Keeping Your Affiliate Legal; Protect Your 501(c)(3) Status
 
Why be a 501(c)(3)?

• All state, special interest, and chapter affiliates will benefit from a 501(c)(3) non-profit exemption.  A 501(c)(3) will exempt an organization from federal income taxes.

 Is your affiliate a valid 501(c)(3)?

• To check if your affiliate is tax exempt:https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/
• There is another IRS website to check to find out if your affiliate…

American Council of the Blind

2017 Legislative Seminar

Agenda

Monday, February 27, 2017

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

9:00 – 9:30 a.m.  

Introductions and Charting our Legislative Course 

Kim Charlson, President, American Council of the Blind (ACB) 

9:30 – 9:35 a.m.  

Special Thanks and Sponsors Welcome

Eric Bridges, Executive Director, ACB

…

The final days of 2016 are upon us, and it has given us much time at the American Council of the Blind to reflect on the events of recent years, and to focus our attention on the New Year, in search of greater opportunity for all Americans who are blind and visually impaired.  In mapping out our agenda for the 115th Congress and new Administration, we have actively been engaging with leaders in our community to identify areas where we can achieve the greatest impact, while also knowing that there will need to be particular focus on building and strengthening our relationships with new…

Ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty
Legislative Imperative
 
For your convenience, at the end of this document is the downloadable MS Word large print format.

Background
 
In order to be full participants in the society they live in, people who have visual impairments must be afforded alternative means of accessing books, magazines, and other printed materials. Students need access to textbooks. Employees need access to publications related to their chosen work, and all of us need access to the books and magazines…

Making the Internet Accessible for All: Move to have DOJ Issue ICT NPRM
Regulatory Imperative

For your convenience, at the end of this document is the downloadable MS Word large print format.
 
Background:
 
When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was originally passed, the Internet was still in its infancy, relegated more to universities and federal agencies than the general public. It would make sense, then, that as the Internet grew, so too would protections for accessibility under the ADA. However, this has not been the case…

Secure Independence for Seniors and Medicare Beneficiaries: Support H.R. 729
Legislative Imperative

For your convenience, at the end of this document is the downloadable MS Word large print format.
 
Background
 
In November of 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) promulgated a regulation that has had a detrimental impact on the lives of countless individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Acquisition Rule contains a…

Support H.R. 3535: The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act
Legislative Imperative

For your convenience, at the end of this document is the downloadable MS Word large print format.

• Keeping our Schools Accountable
• Investing in success for students with sensory disabilities

Background
 
The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act (H.R. 3535) is intended to improve the delivery of appropriate special education and related services to all students who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, or…

American Council of the Blind
2016 Legislative Seminar
Agenda

For your convenience, at the end of this document is the downloadable MS Word large print format.

Monday, February 29, 2016
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.  
Introductions and Teeing Up the Day’s Events
Kim Charlson, President, American Council of the Blind (ACB)
Eric Bridges, Executive Director, ACB
Anthony Stephens, Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs, ACB
 
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.  
Legislative…

American Council of the Blind
2016 Presidents' Meeting Agenda

For your convenience, at the end of this document is the downloadable MS Word large print format.
 
Sunday, February 28
President’s Ballroom
 
8:00 AM: 
Registration
 
9:00 AM: 
Opening Remarks – Kim Charlson, ACB President, Watertown, MA; & Meeting Logistics: Eric Bridges, ACB Executive Director, Alexandria, VA
 
9:10 AM: 
Self-Introduction of…

Imperative I: H.R. 729, Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015
/LILVdevice

Imperative II: The Reintroduction of the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act
/LICogswellMacy
 
Imperative III:  What  the Marrakesh Treaty for the Blind is and the need for the U.S. Senate to Ratify It
/LIMarrakesh

The Hill Visit Report Packet 2015 along with the downloadable MS Word large print format can be found at
/…