Hampton, N.H. (September 21, 2021)—Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT), one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Council on Independent Living, and American Council of the Blind (collectively “Coalition for Inclusive Fitness” or the “Coalition”) today announced a commitment to expand access to accessible exercise equipment.

Discord & ACB Announce Digital Accessibility Initiative

Discord, working with the American Council of the Blind, announced a comprehensive initiative to enhance Discord’s voice, video and text communication app to make it more accessible for Discord users who are blind or have other vision impairments. Learn more by visiting: https://acb.org/discord-accessibility.  

Discord, working with the American Council of the Blind, announced a comprehensive initiative to enhance Discord’s voice, video and text communication app to make it more accessible for Discord users who are blind or have other vision impairments.

Discord has worked closely with representatives of the blind community so they each could better understand the challenges and opportunities to enhance Discord’s digital platform:

The April 29, 2021, American Council of the Blind Board of Directors meeting (via Zoom) was called to order at 8:05 PM Eastern Time by President Dan Spoone.

Trott moved and Campbell seconded a motion to adopt the agenda as presented.

Approval of the February 20, 2021 Meeting Minutes: Katie Frederick

The minutes were sent out as a part of the material for the meeting. Corrections or additions were requested.

Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act 

On July 29^th, Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) introduced the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 4853) in the House of Representatives. This act aims to make home use medical equipment and devices accessible to blind and visually impaired Americans. The bill would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish nonvisual accessibility standards for Class II and III  devices with digital interfaces.

ACB Milestones

2 milestones in 1 week! Our ACB Community celebrated hosting over 5k events! The ACB Community is an incredible support network that continues to share ideas, activities, and many laughs! ACB also reached the goal of raising $5k for the 60 for 60 drive. Thank you to every contributor who has donated. Special thanks to our August sponsor Vispero who matched and doubled each donation up to $10k! We are truly amazed by our members’ support and for Vispero for elevating the campaign!

Exercise and Fitness for All Act of 2021 (S. 2504/H.R. 4756)

On July 28, Sens. Duckworth (D-IL), Casey (D-PA), Feinstein (D-CA), and Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Exercise and Fitness for All Act (S-2504) in the 117^th Congress. This bill aims to make exercise equipment and fitness instruction fully accessible to people with disabilities. The bill would require the US Access Board to establish guidelines relating to the number and types of accessible fitness equipment gyms and other fitness facilities are required to have.

Reminder: Convention Survey Closes August 31

Thank you to all who participated or engaged in this year’s 2021 ACB 60th Anniversary Conference and Convention. It was truly a packed event with over 166 breakout sessions and multiple ways to participate which included: Zoom, ACB Media Network, YouTube, Facebook, Clubhouse, and our community events. If you attended convention this year, please take a moment to answer the ACB Convention Survey by visiting https://tinyurl.com/fd39vuy9.

One of ACB’s legislative imperatives this year is the Disability Access to Transportation Act (DATA) (H.R. 1697/S. 2038). Among other things, this legislation will create a one-stop para transit pilot program, require the completion of the Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines, provide greater funding for transportation grants, and improve the DOT complaint process.

The Tokyo Paralympic Games begin on August 24^th. Below, you can find information on how to access audio description, as well as other important details about the Paralympics. For more information about the Paralympics, including a programing schedule, visit: https://tinyurl.com/6sd5pjez.