AFB Blog

[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…

Each day millions of people with vision loss put their lives—and the lives of those they care for—at risk because they can't accurately read labels on prescription medications. Shockingly, there are no federal guidelines to ensure that retail pharmacies provide drug information that is accessible to people with vision loss. Being able to read a prescription drug label isn't a convenience—it's a matter of life and death. That's why AFB staff are mobilizing on Capitol Hill, meeting with…

Did you know that October 15 is White Cane Safety Day? If you said yes, you are correct. It has been observed on that date since 1964, with localities celebrating it throughout the country. White Cane Safety Day is about celebrating and creating awareness about the white cane and its use. I use a white cane, but I have also been an orientation and mobility (O&M) instructor. An orientation and mobility instructor is a professional who teaches persons who are blind or visually impaired how…

[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…

[Editor's note: This is the first post in what will be an ongoing series showcasing the Helen Keller Archives, authored by AFB Archivist Helen Selsdon. Stay tuned for more to come.] My name is Helen Selsdon and I'm the archivist at the headquarters of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in New York City. I came to AFB in April 2002 with the task of taking care of the Helen Keller archival collection. It's been an amazing journey for me, both professionally as an archivist and as a…

Two significant observances occur in October – Columbus Day (October 12), and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (all month long!). However, I have no clue if Columbus employed any persons with disabilities. If he didn't, he should have. Let's suppose for a moment Christopher Columbus was alive today. He would be smart to hire a visually impaired navigator—they would be using AccessWorld (AFB’s free online technology magazine) to find the best accessible GPS. AFB is setting sail…

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…

I have written several articles in AFB's AccessWorld Magazine chronicling the lack of accessibility of Amazon's Kindle electronic book reading devices as they have evolved over the last few years. The original Kindle was completely inaccessible to blind people, and our community protested loudly and clearly. Amazon responded by adding some text-to-speech functionality to the second and third versions. Although that still did not lead to what I would call an accessible Kindle, the incremental…