Create Your ACB Account Now
We hope you will be joining us for our convention in July. To simplify our account process, we are asking you to create a new ACB account (whether you are a member or not). You will use this log in credential going forward. The first time you log in to https://members.acb.org/, you will be asked to create a new login, password, and provide your profile information. This will need to be done even if you have previously created other ACB accounts. If you registered for the 2020 holiday auction, no further action is needed. You can use the same credentials you selected for your previous ACB accounts if you wish. We are asking for your name and address (for your profile) to make sure our donor database has your current information, which will help ACB to communicate with you in the future. Please go to https://members.acb.org/ to create your ACB account by May 15th so you will be ready when convention registration opens on May 20. If you need assistance creating your ACB account please contact Janet Dickelman at (651) 428-5059.
Accessible Voting in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia will permanently make its elections accessible and safe for voters who cannot mark a paper ballot privately and independently due to disabilities such as blindness, beginning with the June 2021 Primary Election. In 2020, we filed suit together with a coalition of disability advocates to make this change possible. Learn more by visiting: https://acb.org/virginia-accessible-voting-2021.
The New $20: A Chance for Accessible Currency
ACB President Dan Spoone had an engaging opinion piece calling for accessible currency published this week in The Hill. The commentary bridged two leading voices for equality who lived an ocean apart two centuries ago, but now are brought together by the opportunity for a new $20 bill. Read the article by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/24y4wjdf.
Describing the World Around Us on Earth Day
Join us for this week’s ACB Advocacy Update with special guest host Tony Stephens, ACB’s Director of Development. Tony sits down with ACB’s Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs, Clark Rachfal, to talk with Audio Description Project (ADP) Committee Co-Chair Carl Richardson, and to introduce Jo Lynn Bailey-Page, who is now on staff with ACB coordinating the Audio Description Project. The episode kicks off Earth Day with a conversation on the UniDescription Project, which is a partnership between ACB, the University of Hawaii and the National Parks Service. We then dive into what’s hot with audio description in streaming media and get a preview of what is in store for audio description at this summer’s convention. Listen via your favorite podcast player or online at: https://tinyurl.com/yphn6b9z. There’s still time to nominate your favorite audio described program for this year’s ADP Awards. Visit https://acb.org/2021-adp-awards-nominations for details. The FCC is also seeking comments on issues to explore around the CVAA. Tune in for more details, and email [email protected] for more information on how you can provide comments to the FCC.
ACB & Leader Dogs for the Blind Event
Join us on Wednesday, April 28 at 3pm ET for a collaborative event with ACB and Leader Dogs for the Blind. We will give a brief organizational overview and then focus on our very popular community events which are held seven days a week including holidays. These Zoom events are open to everyone regardless of membership in ACB. Leader Dog will highlight their free programs and services including Orientation & Mobility Training for people who want to increase their travel skills with a cane but aren’t interested in getting a guide dog. Register for the event here: https://leaderdog-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEucuioqzgpGd0iiUjtV6Td3V_cvm0FX032. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
2021 AD Awards Call for Nominations
The Audio Description Project recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of audio description through the Audio Description Awards. The call for nominations ends on Sunday, May 9, 2021, with winners announced during a plenary general session of the American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention in July 2021. To learn more about the award categories and how to submit nominations, visit: https://acb.org/2021-adp-awards-nominations.
It’s Time to Stop Creating Barriers to Voting
ACB's Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee Chair, Kenneth Semien Sr., recently wrote an article concerning barriers to voting that was published in the Austin American-Statesman. To read the article, visit https://tinyurl.com/smrdus87.
Aira Plans for ACB Members
Aira is a service that connects blind and low vision people to highly trained, remotely-located agents. Through an app on your smartphone, Aira delivers instant access to visual information at the touch of a button – enhancing everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Aira offers two special pricing plans for ACB members. The Intro Power Plan includes 30 minutes per month for $20.00, and the Standard Power Plan includes 140 minutes per month for $99.00. These plans are available for ACB members in good standing who sign up through December 31, 2021. Please contact Customer Care at (800) 835-1934 for more information and to confirm your status to purchase a plan.