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The Washington Connection 7-7-26

Welcome to the Washington Connection, the legislative and information service of the American Council of the Blind. The Washington Connection is brought to you by the ACB national office. If you have any questions or comments on the information provided, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask to speak with Claire Stanley.

The Washington Connection is updated any time we have new information to share with you. The following articles are available as of July 7, 2026. Messages 1, 2 and 6 are new.

Thank you for calling the Washington Connection.

ACB Celebrates 65 Years of Advocacy and Impact

 

Alexandria, Va., July 7, 2026 — The American Council of the Blind (ACB) proudly celebrates its 65th anniversary, marking more than six decades of advancing independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for people who are blind or have low vision.

Founded on July 7, 1961, ACB has grown into one of the nation's leading consumer-driven advocacy organizations, with more than 8,000 members and a nationwide network of state and special-interest affiliates. Together, ACB and its members advocate for laws, policies, and innovations that expand accessibility and create a more inclusive society.

Throughout its history, ACB has helped shape policies that have transformed opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision. The organization has advocated for landmark legislation, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act.

ACB's advocacy efforts have driven meaningful improvements in everyday life, including greater accessibility in voting, transportation, healthcare, sports, entertainment, and digital technology. ACB continues to be at the forefront of advancing accessibility in websites, software, mobile applications, and emerging technologies, working closely with government agencies and private industry.

"ACB and its members have been at the forefront of advancing civil rights, accessibility, and opportunity for people who are blind or have low vision,” said ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill. “As we celebrate those accomplishments, we are equally excited about the future and the role ACB will play in shaping emerging technologies, expanding access, and creating a more inclusive world for generations to come.”

ACB also delivers programs and services that expand access and help build community. Through the Audio Description Project, ACB has helped drive the growth of audio description across television, film, streaming media, museums, and the performing arts. ACB Community connects thousands of participants through virtual events, while scholarships and mentorship programs help develop future leaders. Through its Accessibility Consulting and Compliance Services program, ACB also helps organizations create more accessible experiences.

For 65 years, ACB has amplified the voices of people who are blind or have low vision and demonstrated the power of collective advocacy. As the organization looks to the future, it remains committed to building a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable world for all.

 

ACB Comments Cited in Draft FCC Report

 

As part of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), which was passed in 2010, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is required to send a report to Congress every two years regarding the accessibility and usability of telecommunications and advanced communication services and equipment. Part of the FCC's process in compiling these biennial reports is that they will accept public comments regarding the implementation of the CVAA. As an organization that was instrumental in getting the CVAA passed, ACB submitted comments to the FCC at the end of April. You can read our comments linked on the advocacy webpage here: https://www.acb.org/advocacy

The FCC just released an updated draft of their report to Congress, and we are proud to share that ACB's comments were cited throughout the report. While it is important to note that this is not the final report which will be sent to Congress, ACB is pleased that the FCC took our comments seriously and incorporated them into the latest draft. Anyone interested in the draft report can download it in Word, PDF, or TXT format here: https://www.fcc.gov/document/2026-cvaa-biennial-report-tentative-findings

ACB looks forward to submitting additional comments for the next draft of the report. Additional comments are due on August 10, 2026.

 

Audio Description for the FIFA World Cup

 

The ACB Audio Description Project worked with FIFA and their audio description contractor to share the exciting information below about accessibility for the FIFA World Cup, both in-stadium and remote for radio or subscribed television for all matches! 

FIFA World Cup 2026™ to feature Audio Descriptive Commentary and sign language interpretation for all matches, with additional accessible experiences to

help all fans enjoy the global showcase

FIFA is dedicated to making sure that all fans — including those with disabilities and their families and friends — have an excellent experience at this year’s FIFA World Cup™.

Featuring 48 teams for the first time, this year’s tournament will be more inclusive than ever — not only expanding participation among nations, but also enhancing accessibility for fans with disabilities through expanded resources designed to make the matchday experience truly memorable.

Some initiatives build on activations used successfully at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, such as sensory bags and audio-descriptive commentary.

Audio-Descriptive Commentary 

Audio-descriptive commentary (ADC) will be available for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. This service enhances the match experience for blind and low vision fans. Commentators provide narration beyond standard radio commentary, describing key visual elements of the match, such as body language, facial expressions, the on-pitch action and the movement of the ball.  

For matches in Canada, commentary will be available in English and French. For matches in the United States and Mexico, commentary will be available in English and Spanish. Fans can access the ADC broadcast through the FIFA Audio Description app, available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

The app is designed primarily for in-stadium attendees specifically, but is available to anyone interested in using it for the matches. It is a free app on the Google Play or Apple App Store. The app will provide a full commentary track with a descriptive broadcast from beginning to end. It is not necessary to use the app in conjunction with the Fox Sports broadcast, or in lieu of any other radio broadcast. Consumers will have a couple of options: listen to the app as a stand-alone experience, or they can combine the app with the TV experience. Be aware that listening to the ADC (which will be in real time) while having the game on TV may not be synced up exactly due to TV broadcast delays. 

