ACB Advocacy Update
227 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsThis feed provides updates from the American Council of the Blind on its advocacy efforts.
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Episodes
VisionServe Alliance
May 14, 2020 16:42 - 30 minutes - 55 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, ACB Executive Director Eric Bridges speaks with Lee Nasehi, President & CEO of VisionServe Alliance. Learn about who composes the membership of VisionServe Alliance and what role they are playing within the blind and visually impaired community. For more information about VisionServe Alliance, visit www.visionservealliance.org. To access a transcript of this podcast, visit: https://acb.org/acb-advocacy-update-transcript-5-14-20.
Department of Education COVID-19 Waiver Report
May 07, 2020 18:25 - 29 minutes - 53.7 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire Stanley and Clark Rachfal speak with ACB First Vice President Mark Richert about the COVID-19 waiver report submitted to Congress by the Department of Education. Mark, who is serving as Interim Executive Director for the Association of Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) shares his thoughts on what is included in the waiver report, the impact of previous advocacy efforts to ensure these waivers do not weake...
How Remote Learning is Impacting Blind and Visually Impaired Students
April 30, 2020 17:59 - 20 minutes - 37 MBThis week, Claire speaks with Penny Rosenblum from the American Foundation for the Blind about a collaborative research project being conducted to assess the impact remote learning during the COVID-19 crisis is having on blind and visually impaired students. We will all be excited to learn what findings are gleaned from the survey. To learn more and consider completing the survey, please visit: www.accessengagement.com. More information about ACB is available at www.acb.org, and if you lik...
What’s a Blind Paralympian to Do?
April 28, 2020 15:41 - 35 minutes - 65 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark speaks with Lex Gillette, Paralympian, World Champion, and World Record Long Jumper, and Cat Bouwkamp, Membership and Safe Sport Coordinator, U.S. Association of Blind Athletes. Lex shares how he is coping physically and mentally with the delay of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, and Cat shares the work that USABA is doing to make fitness and exercise more accessible for everyone who is blind. To learn more about Lex Gillette, check out: www...
ACB & Be My Eyes
April 23, 2020 19:50 - 23 minutes - 42.5 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update Claire Stanley speaks with Will Butler from Be My Eyes. The two discuss what users can do with the smartphone application, and the exciting new relationship ACB and Be My Eyes launched on April 22, 2020. Listen to find out how you can take advantage of the new service! To read the press release about the partnership, visit: https://acb.org/acb-announces-partnership-be-my-eyes
Accessible Voting and COVID-19
April 16, 2020 17:38 - 28 minutes - 51.9 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark discuss how the pandemic and social distancing requirements are impacting the planning by states for the 2020 primary and general elections. As many states move to conduct entire elections using paper ballots and vote by mail, ACB and our members are working hard to ensure election officials offer an accessible voting alternative to vote by mail for voters with disabilities. To read the press release and letter that ACB and more t...
Conversation with Comcast
April 14, 2020 18:21 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBOn this special edition of the Advocacy Update, take a break from binge watching to join a conversation hosted by ACB with Comcast. Join ACB’s Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Clark Rachfal, as he speaks with Tom Wlodkowski, Vice President of Accessibility for Comcast Communications, to learn how they are ensuring their products and services are available and accessible to as many people as possible. To learn more about ACB, please visit: https://acb.org/.
ACB & Blind Love
April 09, 2020 16:31 - 35 minutes - 64.9 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark fall head over heels for the PBS Independent Lens series, Blind Love. We discuss what is so attractive to Producer Patty Zagarella about dating while blind, and we speak with Blind Lover Joni Martinez about her quest to find Mr. Right. Blind Love is available with audio description on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/eC7ZLLMHVvY. To learn more about ACB, please visit: www.acb.org.
ACB Advocacy Services Committee Open Call
April 06, 2020 19:35 - 1 hour - 81.6 MBOn this special edition of the Advocacy Update, Clark and Claire present on an open call of the ACB Advocacy Services Committee chaired by ACB Board Member, Jeff Thom. Clark and Claire discuss the provisions that may impact ACB members in the third COVID-19 stimulus package passed by Congress and signed into law by the President on Friday, March 27, as well as the other legislative and regulatory priorities on which ACB is actively engaged. To conclude the webinar, Clark and Claire listen to...
Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
April 02, 2020 16:53 - 36 minutes - 67.1 MBThis week, Claire Stanley and Clark Rachfal speak with Marcie Roth, President and CEO of the World Institute on Disability. Marcie has a long career history in accommodating persons with disabilities as it pertains to emergency preparedness. The three talk about what needs to be done to provide emergency services to persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis. To learn more about the World Institute on Disability, visit: https://wid.org/
Information Access Committee Webinar on the 2020 U.S. Census
March 31, 2020 16:38 - 57 minutes - 79.4 MBOn this special edition of the Advocacy Update, the ACB Information Access Committee conducted a member webinar with Larry Carter, National Partnerships Manager, U.S. Census Bureau. Larry shared with ACB members the who, what, when, why and how for completing the 2020 U.S. Census. To learn more about the 2020 U.S. Census, please call or visit: 1-844-330-2020, or www.2020census.gov. To learn more about ACB, please visit: www.acb.org.
Connecting with ACB During COVID-19
March 26, 2020 19:54 - 28 minutes - 51.7 MBThis week on the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark Rachfal and Claire Stanley are joined by ACB Membership Services Coordinator Cindy Van Winkle. The three discuss the recent changes in everyday life due to the spread of COVID-19 and about the many virtual meetings ACB is holding to keep the community connected in this time of social distancing. To learn more about ACB's community conference calls, visit: https://acb.org/ACB-community-conference-calls
ACAA Advisory Committee
March 19, 2020 16:25 - 26 minutes - 48.5 MBThis week on the ACB Advocacy Update podcast, Claire Stanley speaks with Heather Ansley from Paralyzed Veterans of America. The two discuss the first in-person meeting of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Advisory Committee. Learn about the committee members, the topics they will be advising on, and how you can help provide valuable input to the committee. To learn more about Paralyzed Veterans of America, visit: https://pva.org/
Dogs on a Plane!
March 12, 2020 17:27 - 33 minutes - 60.8 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, join Claire Stanley as she speaks with two ACB members about recently proposed amendments to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) that will impact those who fly with their guide dogs. ACB encourages all guide dog users to submit comments regarding this proposed rulemaking. For instructions on how to file comments, please visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/02/05/2020-01546/travelin...
DC Leadership Meetings
March 06, 2020 16:58 - 39 minutes - 72.6 MBThis week on the ACB Advocacy Update, join us as we highlight some of the people and presenters who attended our DC Leadership Meetings. Listeners will hear ACB members reflect on their experiences during the meetings, as well as the legislative seminar lunchtime presentation from Managing Director of the Signal Group, Charles Cooper.
ACB's New Director of Development
February 27, 2020 19:37 - 30 minutes - 56.4 MBThis week on the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark Rachfal, Claire Stanley, and Eric Bridges speak to a very exciting guest - the one and only Tony Stephens! Tony will be returning to ACB as our new Director of Development. Join them as they talk about his new position and what he will be bringing to ACB. Link to transcript: https://acb.org/ACB-advocacy-update-2-27-20-transcript
Guide Dogs for the Blind and Pick of the Litter
February 20, 2020 16:03 - 34 minutes - 62.4 MBOn this episode of the Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark speak with Karen Woon, Vice President of Marketing, Guide Dogs for the Blind, about the new docuseries, Pick of the Litter, streaming now on Disney+. Karen shares the exciting work that went into filming and accurately representing the long journey for six puppies to become trained guide dogs. Included in this series is ACB’s own, Claire Stanley, and her new guide dog, Tulane! To learn more about Guide Dogs for the Blind, visit: www.g...
Accessible Absentee Voting
February 13, 2020 15:53 - 26 minutes - 49.3 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark speak with Margaret Hart, Counsel, Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, about the passage of S.B. 94 in West Virginia. For far too long, voting with a paper ballot by mail has been the only way to vote absentee in most states, which disenfranchises many voters with disabilities from having equal access to absentee voting. In West Virginia, the passage of S.B. 94 allows voters with disabilities to mark, ...
ACB Scholarships 2020
February 06, 2020 19:05 - 33 minutes - 62 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark discuss the looming application deadline for the 2020 ACB scholarships. First, they speak with ACB Scholarship Committee co-Chair, Denise Colley, about the important role these scholarships play in furthering the ACB mission, and the new scholarship partnership between ACB and the American Foundation for the Blind. Then, they speak with Sasha Somuah about how receiving an ACB scholarship has positively impacted her life and persona...
Legislative Seminar Preparation
January 27, 2020 22:03 - 51 minutes - 70.3 MBThis is preparation information for the Legislative Seminar recorded by The American Council of the Blind Membership Services Coordinator, Cindy Van Winkle.
