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…

Inauguration with Audio Description

The Presidential Inaugural Committee made accessibility a priority in all aspects of the ceremonies and events for the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The Audio Described Inauguration festivities that were streamed on YouTube and ACB Radio Live Event are now available as a podcast on the ACB Events feed. You may access this podcast directly at: https://bit.ly/39ZaOIC.

Vispero Training Series on ACB Community Podcast

The ACB Community…

Attention Audio Description Fans! Here’s the latest on how to access Biden Inaugural events with audio description (AD):

ACB Radio will stream the audio from the Inaugural Committee with AD on its Live Event channel. You can listen at http://www.acbradio.org/live or ask your Amazon device to “Open ACB Radio Live Event.” You can also listen to ACB Radio via telephone by calling (518) 906-1820 and selecting number 6 for ACB Radio Live Event.

In addition to the ACB Radio stream, you can access an audio described stream of…

Registration Open for the 2021 ACB Leadership Conference

Registration is now open for the annual DC Leadership Conference taking place from February 21-23. This year’s event will be held virtually, bringing together affiliate leaders and advocates from across the country. Programming for the conference is split into two main events, a day-long presidents meeting, open to all, which provides best practices to strengthen affiliates, and a two day legislative seminar, which educates attendees on key issues facing our community and prepares attendees for meeting with Members of…