AFB in the News

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AFB Media Highlights

Below are recent media articles featuring AFB, our experts, and issues related to blindness and vision loss.

For general media queries or to arrange an interview with one of our experts, please contact:

Tony Stephens
AFB Communications
communications@afb.org

People With Blindness And Low Vision Are Squeezed By High Costs of Living - New Research

The Conversation
October 30, 2024
In the U.S., living with a disability often means facing higher costs and challenging trade-offs. A research study from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) reveals that Americans with blindness or low vision spend an average of 27% of their income—almost $7,000 annually—on disability-related expenses. For those with incomes under $25,000, this percentage rises to 40%, leaving little for essentials like food and housing. This article by Zachary Morris, a co-author of this AFB research study, discusses the "disability squeeze."

Living Blindfully Podcast

Living Blindfully by Jonathan Mosen
August 11, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Arielle Silverman, AFB Director of Research, discusses the AFB's partnership with Mattel in creating the first Blind Fashionista Barbie.

Generative AI in Education, AI Research, and Screen Reader Use

U.S. Access Board
August 9, 2024
In 2024, the U.S. Access Board introduced the "Developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Equity, Access & Inclusion for All" series. This initiative aims to offer information sessions, public hearings, and the exchange of best practices to promote equity and accessibility in AI. In a session held on August 9, Arielle Silverman, Director of Research at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), delivered a presentation on the use of generative AI in education, AI research, and screen reader use.

What is Responsible AI?: Mitigating Bias, Driving Equity, and Maximizing Benefits

Alliance for Health Policy
July 25, 2024
Stephanie Enyart, AFB Chief Public Policy and Research Officer, participated in a panel discussion highlighting the importance of implementing responsible practices in utilizing AI to advance health equity. The panelists discussed strategies to address known shortcomings, including bias in healthcare AI, considerations for mitigating community harm and maximizing benefits. Experts also shared insights on creating AI products and policies to improve the healthcare system for all populations.

Blind Fashionista Barbie

On July 23, 2024, Barbie announced its first blind Barbie Fashionista doll, created to allow even more children to find a doll that represents them and inspire all children to tell more stories through play. Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to ensure all details of the blind Barbie doll accurately depict an individual with blindness or low vision.

Mattel Adds Innovative Blind Barbie To Its Fashionistas Doll Line

Forbes
“It's important for me to have a blind Barbie doll because the sighted community will have a chance of putting their imagination to the doll and people who are blind would benefit from it too and know that they have a doll just like them.” - Alexa Canepa

Mattel Introduces Its First Blind Barbie to Further Inclusivity in Dolls: 'Great for Our Community' (Exclusive)

People
"Blind people are not thought of by society as fashionable or understanding fashion or knowing fashion and here this Barbie is part of the fashionista line. We're three-dimensional people and we're not all heroes or victims or magical mystical people. We're people. The more that projects like this can help get blindness out into society in a way that is accurate and attention-getting, it's great for our community." - Eric Bridges

Shawn Levy To Receive 2024 Helen Keller Achievement Award For His Work On Netflix Limited Series ‘All The Light We Cannot See’

Deadline
February 7, 2024
The American Foundation for the Blind is set to present filmmaker Shawn Levy with the 2024 Helen Keller Achievement Award, which will be bestowed during a special ceremony April 18 in Los Angeles. AFB is recognizing Levy for his contributions in breaking down barriers for people with disabilities following the success of his Netflix series All the Light We Cannot See, directed by Levy and produced by his 21 Laps Entertainment.

Central Bark: A Guide Dogs for the Blind Podcast featuring AFB's Dr. Arielle Silverman

The Future of Guide Dogs in 2022 and Beyond
October 25, 2022
Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) have announced the findings of The Role of Guide Dogs in 2022 and Beyond, a joint, two-year research study to examine the long-term outlook for guide dog use in the United States and Canada. This week Theresa sits down with Dr. Arielle Silverman to discuss the findings and next steps.

Men In Motion | Ken Meeker

Bold Blind Beauty
June 6, 2022
A profile of Blind Leaders Development Program Fellow Ken Meeker in the digital lifestyle magazine's monthly “Men in Motion” series.

