Episodes

  • ACB NextGen 2025 Candidates Forum

    ACB NextGen 2025 Candidates Forum
    Jun 13 2025

    ACB NextGen Candidates Forum

    This is ACB Next Generation's second annual Candidates Forum. During this event, we hear from the individuals seeking election to the ACB Board of Directors. Just like last year, our NextGen members have submitted questions for the candidates to answer during the event.

    Sponsored By ACB Next Generation

    Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co
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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • Proposed - Guidelines and Best Practices for the Use of Text-to-Speech (TTS) in Audio Description

    Proposed - Guidelines and Best Practices for the Use of Text-to-Speech (TTS) in Audio Description
    Jun 12 2025
    Explanation of the Enclosed document In alignment with the principles established in ACB Resolution 2021-22, which affirms the organization's support for the use of human voices in audio description, the following document entitled "Guidelines and Best Practices for the Use of Text to Speech (TTS) in Audio Description is proposed for adoption by the membership of the American Council of the Blind and will be introduced as a motion on Wednesday June 24. This document provides updated, actionable guidance to ensure that when TTS is used, it meets high standards of quality, transparency, and inclusion, and that it is never employed in ways that diminish accessibility or audience experience. The standards herein are intended to supplement the 2021 resolution by addressing current technological trends while upholding ACB’s core values. American Council of the Blind Audio Description Project Explanation of the Enclosed document In alignment with the principles established in ACB Resolution 2021-22, which affirms the organization's support for the use of human voices in audio description, the following document entitled "Guidelines and Best Practices for the Use of Text to Speech (TTS) in Audio Description is proposed for adoption by the membership of the American Council of the Blind and will be introduced as a motion on Wednesday June 24. This document provides updated, actionable guidance to ensure that when TTS is used, it meets high standards of quality, transparency, and inclusion, and that it is never employed in ways that diminish accessibility or audience experience. The standards herein are intended to supplement the 2021 resolution by addressing current technological trends while upholding ACB’s core values. American Council of the Blind Audio Description Project Guidelines and Best Practices for the Use of Text-to-Speech (TTS) in Audio Description June 2025 Submitted by: ACB Audio Description project Steering committee and endorsed by the ACB Advocacy Steering committee Introduction Audio Description (AD) provides blind and low vision individuals with vital access to visual media. Traditionally, human-voiced narration has set the gold standard for AD, offering expressiveness, emotional nuance, and clarity. Thus, the American Council of the Blind supports the use of human-voiced audio description as the preferred mode of its provision for consumers. (Resolution 2021-22). As advances in Text-to-Speech (TTS) and AI-generated voices become more prevalent, it is critical to ensure that their use maintains and never diminishes the quality, dignity, and accessibility of Audio Description. This document outlines the American Council of the Blind’s (ACB) Guidelines and Best Practices for the responsible use of TTS in Audio Description. Core Principles • Equity of Access: Blind and low vision individuals must receive a media experience that is as equivalent as possible in richness, clarity, and engagement to that of sighted audiences. • Human Centric Quality: Human voiced Audio Description remains the gold standard. • Responsible Technology Use: Where TTS is used, it must meet or approximate the quality standards of human narration. • Transparency: Audiences must be informed when TTS is used. • Inclusion: Blind and low vision individuals must participate in and be a part of the evaluation and quality control of AD projects, including AD scripts. Guidelines for TTS in Audio Description • Voice Quality: Natural, human like intonation. Avoid robotic or mechanical delivery. Emotional tone should match the context of the scene. Ensure clear articulation and consistent pronunciation, especially for names, technical terms, and cultural references. • Timing and Pacing: Proper synchronization with on-screen action. Use natural pausing and breathing patterns to support listener comprehension. • Pronunciation and Clarity: Accurate pronunciation of names, places, idioms, and foreign terms. Respect culturally specific pronunciation and dialects. • Emotional Engagement: Convey appropriate emotional tone urgency, tension, tenderness, excitement, through vocal modulation and pitch. • Audio and Sound Quality: High Fidelity Audio Output: Minimum 48kHz/24-bit preferred for narration tracks. • Mixing and Balance: Ensure clear, audible narration. Use techniques such as audio ducking when appropriate to prevent program audio from overpowering the description. • Consistent Volume Levels: Comply with loudness standards (e.g., EBU R128, ATSC A/85). • No Audio Artifacts: Audio must be free from distortion, glitches, hiss, or dropouts. • Stereo/Surround Compatibility: Narration must sound correct on stereo and surround sound systems. • Ambient Sound Respect: Retain environmental sounds essential to storytelling when possible. Best Practices for Implementation • Prioritize Human Voice: TTS should only be used when human-voiced narration is not feasible due to logistical or production ...
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    8 mins
  • ACB Board of Publications 2025 Candidates Forum

