by Katie Frederick
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is hosting the 2025 Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk at this year’s conference and convention in Dallas. This year’s theme, "Step by Step Together," signifies unity, collaboration, and the collective effort to make a positive impact.
Background of the Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk
The walk has been a well-attended event for ACB since its inception 16 years ago. Named in honor of Brenda Dillon, a tireless ACB leader and advocate for the blind and low vision community, the walk serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those of us who are blind or low vision and generates funds for various ACB initiatives.
About Brenda Dillon
Brenda Dillon was compassionate, dedicated, and had unwavering support for people who are blind or low vision. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to improve accessibility, promote inclusion, and advocate for the rights of the blind community. The memorial walk is a tribute to her enduring spirit and a testament to the lives she touched.
The 2025 Theme: Step by Step Together
This year’s theme, "Step by Step Together," encapsulates the essence of the ACB community. It emphasizes the importance of coming together to support one another, recognizing progress is made through collective action. Whether walking side by side with friends, family, or affiliates, each step taken is a step toward a more inclusive and equitable world.
Participation and Team Formation
Participants in the 2025 Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk are encouraged to form teams, representing state and special-interest affiliates. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and creates opportunities for affiliates to engage with their members and communities, and let’s not forget the friendly team-to-team competition! Teams can choose creative names and design matching attire if desired that embodies the team’s spirit and enthusiasm.
Fundraising and Affiliate Support
Once again, a significant highlight of this year's walk is the fundraising initiative. Teams have the opportunity to raise funds that directly benefit their chosen causes. Notably, state and special-interest affiliate teams can designate 50% of the funds raised to go back to their affiliate. This ensures the efforts and contributions of participants have a direct and meaningful impact on the affiliate’s designated programs.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved in the 2025 Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk is simple. Participants can donate individually or to a team through the official ACB walk website, https://bit.ly/3CLHesN. After donating, participants can share walk information on social media and via email to encourage donations from others to support the team. Virtual participation options are available for those who cannot attend and walk in person, allowing supporters from across the globe to join in on the action.
Lace up your shoes and step forward together. Let’s honor Brenda Dillon’s legacy and contribute to a brighter future for the blind and low vision community. Join us on this journey, and let’s take each step together, hand in hand, toward a world of greater inclusion and opportunity.