American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a national organization of blind, visually impaired, and sighted individuals whose purpose is to work toward independence, security, equality of opportunity, and improved quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. ACB programs and services include:
- "ACB Braille Forum," a bimonthly publication available in braille, large print, on NLS-style cartridge (audio), by email subscription, podcast, and at www.acb.org. It also plays on ACB Media Network's Channel 10. The magazine is free to members; all others pay $25 per format per year.
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A number of college scholarships (must be legally blind in both eyes). The application goes live on
acb.org on November 1, and must be returned by the deadline.
- An annual conference featuring a large trade show of the latest
high- and low-tech gadgets for blind and visually impaired individuals, as well
as a wide variety of breakout sessions, seminars, workshops, technology
training classes, and more. Volunteer opportunities are available; contact the
national office for details.
- An internet radio station, ACB Media Network (http://acbmedia.org/), with a variety of streams. ACB Radio Café features
music by blind musicians. Mainstream features include content from the International
Association of Audio Information Services as well as a variety of talk shows.
Treasure Trove offers such old-time radio shows as The Jack Benny Show,
Gunsmoke, Red Skelton, Fibber McGee and Molly, Gene Autry, and many others. The ACB Community channel offers both live and prerecorded content from ACB
sponsored community events.
- ACB Community Events are calls/Zoom events on a variety of topics that people can participate in. For the weekly schedule, visit www.acb.org/acb-community-events, or call 1-800-424-8666 and choose Community Calls.
The council actively participates in the national legislative and advocacy scene. ACB is also a valuable resource for information on programs and services in the blindness field and laws affecting blind people.