American Foundation for the Blind’s Workplace Technology Survey: A Survey on the Workplace Technology Barriers Faced by Blind and Low Vision Individuals (podcast)

Blind Abilities
April 6, 2022
To coincide with Assistive Technology Awareness Day, Director of Research Arielle Silverman joined the BlindAbilities podcast to talk about AFB’s Workplace Technology Survey that completed in January 2022.

Senator Markey and Rep. Porter Introduce Disabled Jurors Nondiscrimination Act (press release)

Senator Edward Markey
March 29, 2022
Senator Edward J. Markey and Congresswoman Katie Porter introduced The Disabled Jurors Nondiscrimination Act, legislation that prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of disability. Chief Public Policy and Research Officer Stephanie Enyart is quoted.

Special issue: 22 days that shaped NLS history

National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
March 2022
The Library of Congress' National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) points to September 19, 1935, as a key date in the organization's history. After Helen Keller and Robert Irwin (then-executive director) met with President Roosevelt, he signed an executive order transferring $211,500 to the Library of Congress for production of 5,000 talking book machines.

Record Number of Lawsuits Filed Over Accessibility for People with Disabilities

SHRM
March 23, 2022
The need for accessible websites is underscored by the fact that the last year saw an upswing in people filing lawsuits under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits businesses open to the public from discriminating against people with disabilities — whether in their brick-and-mortar buildings or their online sites. Public Policy & Research Senior Advisor Sarah Malaier is quoted, and provides key statistics from the Workplace Technology Study.

Helen Keller’s Legacy: A Socialist and Suffragist Who Pushed Boundaries

Teen Vogue
March 14, 2022
An examination of who the “real” Helen Keller was – not the image-sanitized symbol of inspiration fodder, but a boundary-pusher who was remarkably effective in driving positive societal change. AFB’s Helen Keller Archive served as a major resource for the story.

Episode 289 - Workplace Technology Study (podcast)

Speaking out for the Blind
March 12, 2022
The American Council of the Blind's flagship podcast features AFB guests Stephanie Enyart, Chief Public Policy and Research Officer; and Arielle Silverman, Director of Research, to discuss the research and policy implications of AFB's Workplace Technology Study.

More cities are embracing accessible pedestrian signals but blind Americans say it's not enough (Editor's Note: Requires subscription)

USA Today
March 12, 2022
In a story about a legal case in Chicago regarding the city’s lack of accessible pedestrian signals, Public Policy & Research Senior Advisor Sarah Malaier points out that pandemic-related social changes have opened up an opportunity to focus on accessible pedestrian signals and accessibility. "There's a growing recognition that building accessibility and effective communication into our infrastructure is really important in terms of equity and equality," she said.

Disability organizations call on DOJ to finalize online accessibility rules

Engadget
February 28, 2022
AFB was among the four authors of a published letter calling for the Department of Justice to finalize rules for online accessibility.

Reps. Maloney and Bilirakis Reintroduce Bill to Help Visually Impaired Americans

The National Herald
February 27, 2022
Chief Public Policy and Research Officer Stephanie Enyart is quoted, offering gratitude to Representatives Maloney and Bilirakis for re-introducing legislation.

Blind People Stagnating At Work Due To Inaccessible Technology, Says New Study

Forbes
February 22, 2022
Extensive coverage of the Workplace Technology Study includes a need for employers to become better aware of digital accessibility throughout the employment landscape, not merely outward consumer-facing websites.

Meet the Teacher Empowering Visually Impaired Students With Next-Gen Tech

CSRWire
February 17, 2022
In a story spotlighting the positive work of a teacher working with blind students, statistics from AFB's Access and Engagement report are cited.

Helping the visually impaired join the workforce – Kirk Adams (podcast)

Broadeye
January 21, 2022
AFB President and CEO Dr. Kirk Adams looks back upon his winding career path, while pointing towards AFB's employment-based initiatives.

Can A New Online Learning Platform Improve Employment For Those With Visual Impairment?