Legislative Imperatives
January 23, 2020 23:15 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark discuss the ACB Legislative Seminar and the three legislative imperatives for 2020. To learn more about the 2020 DC Leadership Meetings and Legislative seminar, including how to register, please visit: https://acb.org/2020-DC-leadership-meetings. A transcript of this podcast is available at: https://acb.org/ACB-advocacy-update-1-23-20-transcript Update: We fixed the low volume issues that existed in this edition of the podcast.
Surface Transportation Discussion with America Walks
January 16, 2020 23:22 - 21 minutes - 39.3 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark speak with Heidi Simon from America Walks. They discuss the overlapping missions of our two organizations, and the work that we are doing to make our neighborhoods and cities more pedestrian-friendly. To learn more about America Walks visit: www.americawalks.org. A transcript of this podcast is available at: www.acb.org/ACB-advocacy-update-1-16-20-transcript.
Surface Transportation Discussion with AFB
January 09, 2020 20:23 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBThis week on the ACB Advocacy Update, ACB Advocacy and Outreach Specialist Claire Stanley speaks with Stacy Cervanka from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). ACB and AFB are working together to encourage Congress to include language in the 2020 Surface Transportation bill that would positively affect the transportation rights and access for blind and visually impaired Americans. A transcript of this podcast is available at: https://acb.org/ACB-Advocacy-Update-Transcript-1-9-20
Looking Back at 2019 with 2020 Vision
December 19, 2019 21:33 - 37 minutes - 68.7 MBOn this, the final Advocacy Update podcast for 2019, Clark Rachfal, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Eric Bridges, ACB Executive Director, and Dan Spoone, ACB President, discuss the organizational progress and advocacy accomplishments of 2019 and tease what ACB has planned for 2020. This was a year of transformation and growth for ACB, made possible by our members, partners, and of course individual supporters.
Digital Accessibility for the Holidays
December 12, 2019 20:47 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBOn Dec. 5, the ACB Information Access Committee (IAC) hosted an evening webinar on accessible shopping, technology, and home appliances with special guest J.J. Meddaugh, Author, Access World. ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Clark Rachfal, and IAC Chair, Tony Stephens, led this discussion on what is naughty and nice in terms of accessibility, highlighted tips and tricks to improve the shopping experience, and shared ways that we can overcome the challenges when smart applia...
Cogswell Macy Act
December 05, 2019 19:18 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBOn this episode of the Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark spoke with Barbara Raimondo, Executive Director, Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf, about reintroduction of the Cogswell Macy Act (H.R. 4822 & S. 2681). Named for the first deaf student to be formally educated in the U.S. and for Helen Keller’s beloved teacher, respectively, the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act will strengthen the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to improv...
All Things Audio Description
November 28, 2019 16:29 - 36 minutes - 66.3 MBTraveling for the holidays, or need some personal time away from the family? The ACB Advocacy Update has you covered! On this podcast, Claire and Clark discuss all things audio description with Dr. Joel Snyder and Carl Richardson. We highlight the great work of the Audio Description Project, including the Benefits of Audio Description in Education Contest, as well as the 16th Audio Description Institute, and the rapidly evolving landscape of streaming services providing accessible user inter...
Access Acting Academy
November 21, 2019 16:47 - 30 minutes - 55.2 MBCalling All Actors! On this episode of the Advocacy Update, Clark spoke with starlet of the stage and screen, Marilee Talkington. Through personal and professional advocacy, Marilee has developed and launched the Access Acting Academy and will host the first-of-it’s-kind Professional Actor Training Program specifically for blind and visually impaired artists. This free flagship program will take place in Los Angeles, Jan. 6 - Feb. 7, 2020, and applications are being accepted through Nov. 30,...
ACB Online: Part II
November 14, 2019 17:07 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBFor this episode of the Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark spoke with Kelly Gasque, Executive Assistant and Multimedia Design Specialist for ACB. This is the second podcast in our two part series on ACB’s online presence. Kelly shared with us the work that she does to coordinate and update the ACB website and social media platforms, and we discussed how this information is used to amplify the advocacy and governmental affairs work of ACB. To learn more about ACB, please visit: www.acb.org. A ...
