AFB Staff

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. Below is a collection of reflections from AFB staff members about the impact the ADA has had on their own lives and what the future of the ADA holds for people with disabilities. Janni Lehrer-Stein…

In his June 30 HR Dive op-ed “'A moment of inclusion': Will the post-pandemic workplace be more friendly to people with disabilities?” AFB’s president and CEO suggests that the work-from-home experience millions of Americans have faced in response to the novel coronavirus might lead to a more inclusive and accessible workplace – whether that be at office or home. Dr. Adams writes: “For a sizable faction of the workplace that already struggled with unreliable, time-consuming, or expensive…

Jasmine Glass, founder of Spktrm Beauty, has always been committed to inclusion. In many ways, she says, “The products are really just a vehicle for connecting with people from different communities.” Spktrm was born from her desire to transform and redefine beauty standards because, Glass says, “Since the beginning of the beauty industry, they've always been very harmful and exclusive. As I've been on this journey, I've realized so many new areas where the industry has been doing the least…

The 20th century was tumultuous. As a fierce champion of civil rights, Helen Keller would applaud the nation’s demand for equal justice for all its citizens, and would be thrilled by the active engagement of so many young people to improve the world we live in. Helen understood that changing society requires changing preconceptions and prejudices. That one must engage all citizens, and that access to education by every member of society is key to creating systemic change. AFB is proud to…

As schools around the country navigate how and when students might safely be able to return to school, given the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Foundation for the Blind encourages legislators, educators, administrators, superintendents, and parents to ask the following questions: Compensatory Services Some students have individualized education programs (IEPs) that require instruction from a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments or an Orientation and Mobility Specialist on specialized…

On May 8, 2020, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the American Council of the Blind (ACB) joined forces with eight other national organizations to pen a letter to the Chairs and the Ranking Members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension and the House Committee on Education and Labor. The letter is a request to Congress to continue supporting children who are blind or have low vision by opposing waivers that would affect the services that children receive…

** Editor's note: We will continue to update this post as we create and gather additional resources. Bookmark this page and check back often! ** As everyone adjusts to our new reality of working from home while simultaneously homeschooling our children, AFB staff have pulled together some online resources that may be helpful. AFB also offered a free webinar on how to provide Remote Instruction and Services for Blind and Low Vision Participants, as part of our Virtual AFB Leadership Conference…

(Read in English) Esperamos que participe en una encuesta que tiene como objetivo ayudarnos a entender mejor los retos y triunfos que están viviendo, a causa de la pandemia COVID-19, los estudiantes con impedimentos visuales, incluyendo a aquellos con discapacidades múltiples, y aquellos que son sordociegos. Deseamos escuchar la opinión de todas las familias, todos los maestros de estudiantes con impedimentos visuales, y todos los instructores de orientación y movilidad de los Estados Unidos…

You asked and we listened: We've extended the early bird deadline to February 21! Conference registration is available online, as is exhibitor registration, so register today to get the best rate. If you would like to purchase ads or are interested in sponsoring the conference, please contact Amanda Kolling. Hotel rooms are going fast, so be sure to reserve your hotel room as soon as possible to get our group rate! Want to start planning your schedule? Take a look at our agenda. Have a…