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The Washington Connection 8-4-25

Welcome to the Washington Connection, the legislative and information service of the American Council of the Blind. The Washington Connection is brought to you by the ACB national office. If you have any questions or comments on the information provided, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask to speak with Claire Stanley.

The Washington Connection is updated any time we have new information to share with you. The following articles are available as of August 4, 2025. Messages 1 and 8 are new.

Thank you for calling the Washington Connection.

Office of Aviation Consumer Protection to Launch Modernized Web-Based System

WASHINGTON, August 1, 2025 — Today, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) launched the Aviation Complaint, Enforcement, and Reporting System (ACERS), a modernized web-based system. This launch of ACERS will focus solely on the submission and handling of new air travel service complaints. The Department previously relied on an outdated consumer complaint application system developed in the 1990s to do its work.

We expect that ACERS will make it easier for consumers to file air travel service complaints, enhance security and privacy protection of aviation consumer data, make it more efficient for airlines and ticket agents to handle consumer complaints, and enable the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) to better assist the thousands of consumers who file complaints each year. Upon launch, consumers will be able to file air travel service complaints, comments, and compliments by accessing the Consumer Portal.  Airlines and Ticket Agents will receive these submissions in real time in the ACERS Aviation Industry Portal and through the email address that they selected for notifications when registering for ACERS.

The permanent URL to access the Consumer Portal of ACERS is https://airconsumer.dot.gov/consumer. Should consumers experience technical issues while using ACERS, they can report these issues to us through the “Technical Support” feature on the ACERS Consumer Portal. We also ask that you contact OACP through Peter Cacioppo at peter.cacioppo@dot.gov if you should become aware of any problems.

We plan to host a virtual information session with disability rights advocates at 10 a.m. EST on August 11, 2025, to field general questions and obtain feedback on ACERS.  

 

Explore to Achieve More

 

The ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Program enters its third year of providing mentorship, access and peer support during the fall of 2025. The leadership development program designed exclusively for prospective leaders is a nine-month exploration of learning and grasping new concepts. Online applications will be accepted from July 18th through August 18th. The 2025-2026 cohort will be selected by September 1st, and the program year will begin on September 18th. Activities will conclude on June 16, 2026. The program culminates with a virtual graduation ceremony during the virtual week of the ACB Conference and Convention.

Prepare to listen to our presentation that will allow you to learn how the program works and ask questions. The presentation will be an informational Community call on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 4 p.m. Eastern.

INSPIRE refers to “Imagine, Nurture, Support, Prepare, Influence, Reflect, and Evolve.” The ACB INSPIRE mentoring program serves as a roadmap and places an emphasis on aiding and guiding potential leaders to expand their involvement at the local, state and/or national level. Members are urged to apply to become a Guide/Mentor or Explorer/Mentee.

The INSPIRE Experience includes an introductory Guide-Explorer meet and greet; informative orientation training; personalized Guide-Explorer team meetings; interactive quarterly check point meetings; empowerment segments with leaders of the blindness community, as well as other collaborative partnerships; optional office hours feedback sessions; support meetings with the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Team; sharing of inspirational books, articles, poems, quotes, and other material from the INSPIRE Library; participant communication on the designated ACB INSPIRE email list; and the end of program evaluation survey.

To serve as a Guide or mentor, applicants must be an ACB member for seven years or more; current on membership dues; have at least five years of confirmed leadership experience within ACB, one of its affiliates or chapters; submit name and contact information for a reference during their initial application to the program; have personal knowledge of ACB’s history, mission, purpose, and core values; agree to meet with designated Explorer/mentee at least twice a month; conduct effective goal-setting meetings with a designated Explorer/mentee; agree to keep all communication with Explorer/mentee private and confidential; agree to attend and participate in scheduled group empowerment sessions, including quarterly check point meetings and optional office hours feedback sessions; agree to submit a monthly report to the ACB Mentoring Team on Guide-Explorer progress; and agree to complete an end-of-program evaluation.

To qualify as an Explorer or mentee, applicants must be an ACB member for at least two years (membership in an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or chapter, is applicable); current on membership dues; demonstrate an eagerness to learn and grow; faithfully attend and participate in goal-setting sessions with a designated guide/mentor; agree to meet with guide/mentor at least twice a month; agree to attend and participate in group empowerment sessions, including quarterly check point meetings and optional office hours feedback sessions; agree to submit a monthly report to the ACB Mentoring Team on Guide-Explorer progress; and agree to complete an end of program evaluation.

