Members will vote on 8 bylaw amendments during convention

Background to Proposed Bylaw Amendments Processes of the American Council of the Blind have evolved over time, including the successful creation of standing steering committees that oversee the work of related committees and work groups. This proposal updates Bylaw 6 to reflect those relationships, modernize the wording, and allow more flexibility in committee roles by requiring only the committees which are essential to the organization’s operations. It also recognizes that while the president has final authority over committee appointments, the process is collaborative and supported by the relevant steering committee and related committee chairs. Some of these revisions are proposed this year and the rest next year. Proposed Committees These amendments formally establish or revise the following standing committees: Governance Steering Committee This committee exists as the Voting Task Force and currently oversees the work of other governance committees, including Resolutions, Credentials, and Constitution and Bylaws. The proposed revisions establish this as a standing committee and updates the language for all of these related committees to reflect current practices and reporting relationships. Membership Steering Committee We propose revising the constitutional requirements with a broad scope to include oversight of all membership-related committees. The existing Membership Committee would not be eliminated by this proposal; instead, it would continue its current work in training and support with a new name to reduce confusion, while the existing steering committee would continue its broader coordination role. Committees that work in collaboration with Membership Steering Committee include: Community Support; DKM First Timers and ACB Leadership Fellows; History; Inspire Mentoring; BLC Leadership Training; Membership (which will receive a new name); Multicultural Affairs; Scholarships; Sight and Sound Impaired; ACB Women Fundraising Steering Committee Fundraising Steering Committee replaces the existing Resource Development Committee and assumes a broader scope. It currently includes Auction, Monthly Monetary Support, Walk, Investments, and a variety of funding development activities carried out by staff. Remaining Committees Addressed in Bylaw 6 Committees addressed in Bylaw 6 that will not be revised this year include those related to Annual Conference and Convention; Advocacy Services; Public Relations; and Information Technology Resources. Other major organizational initiatives which are not constitutionally mandated such as the Audio Description Project and the Get Up and Get Moving Program will continue as currently designed. Amendment 1: Bylaw 6 The introductory section is replaced. This new introduction explains the purpose of ACB committees, how they are appointed and managed, and clarifies that standing and ad hoc committees may be established by the president, in consultation with the board of directors, as needed to complete the work of the organization. It reflects current practice in the organization. Current Language: Bylaw 6, Committees In addition to the standing committees provided for below, the president, in consultation with the Board of Directors, is authorized to appoint such other standing committees and/or special committees as deemed necessary to further the objectives of the American Council of the Blind. Proposed Language: Bylaw 6, Committees Introduction: 1. Committees of the American Council of the Blind serve to provide oversight, guidance, and support for designated tasks and workplan initiatives. Through their collective expertise, members contribute to organizational objectives by advising leadership, facilitating informed decision-making, and ensuring efficient resource utilization. 2. The president, or designee, together with relevant staff members, serve as non-voting participants on all committees except where specifically limited by the constitution. 3. Committee appointments are made through a collaborative process between committee chairs and the related steering committee or by the President and committee chair if the committee is outside the steering committee structure. The president is the final authority for appointments to all committees except where specifically limited by the constitution. 4. The president, in consultation with the board of directors, may establish additional standing or ad hoc committees as necessary to further the organization’s mission. Any such committee must have a statement of purpose and scope, guidance regarding membership selection and other considerations, and the expected duration of its mission. 5. Committee membership should, when possible, reflect the diversity and composition of the organization's membership, assuring broad representation and inclusivity. Amendment 2: Creation of a New Section A: Governance Steering Committee This committee exists as the Voting Task Force and currently oversees the activities of other governance committees including Resolutions, Credentials, and Constitution and Bylaws. New Language: Bylaw 6A. Governance Steering Committee 1. The Governance Steering Committee is a standing committee with the responsibility and oversight to develop, coordinate, and implement governance requirements, including managing member resolutions, overseeing affiliate and member credentials, maintaining governing documents, and drafting standing rules for meetings. 2. Before the close of each annual conference and convention, the president will appoint the chairperson of the Governance Steering Committee to oversee the workplan of Governance and its related committees. The chairperson is the primary liaison to the board of directors regarding governance policy and activities and will make recommendations to the president regarding committee appointments. 3. Governance Steering Committee includes the chairs and vice chairs of the Resolutions, Constitution and Bylaws, and Credentials committees. It also must include at least one (1) member of the board of Directors, and at least four (4) additional members with expertise and experience in governance. Amendment 3: Bylaw 6B, Resolutions Replace the language in Section B. Current language: Bylaw 6B. Resolutions Committee: The president, within sixty (60) days after the close of each national conference and convention, shall appoint a chairperson and not less than four (4) additional members as a Resolutions Committee. Any resolutions to be considered shall be submitted not less than sixty (60) days prior to the opening date of each conference and convention. Resolutions submitted after this deadline shall only be accepted if it can be demonstrated that circumstances effectively precluded their consideration prior to the deadline. The committee shall communicate this deadline using the ACB Braille Forum and other ACB communication channels not less than one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the day of the opening session of each conference and convention. All resolutions submitted to the committee within the aforementioned deadline or that have been accepted after that deadline shall be reported upon with or without committee recommendation, unless the resolution is withdrawn