AFB Staff

With a number of AFB staff attending the 27th annual CSUN International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference this week, we've been keeping a close eye on the goings-on there. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., Congressman Markey (D-Mass) just introduced an important piece of legislation. In addition to these topics, here are a few stories that caught our attention this week: Congressman Ed Markey (press release): Markey Introduces Legislation to Improve Prescription Drug Labeling…

Here at AFB Headquarters, we like to keep up on important news related to vision loss. Here are some interesting news stories and blog posts from this past week: InnovationNewsDaily: New App Lets You Text Without Looking This article examines a forthcoming (free) app, Brailletouch, that would allow users to text without ever looking at their phones. (More information on this story via CNN's What's Next blog.) NorthJersey.com: Ramsey man collects for more than comics Think you can't be blind…

The Digital Images and Graphic Resources for Accessible Materials (DIAGRAM) Center is a U.S. Department of Education-funded project, conducted by Benetech, with the US Fund for DAISY and the WGBH National Center for Accessible Media. DIAGRAM is conducting a brief survey to track trends in how people with print disabilities obtain and access reading materials electronically. Your answers will help DIAGRAM focus their research and development efforts on the reading tools and digital reading…

Ike Presley, AFB National Project Manager: We recently lost Dr. James (Jim) Bliss to cancer. He was truly one of the pioneers in the field of technology for people who are blind or have low vision. His first major contribution was in the development of the Optacon. Back in the 1970s, he developed this landmark tool in conjunction with Professor John Linvill to provide John?s daughter, Candy, a tool for accessing printed information. For many years this was the only piece of technology that…

[Editor's note: The following post is authored by Marc Grossman, Accessibility Specialist, AFB Consulting.] A recent frustrating experience on NPR's website (and iPhone app) prompted the title of this blog post. Allow me to explain. A friend recently shared with me a link to the NPR story, "Blind Student Helps Make Denver Navigable For All." Sounded interesting, so I clicked on the link. The page was mostly accessible—but certainly could use some improvement. It had headings for navigation…

Doesn't everybody love a happy ending? For those who may be afraid of the work it takes to make a dream come true, read our latest CareerConnect Mentor Success Story. Choosing not to let the space between her dreams and reality get in the way, Canadian CareerConnect Mentor Becka deHaan prepared herself to follow her dream to become an award-nominated recording and performing artist. Read the full story here. By visiting CareerConnect Mentor Success Stories, you can learn about many other…

[Editor's Note: The following post comes from AFB Consulting Accessibility Specialist Marc Grossman.] In 2007, I was asked to join the selection committee to help sort through the nominations for the AFB Access Awards. This award recognizes individuals, corporations, and organizations that eliminate or substantially reduce inequities faced by people who are blind or visually impaired. The names on the list of past recipients is long and distinguished. It includes Apple, Inc., Canon USA, CBS…

AFB, and the vision loss community at large, will miss Steve Jobs. Needless to state, the world would be a very different place today were it not for him. AFB has been a longtime supporter of Apple products, which come fully accessible right out of the box, and presented the company with a 2009 Access Award in recognition. In light of his passing, some AFB staff shared their thoughts on the man and the indelible mark he left on us all. Carl R. Augusto, AFB President and CEO: "Steve Jobs, as a…

[Editor's note: The following blog comes from Paige, a Dog Guide here at AFB headquarters. Paige is here to share a few thoughts on what to do when you encounter a visually impaired person and his or her dog guide.] Hi! I'm Paige, and I'm a Dog Guide. You may also hear of us referred to as "Seeing Eye Dogs" and "Guide Dogs," but we do prefer Dog Guides - after all, we're dogs first! Since my master is currently occupied – she's a rather busy woman—I'd thought I'd use my down time to discuss…