A new international survey reveals that audio description (AD) is an important assistive technology worldwide providing access to people who are blind or have low vision to the arts and many other visually-rich events.

The new international AD survey (69 countries and the Pacific Disability Forum) finds that:

• 67% of respondents said that AD is available in the respondent’s country;
• cinema, television, live performing arts, and DVDs lead the list of the type of AD experiences available (followed by museums, the web, smartphones, in educational settings and in…

The board of publications met in person at the 53rd annual ACB conference and convention, held at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Members present: chair Denise Colley, Ron Brooks, Marcia Dresser, Doug Powell; ex officio member Berl Colley; ACB staff/contractors Sharon Lovering, Annette Carter (via phone). Members absent: Bob Hachey, Ron Milliman, Larry Turnbull. Tom Mitchell and Adam Ruschival also attended the meeting.
 
Denise convened the meeting at 10:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time. Ron moved and Marcia seconded adoption of the agenda; the motion carried.…

Members present: chair Denise Colley, Ron Brooks, Marcia Dresser, Doug Powell; ex officio members Berl Colley, Bob Hachey; ACB staff/contractors Sharon Lovering, Annette Carter, Larry Turnbull. Absent: Ron Milliman. ACB president Kim Charlson, ACB treasurer Carla Ruschival, and former BOP member Ken Stewart also participated on the call.
 
Chair Denise Colley convened the meeting at 9:05 PM EDT. Ron moved and Marcia seconded adoption of the agenda as revised; the motion passed. Ron moved and Doug seconded acceptance of the minutes of the midyear meeting as distributed; the…

Step Into the Leadership Spotlight
by Kenneth Semien, Sr.

For the fourth consecutive year, JPMorgan Chase will provide full access to the ACB Conference and Convention for 5 ACB members who have demonstrated leadership abilities. Get connected with previous classes of Leadership Fellows who have taken advantage of this enlightening experience while meeting other members and active leaders from around the country. By attending the 58th annual ACB Conference and Convention in Rochester, New York, as a Leadership Fellow you will be introduced to  tools for…

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Clark Rachfal to be ACB’s Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs.

Since 2017 Clark has served as the Program Manager, Public Policy at National Industries for the Blind. In his role at NIB he was responsible for researching and promoting legislative and regulatory policies that support the NIB mission. He cultivated relationships and collaborated with policymakers, national blindness organizations, and the cross-disability community on public policy priorities. He managed the NIB Advocates for Leadership and Employment Program, …

The ACB Board of Publications met via teleconference. Members present: chair Denise Colley, Ron Brooks, Marcia Dresser; ex officio members Berl Colley, Bob Hachey; ACB staff/contractors Sharon Lovering, Annette Carter, Larry Turnbull. Members absent: Doug Powell, Ron Milliman. Several guests also participated on the call.
 
Ron Brooks, acting as chair this evening, convened the meeting at 9:04 PM EDT. The agenda was adopted as distributed. The February 3 and midyear meeting minutes were tabled until the May meeting.

Resignation

ACB President Kim Charlson…

March to the Beat of a Different Drum
By Kenneth Semien, Sr.

Right, left, right, left, right. Step up to the plate to take advantage of future leadership opportunities. The DKM First-Timers Committee encourages members who have never attended an ACB Conference and Convention and have a desire to learn more about ACB and its rich history to march forward to participate in the DKM Experience while joining the class of over 40 current DKM First-Timers and interact with hundreds of other members during the 58th annual ACB Conference and Convention…

The Board of Publications met during the ACB midyear meetings in Arlington, VA. Several members participated via teleconference. Members present: Chair Denise Colley, Ron Brooks, Marcia Dresser (via phone), Doug Powell; ex officio members Berl Colley, Bob Hachey (via phone); ACB staff/contractors Sharon Lovering, Annette Carter (via phone). Members absent: Richard Rueda, Ron Milliman, Larry Turnbull. Several guests also participated on the call.
 
Chair Denise Colley convened the meeting at 7:05 PM EST. Ron moved and Doug seconded approval of the agenda as presented by Denise…

Members present:  chair Denise Colley, Ron Brooks, Marcia Dresser, Doug Powell, Richard Rueda; ex officio members: Berl Colley, Bob Hachey, Kim Charleson;  ACB staff/contractors Sharon Lovering, Annette Carter.
Members absent:  Ron Milliman and Larry Turnbull.
 
Chair Denise Colley called the meeting to order at 9:05 PM EST.  Doug moved and Marcia seconded adoption of the agenda as amended to add discussion on our BOP survey. The motion passed.  Doug moved and Denise seconded a motion to approve the December 3, 2014 meeting minutes; motion carried…

On October 9, 2018 the President of the United States signed the Marrakesh Implementation Act. Late yesterday, January 28th, we received the news that the President had signed the instrument of ratification and it is being sent to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) very soon.