Now is the time to strongly consider becoming a Guide or Explorer! Apply online at https://forms.gle/dVWybM91uzHxHGju9. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 18th.

 

Department of Energy’s Direct Final Rule Postponed for 60 Days

 

The U.S. Department of Energy has placed a 60-day postponement on the Direct Final Rule for building Section 504. This Direct Final Rule would remove accessibility requirements and standards for new DOE-funded buildings, weakening protections for those with disabilities. 

The Direct Final Rule was due to take effect on July 15, 2025. However, the rule has been postponed for 60 days for further review. Its postponement is a direct result of many disability rights organizations and members of the public voicing their opposition to this rule. More than 20,000 comments were submitted against the rule. Because of the public opposition and the postponement, the Department is now required to review the comments submitted, which may prompt further evaluation or revision of the rule. 

While the postponement is not a final withdrawal of this rule, it is important progress in protecting accessibility rights.

 

Ask Your Representative to Co-Sponsor the Disaster Relief Medicaid Act

 

ACB urges members to contact their representatives and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 3990, the Disaster Relief Medicaid Act.

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA) has been reintroduced into the House of Representatives by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) to provide assistance and relief for survivors of natural disasters, emergencies, and other events. H.R. 3990 will provide essential resources, medical care, and employment coverage for survivors.

The bill will enable Medicaid services to easily move across state or county borders without the complicated and time-consuming burden of applying for coverage that keeps Medicaid recipients from the services they need. Follow the link below to tell Congress to pass this important bill.

https://speak4.app/lp/ju011nuo/?ts=1753193980

 

Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers Introduce Bill to End Subminimum Wages for Workers with Disabilities

 

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2025 – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX-17), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act. This is a bipartisan, bicameral proposal, which would phase out the use of subminimum wages for workers with disabilities and help transition them into fully integrated, competitive employment.

Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, workers with disabilities can legally be paid far below the federal minimum wage, sometimes less than $1 an hour. This bill ends that practice over five years, invests $300 million in state and local transition efforts, and ensures all workers with disabilities can earn fair wages and work alongside their peers.

Currently, nearly 40,000 people with disabilities are still employed under this policy. This legislation ensures they are no longer left behind in our workforce and brings federal labor law into alignment with the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“It is long past time for Congress to phase out the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities and expand access to fulfilling employment and economic self-sufficiency. By fostering collaboration between employers and services providers, this bipartisan legislation makes clear that it is not only possible, but beneficial, to invest in fully integrated and competitive jobs for people with disabilities. We must take this next step to ensure that every worker can succeed in the workplace and earn a fair wage,” said Ranking Member Scott.

"Disabled Americans deserve the opportunity to compete and succeed in today's workforce. Unfortunately, subminimum wage practices continue to unfairly prevent many individuals from earning the full value of their contributions and prevent disabled individuals from retaining necessary benefits should they receive a promotion. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, which ends these practices and encourages disabled Americans to fully participate in our workforce without constraints. While this is an important step, there is still much work to be done to build a competitive and fair workforce. I remain committed to continuing in this fight,” said Representative Sessions.

“Americans with disabilities deserve fair pay for their work. But the subminimum wage has denied far too many people with disabilities that promise for far too long. This bipartisan legislation puts an end to that unjust practice nationwide and invests in opportunities for workers with disabilities to strengthen their economic independence,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Those with disabilities contribute in valuable ways to our communities. There is dignity and hope in work, and they should never be underpaid simply because they live with a disability. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to end this discriminatory practice and ensure fair pay to those with disabilities in the workforce,” said Senator Daines.

The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act will:

  • Create a competitive state grant program to assist states with transitioning all 14(c) certificate holders to models that support competitive, integrated employment for individuals with disabilities and ensuring the availability of wraparound services needed to support individuals as they move into competitive integrated employment. States will be able to apply for these transformation grants and must establish an advisory committee that includes key stakeholders (including employers, organizations specializing in employment for individuals with disabilities, Medicaid agencies, AbilityOne contractors, individuals with disabilities and their families, and vocational rehabilitation agencies). States that successfully complete a grant will be eligible to receive a 25 percent increase in the allotment for supported employment for individuals with the most significant disabilities.
  • Create a competitive grant program for current 14(c) certificate holders, which are located in states that do not apply for the state grant, to transition their business models to support individuals with disabilities in competitive, integrated employment.
  • Immediately freeze the issuance of any new 14(c) certificates by the DOL and phase out the use of existing 14(c) certificates over five years until employees are paid at least the federal minimum wage.
  • Establish a technical assistance (TA) center to support all entities — even those not receiving the transformation grants — to transition to competitive, integrated employment. The TA center, which will be funded by DOL, is tasked with disseminating information about best practices, lessons learned, and models for transition to all entities transitioning to competitive, integrated employment.
  • Require reporting and evaluation on the progress of creating and expanding the service delivery structure to support workers with disabilities in competitive, integrated settings and the inclusive wraparound services they receive when not working. States and 14(c) certificate holders will also be required to report on their grant activities, evaluate changes in employment for individuals with disabilities, report average wage information, and evaluate employer actions taken to comply with the phase out of 14(c) and transformation grants.

The Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act is supported by: Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), Melwood, The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), Microsoft, Alliance for Expanding America’s Workforce, National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), CEO Commission for Disability Employment, Applied Self-Direction, Spina Bifida Association, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), National Organization on Disability, CommunicationFIRST, United Spinal Association, ANCOR, National Employment Law Project (NELP), American Association of People with Disabilities, American Council of the Blind (ACB), Allies for Independence, National Association of Councils of Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), SourceAmerica, National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), Autism Society of America, Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), National Industries for the Blind, and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

For the bill text of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, visit https://democrats-edworkforce.house.gov/imo/media/doc/transformation_to_competitive_integrated_employment_act_of_2025_bill_text.pdf.

For a fact sheet on the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, go to https://democrats-edworkforce.house.gov/imo/media/doc/transformation_to_competitive_integrated_employment_act_of_2025_fact_sheet.pdf.

For a section-by-section of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, visit https://democrats-edworkforce.house.gov/imo/media/doc/transformation_to_competitive_integrated_employment_act_of_2025_section_by_section.pdf.

 

Sen. Markey and Rep. Simon Announce Legislation to Prohibit Discrimination in Jury Service Based on Disability and Age

 

Washington (July 24, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Lateefah Simon (CA-12) today announced the reintroduction of the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, legislation that would prohibit discrimination in federal jury service based on disability or age. Federal law currently prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of “race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status,” but not on account of disability or age.

The Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act would add protections to federal law for age and disability to prevent the discriminatory exclusion of capable jurors. This legislation would ensure that disabled jurors who are at least 18 years of age and are able to perform their duties with reasonable accommodations — including deaf and blind individuals who may use sign language or braille — would not be disqualified on the basis of disability. Twenty-eight states, including Massachusetts and California, have enacted laws that prohibit the exclusion or disqualification of people with a disability from state jury service. Meanwhile, eleven states have laws that prohibit age-based discrimination for state jury service. 

“Every American adult deserves the chance to fulfill their sacred civic duty and serve on a jury, no matter their age or disability,” said Senator Markey. “Our legislation creates equal opportunity for jury service and ensures that federal juries across the nation fully represent the diversity of our communities. Discrimination in jury selection stands in the way of achieving justice and fairness in our legal system. I am proud to lead this bill with Representative Simon and continue to protect the rights of seniors and Americans with disabilities.”

“The discrimination, exclusion, and disqualification of disabled and elderly jurors from our federal courts based on outdated stereotypes and assumptions prevents our judicial system from embodying the ideals of justice and equality for all,” said Representative Simon. “As the first congenitally blind member of Congress, I believe we must bring the voices of the disability community to the policy-making table and that our stories must be reflected in our policies. I thank Senator Markey for his partnership on our legislation that would ensure equal access and opportunity to participate in our judicial system for all members of our community regardless of their ability or age.”

The bill is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and in the House by  Representatives Nikema Williams (GA-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Dave Min (CA-47), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Summer Lee (PA-12).

The Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act is endorsed by American Association for Justice, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Bar Association, American Council of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, American Geriatrics Society, Bay State Council of the Blind, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Disability Rights California, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), Epilepsy Foundation, Gerontological Society of America, Hearing Loss Association of America, Justice in Aging, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of the Deaf, National Council on Independent Living, National Disabilities Rights Network, National Federation of the Blind, National Organization on Disability, Paralyzed Veterans of America, SOLVE ME/CFS, the Arc of the United States, United Spinal Association, and VisionServe Alliance.

“No American should be denied the right to serve on a federal jury because of their age or physical disability, and it's a cornerstone of democracy that juries be reflective of the communities in which they serve,” said Linda Lipsen, CEO of the American Association for Justice. “AAJ strongly supports the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, and we thank Senator Markey and Congresswoman Simon for their leadership on this important issue.”

