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Celebrating One of the Original Coders on World Braille Day

Every year on January 4 we celebrate braille and the birthday of Louis Braille, the French teenager who invented it. (Learn more about Louis Braille’s life and the impact of his famous code in our online Louis Braille Museum, featuring photographs, engravings, and illustrations from books preserved in the American Foundation for the Blind's Archives and Rare Book Collection.) In 2019, the UN General Assembly first officially designated January 4 as World Braille Day—noting that “braille is…
Author AFB Staff
Blog Topics Braille

Thanksgiving Gratitude from the American Foundation for the Blind

Today, as you think about the things you are grateful for, please know we are thinking of you. We are thankful for your kindness and commitment to creating a world with no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. Each day of the 100 years since our founding, we have chipped away at barriers in school, the workplace, and the community — you can look back at key milestones in our accessible, interactive timeline. Now, as we prepare to enter a new century of advocacy, innovation,…
Author AFB Staff
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Blind Leaders Development Program Fellow Testifies Before New York State Assembly

Marc Safman is a fellow in the Blind Leaders Development Program Centennial Cohort. Marc is deafblind and has experience as a paralegal specializing in anti-money laundering compliance and litigation. He sits on the board of the American Association of the DeafBlind (AADB) and helped form the New York State Coalition of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Legislative Advocates. He frequently engages with legislators, candidates, and their staff to discuss disability and accessibility issues,…

NDEAM 2021: AFB Is Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2021

Video Transcript National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is held each October to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM's 2021 theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” This year, we reflect on the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand the…

COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline Available for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL), funded by both the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is an information and referral center that assists with locating vaccine sites, appointment scheduling, locating transportation to the appointment, in-home testing determination, COVID-19 vaccination education, and overcoming barriers to vaccination for people with disabilities. Additionally, DIAL specialists can help people with…

Happy Birthday to Helen Keller: A Woman Who Spoke Truth to Power...and Was A Real Person!

Eighty years ago, in May 1941, seven months before the United States entered the Second World War, Helen Keller visited the Rochester School for the Deaf and was asked if she thought that democracies would triumph over totalitarian aggressors, Helen replied "Yes, definitely, after a long, hard fight. Justice and truth are embodied in human democratic institutions.” In a year filled with challenges, including a bizarre idea that circulated on social media questioning Helen Keller’s existence…
Author AFB Staff
Blog Topics Helen Keller

Animal Friends: Helen Keller’s and Yours

Helen Keller and Polly Thomson, seated outside on the grass with German Shepherd dog nearby, circa 1955
Helen Keller loved animals! April 2021 is #NationalPetMonth, and as we post images from the Helen Keller Archive of some of the 16 pet dogs that Helen treasured during her long life, we invite you to submit images of your pets! Tell us how your animal friends have enriched your lives! In November of 1967, fifth grader Robin Gates wrote to Helen Keller to ask of Helen's dog Lioness and shares how she enjoys reading of Helen's life: 3126 Cold Springs Rd. Baldwinsville, N.Y. Nov. 19, 1967…
Author AFB Staff
Blog Topics Helen Keller

APH President Dr. Craig Meador's Acceptance Speech for Helen Keller Achievement Award

The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has been a key steward of the history of blindness for more than 160 years. The organization has set the standard for how we adapt to and anticipate changes and innovate to meet new demands. For all of this and more, APH is a worthy recipient of the Helen Keller Achievement Award. Video Transcript: Hello, I’m Dr. Craig Meador. On behalf of APH and its 300-plus employees, I want to thank you for this very prestigious award. We’re grateful to…
Author AFB Staff
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Sam Latif Accepts the Helen Keller Achievement Award for Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble received a Keller Achievement Award for setting a sterling example through its diversity and inclusion initiatives. P&G has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to disability inclusion and making the company, its brands and services more inclusive for people with disabilities. On behalf of Procter & Gamble, the award was accepted by Sumaira "Sam" Latif. Sam is Company Accessibility Leader at Procter & Gamble. She has held multiple roles in IT for P&G…

International Women's Day 2021

In recognition of Women’s History Month and the incredible leadership of Helen Keller, our most famous advocate, AFB is hosting a panel discussion on “Women in Leadership: A Conversation About the Intersection of Gender and Visual Impairment," featuring a diverse group of visually impaired women in leadership roles—from corporations to politics, nonprofits, and small businesses. Join Us March 18, 2021, at 2 pm Eastern! Our distinguished panelists will address the key issues facing women who…