    ACB Board of Publications 2025 Candidates Forum
    Jun 12 2025

    ACB Board of Publications Candidates Forum

    Hear directly from the candidates vying for positions on the Board as they answer pre-submitted questions and engage with live questions from the audience.

    Sponsored by ACB Board of Publications.

    Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co
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    2 hrs and 2 mins
  • Proposal 2025-02 Amend Article III, Section A: Membership, Voting, and Dues

    Proposal 2025-02 Amend Article III, Section A: Membership, Voting, and Dues
    Jun 11 2025
    Proposal 2025-02 Amend Article III, Section A: Membership, Voting, and Dues Purpose: to eliminate the affiliate vote by reclassifying "affiliated organizations" as non-voting members of ACB for all purposes except the nominating committee as provided for in Constitution Article VI, Section D. Article III Membership, Voting and Dues: A. Membership: Replace the second sentence, which currently reads: Voting members shall be affiliated organizations, their voting members, life members and members at large of the American Council of the Blind. Proposed language for the second sentence reads: Voting members shall be certified members of affiliated organizations, life members, and members at large of the American Council of the Blind. Replace the third sentence, which currently reads: Non-voting members shall be the individuals and entities holding sustaining memberships and those persons holding junior memberships, whether at large or joining as junior members of an affiliated organization. Proposed language for the third sentence reads: Non-voting members shall be those individuals and entities holding sustaining memberships, those persons holding junior memberships, whether at large or joining as junior members of an affiliated organization, and affiliated organizations, except that such organizations are accorded full participatory rights in the nominating committee as provided for in Article VI, Section D. Article 3A as amended reads: Article III Membership, Voting and Dues: A. Membership The membership of this organization shall be of two (2) classes, voting and non-voting. Voting members shall be certified members of affiliated organizations, life members, and members at large of the American Council of the Blind. Non-voting members shall be those individuals and entities holding sustaining memberships, those persons holding junior memberships, whether at large or joining as junior members of an affiliated organization, and affiliated organizations, except that such organizations are accorded full participatory rights in the nominating committee as provided for in Article VI, Section D. (End of balloted Proposed Constitutional Amendment.) Required Conforming Amendments If this amendment is approved, related sections in the Constitution and Bylaws about the affiliate vote will also be updated to ensure consistency and prevent any contradictions. Based on guidance from our parliamentarian, these updates won't require a separate vote but are provided below for members to review and consider. Article III Membership, Voting and Dues: C. Voting: Delete the last sentence in Section 1, which reads: In the case of record votes, official delegates from affiliates shall cast the number of votes to which their organizations are entitled as provided for in the Bylaws. Replace the last sentence in Section 2, which reads: A record vote shall be composed of two (2) distinct components: a secret ballot vote conducted in the manner prescribed in the bylaws, and a roll call of affiliates by which official affiliate delegates shall announce the votes of their respective organizations. The proposed last sentence of Section 2 reads: A record vote shall be composed of a secret ballot vote conducted in the manner prescribed in the bylaws. Current language: Article III Membership, Voting and Dues: C. Voting: Each certified member of this organization shall be entitled to one (1) vote at any annual or special meeting, provided that the person was a certified member as of the established record date of such meeting, which shall be thirty (30) days before such meeting, or in the case of the annual conference and convention, the opening session. In the case of record votes, official delegates from affiliates shall cast the number of votes to which their organizations are entitled as provided for in the Bylaws.Voting on all issues at any meeting shall be conducted in one (1) of two (2) ways: rising vote or record vote. For rising votes, "in person" attendees shall stand or raise their hands to indicate their vote; virtual attendees shall cast votes by any protocol provided for by the adopted remote meeting platform or client program. A record vote shall be composed of two (2) distinct components: a secret ballot vote conducted in the manner prescribed in the bylaws, and a roll call of affiliates by which official affiliate delegates shall announce the votes of their respective organizations. The amended language reads: Article III Membership, Voting and Dues: C. Voting: Each certified member of this organization shall be entitled to one (1) vote at any annual or special meeting, provided that the person was a certified member as of the established record date of such meeting, which shall be thirty (30) days before such meeting, or in the case of the annual conference and convention, the opening session.Voting on all issues at any meeting shall be conducted in one (1) of two (2) ways: rising vote or record vote. For rising votes,...
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    26 mins
  • Proposal 2025-01 Amend Bylaw 4, Section A to clarify the language pertaining to the notice of meeting requirements

