The American Council of the Blind is a national membership organization formed by people who are blind to promote the independence, dignity and advancement of people with blindness and visual impairment. Members are blind, visually impaired or fully sighted people, from all walks of life, and ranging in age from teens to seniors. ACB encourages people with vision impairment to live and work independently, to make significant contributions within their communities, and to advocate for themselves. ACB governmental affairs staff constantly monitors laws and regulations crucial to the lives of people who are blind. Issues which receive ACB’s attention include civil rights, education, employment, Social Security benefits, rehabilitation services, guide dog access, pedestrian safety, travel and recreation, expanded public transportation, adaptive technology, braille literacy and more. When appropriate, ACB works in coalition with other disability groups worldwide to create a range of effective programs for people who are visually impaired.