ACB Advocacy Update

The 2024 ACB Annual Conference and Convention.

May 23, 2024

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha speak with ACB’s Convention Coordinator, Janet Dickelman, and two members of the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Doug Powell, AAVL President, and Jeff Thom, Immediate Past President, on all the things happening at the 2024 annual Conference and Convention. Register for the Conference and Convention at acbconvention.org or by calling Janet at 651-428-5059.

The New Title II Rule.

May 9, 2024

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha go through the recently released rule from the Department of Justice on accessibility of websites and mobile apps under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act with guests from the American Foundation for the Blind Public Policy and Research Department, Stephanie Enyart and Sarah Malaier. We go over what is in the rule and who it covers, why this rule was necessary at all, and the organized response from the disability community during the rule’s development.

Learn more about the rule from the DOJ at Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments | ADA.gov

Read an AFB blog post on this rule at Final Rule on Website Accessibility Will Mean Greater Access to State and Local Governments | American Foundation for the Blind (afb.org)

ACB at CSUN

April 25, 2024

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Swatha recaps the California State University Northridge (CSUN) Assistive Technology Conference with Claire and ACB Development Officer, Kolby Garrison. We go through their experiences at the conference venue, standout sessions, and all the cool new gadgets and gizmos on display at the Exhibit Hall.

Meet ACB’s New Executive Director Scott Thornhill

April 11, 2024

Today we’re bringing you a special edition of the ACB Advocacy Update! Claire Stanley and Swatha Nandhakumar sit down with ACB’s new Executive Director, Scott Thornhill. You’ll learn about Scott’s background, his ideas for building new partnerships, and a few of his priorities and aspirations for ACB as he settles into his new role. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Scott and get to know him!

Advocacy on Capitol Hill at The 2024 Leadership Conference and Legislative Seminar

March 28, 2024

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha reflect on the Capitol Hill Day at the 2024 Leadership Conference and Legislative Seminar with some ACB members. We discuss particular issues that stood out to Congressional staff, the return to in-person office visits, and advice these three individuals have for anyone that wants to advocate with Congress with ACB in the future.

The Medical Devices Nonvisual Accessibility ACT.

March 14, 2024
The Medical Devices Nonvisual Accessibility ACT.

The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act.

February 29, 2024
ACB Advocacy for February 29, 2024.

Join ACB at the 2024 Leadership Conference and Legislative Seminar

February 8, 2024

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha preview all that will be happening at the 2024 Leadership Conference and Legislative Seminar taking place from March 1st to 5th at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, VA. We go through the scheduled meetings, guest speakers, fun activities after hours, and our Capitol Hill advocacy day. Registration is now open to attend the conference, and ACB’s room block for the Sheraton closes on February 12th. To register, visit Take part in the American Council of the Blind Leadership Conference! | American Council of the Blind (acb.org)