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

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) 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.

ACB submitted a letter to Rhode Island state leadership, urging them to pass legislation for continued access to accessible electronic ballot return options for voting. The bill has now been passed in the Rhode Island State House. We hope the support letter will help encourage the state Senate to pass the bill and get it across the finish line. ACB has shared our letter on the ACB website under advocacy activity. Please read the press release below.

House Passes O’Brien Bill Protecting Electronic Ballots for Disabled, Military Voters

Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report examining the challenges schools are facing to make assistive technology available for students with disabilities. This report was requested by House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03).

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and several named plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education responding to the Notice put out by Secretary McMahon in December of 2025. The Notice, which ACB promptly responded to, placed a hold on Randolph-Sheppard vendors to prevent them from providing vending services in Army facilities. The lawsuit was just filed by NFB and related parties, and argues that the decision violates the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). ACB will follow the case closely and report back on what happens next.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Contact:

Scott Thornhill
Executive Director
(202) 467-5081
sthornhill@acb.org
 

American Council of the Blind Opens Registration for the 2026 D.C. Leadership Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Scott Thornhill

Executive Director

202-467-5081

sthornhill@acb.org
 

American Council of the Blind Announces Partnership with Dot Inc. to Expand Access to Multi-line Braille Technology

For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott Thornhill
Phone: (202) 559-2040
Email: sthornhill@acb.org
 

American Council of the Blind Responds to Federal Action Weakening Randolph-Sheppard Act Priority

On Thursday, December 11, the U.S. State Department adopted a new official font to be used for all official department documents. The Biden administration adopted the Calibri font. Many advocate that this font is most accessible for persons with low vision. Secretary Marco Rubio instructed that the department return to the use of Time New Roman. Many advocates in the disability community have spoken out. ACB’s low vision affiliate, CCLVI, along with other affiliates, plan to put out a public statement in opposition to this change.

Letter to the Editor by Claire Stanley, published in the Washington Post on December 15, 2025. 

For most people in D.C., hailing a ride is a mundane act. You tap a few buttons, wait a few minutes, get in and go. It is an extremely convenient way to get door to door when other options aren’t the right fit. For those of us who are blind or have low vision, that same routine is a source of profound anxiety because of uncertainty that I will be accepted by the driver.