Welcome to “Dots and Dashes from Washington,” a short newsletter featuring a variety of topics and ACB success stories. Everybody loves a little good news, right?
White Cane Day
ACB’s advocacy department celebrates International White Cane Day! View the video at https://tinyurl.com/ybs7jkx6.
Marrakesh Treaty
The second episode of ACB’s new Advocacy Update Podcast is now available. Listen as ACB’s National Office celebrates the Marrakesh Treaty moving out of the House, and look ahead into the new 2019 federal fiscal year. The podcast is now available on iTunes & Overcast, and can also be accessed by visiting our website, or by subscribing to the RSS feed at http://acbradio.org/acb-advocacy.xml.
The Marrakesh Treaty now has the President’s signature on it! Find out more at http://acb.org/marrakesh-signed.
Technology
“Smart Tech: Making a Difference” features ACB’s Executive Director, Eric Bridges, in an interview with Ellee Pai Hong to discuss ACB's collaboration with companies developing innovative technology solutions for everyday life. Find it at https://tinyurl.com/yd2udjex.
Bay State Council of the Blind’s own Brian Charlson – ACB’s First Dude – talks about some of the best new technology for people who are blind and visually impaired with “Here and Now’s” Robin Young. Curious about smart glasses or talking appliances? Listen to the interview at http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/10/15/technology-for-the-blind.
Advocates say the Justice Department is failing disabled people and businesses. Hear Eric Bridges’ interview with WUSA9 at https://tinyurl.com/yc5w4a2q.
ACB and the Bay State Council of the Blind have settled with Hulu to make their streaming service accessible. Find the details at http://acb.org/hulu-accessibility.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
ACB’s Advocacy Update podcast features Tony Stephens and Claire Stanley discussing National Disability Employment Awareness Month and unpacking the employment gap for people who are blind and visually impaired. To listen to it, visit http://acbradio.org/content/acb-advocacy-update-october-16-2018.
Braille
Some people call her the Energizer Bunny. Others know her best for making sure the vending machines, elevator lobbies and such have braille and large print signage at ACB’s national conventions. She’s also responsible for the braille on drive-through ATMs. Who is she? Margarine Beaman! Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/ydbjumj9.
ACB 2019 Leadership Meetings
ACB will hold its 2019 leadership meetings Feb. 23-27, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Alexandria. Room rates are $120 per night, plus tax. Make your reservations by calling (703) 683-6000, or visiting the Crowne Plaza’s website, https://tinyurl.com/y8suupom.
Stay tuned for more good news in the next issue!