ALEXANDRIA, Va., October 24, 2023 — Following a week-long bench trial in Los Angeles, a federal court in California found Quest Diagnostics in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and permanently enjoined Quest from continuing to violate the ADA. Beginning in 2016, Quest Diagnostics began to install self-service kiosks at its Patient Service Centers, which allow patients to, among other things, check in for phlebotomy appointments in a private and independent manner.  Following complaints from ACB’s members that these kiosks as designed prevent people who are blind from accessing their services, ACB joined a civil rights complaint in federal court alleging that Quest’s kiosks deprived members of the blind community full and equal enjoyment of Quest’s services and failed to provide effective communication.  The Court ruled in favor of ACB and a nationwide class of blind and low vision Quest patients. The court found that Quest violated Title III of the ADA in that Quest failed to provide people who are blind with full and equal enjoyment of Quest’s services and facilities because of their disability. “Self-service kiosks are being used more and more in many aspects of daily public life,” said Dan Spoone, Executive Director for the American Council of the Blind. “The Court’s decision that Quest violated the ADA and that the check-in services of these kiosks must be accessible to people who are blind is a significant step towards ensuring that the rights to full and equal enjoyment and effective communication are protected.” Deb Cook Lewis, ACB’s president, added, “Although the ADA is more than 30 years old, people who are blind are still forced to fight for full and equal access to healthcare. This judgment sends a clear message that full and equal enjoyment is required by law, and health care providers must ensure access for people with disabilities.”    This litigation has been led by ACB’s counsel at Nye Sterling Hale Miller and Sweet and at Handley Farah & Anderson. Matthew Handley, one of ACB’s attorneys in the litigation, added, “Touchscreen kiosks are an ever-increasing aspect of our daily lives – this decision ensures that accessibility of those kiosks will need to be front and center in the minds of every company wishing to make use of self-service technology.” About the American Council of the Blind The American Council of the Blind is a national member-driven consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. During the organization’s 60-year history, ACB has become a leader in national, state, local, and even international advocacy efforts. With 66 affiliates, ACB strives to increase independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve the quality of life for all people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit ACB’s website. About Handley Farah & Anderson Handley Farah & Anderson are lawyers who seek to improve the world. Based in Washington, D.C., they fight for: workers deprived of wages, consumers deceived about products, tenants denied access to housing, parents deprived of adequate parental leave, persons with disabilities denied access, and women and communities of color subject to discrimination.

The Benefits of Audio Description in Education (BADIE) essay contest asks students to write about their experience with audio description. The American Council of the Blind’s Audio Description Project (ADP) and the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) are now accepting entries for BADIE, or the Benefits of Audio Description in Education, an essay contest for young people (ages 7 to 21) who are blind or have low vision. It’s a great chance for students to engage with accessible learning materials, unleash their inner film critic, and compete for fun prizes. How Students Can Enter: 1. Browse the free DCMP library at https://dcmp.org/. 2. Watch any audio-described film (there are more than 6,000 educational titles to choose from!). 3. Write an evaluation of the film’s audio description, commenting on the ways the audio description enhanced or detracted from your experience. 4. Visit http://badiecontest.org to submit your entry. There you’ll also find guidelines and prize details, tips on writing a good review, and information about how audio description is created. Categories: Sophomore – ages 7–10 Junior – ages 11–15 Senior – ages 16–21 Alternate Assessment – students with non-traditional matriculation records Deadline and Prizes: The deadline for contest entries is February 11, 2024. Winners will be notified by the end of March 2024. There will be first, second, and third place winners in each category, as well as a grand prize winner who will be awarded an iPad mini and invited to read his/her essay at the American Council of the Blind's National Conference and Convention in July 2024. Teachers of first-place winners also receive prizes.   Go to http://badiecontest.org for complete details and to submit your entry!

