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.

On Tuesday, September 30, Claire Stanley and Melanie Brunson from GDUI had the opportunity to speak with an attorney from the U.S. Department of Justice about the Uber lawsuit. They were given basic information regarding the lawsuit and important upcoming dates. Uber is required to respond to the court by November 17. The court in Northern California generally requires a first attempt of dispute resolution, which is likely to take a few months. However, the potential government shutdown could impact these timelines.

We now have a campaign link to tell Congress to pass the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act. We were all excited when Congress reintroduced H.R.3417. Lets now use our voices to tell Congress to pass the bill. Please use the link below to reach out to our representatives.

https://speak4.app/lp/0801fs6x/?ts=1758572774

On September 15, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) submitted its required semi-annual status report to the court. This requirement follows the 2008 court ruling that will require the BEP to make paper currency accessible for people who are blind. The report explains that the BEP is on track to produce $10 bills with the raised tactile feature in 2026. ACB is excited and anxious to see this development in the next calendar year.