Press Room

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2016 Access Awards Call for Nominations

NEW YORK (June 10, 2015)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced its official call for nominations for the 2016 Access Awards, which honor individuals, corporations and organizations that eliminate or substantially reduce inequities faced by people who are blind or visually impaired.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2015 Helen Keller Achievement Award Honorees

NEW YORK (May 6, 2015)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the names of four honorees who will receive the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Awards at a special gala in New York City on June 18th.

AFB Creates an Accessible Video Player and Makes It Available As a Free Download

NEW YORK (May 5, 2015)—Today, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) made its new, accessible HTML5 embedded video player available as a free download. The AFB Accessible Player makes it easy for people with vision loss to play videos online, something that can be fraught with accessibility challenges.

The American Foundation for the Blind Names Russell Shaffer the Recipient of the 2015 Stephen Garff Marriott Award

NEW YORK (March 5, 2015)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has named Russell Shaffer the recipient of the 2015 Stephen Garff Marriott Award. The award honors a blind or visually impaired individual who has served as an extraordinary mentor or who has attained remarkable professional success.

AFB Awarded $275,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to Digitize the Helen Keller Archives

NEW YORK (March 24, 2015)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is thrilled to announce a grant of $275,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to digitize the Helen Keller Archives. Bequeathed to AFB by Keller, the collection is a living testament to the amazing story of Keller's life, from her famous awakening as a child of 6 at the water pump, to her life as an author, activist, and global ambassador for people with disabilities.

John Crews Selected Corinne Kirchner Research Award Recipient

NEW YORK (March 4, 2015)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced that John E. Crews, D.P.A., will receive the esteemed the 2015 Corinne Kirchner Research Award, which honors individuals whose leadership and dedication illuminate the most pressing needs of people with vision loss through timely, innovative and authoritative research.

Comcast Donates $2 Million in Airtime to AFB for Its Breakthroughs PSA

NEW YORK (February 27, 2015)—The American Foundation for the Blind's (AFB) "Breakthroughs" public service announcement (PSA) is now airing on Comcast and NBC cable channels thanks to a generous donation from Comcast NBCUniversal. The media and technology company is providing $2 million in free PSA airtime to AFB from January 26 through March 29, 2015.

L’OCCITANE en Provence Donates $100,000 to the American Foundation for the Blinds

NEW YORK (February 13, 2015)—In December 2014, L’OCCITANE en Provence pledged to give back to the visually impaired community by donating up to $100,000 to the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

The American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2015 Access Award Winners

NEW YORK (February 4, 2015)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is proud to announce that Comcast, Microsoft, MIPsoft, Odin Mobile, Joel Snyder, Ph.D., American Printing House for the Blind (APH), Orbit Research and Texas Instruments Education Technology will be honored with 2015 Access Awards for their commitment to innovation and access for all.

The American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2015 Migel Medal Recipients

NEW YORK (December 15, 2014)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the 2014 winners of the Migel Medals, the highest honor in the blindness field. The 2014 recipients are Judy Brewer, Gaylen Kapperman, Ed.D. and Rosanne Silberman, Ed.D.

New "Breakthroughs" PSA from the American Foundation for the Blind to Air in Honor of Blindness Awareness Month

NEW YORK (October 3, 2014)—A new public service announcement (PSA) from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is scheduled to air on national television this October in honor of Blindness Awareness Month. Through the generous support of Litton Entertainment, the PSA titled "Breakthroughs" will air during Weekend Adventure on ABC stations One Magnificent Morning on The CW.

Vision Expo to Provide Waco-Area Residents Resources on Living Well with Vision Loss

Waco, Texas (September 22, 2014)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Center on Vision Loss is hosting Vision Expo: Exploring the World of Vision Loss on Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day-long event will showcase services, products and techniques that can make life with vision loss easier. The expo is being hosted for the second year in a row and is geared toward people with vision loss, their loved ones, and professionals who work with them.

Industries for the Blind of New York State Donates Its Remaining Assets to the American Foundation for the Blind

New York (July 23, 2014)—The Industries for the Blind of New York State, Inc., (IBNYS), which sold products manufactured by affiliated nonprofit agencies in New York that employ people who are blind or visually impaired to New York State government agencies, has donated its remaining assets to the American Foundation for the Blind. The organization dissolved in 2014.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces Call for Nominations for 2015 Migel Medals

New York (July 23, 2014)—Today, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced an invitation for nominations for the 2015 Migel Medals, the highest honor in the blindness field.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2015 Access Awards Call for Nominations

New York (June 30, 2014)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced its official call for nominations for the 2015 Access Awards, which honor individuals, corporations and organizations that eliminate or substantially reduce inequities faced by people who are blind or visually impaired.

