ACB Advocacy Update

Fall Advocacy Grab Bag

October 19, 2023
Enjoy the season of sweater weather, pumpkin spice and apple cider with another round of updates from ACB’s Advocacy Team! On this episode, Clark and Swatha provide updates on legislation, including reintroduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, significant agency rulemakings, like the Department of Health and Human Services update to Section 504, and how the administration celebrated 50 years of the Rehabilitation Act.

Untangling Transportation – How much farther? Getting from Prowag to What it Offers

September 28, 2023

People concerned about safety and accessibility for pedestrians have been discussing the “Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines” (mercifully shortened to PROWAG) for more than a decade. And on August 8, 2023, the U.S. Access Board issued this long-sought set of accessibility standards for sidewalks and streets, crosswalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, on-street parking, and other components of public rights-of-way. But with any long journey, there remain steps to be taken, and this month, we’ll be exploring what’s next with Chris Bell, ACB Board Member and Sarah Presley, who provides staff support to the U.S. Access Board. An understanding of what PROWAG is, what it offers, and what advocates will need to do to ensure that PROWAG helps transform the accessibility of pedestrian spaces across America, is critical, so this is a show you do not want to miss. Sponsored by

Accessible Avenue

The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act

September 14, 2023

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark and Swatha go over the CVTA, which was re-introduced on July 25th in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate by Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA-16) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) as H.R.4858 and S.2494. We encourage all our members and friends to contact their Representative and Senators to urge them to support the CVTA. To contact your Member of Congress, visit house.gov and search using your zip code, or visit senate.gov and search by state. You may also call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Find more information on the bill at www.cvtaaccess.org

Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co

Conversation with World Blind Union President, Martine Abel-Williamson.

August 17, 2023

In addition to her role as World Blind Union President, Ms. Abel-Williamson is involved with several disability-related organizations in New Zealand and also serves on the board of the Accessible Books Consortium, an initiative led by the World Intellectual Property Organization. She will speak at Tuesday morning's general session, and here is a great opportunity to hear from and talk with her directly in a smaller, more intimate setting. Presenter: Martine Abel-Williamson, President, World Blind Union, Auckland, New Zealand. Co-sponsored by IRC and MCAC.

Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co

Making the Case for a More Equitable Paratransit Future.

August 10, 2023

Several ACB members will describe the policy and service changes that a number of transit agencies have made to improve the equity and service outcomes of their paratransit systems. Speakers will also make recommendations for how individuals and ACB chapters can advocate for similar paratransit improvements in their home communities. Moderator: Ron Brooks, Founder and CEO, Accessible Avenue, Phoenix, AZ.

Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co

Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

August 3, 2023

Episode Description

July is Disability Pride Month, and July 26th is the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Come listen to what the ACB Advocacy team has been up to as the administration and Congress celebrate the ADA anniversary. We go over new and proposed rule making by federal agencies, events held by the administration, and Congressional activity surrounding accessibility of new and emerging technology like autonomous vehicles.

Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co

A Conversation with Uber

July 20, 2023

Join representatives from Uber to learn how they are improving the rideshare experience for passengers with disabilities, including service dog handlers. Moderated by Clark Rachfal, ACBs, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs.

Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co

Structured Negotiations and Legal Settlements.

July 2, 2023

A panel of legal experts discusses whether current legal settlements and decisions are providing people who are blind or low vision with appropriate legal redress and whether it is possible to seek changes in the way we approach our civil rights litigation.

Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co

Accessible Air Travel and the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization

June 16, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, ACB's advocacy team speaks with Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director for Government Relations at Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), about opportunities to improve the air travel experience for people with disabilities within the ongoing Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization process in Congress. They discuss key items of interest to the disability community, including how advocates can keep in touch with the rapidly moving reauthorization process and ensure provisions that would make air travel much more accessible and enjoyable remain in the final version of the FAA Reauthorization Act.

To learn more about PVA, visit pva.org. To keep up with all developments in the FAA Reauthorization process, visit pva.org/airtravel.

Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co

Catching Up with Eric Bridges, AFB President & CEO

June 8, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, ACB’s advocacy team catches up with an old friend, Eric Bridges, President and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Eric discusses his new role at AFB, including his experience at the AFB Leadership Conference and AFB’s continued partnership with ACB.

Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co