The American Council of the Blind believes that every human deserves dignity and respect. During these times when our voices seem sequestered by the weight of social distance, we loudly affirm our core values, echoing the collective voice of like-minded organizations who labor daily to dismantle the structural barriers that stand in the way of equal opportunity and full inclusion in our society. Our hearts cry out in pain for the family of George Floyd and for all those victims of social and racial injustice. ACB calls upon our leaders to exercise peace and justice in a manner that embraces our mutual connectedness and lifts up the voices of those silenced by the systemic barriers rooted in historic and blatant prejudice. ACB was founded on the democratic principle that every individual deserves to have a voice. Taking our core values to heart, let us learn from these challenging times so that we may become stronger as a nation. ACB’s Core Values Are: Integrity & Honesty — That we may have justice for all; Respect — That we may all be treated equal; Collaboration — That we may work together where ever we may stand; Flexibility — That we are willing to change for the common good; Initiative — That we not give up, no matter how difficult the obstacles ahead may be. Let us all be a voice for equality, and in the spirit of disability rights advocate Justin Dart, may we all “Lead on."

The American Council of the Blind is proud to partner with Aira to make visual interpreting services available to more people. To encourage ACB members to try their service, Aira is extending special ACB Membership pricing from June 1 through December 31, 2020. Aira Plans for ACB Members: ACB Member Intro Plan Minutes: 30 per month Price: $20.00 per month Plan Share: no additional users  ACB Member Enhanced Plan Minutes: 140 per month Price: $99.99 per month  Plan Share: up to two additional users  Plans are only available through the Aira Customer Care Team. To qualify for these plans, one must be a member in good standing of the American Council of the Blind or its affiliates or chapters for the current membership year. Membership will be verified through the Aira Customer Care Team.  Aira provides visual information through their smartphone app and trained agents, 24/7, 365 days per year. Agents are screened and adhere to strict security protocols. The app uses the camera of your smartphone plus GPS and other powerful tools to give you the visual information you need, on your terms. To learn more about Aira, visit their website at www.aira.io or call their Customer Care Team at 1 (800) 835-1934.

For Immediate Release  Lawsuit Filed May 22, 2020 in Federal Court – Full Complaint  May 22, 2020 – New York, NY – Today, a coalition of disability organizations filed a lawsuit against the New York State Board of Elections (“NYS BOE”) for excluding New Yorkers with disabilities as their Absentee Voting program expanded in response to COVID-19. The lawsuit charges the state agency with discrimination against voters who are unable to independently and privately mark a paper ballot due to print disabilities, including blindness and low vision, or physical disabilities such as paralysis, dystonia, and tremors. All New Yorkers deserve to vote safely and independently, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.  The lawsuit and preliminary injunction were filed by a coalition of groups including, Disability Rights New York, the American Council of the Blind—New York, Inc., Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, National Federation of the Blind of New York State, Inc., and several New York voters with disabilities, including Rasheta Bunting, Karen Gourgey, Keith Gurgui, and Jose Hernandez. The National Federation of the Blind of New York is represented by Eve L. Hill Brown Goldstein & Levy LLP. The American Council of the Blind—New York, Inc. and Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York are represented by Disability Rights Advocates, a national nonprofit legal center.  New York’s Governor Cuomo responded to the threat of COVID-19 on voters by expanding the Absentee Voting program to allow all voters in New York State to request an absentee ballot for the June 2020 Primary Election. This program requires voters to fill out a paper ballot and return the ballot by mail, providing no alternatives to accommodate individuals with disabilities who are unable to independently and privately read and mark a paper ballot from home. New York’s absentee voting program forces individuals with disabilities to choose between their health and their right to vote privately and independently from home.  The plaintiff organizations have repeatedly informed the New York State Board of Elections about the inaccessibility of paper ballots, to no avail. New York offers military and overseas voters the option to receive an email ballot. Voters with disabilities could easily mark such a ballot electronically, increasing their privacy and independence in time for the June 2020 elections, but the Board of Elections has refused to offer this option to voters with disabilities.  New York’s Absentee Voting program can be made accessible, as Maryland, New Mexico, Colorado, Oregon, Ohio, and West Virginia have done. Defendants are aware of the need for accessibility and the availability of accessible solutions, including a free offering from the state of Maryland, and have refused to implement reasonable modifications to the program.  “Lack of accessibility in voting has existed for decades. The time to fix it has long passed. This is just one more example of our clients, friends and family members being systematically disenfranchised from another fundamental part of life.” said Timothy A. Clune, Executive Director of DRNY  "Voting is more important than ever for people with disabilities,” said Susan Dooha, CIDNY’s Executive Director. “New York State needs to step up to the plate to offer a tried and true solution to inaccessible paper ballots. We are about to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. What better way to celebrate than to enfranchise hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers with disabilities?"  “The New York State Board of Elections has a history of using outdated technology to discriminate against voters with disabilities, and it has to stop; pencil and paper aren’t good enough anymore.” said Christina Brandt-Young, Managing Attorney for Disability Rights Advocates  “Just as all other New York residents have the right to vote via absentee ballot, the state must provide an accessible voting method that blind residents may use remotely,” states Dan Spoone, President of the ACB, headquartered in Alexandria, VA. “No voter in the United States, whether blind, or otherwise, should be compelled to reveal their vote when technology exists to enable them to complete all aspects of the voting process privately and independently.”  “The National Federation of the Blind has fought successfully for blind and deafblind voters for decades – including for accessible absentee voting in Maryland– and this advocacy is more urgent during this pandemic,” said Mike Robinson, president of the National Federation of the Blind of New York. “The nation’s blind will not tolerate being treated as second-class citizens here or anywhere else.”  This lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Rather than monetary damages, plaintiffs seek reform to the systems and practices that discriminate against voters with disabilities in time for the June 2020 elections.  Contacts  Disability Rights New York: Katrin Haldeman, [email protected], 518-512-4929  American Council of the Blind: Clark Rachfal, [email protected], 202-467-5081  Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York: Jeff Peters, [email protected], 646-442-4154  Disability Rights Advocates: Christina Brandt-Young, [email protected], 212-644-8644  National Federation of the Blind: Chris Danielsen, [email protected], 410-262-1281  About American Council of the Blind (ACB): The American Council of the Blind is a national grassroots consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. With 70 affiliates, ACB strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. Learn more by visiting www.acb.org.  About Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY): The Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY’s goal is to ensure full integration, independence, and equal opportunity for all people with disabilities by removing barriers to the social, economic, cultural, and civic life of the community. Learn more about our work at www.cidny.org.  About Disability Rights Advocates (DRA): Disability Rights Advocates is a leading national nonprofit disability rights legal center. Its mission is to advance equal rights and opportunity for people with all types of disabilities nationwide. DRA has a long history of enforcing the rights of voters with disabilities, including their rights to accessible voting machines, polling places, and online voter registration. Visit www.dralegal.org.  About Disability Rights New York (DRNY): DRNY is the designated independent non-profit Protection & Advocacy System empowered by Congress to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and provide legal and non-legal advocacy services to people with disabilities in New York State. The Protection & Advocacy System was created by Congress as a direct result of the horrific conditions that were uncovered in the 1970's at New York’s Willowbrook State School. DRNY is supported at tax payer expense by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, The Administration for Community Living; Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration; U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration; and, the Social Security Administration. This press release does not represent the views, positions or policies of, or the endorsements by, any of these federal agencies. Visit www.drny.org.  About National Federation of the Blind (NFB): The National Federation of the Blind, headquartered in Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at www.nfb.org. 

Congratulations to the 2020 ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows award winners! The ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows awards program annually recognizes five ACB members who have demonstrated leadership abilities. This year's award recipients are Regina Brink from Sacramento, CA, Sajja Koirala from Honolulu, HI, Meryl Shecter from Windsor Mill, MD, 
Koni Sims from Sioux Falls, SD, and Wanda Williford from Trenton, NJ. They will be honored this year during the virtual ACB Conference and Convention and also be able to participate in special leadership development sessions. Recipients will also get free access to the 2021 ACB Conference and Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.  Tremendous thanks to the DKM First-Timers Committee for all their hard work interviewing the numerous candidates and helping to select the recipients. 