About the American Council of the Blind

The American Council of the Blind uses the values that built America to build better lives for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Founded in 1961, the American Council of the Blind is the nation's leading nonprofit tax-exempt membership organization of people who are blind and visually impaired. ACB has 50 state and regional affiliates, 20 special-interest and professional affiliates, hundreds of local chapters, and members throughout the United States and several foreign countries. Members are blind, visually impaired or fully sighted, come from all walks of life, and range in age from teens to seniors.

The American Council of the Blind encourages people with vision loss to live and work independently and to advocate for themselves. With a small staff and thousands of dedicated volunteers, ACB addresses real issues that touch real people, such as civil rights, education, employment, Social Security, pedestrian safety, transportation, literacy, and adaptive technology. "The ACB Braille Forum" and "The ACB E-forum", ACB's magazines, keep readers informed about new products, upcoming events, and issues related to blindness and low vision. ACB Radio brings six channels of broadcasting to Internet and telephone listeners. Other services from ACB and/or its affiliates include:

  • The Audio Description Project, giving blind people access to movies, TV and other information;
  • The Washington Connection, a toll-free information and referral line;
  • Public education and awareness training for businesses, agencies, schools, and civic groups;
  • Scholarships for blind and visually impaired post-secondary students;
  • Direction and guidance on legal matters relating to blindness; and
  • Advocacy for families and children.

ACB holds a national conference and convention each July. Hundreds of programs, seminars, workshops and other events pack this exciting week of learning and networking. The latest technology and products designed for people who are blind and visually impaired are on display.

Whether you are blind or visually impaired, a relative or friend of someone who is losing vision, or a person who wants to make a difference, your support of the ACB Mini Mall will enrich your life and the lives of thousands of others. We thank you for your support.