RESOLUTION 2025-11

PRESERVATION OF THE NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

Submitted by: DeAnn Elliott

Whereas, in the 2026 budget the Administration is proposing to eliminate the National Eye Institute (NEI), with its functions proposed to be folded into a larger neuroscience institute; and

Whereas, previous NEI initiatives have led to treatments for macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, inherited retinal diseases, and many other eye conditions that impact millions of Americans; and

Whereas, over 12.5 million Americans aged 40 years and older are blind or have low vision; and

Whereas, due to baby boomers aging into vision loss, this number is expected to double by 2050, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Big Data Project from VisionServe Alliance; and

Whereas, according to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the NEI supports vision research through more than 2,000 research grants made to scientists at more than 150 medical centers and universities, and eliminating or reducing this vital research would have a devastating impact on the continued advancement of cutting-edge treatments;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind, assembled in virtual convention this xx day of June, 2025, that this organization will advocate to preserve the independence of and full funding for the National Eye Institute.

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RESOLUTION 2025-09

EXPANSION OF AVAILABLE BRAILLE TITLES

submitted by: Library Users of America

WHEREAS, although the number of braille titles released annually has grown slightly, it is dramatically less than the number of audio titles released; and

Whereas, for a variety of reasons, it is far easier to produce and distribute braille titles than it has ever been; and,

Whereas, These reasons include but are not limited to: availability of digital titles, use of free NLS e-readers and other braille devices, and reliable braille translation systems.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of June, 2025 that we join with Library Users of America to request that the National Library Service expedite the expansion of available braille titles beyond the limited numbers now available. and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NLS be requested to report back to ACB and Lua at the ACB Convention in 2026 on decisions made in response to this  resolution.

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RESOLUTION 2025-07

IMPACT OF RECENT EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON THE BLIND AND LOW VISION COMMUNITY

Submitted by Matt Selm and DeAnn Elliott)

Whereas, over 12.5 million Americans aged 40 years and older are blind or have low vision; and

Whereas, due to baby boomers aging into vision loss, this number is expected to double by 2050, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Big Data Project from VisionServe Alliance; and

Whereas, the American Council of the Blind (ACB), a leading national blindness consumer advocacy organization, has advocated for the equality and civil rights of blind and low vision individuals throughout the country since 1961; and

Whereas, the lives of Americans who are blind or have low vision have been improved immeasurably over the past 50 years by Congressional enactment of strong, bipartisan legislation, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA); and

Whereas the current administration has signed executive orders (EO's) and proposed fiscal year 2026 budgetary changes that adversely impact blind and low vision individuals, including but not limited to: EO 14242: Elimination of the Department of Education, which currently enforces Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and IDEA compliance in educational programs. Staff reduction and relocation of the Rehabilitation Services Administration which provides training and employment services for individuals with disabilities including people who are blind or have low vision, empowering them to go to work and gain financial independence. EO 14173: Dramatic realignment of the mission of the Civil Rights division of the Department of Justice, responsible for the enforcement of Section 504 and the ADA, contributing to the departure of 70% of its civil rights attorneys. FY-2026 Budget Request: Funding cuts to state Protection and Advocacy agencies that protect vulnerable residents with disabilities. EO 14238: Elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services which provides grants to NLS network libraries in 44 states and supports the provision of braille and audio books to students and adults with print disabilities who cannot read standard, hardcopy print. Internal VA memo: Proposed layoffs of 70,000 staff members at the Department of Veteran's Affairs which will significantly impact services to blind and low vision veterans. Proposed FY26 budget: Sharp reduction in grant funding to the National Institutes of Health, and the elimination of the National Eye Institute, slowing the research and development of new treatments for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind, in virtual convention assembled this xx day of June, 2025, that this organization is profoundly concerned about a pattern of action that, if implemented as proposed, will erode decades of progress for people who are blind or have low vision; and

Be it further resolved that ACB members are strongly encouraged to vigorously and vociferously advocate to Congress, the public, and other entities regarding the protection of the civil rights and programs outlined in this resolution in order to safeguard funding for vital programs, provide continuity of services, and promote enforcement of civil rights laws; and

Be it further resolved that the board and staff of this organization are strongly encouraged to continue to incorporate the issues discussed in this resolution into the ACB advocacy agenda; and

Be it further resolved that this organization calls on the Administration to release appropriated funds and calls upon Congress to fully exercise its oversight in order to support their constituents who are blind or have low vision.

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RESOLUTION 2025-05 THE REINSTATEMENT OF NLS COMMITTEES

THE REINSTATEMENT OF NLS COMMITTEES

Submitted by Library Users of America

WHEREAS, the National Library Service (NLS) has a history of engaging with its users through surveys, at consumer conventions, and using internet meetings; and

WHEREAS, beginning around 2018, NLS reduced these interactions by discontinuing in-person committee meetings which focused on Collection Development and technical issues, and which included representatives from consumer organizations, librarians, and selected library patrons; and

WHEREAS, these formal committees facilitated the sharing of new initiatives and provided a platform for patrons and librarians from across the country to raise issues;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the American council of the blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of June that we join with Library Users of America (LUA) in strongly urging NLS to resume using this effective committee approach; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that while in-person meetings are preferred, virtual or hybrid meetings can be considered ; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NLS be requested to report back to ACB and Lua at the ACB Convention in 2026 on decisions made in response to this resolution.