ACB Online: Part I
November 07, 2019 18:59 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBJoin Claire and Clark as they speak with Jeff Bishop, ACB Board Member, and part of the critical team that keeps ACB up and running on the Internet. During this conversation, they discuss the work being done to modernize the ACB and ACB Radio websites, and how these tools are used to enhance ACB’s advocacy efforts. To learn more, please visit www.acb.org and www.acbradio.org. Share your feedback with us at [email protected]. A transcript of this podcast is available at: https://acb.org/ACB-a...
Apple TV+ and See
October 31, 2019 18:05 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBApple will launch their new streaming video service, Apple TV+, on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019. On this episode of the Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark spoke with Joe Strechay, Associate Producer, about his work as a blindness consultant on the new series, See, and the accessibility features of Apple TV+. Additional information about the Apple TV+ service is available from the Audio Description Project at: https://acb.org/adp/index.html. A transcript of this podcast is available at: https://acb.o...
ACB Advocacy Update 10/24/19: NDEAM, AbilityOne & VA Contracting
October 24, 2019 17:45 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBFor National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Claire and Clark spoke with Dan Kelly from IFB Solutions. We discussed the employment opportunities available to people who are blind through the AbilityOne Program, and ACB‘s advocacy efforts to address the challenges posed by recent changes to procurement policies for the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs. To learn more about this issue, please read ACB Resolution 2019-03: https://www.acb.org/resolutions2019. To access a transcript of ...
Micro & Shared Mobility: Part II
October 17, 2019 19:57 - 24 minutes - 22 MBThis week on the ACB Advocacy Update, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist Claire Stanley speaks with two ACB members. Chris Bell postulates about necessary policies and state action to prevent safety hazards, and Joanne Stombaugh shares her personal experience with e-scooters and her involvement in related advocacy.
Micro & Shared Mobility: Part I
October 10, 2019 17:16 - 27 minutes - 24.7 MBThis Advocacy Update is the first part of a two part series on micro and shared mobility services. Claire and Clark spoke with the Acting Executive Director of the Micromobility Coalition, Ryan McConaghy, about the proliferation of e-bikes and -scooters around the country. We discussed the role for these new services in the transportation ecosystem, and the need for these services to integrate seamlessly with public rights of way and maintain pedestrian safety. To learn more about the Micro ...
Digital Accessibility & Inclusion - October 3, 2019
October 03, 2019 17:26 - 1 hour - 90.7 MBOn this special edition of the Advocacy Update podcast, we wait with bated breath to learn if the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Domino’s v. Robles, and whether Title III of the ADA applies to websites. In the meantime, please enjoy the audio only of the National Press Club event on digital accessibility and work place inclusion, where ACB Immediate Past President, Kim Charlson, participated. To learn more about ACB, visit our website: www.acb.org, and to listen to Kim’s perspective of this...
Accessible Sports - September 26, 2019
September 26, 2019 19:57 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MBThis week on the ACB Advocate Update, Claire and Clark speak with Pam McGonigle, Director of Development for the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA), about the exciting world of accessible sports. As ACB works on promoting the Exercise and Fitness for All Bill (S.1244), let’s learn more about accessible sports and athletic programs.
Digital Accessibility with Aira - September 19, 2019
September 19, 2019 20:13 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update podcast, Clark and Claire are joined by Jenine Stanley, Explorer Community Manager for Aira. We discussed how Aira may be used as a tool to navigate inaccessible products and services, whether when dealing with household appliances and exercise equipment, or forms and websites online. Jenine shared with us how ACB members may utilize five free minutes of Aira to complete small tasks, as well as how to find locations, services and products that offer...
Digital Accessibility - September 12, 2019
September 12, 2019 15:58 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBOn this episode of the Advocacy Update podcast, Claire and Clark discuss digital accessibility. As more aspects of our everyday lives are interconnected with the Internet and technology, it is more important than ever to ensure access for people with disabilities. If you encounter inaccessible hardware, software, websites or mobile applications, let the ACB National Office know at [email protected].
Sara Conrad and CCLVI - September 5, 2019
September 05, 2019 17:24 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark are joined by Sara Conrad, President, Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI). Sara shared her journey as an ACB member and the work of CCLVI. To learn more about CCLVI, visit www.cclvi.org. Please share your podcast feedback with ACB at [email protected].
ACB Advocacy Update for August 29, 2019
August 29, 2019 16:01 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update podcast, Claire and Clark speak with Mark Richert about the ACB resolutions process. In addition to being the newly elected ACB First Vice President, Mark is the most recent past Chairman of the ACB Resolutions Committee and the voice of resolutions at the ACB annual convention. Mark shared insights regarding how resolutions are introduced, debated and passed. You may learn more about the ACB resolutions at www.acb.org/resolutions, and please share ...
