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
    • IetpShops , Women's Shoes , Nike Air Jordan 13 Retro Basketball Shoes Sneakers , Jimmy Choo 'panelled Luna sneakers Bianco
    • SBD , adidas ba7555 pants sale clearance free , adidas x_plr mens green dress boots for women MX Carbon Release Date
    • nike air bakin for cheap kids boots for teens 2017 DQ7576 - nike elastico superfly cr7 soccer boots shoes , 001 Release Date - SBD
    • IetpShops , Latest Nike Air VaporMax Plus Trainer Glitters & Next Drops , air max 90 Dziecięce Cena od 500 do
    • Air Jordan 12 Indigo x Jordan Brand Fall 2020 Apparel , IetpShops , Air Jordan 1
    • air jordan 1 high og university blue dz5485 400 release date
    • jordan kids shoes jordan 1 retro high white university blue black 575441 134 p4195336
    • Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1 2022 Retail Release Date
    • nike air jordan 4 white cement 2016 retro
    • air jordan 11 cherry holiday 2022
    • Board of Directors
    • Board of Publications
    • Committees & Task Forces
    • History
    • ACB Resolutions
    • Affiliates
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Events
  • Programs & Services
    • ACB Community Events
    • Scholarships
    • Audio Description Project
    • Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
    • ACB Media
    • Convention
    • Membership
  • Resources
    • Jobs
    • ACB Archives
    • Blind / Low Vision Resources
    • Affiliate Resources
    • Peer Support
    • Handbooks / Manuals
    • Products & Services
    • Professional Employment Associations
  • Publications & Media
    • Live Events
    • News
    • Braille Forum
    • Braille Forum Podcast
    • ACB Reports
    • Press Room
    • Videos
  • Support ACB
    • Donate
    • Mini Mall
    • ACB Thrift Stores
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Board of Directors
      • 2001 ACB Board Minutes
        • July 7, 2001, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 20, 2001, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 6, 2001, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 22 & 23, 2001, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2002 ACB Board Minutes
        • April 30, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 17, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JUNE 30, JULY 5, 2002, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 41ST ANNUAL CONVENTION, HOUSTON, TEXAS
        • July 6, 2002, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 29, 2002, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 17, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 25, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 21 & 22, 2002, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2003 ACB Board Minutes
        • April 15, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 11, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 16, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 2, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 5, JULY 11, 2003, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 42nd ANNUAL CONVENTION, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
        • January 16, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 12, 2003, Post Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 5, 2003, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 4, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 25, 2003, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2004 ACB Board Minutes
        • April 1, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • April 22, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • August 11, September 1, October 6 & October 12, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 15 & 16, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 3, JULY 10, 2004, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 43rd ANNUAL CONVENTION, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
        • January 14, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 10, 2004, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 3, 2004, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 22, 2004, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2005 ACB Board Minutes
        • Convention Standing Rules, Adopted July 4, 2005
        • February 14, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 2 - JULY 9, 2005, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 44th ANNUAL CONVENTION, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
        • January 22, & 23, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 2, 2005, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 9, 2005, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • May 11, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 22, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 1 & 2, 2005, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2006 ACB Board Minutes
        • February 20 & 21, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JULY 8 - JULY 15, 2006, GENERAL SESSION RECORD, 45th ANNUAL CONVENTION, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
        • July 15, 2006, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 8, 2006, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 30, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 6, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 6, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 23 & 24, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2007 ACB Board Minutes
        • August 2, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • JUNE 30 – JULY 7, 2007, CONVENTION RECORD, 46th ANNUAL CONVENTION, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
        • January 4, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 7, 2007, Post-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 30, 2007, Pre-Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • March 10 – 11, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • May 23, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 13, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 29, 2007, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2008 ACB Board Minutes
        • Convention Record of the 47th annual Convention of the American Council of the Blind
        • February 8 and 9, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • January 2, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 12, 2008, Post-convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 5, 2008, Pre-convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 4, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 15 - 16, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
        • October 1, 2008, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2009 ACB Board Minutes
        • December 15, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • February 20, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 11, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 4, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • May 21, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 12 - 13, 2009, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2010 ACB Board Minutes
        • December 13,2010 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • February 19, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 10, 2010, Pre-convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • July 17, 2010, Post Convention Board Meeting Minutes
        • June 9, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
        • November 6, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
        • September 22, 2010, Board Meeting Minutes
      • 2011 ACB Board Minutes
        • December 14, 2011 Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • January 11, 2011 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • Mid Year Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • October 1, 2011 Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • Post Convention Meeting of the American Council of the Blind Board of Directors
        • Pre convention Board of Directors Meeting, American Council of the Blind
        • Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors, May 5th 2011
      • 2012 Meeting Minutes
        • December 12, 2012 Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • February 23-24, 2012 Mid Year Board Of Directors Meeting
        • July 14, 2012 Board of Directors Meeting of the American Council of the Blind
        • July 7, 2012 Pre-Convention Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • June 7, 2012 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • May 9, 2012 Teleconference Meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind
        • September 15, 2012 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
      • 2013 Meeting Minutes
        • August 21, 2013 Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • December 17, 2013 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • February 22, 2013 Mid Year ACB Board of Directors Meeting
        • January 3, 2013 Teleconference Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • July 5, 2013 Pre-Convention Board of Directors Meeting
        • Minutes of the American Council of the Blind 2013 Post Convention Board of Directors Meeting
        • October 30, 2013 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • September 28, 2013 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
      • 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • December 8th and 9th, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • February 21, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • January 30, 2014 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • July 12, 2014 Pre-Convention ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • July 19, 2014 Post-Convention ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • June 9, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • November 13, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • October 17 and 18, 2014 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
      • 2015 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • December 3 and 10, 2015 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • February 21, 2015, Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • July 4, 2015 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
        • October 30-31, 2015 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
      • 2016 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
        • AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
        • American Council of the Blind Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • February 27, 2016 Meeting of the ACB Board of Directors
      • 2017 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes Aug 22, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Feb 25, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Jun 30, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Nov 27, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes Oct 27, 2017
      • 2018 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • American Council of the Blind Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Directors Meeting Minutes June 29, 2018
        • Board of Directors Minutes Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2018
        • Board of Directors Minutes Oct. 5-6, 2018
      • 2019 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes August 22, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes Feb. 23, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes July 5, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes Nov 11 and 18, 2019
        • Meeting Minutes: Oct. 18 and 19, 2019
      • 2020 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes Apr 23, 2020
        • Meeting Minutes Feb 22, 2020
        • Meeting Minutes Jan 23, 2020
        • Meeting Minutes Mar 30, 2020
      • 2021 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
      • 2022 ACB Board of Directors Minutes
      • John McCann for ACB Board of Directors
    • Board of Publications
      • 2009 Board of Publications Minutes
        • April 6, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • February 20, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • January 5, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • July 5, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • March 2, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • November 2, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • September 14, 2009, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • 2010 Board of Publications Minutes