Accessible Innovations

Following a successful debut at the Club World Cup 2025, haptic devices will return for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with units deployed across stadiums in Dallas, New York New Jersey, Seattle and Vancouver for select matches. 

These haptic devices enable blind and low-vision fans to feel the game as it unfolds in real time, translating live match action into tactile and audio feedback so that every goal, every tackle and every moment of play is accessible from the stands. 

Tournament App Accessibility

The FIFA tournament app is designed with accessibility in mind to help all fans enjoy a more inclusive matchday experience.

App accessibility features include the following:

  • Adjustable font size for easier reading
  • Customizable color contrast for improved visibility
  • Captions on videos to support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users

Each stadium has a dedicated section within the app, as well as on FIFA.com, where fans can learn about venue-specific accessibility services. This includes further information on mobility assistance, sensory services, accessible seating and the availability of services like closed captioning.

Sensory Bags and Sensory Rooms

For some football fans, the noise and excitement of the crowd during a match can be overwhelming. FIFA is proud to have this year’s tournament receive the first-ever Sensory Inclusive recognition from KultureCity, the world’s leading non-profit organization on sensory accessibility and acceptance.

To make sure every fan has the chance to enjoy the game, FIFA is working with KultureCity to provide sensory bags at all FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums. These bags, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools and communication devices, will be available at Fan Info Points. Fans can also use the social stories and communication tools in the KultureCity app to prepare for the matchday experience. 

In addition to sensory bags, all FIFA World Cup stadiums will offer a sensory room presented by Hisense. These spaces are specially designed with low lighting, soundproofing, textured art and soft seating, and feature Hisense screens with calming visuals. They allow fans to have a calm and quiet place to retreat to during matches. Fans can learn more about these spaces, including locations, by visiting the stadium’s page in the FIFA tournament app. 

Mobility Assistance

Mobility assistance services will be provided at every match to support wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and people with other disabilities who need help getting from stadium entrances to their seats. Dedicated mobility assistance staff will be readily available in all venues to provide wheelchair escorts and wayfinding assistance. 

New this year — and a first for any FIFA tournament — sign language broadcasts will be available for every match, allowing fans both inside and outside the stadium to follow the action and excitement through play-by-play coverage and interpretation of key audio cues. 

In preparation for the biggest FIFA World Cup yet, world football’s governing body is working hard to raise the standard for inclusion in the sport, and to provide services and support that allow all fans to enjoy the beautiful game.

Sign Language Interpretation

Sign language commentary goes beyond standard interpretation. It provides an immersive experience for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans by translating the full energy of the game. FIFA’s dedicated interpreters will not just convey the play-by-play action, they will also relay key audio cues — such as whistle blows, crowd cheers and emotional shifts in the stadium atmosphere — ensuring fans feel every moment of the match in real time.

To best serve the diverse community of football fans, all group-stage matches played in the United States and Canada will feature American Sign Language (ASL)

interpretation, while matches in Mexico will feature Mexican Sign Language (LSM). During the knockout rounds, most matches will be available in ASL, with

LSM provided for select matches featuring Spanish-speaking countries.

Fans can easily access the sign language broadcast directly through the official FIFA tournament app by following these steps:

  1. Download and install the FIFA World Cup 2026™ app on any mobile device. 
  2. Navigate to the “Stadiums” section of the app.
  3. Select the stadium where the match is taking place.
  4. Open the “Accessibility Services” tab.
  5. Tap the “Sign Language” button.
  6. The YouTube link will automatically open in a web browser, and the broadcast will begin playing immediately. 

This marks the first time that FIFA will provide sign language interpretation across all tournament matches. This initiative builds on the success of in-person interpretation at select games during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, while allowing more Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans to access this resource from their own device — whether in the stadium, at a watch party or in the comfort of their own home. 

Because this is a live, first-of-its-kind broadcast for FIFA, there may be slight, natural variations in timing, and the sign language interpretation may not always perfectly sync with the live match action. FIFA appreciates fans’ understanding as our teams work in real time to bring fans the best experience possible.

Captioning

In the stadium, captions are available for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans to follow spoken content during matches via ribbon boards, scoreboards, TV screens and in-app links.

Please share your experience and feedback on these new accessibility services by sending your comments to: 

audiodescription@acb.org.

Fans who have not yet secured their tickets should visit FIFA.com/Tickets to reserve their place to witness history this June and July.

