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The U.S. Census

Recently, the U.S. Department of Commerce has expunged three committees involved in the U.S. census process. The National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic, and Other Populations (NAC), the 2030 Census Advisory Committee (CAC), and the Census Scientific Committee have been dismissed. Many advocates worry that such committees are still greatly needed with the next census being five years away.

Advocacy Handout for the 2025 D.C. Leadership Conference's Hill Day

In addition to our three legislative imperatives, ACB has developed a handout to highlight several laws and programs that ensure the rights of and access to services to people who are blind or low vision. The handout, which can be shared with congressional offices, explains how the protection of these services enable our community to contribute to our community as employees, tax payers, homeowners, seniors, and so much more. You can find the document and download the handout right below "Legislative Imperatives" on our D.C.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

On Friday, February 28, a notice was published in the Federal Register brought by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). According to the notice, BEP desires to use a variety of new information collection activities as it explores ways to make paper currency accessible for blind and low-vision individuals. The mandate to make paper currency accessible is the result of a lawsuit brought by ACB numerous years ago and decided in 2008.

Tips for the 2025 D.C. Leadership Conference and Legislative Seminar

Tips for the 2025 D.C. Leadership Conference and Legislative Seminar are now available on our website! As our D.C. Leadership Conference is fast approaching, we've prepared a document with strategies and suggestions on how to prepare an act during your congressional meetings and to ensure you are prepared for Hill Day.
 
You can download the word document under "Conference Materials" on our D.C.

Changing the Structure of Independent Federal Agencies

On Tuesday, February 18, President Trump put out a new executive order related to the authority of independent agencies in the federal government. Such agencies work differently from other mainstream agencies; they do not have leadership as part of the president’s cabinet. This difference makes governance of its agency less influenced by the leading political party. The new executive order requires these independent agencies to work more closely with the White House.

Responding to a Statement Made by Elon Musk

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is disappointed by the recent statement made by Elon Musk regarding a blind topic expert who spoke before Congress. The speaker from a government watchdog organization testified before Congress about the potential wastefulness of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In response, Elon Musk made a juvenile comment that the blind gentleman could not “see waste” because of his visual impairment. Such a statement is uninformed; Mr. Musk should be held accountable for such a tasteless remark.

Lawsuit Brought Against Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a pivotal law to uphold the rights of people with disabilities. The law says that all programs receiving federal funding, which is a substantial portion of programs, must provide accommodations for persons with disabilities. We believe that the law is extremely vulnerable at this time. In September of 2024, a lawsuit was brought by 17 states against the U.S.