of their food choices, expectations that blood glucose testing or insulin use should occur only in private, and assumptions that diabetes prevented certain employment. …

Originally Aired on ACB Media

The session provided an informative setting for HIV awareness, sexual and reproductive health, accessibility, and personal empowerment. Science-based information addressed stigma, confidence, and informed health decisions. Tia Irish of Pozitive EyE's and Alecia Tramel-McIntyre of Positive People Network Inc., an advocate who had lived with HIV for more than 30 years, combined professional expertise with lived experience. …

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Cleveland-area diabetes professionals discussed recent changes and recommendations for managing Type I and Type II diabetes. The session offered information to support disease management with confidence and independence.

Facilitator: Tom Tobin, ACBDA member, Cleveland Heights, OH

Presenters: Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FCCP, Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Co-Director - Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at Cleveland…

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Debbie Hazelton explored ways to feel better alongside or beyond prescription medicines, including hands-on or hands-above-the-body approaches, emotional freedom technique, Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, and other forms of energy medicine. She drew on more than 30 years of experience and her certifications in emotional freedom technique and Bach flower remedies, as well as her experience as a Reiki master. …

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Participants explored WELL—wisdom, encouragement, listening, and learning—as a guide to supporting one another during demanding days and personal challenges. They discussed practical ways to lead with wisdom, encourage others, listen attentively, and remain open to learning. The session considered how these practices could strengthen relationships, create meaningful connections, build belonging, and support a stronger community.

Originally Aired on ACB Media

The Rehab Issues Task Force examined questions about whether the Rehabilitation Services Administration had moved to the Department of Labor, whether the Older Independent Blind Program had moved with it, and what these changes could mean for service providers and clients. The discussion considered national, state, and local perspectives and possible next steps. …

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Larry Johnson, who had presented fall-prevention workshops lasting from one hour to eight weeks, and Doug Powell, a Tai Chi teacher with more than 20 years of experience, shared ways to improve the home environment and exercises to improve balance. They focused particularly on the needs of people who were blind or had low vision.

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Four individuals described overcoming unexpected circumstances while coping with vision loss. The session addressed resilience, courage, and new ways of thinking in response to life's challenges.

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Building on the virtual fundamentals session, participants practiced self-defense skills through guided, interactive exercises. Activities addressed awareness, reaction time, personal boundaries, and assertive communication in difficult situations. The hands-on session emphasized empowerment, safety planning, realistic strategies for everyday environments, simple defensive techniques, scenario-based responses, and physical and mental readiness.

Presenters: Amy Wilson; Ricardo Salazar, ACBS president, Miami, FL; Gregg Wandsneider…

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Amy Wilson led a virtual session connecting mental well-being and personal safety. The first half addressed managing fear, setting boundaries, and developing assertiveness to support emotional resilience. The second introduced self-defense fundamentals, including awareness, prevention, and simple protective responses. The session combined psychological insight with practical safety education and offered tools for school, work, travel, and social situations, emphasizing confidence, independence, preparedness, and the right to safety…