American Council of the Blind Hosts 2026 DC Leadership Conference

Conference focuses on advancing legislative priorities to promote accessibility for the blind and low vision community

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:49pm

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The American Council of the Blind (ACB) hosted over 225 attendees at its annual D.C. Leadership Conference, where participants engaged with policy experts, met with members of Congress, and advocated for key legislative priorities aimed at improving accessibility and quality of life for people who are blind or have low vision.

Why it matters

The conference addressed real barriers that people who are blind or have low vision face, such as lack of accessibility in medical devices, websites, and video services. By advocating for new laws, the ACB is working to create a more inclusive future for the blind and low vision community.

The details

During meetings with lawmakers, ACB members called on Congress to support and pass the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, and the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act. These proposed laws would establish standards to ensure medical devices, websites, and video services are accessible.

  • The 2026 ACB D.C. Leadership Conference took place on March 16, 2026.

The players

American Council of the Blind (ACB)

A national member-driven consumer organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired, with 65 affiliates working to increase independence, security, equality of opportunity, and improve quality of life for the blind and low vision community.

Scott Thornhill

The Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind.

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What they’re saying

“These priorities address real barriers that people who are blind or have low vision encounter every day. Our members came to D.C. to share their experiences and urge Congress to take meaningful action to expand accessibility and equality.”

— Scott Thornhill, Executive Director, American Council of the Blind

What’s next

The ACB will continue to work with lawmakers, industry leaders, and the broader disability community to advocate for the passage of the proposed accessibility laws discussed at the conference.

The takeaway

The ACB's leadership conference demonstrates the ongoing fight for accessibility and equal rights for the blind and low vision community. By engaging directly with policymakers, the organization is driving meaningful change to improve the daily lives of millions of Americans.