2020 ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows: Regina Brink Regina M. Brink of Sacramento, California obtained two B.A. degrees from California State University at Fullerton in Sociology and Ethnic Studies. Her work following college included employment as a counselor at Head Start and WIC. She also worked as a Program Coordinator for the Society for the Blind, as well as served as the chairperson for three years of the Parent Policy Council, an administrative board over the 7 county Head Start programs in Sacramento. She was recently elected president of the local ACB Capital Chapter of California Council of the Blind. Regina is currently a member of the Art Access Committee for the Crocker Art museum and helped them develop their Touch tours and offer disability awareness workshops for their docents. Regina has appeared in about 10 productions with her local Sacramento community theater productions, including the Short Repertory Theater, Ovation Stage, and California Stage. She is currently working as a workshop facilitator for the local adult program for developmentally disabled actors and recently directed a theater production with an all-blind cast, performed for blind and sighted audiences. Sajja Koirala Sajja Koirala of Honolulu, Hawaii holds a bachelor’s in psychology, a master’s in social work, a certificate in women’s studies, and a graduate certificate in disability studies. She is currently pursuing a PhD in communication and information sciences at the University of Hawaii. Her research interest includes media accessibility and audio description. Sajja has been working as a research assistant on the UniDescription Project since 2017, and has played an instrumental role in audio-describing the brochures of around 100 US national parks. She has been an active member of the Hawaii Association of the Blind (HAB) for the past 9 years, where she serves as the chairperson of the contact committee, and regularly participates in various community activities organized by HAB. Sajja has worked as a student writer for her college’s student publication, and is a former radio talk show host. She has volunteered for the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii, and at Helping Hands Hawaii, where she worked closely with people with various disabilities. Sajja also mentors younger members who are new to the organization, as well as actively participating in advocacy efforts in support of all people with disabilities. Meryl Shecter Meryl Ann Shecter of Windsor Mill, Maryland is a retired government employee with service extending to the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration. She speaks 5 languages (English, Spanish, French, Hebrew and Yiddish). Her degrees include a bachelor’s in Spanish and French from Adelphi University, Garden City Long Island, New York and a master’s in Spanish from Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. She also studied accounting at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Meryl currently holds the office of vice president of the American Council of the Blind of Maryland (ACBM), and she serves as chair of the membership committee for her chapter, Central Maryland Council of the Blind (CMCB), along with recent service as vice chair of the legislative committee. Other service areas include serving on the Special Projects Committee for the State of Maryland, serving as a Baltimore County Election Judge (assisting those who are blind, disabled and elderly, wanting to use the ballot marking device) and member of the Consumer Advisory Committee for Accessible Transportation (CACAT). Meryl’s passion to make a difference and bring positive change was inspired by a conversation with Durward K. McDaniel years ago, when he told her that she had the potential to become a leader for ACB. 
Koni Sims 
Koni Sims of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a graduate of South Dakota School of Massage Therapy. She is a Certified Sports Massage Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Technician, and a Certified Medical Massage Practitioner. Koni is currently serving her first term as President of South Dakota Association of the Blind (SDAB) and has worked to enhance affiliate operations by implementing policies, such as: a Financial Policy for effective service, budgeting practices and transparency while holding the office of treasurer; Conflict of Interest Policy and a Confidentiality Policy. She is also in the process of developing and introducing guidelines to ensure greater efficiency in regard to documentation and reporting. Koni has been an active member of the board of directors for the past five years; serves as chair on the publicity and legislative committee and co-editor for the affiliate newsletter. She is treasurer of her chapter, Siouxland, and she served as president for two terms. On the national level, Koni is a member of the ACB Transportation Committee and will be a facilitator/presenter during the transportation workshop during the upcoming ACB convention. In regard to her community, Koni serves on the Citizen Advisory Committee (under MPO, Southeastern Council of Governments) and the Sioux Falls Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Wanda Williford Wanda Denise Williford of Trenton, New Jersey attended Temple University in Pennsylvania as an Accounting major. She worked for New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company for 24 years as a Senior Property Casualty Underwriter. She maintained an Insurance Producers license in that capacity. Wanda stepped up at a crucial time in her affiliate and is currently serving her first term as president of New Jersey Council of the Blind (NJCB). She has taken the lead in planning, developing strategies to position the organization for growth and she has initiated a fundraising campaign to ensure that their scholarship program continues to thrive. She is also serving her first term as vice president in her local chapter and eagerly assists members in conceptualizing the benefits of technology and how it supports personal independence. Additionally, she is working to promote community awareness of her organization, by creating ads for the local newspaper, along with planning the annual summer bash. Wanda recently became involved with advocating for equal access to the Absentee Ballot in her county through the provision of online voting in support of voters who are blind having the privilege of voting independently and privately.    

