« June 2025

Welcome to the ACB Maine Newsletter for June 2025

The newsletter is designed for accessibility and contains very few graphics.  In the lower left hand section of the page is an accessiblity icon to change elements of the page.  It is a rather lengthy newsletter, so you may want to return to it.

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President's Message

from Amanda Frost

Hello everyone, in this message, I would like to provide an overview of our most recent ACB Maine meeting that took place on June 5, 2025 along with some updates about the convention happening on November 8, 2025.

To get started, on June 5, 2025 we accepted the previous meeting minutes from April 3, 2025.  The budget, was discussed which is looking good for the end of the year spending. An ACB Maine member volunteered to fill the treasurer's position and the board unanimously voted the treasurer into their position through an email vote.  That vote was ratified in the June meeting. The board voted that  bonding insurance through State Farm would be obtainedfor $171 a year, and it will cover all the board members up to $100,000.  

A discussion about reviewing bylaws with ACB National was presented. However, we’re not going to do so at this time,  A gift card for ACB National was purchased, and it was received by ACB National for $100 that  we agreed to purchase in April‘s meeting.

Moving onto convention update for ACB Maine - The convention will take place at 377 Western Ave. in Augusta, Maine, at Homewood Suites of Augusta. The convention will be on November 8, 2025, from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Food options to cater the convention have been researched and we have narrowed it down to Olive Garden or Sam’s Italian. The final decision will be presented at the next meeting.

Also,  at next meeting, we will have a  program outline with guest speakers and activities.

Last but not least, please be on the lookout for links to our upcoming fundraisers. There have been two fundraisers planned - the Little Caesar's fundraiser link will be sent out within the next week, and a  Scentsy Party at the end of July into the beginning of August.

ACB Maine is busy!

FACEBOOK PAGE

We have a Facebook page!  It's been functioning for quite some time.  Feel free to read and share the many articles of interest.

The page is located at either of these links.

https://www.facebook.com/acbofmaine

ACB Maine - Facebook

We currently have 15 followers.  Feel free to join us there as we learn and grow. Roger Fuller functions as the page administrator and adds new information several times a week.

ACB National Advocacy

The advocacy team thanks our ACB members who participated on our Hill Day back on March 18. After reviewing your Hill surveys, we reached back out to several of the offices you reported to have had positive meetings with; we want to continue to foster those relationships. On Tuesday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 21, I participated in six Hill meetings to talk more about the imperatives in hopes of gaining more support for the bills. As a reminder, our three imperatives this year are the following:

The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act, H.R. 3417
The Communications, Technology, and Video Accessibility Act
The Medical Devices Nonvisual Act

The Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act, H.R. 3417, was introduced by Rep. Pete Sessions last week. As a result, it was an exciting opportunity to update the offices on the progress of the bill. Several of the offices I met with were Republican offices and seemed excited to learn about the Republican leadership of the bill. We hope to leverage this to procure additional cosponsors.
I would also like to specifically thank the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB). Because of your active day on the Hill, I met with more Florida offices than any others over the last two days. Many of the offices requested constituent stories on experiences surrounding issues covered by the three bills. So, regardless of if you made visits back in March or not, if you have any personal stories that would be impacted by the legislation above, please share those with me by emailing[ mailto:  Advocacy@ACB.org.

Summaries of the bills can be found on the ACB website if you would like a refresh of the bills.
I will continue to meet with more legislative offices to talk about the imperatives and other related bills before Congress.
 
Claire Stanley, J.D.
Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
(202) 599-2041
 

Library of Congress Updates

I continue to receive questions about the status of the National Library Service (NLS) and other library services. With so many changes taking place, I understand the anxiety surrounding funding cuts and other changes. To better understand the current state of such services, I reached out to a friend and colleague at NLS. Below is an explanation from him on the current state of things. Things are continuously changing but I hope this helps to better understand where things stand as of now.
 
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and the broader implications of federal funding for FY26. Below are key updates and clarifications to assist in understanding the current landscape.

IMLS Funding and FY26 Budget Considerations
The FY26 budget process is underway, and there remains uncertainty regarding federal funding allocations. The President’s budget proposal for FY26 includes a recommendation to eliminate IMLS funding. However, Congress ultimately determines funding levels, and advocacy efforts are ongoing to ensure continued support for libraries and museums.

Legal Updates on IMLS
Recent legal proceedings have impacted IMLS operations. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing further dismantling of IMLS while the case is under review. Additionally, a ruling on May 13 ordered IMLS to restore staff and contractors and resume normal funding operations. The administration has been given a deadline to submit a status report, and further legal challenges are expected.

Impacts on State Libraries
With the uncertainty surrounding IMLS funding, state libraries may experience disruptions in grant allocations and operational budgets. Advocacy efforts are crucial to ensuring that Congress maintains funding for IMLS, as many state libraries rely on these federal resources to support essential programs.