EdSurge
January 14, 2022
AFB's Workplace Technology Study is referenced to underscore the difficulty many employees who are blind or visually impaired face in job training and performance because of accessibility issues.

American Foundation For The Blind Announces Workplace Technology Study, Examining Employment Experiences Of Blind Or Visually Impaired Adults

HRTech Series
January 12, 2022
Human resources industry coverage of AFB’s Workplace Technology Study.

Talking Labels Aid the Blind with Prescriptions

AARP
December 22, 2021
National Aging and Vision Loss Specialist Neva Fairchild and AccessWorld Editor in Chief Aaron Preece discuss audible prescription labels.

Smart tech aims to improve transit accessibility for the visually impaired

Smart Cities Dive
December 14, 2021
Sarah Malaier, Senior Advisor for Public Policy and Research, tells Smart Cities that people who are blind or have low vision face a "wide variety of barriers" and that "although most public transit vehicles are designed for accessibility, there are always exceptions and times when maintenance or unexpected issues arise."

'To me, it's social injustice' | Lyft repeatedly denying ride to Charlotte woman who is blind

WCNC
November 22, 2021
AFB's Senior Advisor, Public Policy & Research Sarah Malaier is quoted in a local news investigative report about guide dog user discrimination from rideshare companies: "It impacts your ability to get or retain a job, to access health care, and to be active in your community."

LOC Acquires Rare Book Collection from American Foundation for the Blind

Fine Books & Collections
November 1, 2021
Coverage of the Library of Congress having obtained the M.C. Migel Memorial Rare Book Collection from AFB, comprised of more than 750 items dating from 1617 to the present, including books by and about Helen Keller and other blind authors.

Explore the Life and Legacy of Helen Keller

THIRTEEN
October 21, 2021
AFB President and CEO Dr. Kirk Adams was among the panelists discussing the life and legacy of Helen Keller.

Remote work has finally made me — a legally-blind person — feel like I can thrive at my job. I'm sad it took this long.

Business Insider
September 29, 2021
A first-person account of how the expansion of remote work has been an economic game-changer for people with disabilities. The story shares a research review conducted by AFB.

Specialty Pharmacies Cater to the Blind and Those with Impaired Vision

The New York Times
September 21, 2021
The Flatten Inaccessibility report, along with former Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum's Autumn 2020 op-ed, are referenced in a story about pharmacies and access to prescriptions for people with visual impairments during the pandemic.

Gordon Gund pledges $3 million to American Foundation for the Blind

Philanthropy News Digest
September 4, 2021
Coverage of the new Llura Gund Workforce Inclusion Fund, which will support AFB programs that expand pathways to leadership, inclusive technology, and well-paying career opportunities, including the Blind Leaders Development Program.

Grocers grapple with digital accessibility as e-commerce grows

Grocery Dive
August 30, 2021
Albertsons', an AFB Consulting client, does regular testing and works with AFB to maintain WCAG 2.0 Level AA accessibility standards.

Quarantine Conditions Have Uniquely Impacted People with Visual Impairments – Here’s How

Well+Good
August 10, 2021
AFB Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum and National Aging and Vision Loss Specialist Neva Fairchild both weigh in, drawing upon research from the Flatten Inaccessibility survey results and their own personal experiences to illustrate how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people who are blind or low vision.

‘May Be An Image’: What It’s Like Browsing Instagram While Blind

The Verge
July 30, 2021
Key takeaway: "Social media accessibility is a group effort. People have to know about the features, understand what they are, and actually remember to use them. A platform can have a hundred accessibility options, but without buy-in from every user, people are still left out." The article also includes some AFB-provided tips to ensure inclusion.

Disabled Face Transit Barriers Decades After Landmark Law

Bloomberg Government
July 26, 2021
Sarah Malaier, Senior Advisor, Public Policy and Research, points out that "blind people using transit also face challenges, such as non-audible bus announcements." She also adds, "There have been a lot of good things that have happened under the ADA in the last 30 years, but there just aren’t enough accessible transportation options to really meet people’s needs.”

This Wauwatosa woman is visually impaired. She's not letting that stop her from getting others like her into the workforce (Editor's Note: Requires subscription)

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
June 24, 2021
A profile of Rebecca Arrowood, graduate of the inaugural Blind Leaders Development Program cohort.