On May 8, 2020, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) joined forces with eight other national organizations to pen a letter to the Chairs and the Ranking Members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension and the House Committee on Education and Labor. The letter is a request to Congress to continue supporting children who are blind or have low vision by opposing waivers that would affect the services that children receive and by providing additional funding to support students’ access to their education. Read the full letter below. May 8, 2020 The Honorable Lamar Alexander Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions 455 Dirksen Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Bobby Scott Chair, U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor 1201 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Patty Murray Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions 154 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Virginia Foxx Ranking Member, U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor 2462 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairmen Scott and Alexander, Ranking Members Foxx and Murray: The undersigned organizations are national nonprofits, consumer membership organizations, professional associations, and schools that serve and represent people who are blind or have low vision. These organizations consist of individuals, professionals, schools and providers who are managing and monitoring the daily impact of educational changes required by the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we urge Congress to protect the rights and services that students who are blind or have low vision deserve to receive a quality education during the pandemic. Specifically, we ask you to continue supporting children who are blind or have low vision by opposing waivers that would affect the services that children receive and by providing additional IDEA funding to support students’ access to their education. More than 28,000 public school students who have a visual impairment, including deaf-blindness, are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B.1 Additional students receive services through Part C during early childhood, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or have a visual impairment but primarily receive IDEA services for a different disability. Each of these students depends heavily on the services and rights afforded by IDEA and Section 504. Some such services include braille education which promotes literacy and effective communications; assistive technology which enables access to instructional materials and information; orientation and mobility (O&M) instruction which enhances student independence and safety; and instruction in sign language for students who are deafblind.2 Many teachers nationwide, including teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs), are rising to the challenge of creatively and effectively using alternative strategies and technology to meet their students’ needs. One student in New Hampshire has shared how she benefits from her TVI’s help determining whether electronic assignments are accessible and assistance producing materials in braille. Her TVI advises classroom teachers on best practices for electronic accessibility while the student is learning self-advocacy through email, a new skill for a student used to face-to-face self-advocacy in the classroom before her school closed.3 Self-advocacy, braille, and assistive technology are important components of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), a framework of skills unique to the success of students with visual impairments. Meanwhile, a TVI and O&M instructor in North Dakota has spent her time connecting with children and families via phone calls and Zoom. Though some of her lessons cannot be delivered remotely, she has successfully provided some lessons through calls and offers reinforcement through videos. However, she has noted that the resources available in the home directly affect her ability to serve her students.4 If a student lacks devices and assistive software, the online curriculum is inaccessible, or the student has not received assistive technology training, the student’s education becomes significantly more challenging. Stories like these demonstrate that education of students with visual impairments can and does continue in the current environment, but teachers and families need resources and assistance to fully meet their students’ needs. Educators’ documented successes in continuing education during the pandemic demonstrates that IDEA and Section 504 generally should not be waived. As required by the CARES Act, the Secretary of Education recently released her report recommending a narrow set of waivers. We applaud the Secretary for recognizing that “schools can, and must, provide education to all students, including children with disabilities;” that “the needs and best interests of the individual student, not any system, should guide decisions;” and that the individual and their family should be involved in decisions related to their education and services.5 While we generally oppose special education waivers, we were pleased to see that the Secretary only asked for narrow waiver authority and for flexibility to prevent the loss of services in the interim. We acknowledge that deferring work requirements for personnel development scholarships may be necessary, particularly if certain service providers, such as O&M contractors, are not able to work or be paid in the current remote environment. If Congress chooses to enact IDEA waivers that the Secretary has recommended, we strongly urge Congress to clarify that any waiver must have an end date that is specific and short and that funding must be authorized to allow available services to continue in the interim. Specifically, for any waiver of IDEA Part C to B transition timeline, Congress must specify a narrow, short timeline directly connected to resumption of other school services and require flexibility for stimulus or other Federal education funds to be used to continue Part C services past a child’s third birthday. We urge Congress to adopt the same principles as the Department of Education in its decision making; to keep any waiver narrow, specific, and time-limited; to ensure that services continue in the interim; and to elevate the interests of students above those of systems. Likewise, we urge Congress to reject any waiver proposal that does not meet these criteria. Recognizing that the current educational environment presents challenges – as well as opportunities – to both teachers and students, we encourage Congress to consider other solutions. Specifically, we encourage Congress to increase funding for IDEA and technical assistance. Dedicating relief funds specifically for IDEA will support districts and schools in meeting any additional needs that their students may face, including additional personnel or compensatory services, expanded access to accessible and assistive technology, and immediate technical assistance. Because assistive technology, such as refreshable braille displays, screen readers, and magnification software, provides instruction access for students who are blind in a virtual educational environment, an equitable classroom necessitates providing students assistive technology to access the same educational platforms as their