        • April 5, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • August 2, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • December 6, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • February 19, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • January 4, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • July 11, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • June 7, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • March 1, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • May 3, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • November 1, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • October 4, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • September 6, 2010, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • 2011 Board of Publications Minutes
        • April 4, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • August 1, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • December 5, 2011, Board of Publications Meeting Minutes October 3, 2011
        • February 25, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • February 7, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • January 3, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • July 10, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • June 6, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • May 2, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • October 3, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
        • September 5, 2011, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 2, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • August 6, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • December 10, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 24, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • February 6, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • January 2, 2012 BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS MEETING MINUTES
        • July 8, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • May 7, 2012 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 1, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • August 13, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • December 2, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 22, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 4, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • January 7, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • May 6, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • November 4, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • October 7, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • September 9, 2013 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 7, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • August 4, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • December 1, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 21, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • January 6, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • July 13, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • June 2, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • November 3, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • October 6, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • September 8, 2014 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • April 6, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • February 2, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • July 5, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • June 1, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • March 2, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • May 4, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • November 9, 2015 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
      • 2016 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes-Apr. 4, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Aug. 2, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Dec. 6, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Feb. 8, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Jan. 4, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-July 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Jun. 6, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Mar. 7, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-May 2, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Nov. 1, 2016
        • BOP Minutes-Oct. 4, 2016
        • Board of Publications Meeting Minutes for September 6, 2016
      • 2017 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • Meeting Minutes for April 4, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for August 1, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for December 5, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for February 7, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for January 3, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for July 1, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for June 6, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for March 7, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for November 7, 2017
        • Meeting Minutes for September 5, 2017
      • 2018 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 30, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Apr. 3, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Aug. 7, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Jan. 9, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 5, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Mar. 7, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - May 1, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Nov. 13, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Oct. 9, 2018
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 4, 2018
      • 2019 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Apr. 2, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Aug. 13, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Dec. 3, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Feb. 5, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Jan. 8, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Jul. 6, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 4, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Mar. 12, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - May 7, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Nov. 5, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Oct. 1, 2019
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 3, 2019
      • 2020 Board of Publications Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Feb 4, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Apr 7, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Aug. 4, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Jan. 7, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Jun. 2, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Mar 3, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - May 5, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Nov 10, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Oct. 6, 2020
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 1, 2020
      • 2021 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Apr 6, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Aug 3, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Feb 2, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Jan 5, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Jun 1, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Mar 2, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - May 4, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Nov. 2, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Oct 12, 2021
        • BOP Minutes - Sept 7, 2021
      • 2022 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes Feb 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Apr 5, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Aug 2, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Dec 6, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Jun 7, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Mar 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - May 3, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Nov 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Nov 1, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Oct 4, 2022
        • BOP Minutes - Sept. 6, 2022
        • Bop Minutes - Jan 4, 2022
      • 2023 BOP Meeting Minutes
        • BOP Minutes - Jan 3, 2023
      • April 14, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • August 4, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • BOP Editorial Policy Manual, 2015
      • Board of Publications Hosts Internet Candidates' Page
      • Board of Publications Minutes
      • Charles Hodge for ACB Board of Publications
      • December 1, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of December 1, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • January 30, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • July 6, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • June 2, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • March 3, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • Marcia Dresser for ACB Board of Publications
      • May 5, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • November 3, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • October 6, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • September 1, 2008, Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Publications
      • Thomas Mitchell for ACB Board of Publications
    • Committees & Task Forces
      • ACB Radio Management Committee
      • ACB Store-Mini Mall Committee
      • Advocacy Services Committee
      • Audio Description Project (ADP) Committee
      • Audio Description Project Task Force
      • Awards Committee
      • Braille Authority of North America
      • Constitution and Bylaws Committee
      • Convention Coordinating Committee
      • Convention Program Committee
      • Credentials Committee
      • Employment Issues Committee
      • Environmental Access Committee
      • Fitness Equipment Equity Task Force
      • Information Access Committee
      • International Relations Committee
      • Investment Committee
      • Leadership Institute Training Committee
      • McDaniel Fund Committee
        • Recipients of the Durward K. McDaniel First Timer and J.P. Morgan Chase Leadership Fellow Awards Speak Out
      • Membership Committee
      • Monthly Monetary Support Committee
      • Multicultural Affairs Committee
      • National Library Service
      • Next Generation Committee
      • Nominating Committee
      • Other Representatives
      • PR Committee downloads
      • Rehabilitation Issues Task Force
      • Resolutions Committee
      • Resource Development Committee
      • Scholarship Grant Committee
      • Sight and Sound Impaired Committee
      • Special Education/Schools for the Blind Task Force
      • Transportation Committee
      • Voting Task Force
      • Women's Concerns Committee
      • World Blind Union Delegates
    • History
    • ACB Resolutions
      • 2009 Resolutions
      • 2010 Resolutions
      • 2011 Resolutions
      • 2012 Resolutions
      • 2013 Resolutions
      • 2014 Resolutions
      • 2015 Resolutions
      • 2016 Resolutions
      • 2017 Resolutions
      • 2018 Resolutions
      • 2019 Resolutions
      • 2020 Resolutions
      • 2021 Resolutions
      • 2022 Resolutions
      • Index
      • Resolution on Full Funding of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
    • Affiliates
      • Special Interest Affiliates
        • ACB Diabetics in Action
        • ACB Families
        • ACB Government Employees
        • ACB Human Service Professionals
        • ACB Next Generation
        • ACB Radio Amateurs
        • ACB Students
        • Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss
        • American Association of Blind Teachers
        • American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys
        • American Council of Blind Lions
        • Blind Information Technology Specialists
        • Blind LGBT Pride International
        • Braille Revival League
        • Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
        • Friends In Art of ACB, Inc.
        • Guide Dog Users, Inc.
        • Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers
        • Library Users of America
        • Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America
        • Visually Impaired Veterans of America
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Events
  • Programs & Services
    • ACB Community Events
      • Recurring Events
      • Weekly Events
    • Scholarships
    • Audio Description Project
    • Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
      • Advocacy
    • ACB Media
    • Convention
    • Membership
  • Resources
    • Jobs
    • ACB Archives
    • Blind / Low Vision Resources
      • Scholarship Program
      • ACB Leadership List Guidelines
      • ACB-Chat List Rules
      • ADA Signage
      • AFB: Be a Better Champion for Specialized Services
      • Banks with Talking ATM Machines
