Welcome to the American Council of the Blind of Virginia. ACBVA is a state affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization. One of the advantages of being a member of ACBVA is access to the private Members-Only webpage. On that page you will find a weekly newsletter called the Weekly View, the Board meeting minutes, Treasurer’s reports, and more. For questions about access to that page contact RoseAnn Ashby at RoseAnn@acbva.org.
Please read about our Mission, Officers, Advocacy, Peer Support, etc. on our About Us page.
ACBVA’s May Program:
The American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) is holding its next monthly program on May 11 at 7:00 pm. Our featured speaker is one of our own, Lisa Calhoun. Lisa has had a lifelong love of horses and has worked with them in some capacity for almost 50 years. She has a degree in Animal Science from Middle Tennessee State University. She has owned horses for over 30 years and currently runs her own small horse farm. she will discuss her life with horses and how they have been such a major part of her life. She will also discuss how she has adapted through her changing eyesight. She’s always been legally blind, but now has very little usable vision left. To get the Zoom information for this meeting, please refer to the Weekly View coming out on May 8 or contact RoseAnn Ashby at roseann@acbva.org or 703-403-0226.
Book Club on May 28
For our book club on May 28, 2026, at 7:00 pm, we will be discussing The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, DB123077. This book features a young woman who has always had trouble connecting with people, works in the library, and whose best friend is a spider plant. They go to an island and she sets up a bakery. There are diverse and Magical creatures there. The book is about her finding herself and being able to make actual connections with people. Of course, we are also open to hearing about other books members have been reading, too.
Please come join us at 7:00 on the 28th. We are always looking for more voices to make the discussion lively.
To learn more about ACBVA’s advocacy efforts …
both at the national and state level, please go to the ACBVA advocacy page. There you will find information to keep you current about our latest efforts at both the state and national levels. If you want to get more involved or if you have advocacy-related questions, please contact RoseAnn Ashby, Chair of Advocacy at ACBVA, at roseann@acbva.org or 703-403-0226.
Save the Date – ACBVA 2026 Convention
Mark your calendars: November 6–8, 2026.
The American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) will host its 2026 Annual Convention in Fredericksburg, Virginia — and this is one weekend you will not want to miss.
We’re planning a dynamic gathering filled with connection, advocacy, learning, and community with members and friends from across the Commonwealth. If you’ve ever left convention energized and inspired — expect that and more.
Hotel information is available now. To reserve your room (540) 368-8000 and use block code ACB or ask questions, email convention@acbva.org.
Registration details and full convention information will be released in the coming months. For now, save the date, secure your hotel room early, and stay tuned.
Trust us — you’ll want a seat for this one.
Supporting ACBVA doesn’t have to be complicated—or costly.
We currently have several easy fundraising options that let you shop for things you already enjoy while helping support our programs and advocacy.
Here are a few simple ways to make an impact:
- See’s Candies
- Happy Valley Soup Company
- RaiseRight Gift Cards
Read more on our Fundraising Page.
Don’t Miss What’s Ahead – Membership
Exciting things are happening at ACBVA — and you don’t want to miss out.
From advocacy and leadership opportunities to community programs, virtual meet-ups, and convention planning, this is a year full of momentum. Your membership keeps you informed, connected, and part of the action across Virginia.
Membership is just $15 and is open to:
- Individuals who are blind
- Individuals with low vision
- Professionals working in the field of vision
- Sighted family members and friends
- Caregivers
Be sure your membership is active by March 15 to stay eligible for upcoming incentives and opportunities.
Join or renew today at ACBVA.org/membership
If you need help submitting your registration or payment, please contact Theresa or RoseAnn — They are happy to assist.
Be part of what’s building.