The American Council of the Blind of Virginia (ACBVA) is a statewide membership organization made up of individuals who are blind, low vision, deaf-blind, and sighted allies. We are the Virginia affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, proudly advocating for equality, independence, and inclusion.
Founded in 1982 under the original name Old Dominion Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, ACBVA has evolved into a dynamic community with a statewide focus. While we do not currently have local chapters, all of our programs, events, and advocacy efforts are open to members across Virginia.
Our mission is to champion independence, economic stability, and the right to full participation in every aspect of society. We promote confidence, connection, and community engagement, creating a space where all members can thrive and support one another.
On this page:
Our Vision, Mission, and Core Values
2024-2026 Strategic Plan Goals
Information Referral and Peer Support
ACB of Virginia Vision, Mission, and Core Values
Vision Statement
To create a Virginia where there is equity, inclusion, and accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision, empowering them to learn, work, play and thrive in order to achieve their potential and pursue their hopes and dreams.
Mission Statement
ACBVA’s mission is to champion independence, economic stability, and the right to full participation in every aspect of society. We promote confidence, connection, and community engagement, creating a space where all members can thrive and support one another.
Core Values
Integrity and Honesty
Our word is our bond serving as a foundational element demonstrating our strong democratic principles and values.
Respect
We treat others as we expect to be treated. We welcome each individual’s unique talents and honor diverse work and lifestyles.
Collaboration
We believe success comes from working together to create solutions that advance the organization’s mission through partnerships and teamwork.
Creativity and Flexibility
We adapt to ever-changing circumstances and situations. We are receptive to multiple points of view and ideas.
Initiative
We can and do make a difference in all of our efforts. We embrace continuous learning, hard work, personal responsibility, accountability and motivation.
2024-2026 Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1 Membership
To expand ACBVA membership throughout the state to at least 128 members within three years.
Strategy 1. Establish at least three chapters, either geographic or special interest, with at least ten (10) members each.
Strategy 2. Expanding the Outreach committee and determining priorities for its activities that will further this goal.
Strategy 3. Implement state and local membership initiatives, including encouraging in-person meetings and activities and having state leaders visit local groups periodically.
Strategy 4. Having the Constitution and Bylaws committee recommend changes in the ACBVA Constitution that will enable achievement of the above strategies and assist new chapters in creating constitutions.
Goal 2 Resource Development
Increase annual revenue by 100% within three years.
Strategy 1. Establish a Fundraising committee.
Strategy 2. Implement at least two membership-driven fundraisers per year.
Strategy 3. Seek outside funding from at least two sources annually.
Strategy 4. Improve budgeting process.
Goal 3. Advocacy
Enhance membership engagement in advocacy and increase successful advocacy outcomes.
Strategy 1. Encourage membership engagement in state and local advisory committees and councils.
Strategy 2. Expand ACBVA Advocacy committee membership.
Strategy 3. Establish at least one statewide advocacy initiative annually that can be implemented through state or local action.
Strategy 4. Support ACB’s national advocacy efforts.
Strategy 5. Build better relationships with national, state and local decision makers.
Constitution and Bylaws
An updated version of the constitution and bylaws will be available after the 2025 annual meeting in October, 2025.
Information, Referral, and Peer Support
Our goal is to share information and support one another to live independently and have fulfilling lives in our communities. We meet on the second Monday of most months at 7:00 p.m. ET via Zoom, where we provide you with informative programs to address your needs as an individual who is blind or who has low vision.
Current Advocacy Initiatives
Also see our Advocacy Page.
We are staunch advocates for our rights and for the services that make us productive citizens. Currently, we are working on the following:
Creation of a national framework for website and software accessibility;
Full access to video content from the video service provider of our choosing;
Changes in the voting process to allow us to cast an independent, private, verifiable and secure ballot;
Installation of accessible pedestrian signals to allow us to travel safely and independently;
Advocacy for more audio description on TV, in movies, at theaters, museums, and parks;
Tactile paper currency;
Accessible medical equipment, including tests, that we use in our homes so that we can independently manage our medical needs; and
Acceptance of our service animals on all appropriate modes of transportation.
2024-2025 ACBVA Officers
- Doug Powell, President
- RoseAnn Ashby, Vice-President
- Sue Bowmaster, Secretary
- Theresa Breeden, Treasurer
- Donna Clarke, Board Member
- Debra Hill, Board Member
- Susan Hedrick, Board Member
- Sam Joehl, Immediate Past President
ACBVA Committees
Membership/Outreach Committee:
Chairs: RoseAnn Ashby and Theresa Breeden
Program/Convention Planning Committee:
Chairs: Sue Bowmaster and Sam Joehl
Fundraising Committee:
Chairs: Margie DeMars and Lisa Calhoun
Advocacy Committee:
Chairs: RoseAnn Ashby and Vinettea Freeman
Communications Committee:
Chairs: Debra Hill and Theresa Breeden
Budget Committee:
Chairs: Doug Powell and Theresa Breeden
Administrative Committee:
Chairs: Doug Powell and Theresa Breeden
2025 Convention Coordinator:
RoseAnn Ashby
Questions or comments? Please send an email to info@acbva.org and you will be answered promptly.