      • Best Practices and Guidelines for Large Print Documents used by the Low Vision Community authored by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International An Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind Arlington, VA
      • Best Practices for Large Print Documents
      • Braille Resources
        • Braille Business Cards
        • Braille Instruction
        • Braille Paper
        • Braille Writer Repair Services
        • Description and History of Braille
        • Producers of Braille Documents
      • Diabetic Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired
      • Filing a Video Description Complaint with the FCC
      • General Resources
      • Guide Dog Resources
      • Homes for the Blind
      • Low Vision Resources
      • Medical Information Resources
      • Microsoft Office Accessibility Resources
      • Music Resources
      • Outreach RE Requesting Alternate Formats From SSA
      • Religious Resources
      • Resources for Older Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
      • Resources for Parents and Teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired Children
      • Resources for Persons with Low Vision
      • Section 904
      • Sports, Recreational and Leisure Resources
      • Where Taxpayers With Disabilities Can Find Online Help from the IRS
      • White Cane Laws for States
    • Affiliate Resources
      • Encouraging Affiliates with Techniques to Reach More Members
      • Exploring How Affiliates Can Reach New Members
      • Fundraising for ACB Activities Including the National Convention
      • Gaining and Maintaining Membership
      • Growing a Great Convention
      • How Can We Complete Our Business During Meetings More Efficiently?
      • How Can We Reactivate Past Members and “Wow” Our Current Members to Retain Them?
      • How to Find Blindness Related Resources and Sharing Them
      • Ideas for Affiliates and Chapters
      • Ideas to Interest Students
      • Involving Youth in ACB
      • Leadership Materials
        • Board Member's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
        • Creating a Media Kit for Your ACB Affiliate or Chapter
        • Simplified Parliamentary Procedure
        • The PSA Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters
        • The Press Release Handbook for ACB Affiliates and Chapters
      • Membership Incentives
      • Networking, Communication and Contact
      • Officer’s and Board Member's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • President's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • Reaching Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors
      • Reaching Out to Your Community to Educate and Inform People About Blindness
      • Secretary's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • Strategies for Enhancing Membership
      • Strategies for Member Renewal and Reactivation
      • Tips for Successful Membership Recruitment and Retention
      • Tips to Retain Members
      • Treasurer's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
      • Vice President's Manual for State and Special Interest Affiliates
    • Peer Support
    • Handbooks / Manuals
      • Are You a Senior Citizen Struggling with Vision Loss?
      • Are You the Parents of A Blind Child?
      • Guide to Successful College Experience
      • Pedestrian Safety
      • Pedestrian Safety Handbook
        • "Modern" Signalized Intersections
        • APS
        • Acknowledgements
        • Advocacy
        • Afterword
        • Appendix A: Letter
        • Appendix B: Template
        • Appendix C: Case Studies
        • Appendix D: Glossary
        • Crossing Where No Traffic Control
        • Drivers’ Yielding Behavior
        • Finding Crosswalk: Part 1
        • Finding Crosswalk: Part 2
        • Finding the Crosswalk
        • Mitch's Message
        • Rights-of-Way Regulations
      • Rehabilitation Issues Task Force Revised Rehabilitation White Paper
      • Whitepaper On Rehabilitation and Training
    • Products & Services
      • Accessible Cards and Gifts
      • Computer Products, Publications, Training, and Information Sources
      • Funding Assistive Technology Resources
      • Magnifying Aids - Low Vision Center
      • Technology, Software, Related Resources
      • Travel Resources
      • Useful Products for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons
    • Professional Employment Associations
  • Publications & Media
    • Live Events
    • News
    • Braille Forum
      • 1997 Issues
        • BF Apr 1997
        • BF Aug 1997
        • BF Dec 1997
        • BF Feb 1997
        • BF Jan 1997
        • BF Jul 1997
        • BF Jun 1997
        • BF Mar 1997
        • BF May 1997
        • BF Nov 1997
        • BF Oct 1997
        • BF Sept 1997
      • 1998 Issues
        • BF Apr 1998
        • BF Aug 1998
        • BF Dec 1998
        • BF Feb 1998
        • BF Jan 1998
        • BF Jul 1998
        • BF Jun 1998
        • BF Mar 1998
        • BF May 1998
        • BF Nov 1998
        • BF Oct1998
        • BF Sept 1998
      • 1999 Issues
        • BF Apr 1999
        • BF Aug 1999
        • BF Dec 1999
        • BF Feb 1999
        • BF Jan 1999
        • BF Jul 1999
        • BF Jun 1999
        • BF Mar 1999
        • BF May 1999
        • BF Nov1999
        • BF Oct 1999
        • BF Sept 1999
      • 2000 Issues
        • BF Apr 2000
        • BF Aug 2000
        • BF Convention 2000
        • BF Dec 2000
        • BF Feb 2000
        • BF Jan 2000
        • BF Jul 2000
        • BF Jun 2000
        • BF Mar 2000
        • BF May 2000
        • BF Nov 2000
        • BF Oct 2000
        • BF Sept 2000
      • 2001 Issues
        • BF Apr 2001
        • BF Aug 2001
        • BF Dec 2001
        • BF Feb 2001
        • BF Jan 2001
        • BF Jul 2001
        • BF Jun 2001
        • BF Mar 2001
        • BF May 2001
        • BF Nov 2001
        • BF Oct 2001
        • BF Sept 2001
      • 2002 Issues
        • BF April 2002
        • BF Feb 2002
        • BF Jan 2002
        • BF Jul-Aug 2002
        • BF Jun 2002
        • BF Mar 2002
        • BF May 2002
        • BF Nov 2002
        • BF Oct 2002
        • BF Sept 2002
      • 2003 Issues
        • BF Apr 2003
        • BF Feb 2003
        • BF July-Aug 2003
        • BF Jun 2003
        • BF Mar 2003
        • BF May 2003
        • BF Nov 2003
        • BF Oct 2003
        • BF Sept 2003
        • BF Winter 2003
      • 2004 Issues
        • BF Apr-May 2004
        • BF Feb 2004
        • BF Jul-Aug 2004
        • BF Jun 2004
        • BF Mar 2004
        • BF Nov 2004
        • BF Sep-Oct 2004
        • BF Winter 2004
      • 2005 Issues
        • BF Apr 2005
        • BF Feb 2005
        • BF Jul-Aug 2005
        • BF Jun 2005
        • BF Mar 2005
        • BF May 2005
        • BF Oct 2005
        • BF Sept 2005
        • BF Winter 2005
        • BF Winter 2006
          • 2006 Convention Preview
          • ACB Scholarships Available to Blind Students
          • Affiliate News
          • Fall Board Meeting Summary
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Hurricane Katrina Check-In
          • IRIS Network
          • John Di Francesco
          • Legislative Seminar
          • Letters to the Editor
          • MMS "Two-for-One" Program
          • Membership Focus
          • Notes on a New Year
          • President's Message
          • Who Do You Admire?
          • Who Is Eligible for Drug Plan Costs?
      • 2006 Issues
        • BF April 2006
        • BF Feb 2006
        • BF Jul-Aug 2006
        • BF Jun 2006
        • BF Mar 2006
        • BF May 2006
        • BF Nov 2006
        • BF Oct 2006
        • BF Sept 2006
      • 2007 Issues
        • BF Apr 2007
        • BF Dec 2007
        • BF Feb 2007
        • BF Jul-Aug 2007
        • BF Jun 2007
        • BF Mar 2007
        • BF May 2007
        • BF Nov 2007
        • BF Oct 2007
        • BF Sept 2007
        • BF Winter 2007
      • 2008 Issues
        • BF Apr 2008
        • BF Aug 2008
        • BF Dec 2008
        • BF Feb 2008
        • BF Jan 2008
        • BF Jul 2008
        • BF Jun 2008
        • BF Mar 2008
        • BF May 2008
        • BF Nov 2008
        • BF Oct 2008
        • BF Sept 2008
      • 2009 Issues
        • BF Apr 2009
        • BF Aug 2009
        • BF Dec 2009
          • Class Action ACB v. SSA
          • President's Message
        • BF Feb 2009
        • BF Jan 2009
        • BF Jul 2009
        • BF Jun 2009
        • BF Mar 2009
        • BF May 2009
        • BF Nov 2009
        • BF Oct 2009
        • BF Sept 2009
      • 2010 Issues
        • BF Apr 2010
        • BF Aug 2010
        • BF Dec 2010
        • BF Feb 2010
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS AWARDS: THIS YEAR IT COULD BE YOU!
          • HERE AND THERE Edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • PASSINGS
          • SECOND ANNUAL ACB WALK by Dan Dillon
          • SPOTLIGHT YOUR AFFILIATE WITH A BOP AWARD!
          • THE MMS PROGRAM MAKES IT EASIER FOR YOU TO HELP ACB by Dena Wilson
          • THE SUNNY SOUTHWEST: ACB CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION 2010 by Carla Ruschival
        • BF Jan 2010
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
          • Here and There
        • BF Jul 2010
        • BF Jun 2010
        • BF Mar 2010
        • BF May 2010
        • BF Nov 2010
        • BF Oct 2010
        • BF Sept 2010
      • 2011 Issues
        • BF Dec 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: Lola Siren
        • The Braille Forum, April 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, February 2011
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
          • YOU CAN SHOP ANYTIME AT THE ACB STORE by Carla Ruschival
        • The Braille Forum, July-August 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, June 2011
          • Affiliate News: Convention Sneak Preview
        • The Braille Forum, March 2011
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, May 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Library Users of America to Host Book Flea Market, by Peggy R. Garrett
        • The Braille Forum, October-November 2011
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, September 2011
          • Affiliate News
        • The Braille Forum, january 2011
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
      • 2012 Issues
        • Affiliate News
        • Here and There edited by Sue Lichtenfels
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, April 2012
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, December 2012
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, February 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, January 2012
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, July-August 2012
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, June 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • BOP with 2012 Candidate's Page
          • HERE AND THERE edited by Sue Lichtenfels
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, March 2012
          • Affiliate News
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, May 2012
        • The Braille Forum, October-November 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
        • The Braille Forum, September 2012
          • AFFILIATE NEWS
          • HERE AND THERE
          • HIGH TECH SWAP SHOP
      • 2013 Issues
        • ACB Braille Forum, February 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • An Update from GDUI
          • DKM First-Timer Program: A Tribute to an ACB Pioneer by Allen J. Casey
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, June 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, March 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, May 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum, September 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum, April 2013
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum, August 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum, July 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum Nov 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum Dec 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum, October 2013
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The Braille Forum, January 2013
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2014 Issues
        • ACB E-Forum, February 2014
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Affiliate News
        • BF January 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Shopping for Health Care: Comparing Hospitals Can Help Consumers Make Good Decisions by Ron Pollack
        • Braille Forum, July 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum, March 2014
          • ACB Braille Forum, March 2014 downloads
          • ACB Leadership Institute 2014
          • ACB's Legislative Priorities for 2014, by Melanie Brunson
          • Affiliate News