Directory of Podcasts by Podcast Feed All recordings of the 2023 ACB Conference and Convention sessions are now available via podcast. These podcasts are distributed across 15 podcast feeds listed below. Podcasts of a given topic are published to a feed for that topic. The feeds correspond to the Tracks used during the convention. The podcast feeds are listed below as links that bring you to the page where you will find the podcasts in the given feed. You will also find the RSS feed should you want to subscribe to the feed via a podcatcher. The “Listen to” link for each podcast brings you to a webpage where you can view the Episode notes for the selected podcast as well as listen to the podcast with the imbedded player or download the podcast to an .mp3 file.  The podcasts are listed in chronological order of when they occurred (date and time) during the event. This directory includes all sessions from the Virtual portion of the event that occurred June 19 – 24, 2023 and the hybrid portion that originated in Schaumburg, IL June 30 – July 6, 2023. You may also access the podcasts via the ACB Link app. Select the Podcast tab and then select the Podcast Feed you are interested in.  Download the convention podcast directory. ACB Conference and Convention Podcast Feeds ACB Business ACB Conference and Convention ACB Convention: Exhibits ACB Focus: Advocacy ACB Focus: Audio Description ACB Focus: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ACB Focus: Employment ACB Focus: Entertainment ACB Focus: Guide Dogs ACB Focus: Health and Wellness ACB Focus: Leadership ACB Focus: Literacy ACB Focus: Technology ACB Focus: Transportation Podcasts en español de la ACB ACB Business    RSS Feed 20230614 1900 Candidates Forum Listen Candidates Forum 20230619 1900 Call to Order Listen Call to Order 20230620 1900 Resolutions Day 1 June 20, 2023 Listen Resolutions 1 20230621 1900 Resolutions Day 2 June 21, 2023 Listen Resolutions 2 20230622 1900 Resolutions Day 3 June 22, 2023 Listen Resolutions 3 20230623 1900 Constitution and By-Law Amendments and Resumption of Resolution 2023-16, June 23, 2023 Listen Resolutions 4 20230625 1700 BPI, MCAC and GDUI sponsored Candidates Forum Listen to BPI MCAC GDUI Candidates Forum 20230630 1000 ACB Board Meeting Listen Board Meeting 20230701 0000 ACB Conference and Convention Standing Rules Listen to Standing Rules 20230701 0000 Voting at ACB and Parliamentary Procedures Listen to Voting Parliamentary Procedures ACB Conference and Convention    RSS Feed Conference and Convention 20230620 1400 Mock Election Listen to Mock Election 20230624 1730 Keys to the Convention Listen to Keys to the Convention 20230630 0000 Schaumburg Standard Listen 20230630 Schaumburg Standard 20230701 0000 Schaumburg Standard Listen to 20230701 Schaumburg Standard 20230701 1900 Opening General Session, July 1, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to Opening General Session 20230702 0000 Schaumburg Standard Lsiten to 20230702 Schaumburg Standard 20230703 0000 Schaumburg Standard Listen to 20230703 Schaumburg Standard 20230703 0830 General Session, July 3, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to 20230703 General Session 20230704 0000 Schaumburg Standard Listen to 20230704 Schaumburg Standard 20230704 0830 General Session, July 4, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to 20230704 General Session 20230705 0000 Schaumburg StandardOriginally Broadcasted July 5, 2023, on ACB Media  Listen to 20230705 Schaumburg Standard 20230705 0830 General Session, July 5, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to 20230705 General Session 20230706 0830 General Session, July 6, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to 20230706 General Session 20230706 1900 Banquet, July 6, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to Banquet ACB Convention: Exhibits   RSS Feed Exhibits 20230619 00:00 Virtual Exhibit Hall (Vendor Showcase) Listen to Virtual Exhibit Hall 20230621 1000 Exhibit Hall Overview Listen to Exhibit Hall Overview ACB Focus: Advocacy    RSS Feed 20230622 1130 Web Accessibility, Defining the Problem Listen Web Accessibility 20230622 1130 The CVTA Explained Listen to CVTA Explained 20230622 1430 What is Advocacy Listen to What is Advocacy 20230623 1130 Identifying Web Accessibility Standards, Principles and Guidelines Listen to Web Accessibility Standards 20230624 1130 Overcoming common pitfalls and Tools to assist in Finding Gaps in Web Accessibility Listen to Overcoming Pitfalls 20230701 1300 First They Came For-Why Dont Say Gay Affects All of Us Listen to Don't Say Gay 20230702 0900 Update on Legal Issues Impacting People who are Blind or have Low Vision Listen to Legal Issues 20230702 1030 Structured Negotiations and Legal Settlements-Are they effective enough and can we develop a better system for obtaining appropriate legal remedies for people with vision loss. Listen to Structured Negotiations and Legal Settlements 20230702 1600 Mental Health Advocacy Works Listen to Mental Health Advocacy Works 20230702 1600 The Supreme Courts Term in Review-Featuring Bill Piat Listen to Supreme Courts Term in Review 20230703 1300 Accessible Documents Provided by the IRS  Listen to IRS Accessible