Alexandria, Va., May 15, 2025 — The American Council of the Blind (ACB) proudly celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)—a worldwide day of recognition and action to promote inclusive design and equal access for people with disabilities.
GAAD is a powerful reminder that for millions of Americans who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision, full inclusion in society depends on accessibility in all aspects of life. ACB calls on industry leaders, developers, and policymakers to prioritize inclusive design—not just today, but every day.
“Global Accessibility Awareness Day is about more than recognizing barriers—it’s about removing them,” said ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill. “At ACB, we believe that accessibility must be built into every platform, every device, and every experience. That belief drives our advocacy and partnerships each day.”
In honor of GAAD, ACB is highlighting its advocacy on Capitol Hill by urging Congress to support and pass the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility (CVTA) Act in the 119th Congress. Introduced by Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), the CVTA would improve accessibility requirements for video conferencing platforms, video user interfaces, and audio-described content—tools that are essential for work, education, healthcare, and civic participation in the 21st century.
“As technology continues to evolve, so must our laws,” said Claire Stanley, ACB’s director of advocacy and governmental affairs. “We are proud to work with our partners across the disability community to ensure that digital accessibility is not just a promise, but a reality.”