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RESOLUTION 2025-03

COMMEMORATING KNIGHTS OF THE BLIND CHALLENGE TO LIONS BY HELEN KELLER

Submitted by: American Council of Blind Lions

Whereas, on June 30, 1925 at the Lions International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller issued a challenge to Lions to serve as "Knights of the blind," and

Whereas, since that time, Lions across the United States and around the world have worked to eradicate preventable blindness, provide glasses and eye exams, conduct vision screenings, provide specialized equipment, sponsor camps, and many other activities; and

Whereas, it has been one hundred years since Helen Keller issued this challenge to Lions.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of June, 2025 join together with the American Council of Blind Lions to commemorate 100 years of Lions accepting Helen Keller's challenge to serve as “Knights of the Blind.”

And be it further resolved that together we urge Lions to continue their work on behalf of people who are blind or have low vision, working with organizations of and for the blind to not only prevent avoidable blindness but to follow Helen Keller's challenge "to make the lives of the blind more worthwhile everywhere by increasing their economic value and giving them the joy of normal activity." And be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to Lions Clubs International.

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RESOLUTION 2025-02

STANDARDIZE PLACEMENT OF WALL MOUNTED DISPENSERS IN HOTEL GUEST ROOMS

Submitted by: Ray Campbell

Whereas, over the past several years, many hotels are providing personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion using wall mounted, reusable dispensers located in the shower and sink areas of hotel guest rooms; and

Whereas, there is no standard placement or order for how these dispensers are organized; and

Whereas, Not having these dispensers placed in a standard order and location makes it difficult for hotel guests who are blind or low vision to know which dispenser is which; and

Whereas, This lack of consistency also makes it difficult for hotel staff to provide this information to guests who are blind or low vision.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of June, 2025 that this organization work with the American Hotel and Lodging Association and major hotel chains to develop a procedure for the standard placement of reusable dispensers in the shower and sink areas of hotel guest rooms.

And be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be sent to the President of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and the heads of major hotel chains.

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American Council of the Blind 2025 Standing Rules

Adopted by the ACB Board of Directors, May 19, 2025 Preamble

The ACB Standing Rules are updated annually to ensure fairness and efficiency during debates and voting. Election materials, proposed Resolutions, and Amendments to the ACB Constitution and Bylaws are published in advance. Zoom sessions are scheduled for discussion and questions. Members are encouraged to attend or listen to these sessions to be informed and suggest amendments.

At the outset of debate on any issue before the convention, there shall be a period not to exceed ten minutes devoted exclusively to questions and other points of clarification about the issue being debated. Speakers shall be limited to one minute, with no more than five speakers recognized, and a speaker shall be limited to asking about their point of clarification and shall not discuss the merits of the issue.

Debate on the merits of the issue shall begin at the conclusion of the ten-minute period for points of clarification. When the initial debate period begins, in the case of a resolution, the maker of that resolution shall be given an opportunity to address the assembly on the merits of the resolution. Each debatable issue before the convention shall be limited to approximately twenty (20) minutes with a two-minute time limit per speaker, alternating between supporting speakers, including the maker of the resolution if they speak pursuant to subsection (b), and opposing speakers, unless a majority of the members agree to extend debate for an additional period of time. A member who does not seek recognition for purposes of debate at the beginning of a debate period shall not be eligible for debate during that debate period. The chair shall, during any debate period, immediately close debate when an equal number of speakers, have debated each side and no additional speakers have sought the floor.

Speakers shall not be recognized for purposes of seeking points of clarification during a debate period. Each member is respectfully urged to speak directly to the issue before the assembly and avoid unnecessary and time-consuming dialogue. No member will be recognized a second time to debate until all who wish to debate have been recognized.

Motions to close debate will not be recognized by the chair during the first debate period. After the first debate period, properly moved motions such as “I call for the question” or “I move the previous question” will be handled by the chair and voted on by the assembly.

At the beginning of the first 20-minute debate period, the chair shall define for the body what constitutes a point of order (or other parliamentary inquiry) and shall signify how a member can be recognized for the purpose of making a point of order (or other parliamentary inquiry). Any time in which a point of order is being considered shall not be deducted from the debate period.

With respect to any motion on the floor, other than a motion on the adoption of a constitutional or bylaw amendment, if no one seeks the floor to debate in opposition to the motion, the chair may ask whether there is any objection to declaring a unanimous vote in favor of the motion. If, using the appropriate method for a rising vote, no one objects to such a unanimous vote in favor of the motion, the chair shall declare the motion passed unanimously. If an objection is made to a unanimous vote, the chair shall proceed to a rising vote on the motion.