Documents 20230703 1430 Advocate for Yourself Any Place, Any Time, and Any Situation Listen to Advocate for Yourself` 20230703 1430 An Overview of Equipped for Equalities Work under the ADA for those who are Blind or have Low Vision Listen to Equipped for Equalities Work 20230704 0700 AFB Breakfast Listen to AFB Breakfast 20230704 1300 IVIE-Session I-Learning About IRS Accessibility Services-Session II-Link Up with The All New APH CareerConnect-Inform,  Listen to Learning About IRS Accessibility 20230704 1600 A Conversation with Uber Listen to Conversation with Uber ACB Focus: Audio Description   RSS Feed ACB Focus: Audio Description 20230622 1430 More from the Streaming Services Listen to More from the Streaming Services 20230623 1300 ACVREP Certified Audio Description Specialist (CAUDES) Update Listen to Certified AD Specialist 20230623 1600 AD Across the Arts Listen to AD Across the Arts 20230624 1000 Audio Description Research Listen to AD Research 20230624 1130 Audio Description for Kids Listen to AD for Kids 20230624 1430 Audio Description Across the Globe Listen to AD Across the Globe 20230703 1600 Film Screening-One Step at a Time-A Journey of Hope, Commitment and Resiliency Listen to One Step at a Time ACB Focus: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion   RSS Feed ACB Focus: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 20230622 1300 The Continuous Rise of Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism-The Situation and Solutions Listen to Rise of Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism 20230623 1000 Toward a World with Zero Barriers with Zero Project Listen to Zero Barriers 20230624 1000 Who Are You-Blind, Queer, they and other identifiers Listen to Who Are You 20230704 1300 A Perspective from the UK Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media  Listen to Perspective from the UK 20230704 1300 Voices-Wheres My Gate-Airline Accessibility Challenges and Opportunities Through a Global Lens Listen to Airline Accessibility 20230704 1600 Conversation with World Blind Union President, Martine Abel-Williamson Listen to WBU President, Martine Abel-Williamson 20230705 1300 MCAC Luncheon-The Diversity of Chicago Listen to MCAC Luncheon 20230705 1430 MCAC-Did Helen Keller Exist-Rewriting history-its impact on the blind or visually impaired and other marginalized communities. Listen to Rewriting history Helen Keller ACB Focus: Employment RSS Feed ACB Focus: Employment 20230623 1130 Perfecting Professionalism on Paper Listen to Perfecting Professionalism on Paper 20230623 1430 Panel discussion with the experts-Leverage technology in work, play and life Listen to Panel with Experts 20230624 1000 Making a Big Difference with Rehabilitation Coaching Listen to Rehab Coaching 20230624 1130 Bots, AI, Social Media, and the Virtual-Exploring the brave new world of the future career search Listen to Bots, AI, Social Media, Virtual 20230624 1300 You Got the Job-Now What Listen to You Got the Job 20230624 1300 Solutions That Make You More Productive and Efficient Throughout Your Work Day Listen to More Productive and Efficient 20230701 1300 RSVA-All about the Illinois Business Enterprise Program Listen to Illinois BEP Program 20230702 1300 RSVA Presentation Cooking Without Looking Listen to Cooking Without Looking 20230703 1600 Meet the All New APH ConnectCenter Listen to APH ConnectCenter 20230703 1600 Running to Win-A Blind Attorneys experience to Seek Public Office Listen to Running to Win ACB Focus: Entertainment  RSS Feed ACB Focus: Entertainment 20230622 1730 Digital Musicmaking-Hardware and Software to Make and Mix Music on Keyboard Listen to Digital Musicmaking 20230623 1730 Writing, Composing, and Performing Virtually. Listen to Writing, Composing, and Performing Virtually 20230624 1730 ACB Families Goes to Camp Listen to Families Goes to Camp 20230624 1930 Virtual Showcase of the Performing Arts Listen to FIA Showcase 20230624 2200 Showcase After Hours Listen to Showcase After Hours 20230701 0730 AABT Breakfast Broadcasting-Past, Present and Future Listen to Broadcasting 20230701 1430 3D Immersive Sound Experience Listen to Immersive Sound Experience 20230702 2100 Prose and Poetry Listen to Prose and Poetry 20230703 2000 FIA Showcase of the Performing Arts Listen to FIA Showcase of the Performing Arts 20230704 0700 FIA and BPI Breakfast Listen to FIA and BPI Breakfast 20230705 1600 The Art of Origami Listen to The Art of Origami ACB Focus: Guide Dogs   RSS Feed Guide Dogs 20230622 1130 Guide Dog Schools Update Listen to GD Schools Update 20230623 1130 Focusing on Eye Health in Guide Dogs Listen to GD Eye Health 20230624 1130 The Unique Matching Process Listen to Matching Process 20230704 1430 Crossing the Big Pond to Hawaiian Paradise with your Guide Dog Listen to Hawaii with Guide Dogs 20230705 1300 GDUI Awards and Blessing Listen to GDUI Awards and Blessing ACB Focus: Health and Wellness    RSS Feed Health and Wellness 20230622 1000 Best Practices for Managing Type I and Type II Diabetes Listen to Best Practices 20230623 1300 Aging into Dual Sensory Loss-What is the Road Forward Listen to Agimg into Dual Sensory Loss 20230623 1300 This is my Story, This is my Song Listen to My Song, My