          • Board of Publications Awards Your Excellence in 2014
          • Come to Vegas and Hit the Jackpot!
          • Community Outreach Challenge, by Tristen Breitenfeldt
          • Conducting Business with Social Security: What You Should Know and How You Can Help, by Len Burns
          • DKM First-Timer Selection Nears
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • How to Get the Most Out of Rehab, Part III: Available Services, by Doug Powell
          • In Memoriam: Buddy Spivey, Dec. 31, 1941-Jan. 9, 2014
          • Las Vegas: Deal Us In!, by Janet Dickelman
          • Membership Focus: Creative Ways to Meet, Especially in Rural Areas, compiled by Ardis Bazyn
          • President's Message: Be Sure You Are Protected!, by Kim Charlson
          • Summary of the Fall 2013 ACB Board Meeting, by Denise Colley
        • Braille Forum, Sept 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
        • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Snowflakes and Birthday Cake: It’s Holiday Auction Time, by Carla Ruschival
        • The ACB Braille Forum, May 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB Braille Forum, November 2014
        • The ACB Braille Forum, November 2014 downloads
        • The ACB E-Forum, April 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum, August 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Your Options for Medicare Supplemental Coverage by Ron Pollack
        • The ACB E-Forum, December 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum, June 2014
        • The ACB E-Forum, October 2014
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2015 Issues
        • Braille Forum January 2015
          • Accessing the ACB Forum and E-Forum: Let Me Count the Ways, by Judy Wilkinson
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum July 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum March 2015
          • A Telecommuting Job Could Be Just What You Are Looking For, by Dr. Ronald E. Milliman
          • ACB’s Stars Will Shine Bright in Dallas, by Janet Dickelman
          • Acknowledgement
          • Affiliate News
          • Best Audio Holiday Season Ever, by Susan Glass
          • Board of Publications Again Awards Your Excellence in Media and Writing in 2015
          • Call for Nominees for 2015 ACB Awards!, by Chelle Hart & Chip Hailey
          • Come to the Lone Star Loot Auction!
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • Last Call: The DKM Train Is Leaving the Station, by Allen Casey
          • Let the Stars Shine Bright on the ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk, by Donna Brown
          • President’s Message: More on Accessible Prescription Labels, by Kim Charlson
          • Tax Tips from the IRS, by Melanie Brunson
          • The Importance of Grassroots, by Kathy Brockman
        • Braille Forum May 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Convention Week Sneak Preview, by Janet Dickelman
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum November 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum September 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum April 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum August 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum December 2015
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum June 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum October 2015
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
        • E-Forum, February 2015
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2016 Issues
        • BF January 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF July 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF March 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF May 2016
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF November 2016
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • BF September 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF April 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF August 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF December 2016
          • ACB Fall Board Meeting Report, by Ron Brooks
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF February 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF June 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • EF October 2016
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There, edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2017 Issues
        • Affiliate News
        • Braille Forum January 2017
          • Affiliate News
            • Affiliate News
          • Here and There edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum March 2017
          • ACB Commends Access Board on 508 Refresh
          • Affiliate News
          • Awards Committee Seeks Nominees for 2017 ACB Awards
          • Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Durward K. McDaniel Support the DKM FirstTimer Program
          • Easy Fund Raiser for Your Affiliate
          • Helpful Hints for Attending the Convention
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Holiday Auction Thank Yous
          • Ida Schwerzel A Century of Memories Part 2
          • In Memoriam: Otis H. Stephens Jr. Sept. 20, 1936-Dec. 2, 2016
          • Presidents Message Planning for the Future
          • Readers Remembrances of Otis Stephens
          • Spotlight On ACB Students
        • Braille Forum September 2017
        • December 2017
          • Here and There
        • E-Forum June 2017
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Here and There
        • Here and There
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • High Tech Swap Shop
        • November 2017
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • October 2017
        • The ACB Braille Forum July 2017
        • The ACB Braille Forum May 2017
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum April 2017
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum August 2017
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • The ACB E-Forum February 2017
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
      • 2018 Issues
        • ACB Braille Forum Feb 2018
          • ACB E-Forum February 2018 Downloads
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
        • ACB Braille Forum Jan 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB Braille Forum July 2018
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Passings
        • ACB Braille Forum March 2018
          • Affiliate News
        • ACB Braille Forum May 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
        • ACB Braille Forum Nov 2018
        • ACB Braille Forum Sept 2018
        • ACB E-Forum April 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum Aug 2018
          • Here and There
        • ACB E-Forum Dec 2018
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Hot Toys for Holiday Gift-Giving
        • ACB E-Forum June 2018
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
        • ACB E-Forum Oct 2018
      • 2019 Issues
        • ACB E-Forum Aug 2019
        • ACB E-Forum Feb 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • ACB E-Forum Jun 2019
        • Braille Forum Jan 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum July 2019
        • Braille Forum Mar 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • Braille Forum May 2019
          • President’s Message
        • Braille Forum Nov-2019
        • Braille Forum Sept 2019
        • E-Forum Apr 2019
          • High Tech Swap Shop
        • E-Forum Dec 2019
        • E-Forum Oct 2019
          • Rochester Convention Celebrated
      • 2020 Issues
        • BF Jan 2020
          • President’s Message
        • BF July 2020
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Belonging in ACB
          • Commentary
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • How to Access Virtual Convention
          • In Memoriam: Camille Caffarelli
          • Mouse Assisting Inclusive Technology
          • President’s Message: First Virtual Convention
          • Summary of Board of Dir. Meeting, April 23, 2020
          • The ADA at 30
          • The Only Moment
          • Tuesday Topics
        • BF Mar 2020
        • BF May 2020
          • President’s Message
        • BF Nov 2020
          • 2020 Resolutions Summary
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • Honesty
          • In Memoriam: Charlie Crawford
          • Include in Affiliate
          • Lies
          • MMS Future
          • Notice
          • Plans for 2021
          • President’s Message
          • Readers Remember
          • Revision to DKM
        • BF Sept 2020
          • 2020 Awards Winners
          • ACB 2020 Convention Thank-Yous
          • ACB 2020 Virtual Convention: That’s a Wrap!
          • ACB Membership Seminar
          • Here and There
          • Holiday Auction
          • In Memoriam: Berl Lynn Colley
          • Letter to the Editor
          • President’s Message: Finally Baseball!
          • Ski for Light 2021
          • Thank You
          • To Mobility and Beyond
          • Walked Virtual Path to Future
        • EF Apr 2020
        • EF Aug 2020
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Beginning Again
          • Book Review
          • COVID-19 Will Be Beat
          • COVID-19 and Blindness
          • Cavemen
          • Diaphragmatic Breathing
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Kindness of Neighbors
          • Pick a Peck
          • President’s Message
          • Virus or Victim
          • ‘End of Oct.’ Review
        • EF Dec 2020
          • Affiliate News
          • Apply to DKM First-Timers Award
          • BADIE
          • Board Meetings Summary
          • Celebrating CVAA
          • Chaplain’s Corner
          • Flexibility
          • Going Virtual Again
          • Here and There
          • Mini Mall Holiday
          • President’s Message
          • Qualifying for SSD
          • Retaining Members
          • Safe Cooking
          • Senator Markey Celebrates
        • EF Feb 2020
        • EF June 2020
          • ACB Easy Chair Auction
          • ACB –Path to Future
          • Affiliate and Committee News
          • Backyard Wedding
          • Book Review
          • Continuing Education
          • Conventions
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • MMS Going Virtual!
          • Memories of Lynn Hedl
          • Mini Mall Headlines
          • Passings
          • Performing Marriage Ceremonies
          • President’s Message
          • Walking up a Storm
          • Ways to Listen
          • Wine and Song
          • Wine and Song
        • EF Oct 2020
          • ADA Turns 30
          • ADA at Thirty
          • Affiliate News
          • DARE2TRI
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Involving Special-Interest Affiliates
          • Jeanne Sanders
          • Mini Mall Mega News
          • Passings
          • Perseverance in Martial Arts
          • Pre-Convention Board Meeting
          • President’s Message
          • Swimming Blind & Free
          • Triathlon Dare2tri
          • Vision Loss, Therapy, Weightlifting
      • 2021 Issues
        • BF Jan 2021
          • Apply to 2021 ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellow
          • BOP to Award Excellence
          • Become a 2021 Recipient of DKM Award
          • Call for 2021 ACB Awards Nominees
          • Convention Dates
          • Help Revive Braille!
          • Here and There
          • In Memoriam: Larry Turnbull
          • Joys of Learning Braille
          • Mother Was a Braille Transcriber
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • That Stupid School!
        • BF Jul 2021
          • Accessing the Virtual Convention
          • Beyond
          • Continuing Ed
          • Don’t Forget MMS
          • Here and There
          • It’s Not Too Late
          • Learning
          • Let’s Go Fishing!
          • Meeting Summary
          • Mini Mall Minute
          • President’s Message
        • BF Mar 2021
          • Angels Memorial Program
          • Continuing Ed in 2021
          • Expanding Recruiting
          • Guide Dog If Low Vision?
          • Guide Dog Magnified
          • Here and There
          • Low Vision Story Bites
          • President’s Message
          • Summary - Nov 2020 Board Mtg.
          • Two Big Announcements!
          • Welcome to CCLVI
        • BF May 2021
          • Affiliate - Committee News
          • Book Review
          • Continuing Ed
          • Diamond Jubilee Auction
          • Get Moving Together
          • Here and There
          • In Memoriam
          • Mini Mall Headlines
          • President’s Message
          • Registration Q&A
          • Start a Chapter
          • Verizon Media Announces
          • Victor Reader Tip
          • Voting at Convention
          • Welcome New Employees
          • Your Vote Counts
        • BF Nov 2021
