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.

The U.S. Department of Energy has once again extended the implementation of an earlier proposed Direct Final Rule (DFR) for an additional 90 days. ACB submitted comments to the Department on the DFR back in July. The DFR wants to dramatically impact the regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; builders would not be held to the same standards to make structures accessible for people with disabilities.

Please follow the link below to reach out to Congress to tell them to fund Bookshare services for students. Current budget proposals will cut Bookshare coverage for students. It is a vital resource to provide blind and low vision students with educational materials.

https://speak4.app/lp/ey01ss2s/?ts=1757949671