American Foundation for the Blind

American Foundation for the Blind
Name	American Foundation for the Blind
Founded	0 1921
Founder	M.C. Migel
Location	Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
Key people	Eric Bridges (CEO)
Focus	Blindness and visual impairment
Website	afb.org

American Foundation for the Blind. Founded in 1921, it is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. Its work encompasses advocacy, policy development, professional training, and the creation of accessible resources and technology. The organization has been historically linked with iconic advocate Helen Keller, who served as a leading ambassador for decades.

History

The organization was established in 1921 by philanthropist M.C. Migel, with the support of influential figures like Robert B. Irwin of the American Association of Workers for the Blind. Its early efforts focused on standardizing braille, improving educational opportunities, and professionalizing services for the blind community. A pivotal moment occurred in 1924 when Helen Keller began her lifelong association, significantly raising its public profile. Throughout the 20th century, it played a critical role in major advancements, including the development of the first official White Cane Safety Day and advocacy for the inclusion of disability rights in landmark legislation like the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Mission and programs

The core mission is to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. Key program areas include expanding access to education through initiatives like the CareerConnect project and advocating for inclusive STEM learning. It develops and promotes the use of accessible technology, such as screen readers and digital accessibility standards. Furthermore, it provides direct support to aging individuals experiencing vision loss through the AFB Senior Site and partners with corporations like Google and Microsoft on inclusive design.

Helen Keller and AFB

Helen Keller's partnership was transformative, beginning in 1924 when she was appointed a counselor on national and international relations. She leveraged her global fame, undertaking extensive lecture tours and meeting with world leaders like President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jawaharlal Nehru to advocate for the rights of blind people. Keller authored numerous articles and books that were published, helping to humanize disability for the public. Her personal archives, including correspondence with figures like Mark Twain and Alexander Graham Bell, are preserved in the Helen Keller Archives, a vital historical resource managed by the organization.

Policy and advocacy

The organization is a leading voice in shaping disability policy at the federal and state levels. It was instrumental in campaigns for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the later Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. Current advocacy priorities include ensuring accessible voting systems, fighting for transportation equity, and promoting workplace inclusion. Policy experts regularly testify before bodies like the United States Congress and collaborate with agencies such as the United States Department of Education and the Federal Communications Commission.

Research and resources

It conducts and disseminates critical research on issues affecting the blind community, such as the AFB Aging and Vision Loss National Survey. The organization publishes the renowned Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness. It maintains the accessible AFB Press, which publishes professional texts and materials, and operates the Helen Keller Archives as a premier research collection. It also provides extensive online resources, including guidelines for making websites and digital content compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

Leadership and governance

The organization is led by a board of trustees comprising leaders from business, academia, and the disability community. Notable past leaders include longtime executive director M. Robert Barnett. The current president and CEO is Eric Bridges, who previously held leadership roles at the American Council of the Blind. Governance involves several advisory committees and councils, including the Helen Keller Achievement Awards board, which honors innovators in accessibility from companies like Apple Inc. and Amazon.

Category:Organizations based in Arlington County, Virginia Category:Disability rights organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1921