­ALEXANDRIA, VA (April 21, 2020) – The American Council of the Blind announced this week its partnership with Be My Eyes, an innovative app that provides real-time video assistance for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Starting on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, ACB’s support staff will now be able to field calls from the Specialized Help Providers section of the app.

“We’ve been working over the years to strengthen our internal structure to field calls from consumers faced with challenges and barriers toward independence,” said ACB executive director…

Alexandria, VA, April 21, 2020 - The American Council of the Blind, along with its New York affiliate and other disability advocacy organizations, has brought a complaint before the U.S. Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section. The complaint highlights the discrimination brought about by absentee voting. The right to vote via absentee ballot has long been a goal of the blind community, but has been amplified in light of the coronavirus. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (NY) has taken tremendous steps to fight the virus and provide for his state during the crisis. But…

We’re taking the country by storm this year as the ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk sets its course to a neighborhood near you. As the ACB National Convention & Conference goes virtual the evening of July 5th, walkers all over America will be leading the way to start our festivities.

Our goal this year is $90K, and we’re excited to have this memorial walk help usher in a convention that will be within the reach of every American who is blind and visually impaired. The theme for this year’s virtual conference is ACB: Path to the Future, and we hope that path will be quite weathered…

ACB has received many questions about the 2020 Recovery Rebate. Below you will find information about what the rebate is and other details about how you will receive your rebate.

2020 Recovery Rebate Details

One element of the third stimulus bill passed by Congress about two weeks ago includes a monetary recovery rebate, also known as the 2020 recovery rebate. Through this rebate, Americans will receive a one-time monetary amount from the government. The purpose of the rebate is to revitalize the economy. Americans who receive the money can spend it in any…

ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 13, 2020 - On Friday, April 10, ACB and more than 75 national, state and local disability and civil rights organizations sent a letter urging Congress to protect the voting rights of people who are blind and disabled during the current pandemic. The letter, which is available here, urged Congress to mandate an accessible online absentee voting system to…

A recording of this webinar is available at: https://youtu.be/wKXp7XYD7N0

Please join the American Council of the Blind (ACB) for a collaborative webinar with OrCam on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 7:30pm ET. ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Clark Rachfal, joins panelists Dr. Bryan Wolynski, practicing low vision optometrist, and Fitzville Martin, ACB member, music producer, and OrCam MyEye user, for a conversation about assistive technology, the OrCam MyEye 2, and an introduction of OrCam's…

“Dots and Dashes” is a short newsletter featuring a variety of topics and ACB stories. This issue features information about the 2020 convention going virtual, the extension of the awards deadline, community conference calls, Advocacy Updates, and a request to take a survey on how the coronavirus has affected you.

2020 Convention Goes Virtual

 For more information, read the press release at https://acb.org/acb-board-vote-convention-2020.
 
The American Council of the Blind board of…

The ACB Angels Memorial Tribute is an opportunity for ACB members and friends to honor their loved ones and guide dogs who have passed on and who played an important role in the American Council of the Blind, its affiliates, and/or its members. If you would like to make an ACB Angel Memorial Tribute, follow the directions below and contact Tom Tobin by email at ttobin@acb.org or by phone at (847) 846-8375 with any questions. The deadline to submit materials is Thursday, April 30, 2020.

Please email the testimonial, dates of…

The American Council of the Blind is closely monitoring information about the COVID-19 virus and its impact. Access this page to get updates about our response to COVID-19. 

Your ACB family has opportunities for you to connect with others from the comfort of your home if you are socially distancing. Join one of our conference calls and stay in touch with your ACB community! To learn more, visit www.acb.org/acb-community-events. 

We recommend that all affiliates follow CDC guidelines for any scheduled…

Downloadable Links for ACB COVID-19 Advocacy Letters:

Final Letter: Immigrant Exclusion from COVID 3.0 Health and Economic Relief

COVID-19 Package Medications Access Letter

Transportation Access and Safety for…

Alexandria, VA (March 31, 2020) — The American Council of the Blind (ACB) Board of Directors voted unanimously to forego its annual conference and convention in Schaumburg, Illinois, amidst the growing concerns about the novel coronavirus crisis. During a special meeting convened by the board on March 30^th, the elected leadership moved to explore ways in which members, partners, and stakeholders can continue to meet virtually through an engaging and enlightening experience.

“The health and safety of our members continue to be the leading voice that has guided us,”…