On March 1st, Jo Lynn Bailey-Page will join ACB as our Audio Description Project Coordinator & Grant Writer.

On March 1st, Swatha Nandhakumar will join the ACB team as an Advocacy and Outreach Specialist. She will be supporting Clark Rachfal, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, with monitoring, responding to and researching government agendas, as well as providing information, referral and peer support to incoming callers. Swatha is a recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude. Her background includes multiple legislative internships, including ones with the office of Senator Richard J.

We’re all geared up this weekend for the 2021 Leadership Conference. Visit the conference website to access the agenda, and conference materials. There’s even still time to register. The following provides additional ways you can tune in to the conference.

DC Leadership Conference Materials

This year’s DC Leadership Conference will be held virtually from February 21st-23rd, bringing together affiliate leaders and advocates from across the country. Visit https://acb.org/2021-leadership-conference to access the conference agendas, materials, legislative imperative documents, and legislative imperative community event podcasts.

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