The American Foundation for the Blind Offers New and Expanded Free Apps to Help People with Vision Loss

NEW YORK (June 25, 2014)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today launched the all-new CareerConnect App, a tool for professionals, job seekers, parents and youth, and announced that AccessNote™, a specialized notetaker for people who are visually impaired, will soon be available for use on Android devices. Thanks to generous support from funders, AFB is making AccessNote™ (formerly $19.99 in the Apple App Store) available free of charge.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2014 Helen Keller Achievement Awardees

NEW YORK (June 2, 2014)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has announced the recipients of its prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Awards that will be held in New York City on June 17th. The awards will be presented to Christine Ha, Winner of U.S. MasterChef Season 3, AT&T, and Genentech for their extraordinary efforts to improve quality of life for people with vision loss.

AER and AFB Join Forces to Provide Webinars for Professionals in the Blindness Field

AFB to Produce Webinars with AER

New York (April 23, 2014)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) today announced a partnership to create and deliver webinars for professionals in the blindness field looking to expand their knowledge. Over the course of the next year and a half, AFB and AER will collaborate on at least six webinars.

American Foundation for the Blind Welcomes George Pocheptsov to National Board of Trustees

AFB Welcomes New Trustee to National Board

New York (March 24, 2014)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)—one of the nation’s oldest organizations devoted to expanding possibilities for people with vision loss—announced the election of George Pocheptsov to its national board. Pocheptsov was elected during the organization’s February 2014 Board of Trustees meeting.

American Foundation for the Blind Names Recipient of its First-Ever Stephen Garff Marriott Award

Inaugural Award to be presented to Richard Chen during the AFB Leadership Conference

New York (February 28, 2014)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has named Richard Chen the first recipient of the Stephen Garff Marriott Award. The award honors a blind or visually impaired individual who has served as an extraordinary mentor or who has attained remarkable professional success.

Landmark Legislation to Provide Improved Education for Students with Visual and Hearing Impairments Introduced into U.S. House

The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act to provide special education for every child who is blind, visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing

Washington (February 14, 2014)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced today the introduction of H.R. 4040—the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act, the most comprehensive special education legislation for students with visual or hearing disabilities to date.

Learn How Major Tech Companies Like Google and Facebook Address Accessibility for People with Vision Loss

American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference to Tackle Technology Accessibility

New York (February 14, 2014)—More than 20 million Americans live with vision loss, and the technology industry is being pushed to address the needs of this growing population of consumers. Are leading technology providers taking this growing population into account? From mobile communications and social networks to television and the workplace, the American Foundation for the Blind is focusing on accessibility with leading technology companies at its 2014 Leadership Conference.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2014 Access Award Winners

Fleksy, Image Searcher, Inc., Independence Science and The Metropolitan Museum of Art all lauded for accessible design

New York (February 11, 2014)—Think about some of the day-to-day activities you might take for granted. Texting friends, taking pictures or using apps on your smartphone. Studying the periodic table of elements or completing laboratory experiments. Visiting a museum. Such tasks are now easier for people who are blind or visually impaired, thanks to organizations such as Fleksy, Image Searcher, Inc., Independence Science and The Metropolitan Museum of Art—which is why they have all been selected as 2014 Access Award recipients by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

American Foundation for the Blind Names 2014 Corinne Kirchner Research Award Recipient

New York (December 19, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced that Jane N. Erin, Ph.D., will receive the esteemed the 2014 Corinne Kirchner Research Award, which honors individuals whose leadership and dedication illuminate the most pressing needs of people with vision loss through timely, innovative and authoritative research.

American Foundation for the Blind Names James Kesteloot and Oral Miller 2014 Migel Medal Recipients

Special Tribute Medal to be Presented in Helen Keller’s Honor

New York (December 9, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the 2014 winners of the Migel Medals, the highest honor in the blindness field. The 2014 recipients are James Kesteloot and Oral Miller.

