True or False:
ACB wants to only help their own members.
Only a select few, longtime ACB leaders, can contribute to what is best for the well-being of the blind.
You must be a blind person, or know of one , to become an ACB member.
ACB fully supports the need for specialized services and training for the blind in vocational rehabilitation.
ACB members must simply accept whatever the Government or Society dictates because they know best.
The blind can only do jobs that are guaranteed and mandated like vendor jobs in federal buildings.
ACB believes that the blind do not need or deserve any environmental adaptations.
ACB does not value people with other disabilities. We are a blind only organization.
ACB helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.
When appropriate, the ACB will join coalitions with other groups.
False. Most people do not belong to consumer groups. ACB works for the betterment of all blind and visually impaired people.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a national organization of blind, visually impaired and sighted individuals. Our purpose is to work toward independence, security, equality of opportunity, and improved quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people.
False. Every member contributes to the well-being of the blind.
The American Council of the Blind is guided by the conviction that people who are blind and visually impaired are fully capable of representing their own situations and needs; The primary task of the organization shall be to represent the needs of blind persons of all ages and advocate for the resolution of problem situations. ACB upholds these core values through open elections, diverse affiliated organizations and a "living and growing" constitution and governance structure. The greatest value of ACB is our belief in, and support for every member as a contributor to the well-being of all blind people.
False. You just need to care about the blind, whether you are blind or not.
Members of the American Council of the Blind have paid dues in an ACB state affiliate or special interest affiliate or are members-at-large. Citizens and/or residents of the United States and interested persons in other countries are welcome. Some people acquire Life memberships on their own, or are honored with a life membership by a family member, friend or appreciative organization.
True.
ACB is committed in its support of specialized services and programs for blind and visually impaired people, and to those agencies whose workers are trained to meet the specific needs of this population. Experience has shown that organizations having a generic approach to the needs of the disability community do not meet the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. ACB is actively involved with access issues concerning environmental and architectural barriers, the availability of materials in Braille and large print, and developments in technology on all levels. While continuing to insist on separate agencies and services for the blind. Additionally, ACB works collaboratively with organizations dealing with civil rights issues for people with disabilities. Because of its increased interest in national and international sports and recreation, ACB is increasing opportunities for the blindness community throughout the United States.
False!
ACB works tirelessly to educate the public and to inform blind and visually impaired people of their right to quality service delivery. ACB staff and elected officials make countless presentations every year to inform and train members, blind people in general, and the general public. ACB holds an annual legislative seminar in Washington, DC, to educate and train members on pending key legislative issues.
False. With specialized training and opportunity, the blind can do many, many jobs well.
ACB is dedicated to the idea that blind and visually impaired people are vital, contributing members of the work force having the right to work and to receive the training and equipment to support gainful employment. Advocates from our national office, state and local chapters, and special interest affiliates serve on numerous federal, state and local task forces to ensure that the rights and needs of blind and visually impaired people are represented as new work force initiatives are developed.
False. "What's good for blind people in environmental design is good for everyone!"
ACB has demonstrated time and time again "What's good for blind people in environmental design is good for everyone!" ACB tackles all aspects of access to the built and informational environments. Issues facing blind and visually impaired people today that may impede access to the built environment include intersection design, transportation facility design, signage, and personnel training. The informational environment holds its own challenges, such as access to electronic appliance touch pads, telecommunications equipment such as "Caller ID," universal remote control devices and the Internet. ACB's access committees work with the Access Board and other federal agencies, as well as nationally known companies such as Microsoft, Bell Atlantic, General Electric and AT&T, to ensure access into the 21st century. This access provided for blind and visually impaired people will benefit all Americans as our population ages and our needs in technology evolve.
False! Many blind people have multiple disabilities.
ACB advocates for full participation of all people with disabilities in society, though the organization does place greater emphasis on the specific issues faced by people who are blind and visually impaired. A proud history of coalition work has greatly benefitted the ACB with our most significant joint victory being the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many ACB members have been or are currently working in the cross-disability fields of independent living, vocational rehabilitation and governmental advocacy.
True. The ACB worked hard and long to help pass the historic ADA legislation.
The American Council of the Blind was a supporter of the Americans with Disabilities Act from the time it first appeared as a concept in a report titled "Toward Independence," published by the National Council on Disability. When the first version of the ADA was introduced in the late 1980's, contacts were made by ACB through its leadership in various states encouraging individuals to testify at nationwide hearings conducted by the Task Force on Rights of Disabled People. This official congressional entity gathered evidence to substantiate the need for the Americans with Disabilities Act. When the second version of the ADA was introduced in 1989, the ACB joined with many cross-disability groups in providing input on provisions of the legislation prior to its introduction, and testified before various congressional committees during the struggle for its passage. Many had the privilege of being present at White House ceremonies on July 26, 1990, when President George Bush signed the ADA into law.
True. ACB works and plays well with others.
Recognizing that blind and visually impaired people belong to a larger community, ACB readily acknowledges that involvement in the issues and concerns of that community is crucial. ACB's Women's Concerns and Multicultural committees are composed of members who participate actively in non-disability, gender-based minority organizations. Through articles in The Braille Forum and programs presented at the national convention, these committees bring to the general membership matters of importance to these groups.