Story 20230623 1430 Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids-The Good The Bad and The Ugly! Listen to Over the Counter Hearing Aids 20230623 1730 Releasing Pain from the Past Allows You to Age Gracefully-Conversations with LGBTQ+ Healing Practitioners Listen to Releasing Pain 20230701 0730 life experiences with retina degenerative diseases, sponsored by Janssen Listen to Jamssen 20230701 1130 Compassion Fatigue-When Helping You is Hurting Me Listen to Compassion Fatigue 20230701 1300 Confidently Communicate with Care Listen to Communicate With Care 20230702 1300 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Listen to 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's 20230702 1300 Organize Yourself-How to Get and Keep Your Ducks in a Row Listen to Organize Yourself 20230702 1430 Defining the New Normal Lusten to Defining the New Normal 20230703 1430 The Four I's of Low Vision Listen to Four I's of Low Vision 20230705 1300 Medicare Demystified Listen to Medicare Demystified 20230705 1430 Aging Over the Rainbow Listen to Aging Over the Rainbow 20230705 1430 Educate, Empower and Excel in your journey with Diabetes. Listen to Educate, Empower and Excel in your journey with Diabete 20230705 1600 Testimonials from our Members about their Diabetes Journey Listen to Diabetes Journey Testimonials ACB Focus: Leadership   RSS Feed Leadership 20230622 1600 Lessons in Leadership - Getting Off to a Good Start Listen to Leadership Good Start 20230624 1600 Sister Power Happy Hour Listen to Sister Power Happy Hour 20230701 1000 Berl Colley Leadership-We MustStop Meeting Like This Listen to BC Leadership 1 20230701 1130 Berl Colley Leadership-Happenings Since the Pandemic from the Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired Listen to BC Leadership 2 20230703 1430 Mentoring Team Tea  Listen to Mentoring Team Tea 20230705 1600 ACB Membership Seminar-The Benefits of Partnerships to Membership Growth Listen to ACB Membership Seminar ACB Focus: Literacy    RSS Feed Literacy 20230622 1130 Updates on NLS's Foreign Language Offerings Listen to NLS Foreign Language Offerings 20230624 1600 Writers Workshop-Writing Fiction for Young People Listen to Writing Fiction for Young People 20230703 1300 Learn About all the Ways that Hadley Can Help Listen to Hadley 20230703 1300 Up Close and Personal with Jake Williams Listen to Jake Williams 20230704 1430 Library Users of America meet with NLS Deputy Director Jason Yasner  Listen to NLS Deputy Director Jason Yasner 20230705 0700 BRL Breakfast Listen to BRL Breakfast ACB Focus: Technology   RSS Feed Technology 20230622 1000 Envision-A look at the Past, the Present, and the Future Listen to Envision 20230622 1430 Responsible AI is Accessible AI-Microsoft's approach to the future of accessible technology Listen to AI and Microsoft 20230623 1000 Text to Speech, Artificial Intelligence and You Listen to Text to Speech AI 20230623 1130 AI and the Big Boys Listen to AI and the Big Boys 20230623 1300 Lost in Space iBug Today Listen to iBug Today 20230701 1430 RSVA-Tech it Out! Listen to Tech It Out 20230701 1600 Devices and services accessibility at Amazon Listen to Devices Services Accessibility at Amazon 20230701 1600 RSVA-Tips and Tricks for the iPhone and MACOriginally Broadcasted July 1, 2023, on ACB Media 4 Listen to Tips and Tricks iPhone Mac 20230702 1300 CCLVI Vendor Showcase Listen to CCLVI Vendor Showcase 20230702 1430 What's New with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion Listen to What's New with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 20230703 1730 VictorReader Stream 3 Listen to VictorReader Stream 3 20230704 1730 StellarTrek Listen to StellarTrek 20230705 1300 Unfolding Aira's Roadmap Listen to Aira's Roadmap 20230705 1600 Explore the Levels of Low Vision Technology Listen to Low Vision Technology ACB Focus: Transportation  RSS Feed Transportation 20230623 1430 OKO the Revolutionary New Pedestrian Crossing App Listen to OKO 20230702 0900 To Mobility and Beyond-The Success with APS- Updates and User Stories Listen to Mobility and Beyond 20230702 1030 Making the Case for a More Equitable Paratransit Future Listen to More Equitable Paratransit Podcasts en español de la ACB    RSS Feed Podcasts en español de la ACB 20230619 1900 SPANISH Call to Order Listen to Call to Order SPANISH 20230620 1900 SPANISH Resolutions Day 1 June 20, 2023 Listen to Resolutions Day 1 SPANISH 20230621 1900 SPANISH Resolutions Day 2 June 21, 2023 Listen to Resolutions Day 2 SPANISH 20230622 1900 SPANISH Resolutions Day 3 June 22, 2023 Listen to Resolutions Day 3 SPANISH 20230623 1900 SPANISH Constitution and By-Law Amendments and Resumption of Resolution 2023-16, June 23, 2023 Listen to Constitution and By-Law's SPANISH 20230701 0000 Reglamento interno 2023 del ACB Listen to Reglamento Interno 2023 20230701 0000 Procedimiento parlamentario – Conceptos básicos Listen to Procedimiento Parlamentario 20230701 0000 Votación en la Conferencia y Convención Nacional del ACB de 2023 Listen to Votaci-Convenci 20230701 1900 SPANISH Opening General Session, July 1, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Lsiten to Opening General Session Spanish 20230703 0830 SPANISH General Session, July 3, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to 20230703 General Session Spanish 20230704 0830 SPANISH General Session, July 4, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to 20230704 0830 General Session Spanish 20230705 0830 SPANISH General Session, July 5, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention listen to 20230705 General Session Spanish 20230706 0830 SPANISH General Session, July 6, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to 20230706 General Session Spanish 20230706 1900 SPANISH Banquet, July 6, 2023, ACB 2023 Conference and Convention Listen to Banquet Spanish

