Dear AccessWorld readers,
It has been a busy, action-packed time at AccessWorld and throughout AFB! We just wrapped up with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference (ATIA), and we are now turning full force into the California State University at Northridge Conference (CSUN), which is being held in Anaheim, California for its second year. Look for CSUN conference wrap-up articles in our April issue. AccessWorld is also very proud to, once again, sponsor Blind Bargains’ podcasts from the CSUN exhibit hall.
As the COVID-19 virus impacts our country and dominates the news, the access technology and blindness industries are being impacted as well. The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted many to cancel plans to attend national gatherings and conferences, CSUN 2020 included. We wish CSUN conference organizers and attendees the best in this unprecedented situation, and we will do our best to bring important conference product updates and information to our readers.
Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 virus, after careful consideration and out of an abundance of caution, the American Foundation for the Blind decided to:
- Cancel the in-person elements of the AFB Leadership Conference scheduled for March 25-27, 2020
- Postpone the Helen Keller Achievement Awards Gala until 2021
- Reschedule the Blind Leaders Development Program kickoff within 6 months
Kirk Adams, President and CEO of AFB said:
These are extraordinary circumstances, and the health and safety of our staff, supporters, attendees, and the general public is of the utmost concern. In our role as good stewards and good citizens, AFB is committed to doing all we can to ensure the safety of the public at large as well as those we serve. This decision was not made lightly, and we regret this missed opportunity to connect with AFB Leadership conference attendees in person.
We hope to see all of you next year, in good health, for the 2021 AFB Leadership Conference, as we reconvene at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, April 14-16, for our centennial celebration, where we will also honor this year’s Helen Keller Achievement Award honorees.
Sincerely,
Lee Huffman
AccessWorld Editor-in-Chief
American Foundation for the Blind