 

Supreme Court Further Weakens Voting Rights Act

 

Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court further weakened the Voting Rights Act by refusing to take the case of Arkansas United v. Thurston, regarding whether Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act is enforceable by private individuals and organizations. The 8th Circuit Court decision says that individuals and groups do not have a private right of action to enforce Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act. A private right of action is a legal tool which allows an individual or organization to file a civil lawsuit based on an alleged violation of law. Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act allows voters with a disability or inability to read or write to receive assistance with voting from a person of their choice. The 8th Circuit Court ruled that only Attorneys General have the right to sue to enforce Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act, and that no private right of action exists. This decision is in opposition to years of legal precedent and weakens the Voting Rights Act, because until now, Section 208 of the Act has largely been enforced through private lawsuits from individuals and organizations, not state Attorneys General. The Supreme Court declined to take the case, which means that the 8th Circuit decision stands. The 8th Circuit includes Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

You can read an NPR article about this case here: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/22/nx-s1-5863532/supreme-court-voting-rights-act-private-right-arkansas

 

Integration Mandate in Section 504, Olmstead Decision in Question

 

On June 18, 2026, the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) at the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memo regarding the integration mandate in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. LC. This integration mandate is currently at issue in the case of Texas v. Kennedy. In context, the integration mandate is the right of individuals with disabilities to receive care in the most integrated setting that is appropriate, rather than being forced into restrictive settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, and institutions.

The Office of Legal Counsel at DOJ provides legal advice to the President and executive agencies. 

This memo argues three main points. First, the OLC argues that neither Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act nor Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) imposed an integration mandate on states in their treatment of people who have mental health disabilities. Second, the OLC argues that if a law like Section 504 or the ADA did impose an integration mandate, then that law would raise serious constitutional concerns regarding Congress's power. Finally, the OLC argues that in Olmstead v. LC, the Supreme Court did not find that Section 504 or the ADA required states to treat people with mental health disabilities in the most integrated setting that is appropriate to their needs.

ACB is deeply troubled by the arguments that OLC makes in this memo. Although on the surface it seems to exclusively attack the integration mandate as it concerns individuals with mental health disabilities, this memo is functionally attacking the rights of all individuals with disabilities to live in their communities without fear of institutionalization. In addition, the interpretation of the laws, regulations, and court decisions in this OLC memo is simply incorrect. The memo even acknowledges that OLC's view of Olmstead is, "out of step with common understanding of that decision within federal courts," (Page 11). ACB is concerned about the implications of releasing this memo and will closely follow any updates that result.

A link to the memo can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/olc/media/1446701/dl

 

Judge Halts Proposed Rule Regarding Mail-In Ballots

 

A federal judge has halted a proposed rule by the United States Postal Service which would restrict mail-in ballots. The proposed Rule would require, among other things, that states provide USPS with lists of voters who are eligible to receive mail-in ballots for federal elections. Then, USPS would be required to compare ballots they are sending out to those voter lists and could refuse to accept or deliver ballots that USPS determines do not comply with the new requirements.

The USPS was accepting comments on this issue through July 2, 2026. ACB already submitted comments to the USPS through the Federal register regarding our opposition to the Proposed Rule and how the Proposed Rule would likely disproportionately impact voters who are blind or have low vision. ACB's comments can be found on our website here: https://www.acb.org/advocacy

The judge has found that the USPS Proposed Rule would violate a current settlement agreement between the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and USPS. In the settlement agreement, which is in effect through the 2028 election, both parties stipulated that USPS agreed to "prioritize monitoring and timely delivery of election mail." The NAACP argued that the Proposed Rule would violate that portion of the settlement agreement. The federal judge found in favor of the NAACP and granted their motion to enforce compliance with the settlement agreement.

The judge's opinion may be found at this link: https://www.citizen.org/wp-content/uploads/opinion.pdf

A news article regarding this matter can be found at this link: https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5951135-judge-halts-usps-mailin-ballot/

 

Air Carrier Access Amendments Act Reintroduced in Congress

 

The Air Carrier Access Amendments Act was recently reintroduced in Congress. Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada and Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin have introduced the bill in the House and Senate, respectively. This legislation would require the Secretary of Transportation to assess civil penalties for violations and refer patterns of discrimination to the Department of Justice. Additionally, this bill would grant individuals with disabilities whose rights are violated by an air carrier a private right of action in civil court. That means individuals would be able to sue the air carriers directly, which is not permitted under the current law.

The House press release for the bill reintroduction can be found here: https://titus.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5912

The Senate press release for the bill reintroduction can be found here: https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-duckworth-lead-bill-to-protect-and-expand-the-rights-of-airplane-passengers-with-disabilities

The text of the bill can be found here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9373/text

A one-pager on the bill can be found here: https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/air_carrier_access_amendments_act_one-pager.pdf

Use the Speak4 link here to ask your Congressmembers to support the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act: https://speak4.app/lp/58012s4t?ts=1782401882

 

Encourage Your Congressmembers to Support the Cogswell-Macy Act

 

Last week we announced that the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act was reintroduced in both the House and the Senate! This bipartisan bill would improve educational opportunities for students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, blind, or who have low vision.

ACB is proud to endorse this bill, and we hope that you will share your voice with your Congressmembers and encourage them to support this bill through our new Speak4 campaign below!

The link to the Speak4 campaign can be found here: https://speak4.app/lp/lc019s7h?ts=1781182015