Registration Now Open for the Landmark 2026 D.C. Leadership Conference by ACB

American Council of the Blind Announces 2026 D.C. Leadership Conference Registration

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has officially opened registration for its highly anticipated 2026 D.C. Leadership Conference. Scheduled as a hybrid event, the conference will take place in-person from March 6 to March 10 at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, with the option to participate online as well. This multi-faceted gathering aims to bring together advocates, lawmakers, and members of the disability community to advance key legislative priorities without barriers.

Conference Highlights:

During the D.C. Leadership Conference, attendees will engage in a series of educational sessions and have the opportunity to hear from inspiring keynote speakers from the disability rights community. Additionally, participants will meet directly with members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill, thereby contributing to an ongoing dialogue about relevant accessibility issues.

The discussions will focus primarily on crucial legislative topics aimed at enhancing independence and equal rights for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Foremost in these discussions will be advocacy for three significant legislative measures:

1. Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act - Aiming to ensure that home-use medical devices featuring digital interfaces are made accessible to individuals with visual impairments.
2. Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act - This act seeks to implement clear enforcement standards, mandating that websites, mobile applications, and online platforms be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
3. Updates to the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act - This will address current requirements concerning accessible media, video user interfaces, and video conferencing services, reflecting the evolving technological landscape.

In the words of ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill, "The D.C. Leadership Conference is where advocacy turns into action." Attendees will present real-life stories that will resonate with lawmakers, clearly illustrating how gaps in accessibility affect daily life. This grassroots approach is crucial in emphasizing why legislative changes are not just important, but essential for full community participation.

Keynote Sessions and Panel Discussions:

The conference will also feature influential figures within the disability community and government, who will lead discussions on longstanding obstacles as well as emerging opportunities for better accessibility. These interactions promise to provide invaluable insights into the ongoing efforts to promote equal access.

For those interested in attending, hotel bookings are currently available, but be mindful of the room block cutoff on February 6, 2026. Registration will remain open until February 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Those who wish to secure their spot can find more information and register by visiting the official ACB website at ACB Leadership Conference.

About ACB:

The American Council of the Blind is a national, member-driven organization that represents Americans who are blind or visually impaired. Through a network of 65 affiliates, ACB's mission is to foster independence, security, and equality of opportunity, thereby improving the overall quality of life for all individuals facing visual challenges. For additional insights on ACB and its initiatives, please visit ACB Homepage.