This week, Claire speaks with two attorneys from Disability Rights Advocates about current disability rights litigation to better understand caselaw that impacts the blind and disability community.

This week, Claire and Scott talk about a “grab bag” of advocacy issues. ACB is busy keeping up with a myriad of new bills that are soon to be introduced to Congress, and activity with the executive branch of the federal government. The two discuss the numerous hot topics and what ACB is doing to track their progress.

This week, Claire speaks with a previous chair of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) about what the organization is and how ACB is involved in the advocacy it does. CCD is made up of over 120 different disability advocacy groups; ACB has been an active member for many years, working with other organizations to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities across the board at the national level.

This week, Claire And Kolby talk about their experience in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronic Show. The conference provided an opportunity to learn about the latest technology, advocate for full accessibility in all designs, and network with other advocates in the world of technology access.

This week, Claire and Cindy preview the DC Leadership Conference, which will take place March 14-18 at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Listen to find out more about the upcoming event and how you can participate.

This week, Claire had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie Flynt McEben from the National Disability Rights Network regarding the U.S. Census. In the last year, census officials took steps to change the way disability is defined, which would impact the number of people who identify as so. This would then impact government funding for the disability community. Stephanie explains the action of the disability community, including ACB, to advocate to stop the definition change before more research can be done to protect services to the disability community.

This week, Claire speaks with ACB’s executive director, Scott Thornhill, to learn more about his visit to several state affiliate conventions in 2024. As the new executive director, he has already had the opportunity to attend state affiliate conventions and learn more about the phenomenal work going on at the state level.

This week, we get to know one of our newly elected Board members from the 2024 annual Convention. Claire and Swatha spoke with Peter Heide to learn more about who he is and his hopes as a member of the ACB Board.

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha reflect on all that has happened in 2024 with special guests Deb Cook Lewis, ACB President, and Scott Thornhill, ACB Executive Director. From major staff changes to cross-country travel, come hear about it all!