Except as provided in subsection (b), an amendment to a resolution or constitution or bylaw amendment may not be offered on the floor unless; 1. in the case of a resolution, the language for the proposed amendment has been provided to the chair of the Resolutions Committee prior to the opening of the session in which that resolution is scheduled to be debated, and 2. In the case of an amendment to a constitution or bylaw amendment, the language for the proposed amendment has been provided to the chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee prior to the opening of the session in which that constitution or bylaw amendment is scheduled to be debated.

Notwithstanding subsection (A), if, in the opinion of the convention chair, the amendment being proposed is non-substantive or clarifying in nature, the amendment may be proposed and adopted by unanimous consent.

Voting on an amendment to a proposed Resolution or Constitution or Bylaw Amendment shall occur by rising vote only. It shall not, therefore, be in order to seek a record vote on such an amendment. The parliamentarian will act as timekeeper.

Recognition to speak will be given to those members who properly address the chair either using the “raise hand” feature of the Zoom internet meeting client program or while standing at a microphone in the convention hall and giving their names and affiliation. Nominating and seconding speeches shall be limited to five minutes per candidate with the speaking time allocated according to the candidate's wishes. A person nominated for an office more than once shall be limited to one minute.

When no candidate for office receives a majority vote, the election shall be between the top two candidates. Affiliate votes will be reported in whole or half numbers. In all uncontested elections as verified after three calls for additional nominations, the chair may declare the candidate elected by acclamation. “Write in” candidacies are not permitted.

Once a rising vote has been taken on a resolution, the chair will announce the result. If the difference between the winning and losing side of a rising vote is less than 20%, a record vote can be requested if 25% or more of those voting on the losing side request it. Alternatively, the presiding officer may call for a record vote if they believe there is enough uncertainty in the margin. After debate has ceased on a resolution and it is subsequently determined that a record vote is required, no further amendments may be proposed.

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Each of the declared 2025 Candidates for office recorded a 30 second promo/spot. These spots have been compiled into this podcast.

You may also visit the candidate pages to learn more about each candidate.

2025 Candidate Bios

Below you will find the links to the pages of each of the candidates for Office. The candidates answered the questions posed by the Board of Publications, below.

1. Introduce yourself, indicate which position you seek, and explain why you wish to serve in this position.
2. What do you consider to be your strongest contribution to ACB at either the national, state, special-interest affiliate or local chapter level and why?
3. What do you consider to be the most important challenge facing ACB? How will you work to address it?

Officer Candidates

• Deb Cook Lewis, President: https://www.acb.org/deb-cook-lewis-candidate-2025-acb-board-directors-president
• David Trott, 1st Vice President: https://www.acb.org/david-trott-candidate-2025-acb-board-directors-1st-vp-office
• Terry Pacheco, 2nd Vice President: https://www.acb.org/terry-pacheco-candidate-2025-acb-board-directors-2nd-vp-office
• Kenneth Semien Sr., 2nd Vice President: https://www.acb.org/kenneth-j-semien-sr-candidate-2025-acb-board-directors-2nd-vp-office
• Koni Sims, 2nd Vice President: https://www.acb.org/koni-sims-candidate-2025-acb-board-directors-2nd-vp-office
• Katie Frederick, Secretary: https://www.acb.org/katie-frederick-candidate-2025-acb-board-directors-secretary
• Michael Garrett, Treasurer: https://www.acb.org/michael-garrett-candidate-2025-acb-board-directors-treasurer

Board of Directors Candidates

• Christine Hunsinger: Christine Hunsinger: https://www.acb.org/christine-hunsinger-candidate-2025-acb-board-directors

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Board of Publications Meeting June 3, 2025.

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2025 ACB Board of Directors Meeting Monday, May 19, 2025 Broadcast on ACB Media Six

1. Call to Order: Deb Cook Lewis, President
2. Roll Call and Introduction of Board and Staff: Denise Colley, Secretary
3. Review and Approval of Agenda: Deb Cook Lewis, President
4. Review and Approval of Minutes: March 15, 2025, Denise Colley, Secretary
5. Convention Report: Janet Dickelman, ACB Convention Committee Chair

6. President’s Report: Deb Cook Lewis A. Convention ACB Board of Directors Meeting scheduled for Friday, July 4, 2025, at 9:00AM CDT B. Fall ACB Board of Directors meeting scheduled for Friday, October 31st and Saturday, November 1st, 2025 C. Liaisons assigned D. Leadership list updated E. New or reorganized committees: INSPIRE; Accessibility Services; Development Steering Committee F. Nominating committee chair appointment G. ACB Media policy revision regarding AI-generated music H. Process for Resolutions and Constitution & Bylaws I. Affiliate National Expectations J. Code of Conduct Policy Revision Update

7. Executive Director Report: Scott Thornhill, Executive Director

8. CFO Report: Nancy Becker
9. Convention Standing Rules: Pat Sheehan, Jeff Thom; Voting Taskforce Committee Chairs Action will be taken
10. Committee Reports (as needed): ACB Officers and Other Committee Liaisons
11. Executive Session (not public)
12. Adjourn

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