Library of Congress Updates
Following the departure of the Librarian of Congress and the Copyright Office leadership, the Library of Congress hasnot experienced major operational impacts. Services continue as usual, and no significant disruptions have been reported.

We will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as new information becomes available. Please let us know if further clarification is needed.

We are moving forward with our plans at NLS and look forward to continuing to do so unless we and others at the Library are advised to adjust. This however can change once a new Librarian of Congress is installed at the Library AFTER BEING CONFIRMED BY CONGRESS.

Who that will be is an open question and we await the President’s selection.

Claire Stanley, J.D.
Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
(202) 599-2041
 

ACB National Resolutions

Linda Porelle will be representing us all virtually during several evening discussions regarding ACB National resolutions and proposals.  Those resolutions are listed below.  If you wish to comment on any of them, please feel free to call Linda at 415-577-8437 or by sending her an email at lmporelle@gmail.com

Here are the resolutions - 

Six resolutions have been proposed and will be discussed over the course of three days starting from Tuesday, June 24th through Thursday, June 26th. Resolutions can be identified by numbers between 1 and 15; every number between 1 and 15 is not represented because this list does not include Resolutions that were withdrawn.

The full versions of the resolutions are copied and pasted on to this email. The resolutions have been listed in order of subject matter.

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.

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.

Resolution 2025-05

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, 2025, 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.

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 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.

Resolution 2025-07

Impact of Recent Executive Orders on the Blind and Low Vision Community

Submitted by Matt Selm (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 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.

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 day of June, 2025, that this organization will advocate to preserve the independence of and full funding for the National Eye Institute.

Final Note

For more information on the 2025 Conference and Convention, visit the official convention site at ACB Convention

Disney World Reflections

from Roger Fuller

My daughter and her two children and my wife and I recently completed a Disney World visit and adventure. I couldn’t help but notice a few things and decided it might be interesting to share them with you all.

I can’t really say that amusement parks amuse me. I guess it’s not my thing - so do take these observations with a grain of salt - a grain of salt from a grumpy old man. I should have starred in that movie.

Thousands, upon thousands of people walk hundreds of miles a day to ride on an amusement ride that goes no place. They wait in line in 90° temperatures and for scores of minutes to take a ride that lasts less than three minutes.

Of course, no one quite works as hard at Disney as my family works. Up at 5 AM, out the door by 6AM, on the bus by 7AM, standing and waiting for rope drop at 8AM, and then one ride follows another - the the next ride follows the next ride until the thunderstorm and then the next ride and then finally at about sunset, we go home. That’s a long sentence. I think it needed to be. The days were long and hot, unbelievably hot and muggy, unbelievably muggy. But then again, it was June in Florida. What can anyone expect?

By Friday, exhaustion set in like a pandemic. The kids cried, the adults cried, everyone cried. Everyone wanted to take a nap, all at the same time. You can’t run four days at 90° and not think the energy will evaporate for us for New Englanders. We can do winter just fine, but not summer tropics.

My daughter is the supreme planner. She figured out the best resort. She figured out the best transportation. She figured out the best way to get the lightning pass. She figured out the best way to use every trick in the books. She is a planner par excellence. We saw all the characters, got all their signatures, had meals in special places, and went home feeling like we had died.

So, planning a trip to Disney World? Here are some hints.

Plan ahead. For everything - sleeping, walking, transportation, meals, down time, pool time.

Never miss a show. The shows are wonderful, without compare.

Never take an amusement ride.

Always take in a show. - It's Disney. The shows are awesome.  Music, costumes, dancing.  They have this down perfectly.

Care about your guide dog.  If you have a guide dog, be very very careful. I did not take Bella. The pavement was just too hot. I’m glad we boarded her locally here in New England. She could not have endured the pavement or the heat in June.

Beware of bathrooms. Many of the newer areas have companion bathrooms, which is nice if you need that. And most bathrooms have an attendant at hand, so you can ask for help if you need it there. But I never saw a bathroom that was well lit. The entrances are dark, and the interiors are dimmed. I’m very lucky, or someone is very lucky, that I have enough sight to see the facilities. This is such a concern to me that I have filed an official complaint.

Take the public transportation. If Disney gets anything right, it is public transportation. The buses, the gondola, the monorail were all fantastic. Wait times were relatively short, and accommodations were so well designed for the disabled. I could go to Disney just to ride the public transit and walk the sidewalks. But I don’t like the amusement park rides, anyway. Grumpy old man.

If I were going alone or with just my wife, I’d want to stay at a resort, have a leisurely morning, swim in the pool, go out for lunch, go to one park a day for an afternoon stroll and then retire with a nice dinner. But the grand children at five and three - well, they want the amusement park. For me, better luck next time. As I said, grumpy old man.

END OF NEWSLETTER