Alexandria, Va., August 11, 2026 – The Audio Description Project (ADP), an initiative of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), is accepting registrations for its next Audio Description Institute (ADI), a five-day virtual training program that equips participants with the skills to write high-quality audio description for film, television, performing arts, museums, educational content, and more.

In July, we announced that the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act had passed the Senate and is headed to the House of Representatives. Due to this exciting development, we have updated our Speak4 campaign for the OAA Reauthorization Act, so that Speak4 messages are sent to the House of Representatives instead of the Senate. We encourage everyone to tell their representatives to pass this vital piece of legislation. 

A federal judge for the US District Court of Maryland has granted summary judgement to the blind entrepreneurs in the suit of Melba Taylor, et al., v. US Department of Education, which challenged the Department of Education's decision in late 2025 to limit the Randolph-Sheppard program in Army dining facilities. The Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility program enhances employment opportunities for people who are blind by giving blind vendors priority consideration in the operation of vending facilities on federal property.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Scott Thornhill

Executive Director

202-467-5081

sthornhill@acb.org

American Council of the Blind's 2026 Conference and Convention Showcases Innovation, Advocacy, and Community

Exciting news! The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 was passed by unanimous consent in the Senate. The bipartisan bill now goes to the House of Representatives. The Older Americans Act was first passed in 1965 to provide necessary services for Americans age 60 and older. These services include programs to prevent elder abuse, aging and disability resource centers, and funding for home-delivery of meals.