peers. Moreover, technical assistance targeted to meet the unique educational needs of students with disabilities would empower teachers and school districts to provide innovative services in remote environments and support the identification of promising and best practices and standards. The undersigned organizations appreciate your consideration of the needs and interest of students who are blind and have low vision. Together, we can ensure that schools and teachers have the resources they need to serve each child and provide equitable opportunities to all. If you have any questions, please reach out to Stacy Cervenka, American Foundation for the Blind, at [email protected], and Claire Stanley, American Council of the Blind, at [email protected]. Sincerely, American Council of the Blind American Foundation for the Blind Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired American Printing House for the Blind Council for Exceptional Children, Division of Visual Impairments and Deafblindness Council of Schools and Services for the Blind DeafBlind Citizens in Action National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation Perkins School for the Blind VisionServe Alliance National Center for Education Statistics (2019). Children 3 to 21 years old served under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B, by age group and sex, race/ethnicity, and type of disability: 2018-19. Digest of Education Statistics. Accessed on May 1, 2020: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d19/tables/dt19_204.50.asp Department of Education (2000). Educating Blind and Visually Impaired Students; Policy Guidance. 65 Federal Register 36585-36594. Accessed on May 1, 2020: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/06/08/00-14485/educating-blind-and-visually-impaired-students-policy-guidance Rosenblum, L.P. (April 9, 2020). How TVIs and O&M Instructors are Handling the Challenges of Distance Learning, Part 1. AFB Blog. American Foundation for the Blind. Accessed on May 1, 2020: https://www.afb.org/blog/entry/how-tvis-and-om-instructors-are-handling-distance-learning-1 Rosenblum, L.P. (April 9, 2020). How TVIs and O&M Instructors are Handling the Challenges of Distance Learning, Part 2. AFB Blog. American Foundation for the Blind. Accessed on May 1, 2020: https://www.afb.org/blog/entry/how-tvis-and-om-instructors-are-handling-distance-learning-2 DeVos, B. (April 27, 2020). Report to Congress of U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos: Recommended Waiver Authority Under Section 3511(d)(4) of Division A of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (‘CARES Act’). Department of Education. Accessed on May 1, 2020: https://www2.ed.gov/documents/coronavirus/cares-waiver-report.pdf

The Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee (DKM) annually selects two rising leaders, one from east and one from west of the Mississippi River, to attend the national conference and convention for the first time as guests of the committee and ACB. 2020 DKM First-Timers: Merisa Musemic of Sterling Heights, Michigan is the 2020 DKM First-Timer from the East. She speaks four languages (Bosnian, Croatian, German and English). She is currently employed by Language Line Solutions, where she works as an interpreter for Bosnian language, which is her native language. She received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University thenentered Wayne State University where she acquired a Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. As a member of Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Merisa serves as chair of the resolutions committee, serves as secretary of the Mitten Phone Chapter and wants to learn more to serve better. She volunteers with Book Share as a proofreader and validates books to be added to the book share collection. Merisa has enjoyed working with the ACB Next Generation social Committee by assisting in planning social events.  Sara Freeman Smith of Houston, Texas is the 2020 DKM First-Timer from the West. She is currently self employed as a Contract Senior Recruiter and a state credentialed Employment Services Specialist /Job Coach. Her career spans over 25 years of Human Resources experience specializing in recruiting & staffing organizations. She has worked for major corporations such as BP, GE Oil & Gas, and First Data in HR leadership roles (Recruiting Manager/HR Director) while being fully sighted and with vision loss. She is President of U R Gems Group, Inc. a Career Coaching/Motivational speaking firm that specializes in assisting people with disabilities to fulfill their career goals. Sara is a honor graduate from the University of Southern California (BA Broadcast Management) and a Masters from University of Phoenix. In addition to her work, she actively serves in the Houston Council of the Blind as a board member and by planning and facilitating educational events. She is a board member for ACB of Texas and gladly advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. Sara is a Mayor appointed Commissioner on the Houston Commission on Disabilities and serves on the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations in the Houston area.  Recipients have met all qualifying criteria: Two qualifying recipients - one each from opposite sides of the Mississippi River - are selected annually provided at least one qualifying individual applies from each geographic region. Age 18 or older Blind or visually impaired Member in good standing (current on membership dues) Commitment to participation in designated ACB Conference and Convention programming. The Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee extends congratulations to Merisa Musemic and Sara Freeman Smith! Committee Members: Anthony Akamine of Hawaii Marja Byers of Oregon Todd Fahlstrom of Montana Zelda Gebhard of North Dakota Betsy Grenevitch of Georgia Cindy LaBon of Maryland Amanda Selm of Kentucky Sharon Strzalkowski of Massachusetts Frank Ventura of Massachusetts Kenneth Semien Sr. – Chair Staff Liaison – Kelly Gasque Officer Liaison – David Trott

During the ACB & OrCam webinar on April 30th, we announced a special offer on OrCam products for ACB members. OrCam continues to develop its technology for the blind and visually impaired community. Recently, OrCam shared with us some great news - it has released the OrCam MyEye2 Pro and the OrCam Read. Currently, OrCam offers ACB members a 10% discount off the MyEye2, and now until the end of May, OrCam is offering an additional promotional discount for these 2 new products: OrCam MyEye2 Pro – available at the price of the regular MyEye2 plus an additional ACB member discount OrCam Read – available at a 10% discount from the retail price For those of you who are not familiar with these products, OrCam offers the most advanced wearable assistive technology that can empower and enable you to be more independent. The OrCam MyEye2 Pro and the OrCam Read can support you in education and employment. They can also improve your quality of life by allowing you access to visual information by converting images into sounds and read it to you discreetly in real time. If you are an ACB members and would like receive your product discount and locate the store nearest to you, please contact OrCam rep Oded Tsin by filling out the form located at https://tinyurl.com/yaava4eh, and don’t forget to mention you are an ACB member. To become a member of ACB, visit: https://acb.org/join-acb.

