20250116 – Across the Country He Goes.

This week, Claire speaks with ACB’s executive director, Scott Thornhill, to learn more about his visit to several state affiliate conventions in 2024. As the new executive director, he has already had the opportunity to attend state affiliate conventions and learn more about the phenomenal work going on at the state level.

Getting to Know our New Board Members.

This week, we get to know one of our newly elected Board members from the 2024 annual Convention. Claire and Swatha spoke with Peter Heide to learn more about who he is and his hopes as a member of the ACB Board.

End of Year Wrap Up.

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha reflect on all that has happened in 2024 with special guests Deb Cook Lewis, ACB President, and Scott Thornhill, ACB Executive Director. From major staff changes to cross-country travel, come hear about it all!

Making National Parks Accessible

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha speak with ACB’s Audio Description Project Coordinator, Tabitha Kenlon, in addition to Brett Oppegaard from the University of Hawaii about the Descritathon, a 3 day hackathon-like event to make National Park Service brochures and exhibits accessible for blind and low vision visitors. Recruitment for … Read more

20241128 – ACB Advocacy Update – Calling Out to All Videogame Enthusiasts.

This week, Claire speaks with Will Schell from the Disability Rights Office of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about a newly submitted report to the Disability Advisory Committee on the accessibility needs for people who are blind or have low vision as it pertains to communication functions of videogames. Will Schell oversaw the subcommittee as … Read more

Advocacy Grab Bag for the Fall of 2024

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha provide a smattering of topics and advocacy issues that ACB has been working on over the last month. Topics discussed include video conferencing program accessibility, the Census, and a save-the-date for our 2025 DC Leadership Conference and Legislative Seminar.

The 4th Annual Audio Description Awards Gala.

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha preview the 4th annual audio description awards gala with ACB’s Audio Description Project Coordinator, Tabitha Kenlon and one of the hosts of the gala, Alie B. Gorrie. Listen as we tease all that is happening this year at the gala, including what it was … Read more

Making Voting and Voting Information More Accessible.

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha revisit the topic of accessible voting with Microsoft’s Rylin Rodgers. In this global year of elections, listen as we discuss the work Microsoft is doing to make voting more accessible for people with disabilities. Find more information about the accessible voting options in your … Read more

Making our Sidewalks and Streets More Accessible

On This episode of ACB Advocacy Update, Swatha and Claire speak with Sarah Malaier, Senior Advisor, Public Policy and Research at the American Foundation for the Blind, on the long awaited Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG. Listen as we go through what these guidelines are and what they mean for the blind and … Read more

Artificial Intelligence and Disability.

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Claire and Swatha recap a series of hearings held by the United States Access Board on AI’s impact on people with disabilities. We discuss its implications in the workplace and in transportation, and even how it can be used to enhance accessibility of both the digital environment … Read more