The Gateway Gazette Volume 2, No. 5

The Gateway Gazette Volume 2, No. 5 Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Announcements

Help Us Share the ACB 2026 Experience!

Attending the ACB Conference and Convention? We'd love your help capturing the excitement, whether you're participating in an ACB tour, attending a special event, or connecting with friends, snap a photo or record a short video.

When posting on social media, use #ACB2026 and #ACB65Years, and be sure to tag @ACBNational so we can follow and share your posts. If it's easier to have us share them for you, send photos and video shorts to [email protected] for possible use in convention coverage, social media, and future ACB publications.

Help us celebrate 65 years of ACB by sharing the moments, memories, and connections that make our convention special!

Visit the MMS Booth!

Stop by the MMS booth in the exhibit hall and speak to Caitlin or one of our committee members. Sign up or increase your donation by the end of convention and be eligible for a prize.

Attending on Zoom? Call 1-888-999-3190 or email [email protected]. Leave us your contact information, whether you're signing up or increasing your donation, how much you're giving, and how you want your money to be distributed. We'll get back to you.

Updates

Today

1 p.m.: The Meta session will be in the ballroom from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

Ray-Ban Meta: Going Further for Blind and Low Vision People: Ray-Ban Meta glasses have been breaking down barriers for the blind and low vision community since coming to market. We listened to users and improved features to make our technology more accessible. Come learn what we've built this year and get a sneak peek into the future.

3 p.m.: Connecting Through Accessible Telecommunications: Services, Solutions, and Support for the Blind Community; Hybrid; Regency Ballroom

Join representatives from leading telecommunications companies for a discussion on the products, services, and accessibility features designed to support people who are blind or have low vision. Panelists will share information about accessible mobile devices, customer support options, emergency communications, assistive technologies, and emerging innovations that promote independence and connectivity. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about available resources, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to industry leaders working to improve accessibility in telecommunications.

Panelists

AT&T: Shaunta M. Aviles will discuss AT&T's commitment to advancing inclusive technology that helps customers who are blind or have low vision stay connected, independent, and informed through accessible services, innovation, and continued partnership.

National Association of Broadcasters: Larry Walke will discuss recent policy changes regarding access to video programming on television, including the expansion of audio description to additional television markets and more live programming, as well as technical developments like AI-powered audio description and ATSC 3.0 NextGen Television that have the potential to enhance access to video programming for persons who are blind or low vision.

T-Mobile: Shellie Blakeney will discuss T-Mobile's commitment to accessibility and include a discussion about the company's programs and initiatives to support its customers, including network advancements, customer service/rate plans and strategic partnerships that help advance the company's objectives in the accessibility space.

Verizon: Zach Bastian will review Verizon's customer services that notably accommodate persons who are blind or have other disabilities. He will specifically highlight new and exciting customer services that are soon to debut.

Tomorrow

In conjunction with a league-wide policy established by Major League Baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals reserve the right to inspect all items entering Busch Stadium. Guests may bring in items such as: bags, purses and soft-sided coolers not exceeding 10" x 8" x 10"; food, non-alcoholic beverages in facto