The Audio Description Project (ADP), an initiative of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), aims to bring more meaning and enjoyment to entertainment, cultural, and educational experiences for blind and visually impaired people. ADP maintains a list of described DVDs, broadcast television, movies, performing arts, museums, and national parks on the ADP website, www.acb.org/adp. As the only repository of all audio described titles on DVD and the three video streaming services (Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Netflix), the ADP created an index of all the titles. Here are the described video statistics as of January 1, 2020, from the ADP Master AD List: Here are the described video statistics as of the end of April from the bottom of the ADP Master AD List: SUMMARY: 4075 unique described videos and TV Series. 1786 videos were duplicated in more than one service. 0 Current Cinema; 1253 DVDs; 24 Apple TV+; 488 Disney+; 78 Hulu; 1272 iTunes; 1217 Netflix; 1799 Prime-Video; 8 Other; 242 TV Series: 34 ABC, 13 CBS, 5 CW, 27 FOX, 18 NBC, 25 DISCOVERY, 32 HGTV, 28 HISTORY, 4 OXYGEN, 2 SYFY, 17 TBS, 7 TELEMUNDO, 9 TNT, 21 USA. The following DVDs and Blu-ray discs were released with audio description tracks last month. The links are clickable and take you to the description on our website.  Most of them are also available on iTunes and Prime Video. The Rhythm Section Bad Boys For Life The Gentlemen The Turning Just Mercy Underwater Cats Dolittle Little Women The streaming services added the following net number of described videos this past month (net = adds minus deletes): Apple TV+ = 7; Disney+ = 24; Hulu = 0; iTunes = 6; Netflix = 46; Prime Video = 44. Hulu is a big disappointment, and we are investigating. Apple TV+ has accelerated the number of new shows, and iTunes is unusually low this month, with Netflix unusually high, and Prime Video just keeping plowing forward as the #1 provider of audio described videos. With the movie theaters closed, Disney is accelerating the release of new films otherwise destined for theaters. Other news from the ADP website this month: The ACB and ADP Conventions are going virtual via Zoom in July.  See the agendas on our website.  $25 buys you a LOT of content! One more month to submit your nominations for the ADP Achievement Awards. These are a big deal! Submit your nomination now. The FCC has proposed increasing the number of markets required to provide audio description on TV by 10/year. The Sunday Night Movies are coming back to CBS in May, this time with Audio Description.  See our main page for the schedule. Lots of audio described TV shows were added in April.  See our main page or the TV Shows by Network page. If you missed the One World Together broadcast and would like to view it with Audio Description, check out the CBS One World Together rebroadcast. The website was enhanced by adding shows that are broadcast with foreign language description on Disney+ (we already listed such Netflix shows); breaking out Amazon Prime Video’s “Included with Prime” shows in a separate list, including direct links; and taking you directly to the DVD description from our Master AD list or the alphabetic start letter of streaming videos for pages with indices.  Follow the Audio Description Project on Facebook at facebook.com/acbadp, or on Twitter at twitter.com/ADPwebmaster.