by its author or an individual representative of the author designated in writing. If a resolution is adopted by the conference and convention, and during this process, any conflicting previously adopted resolutions are not rescinded, the most recently adopted resolution on the subject shall take precedence. New Language: Bylaw 6B. Resolutions Committee 1. The Resolutions Committee accepts, reviews, and prepares proposed resolutions for presentation at the annual conference and convention as follows: a. Submission and consideration: The committee must consider all resolutions submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the event's opening. It will consider any later submission only if it is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and it can be demonstrated that circumstances effectively precluded its submission prior to the deadline. b. Notification: The Resolutions Committee communicates submission deadlines through the ACB Braille Forum and other official outlets at least one hundred and twenty (120) days before the event. c. Recommendation and reporting: The committee will report its recommendation for every resolution submitted within the aforementioned deadline, or that has been accepted after that deadline, unless it has been withdrawn by the person, affiliate, or committee that submitted it. d. Adoption and precedence: If the conference adopts a resolution without rescinding conflicting earlier resolutions, the most recently adopted resolution on the subject prevails. 2. Within sixty (60) days following the close of each annual conference and convention, the president will appoint a committee chairperson to oversee the resolutions process. The chairperson is the primary liaison to the Governance Steering Committee regarding the resolutions process and activities. 3. The Resolutions Committee shall include at least one (1) member of the board of directors and at least four (4) individuals from the general membership. Amendment 4: Bylaw 6C, Credentials Committee Replace the language. Existing Language: Bylaw 6C. Credentials Committee: There shall be a committee on credentials. The committee shall consist of at least seven (7) members: the secretary, a member of the Board of Directors (not an officer), a member of the committee on constitution and bylaws and at least four (4) members appointed by the president for terms of two (2) years. One (1) of the presidential appointees shall be designated chairperson and the said appointee shall not hold elective office while serving on this committee. 1. The Credentials Committee shall determine the eligibility of each member and affiliate of ACB to be seated at the annual conference and convention, and shall determine the number of votes each seated affiliate may cast, as set forth in Bylaw 2. 2. The committee shall review the credentials information submitted by the national office. It shall notify any affiliate whose credentials are in question and shall meet in a closed meeting to hear any appeals from affiliates contesting a decision of the committee. 3. The committee shall report to the conference and convention the number of votes to which each affiliate shall be entitled as well as any other matters relating to credentials. Any affiliate contesting a decision of the Credentials Committee shall have the right to appeal that decision, from the floor, upon completion of the credentials report as detailed in a and b below. a. Any decision or ruling by the committee affecting the right of a member or of an affiliate to be admitted to an annual conference and convention or meeting of the membership shall be binding only for the duration of that conference and convention or meeting. A decision or ruling by the committee shall be final unless reversed or modified by a majority of the members present and voting. b. All decisions or rulings adverse to a member or to an affiliate shall be in writing and shall be included in the committee’s report. c. A member or affiliate shall have the right to appeal an adverse decision or ruling to the conference and convention. The appellant member or appellant affiliate shall be admitted to the conference and convention floor for the purpose of arguing the appeal but shall not have the right to vote thereon. The appellant and appellee shall be entitled to no more than ten (10) minutes each to present arguments and testimony. New Language: Bylaw 6C. Credentials Committee 1. Responsibilities include: a. Verifying eligibility of members and affiliates for the annual meeting and assigning voting privileges per Bylaw 2; b. Reviewing credentials submitted by the national office, notifying affiliates with questionable credentials, and conducting closed hearings for appeals; c. Reporting to the assembly on affiliate voting rights and credential matters including the right to appeal credential decisions as outlined below. 2. Appeals and decisions: a. Committee decisions affecting attendance or voting rights are binding for the current event, unless reversed by majority vote of the committee. b. Unfavorable rulings regarding a member or affiliate must be sent to the member or affiliate in writing and included in the committee report. c. Any members or affiliate may appeal an adverse decision to the full assembly and is allotted up to ten (10) minutes to present their case. 3. Within sixty (60) days following the close of each annual conference and convention, the president will appoint a committee chairperson to oversee the credentialing process. The chairperson is the primary liaison to the Governance Steering Committee regarding credentials. To maintain impartiality, the Chairperson cannot hold elective office while serving. 4. The Credentials Committee includes the Secretary, at least one (1) non-officer member of the board of directors, a representative from the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and at least four (4) additional individuals from the general membership. Amendment 5: Bylaw 6D, Constitution and Bylaws Committee Replace section D. Current language: Bylaw 6D. Constitution and Bylaws Committee: The president, within sixty (60) days after the close of each national conference and convention, shall appoint a chairperson and not less than four (4) additional members to a Constitution and Bylaws Committee. This committee shall have the responsibility of considering and preparing amendments to the constitution and bylaws for presentation to the conference and convention. Any amendments to be considered shall be submitted to the committee not less than sixty (60) days prior to the opening date of each conference and convention. The Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall report all proposed constitution and/or bylaw amendments to the conference and convention with or without committee recommendation. Proposed Language: Bylaw 6D. Constitution and Bylaws Committee 1. Responsibilities include: a. The Constitution and Bylaws committee accepts, reviews, and prepares proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws for presentation at the Conference and Convention; b. Amendments must be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the convention to ensure adequate review; c. The Committee reports all proposed amendments with its recommendations at the convention. 