As a result of the ongoing government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were going to lose funding on Saturday, November 1. Several states sued the federal government to ensure ongoing funding for the program. A judge ruled that the executive branch was to use contingency funding to ensure that such services were not eliminated during this ongoing shutdown. However, some experts speculate that such contingency funds are still insufficient to pay for all needed SNAP services.

Tell Congress: Support the CONNECT for Health Act of 2025!

Access to healthcare shouldn’t depend on where you live. The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 would permanently expand access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries, ensuring people can receive care from their homes and other convenient locations.

This bipartisan bill would:

✅ Remove outdated geographic restrictions on telehealth

✅ Allow federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to serve as distant sites

ACB was proud to speak out against the recent actions taken by the Department of Education. Please visit the link below to read a statement made by the cross-disability community condemning the actions taken on Friday.

https://autismsociety.org/department-of-education-rif-statement/

Recognizing White Cane Safety Day: Celebrating Independence and Accessibility

October 15, 2025

Today, Americans who are blind receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) face an unfair “earnings cliff” — if they earn just a bit too much, their benefits are cut off completely. This system discourages people from working and limits economic independence.

The Blind Americans Return to Work Act would replace the cliff with a fair, gradual reduction in benefits. This model would empower people who are blind to pursue meaningful employment without fear of losing all support.

On Friday, October 10, hundreds of employees under the U.S. Department of Education were laid off. Specifically, programs that enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other civil rights were impacted. One number reported was the firing of 466 Department employees; almost all employees of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) were let go, leaving only a few head staff members. Included in the firings were staff of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). RSA oversees state vocational rehabilitation services (VR).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Scott Thornhill

Executive Director

202-467-5081

sthornhill@acb.org

American Council of the Blind Celebrates the 15th Anniversary of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act

Too many home-use medical devices — like glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and blood pressure readers — rely on inaccessible digital displays. Without speech output, tactile markings, or audible tones, people who are blind or have low vision are often unable to use them safely and independently.

The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act would:

Each October, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) joins the nation in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and the valuable contributions of employees with disabilities, including people who are blind or have low vision. This year marks the 80th anniversary of NDEAM, a milestone in recognizing the importance of disability inclusion in America’s workplaces and economy.