The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a nationwide organization in the United States. It is an organization mainly made up of
blind and
visually impaired
Visual impairment, also known as vision impairment, is a medical definition primarily measured based on an individual's better eye visual acuity; in the absence of treatment such as correctable eyewear, assistive devices, and medical treatment†...
people who want to achieve independence and equality (although there are many sighted members with common aims).
History
The American Council of the Blind was formed out of the dissolution of the Braille Free Press Association in 1961. Braille Free Press had been set up in 1959. It was highly critical of the
American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is an American non-profit organization for people with vision loss. AFB's objectives include conducting research to advance change, promoting knowledge and understanding, and shaping policies and practice ...
, and the ACB was formed as an alternative to it.
The ACB was also very critical of the
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is an organization of blind people in the United States. It is the oldest and largest organization led by blind people in the United States. Its national headquarters are in Baltimore, Maryland.
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which many of its first members had also originally belonged to.
Relations between the two organizations have been strained ever since—to the extent that they tend to schedule their conventions at the same time, to deter people from being active in both organizations.
In 2013 the ACB elected Kim Charlson as its first female president, making her the first female president of a major national blindness consumer advocacy organization in the United States.
State affiliates
Alabama Council of the BlindAlaska Independent Blind, Inc.Arizona Council of the BlindArkansas Council of the BlindCalifornia Council of the BlindAmerican Council of the Blind of Colorado, Inc.Connecticut Council of the BlindDelaware Council of the Blind and Visually ImpairedDC Council of the BlindFlorida Council of the BlindGeorgia Council of the BlindHawaii Association of the BlindIllinois Council of the BlindACB of IndianaIowa Council of the United BlindKansas Association of the Blind and Visually ImpairedBlue Grass Council of the BlindKentucky Council of the BlindLouisiana Council of the BlindACB of MaineACB of MarylandBay State Council of the BlindMichigan Council of the Blind And Visually ImpairedACB of MinnesotaMississippi Council of the BlindMissouri Council of the BlindMontana Blind and Low Vision CouncilACB of NebraskaNevada Council of the BlindNew Jersey Council of the BlindACB of New MexicoACB of New York, Inc.North Carolina Council of the BlindNorth Dakota Association of the BlindACB of OhioOklahoma Council of the BlindACB of OregonPennsylvania Council of the BlindACB of South CarolinaSouth Dakota Association of the BlindTennessee Council of the BlindACB of TexasUtah Council of the BlindVermont Council of the BlindAmerican Council of the Blind of VirginiaVirginia Association of the BlindWashington Council of the BlindMountain State Council of the BlindWashington Council of the BlindACB of WisconsinWyoming Council of the Blindref>
References
External links
ACB home page
{{DEFAULTSORT:American Council Of The Blind
Blindness organizations in the United States
Health and disability rights organizations in the United States
501(c)(3) organizations
Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C.