          • A Visit
          • Affiliate News
          • Brief Overview
          • Button Box?
          • Fun Facts about Nebraska
          • Greatest Fears
          • Here and There
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Holiday Shopping at Mini Mall
          • Karaoke Helps
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Vision Loss Thoughts
        • BF Sept 2021
          • 2021 Convention
          • Affiliate News
          • Audio Description Achievement Awards
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Isolation to Inspiration
          • President’s Message
          • This Year’s Award Winners
          • Wrapping Up
        • EF Apr 2021
          • 13th Annual ADP Awards
          • 2021 Talking Book Narrator
          • 421 for ‘21
          • A Place at Table
          • Affiliate News
          • Connected in New Mexico
          • Heart of a Legacy
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: Doc Bradley
          • Learning and Leading
          • Man Made Difference 
          • New Members Portal
          • People of Color
          • President’s Message
          • Smoke Signal
          • What Color Is the Dream?
          • What is IDC?
        • EF Aug 2021
          • Affiliate News
          • Blindness in United Arab Emirates
          • Bosnia and Herzegovina
          • Describing Diversity
          • Erasmus
          • Eye on USA
          • Furry Lifesaver
          • Get Moving Together
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • India
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • World Turned Inside Out
        • EF Dec 2021
          • 2021 Resolutions
          • Board Meeting Summaries
          • Christmas Wishes
          • Convention 2022 Preview
          • Here and There
          • Looking
          • Mother of Fundraisers
          • Notice of Proposed Settlement
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Team Up
          • The New Year
        • EF Feb 2021
          • 2020 Convention Info
          • About ADP Website
          • Apply to 2021 Recipient of DKM Award
          • Audio Description Commercials
          • Audio Description Project
          • Audio Description Snobbery
          • Audio Description What it Means
          • Charlie Crawford on Wall of Angels
          • God’s Audio Description
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: James Megivern
          • Paradigm Shift
          • President’s Message
        • EF Jun 2021
          • Affiliate News
          • Continuing Ed News
          • Convention Preview
          • Enjoy the Perks
          • Feb Board Meeting
          • Get Exercise
          • Get Up Get Moving
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Massage
          • Never Give Up
          • President’s Message
          • Review of Spark
          • The New $20
          • The Room
        • EF Oct 2021
          • Accessing Transit Services
          • Affiliate News
          • Here and There
          • Here and There
          • Letter to Dept of Trans
          • Moving Forward
          • Nearly Roadkill
          • On to Omaha
          • President’s Message
          • Reach People
          • Summary July 2021 Board Meeting
          • What About Paratransit?
          • Why Restructure?
      • 2022 Issues
        • BF Jan 2022
          • 10-9-21 Board Mtg Summary
          • ACB Diabetics in Action
          • Announcing 2022 Tours
          • BOP Awards Excellence
          • Blind LGBT Welcomes You
          • Braille Link to Literacy
          • Call for Nominees
          • Call for Nominees
          • Come One, Come All
          • Guide Dog Users
          • Happy New Year
          • IVIE
          • Not Your Father’s …
          • President’s Message
          • Reach Higher
          • Salutes Award Winners
          • Where Impaired Thrive
        • BF Jul 2022
          • Accessing ACB Info
          • Blind student
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Learning Better Leader
          • Passings
          • Pregnant Nun
          • President’s Message
          • Public Transportation
          • Recipes
          • Thank You
          • Tips for Convention
          • Wild Figs
          • Writers reimagine roles
        • BF Mar 2022
          • Affiliate News
          • Board Makes Virtual
          • Boxes
          • Dance with Cancer
          • Gifts of Mentorship
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam: Bill Spoone
          • Learn Hours
          • MMS March Madness
          • Motherhood
          • New Spin
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Removal
          • Time to Plan
          • Walk Here
        • BF May 2022
          • Accessibility for Some
          • Affiliate News
          • Convention Registration
          • Extra, Extra
          • Fix Computer Problems
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Initials Mean More
          • Kindness Taught Me
          • Notice of Proposed Settlement
          • President’s Message: Crisis
          • Volunteer at Omaha
          • Walking Everywhere
        • BF Nov 2022
          • ACBDA President’s Message
          • AIP Task Force
          • Accessibility of Tandem
          • Accessible Insulin Pumps
          • Cruising Experience
          • Describing While Blind
          • Here and There
          • I Remember
          • Join Us
          • Join Us at Auction
          • Land of Lincoln
          • New Lease on Life
          • President’s Message
          • Tune into the Gala
          • Tune into the Gala
          • Unwrapping the Sweetness
        • BF Sept 2022
          • 2022 AD Awards Gala
          • 2022 Convention Wrap-Up
          • ADP 2022 Awards
          • ADP Congratulates
          • Affiliate News
          • Audio Describer
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Notice of Proposed Settlement
          • President’s Message
          • Section 508 AD
          • Smart TV
          • Thank You
        • EF Apr 2022
          • Affiliate News
          • Armenian Connections
          • Blindness Culture
          • Calling Candidates
          • Convention Preview
          • Finding Our Way
          • Grandmother’s Culture
          • Growing Up
          • Hear from You
          • Here and There
          • Hispanic Culture
          • Italian-American
          • Love Letter
          • Media Music
          • Mother’s Story
          • No More Racism
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Seeing Color
          • Six Weeks in Ghana
          • The Cabin
          • Where Voices Gone?
        • EF Aug 2022
          • Affiliate News
          • Entrepreneurship
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • How Virus Got Me
          • President’s Message
          • Respectfully Yours
          • Walk to Omaha
          • Wanted: A Fair Chance
          • Winning Disney
          • Year Filled with Memories
        • EF Dec 2022
          • A Preview
          • Furry Travels
          • Glimpses of Croatia
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • How I’ve Visited
          • International Adventure
          • Passings
          • Posh Gabriel Barcelona
          • President’s Message
          • Velvet Adventure
        • EF Feb 2022
          • Affiliate News
          • Aurora Borealis
          • Best Apps
          • Deadline Approaches 
          • Get on Fast Track
          • Giving Back in CA
          • Had It Wrong?
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Importance of Touch
          • In Memoriam
          • In-Person Plus Virtual
          • New Dependence?
          • Passings
          • Perkins Brailler Turns 70
          • President’s Message
          • Readers’ Memories
          • What Color Is Air?
        • EF Jun 2022
          • 2022 Hybrid Convention
          • 60 ‘Choice’ Years
          • Affiliate News
          • Being Proactive
          • Blind People Won
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • In Memoriam:
          • In-Person Convention Details
          • President’s Message
          • Walking for ACB
        • EF Oct 2022
          • 2022 Convention Summary
          • Affiliate News
          • Amendments
          • Awards Scholarships
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Membership 101
          • President’s Message
          • Raffle Story
          • Sleepless in Omaha
          • Summary 7-1-22 Meeting
          • Summary of 2022 Resolutions
          • Traveling
      • 2023 Issues
        • BF Jan 2023
          • 2022 in Rearview Mirror
          • Affiliate News
          • Announcing 2023 Tours
          • Call for Nominees
          • Embrace Possibilities
          • Here and There
          • Holiday Auction
          • How Can We Bring
          • In Memoriam
          • Passings
          • President’s Message: Humble
          • Summary
        • BF Mar 2023
          • Affiliate News
          • Be It Resolved
          • Call for Nominees
          • Counting Coins
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • I Hate Data
          • In Memoriam
          • Info Desk in 2023
          • Learn
          • Magic of ABLE
          • President’s Message
          • Rachel Schroeder
          • Summer Auction
          • Thirty Years Ago
          • Walking in Schaumburg
          • Wants to Hear from You
          • Woman with Purpose
        • EF Feb 2023
          • 2023 Leadership Conf.
          • ACB Diabetics
          • Affiliate News
          • Artificial Sweeteners
          • Award Excellence
          • Build Membership
          • Convention Changes
          • Here and There
          • High Tech Swap Shop
          • Libre Link
          • Meeting Summary
          • Passings
          • President’s Message
          • Recipe Corner
          • Stimulate Your Potential
      • BF Issues 1990 - 1999
      • BF Issues 2000 - 2009
      • BF Past Issues
      • Berl Colley for ACB Board of Directors
      • Nutshell Report for March 2016
      • Posting Guidelines for Candidates for ACB, State, Special Interest and Local Chapter Offices
    • Braille Forum Podcast
    • ACB Reports
    • Press Room
      • ACB Announces Election of Its First Woman President
      • ACB Applauds FCC on Description Expansion
      • ACB Commends Congress on Introduction of H.R. 3457
      • ACB Commends Delta for Revising Its Service Animal Policy
      • ACB Commends Senate on WIPO Treaty Introduction
      • ACB Commends U.S. House of Representatives for Introducing Legislation to Cover Low Vision Aids under Medicare
      • ACB Condemns Discrimination by Airlines
      • ACB Lauds House for Introduction of Landmark Special Education Legislation
      • ACB Lauds U.S. Congress for Including Accessible Prescription Drug Labeling Language in FDA Bill That Now Moves to the President's Desk
      • ACB Praises U.S. House of Representatives for Reintroducing Legislation
      • ACB Reaches Agreement with DC Taxi Companies to Enhance Accessibility of Street-Hail Service
      • ACB Response to Berkeley Webcasts Removal
      • ACB Welcomes Reintroduction of Medicare Demonstration Bill
      • AMC Theaters Agrees to Improve Services for Blind Movie-Goers
      • American Cancer Society’s New Website Designed for Enhanced Accessibility
      • American Council of the Blind Denounces the Introduction of Amazon’s Inaccessible Kindle Fire
      • CVS/pharmacy Now Offers “Talking” Prescription Labels for Individuals with Vision Impairments Through its Online Pharmacy
      • Cisco Collaborates on Phones with American Council of the Blind
      • Eatsa Agrees to Make its Cutting-Edge Technology Accessible to Blind Customers
      • Eatsa, Restaurant of the Future, Excludes Blind Customers
      • Eric Bridges Appointed Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind
      • Further Currency Delays Raise Concerns
      • Guide Dog Users, Inc. Announces Position Statement on the Misrepresentation of Service Animals
      • Healthy Foods and Drinks Coming to Government Workplaces
      • Humana Offers Talking Prescription Labels for Members with Visual Impairments
      • National Parks in California Will Become More Accessible to The Blind or Visually Impaired
      • Nationwide Class Action Challenges Hulu’s Discrimination against Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals
      • USBLN and the American Council of the Blind form partnership
      • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Audio Described Tour
      • Walgreens Launches Nationwide Program Offering Talking Prescription Devices for Customers with Visual Impairments
    • Videos
  • Support ACB
    • Donate
    • Mini Mall
    • ACB Thrift Stores
  • Contact
  1. Home
  2. About Us
  3. Board of Directors
  4. 2013 Meeting Minutes
  5. February 22, 2013 Mid Year ACB Board of Directors Meeting

