The American Council of the Blind is the nation’s leading member-driven organization for individuals who are blind and experiencing vision loss. With over 65 state and special-interest affiliates across the country, ACB is committed to increasing the security, independence, quality of life, and economic opportunity for Americans who are blind and visually impaired, and ACB stands committed to advocacy that lifts up our values.

The following legislative imperatives represent several key issues in the 117th Congress that ACB believes will help us on our road to full independence and…

Materials:

Download the Legislative Imperatives One Pager

Download the Secure Independence for Seniors and Medicare Beneficiaries Imperative

Download the ­Disability Access to Transportation Act Legislative Imperative

Background

Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining health, well-being, and quality of life. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, physical activity can help control weight, improve mental health, and lower the risk for early death, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Physical activity can also improve mental health by reducing depression and anxiety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four U.S. adults is living with a disability, including 93 million…

Legislative Imperative Podcasts:

Legislative Imperative 3 – Exercise and Fitness for All Act

Background

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was scheduled to be reauthorized by Congress by September of 2020. The bill was first enacted in September of 2015, and it was considered to be the first comprehensive, long-term piece of surface transportation legislation since 2005. The FAST Act fulfills the constitutional directive that dictates that investment in transportation and infrastructure is a core federal responsibility. It oversees the development and maintenance of roads, bridges, public transit, and rails. More specifically, the FAST…

Legislative Imperative Podcasts:

Legislative Imperative 2 – Disability Access to Transportation Act

Background

In November of 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) promulgated a regulation that has had a detrimental impact on the lives of countless individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Acquisition Rule contains a provision entitled “Low Vision Aid Exclusion” which states that all devices, “irrespective of their size, form, or technological features that use one or more lens to aid vision or provide magnification of images for impaired vision”…

Legislative Imperative Podcasts:

Legislative Imperative 1 – Secure Independence for Seniors and Medicare Beneficiaries Legislative Imperative

Sunday, February 21, 2021: 10:00AM to 5:30PM EST (Broadcast On ACB Radio Mainstream)

Limited Q&A will take place as time permits.

10:00 AM: Opening Remarks

Dan Spoone, ACB President, Orlando, FL; and Eric Bridges, ACB Executive Director, Alexandria, VA

10:15 AM: Dedication of 2021 Leadership Conference to Charlie Crawford, Past ACB Executive Director

Susan Crawford, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Supervisor and Charlie’s wife, Silver Spring, MD; and Patrick Sheehan, ACB Board Member, Silver…

Materials:

Agenda

Download the Presidents' Meeting Agenda

BRF Files

President's Meeting Agenda BRF

2021 Legislative Imperative Documents:

• Download the Legislative Imperatives One Pager
• Download the Secure Independence for Seniors and…

Materials:

Agenda

Download the Legislative Seminar Agenda

BRF Files

Legislative Seminar Agenda BRF

Legislative Imperative One Pager BRF

…

Last Chance to Take the ACB Consumer Survey

ACB has put together a brief survey to gain a better understanding of those throughout our network. Help us out by taking time to complete the survey. Your responses will help guide our advocacy and program services. You can also enter a drawing at the end to win an Amazon gift card. Take the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACBConsumerSurvey2020.

ACB Leadership Conference…

Come along with us on a new leadership journey as we take things higher in 2021! We’re making exciting plans to join in solidarity to celebrate together throughout the 60th annual ACB conference and convention in a virtual setting. If you are an ACB member who has never attended an in-person ACB convention and you meet the criteria below, we invite you to elevate your commitment and participate in ACB’s primary leadership development program. You have the opportunity to attend virtually in 2021 and meet us in person at the ACB conference and convention in Omaha in 2022. Continue reading to…

There is a progressive rhythm in motion within ACB, and more members are tuning in and getting in step. Are you interested in sharing your abilities and skill sets for the greater good of ACB? Do you have a desire to contribute in an effort to make a lasting impact on the lives of Americans who are blind or visually impaired? Do you believe that the combined efforts of all ACB members could cause ACB to become the premiere venue for people who have experienced vision loss?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, read below to confirm your eligibility and necessary…