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The Washington Connection 3-31-26

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 March 31, 2026. Messages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 are new.

Thank you for calling the Washington Connection.

ACB Signs Onto Letter to Speak Out Against a New ‘Notice and Cure’ Bill

 

ACB signed onto a letter with other disability advocates to reach out to Congress to speak out against a new “notice and cure” bill that would amend the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Similar bills have unfortunately continued to pop up over the years. These bills would give businesses a timeframe to make their services accessible to people with disabilities after they are notified of the access barrier.

This newest bill, H.R. 6453, would give private businesses 30 days to make their business accessible in the built environment after a person with a disability notifies them of the access barrier. At this time, the bill speaks only of the built environment, not digital access.

ACB signed onto this support letter urging the Judiciary Committee, the governing committee, to work against this bill. The ADA has been around for 36 years; businesses should already know what they are required to do. Furthermore, a notice and cure period makes it impossible for persons with disabilities to access the businesses when needed. A patron should not be burdened with notifying the business and then be told to wait at least 30 days to gain access.

The support letter can be found on the advocacy page of the ACB website.

 

AFB Releases New Study on AI

 

The American Foundation for the Blind has released a new study on the experiences and perceptions of people with and without disabilities using AI. The report — The AI Quagmire: Benefits, Risks, and Aspirations Through a Disability Lens — dives into the promise and concerns related to AI for people with disabilities, measured against those of the non-disabled population.

The study, conducted by AFB’s Public Policy & Research Institute (PPRI), builds on groundbreaking research released last year that identified areas of consensus among AI thought leaders in government, industry, and the nonprofit sector on key issues related to AI’s impact on the lives of people with disabilities. This second phase of PPRI’s research surveyed 1,070 participants with disabilities and 665 participants without disabilities. As the largest study of its kind, it identifies shared concerns among disabled and non-disabled respondents while spotlighting key areas where AI innovation presents significant opportunities to expand inclusion and independence of people with disabilities. Key findings include:

  • On the topic of privacy, 73% of all respondents preferred humans over AI chatbots when private information is involved;
  • Blind people are far more enthusiastic than sighted people (74% vs 41%) about the development of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) because of the barriers many blind people face as non-drivers. However, only 49% of blind people who have used AVs find them fully accessible;
  • People with disabilities are more likely than people without disabilities to use AI tools like image recognition and voice assistants for a wide variety of tasks and as lifehacks to enhance their independence;
  • AI could shut doors to access in healthcare and employment, where disabled participants were nearly three times more likely to experience healthcare denials, and disabled job seekers reported greater challenges using automated job application and screening platforms.

In addition to these findings, the report provides further insight into the broad use of AI in society today, spotlighting findings that shed light on some differences in experience across race, age, gender, and other variables uncovered in the study. To access the full findings and recommendations, visit www.afb.org/AIResearch2. 

 

ACB Advocating for Passage of the We Can’t Wait Act of 2026

 

ACB has a new Speak4 campaign advocating for the passage of the We Can't Wait Act of 2026. One of the biggest issues regarding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is the five-month gap between the approval of the SSDI application and the start of SSDI payments. This bill would amend the Social Security Act to allow individuals who are applying for disability benefits to elect to receive a portion of their SSDI benefits during that five-month waiting period in exchange for a moderate reduction in their monthly benefit amount.

It only takes a few moments of your time to ask your representatives to support this important piece of legislation at the following link: https://speak4.app/lp/fn01vsao?ts=1773953961

Thank you!

 

DOJ's Interim Final Rule Regarding ADA Title II

 

The U.S. Department of Justice may be coming out with an interim final rule (IFR) without public comment regarding Title II of the ADA. This is an unusual step, as IFRs without public comment are generally reserved only if agencies have a good cause finding that taking comments from the public would be impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest. Although we do not know what the IFR will say until it is published, it is likely to alter the protections of Title II of the ADA which we fought so hard for. ACB, along with our colleagues at other disability rights organizations, has requested a meeting with OIRA, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, in order to document our opposition to this IFR and make our case that the IFR be withdrawn. Some meetings with other organizations have already taken place, but ACB is still waiting for our meeting to be scheduled. We will provide updates as this situation develops.

 

Statement on the Safety and Protection of Persons with Disabilities in Conflict-Affected Areas of the Middle East on behalf of Santosh Kumar Rungta, President, World Blind Union

 

On behalf of the global community of persons with disabilities, the World Blind Union expresses deep concern about the safety, protection, and well-being of persons with disabilities residing in conflict-affected areas across the Middle East. Armed conflicts and humanitarian crises disproportionately impact persons with disabilities, including those who are blind or partially sighted. In situations of conflict, access to basic necessities such as food, water, healthcare, assistive devices, accessible information, and safe evacuation becomes extremely limited. Many persons with disabilities face significant barriers to fleeing danger, accessing shelters, or receiving humanitarian assistance. These challenges place them at heightened risk of injury, abandonment, neglect, and even loss of life.

