American Council of the Blind

Today is National Information Technology (IT) Professionals Day! Let’s recognize and thank all the technical experts and other IT pros who ensure we stay connected and our systems run smoothly. We invite you to check out ACB’s special interest affiliate, Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), which promotes the career development of computer professionals and users who are blind. BITS fosters a family and community of empowerment, engagement, and collective mentoring to allow all to achieve in their digital lives. Learn more at?https://bits-acb.org/.

Today is Working Parents Day, a day to celebrate and recognize all those amazing parents who work hard to provide for their families. On this Working Parents Day, we’d like you to meet RaLynn McGuire, who is the Lead Accessibility/Universal Design for Learning Specialist in Teaching, Learning, and Digital Transformation, and a lecturer in Interdisciplinary Teaching at the College of Education and Human Development and Learning at the University of Texas at San Antonio. RaLynn is an ACB member and is part of Blind Information Technology Specialists and ACB Next Generation. The photo shows RaLynn and her two daughters. ? RaLynn, we appreciate you and all the other working parents out there!

Check out Microsoft's recent blog post about accessibility and usability improvements in the new Outlook for Windows: https://lnkd.in/eRev-Fyy

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire Stanley, J.D. and Swatha Nandhakumar recap a series of hearings held by the United States Access Board on AI’s impact on people with disabilities. They discuss its implications in the workplace and in transportation, and how it can be used to enhance accessibility of the digital environment and the physical built environment. ? The Access Board is also soliciting public comments on AI and its impact on the disability community. Comments are due on October 31st?and can be emailed to?[email protected]?or submitted on the Federal Register at?Regulations.gov. ? To access the hearing recordings, visit https://lnkd.in/g3gtawQg ? Listen to the ACB Advocacy Update podcast at https://lnkd.in/e2tkYNrB

On Monday ACB staff attended a special event at the White House, where President Biden marked the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and recognized Disability Pride Month. The ADA ensures that people with disabilities, including people who are blind or have low vision, have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. ? Pictured on the White House lawn are ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill (center), ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs Claire Stanley, J.D. (left), with her guide dog Tulane, and ACB Advocacy and Outreach Specialist Swatha Nandhakumar (right). ? Access a video of President Biden’s remarks on the White House YouTube page: https://lnkd.in/eEZjM_7D

ACB is proud to support the 2024 M-Enabling Summit, organized by G3ict, in Washington D.C. on October 15-17! #DigitalAccessibility is not just a feature, it's a fundamental right for everyone. We're excited to explore innovative approaches to enhance digital inclusivity at the event. ? For more details visit?https://m-enabling.com/. ? #mEnabling24 #UniteForInclusion

Today begins Disability Voting Rights Week, a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and REV UP. The movement is about advocacy, celebrating community, and building power. The disability community makes up an important voting bloc, yet barriers still exist that prevent many people with disabilities from accessing their right to vote. ACB continues to advocate to make the entire voting process accessible for Americans who are blind or have low vision. ? Visit the Disability Voting Rights Week website to learn how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/eSm5DXeZ ? Check out ACB’s voting information page for useful voting resources: https://www.acb.org/voting

Today is National Hug Your Hound Day! Take a moment to give your furry friend a big hug (and some scratches) and thank them for being your loving companion. Pictured below is Cindy Hollis, ACB’s Manager of Membership Engagement, hugging her guide dog Balsa, a female German Shepherd from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. The photo was taken from Cindy’s front porch in Flat Rock, Michigan. #hugyourhoundday

The 2024 Paralympics Games in Paris will conclude on Sunday after nearly two weeks of exciting competition. Athletes from around the world who are blind or have low vision have competed in a range of events, including track and field, triathlon, cycling, equestrian, soccer, goalball, judo, rowing, sailing, and swimming. Check out the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes - USABA Facebook page for profiles of many of the American Paralympians who are blind or have low vision who are competing in the games: https://lnkd.in/gnUr3rP ? Additionally, NBCUniversal’s coverage of the 2024 Paralympic Games has been more accessible than ever before, with enhanced closed captioning, expanded audio description, and improved digital content accessibility. It’s been a truly memorable Paralympics Games – and it’s not over yet! Tune in today and this weekend for a full day of events: https://lnkd.in/dxreBMic

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced progress this year to reduce customer burden by transitioning wet (physical) signature requirements to digital signatures for more than 30 forms?as well as removing the signature requirements altogether for 13 forms. These actions simplify application processes, including removing a potential reason for claims to be sent back or denied. ? Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eDKYpEY5