On December 2nd 1934, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) laid the cornerstone for its new building on 16th street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Manhattan. The first brick was laid by AFB's most famous employee, Helen Keller. Also present were John Finley, the future editor-in-chief of the New York Times and AFB’s forward-thinking leader M. C. Migel.
The event made it to the front page of the New York Times. Here's a brief excerpt:
“The American Foundation for the Blind, now at 125 East Forty-sixth Street, will occupy the building as executive offices, for sound studios and publication offices of its blind magazine and the braille printing shop, the Helen Keller room with its library of 6,000 volumes from American and European sources on the blind and work for the blind.”
AFB occupied this building until 1995. During those 61 years we accomplished so much. Here are three important achievements among the many:
In 1932: We pioneered long-playing records that played on special talking book machines. These audio recordings opened the door of knowledge to thousands of blind people across the country. Later, we successfully advocated for the distribution of these records by the National Library Service for the Blind.
In 1945: Following World War II, the Veterans Administration asked AFB to help set up its rehabilitation program for blinded soldiers. President and CEO M. C. Migel gave what was at that time a large donation of $10,000 towards the establishment of the Blinded Veterans Association.
In 1975: We played a major role in the passage of legislation to ensure that children with vision loss are mainstreamed into America's public education system. Until this time over 90% of blind and visually impaired students were taught in residential schools.
The location of AFB may have changed since then, but our commitment to those with vision loss has never wavered. For almost a century, AFB has removed barriers, created solutions, and expanded possibilities so that people with vision loss can achieve their full potential.
For more historical information on Helen Keller and the American Foundation for the Blind go to: afb.org/HelenKeller.