ALEXANDRIA, Va., August 1, 2023 – The American Council of the Blind (ACB) announces that the 2023 Audio Description People’s Choice Award finalist vote is open through August 15th. The winners will be revealed during the 2023 ACB Audio Description Awards Gala, which will take place virtually on November 14th at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. ACB’s Audio Description Awards Gala celebrates outstanding achievements in audio description in media and recognizes the commitment to accessible entertainment demonstrated by television networks, streaming services, and the film industry. The Audio Description People’s Choice Award, now in its second year, is a unique opportunity for fans to get involved by showing their support for the audio description they love the most. Five Audio Description People’s Choice Award finalists in each category (films and series) have been chosen to compete for the 2023 award. The finalists represent the top titles selected through an open nomination process that took place in June.   The finalists are: Films: Top Gun: Maverick Everything Everywhere All at Once Little Mermaid (Live Action) Flamin’ Hot Emergency Series: Stranger Things Better Call Saul Alma’s Way Wednesday Star Trek: Picard To find samples with audio description for each finalist, visit www.acb.org/2023-AD-Peoples-Choice. Voting for the Audio Description People’s Choice Award ends on Tuesday, August 15th at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. To cast your vote, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023AD-Peoples-Choice. To vote by phone, call (202) 596-7041. Join us on November 14th at 7:30 p.m. Eastern as we announce the Audio Description People's Choice Award winners at the 2023 Audio Description Awards Gala. Learn more at www.ADAwardsGala.org. About the American Council of the Blind The American Council of the Blind is a national member-driven organization representing Americans who are blind or have low vision. For more than 60 years, ACB has been a leader in national, state, local, and international advocacy efforts. With 68 affiliates, ACB strives to increase independence, security, equality of opportunity, and the quality of life for all people who are blind or have low vision. For more information, visit www.acb.org.

Calling all audio description enthusiasts! Make your voice heard at the American Council of the Blind’s third annual Audio Description Awards Gala by casting your vote for the Audio Description People’s Choice Award. Five Audio Description People’s Choice Award finalists in each category (films and series) have been chosen to compete for the 2023 award. The finalists represent the top titles selected through an open nomination process that took place in June.   2023 Audio Description People's Choice Award Finalists Please note that some clips contain strong language and/or violence that might not be appropriate for all audiences. Films Top Gun: Maverick (Paramount Pictures/Audio Description by EIKON) Audio Description Sample Everything Everywhere All at Once (A24/Audio Description by Deluxe U.S.) Audio Description Sample Little Mermaid (Live Action) (Walt Disney Studios/Audio Description by Deluxe U.S.) Audio Description Sample Flamin’ Hot (Hulu/Disney+/Audio Description by Descriptive Video Works) Audio Description Sample - Please note, this clip is audio only and will not play automatically. Emergency (Amazon Studios/Audio Description by WGBH Media Access Group) Audio Description Sample Series Stranger Things (Netflix/Audio Description by Deluxe U.S.)  Audio Description Sample Better Call Saul (Netflix/Audio Description by Descriptive Video Works)      Audio Description Sample Alma’s Way (PBS Kids & Fred Rogers Co/English Audio Description by Bridge Multimedia & Spanish Audio Description by Dicapta)  English Audio Description Sample Spanish Audio Description Sample Wednesday (Netflix/Audio Description by IDC Digital)  Audio Description Sample Star Trek: Picard (Paramount+/Audio Description by WGBH Media Access Group) Audio Description Sample Submit your vote at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023AD-Peoples-Choice The winners of the Audio Description People’s Choice Award will be announced during the 2023 ACB Audio Description Awards Gala, taking place virtually on November 14th at 7:30pm ET. Join us for an exciting evening as we celebrate audio description! Learn more at www.ADAwardsGala.org. Voting for the Audio Description People’s Choice Award ends on Tuesday, August 15th at 11:59pm ET. To vote by phone, call (202) 596-7041.

