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Audio Described Shows Available at PBS

Posted on May 27, 2026

PBS fans—did you know that PBS offers audio-described content for many of its programs? Enjoy popular shows like NOVA, American Masters, Independent Lens, Masterpiece and more with audio description. With thousands of audio-described episodes available, people who are blind or have low vision can fully experience many of their favorite PBS shows.

You can access PBS programming for free on your TV or mobile device using the PBS App, or online at PBS.org.

IDEA Funding Increase for Students with Disabilities

Posted on May 15, 2026

The US Department of Education has announced that IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Part B and C program funds will receive an additional $144 million dollars this year. IDEA Part B covers special education and additional services for children and youth with disabilities ages 3 through 21. IDEA Part C covers early intervention services for children with disabilities from birth through age 2 and their families. The Department also released new guidance which allows states to use IDEA Part C funds for supporting expectant families of infants with disabilities.

Congratulations to the 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Posted on May 13, 2026

The American Council of the Blind’s (ACB) Scholarship Program was established in 1982. The American Council of the Blind (ACB) and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) have partnered to offer educational scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 for legally blind students attending a technical college or who are an entering freshman, undergraduate or a graduate student. This program awards students with scholarships to help with post-secondary education financial needs such as tuition, fees, room and board and other additional costs associated with adaptive technology.

ACB Forward Initiative

Posted on May 13, 2026, Last Updated on May 14, 2026

Have Your Say in ACB’s Future

ACB Forward Initiative is ACB’s five-year strategic planning effort focused on listening, learning, and preparing the organization for the future. Previously known as the Legacy and Future Readiness Initiative, the project has a new name but the same purpose: to build on ACB’s strengths, preserve what members value most, and ensure the organization is ready for the next 10 years and beyond.

Keep the Momentum: Urge Congress to Support the Blind Americans Return to Work Act!

Posted on May 12, 2026

Today, Americans who are blind receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) face an unfair “earnings cliff” — if they earn just a bit too much, their benefits are cut off completely. This system discourages people from working and limits economic independence.
 
The Blind Americans Return to Work Act, H.R.1175, would replace the cliff with a fair, gradual reduction in benefits.

Notice of HHS Interim Final Rule Publication on May 11, 2026

Posted on May 8, 2026

We have received notice that on Monday, May 11, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to publish an Interim Final Rule (IFR) regarding the Section 504 rules under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Section 504 rules of the Rehab Act apply to entities which receive federal financial assistance from HHS, including hospitals, clinics, child welfare organizations, and social service providers.

Urge Congress to Oppose the ACCESS Act of 2026

Posted on May 6, 2026

Congress is considering a bill which would amend the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is a "notice and cure" bill which takes away a disabled person's right to sue a business for noncompliance with the ADA, unless that person first provides detailed written notice of the ADA violation, waits 60 days for the business to provide a written description of how they plan to address, or cure, the violation, and then waits another 60 days for substantial progress to be made in addressing that violation.

Update to Texas v. Kennedy Lawsuit

Posted on May 5, 2026

ACB is pleased to announce that Indiana has dropped out of the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit which aims to weaken the community integration mandate of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This lawsuit, originally called Texas v. Becerra, was first filed in 2024 by 17 states which asked the court to get rid of Section 504. In February of 2026, nine states filed an amended complaint targeting Section 504, and the case became known as Texas v. Kennedy.

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