Chicago Lighthouse and American Foundation for the Blind Join Forces to Market Adaptive Technologies

CHICAGO (November 25, 2013)—To ensure people with vision loss and their loved ones have easy access to adaptive technologies—from large button telephones to CCTVs to talking scales—The Chicago Lighthouse and the American Foundation for the Blind have teamed up to market popular assistive products.

American Foundation for the Blind Welcomes New Chair to Its National Board

NEW YORK (October 30, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)—one of the nation's oldest organizations devoted to expanding possibilities for people with vision loss—today announced the election of a new board chair, Larry B. Kimbler, of Dallas, Texas, at its October 2013 Board of Trustees meeting. Mr. Kimbler succeeds Concetta F. Conkling, who has served as board chair since 2009. Ms. Conkling will continue to sit on the AFB Board of Trustees.

American Foundation for the Blind Welcomes New Trustee to Its National Board

New York (October 30, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)—one of the nation’s oldest organizations devoted to expanding possibilities for people with vision loss—today announced the election of Susan E. Weidle to its national board. Ms. Weidle was elected during the October 2013 Board of Trustees meeting.

VisionAware Introduces Getting Started Kit for Those Newly-Diagnosed with Vision Loss

New York (October 29, 2013)—Over 21.2 million Americans report trouble seeing, and that number is on the rise. For adults experiencing vision loss for the first time, the diagnosis can feel overwhelming and stressful. With this in mind, VisionAware created its new Getting Started kit.

AFB Remembers Dr. Abraham Nemeth

New York (October 3, 2013)—Abraham Nemeth, designer of the internationally recognized Nemeth Braille Math Code that simplifies symbols for use in advanced math and science, passed away Wednesday, October 2, at the age of 94.

Scholarships to 11 Outstanding Students With Vision Loss

New York (August 30, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the 2013 recipients of its annual scholarships for students in higher education who are blind or visually impaired.

American Foundation for the Blind Awarded $55,000 from Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight for VisionAware, with additional $20,000 Challenge

New York (August 20, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced that it had received a $55,000 grant for its award-winning website, VisionAware, from Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2014 Migel Medal Call for Nominations

New York (July 23, 2013)—Today, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced an invitation for nominations for the 2014 Migel Medals, the highest honor in the blindness field. The Migel Medal was established in 1937 by the late M.C. Migel, the first chairperson of AFB, to honor professionals and volunteers whose dedication and achievements have significantly improved the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. The Migel Medal Awards consists of two categories, the Professional Award and the Lay/Volunteer Award.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2014 Access Awards Call for Nominations

New York (July 3, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced its official call for nominations for the 2014 Access Awards, which honor individuals, corporations and organizations that eliminate or substantially reduce inequities faced by people who are blind or visually impaired.

American Foundation for the Blind Welcomes Five New Trustees to Its Board

New York (June 26, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the election of five new, distinguished trustees to its national board: Kirk Adams, Diane L. Fazzi, Ph.D., Theodore S. Francavilla, Joan Meyer Weisberg, and Pamela L. Weisberg. The new members were elected during the June 2013 Board of Trustees meeting.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces New, Enhanced eLearning Center for Vision Loss Professionals

New webinars and online courses to cover critical topics from technology to aging

New York (May 15, 2013)—Busy professionals in the blindness and low vision fields now have a familiar resource with a new look and even more robust offerings: the AFB eLearning Center. A long-time leader in the arena of professional development for vision loss specialists, AFB is now offering webinars on cutting-edge topics from some of the most reputable names in the field. The eLearning Center builds upon AFB's well-known professional development offerings such as the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, AFB Press, the AFB Leadership Conference, and professional development workshops and seminars.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2013 Access Award Winners

AT&T, Regal Entertainment Group, Panasonic, RNIB, and Best Buy lauded for accessible design

New York (April 16, 2013)—This spring, AT&T*, Best Buy, Panasonic, Regal Entertainment Group and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), will be honored with a 2013 Access Award from the American Foundation for the Blind for improving access to a variety of entertainment options, including television, movies, and radio.

American Foundation for the Blind Introduces Described TV Listings

New York (March 8, 2013)—Finding described television shows just got much easier. As part of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, several of the most popular television networks have made certain prime-time and children's programs accessible to viewers with vision loss by adding video description. To help celebrate and promote this initiative, AFB has implemented a Described TV Listings page on its website, an online guide where visitors can determine which shows will be described as well as when they air.

