Skip to main content
ACB Logo

Contrast Options:

black text on default contrast white text on black black text on white yellow text on blue

Text Size:

Text size increase Text size decrease

100%

 
  • Follow us on Facebook by clicking this link, it will redirect to a new page.
  • Follow us on Twitter by clicking this link. It will open in a new page.
  • Find more on our Youtube page. Clicking this link will open a new page.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Board of Publications
    • Committees & Task Forces
    • History
    • ACB Resolutions
    • Affiliates
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Events
  • Programs & Services
    • Scholarships
    • Audio Description Project
    • Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
    • ACB Radio
    • Convention
    • Membership
  • Resources
    • Jobs
    • ACB Archives
    • Blind / Low Vision Resources
    • Affiliate Resources
    • Peer Support
    • Handbooks / Manuals
    • Products & Services
    • Professional Employment Associations
  • Publications & Media
    • News
    • Braille Forum
    • Braille Forum Podcast
    • ACB Reports
    • Inside ACB Newsletter
    • Press Room
    • Videos
  • Support ACB
    • Donate
    • Mini Mall
    • ACB Thrift Stores
  • Contact
  1. Home
  2. James R. Olsen

James R. Olsen

James R. Olsen

James R. Olsen
December 1st 1942
February 13th, 2005

 
Donated by ACB of Minnesota, this plaque is dedicated  to the memory and spirit of James Olsen.
 
Jim was ACB's first hired financial manager and later ACB's Chief Financial Officer. He also served as one of the founders, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind Enterprises and Services, the most significant financial contributor to ACB each year.
 
Jim lost his vision due to the childhood onset of Type 1 diabetes. For some time, he became totally blind due to its complications. However, in the mid-1970s, laser surgeries allowed him to recover significant vision, although he remained legally blind. Jim never forgot his period of total blindness and remained sensitive to the needs of all visually impaired people.
 
With the loss of his vision, Jim also lost his job as an accountant. When he came back to work, it was our great fortune that he came to the American Council of the Blind, first as its volunteer treasurer, and later as our Chief Financial Officer.
 
Jim served ACB for over 27 years in many capacities and remains the longest-serving employee in our history. His vision of ACB and his belief in what ACB could become remained a hallmark of who Jim was and how he carried himself within our organization. His honesty, integrity and belief never wavered in the good times and the not-so-good.
 
Throughout his years of distinguished service to us, Jim introduced and involved his family with the organization as well. His wife Anna and daughters Sarah and Martha became an integral part of ACB's family.
 
We continue to be blessed with your spirit and your contribution to all of us. You have given us a standard of excellence to meet, thank you for helping make the American Council of the Blind what it is today.
* *
ACB Angel Memorial Tribute - James R. Olsen

 

You can help! Make a secure online donation today

Donate

Become a Member

 

Need to reach us?

Call Toll-free (800) 424-8666

or (202) 467-5081 local

E-mail us at info@acb.org

American Council of the Blind
1703 N Beauregard St, Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22311

About Us

  • Board of Directors
  • Board of Publications
  • Committees & Task Forces
  • History
  • ACB Resolutions
  • Affiliates
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Programs & Services

  • Scholarships
  • Audio Description Project
  • Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
  • ACB Radio
  • Convention
  • Membership

Publications & Media

  • News
  • Braille Forum
  • Braille Forum Podcast
  • ACB Reports
  • Inside ACB Newsletter
  • Press Room
  • Videos

Resources

  • Jobs
  • ACB Archives
  • Blind / Low Vision Resources
  • Affiliate Resources
  • Peer Support
  • Handbooks / Manuals
  • Products & Services
  • Professional Employment Associations

Support ACB

  • Donate
  • Mini Mall
  • ACB Thrift Stores

Events

Contact Us

Website Design © 2019 American Council of the Blind

Guide Star Logo

  • RSS
  • Follow us on Facebook, clicking this link will open our Facebook page in a new browser window.
  • Follow us on Twitter, clicking this link will open our Twitter page in a new browser window.
  • Find us on Youtube. By clicking this link you will open the ACB Youtube account in a new browser window.
Privacy Notice