American Council of the Blind

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1155 15th Street NW Suite 720
Washington DC 20005
Phone: (202) 467-5081 
Toll Free: (800) 424-8666
Fax: (202) 467-5085 
Website: www.acb.org/ (exit DHFS)

Founded in 1961, the American Council of the Blind is the nation's leading membership organization of blind and visually impaired people.

The Council strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people by:

• serving as a representative national organization of blind people
• elevating the social, economic and cultural levels of blind people
• improving educational and rehabilitation facilities and opportunities
• cooperating with the public and private institutions and organizations concerned with blind services
• encouraging and assisting all blind persons to develop their abilities
• conducting a public education program to promote greater understanding of blindness and the capabilities of blind people.

The American Council of the Blind publishes "The Braille Forum," a free monthly national magazine with a readership of approximately 26,000.

It is produced in Braille, large print, cassette, and IBM-compatible computer disc and contains articles on employment, legislation, sports and leisure activities, new products and services, human interest and other areas of interest to blind and visually impaired people.

The Council also produces a monthly, half-hour radio information program, ACB Reports, for radio reading information services. It also distributes TV and radio public service announcements highlighting the capabilities of blind people.

The American Council of the Blind can also assist in the following areas:

• toll-free information and referral on all aspects of blindness
• scholarship assistance to blind/visually impaired post-secondary students
• public education and awareness training
• support to consumer advocates and legal assistance on matters relating to blindness
• leadership and legislative training
• consulting with industry regarding employment of blind and visually impaired individuals
• governmental monitoring, consultation, and advocacy including the "Washington Connection," a national legislative hotline.

The Council also:

• advocates for improved education and rehabilitation services for blind children and adults
• advocates for implementation and enforcement of Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, advocating for improved health care for blind and visually impaired individuals
• promotes accreditation of agencies serving blind people
• advocates for improved services to older blind Americans to enable them to live independently outside of costly institutions
• promotes litigation to preserve and expand employment of blind persons as fast-food service operators
• encourages the production and use of reading materials in accessible media including Braille, recording, and large print  and so much more.

Last Revised: October 24, 2008