MEDIA ADVISORY: AFB to Honor Helen Keller during Women's History Month with Special Event for New York School Children

New biography for young readers, Helen's Big World, by author Doreen Rappaport and illustrator Matt Tavares, celebrates Helen Keller's tireless work as advocate for women, children and people with disabilities

New York (February 7, 2013)—On March 1, students from across New York City will learn about famous disability and women's rights activist Helen Keller at a book reading and Women's History Month celebration at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

New American Foundation for the Blind App Helps People with Vision Loss Easily Take Notes on iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod touch®

New York (February 1, 2013)—For the millions of Americans with vision loss looking for a simple, convenient way to take notes at work, at school, or at home, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today launched the AccessNote™, a specialized notetaker for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

AFB Welcomes Three New Trustees to Its Board

New York (January 15, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the election of three new, distinguished trustees to its national board: Larry Kimbler, Pat Leader, and Milt Springut. The new members were elected during the November 2012 Board of Trustees meeting.

AFB Names Kay Ferrell, Ph.D. and Jim Fruchterman 2013 Migel Medal Recipients

New York (December 7, 2012)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the 2013 winners of the Migel Medals, the highest honor in the blindness field. This year’s recipients are Kay Ferrell, Ph.D., and Jim Fruchterman.

U.S. Senate Fails to Approve United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Statement from Carl R. Augusto, President & CEO, American Foundation for the Blind

Washington, DC (December 4, 2012)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate blocked ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

New Information Hub for Veterans with Vision Loss

New York (November 9, 2012)—Veterans experiencing vision problems have a new place online to find a host of materials to help them live fully and stay active. The new guide, titled “Information for Veterans Coping with Vision Loss,” is available on VisionAware, a website for adults with vision loss from the American Foundation for the Blind and Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation. Timed to coincide with this year’s observation of Veteran’s Day, this new resource serves veterans with vision loss, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals.

AFB Celebrates 10 Years of Innovation in Huntington, West Virginia

Huntington, WV (November 1, 2012)—Joined by Mayor Wolfe and members of the Huntington community, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today celebrated a decade of changing lives through innovative technology and employment programs in Huntington, West Virginia.

AFB Announces Retirement of Maureen Matheson, Long-Time Champion and Friend

New York (October 1, 2012)—Today the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced that Maureen Matheson, vice president of AFB Press and Web Programs, will retire on December 31, 2012, after 12 years of distinguished work, overseeing dramatic changes in AFB Press, Web, and other programs.

AFB Announces New Director of eLearning Center

New York (September 26, 2012)—George Abbott, an education professional with nearly 20 years of experience, has joined the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) as its new director of AFB’s eLearning Center.

AFB Announces 2013 Access Awards Call for Nominations

New York (August 20, 2012)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced its official call for nominations for the 2013 Access Awards, which honor individuals, corporations and organizations that eliminate or substantially reduce inequities faced by people who are blind or visually impaired.

AFB Announces Call for Nominations for 2013 Migel Medals

New York (August 10, 2012)—Today, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced an invitation for nominations for the 2013 Migel Medals, the highest honor in the blindness field. The Migel Medal was established in 1937 by the late M.C. Migel, the first chairperson of AFB, to honor professionals and volunteers whose dedication and achievements have significantly improved the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. The Migel Medal Awards consists of two categories, the Professional Award and the Lay Volunteer Award.

President Obama Signs Landmark Accessible Prescription Drug Label Bill

AFB Applauds White House and Congress for Protecting the Safety of Americans with Vision Loss

New York (July 11, 2012)—On July 9, President Barack Obama signed into law the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, which brings us a step closer to ensuring Americans with vision loss have access to the important information on their prescription labels. The Act includes provisions that establish national best practices for retail and other pharmacies to use in providing accessible prescription drug labeling to customers with vision loss. This includes proper dosage, the name of the medication, accompanying information about possible side effects, and more.

AER and AFB Join Forces to Provide Access to Research in the Blindness Field

Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness To Be Named Official Journal of AER

New York (July 5, 2012)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) today announced an agreement regarding the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), the international peer-reviewed journal of record in the blindness field. JVIB will become a membership benefit for AER members in January 2013 and will be designated the official journal of AER.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit us online at www.afb.org.

Media Contact:
Adrianna Montague-Devaud
AFB Communications
(212) 502-7615
amontague@afb.net