February 22, 2013 Mid Year ACB Board of Directors Meeting

The 2013 Mid Year Board of Directors meeting, held at the Holiday Inn National Airport Hotel in Arlington, VA, was called to order on February 22, 2013 at 9:10 a.m.  All board members, with the exception of Chris Gray, who was delayed due to weather, were present at the call of the roll; these included:  Mitch Pomerantz, Kim Charlson, Brenda Dillon, Marlaina Lieberg, Carla Ruschival, Ray Campbell, Berl Colley, Sarah Conrad, Janet Dickelman, Michael Garrett, George Holliday, John McCann, Allan Peterson, Dan Spoone, Jeff Thom and Paul Edwards.  Staff present were Melanie Brunson, Lane Waters, Eric Bridges and Francine Patterson. 
 
After a review of the agenda by Pomerantz, Brunson added an item to charter the ACB Teachers affiliate under their new name of American Association of Blind Teachers.  Lieberg moved adoption of the agenda, Campbell seconded  and that motion carried.
 
Edwards moved approval of the December 5, 2012 and January 3, 2013 teleconference Board meeting minutes; Colley seconded and that motion carried.

President's Report, Mitch Pomerantz.

  1. Tom Tobin is working under contract with ACB to assist us with fundraising efforts.. 
  2. Pomerantz announced that we have our second appointed member to the ACB Advisory Board, Dr. Lloyd T. Bowser.  Pomerantz reminded those present that we are seeking persons to serve on this board who will make a major commitment to ACB by sharing their expertise, contacts and possibly providing financial support to ACB.
  3. The FDA's Prescription Drug Labeling Advisory Committee has met twice; Pomerantz represents ACB on that Committee.
  4. Pomerantz attended the 2013 Sage Brush RSVA conference.  There are serious concerns regarding alleged bias toward the NFB on the part of the Rehabilitation Services Administration.  ACB sent a strongly worded letter to the Acting Commissioner of RSA.  Pomerantz reported that he encouraged vendors who feel they are experiencing this bias to complain strongly.
  5. Rebecca Bond has been newly appointed as the Director of the Disability Rights Division of the US Department of Justice.  Bridges reported that his understanding is that she is a very gifted attorney who is very interested in disability issues.  She has had dealings with housing issues in the past, but it is unclear as to the exact nature of her experience with disability issues.  Lieberg moved acceptance of this report, McCann seconded and that motion carried.

Staff Reports, Melanie Brunson

  • Brunson reported on the ongoing copyright meetings in Geneva, from which she recently returned.  She expressed that talks continue to move forward.
  • Google donated $10,000 to ACB to support ACB's  day-to-day accessible technology work, and to sponsor the Mid Year Board meeting and related meetings.  Other sponsors included Vanda Pharmaceuticals.  Google intends to sponsor the ACB Convention for 2013 at the Emerald level.
  • Bridges reported that the House held a meeting last week regarding charitable deductions as they relate to the vehicle donation program; ACB will be submitting comments.   ridges also reported on recent meetings he and Brian Charlson had with Microsoft staff at the Microsoft campus.

Lane Waters next gave the Brooklyn Center, MN staff report. 

Nancy Becker is the MN office expert on Donor Perfect.  The affiliate member management system is underway, and Waters thanked Campbell, McCann and Jerry Barrier of MA for their assistance. 

  • The 2013 audit will begin during the first week in April. 
  • There was much discussion and many good words about the implementation of the new ACB Membership Database.  Waters thanked Donna Pomerantz, Carla Ruschival and Kim Charlson among others for their hard work.  Pomerantz thanked Waters and the committee for their outstanding work.  Lieberg moved acceptance of this report; Holliday seconded and that motion carried.

Treasurer's Report, Carla Ruschival.

Total support and revenue as of  January 31, 2013 total revenue $56,380
Total expenses $89,355 with a deficit from operations of $32,975.
Edwards moved acceptance, Colley seconded and that motion carried.

Investment Committee Report, Carla Ruschival

As of January 31, 2013:  $1,003,315.74, ACB Endowed Account
$1,324,886.78 ACB Reserves
$2,477.67, Short Term cash Account.
Edwards moved and Dickelman seconded acceptance of this report, and that motion carried.