ACB Advocacy Update for August 22, 2019
August 22, 2019 13:39 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBIt’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…No, It’s a Flying Dog! On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update podcast, Claire and Clark discuss the new final enforcement statement regarding service animals by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. Listen and learn about what passengers with service animals should expect while flying, and what policies airlines may implement. If you experience discrimination due to your service animal during air travel, please contact AC...
ACB Advocacy Update for August 15, 2019
August 15, 2019 13:49 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Clark speak with Chandrika (Shani) Jayant from Volkswagen. Shani is the Principle Universal Designer of Inclusive Mobility for the Volkswagen Group of America. Shani shared Volkswagen’s work on autonomous vehicles, silent cars and inclusive vehicle designs. If you have feedback on this podcast, or ideas for future podcasts, please send them to [email protected]. To learn more about the American Council of the Blind, please visit www.acb.o...
ACB Advocacy Update for August 7, 2019
August 06, 2019 15:28 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBCall to Action!: The Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act, H.R. 4129, was introduced by Representatives Maloney and Bilirakis. Claire and Clark discuss the importance of this bipartisan bill and encourage all listeners to contact their elected members of Congress during the August Recess to support this legislation. Members of Congress may support this legislation by cosponsoring H.R. 4129 in the House of Representatives, and by introducing a companion bill in the Se...
ACB Advocacy Update for July 26, 2019
July 26, 2019 14:54 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBHappy 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! On this episode of the Advocacy Update Podcast, Clark Rachfal is joined by Amanda Tolson, En-Vision America, and JoAnn Stephens and Carrie Farber, Walmart, to discuss how Walmart is making the ScripTalk accessible prescription solution available at all Walmarts and Sam’s Clubs throughout the U.S. To get started with ScripTalk: call En-Vision America at: 1-800-890-1180, or speak with your local Walmart or Sam’s Club pharmacist tod...
ACB Advocacy Update for July 10, 2019
July 10, 2019 20:06 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBThis week on the ACB Advocacy Update podcase, join Claire Stanley and Clark Rachfal for a conversation with Minh Ha, President of ACB Students. During this podcast we learn a little about Minh, how she became involved with ACB, what’s new with ACB Students, and what Minh and ACB Students have in store for the ACB convention in Rochester this week! To learn more about ACB Students, visit: www.acb.org/affiliate-acbs or follow @ACBStudents on social media. As always, please share your podcast f...
ACB Advocacy Update for July 2, 2019
July 02, 2019 18:03 - 24 MBJoin Claire Stanley and Clark Rachfal this week as they meet with ACB’s new Membership Services Coordinator, Cindy Van Winkle. Claire and Clark get to know more about who she is, where she comes from, and what she hopes to bring to ACB.
ACB Advocacy Update for July 2, 2019
July 02, 2019 18:02 - 26 minutes - 24 MBJoin Claire Stanley and Clark Rachfal this week as they meet with ACB’s new Membership Services Coordinator, Cindy Van Winkle. Claire and Clark get to know more about who she is, where she comes from, and what she hopes to bring to ACB.
ACB Advocacy Update for July 2, 2019
July 02, 2019 18:02 - 24 MBJoin Claire Stanley and Clark Rachfal this week as they meet with ACB’s new Membership Services Coordinator, Cindy Van Winkle. Claire and Clark get to know more about who she is, where she comes from, and what she hopes to bring to ACB.
ACB Advocacy Update for June 20, 2019
June 20, 2019 13:22 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBOn this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update Podcast, Clark Rachfal is joined by Matt Ater to answer the question everyone is asking: “Who is Vispero?” Matt explains that ACB members most certainly know Vispero through their products and services offered by: Enhanced Vision, Freedom Scientific, Optelec, and the Paciello Group. Clark and Matt conclude the conversation by teasing some, but not all, of the special announcements and promotions that Vispero will have at the ACB 58th annual conven...
ACB Advocacy Update for June 3, 2019
June 03, 2019 17:46 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBOn this installment of the ACB Advocacy Update Podcast, Claire Stanley and Clark Rachfal discuss how the inaccessibility of exercise and fitness equipment may prevent some ACB members from getting their beach body prior to the 2019 ACB annual convention in Rochester, NY. Claire and Clark are joined by Richard Thesing, Mobility Fitness, to discuss the higher obesity rates of Americans with disabilities; how exercise and fitness equipment could be made more accessible; and the introduction of...