2021 DC Leadership Conference Agendas

This year’s DC Leadership Conference will be held virtually from February 21st-23rd, bringing together affiliate leaders and advocates from across the country. Programming for the conference is split into two main events, a day-long presidents meeting, open to all, which provides best practices to strengthen affiliates, and a two day legislative seminar, which educates attendees on key issues facing our community and prepares attendees for meeting with Members of Congress and their staff for the remainder of the week.

A proposed settlement has been reached that would resolve the class action lawsuit Murphy v. Charles Tyrwhitt, Inc. The lawsuit alleges that Charles Tyrwhitt, Inc. Violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101, et seq. (“ADA”), by failing to take the necessary steps to ensure its online store, located at www.ctshirts.com/us, does not discriminate against blind or visually disabled consumers who use screen reader auxiliary aids to access digital content. Under the settlement, Charles Tyrwhitt, Inc.

The American Council of the Blind is the nation’s leading member-driven organization for individuals who are blind and experiencing vision loss. With over 65 state and special-interest affiliates across the country, ACB is committed to increasing the security, independence, quality of life, and economic opportunity for Americans who are blind and visually impaired, and ACB stands committed to advocacy that lifts up our values.

Materials:

Download the Legislative Imperatives One Pager

Download the Secure Independence for Seniors and Medicare Beneficiaries Imperative

Download the ­Disability Access to Transportation Act Legislative Imperative

Background

Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining health, well-being, and quality of life. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, physical activity can help control weight, improve mental health, and lower the risk for early death, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Physical activity can also improve mental health by reducing depression and anxiety.

Legislative Imperative Podcasts:

Legislative Imperative 3 – Exercise and Fitness for All Act

Background

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was scheduled to be reauthorized by Congress by September of 2020. The bill was first enacted in September of 2015, and it was considered to be the first comprehensive, long-term piece of surface transportation legislation since 2005. The FAST Act fulfills the constitutional directive that dictates that investment in transportation and infrastructure is a core federal responsibility. It oversees the development and maintenance of roads, bridges, public transit, and rails.

Legislative Imperative Podcasts:

Legislative Imperative 2 – Disability Access to Transportation Act

Background

In November of 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) promulgated a regulation that has had a detrimental impact on the lives of countless individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Legislative Imperative Podcasts:

Legislative Imperative 1 – Secure Independence for Seniors and Medicare Beneficiaries Legislative Imperative

Sunday, February 21, 2021: 10:00AM to 5:30PM EST (Broadcast On ACB Radio Mainstream)

Limited Q&A will take place as time permits.

10:00 AM: Opening Remarks

Dan Spoone, ACB President, Orlando, FL; and Eric Bridges, ACB Executive Director, Alexandria, VA

Materials:

Agenda

Download the Presidents' Meeting Agenda

BRF Files

President's Meeting Agenda BRF

2021 Legislative Imperative Documents:

• Download the Legislative Imperatives One Pager
• Download the Secure Independence for Seniors and Medicare Beneficiaries Imperative

Materials:

Agenda

Download the Legislative Seminar Agenda

BRF Files

Legislative Seminar Agenda BRF

Legislative Imperative One Pager BRF

Last Chance to Take the ACB Consumer Survey

ACB has put together a brief survey to gain a better understanding of those throughout our network. Help us out by taking time to complete the survey. Your responses will help guide our advocacy and program services. You can also enter a drawing at the end to win an Amazon gift card. Take the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ACBConsumerSurvey2020.