The extraordinary life of Helen Keller

Australian Broadcasting Corporation, “Overnights”
June 8, 2021
An interview with Archivist Helen Selsdon, about Keller’s life and times, as well as the Helen Keller Archive.

Technology Made Special Education Parents Better Advocates During the Pandemic

EdSurge
June 2, 2021
AFB’s Access and Engagement II report is cited, noting that, “communication between students, family members, vision professionals, other educators, and administrators must be ongoing, clear, and individualized to the needs of the student and family members.”

Digital Accessibility Challenges Remain for Telehealth

(Editor's Note: Requires subscription)
Modern Healthcare
April 20, 2021
National Aging and Vision Loss Specialist Neva Fairchild and Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum discuss accessibility issues related to telehealth services.

First Cohort of AFB's Blind Leaders Development Program

On April 20, 2021, AFB announced the successful completion of the first-ever cohort of the Blind Leaders Development Program. Regional coverage included:

Wauwatosa Resident Graduates From Blind Leaders Program (Rebecca Arrowood)

Patch
April 23, 2021

Monroe resident graduates from Blind Leaders Development Program (Alexandra Brown)

Union County Weekly
April 23, 2021

Alexandria Resident Irwin Ramirez Graduates From Blind Leaders Development Program (Irwin Ramirez)

The Zebra
April 20, 2021

St. Ann Resident Graduates from Blind Leaders Development Program (Henry Allen)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
April 16, 2021

Intel AI-Powered Backpack Is Aiding Visually Impaired

Analytics Insight
April 13, 2021
In an article about various assistive technologies, AFB's Workplace Tech Study is mentioned, "that ponders on the technology experience of visually impaired employees, aims to understand the challenges in workplaces and derive solutions for the same."

Bank of England’s Textured Bills Help Blind People Tell Them Apart

Wall Street Journal
March 26, 2021
AccessWorld Editor-in-Chief Aaron Preece discusses the challenges people who are blind or visually impaired face when dealing with American currency: "Because all our bank notes essentially look and feel the same, it’s just not possible to identify them without some sort of external assistance.”

COVID: 1 Year Later (podcast)

Change Makers Podcast
March 25, 2021
Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum discusses the results of the Access and Engagement survey.

Dr. Kirk Adams - AFB (podcast)

A Sense of Texas
March 1, 2021
Dr. Kirk Adams discusses the history of AFB, how we're celebrating our centennial, and how we plan to use the next 100 years to expand opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

Blind alumnus Owen McCaul leads by example as chair of the board of Florida School

Tallahassee Democrat
February 23, 2021
A profile of Owen McCaul, a mentor in AFB's inaugural class of the Blind Leaders Development Program.

Make Accessibility a Priority When Developing Software

Dice Insights
February 17, 2021
Developers and engineers always need to take accessibility into account when building software of pretty much any kind. AFB offers quick guides and resources for web accessibility.

‘I lost faith’: New organization helps blind workers find dream jobs in cybersecurity

SC Media
February 11, 2021
An examination of cybersecurity jobs for employees who are blind. Chief program officer Megan Aragon and sales Consultant Darren Burton are both quoted.

Employment Obstacles For Those With Low Vision and Retinal Damage In Older Diabetic Patients Leader To Cognitive Decline (podcast)

Eye on Vision
January 29, 2021
Director of Programs Megan Aragon discusses the employment obstacles jobseekers who are blind or low vision continue to face - and how we can overcome these obstacles.

Leading the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Into Its Next 100 Years (podcast)

My Blind Spot
January 28, 2021
President and CEO Dr. Kirk Adams talks about growing up as a person who happens to be blind and leading one of the oldest blind centric organizations in the world.

How Samsung is Shaping Technology Accessibility For All

Samsung Newsroom
January 22, 2021
As part of the company's commitment to ensuring complete accessibility for all of its products, Samsung works closely with AFB Consulting to develop meaningful, inclusive innovations.

