A recording of this webinar is available at: https://youtu.be/wKXp7XYD7N0

“Dots and Dashes” is a short newsletter featuring a variety of topics and ACB stories. This issue features information about the 2020 convention going virtual, the extension of the awards deadline, community conference calls, Advocacy Updates, and a request to take a survey on how the coronavirus has affected you.

The ACB Angels Memorial Tribute is an opportunity for ACB members and friends to honor their loved ones and guide dogs who have passed on and who played an important role in the American Council of the Blind, its affiliates, and/or its members. If you would like to make an ACB Angel Memorial Tribute, follow the directions below and contact Tom Tobin by email at ttobin@acb.org or by phone at (847) 846-8375 with any questions. The deadline to submit materials is Thursday, April 30, 2020.

The American Council of the Blind is closely monitoring information about the COVID-19 virus and its impact. Access this page to get updates about our response to COVID-19. 

Your ACB family has opportunities for you to connect with others from the comfort of your home if you are socially distancing. Join one of our conference calls and stay in touch with your ACB community! To learn more, visit www.acb.org/acb-community-events. 

Downloadable Links for ACB COVID-19 Advocacy Letters:

Final Letter: Immigrant Exclusion from COVID 3.0 Health and Economic Relief

COVID-19 Package Medications Access Letter

Alexandria, VA (March 31, 2020) — The American Council of the Blind (ACB) Board of Directors voted unanimously to forego its annual conference and convention in Schaumburg, Illinois, amidst the growing concerns about the novel coronavirus crisis. During a special meeting convened by the board on March 30th, the elected leadership moved to explore ways in which members, partners, and stakeholders can continue to meet virtually through an engaging and enlightening experience.

ACB Link 2.0 is now available for iOS and supports iOS version 13. This release brings a number of major improvements:

“Dots and Dashes” is a short newsletter featuring a variety of topics and ACB stories. This issue features information about the coronavirus, information on a call to help find ways to entertain your guide dogs during this temporary shutdown, ways to take the 2020 census, a reminder about the deadline for applying to become a leadership fellow, what to do if you’re experiencing telehealth and/or e-learning accessibility challenges, and Advocacy Updates.

On Friday, March 20, the American Council of the Blind and the American Foundation for the Blind sent a joint letter to Congress opposing language included in the pending Senate stimulus bill, the CARES Act (S. 3548), that requests a report from the Department of Educations about regulations contained in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that should be removed. Please contact your U.S. Senators and tell them that Congress should not consider any waivers that would remove the civil rights of students with disabilities.

March 20, 2020

ACB is undertaking a major infrastructure update of our server platform and we expect an outage of 72 hours to complete this project. The update will take place Friday, March 20, beginning at 8pm Eastern. 

The following services will be unavailable during this outage:

“Dots and Dashes” is a short newsletter featuring a variety of topics and ACB stories. This issue features information about Tony Stephens’ return to the ACB national office, information about Cathie Skivers’ memorial service (and other plans in the works), Advocacy Updates, and the winners of the Benefits of Audio Description in Education awards.

Welcome Back …

A familiar face has returned to the ACB national office. Tony Stephens is ACB’s new Director of Development.