2. Within sixty (60) days following the close of each annual Conference and Convention, the president will appoint a committee chairperson to oversee the amendment process. The chairperson is the primary liaison to the Governance Steering Committee regarding matters related to the Constitution and Bylaws. 3. The Constitution and Bylaws Committee includes at least one (1) member of the board of directors and at least four (4) individuals from the general membership. Amendment 6: Bylaw 6, Membership Steering Committee Establish the Membership Steering Committee as the lead committee for all membership activities. Section A. is replaced and renumbered. Existing Language: Bylaw 6: A. Membership Committee: The president, at the close of each annual conference and convention, shall appoint a Membership Committee, which shall be composed of no less than five (5) members. The president shall designate one (1) of the members of the committee to be National Membership Chairperson, and insofar as practicable, the members of the committee shall reside in as many and different geographic regions of the country as possible. The Membership Committee shall have the responsibility, in conjunction with the staff of the national office and the Board of Directors, to develop, coordinate and implement the membership development efforts of this organization. Proposed Language: Bylaw 6: E. Membership Steering Committee 1. The Membership Steering Committee, in collaboration with staff and the board of directors, is a standing committee with responsibility and oversight to design, coordinate, and implement initiatives aimed at strengthening the organization’s membership. Its responsibilities include but are not limited to: a. Promoting member recruitment, retention, and engagement of blind and low vision individuals from diverse backgrounds and demographics; b. Providing opportunities for leadership development and training; c. Enhancing the member experience through gathering and evaluating member feedback; and <pre>d. Offering scholarship or other relevant opportunities for blind and low vision students in higher education. </pre> 2. Before the close of each annual conference and convention, the president will appoint the chairperson of the Membership Steering committee to oversee the workplan of Membership and its related committees. The chairperson is the primary liaison to the board of directors regarding membership policy and activities and will make recommendations to the president regarding committee appointments. 3. The Membership Steering Committee includes the chairs and vice chairs of all committees associated with Membership. It also must include at least one (1) member of the board of directors, and at least four (4) additional members with expertise and knowledge in membership programming. Amendment 7: Bylaw 6, Scholarship Committee Replaces the language in Section E. Current Language: Bylaw 6E. Scholarship Grant Committee: Each year within sixty (60) days after the close of the annual conference and convention, the president shall appoint a Scholarship Grant Committee consisting of a chairperson and at least four (4) additional members. The committee shall have the responsibility of reviewing and/or revising written sets of guidelines concerning submissions and subsequent evaluation of applications for all scholarships to be awarded by this organization. The committee shall also have the responsibilities, in accordance with its written guidelines, for the final screening and evaluating of scholarship grant applications and for making the selection of all scholarship grant winners. In discharging its responsibilities, the committee is authorized to enlist the support of the national office staff. The committee’s selection of scholarship grant recipients shall be final. The identity of such recipients shall be announced during each annual conference and convention. Proposed Language: F. Scholarships Committee 1. The Scholarships Committee, working closely with staff and the Membership Steering Committee, ensures the integrity and effectiveness of the scholarship program. Core responsibilities include: a. Maintaining and executing documented requirements and procedures governing the submission and evaluation of scholarship applications, ensuring fairness and consistency; b. Conducting final screening and assessment of scholarship applications, guaranteeing comprehensive and impartial review; c. Selecting recipients for each scholarship award; (these decisions are final); and d. Managing activities relating to mentorship, outreach, and community engagement for scholarship recipients before, during, and after the ACB Conference and Convention. 2. Recipients' names are announced annually during the conference and convention. 3. Within sixty (60) days following the close of each annual conference and convention, the president will appoint a committee chairperson to oversee the scholarship process. The chairperson is the primary liaison to the Membership Steering Committee regarding the scholarship process and activities. 4. The Scholarships Committee includes at least one (1) member of the board of directors, and at least four (4) individuals from the general membership. Amendment 8: Bylaw 6, Establish the Fundraising Steering Committee Deletes J. Resource Development Committee and creates a new section. Current Language: J. Resource Development Committee: Within ninety (90) days after the close of the Conference and Convention, the president shall appoint at least five (5) persons to serve as a Resource Development Committee. The chairperson shall be a member of the Board of Directors, and one (1) of the members of the committee shall be a member of the Budget Committee. The purpose of this committee shall be to identify and make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning resource development designed to further the goals of ACB. New Language: Bylaw 6 G. Fundraising Steering Committee 1. The Fundraising Steering Committee, in collaboration with staff and the board of directors, is a standing committee with responsibility to recommend and implement funding strategies aligned with organizational goals. 2. Oversight may extend to committees and activities focused on: <pre>a. Individual donations, b. Corporate revenue, c. Foundation grants, d. Earned income, e. Legal and government proceeds, and f. Investment income. </pre> 3. Before the close of each annual conference and convention, the President will appoint the chairperson of the Fundraising Steering Committee to oversee the workplan of the committee and its related committees. The chairperson is the primary liaison to the board of directors regarding fundraising policy and activities and will make recommendations to the president regarding committee appointments. 4. The Fundraising Steering Committee includes the chairs and vice chairs of all committees associated with fundraising initiatives. It also must include at least one (1) member of the board of directors who also serves on the Budget Committee, and at least four (4) additional individuals from the general membership who have knowledge and experience regarding ACB’s fundraising strategies. Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co

