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Advocacy in Action

by Claire Stanley

For 2026, the legislative imperatives will be the same as 2025: the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, the Medical Devices Nonvisual Accessibility Act, and the Communications, Video, Technology Accessibility Act. One might ask why we are repeating the same imperatives two years in a row. We promise there is a good reason.

As many of you know, each Congressional session lasts for two years. We are currently in the 119th Congressional session; it includes 2025 and 2026. You have likely noticed that making law is a drawn-out process; it rarely happens overnight. Many bills take multiple Congressional sessions. As a result, we believe it would be irresponsible to pivot to different bills halfway through the current Congressional session. We have seen great progress in the three bills. They have been reintroduced and are steadily gaining more co-sponsors. It would be inappropriate to refocus our advocacy at this time. So, we will push forward in the 119th Congressional session to gain more ground for these three important bills. Let’s not lose momentum.

However, that does not mean we will not offer our efforts to new and timely legislation. We always remain engaged in timely activities. As a result, never hesitate to bring current issues to our attention. We strive to advocate for all issues that impact the blind and low vision community.

2026 D.C. Leadership Conference

Speaking of legislation, the 2026 D.C. Leadership Conference will take place March 6-10. The legislative seminar will be held on Monday, March 9, and will include a keynote speaker from Capitol Hill. A legislative correspondent from Rep. Pete Sessions’ office, Sloan Hamill, who has assisted in introducing the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, will talk about his experience as a legislative staffer. The legislative seminar will also include a panel of federal agency representatives from agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Access Board, and the National Council on Disability, among others.

Other presenters will include:

  • A D.C. lobbyist who can talk about best practices in advocating to Congress in the current environment
  • A former DOJ employee who can talk about effective ways to respond to federal notices and other written requests
  • ACB members who can talk about their own experience in advocating at the state level
  • ACB staff who can review how to successfully use the Speak4 platform

The seminar will also review the 2026 legislative imperatives:

  1. The Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act
  2. The Medical Devices Nonvisual Accessibility Act
  3. The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act