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ACB of Texas

General Information

ACB of Texas
8445 Allison Way
Beaumont, TX 77707
409-866-5838
https://acbtexas.org/

Brief Description

The American Council of the Blind of Texas, Inc. (ACBT) was organized in Waco in 1978 as an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). The mission statement of ACB states that the American Council of the Blind strives to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. ACBT subscribes to this mission statement and works to be an advocacy organization and proactive support system. Although the majority of members are blind or visually impaired, sighted persons who share the common goals and interests of our organization are also welcome to join. ACBT currently has nine chapters and three special interest affiliates.

Services Offered

  • Information and Referral
    • Offers information on programs and services in the blindness field and laws affecting blind persons.

  • Support Groups

    • We do not have a support group. However, we operate the ACBT Caring and Sharing Program. Through this program, ACBT members will demonstrate care and concern toward our fellow members who are ill or who have lost a family member and need someone to reach out to them.


  • Advocacy

    • We have legislative imperatives for Texas Legislators:

      • Support of a bill to ban the use of hand-held cell phones (except in cases of emergency) by motorists while driving.
      • Funding efforts for more employment for Texas citizens who are blind, by bringing into the state the full federal funding available for Vocational Rehabilitation services by approving the state’s full 20% matching amount.
      • Increase in funding for services to the 269,000 seniors in Texas who’re considered legally blind and consequently experience a major loss of independence.

      We have legislative imperatives for Congress:

      • Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2013 To evaluate, through a five-year national demonstration project administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, the fiscal impact of a permanent change to of the Social Security Act allowing reimbursement for certain low vision devices as durable medical equipment.
      • Passage of Anne Sullivan Macy Act of 2013 To promote and ensure delivery of high quality special education and related services to students with visual disabilities through instructional methodologies meeting their unique learning needs.