ACB Strategic Plan,

  • Goal Group 1, Carla Ruschival.  Ruschival reported  that work on the website continues.  ACB Radio has a new look and new website.  The group is working with the BOP to improve ACB's social media presence. 
  • Goal 2, Dan Spoone.  Donor Perfect has been installed and is up and running.  ACB's website has been updated, and it is now easier to donate online.  Spoone asked for Board members to recommend names for the ACB Advisory Council.  The group is working to map email addresses and individuals, as well as to develop a strategic plan for fundraising. 
  • Goal 3, Kim Charlson.  In September, a new Board member orientation dinner was held.  The group requests of committee chairs to be cognizant of the time committee meetings are scheduled to enable staff to do the work they need to do and depart, since many of these calls are held in the evening.  Charlson requests that this topic be discussed in July when all committee chairs meet.  A new phone system has been implemented which costs half as much as the previous system.  Accrual of comp time, and the process of performance reviews are being examined.  The toll free number is now answered throughout the business day. 
  • Goal 4, Paul Edwards.  The "about us" section of the ACB website has been updated; this group will work closely with group 1 vis-a-vis a marketing plan for ACB.  Edwards scheduled a meeting of Goal 4 for March 5, 2013.

Gray moved and Campbell seconded acceptance of this item, and that motion carried.

Resource Development Committee, Dan Dillon and Berl Colley

  • The committee is working closely with Tom Tobin.  Tobin participated on the last RDC conference call.
  • Trivia night events are slowly growing. 
  • Donation boxes have been distributed in Orlando, and will soon be distributed in Nashville. 
  • The committee will be researching an organization allowing donations via cell phone. 
  • Research is beginning regarding conducting a national fundraising attempt using a national chain such as Regal Theaters.
  • Work continues on the MMS campaign.  
  • Gray moved and Lieberg seconded that the board authorize the RDc to develop a proposal whose purpose would be to provide assistance to those affiliates who may need seed money to carry out RDC sponsored projects.  After much discussion, this motion was withdrawn and RDC will revisit this issue at the Pre Convention board meeting.  The Board encouraged the RDC to provide more guidance to individual affiliates.  Gray move and Campbell seconded acceptance of this report and that motion carried.

Board of Publications Report, Paul Edwards.

The BOP continues to meet monthly.  They are looking at the ACB Braille Forum, to ensure that it is readable by people with low vision and follows the best practices for developing materials in large print as proposed by CCLVI. 

  • A letter has been developed which will be sent to Facebook, requesting that the current Facebook page be removed, enabling ACB to establish its actual Facebook page.  Additionally, the number and quality of twitter posts is being reviewed, and the BOP will make presentation at the pre convention board meeting.  Lieberg moved and McCann seconded acceptance of this report and that motion carried.

Possible convention sites for 2015, Janet Dickelman.

Colley moved and McCann seconded that the 2015 ACB Conference and Convention be held at the Sheraton Dallas and in 2016, at the Jacksonville Hyatt.   Ruschival moved and Gray seconded this motion be divided to consider the Dallas bid then the Jacksonville question, that motion carried.  The maker and seconder of the original motion accepted an amendment to their motion stating that Dallas would be the first choice for 2015, with Jacksonville second and Birmingham third.  This motion carried.  Ruschival moved that discussion of the 2016 site be referred back to the Convention Committee for further details.  Tom Seconded and that motion carried.

Holliday moved and Lieberg seconded acceptance of this report and the motion carried.

ACB 2013 Fall Board Meeting, Janet Dickelman. 

The dates September 20 and 27th, 2013, are the most workable for Board members.  Dickelman will get back with the Board with a confirmed date.

NABT name change, Melanie Brunson.

NABT, our teachers' affiliate, wishes to change its name to the American Association of Blind Teachers, and requests a charter under that name.  Edwards moved and Gray seconded, that this charter be granted and that motion carried.

ACB Store Committee, Carla Ruschival.

The Committee prepared a report with recommendations regarding Store matters.  A copy of that report is attached to these minutes.  Edwards moved approval of these recommendations, Colley seconded and that motion carried.

Officer Liaison Reports, all officers. 

All committees are hard at work and are developing their summer conference and convention programs.
 
Ruschival moved and Spoone seconded approval of a recommendation from the MMS Committee be to provide the information of the names of individuals contributing to their affiliates through the MMS program to the affiliate president or designee, for the purpose of providing thank you acknowledgments.  Since the voice vote was not clear, a roll call vote was conducted.  Voting in favor of this motion were:  Charlson, Ruschival, McCann, and Spoone.  Voting in opposition were:  Dillon, Lieberg, Gray, Colley, Conrad, Dickelman, Garrett, Holliday, Peterson and Thom.
 
Gray moved that the board ratify the concept that individuals who have or will sign up for the MMS program have the right to opt in to being identified to their state affiliate president or designee, Ruschival seconded and that motion carried. 
 
A motion to adjourn was made and seconded by many at 5:30 PM.
 
Marlaina Lieberg
Secretary
 
Attachment:  ACB Store Committee Report
 
Submitted:  June 20, 2013
 
Approved:  July 5, 2013


 

Future of the ACB Store

Recommendations from the ACB Store Committee
 
February 22, 2013
 
The ACB Store has now been in existence for about ten years.  During that time, most sales and interest have come during ACB national conventions.  On-line sales have, for the most part, been few, and maintenance of a fresh and exciting store site as part of the ACB web presence has been troublesome at best.  Currently, the ACB Store web pages are nonfunctional.  Customers can see products and review descriptions, but inventory counts, shipping calculation, and credit card processing do not work properly.
 
Inventory has also been a problem for ACB.  When ACB purchases products for resale, it is usually necessary to buy more of an item than can be sold quickly and in a short period of time.  Products end up needing to be stored, shipped to future convention sites etc.  - all of which result in more cost to ACB.  Packaging and shipping of items from ACB offices take staff time and add yet more overhead to store items.  It has in some cases taken years to get rid of old inventory - a huge loss to ACB.
 
The ACB Store Committee makes the following recommendations which not only build on some past experiences, but also will hopefully breathe new life into the store.
 
1.  The ACB Treasures Cafépress Shop is stocked with merchandise and is ready to link to the ACB website.
 
The ACB Treasures line of products was introduced at the 2012 ACB Conference and Convention in Louisville.  It consisted of new ACB logo merchandise and new convention-related designs.  Examples of the new products include beer steins, coffee mugs, magnets, shot glasses, Thermos bottles and sippy cups, baseball jerseys, iPhone cases, and doggie T-shirts.  The products were well-received, and excitement was high at the ACB store booth.
 
Work on the Caféress shop has continued.  We have learned much about best practices for image creation and shop organization.
 
The positives of continuing and expanding the Caféress site include:
 
a.  Caféress offers over 250 different products, all of which can be modified countless times to create an endless array of products.  Examples include baby and kids' clothing, pet products, license plates and car magnets, wall clocks, serving platters, candleholders and coasters, plush toys, jewelry, keepsake boxes, bags and totes, and much much more.  There is a seemingly-endless variety of T-shirts, sweats and hoodies, golf shirts and polos - even PJ's - for men and women.  ACB could never, without an incredibly large investment of cash, offer even a fraction of the products available through Caféress.
 
b.  The back office software is incredibly accessible, both with screen-enlargement and screen-reader software.  All store maintenance can be handled by a totally blind person with the exception of image creation and placement of images on products.
 
c.  Product lines can be created in advance and stored for later use.  A line of Christmas products currently exists on the site, hidden from the customer.  These products can be quickly moved into view at the beginning of the holiday season.
 
d.  Products can be customized with the customer's name, saying, or other special request.  ACB has total control over this process, thus preventing the appearance of inappropriate wording on an ACB product.
 
e.  No inventory need be purchased up front, nor do we need to handle the products at all.  Items are created and shipped directly to the customer by Caféress on an as-needed basis.
 
f.  Caféress customer service is very good.  They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all products.
 
g.  We can choose to allow our designs to be sold through the Caféress Marketplace; this may not generate many sales, but it will give ACB exposure to a much wider audience.  We can also allow our shop to be crawled by search engines - a huge positive for ACB.
 
h.  Caféress customers may select a variety of shipping options, and discounted shipping is available for purchases of multiple items.  Shipping is shown at time of purchase.
 
i.  ACB can order products from our shop for the store booth at convention.  Samples can be obtained and returned for credit if they do not sell.  Orders from customers can be placed directly from the store booth for delivery to the individual's home; all credit-card processing goes through the shop rather than through ACB.
 
j.  Annual cost to maintain the ACB Treasures shop site, as charged by Caféress, is under $60 annually.
 
