The Capital district Chapter, ACBNY, has members throughout the Albany, Schenectady and Troy area. The chapter works to improve the lives of all persons who are blind or visually impaired throughout the Capital District We welcome all who wish to participate with us whether they are able to physically attend meetings or not.
Meetings are generally held the second Friday of each month however stay tuned to this page because there are occasional schedule changes.
Meetings have moved back to our old faithfull site of the Gateway diner 890 Central Avenue, Albany. the diner is accessible from the number 1 or 55 bus lines.
If you are coming from downtown you will need to take either the Central Avenue (number 1) or Albany Schenectady (number 55) bus Westbound. As to be let off at the stop for Westgate shopping center, this is a scheduled stop so the driver should stop there. Upon exiting the bus, turn right and walk to the first curb. This is a driveway for the shopping center so be aware of traffic. Cross the driveway and continue walking along Central Ave. The next building past the shopping plaza is the Gateway and it is set back. Turn left and find the steps. You may encounter cars parked close to the sidewalk which can be a good marker that you are in the area.
If you are coming from the West you can use either bus mentioned above and ask to be let off for the stop at Central and Colvin Avenues. When exiting the bus, turn left and find the crosswalk. There is a light however be aware that there may be traffic coming out of the shopping plaza across from you. After crossing the street, turn right and cross the two shopping plaza driveways. Follow the sidewalk along Central Ave. to the Diner, the next building on your left. It is set back and as mentioned above there may be card parked close to the sidewalk which can provide a marker.
If you are coming to the meeting for the first time, contact one of the officers listed below and they can arrange for someone to assist you if you would like.
Our next meeting of the Capital District chapter will be held on May 9. Stay tuned for program details.
Those of you traveling in the Capital district will notice the addition of several audible traffic signals at key Albany intersections. This is a result of work by the chapter together with Albany public safety officials. Thanks to those officials for their cooperation to make this project possible.
As a result of the recent changes to bus access to the Colonie Center mall, an audible signal has been installed on wolf Road to enable crossing at the entrance to Colonie Center. This is the result of advocacy with mall management and the Department of Transportation. Thanks to both for their help.
Chapter members continue to monitor the progress of talking ATM installation through out the capital district. We are happy to report there has been an increase in the number of machines now installed by various banking institutions throughout the Capital district. If you find a talking ATM at your bank please let us know so we can publicize this to the membership.
The chapter also continues to monitor progress toward accessible voting in New York.
Stay tuned, it seems that something is always happening these days within the confines of the Capital District affiliate.