American Council of the Blind of Nebraska https://www.acbnebraska.org info@acbnebraska.org P. O. Box 6506, Omaha, Nebraska 68106-0506 (402) 679-8448 Motto: People First, Causes Second The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska is a state-wide membership organization, comprised primarily of blind and visually impaired persons, presently with local chapters in Lincoln and Omaha. The Council is committed to improving the living conditions of blind and visually impaired individuals by promoting their independence and effective participation as citizens in all aspects of society. In the legislative and service arenas, the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska (ACBN) focuses on subjects and concerns of Nebraska s visually impaired citizens. The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska is affiliated with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), a national organization of blind, visually impaired and interested individuals who are concerned about the dignity and well-being of blind people throughout America. Our affiliation with the American Council of the Blind (ACB) provides Nebraska citizens Access to the Following Services: * Sources and assistance on matters pertinent to the blind or visually impaired. * Information and referral on all aspects of blindness. * Assistance in chapter development. * Employment opportunity information. * Monitoring of existing service delivery systems and advocation for improvement when necessary. * Representations on boards and advisory committees, both governmental and private. * Consultations and assistance in technological research and access thereto. Rights and Privileges of Membership Include: * "The Braille Forum," a magazine available in Braille, large print, on CD, podcast, e-mail and on the Internet at www.acb.org, highlights the events and information pertinent to blind or visually impaired individuals. * ACBN Newsletter * Participation in state and/or special interest or professional affiliates. * Free use of the National Office as a resource and information center. * Participation in the annual State and National Conventions. Special Interest Affiliations of the American Council of the Blind Are: * ACB Diabetics in Action * ACB Families * ACB Government Employees * ACB Next Generation * ACB Lions * ACB Radio Amateurs * ACB Students * Alliance on aging and vision loss * American Association of Blind Teachers * American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys * Blind Information Technology Specialists * Blind LGBT Pride International * Braille Revival League * Council of Citizens with Low Vision International * Friends-in-Art of ACB, Inc. * Guide Dog Users, Inc. * Independent Visually Impaired Enterprises, Inc. * Library Users of America * Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America * Visually Impaired Veterans of America Some Answers to Questions Frequently Asked by Those Not Familiar with Blindness: Q: How can I know when to offer help to a blind person? A: Ask the blind person directly; respect his or her wishes. Q: Is it all right to use words such as "look", "see" and "watch" when talking to a blind person? A: Yes. Blind people use those words as you do. Q: Is it all right to use the word "blind" when talking to a blind person? A: Certainly. Q: What is the best way to walk with a blind person? A: Let the blind person take hold of your arm. By holding on to your arm, most blind people can follow the motion of your body. When going through narrow passages, such as store aisles, between tables in a restaurant or through doorways, draw your arm closer to your body. If it seems that certain directions need to be verbalized, state them in a concise manner. Q: Briefly stated, what is the message blind people want to convey to the public? A: Each Blind person is an individual having unique interests, personal capabilities and aspirations. People with some residual vision are often able to do all or part of their reading. If you are reading this print brochure, it is a sample of 18-point type. For additional information concerning the availability of large-type, braille or text materials of all sorts, contact the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska (ACBN) For more information or if you wish to become a member, contact ACBN at the below information for a chapter near you: American Council of the Blind of Nebraska P. O. Box 6506 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-0506 (531) 301-2656 info@acbnebraska.org https://www.acbnebraska.org The above contact information can also provide details about the cab and rideshare fare subsidy program, Share A Fare.