The American Council of the Blind has a long history of advocating for civil and human rights that promote social and economic opportunity not just for our members, but for all people who are blind and visually impaired. To “advocate” means to speak on behalf of other individuals. And through the collective grassroots efforts ACB and its member affiliates undertake each day, we are afforded the opportunity to participate in our democracy through speaking out on key issues impacting people who are blind.
The advocacy ACB undertakes crosses a wide spectrum of issues and campaigns. They include access to technology, education, equal employment, economic security, and virtually every other area encompassing the human experience. Through its special-interest affiliates, ACB is able to tap into leading experts from across the country, lending credibility on complex social, technical, and economic issues. Proximity to our nation’s capital allows us to engage with coalitions and key influencers in Congress, the federal government, and private industry. To learn more about our special-interest affiliates, contact our national office or visit our special-interest affiliates page.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions continue to remain the bedrock that sets our policy and advocacy agenda. Each year at our national convention, ACB members, through their affiliates, propose and vote on key issues impacting people who are blind and visually impaired. It is through these resolutions that the ACB Board of Directors and staff receive their primary directives. Learn more about resolutions passed at our most recent national convention.
LEGISLATIVE TRACKER
The American Council of the Blind engages in advocacy at the federal level to advance the rights of people who are blind or have low vision. This includes things such as writing letters, directly to legislative offices and committees, and submitting written comments through the federal rule making process, among other modes. Below are letters and federal rulemaking comments that the ACB Advocacy team has either signed onto or written, reflecting the wide-ranging advocacy in which we engage.
Important legislative resource links:
- congress.gov (opens in a new window)
Social Security
Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2024 (opens in new window)
Legislation to Eliminate Barriers Caused by Social Security Regulations (pdf format)
Technology and Telecommunications
Letter to Congress supporting the CVTA (pdf format)
Letter requesting additional funding for the FY2025 Assistive Technology Act (pdf format)
Letter supporting important 508 legislation to improve online access (pdf format)
ACB Writes a Comment to the U.S. Access Board regarding the AI Hearing (Word doc)
Transportation
Letter to Congress asking them to pass FAA Reauthorization Act (pdf format)
Request for information comments regarding AI and transportation (Word doc)
Letter submitted to the CPUC by LightHouse regarding autonomous vehicles (pdf format)
CCCD Transportation Task Force ARPA-I RFI Comments DOT (pdf format)
ACB response to a request for information on equity and transportation (Word doc)
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER ADVOCACY
In addition to working with key stakeholders in Washington and around the country, ACB also provides valuable advocacy to members and other individuals experiencing hardships and discrimination due to their blindness. If you experience any such barriers, please reach out to our national office: [email protected], (202) 467-5081. While ACB cannot directly provide legal counsel, we can provide valuable guidance and have built up solid relationships with legal advocates from around the country, and we will work to find the best pathway forward to resolve any issue. Learn more about key resources that can assist you in overcoming barriers to equal access and opportunity.
JOIN US
Every individual has the power to become a strong self-advocate for equal rights and opportunity. ACB is continually in search of solid self-advocates who wish to join a greater voice for independence and equal access. If you have a passion for advocacy, then consider attending one of ACB’s events, or one of ACB’s state affiliate conventions. When we come together as a group, we amplify our voices.
There are several ways to engage with ACB on a national level. Each year, advocates from around the country travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in ACB’s annual Legislative Seminar. This event, which runs in conjunction with ACB’s annual DC Leadership Conference and affiliate presidents’ meeting, provides an excellent opportunity for individuals who are blind and visually impaired, and their allies, to join together in Washington and advocate to Congress on key issues impacting our community.
If you would like to stay up-to-date on information regarding ACB's advocacy inititiatives, listen to the ACB Advocacy Update podcast.
Advocacy Steering Committee
Staff Lead: Swatha Nandhakumar
Member Lead: Jeff Thom
Officer Liaison: Kim Charlson
Committee Chairs
Advocacy Services: Jeff Thom; Staff Liaison: Claire Stanley
Environmental Access: Becky Davidson; Staff Liaison: Swatha Nandhakumar
Information Access: Jeff Bishop; Staff Liaison: Claire Stanley
Mental Health & Wellness: Pam Shaw; Staff Liaison: Kaitlyn Herrera
Rehabilitation Issues: Chris Hunsinger & Doug Powell; Staff Liaison: Claire Stanley
Resolutions: Gabe Griffith & Deann Elliott; Staff Liaison: Swatha Nandhakumar
Special Education/Schools for the Blind: Debbie Grubb; Staff Liaison: Swatha Nandhakumar
Transportation: Koni Sims & Pat Sheehan; Staff Liaison: Swatha Nandhakumar
Employment Committee: Peter Altschul & Brook Josted; Staff Liaison: Swatha Nandhakumar