The Migel Medal was established in 1937 by M.C. Migel, the first chairperson of AFB, to honor those whose dedication and achievements have significantly improved the lives of people who are blind and have low vision. Past honorees include legendary disability-rights advocate, Helen Keller, Senator Tom Harkin, social entrepreneur and engineer, Jim Fruchterman, and renowned educators, Kathleen Mary Huebner, Ph.D., and Philip H. Hatlen, Ed.D.
The Migel Medal Awards Committee selects two honorees each year whose life work affects services on a national level. The first Migel Medal is bestowed to a professional in the field of blindness whose contributions have significantly improved the lives of people who are blind and have low vision. Prospective candidates include individuals with training and expertise in education, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, technology, personnel preparation, health, administration, or a related field. The second Migel Medal is reserved for an individual who works outside the traditional field of blindness but whose career accomplishments or innovations significantly improve the lives of people who are blind or have low vision. Examples include, but are not limited to, software or hardware manufacturers, Congressional leaders, disability rights advocates, and others.
2023 Migel Medal Award Recipients
Scott Labarre
Nancy D. Miller
2022 Migel Medal Award Recipients
Gale Watson
Judith Dixon
Read the 2022 announcement for more information
2020 Migel Medal Award Recipients
Rod Haneline
Dr. Michael Schermer
Read the 2020 announcement for more information.
2019 Migel Medal Award Recipients
Glinda Hill
Dr. Elton Moore
Read the 2019 announcement for more information.
To vist past more Past honorees
