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Looking Ahead to a New Year and the 2017 Legislative Seminar

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 influ

2017 Legislative Seminar Agenda

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

 

9:35 – 9:55 a.m.  

2007 Conference and Convention Advertisers

New! Braille+ (TM) Mobile Manager

Braille+ from APH is a powerful, flexible, and easy-to-use mobile manager designed specifically for users who are blind or visually impaired.

Held in your hand like a PDA or used on your lap or desk like a laptop, Braille+ can help you:

- Stay connected by using its web browser, wireless capability, podcasts, RSS, and email

- Manage appointments with its calendar and address book

- Type in the word processor

- Record lectures or journal events

Keeping Your Affiliate Legal

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)?

2015 Legislative Seminar Agenda

Monday, February 23, 2015
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, Director of External Relations and Policy, ACB
 
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.  Legislative Imperatives I and II:  
Imperative I: H.R. 729, Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015
/LILVdevice

2017 ACB Legislative Imperatives

2017 ACB Legislative Imperatives
 
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is the nation’s leading grassroots consumer organization for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.  With 70 state and special interest affiliates across the country, ACB is committed to promoting independence and opportunity for Americans who are blind, and ACB stands committed to advocacy that lifts up our values. 
 

2012 Legislative Seminar Agenda

Sunday, February 26, 2012
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Opening remarks and introduction of attendees
Mitch Pomerantz, President, American Council of the Blind (ACB)

2:30 - 3:00 p.m. ACB/Google Survey to Find Computer Usage and Assistive Technology Patterns Among Blind and Visually Impaired People
Pratik Patel, Chair, Information Access Committee, ACB

2013 ACB Legislative Seminar

A message from Eric Bridges, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Relations
 
The 2013 Legislative Seminar promises to be an information-packed and entertaining event as we discuss ACB’s legislative imperatives for the year along with other hot button topics.
 
Legislative Imperative I
Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2013
 

Preliminary Information for the 2013 Mid-Year Meetings and Legislative Seminar

Preliminary Information for the 2013 Mid-Year Meetings and Legislative Seminar

  • The midyear meetings are Friday, Feb. 22 through Tuesday, Feb. 26.
  • Board meeting will be held on Friday, Feb. 22
  • Affiliate presidents meeting will begin on Saturday, Feb. 23 and continue through 12:00 on Sunday, Feb. 24
  • Legislative seminar begins Sunday, Feb. 24 and continues through Monday, Feb. 25
  • Capitol Hill Day is Tuesday, Feb. 26

It will again be at the Holiday Inn National Airport, 2650 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington., VA.

Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2013

A BILL

To evaluate, through a five-year national demonstration project administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the fiscal impact of a permanent change to Title XVIII of the Social Security Act allowing reimbursement for certain low vision devices as durable medical equipment.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

Sec. 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2012.