Following are the reading of 3 resolutions that will be presented to the membership for debate and vote at the 2026 ACB Conference and Convention. This is the original language submitted by the Resolutions Committee so that members may review it in advance of the convention. These resolutions have not yet been debated, amended, or adopted and should not be regarded as having been passed or approved in any context. Resolution 2026-05 Voluntary Best Practice Guidelines for Self-Description in Professional and Educational Settings ​Whereas, the foundational purpose of Audio Description (AD) and visual interpretation is to provide essential, objective context that grants blind and low vision individuals equal access to core data, narrative, and information; and ​Whereas, a well-intentioned but misguided trend has emerged in professional and educational settings wherein speakers provide unsolicited, hyper-detailed self-descriptions of clothing, hair, and non-essential physical traits; and ​Whereas, this practice introduces irrelevant visual data that violates established professional principles of audio description, creates information overload, and forces participants to expend unnecessary cognitive energy filtering out irrelevant details; and ​Whereas, an emphasis on personal self-description frequently serves as a performative substitute for substantive access, masking critical failures such as the omission of descriptions for charts, graphs, on-screen text, and digital handouts; and ​Whereas, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and its Audio Description Project (ADP) maintain the premier authority on visual interpretation and accessibility standards; Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of July, 2026 that this organization officially recognize that true visual equity is achieved through concise, context-driven communication of substantive content rather than the irrelevant cataloging of personal attributes; and Be it further resolved that ACB instruct the ADP to author and publish a definitive white paper and position statement establishing rigorous standards for live visual description in corporate, academic, and government settings; and Be it further resolved that these standards shall emphasize the prioritization of data and educational content such as slides, charts, and universal design elements over non-essential personal characteristics; and Be it further resolved that ACB launch a national advocacy campaign targeting major employment, human resources, and higher education associations to integrate these standardized guidelines into national professional development and compliance curricula. Resolution 2026-03 Amazon Disability Access Line Whereas, blind, low vision and DeafBlind customers rely on Amazon’s Disability Access Line to obtain effective assistance with product information, account support, ordering, returns, accessibility concerns, and other customer service needs; and Whereas, the American Council of the Blind, pursuant to a California Council of the Blind resolution entered into dialogue with Amazon concerning issues experienced by blind, low vision and DeafBlind customers using Amazon’s Disability Access Line; and Whereas, a disability access line must provide effective communication, accurate information, disability-aware customer service, and meaningful assistance in order to serve its intended purpose; and Whereas, ACB members have reported that staff assigned to the Disability Access Line have frequently been unable to understand the needs of blind, low vision and DeafBlind customers, accurately describe products, provide reliable information, or effectively resolve disability-related customer service concerns; and Whereas, inaccurate or incomplete information has caused blind, low vision and DeafBlind customers to purchase incorrect products, experience unnecessary returns, lose time, and face barriers that sighted customers may not encounter; and Whereas, approximately a year of dialogue between ACB and Amazon regarding these concerns occurred with no solutions being implemented; and Whereas, additionally, Amazon now requires under certain circumstances users of the Disability Access Line to verify account status by activating a link sent by text message and finding a button on a web page; and Whereas, this verification process makes it difficult or impossible for many blind, low vision and DeafBlind customers, especially if they are attempting verification and talking to the Disability Access line on the same device; and Whereas, Amazon could reduce these barriers by offering multiple accessible verification methods, including but not limited to one-time verification codes, accessible in-app approval, email-based verification, and telephone verification, without jeopardizing security; Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of July, 2026 that this organization calls upon Amazon to ensure that personnel assigned to its Disability Access Line have the communications proficiency, disability-access training, and product-support knowledge necessary to provide effective, accurate, and respectful assistance to blind, low vision and DeafBlind customers; and Be it further resolved that this organization urge Amazon to consistently provide multiple accessible account-verification options so that blind, low vision and DeafBlind customers are not only offered 1 method of verifying account status; and Be it further resolved that this organization request that Amazon meet with representatives of the American Council of the Blind by February 1, 2027 to establish measurable service-quality expectations, an accessible escalation process, and an ongoing feedback mechanism for blind, low vision and DeafBlind customers. Resolution 2026-04 Funding to Institute of Museums and Library Services Whereas, according to the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), 39 state Talking Book Libraries are partially funded through the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS) as of FY-2025; and Whereas, Executive Order 14238 proposed elimination of IMLS; and Whereas, late in fiscal year 2025 following litigation, congressionally allocated funds began to be dispersed to IMLS; and Whereas, despite the President's opposition, over 290 million dollars was included for IMLS in the 2026 Congressional budget; and Whereas, funding of 291 million dollars is proposed for IMLS in the 2027 budget. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of July, 2026 that this organization continue to urge members of Congress to include at least current funding in the 2027 budget for IMLS; and Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be shared with NLS and the American Library Association. Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co

