American Council of the Blind
ACB is a national membership organisation of blind and low-vision Americans that promotes independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all people who are blind or visually impaired. It operates numerous special-interest affiliates and coordinates a broad network of state and local chapters.
About the American Council of the Blind
The American Council of the Blind was founded in 1961 following a split from the National Federation of the Blind. ACB has its own distinct organisational philosophy — generally characterised as more accommodating of different approaches to blindness and more collaborative in its policy style compared to NFB's historically more confrontational stance. Both organisations are legitimate voices in the blind community.
ACB's structure includes state affiliates (one in nearly every state) and over 70 special-interest affiliates covering areas such as guide dog users, diabetics with vision loss, students, government employees, attorneys, and more.
What they do
ACB engages in federal policy advocacy on issues including accessible prescription drug labelling (a key ACB victory), accessible currency, accessible digital content, transportation, and employment. ACB's Government Affairs team works with Congress and federal agencies, often in coalition with other disability organisations.
ACB also provides community through its convention, publications (Braille Forum), and affiliate network.
Key programs and resources
- Braille Forum: The longest continuously published magazine for blind Americans (print, Braille, and audio)
- Audio Description Project: ACB leads the US effort to expand audio description on television, in movies, and at live events
- ACB Radio: Online radio with programming by and for blind people
- Scholarship Programme: Financial support for blind post-secondary students
Who they serve
Blind and low-vision Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of vision loss, including people with additional disabilities.
Why it matters
ACB's Audio Description Project has driven significant expansion of audio description in media — benefiting not only blind people but anyone who benefits from described visual content. ACB's advocacy on accessible prescription labelling led to the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012, which requires pharmacies to provide accessible prescription labelling (large print, Braille, or audio) to blind and low-vision customers on request.