    Proposal 2025-01 Amend Bylaw 4, Section A to clarify the language pertaining to the notice of meeting requirements
    Jun 11 2025

    Proposal 2025-01

    Amend Bylaw 4, Section A to clarify the language pertaining to the notice of meeting requirements

    Purpose: to reduce the required notice period for meetings and agendas from 15 days to 5 business days for both the ACB Board and the Membership.

    Bylaw 4 Duties of the Officers:

    Replace the 6th sentence of Section A, which currently reads:

    Bylaw 4 Duties of the Officers: A. ... The president shall send each board member an agenda fifteen (15) days prior to any board meeting, except the post-conference and convention board meeting.

    Proposed language for the sixth sentence reads:

    Bylaw 4 Duties of the Officers: A. ... The president shall provide written notice of each board meeting to the Board of Directors and to all ACB Members not less than five (5) business days prior to each board meeting. This notice shall include the proposed agenda, information on how members can listen to the meeting, and a method for members to provide comments to the board on any agenda items prior to the meeting.

    Bylaw 4A as amended reads: A. The president, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall employ and supervise an executive director. The executive director shall be responsible for the selection, supervision, and dismissal of all employees of this organization (except the editor of The ACB Braille Forum) and shall also perform other duties and responsibilities prescribed in a written job description approved by the Board of Directors. The executive director, with the approval of the Board of Publications, shall employ an editor of The ACB Braille Forum. The editor of The ACB Braille Forum shall perform the duties and responsibilities prescribed in a written job description prepared and approved by the Board of Publications. Not less than sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the annual conference and convention, the president shall have the responsibility to appoint a qualified individual who is familiar with and has access to a current copy of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, to serve as Parliamentarian during that annual conference and convention. The president shall provide written notice of each board meeting to the Board of Directors and to all ACB Members not less than five (5) business days prior to each board meeting. This notice shall include the proposed agenda, information on how members can listen to the meeting, and a method for members to provide comments to the board on any agenda items prior to the meeting. The president may, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, appoint an Assistant Secretary and/or Assistant Treasurer. Such assistants may be paid for their services.

    Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co
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    3 mins
  • PROPOSED - RESOLUTION 2025-11 - PRESERVATION OF THE NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

    PROPOSED - RESOLUTION 2025-11 - PRESERVATION OF THE NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
    Jun 11 2025

    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.

    Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co
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    2 mins
  • PROPOSED - RESOLUTION 2025-09 EXPANSION OF AVAILABLE BRAILLE TITLES

    PROPOSED - RESOLUTION 2025-09 EXPANSION OF AVAILABLE BRAILLE TITLES
    Jun 11 2025

    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.

    Find out more at https://acb-business.pinecast.co
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    1 min
  • PROPOSED - RESOLUTION 2025-07 IMPACT OF RECENT EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON THE BLIND AND LOW VISION COMMUNITY

    PROPOSED - RESOLUTION 2025-07 IMPACT OF RECENT EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON THE BLIND AND LOW VISION COMMUNITY
    Jun 11 2025

    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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    5 mins
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