The Audio Description Project (ADP) is a wide-ranging audio description promotion and production initiative with goals that include- Building advocacy on behalf of audio description. Offering a range of educational resources and working to establish nationally acknowledged user-focused guidelines for quality description in its various genres as well as a professionally recognized certification program for audio describers. Encouraging growth of audio description with an emphasis on the involvement of AD users/consumers, especially youth. Disseminating information on audio description and provide general support for regional, state, and local forums. Encouraging studies on audio description particularly with respect to its efficacy as a technique for conveying visual images and its impact on literacy for children and others. One part of the project involves the recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of audio description.   Application Categories: This year's ADP Awards include a call for nominations in six categories: Achievement in Audio Description - Media Achievement in Audio Description - Performing Arts Achievement in Audio Description - Museums/Visual Art/Visitor Centers Achievement in Audio Description - International Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl Memorial Award in Audio Description - Research and Development Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description The call for nominations ends on Friday, May 29, 2020, with winners announced during a plenary general session of the American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention Tuesday morning, July 7, 2020 (the 2020 Conference and Convention sessions will be held virtually this year via ZOOM and also broadcast on ACB Radio).   Nomination material, criteria and more information follows and is also available at: www.acb.org/adp   The Awards and Criteria for Selection of Recipients: Achievement in Audio Description - Media Achievement in Audio Description - Performing Arts Achievement in Audio Description - Museums/Visual Art/Visitor Centers Achievement in Audio Description - International Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl Memorial Award in Audio Description - Research and Development Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description The Achievement Awards are made to individuals and/or organizations for outstanding contributions to the establishment and/or continued development of significant audio description programs in each of three areas: media, performing arts, and museums. The Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl Memorial Award for Research and Development is made to an individual or organization for outstanding research that leads to the advance of audio description. With the exception of the International Achievement Award and the Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl Memorial Award for Research and Development only US-based organizations or individuals are eligible. The Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description has been established as a tribute to the late Barry Levine, the highly-respected moderator of the Audio Description listserve, administered by the American Council of the Blind (ACB). Barry was not only an avid description user in both media and performing arts; he served so many others as the President of Audio Description International. He was a trusted friend and valued mentor; when he passed away suddenly in May 2009, the nation lost a forceful and impressive advocate for audio description. The Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions to the field of audio description over an extended period of time, leading, inspiring or providing significant service to others.   Past Recipients: Achievement in Audio Description - Media 2009 - Maria Diaz and Closed Caption Latina 2010 - WGBH and Media Access Group 2011 - Harry A. Jessell, TV News Check 2012 - Described and Captioned Media Program 2013 - Hollywood Access Services 2014 - Diane Johnson and Descriptive Video Works 2015 - Netflix 2016 - Fred Brack 2017 - ABC Digital 2018 - Rooted in Rights 2019 - Microsoft/Xbox Achievement in Audio Description - Performing Arts 2009 - Lisa Helen Hoffman and Geva Theater 2010 - Paper Mill Playhouse 2011 - Mimi Smith and Amaryllis Theater Company 2012 - Kentucky Center for the Arts 2013 - Steppenwolf Theatre 2014 - Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center 2015 - Jesse Minkert and Arts and Visually Impaired Audiences 2016 - Arts Access 2017 - Lori Ward, Tennessee Performing Arts Center 2018 - MindsEye Radio/Marjorie Moore 2019 - Hunter Gullickson and The Guthrie Theater Achievement in Audio Description - Museums/Visual Arts/Visitor Centers 2009 - Elisabeth Axel and Art Education for the Blind 2010 - Beth Ziebarth and Smithsonian Institution 2011 - Rebecca McGinnis and Metropolitan Museum of Art 2012 - National Park Service 2013 - The White House 2014 - Sandy Malmquist and the Connecticut Children's Museum 2015 - Meadows Museum of Art at the Southern Methodist University 2016 - Dole Institute of Politics/Audio Reader 2017 - none 2018 - Tennessee School for the Blind and Julia Cawthon 2019 - Hannah Goodwin and the Museum of Fine Arts-Boston Achievement in Audio Description - International 2009 - Joan Greening and the Royal National Institute of Blind People, U.K. 2010 - Bernd Benecke and Bayerischer Rundfunk, Germany 2011 - 20th Century Fox International, U.K. 2012 - Track One Communications, India 2013 - Accessible Media, Inc., Canada 2014 - Steph Kirkland and the VocalEye Descriptive Arts Society, Canada 2015 - Anne Hornsby, Mind's Eye, U.K. 2016 - Bos Soluções e Serviços Ltda., Sao Paulo, Brazil 2017 - ABLE, New Zealand 2017 - Dr. Anna Jankowska, Poland 2018 - Amos Be'er, Central Library of the Blind, Israel 2019 - Vera Arma, Italy Special Recognition Achievement in Audio Description 2015 - Sebastian Andrade-Miles - Glendale, CO 2016 - Alice Austin, Eliot, ME; Mark Messersmith, The Visual Voice - Mountain View, CA 2017- Timothy Wynn 2018- Antonio Vazquez Martin, Aristia Producciones, Spain 2019- Montclair State University - Montclair, NJ Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl Memorial Award in Audio Description - Research and Development 2009 - none 2010 - American Foundation for the