We are particularly concerned about persons with disabilities who may be trapped in conflict zones without adequate support systems, accessible early warning information, or inclusive emergency response mechanisms. The destruction of infrastructure, interruption of social services, and displacement of families further compound the vulnerabilities they face.

The World Blind Union therefore urgently appeals to all governments in the region, parties to the conflict, international organizations, the United Nations system, humanitarian and relief agencies, and civil society partners to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety and protection of persons with disabilities. We call upon all stakeholders to:

  1. Ensure that evacuation, shelter, and relief operations are fully inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.
  2. Provide accessible information regarding safety measures, evacuation routes, and humanitarian assistance.
  3. Guarantee the safe passage and protection of persons with disabilities during evacuations and displacement.
  4. Prioritize the provision of essential medical care, assistive devices, rehabilitation services, and psychosocial support.
  5. Work closely with organizations of persons with disabilities to ensure that humanitarian responses are inclusive and responsive to their needs.
  6. Uphold the obligations under international humanitarian law and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to protect civilians, including persons with disabilities, during times of conflict.

Persons with disabilities must not be left behind in times of crisis. Their safety, dignity, and human rights must remain a priority in all humanitarian and peace efforts.

The World Blind Union stands in solidarity with persons with disabilities and their families affected by conflict and urges the international community to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard their lives and rights. 

Santosh Kumar Rungta, President, World Blind Union

 

ACB Announces New Partnership with FreeWill

 

The American Council of the Blind is pleased to announce a new partnership with FreeWill, a free online tool that helps individuals create or update a legally valid will.

Through this partnership, ACB members and supporters can plan for the future at no cost while also choosing to leave a lasting gift to support ACB’s mission. A planned gift through FreeWill helps ensure that advocacy, access, and opportunity for people who are blind or low vision continue for generations to come.

FreeWill is easy to use, secure, and can be completed on your own schedule. There is no obligation to include a charitable gift, but many supporters choose to do so as a meaningful way to reflect their values and commitment to the ACB community.

More information coming soon — visit ACB Planned Giving.

 

Nominate a Film and Series for the 2026 Audio Description People’s Choice Awards

 

The Audio Description Project’s (ADP) People’s Choice Awards is accepting nominations from Saturday, April 4, 2026, through Sunday, April 19. The winners will be announced during the 2026 ACB Audio Description Awards Gala, airing virtually on Thursday, November 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET. To submit your nominations, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AD-Awards-Nominations-2026. 

There are two phases in the selection process for the Audio Description People’s Choice Awards. First, the ADP will accept nominations in two categories, film and series, from April 4 through April 19. Second, the top titles in each category will compete for the grand prize during a two-week voting period in July.

Be sure to review the nomination criteria before submitting your nominations. Remember that the focus is on the quality of the audio description, not the show itself, and you may nominate a film or series only once. The Audio Description People’s Choice Awards nomination form can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AD-Awards-Nominations-2026

To make your nominations by phone, call (202) 467-5081.

The Audio Description Awards Gala celebrates inclusivity and recognizes the entertainment industry’s role in providing access to film and television through audio description for people who are blind or have low vision. The Audio Description People’s Choice Award is a unique opportunity for fans to get involved by showing their support for the audio description they love the most.

Learn more at www.ADAwardsGala.org. Submit your nominations by April 19: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AD-Awards-Nominations-2026. 

 

Statement from the American Council of the Blind on the Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam

 

Alexandria, Va., March 2, 2026 — The American Council of the Blind is deeply saddened by the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee who was blind and died in Buffalo, New York, shortly after his release from federal custody.

People who are blind or have low vision, like all people with disabilities, deserve to be treated with dignity and provided reasonable accommodations in their interactions with government agencies. Serious questions remain about the circumstances surrounding Mr. Shah Alam’s death, including whether his disability and communication needs were appropriately considered at each stage.

ACB urges a full and transparent investigation into what occurred, with particular attention to how disability-related needs were addressed. That review should identify clear steps to help prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure that policies and practices fully protect the rights and safety of people with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

For information about reasonable accommodations and the rights of people with disabilities in interactions with immigration enforcement, refer to: https://www.ice.gov/leadership/ocrc/disability-access#main-content.