Resolution discussed: 2026-05, Visual Description and Self Description.

Resolutions discussed: Resolution 2026-03, Amazon Disability Access Line. Resolution 2026-04, Funding for the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Resolution 2026-05, standardization of visual description and elimination of Superficial Self Description. Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co

ACB Board of Publications Meeting Agenda Welcome and Call to Order Roll Call Approval of the Agenda Approval of the Minutes Member Comments Editor’s Report Braille Forum Themes ACB Voices Blog Editors ACB Media Report ACB Large Print Guidelines Review Candidate’s Forum BOP Award Presentations BOP Convention Session Update Other Items Adjournment and Next Meeting Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co

Resolution discussed: 2026-03, Amazon Disability Access Line

ACB Board Agenda Call to Order: Deb Cook Lewis, President Roll Call and Introduction of Board and Staff: Deb Cook Lewis, President Review and Approval of Agenda: Deb Cook Lewis, President Review and Approval of March 7, 2026, Board Meeting Minutes: Katie Frederick, Secretary 2031 Hyatt New Orleans Convention Contract Approval: Janet Dickelman Community Expectations Policy Update: Cindy Hollis President’s Report: Deb Cook Lewis Standing rules Proposed bylaw amendments Executive Director's Report: Scott Thornhill Information Referral and Peer Support Website presentation Speak4 Update Leadership Fellows Adjourn Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co

ACB Board of Publications Meeting Agenda May 5, 2026 at 9 PM Eastern Welcome and Call to Order Roll Call Approval of the Agenda Approval of the Minutes Member Comment Editor’s Report ACB Media Report Communicators Gathering Candidate Checklist and Guidelines Candidate’s Forum BOP Sponsored Convention Session Update ACB Voices Blog Other Items Adjournment and Next Meeting Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co

April BOP Meeting Agenda Welcome and Call to Order Roll Call Approval of the Agenda Approval of the Minutes Public Comment ACB Braille Forum Report ACB Media Report ACB Conversation Email List Guidelines BOP Sponsored Convention Session Update Candidate Checklist and Guidelines ACB Voices Blog Other Items Adjournment and Next Meeting Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co