New tactile signage will help people with visual disabilities better identify row numbers, seat assignments and lavatory locations independently First Braille-equipped aircraft now flying and the airline expects to outfit entire mainline fleet by 2026 CHICAGO, July 27, 2023 - United today became the first U.S. airline to add Braille to aircraft interiors, helping millions of travelers with visual disabilities more easily navigate the cabin independently. According to the Department of Transportation, about 27 million people with disabilities traveled by air in 2019. The airline currently has equipped about a dozen aircraft with Braille markings for individual rows and seat numbers as well as inside and outside the lavatories. United expects to outfit its entire mainline fleet with Braille by the end of 2026. "Finding your seat on a plane or getting to the restroom is something most of us take for granted, but for millions of our customers, it can be a challenge to do independently," said Linda Jojo, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer for United. "By adding more tactile signage throughout our interiors, we're making the flying experience more inclusive and accessible, and that's good for everyone." In addition to adding Braille, United is working with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and other disability advocacy groups to explore the use of other tactile navigational aids throughout the cabin such as raised letters, numbers and arrows. "We applaud United for taking an important step toward making its aircraft more accessible to blind passengers," said NFB President Mark Riccobono. "The flight experience is often frustrating for a number of reasons, one of which is the amount of information that is available exclusively through printed signs and other visual indicators. We hope to continue working with United to explore additional ways to make flying more accessible and less stressful for blind passengers." For the eighth-straight year, United was recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion and earned a top score on the Disability Equality Index benchmarking tool, a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN, to advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. "United is taking additional steps to create an accessible airline passenger experience through braille signage," said ACB Interim Executive Director Dan Spoone. "We appreciate the airline's continued exploration of additional in-flight navigational aids like large print and tactile indicators, and we encourage all airlines to follow United's lead in making air travel more inclusive for the blind and low vision community." The rollout of Braille to mainline aircraft over the next few years is the latest way United has worked to create accessible solutions for its customers and employees: The United mobile app was recently redesigned to make it easier to use for people with visual disabilities with increased color contrast, more space between graphics and reordering how information is displayed and announced to better integrate with the screen reader technologies like VoiceOver and TalkBack.   United's Inflight Seatback Entertainment screens offer a wide range of accessible features such as closed captioning, text-to-speech controls, magnification, explore-by-touch capabilities, audio-described movies, and adjustable and high-contrast text and color correction. As part of United Next, the airline's historic growth plan, the carrier expects to take delivery of about 700 new narrow and widebody aircraft by the end of 2032, all of which will include the latest in seatback screen entertainment options.   Through Bridge, United's Business Resource Group for people of all abilities, employees help create a workplace environment where all can strive to achieve their maximum potential and support our commitment to being an ally for customers with disabilities.   United's long-standing partnership with Special Olympics provides employment opportunities to athletes through the Special Olympics Service Ambassador program, a workforce development initiative that provides a forum to work alongside Airport Operations and Customer Service teams to assist customers. The airline also supports Special Olympics through volunteerism, fundraising and travel support to attend national and international competitions. About United At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".

Imagine, Nurture, Support, Prepare, Influence, Reflect, Evolve  Providing Mentorship, Access & Peer Support Calling all ACB members who are interested in becoming an ACB Guide (Mentor) or Explorer (Mentee). We’re excited to launch the official mentoring program of the American Council of the Blind! The ACB INSPIRE mentoring program serves as a roadmap and places an emphasis on aiding and guiding potential leaders to expand their involvement at the local, state and/or national level. Applications will be accepted from July 18, 2023 to August 17, 2023. Selections will be made by August 31, 2023, with an announcement to follow shortly thereafter. The program officially begins September 14, 2023 and concludes on June 14, 2024. Read below to apply to be considered for participation in the program. The cohort will consist of 12 Guides and12 Explorers to become the Class of 2023-2024. Each applicant is required to meet specific criteria and agree to adhere to program guidelines. Non-compliance may result in forfeiture of participation in the program. ACB INSPIRE Applicant Criteria In order to serve as a Guide or mentor, applicants must meet the following criteria: An ACB member for 7 years or more Current on membership dues Have at least 5 years of confirmed leadership experience Submit Name and Contact Information for a letter of Recommendation. Have personal knowledge of ACB’s History, Mission, Purpose, and Core Values Agree to meet with designated Explorer/Mentee at least twice a month Conduct effective goal setting meetings with a designated explorer/mentee. Agree to keep all communication with explorer/mentee private and confidential Agree to attend and participate in scheduled group empowerment sessions, including quarterly Check Point Meetings and Office Hours feedback sessions Agree to submit a monthly report to the ACB Mentoring Team on Guide-Explorer progress Agree to complete end of program evaluations In order to qualify as an Explorer or mentee, applicants must meet the following criteria: An ACB member for at least 2 years Current on membership dues Demonstrate an eagerness to learn and grow Faithfully attend and participate in goal-setting sessions with a designated guide/mentor Agree to meet with Guide/Mentor at least twice a month Agree to attend and participate in group empowerment sessions, including quarterly Check Point Meetings and Office Hours feedback sessions Agree to submit a monthly report to the ACB Mentoring Team on Guide-Explorer progress Agree to complete end of program evaluations How to Apply Visit the links below to find the Mentee/Explorer and Mentor/Guide applications. Mentee/Explorer Application Mentor/Guide Application Contact the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Team Communicate with the ACB INSPIRE Mentoring Team by sending email to: [email protected]. If it is more feasible to call, dial 409-866-5838. Thanks for your interest in becoming an ACB Guide or Explorer!