Blind 2011 - Dr. Joshua A Miele and the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute 2012 - Dr. Philip Piety 2013 - Ryerson University and Dr. Deborah Fels 2014 - Dr. Louise Fryer 2015 - Accessible Media, Inc. "AMI Player" 2016 - Disney / Pixar "Disney Movies Anywhere App" 2017 - Actiview 2018 - Dr. Francisco Lima 2019 - Dr. Brett Oppegaard Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description 2009 - Jim Stovall (Narrative Television Network) 2010 - Gregory Frazier and Audio Vision 2011 - Dr. Barry Cronin 2012 - Dr. Alan Woods 2013 - Rick Boggs 2014 - Dr. Joel Snyder 2015 - Dr. Pilar Orero 2016 - Dr. Francisco Lima 2017 - Diane Johnson, Descriptive Video Works 2018 - The Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media at WGBH (NCAM) 2019 - Jon P. Skaalen   How to Nominate: We urge you to recognize someone who has contributed significantly to the growth of audio description. Submitting a nomination is easy! It's a three-step process: Tell Us About the Nominee Tell Us About Yourself Support Your Nomination Fill out the form below OR make your nomination on-line at: https://jsnyder42.wufoo.com/forms/p11kfpnq0l73rr3/   Nomination Form: You may submit as many nominations as you wish (one nomination/form). Self-nominations are permitted. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: May 29, 2020 If using the form below, submit your nominations by email to: [email protected] Or by mail to:   Kim Charlson, Co-Chair Audio Description Project Steering Committee American Council of the Blind 1703 N. Beauregard St., Suite 420 Alexandria, VA 22311 1. Tell us about the nominee:  Award for which you're making a nomination (choose one): _____ Achievement in Audio Description - Performing Arts _____ Achievement in Audio Description - Media _____ Achievement in Audio Description - Museums/Visual Art/Visitor Centers _____ Achievement in Audio Description - International _____ Dr. Margaret R. Pfanstiehl Achievement Award in Audio Description - Research and Development _____ Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description   Name of Nominee:       __________________________________ Email:                             ___________________________________ Street Address:             ___________________________________ City-State-Zip:               ___________________________________ Phone:                           ___________________________________ Fax:                                ___________________________________   2. Tell us about yourself: Your Name:                  __________________________________ Email:                             ___________________________________ Street Address:             ___________________________________ City-State-Zip:               ___________________________________ Phone:                           ___________________________________ Fax:                                ___________________________________   3. Support Your Nomination For Achievements Awards in Media, Performing Arts, or Museums, attach (or type below) a 350 words or less statement that illustrates how your nominee has made outstanding contributions to the establishment and/or continued development of significant audio description programs in media, performing arts, or museums. For the Dr. Margaret R. Pfanstiehl Award in Research and Development, attach (or type below) a 350 words or less statement that illustrates how your nominee has conducted outstanding research that has led to the advance of audio description.  For the Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description, attach (or type below) a 350 words or less statement that illustrates how your nominee has made outstanding contributions to the field of audio description over an extended period of time, leading, inspiring or providing significant service to others. Deadline for nominations: May 29, 2020

­ALEXANDRIA, VA (April 21, 2020) – The American Council of the Blind announced this week its partnership with Be My Eyes, an innovative app that provides real-time video assistance for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Starting on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, ACB’s support staff will now be able to field calls from the Specialized Help Providers section of the app. “We’ve been working over the years to strengthen our internal structure to field calls from consumers faced with challenges and barriers toward independence,” said ACB executive director Eric Bridges. “Our capability now through Be My Eyes builds off this investment, providing improved services not just to our members, but for all Americans who are blind and visually impaired.” At a time when many Americans struggle with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, ACB is now able to provide remote guidance and consultation around key areas impacting the rights of Americans who are blind, and offer critical information on resources and supports available. Joining companies such as Google, Microsoft, and P&G as organizational supporters of the blindness community, ACB is leading the way for blindness organizations, leveraging technology to connect with their members and deliver services in a whole new way.  “ACB is a touchstone organization for blindness advocacy, not just in the US but worldwide,” said Will Butler, VP of Community at Be My Eyes. “We are thrilled that they’ve taken quick action to ensure that, despite being isolated in their homes, the millions of Americans adjusting to both life with a vision impairment and this new, unanticipated period of isolation will not be left without support. We hope other organizations and corporations worldwide will join us in supporting the community as well.”  Now with almost 4 million users and a growing family of company partners, Be My Eyes is one of the largest “micro-volunteering” platforms in the world – with its more than 3.5 million volunteers on call at all times to assist those who need an extra pair of eyes at short notice. The American Council of the Blind is a national grassroots consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. With 70 affiliates, ACB strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. Learn more by visiting www.acb.org. To inquire about Be My Eyes, contact [email protected]. Contact: Cindy Van Winkle (612) 345-9036 [email protected]