“Trial by jury is a cornerstone of our legal system, and diverse and representative juries are essential to fair deliberations and just outcomes. Diverse juries, with representation from all groups, not only promotes community confidence in verdicts, but actually lead to better decision making. Jury service should be accessible to all members of our communities. NACDL is proud to support legislation that helps move us closer to that goal,” said Andrew S. Birrell, President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

“A true jury of one’s peers must reflect the full diversity of our communities,” said Claire Stanley, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind. “People who are blind or have low vision cannot be left out of the judicial process. They deserve the same opportunity and share the same responsibility to serve on a jury of their peers.”

“AFB applauds the reintroduction of this important bill that ensures that people who are blind or have low vision are allowed to carry out their civic duty to serve on juries alongside their peers. Recognizing that most people become blind later in life, we appreciate that this bill prohibits age-related discrimination as well as disability discrimination, and we look forward to a time when all people are able to participate fully in the judicial system without prejudice,” said Stephanie Enyart, Chief Public Policy and Research Officer at American Foundation for the Blind.

“Many Deaf and hard of hearing people have participated in jury duty. This bill will ensure consistency across the nation, ensuring that those individuals are not excluded from performing their civil obligations,” said Interim CEO Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins of the National Association of the Deaf.

“People with disabilities have served successfully as jurors in state courts for many years, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws. It is long past time for our federal jury system to catch up and end discrimination that prevents people with disabilities from serving as federal jurors,” said Jennifer Mathis, deputy director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.

“The right to serve on a jury is a fundamental component of civic engagement and equal justice under law. Yet far too often, people with disabilities are excluded from jury service based on outdated assumptions and discriminatory practices. We commend Senator Markey and Representative Simon for introducing this critical legislation, which affirms that disability and age should never be barriers to full participation in our democracy,” said Eric Buehlmann, Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).

“Jury service is a fundamental part of free and equal citizenship. This bill ensures that people with disabilities are not denied the right to serve on a jury because of outdated assumptions about what we can or cannot do. The disability community looks forward to bringing its wealth of experiences and perspectives to federal juries across the country,” said Eric Harris, Associate Executive Director of External Affairs at Disability Rights California.

In July 2023, Senator Markey and then-Representative Anna Eshoo (CA-16) reintroduced the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) to amend the CVAA due to the proliferation of emerging technologies since 2010. The CVTA would strengthen standards for television programming and emergency communication; expand accessibility requirements, including closed captions and audio descriptions, to online platforms and video conferencing services; and equip the federal government with the ability to improve the accessibility of emerging technologies. In 2022, Senator Markey and then-Representative Katie Porter (CA-45) introduced the Disabled Jurors Nondiscrimination Act, legislation that prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of disability.

To read the full text of the bill, visit https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/disability_and_age_in_jury_service_nondiscrimination_act.pdf.

To read the one-pager, visit https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/disability_and_age_in_jury_service_nondiscrimination_act1.pdf.

 

Saturday Marks the 35th Anniversary of the ADA

 

Saturday, July 26th marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a transformative civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of public life, from employment and education to transportation and community spaces. The ADA laid the foundation for greater inclusion and equal opportunity, ensuring that individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision, can fully participate in society.

The legislation was passed in Congress with strong bipartisan support. Congressmembers such as Tom Harkin, Steny Hoyer, and Tony Coelho worked to push the bill through. The bill was then signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on the White House lawn that July day.

ACB honors this milestone and continues to advocate for access, equity, and inclusion — today and every day.

 

Urge Congress to Pass the Disability Access to Transportation Act (DATA)

 

People with disabilities have long faced access problems when utilizing paratransit services. For instance, paratransit users must wait significant periods of time between trips, making it difficult to carry out regular appointments and errands in one day. Additionally, most states do not provide on-demand ride requests for paratransit users. As a result, they often have to schedule rides multiple days in advance, limiting their options to carry out responsibilities and participate in their communities freely.

The Disability Access to Transportation Act (DATA) calls for the development of a pilot program to combat these issues. The pilot program will allow paratransit passengers an additional, quick stop on their way to their final destination. For instance, if a person is taking paratransit home from work, they can make a quick stop at the pharmacy to pick up their medication, or at a day care center to pick up their child(ren). The bill has bipartisan support. In addition to this important service, the bill also includes language to prioritize projects that utilize real-time tracking and on-demand scheduling technology. The pilot program will also streamline the accessibility complaint reporting process with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and collect data to identify gaps in paratransit services.

Please follow the link below to ask your Congressmember to support the bill.

https://speak4.app/lp/n1013sp1/?ts=1754056480