­ALEXANDRIA, VA (April 21, 2020) – The American Council of the Blind announced this week its partnership with Be My Eyes, an innovative app that provides real-time video assistance for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Starting on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, ACB’s support staff will now be able to field calls from the Specialized Help Providers section of the app.

Alexandria, VA, April 21, 2020 - The American Council of the Blind, along with its New York affiliate and other disability advocacy organizations, has brought a complaint before the U.S. Department of Justice, Disability Rights Section. The complaint highlights the discrimination brought about by absentee voting. The right to vote via absentee ballot has long been a goal of the blind community, but has been amplified in light of the coronavirus. Gov. Andrew Cuomo (NY) has taken tremendous steps to fight the virus and provide for his state during the crisis.

We’re taking the country by storm this year as the ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk sets its course to a neighborhood near you. As the ACB National Convention & Conference goes virtual the evening of July 5th, walkers all over America will be leading the way to start our festivities.

ACB has received many questions about the 2020 Recovery Rebate. Below you will find information about what the rebate is and other details about how you will receive your rebate.

ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 13, 2020 - On Friday, April 10, ACB and more than 75 national, state and local disability and civil rights organizations sent a letter urging Congress to protect the voting rights of people who are blind and disabled during the current pandemic.

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.