Braille, Large Print, and Audio Versions Also Available July 13, 2023 - The Nationwide Credit Reporting Agencies (NCRAs) reaffirmed their commitment to provide access to consumer credit reports for people who are blind or have low vision. The initiative, crafted with the American Council of the Blind and several blind consumers, will help improve the experiences of individuals who cannot read a standard print credit report. Under the plan announced today, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion will make online credit reports and related information more accessible for people with visual impairments through their jointly operated website, AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the official site to help consumers obtain free credit reports. Today’s initiative includes a renewed commitment to make credit reports available in braille, large print, and audio formats this summer. “We are thrilled with the renewed commitment of Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to provide accessible online credit information and large print, braille, and audio formats” said Dan Spoone, Interim Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind. “This initiative allows people with visual impairments to independently monitor and review their credit reports as all members of the public should. These are critical tools for obtaining financial services, managing financial health, avoiding identity theft and protecting the privacy of our financial information,” Spoone said. “As an industry, we are committed to providing a more inclusive financial ecosystem. Providing the tools that help all consumers live their financial best, and improving access to credit reports for the visually impaired, is another step that we are taking to help people better position themselves for strong financial futures,” said Aparna Shah, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Services at Equifax. “Experian is committed to ensuring all consumers have access to quality credit products and services and driving a more inclusive credit economy. We are pleased to continue improving access for consumers with visual impairments with these important tools,” said Wil Lewis, Global Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Talent Acquisition Officer at Experian. “TransUnion is committed to empowering visually impaired consumers with tools to manage their credit and take control of their financial future, and today’s announcement is another step forward. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our work, which is why we are pleased to partner on this important initiative,” said Mike Doherty, Senior Vice President, Consumer Solutions, TransUnion. Renewed Commitment Today’s initiative includes a renewed commitment to provide credit reports in braille, large print, and audio formats, and to design online credit reports and related web pages in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, issued by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The guidelines help ensure that web sites are accessible to persons with disabilities. The credit reporting agencies first worked with ACB over 15 years ago when free credit reports were first rolled out in the United States. ACB President Deb Cook Lewis commented that “We appreciate the three Nationwide Credit Reporting Agencies and their collaboration over many years and the Structured Negotiation process that brought us to today’s announcement.” Braille, large print, and audio credit reports are available to people who are blind or low vision by calling 1-877-322-8228.  Accessible online credit reports are available through annualcreditreport.com. About American Council of the Blind (ACB) American Council of the Blind is a national consumer-based advocacy organization working on behalf of blind and low vision Americans throughout the country, with members organized through seventy state and special interest affiliates. ACB is dedicated to improving the quality of life, equality of opportunity and independence of all people who have visual impairments. Its members and affiliated organizations have a long history of commitment to the advancement of policies and programs which will enhance independence for people who are blind and visually impaired. More information about ACB can be found by visiting the ACB website. About Equifax At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 14,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com. About Experian Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime. We have 21,700 people operating across 30 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. With corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, we are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group. Experian and the Experian marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian and its affiliates. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. About TransUnion TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 12,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with more confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. https://www.transunion.com Contacts American Council of the Blind Dan Spoone, Interim Executive Director [email protected] 407-227-4489 (mobile) Nationwide Credit Reporting Agencies Equifax Tiffany Smith [email protected] Experian Jordan Takeyama 951-733-8768 [email protected] TransUnion Dave Blumberg 312-985-3059 [email protected]