Less-than-positive considerations include:
 
a.  Colors and fonts can be customized for the entire shop, but they cannot be modified by the customer.
 
b.  The shopping cart cannot be integrated into a cart from another site; all purchases must be processed through the Caféress cart.
 
c.  Customers who do not wish to pay by credit card cannot purchase directly from the Caféress store.  Customers wishing to pay by check will need to order from ACB via phone.  These orders will be processed when payment clears the bank.
 
d.  Vision is needed for image creation and proper placement of images on products.  This can slow the development of new product lines, and could create a bottleneck in the creation of customized items.
 
e.  Items are more expensive because they are created at time of purchase.  However, if ACB actually charged our true cost for products we have acquired in the past, given our low sales volume, long-range storage costs, and repeated shipping charges, our prices would be far higher than those in the Caféress shop.
 
You are encouraged to visit the ACB Treasures shop at www.cafepress.com/acbtreasures.  Please remember that color and font modifications are yet to be completed.
 
In consideration of all of the above points, the ACB Store Committee recommends moving ahead with the Caféress shop and placing a link to it on the ACB Store web page.
 
2.  The ACB Amazon Web Store is stocked with our current inventory, including items we have on hand in Minnesota and those we have fulfilled by our partners (such as Audible Darts, Talking Thermostats etc.).
 
Over the years, ACB has had a range of issues with its on-line store pages.  Inaccurate inventory counts across variations of a product, problems with shipping calculation, issues with adding/modifying/deleting products in a timely manner, inability to automate store sales or specials - these and many other problems have plagued the website.
 
The Caféress shop discussed above cannot accommodate products other than those sold by Caféress.  If ACB is going to continue to offer specialized products such as Talking Thermostats, Sudoku Touch, canes, and Audible Darts, or other items such as People of Vision or commemorative conference and convention pins, another solution must be found, and that solution is the Amazon webstore.  It can handle products currently in ACB's inventory, as well as products we may wish to purchase for sale in the future.
 
Our evaluation and testing of the functionality of the Amazon webstore has revealed the following positive findings:
a.  All Amazon functionality, such as shopping cart, shipping calculation, and inventory control are provided by Amazon and already incorporated into the website.
 
b.  Products can be added, modified, and deleted with relative ease.
 
c.  ACB can choose to handle its own inventory or ship inventory to Amazon for fulfillment through their FBA program.  Because of Amazon's huge volume, they can offer deeply-discounted shipping rates, fast turn-around, and excellent customer service to their FBA partners.  Use of FBA could eventually get ACB completely out of the fulfillment business, relieving our staff and/or volunteers of this responsibility.
 
d.  A host of widgets can be added or deleted from the site by ACB, as desired.  This gives incredible flexibility to the site, and allows for future growth.
 
e.  Products that have UPC codes or ISBN numbers may be sold through the Amazon Marketplace via the ACB webstore, thus greatly increasing the potential customer base.  Products that are fulfilled by Amazon receive preferential treatment in searches by potential buyers, thus increasing our visibility even more.
 
f.  We can allow our store to be crawled by search engines - a huge positive for ACB.
 
g.  Cost of maintaining a presence on Amazon is approximately $600 per year, plus FBA charges for products stored and shipped by Amazon.  These charges are already included in the store budget for this year, as they replace staff and contractor time, supplies, and other anticipated in-house overhead costs.
 
Less-than-positive issues related to the Amazon webstore include:
 
a.  Colors and fonts can be customized for the entire store, but they cannot be modified by the customer.
 
b.  Customers who do not wish to pay by credit card cannot purchase directly from the Amazon store.  Customers wishing to pay by check will need to order via phone.  Orders will be processed when payment clears the bank.
 
c.  The back office of the Amazon store is not as accessible as the Caféress site.  Many of the controls are accessible to screen readers, but some functions are not.  Vision is needed to complete some store tasks.
 
Despite the drawbacks cited above, the ACB Store Committee recommends that the ACB AMAZON Webstore be linked to the ACB Store page on our website.
 
3.  An ACB Store Catalog containing both our current inventory and ACB Treasures merchandise has been created and is attached for your review.  People who do not have access to a computer or who do not have the skills to use the on-line shops may receive this catalog in braille, audio CD, large print, or by data file.  Catalogs will be produced on an as-needed basis by the Store Committee; no additional money is needed to cover production. Audio, braille, and electronic versions are now available; the large print edition is currently being formatted.
 
As stated in the catalog, products may be added or discontinued, and prices may change, without notice.  Items may be added to the on-line sites in advance of appearing in a catalog update.  Because catalogs will not be produced in quantity, revisions and updates can be made frequently without great cost to ACB.
 
4.  The ACB Store Committee recommends that the ACB Store page on our website become the ACB Mini Mall.  Just as the customer in a physical mall has choices of several shops and stores, maintained by different entities, so the shopper who visits the ACB Mini Mall will have choices.  This concept, if successful, could allow us to "rent" space to affiliates, companies, and/or individuals who may wish to promote their products through the ACB Mini Mall pages.  It could, in essence, be a virtual year-round exhibit hall, open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
 
5.  Links to Maxi-Aids and Independent Living Aids are currently being evaluated by the Committee.  These links have been virtually nonproductive over the past two years.  Affiliate relationships with these companies will be updated to reflect the new mall concept.  The committee is also seeking to build affiliate relationships with other companies, so as to offer quick access to blindness and low vision products through our pages.  Such affiliate arrangements will be restricted to links that provide tracking of customer activity so that ACB will receive a percentage of sales resulting from the use of the links.  Affiliate arrangements producing no revenue for ACB after a predetermined period of time will be dropped UNLESS the affiliate partner wishes to treat the link as paid advertising.
 
6.  Amazon Associates links, similar to those found on the Audio Description website, should be placed on selected pages throughout the ACB and ACB Radio websites to generate additional income for ACB.  In addition, links promoting specific products in the ACB Treasures Shop and ACB Amazon Webstore should appear on appropriate pages.  Such links should be kept to a minimum and should be carefully chosen to tastefully reflect and enhance the content of each page on which they appear.
 
Examples of such links might include:
 
*   Amazon Associate links on ACB Radio pages offering deals on earbuds, MP: players, computer storage cards, or batteries, and a link to the ACB Treasures Shop promoting a cool ACB Radio T-shirt.
 
*   A page with content about the international copyright treaty might include a link to ACB Treasures offering a mug promoting braille literacy.
 
*   A conference and convention page with information about air and ground transportation in the upcoming conference city could have a link to the ACB Amazon webstore showing our ACB backpack and an Amazon Associates link to a suitcase on wheels.
 
Such links should not appear on all pages, but only on those where they can be tastefully added and where they relate to the content.  They must be unobtrusive and not interfere with the page content.
 
The ACB Store Committee asks the ACB Board for permission to test this concept.  Up to ten specific products, to be linked through the Amazon Associates program, and up to ten ACB Treasures or ACB Amazon Webstore products will be identified for placement on specific content pages on the ACB website.  These recommendations will then be forwarded to the BOP for its review, and then to the Website Task Force for implementation.  It should be noted that the code for Amazon Associate links, including accompanying images, is supplied by Amazon; links to the ACB Treasures Shop and the Amazon Webstore would be generated by our web administrator, and would be basic code similar to that needed for linking to any other page. 
 
Thank you for considering these proposals.  While these ideas may not generate great sums of cash for ACB, we believe they will greatly enhance our visibility, both among our own members and the public.  Because of their relative low cost, and since they more than offset dollars already in the budget, we will be obtaining a great deal of exposure for a small outlay of funds.  This then becomes free advertising for ACB - a win-win for all concerned.

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 [email protected]

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

  • ACB Community Events
  • Scholarships
  • Audio Description Project
  • Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
  • ACB Media
  • Convention
  • Membership

Publications & Media

  • Live Events
  • News
  • Braille Forum
  • Braille Forum Podcast
  • ACB Reports
  • 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 © 2023 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.
  • Powered by Azure

Privacy Notice