by B. E. Lewis, RDPFS Intern
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) 62nd Annual Conference and Convention was held in Schaumburg, IL from July 1 to July 6, 2023, with virtual programming beginning on July 19, 2023. This year ACB celebrated its leadership status in advancing the use of audio description,” most notably through the Audio Description Project. Interim Executive Director Dan Spoone reaffirmed their dedication to this initiative, noting that “we have now taken that one step further…we’ll have our third annual (audio description) awards gala on November 14th where we honor industry, and providers of audio description who have made a difference…This is amazing progress.” Actor Ewan McGregor, whose mother worked in the field of audio description, and Musician Stevie Wonder, who is blind, spoke about the importance of descriptive video as well. Another ACB priority is accessible currency with tactile features. Work is underway with the U.S. Treasury Department to produce a new accessible $10 bill by 2026. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth described working with ACB on legislation to make website and software applications more accessible for all users. For the remarks by McGregor, Wonder, and Senator Duckworth, check out the video on YouTube of the 2023 ACB Conference & Convention: General Session July 1, 2023. Their presentations begin at 40 minutes and ten seconds. Videos of sessions are also available on topics such as increasing “Access to Professional Blind and Low Vision Services.” This conversation among service providers, professionals, and consumer stakeholders focused on the evolving landscape of vision rehabilitation services. ACB’s website features numerous videos, with transcripts, from the convention, including the Opening General Session, daily General Sessions, and the Banquet program. Recordings and transcripts of the week’s awards, discussions, and events can be found on the ACB Conference and Convention website.