June 28, 2023 The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee 2125 Rayburn House Office Building 45 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chair McMorris Rodgers: On behalf of the American Council of the Blind and the undersigned organizations, we are writing to voice our support for the continued development and deployment of autonomous vehicles here in the United States, which could significantly enhance the lives of millions of disabled Americans and their loved ones, and ask that Congress take swift action to ensure that ongoing leadership of this industry can occur in this country. For 42.5 million Americans who are living with a disability, inadequate access to transportation can be prohibitive to workforce participation, limit access to critical services, and make it more difficult to travel to the people and things most important to our communities and for whom we advocate. Self-driving technology and the development of accessible autonomous vehicles have the potential to help alleviate these existing transportation barriers, while also creating new opportunities for independence and ease of access that have so far been out of reach for far too many people in the United States. The wide adoption of self-driving technology would benefit all of us by increasing economic opportunity and growing the national economy. According to a recent study by the National Disability Institute, an accessible and widely available autonomous ride hail service would bring an additional 9.15 million people into the American workforce, including 4.4 million jobs for people with disabilities. This same study found that self-driving technology would save the federal government $120.7 billion, through new tax revenue and reductions in spending from Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance programs, and would ultimately grow the U.S. economy by an estimated $867.7 billion over the next 10 years. Of course, these economic benefits may be realized only if autonomous vehicle technology is designed to be accessible to, useable by, and safe for people with disabilities. For the past several years, autonomous vehicle companies have been developing, testing, and now deploying fleets of vehicles. It is time for Congress to continue its leadership by moving legislation forward that facilitates additional testing of self-driving technology, allows for the safe and scaled rollout of autonomous ride hail services, and other beneficial transportation alternatives, including within public transit, here in the United States. This legislation must include provisions involving people with disabilities and other marginalized community leaders in research and development processes, and require safe hardware and software systems development that ensures roadway safety for all users and non-users regardless of height, skin tone, wheelchair and mobility aid usage, or other such factors that must be taken into account as relates to vehicle safety technology. Doing so would ensure autonomous vehicles can be manufactured at scale, rapidly increasing access to this technology for Americans with unmet transportation needs, including those who have a disability. For these reasons, Congress must address the needs of passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair users, when creating a national autonomous vehicle framework. We want to also thank you for your continued support for people with disabilities and for being a leader on accessibility issues in Congress. For these economic benefits, but also for the opportunity self-driving technology has to increase independence for people with disabilities in the United States, we urge you and Congressional leadership to quickly move forward with autonomous vehicle legislation. Sincerely, American Council of the Blind Access Ready American Foundation for the Blind Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs Autistic People of Color Fund Autistic Self Advocacy Network Autistic Women and Non-binary Network Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund Epilepsy Foundation National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities National Disability Rights Network National Disability Institute Paralyzed Veterans of America The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies United Spinal Association

July 5, 2023 – Alexandria, Virginia – The American Council of the Blind (ACB) announces the 2023 winners of the Audio Description Project Awards. The ADP Awards honor the people and organizations that make outstanding contributions to the quality, availability, and understanding of audio description. The winners are: Achievement in Media (Individual): Debra Erickson, Executive Chef and Founder of The Blind Kitchen. The Blind Kitchen provides accessible cooking tools to help people who are blind or have low vision cook safely, independently, and confidently. Achievement in Museums (Individual): Karen Bergman, for her work at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Karen’s descriptions include historical context and make visual art accessible in exciting new ways.. Achievement in Museums (Organization): The North Carolina Museum of Art and its “Sensory Journey through Art” program. These virtual events are designed for adults who are blind, have low vision, or have a learning need that would benefit from a sensory-style experience. Special Achievement in Museums: Dr. Michelle Edwards of the National Museum of African American History and Culture for her development of a series of virtual tour programs called History Alive. Achievement in the Performing Arts (Individual): Bonnie Barlow, who has provided live description of more than 258 plays and events, from Amadeus to Wicked, and from ballet to the rodeo. Achievement in Performing Arts (Organization): The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, which provides live audio description at their Broadway series, along with personalized accessibility assistance. Public Sector Award: The Space Telescope Science Institute for its description of the images relayed by the James Webb telescope. International Award: MovieReading, a unique technology that enables audio description (and captioning) to be downloaded to a patron’s individual device. Barry Levine Memorial Award for Career Achievement in Audio Description: Dr. Joshua Miele. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to AD over time by leading, inspiring, or providing service to others. Dr. Miele works as an adaptive technology designer and creates solutions to everyday accessibility problems. About the American Council of the Blind The American Council of the Blind is a national member-driven organization representing Americans who are blind or visually impaired. For more than 60 years, ACB has been a leader in national, state, local, and international advocacy efforts. With 68 affiliates, ACB strives to increase independence, security, and equality of opportunity, and to improve the quality of life for all people who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, visit www.acb.org. Learn more about the Audio Description Project at www.adp.acb.org.