Sultan: The truth about Helen Keller and why it matters

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
January 15, 2021
In this "post-truth" age, where an absurd idea like Helen Keller not existing has somehow gained traction online, AFB is seizing the opportunity to educate people via the Helen Keller Archive. The site offers free, accessible resources for parents and educators, including lesson plans for how students can conduct inquiries and do research online.

Accessibility in tech improved in 2020, but more must be done

Engadget
December 23, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic made all of us more reliant than ever on technology to continue working, learning, and living everyday life; a review of how such technologies changed in 2020. The Flatten Inaccessibility report is referenced and Trustee Sarah Herrlinger is quoted.

COVID-19 Is Costing Visually Impaired Students Time That Can’t Be Made Up

EdSurge
December 18, 2020
The Access and Engagement report backs up this story of the challenges visually impaired students and their families and teachers grapple with due to COVID-19.

Co-Founding the ACLU, Fighting for Labor Rights and Other Helen Keller Accomplishments Students Don't Learn in School

TIME
December 15, 2020
An examination of Helen Keller's adult life, including her prolific writing and political activism. Archivist Helen Selsdon is quoted.

White Canes, Buses, Trains and Automobiles: Factors that Limit the Mobility of Older Adults with Vision Loss

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
December 11, 2020
Neva Fairchild, National Aging and Vision Loss Specialist, and Pris Rogers, Special Advisor on Aging and Vision Loss, authored this blog post examining the challenges getting around presents to people who are blind or low vision.

AFB Report Reveals How COVID Is Impacting Education of Visually Impaired Children

Vision Monday
December 7, 2020
Trade publication coverage of AFB's Access and Engagement report.

How COVID-19 is affecting students with visual impairments and their educators

Education Dive
November 25, 2020
In her op-ed, Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum outlines findings from the Access and Engagement report.

How blind engineers are fixing the online job hunt

CNET
November 24, 2020
Chief Programs Officer Megan Aragon discusses the obstacles jobseekers with visual impairments encounter, and what AFB Consulting is doing to get companies to course-correct.

iOS's People Detection Aims to Help Users With Low Vision

Lifewire
November 6, 2020
A new iOS feature may be of benefit to users who are blind or low vision. AccessWorld Editor-in-Chief Aaron Preece, Major Gifts Specialist Melody Goodspeed, and National Aging and Vision Loss Specialist Neva Fairchild are all quoted.

Flatten Inaccessibility Report

Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum, as lead author of the Flatten Inaccessibility report, gave numerous interviews, even penning her own op-ed, concerning the report's findings. Highlights include:

Dr. Penny Rosenblum - Access and Engagement

A Sense of Texas
November 1, 2020

Local Researcher: I have impaired vision. COVID has made daily life much tougher

Arizona Daily Star
October 28, 2020

Surveys Covering The Pandemic's Effects On Those With Low Vision

Eye On Vision
October 18, 2020

Episode 12 - Director of Research at AFB, and Teacher - Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum

Careers for the Blind
October 10, 2020

US 2020: Will people with disabilities be disenfranchised?

Al Jazeera
October 7, 2020
Chief Public Policy and Research Officer Stephanie Enyart discusses the challenges and solutions voters with disabilities often encounter.

What the Disability Community Should Know About Voting in the U.S. Presidential Election

The Mighty
October 1, 2020
The Voting section of the Flatten Inaccessibility report is listed as a resource.

How Can Universities Help Disabled Students with Remote Learning?

EdTech
September 28, 2020
Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum provides recommendations for how educators can be more inclusive of students with disabilities, and Chief Technology Officer Matthew Janusauskas is also quoted.

How COVID-19 Is Affecting Adults With Vision Loss

Future of Personal Health
August 20, 2020
Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum discusses the preliminary findings of the Flatten Inaccessibility survey.

While Tech Improves Mobility For Blind, Visually Impaired, UNC Program Endorses Old-School Tool

KUNC
July 27, 2020
Chief Public Policy and Research Officer Stephanie Enyart discusses the relevance of the Americans with Disabilities Act, in light of the 30th anniversary of its passage.

Visually impaired convey concerns in COVID-19 era

Healio
July 17, 2020
Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum discusses results of the Flatten Inaccessibility survey.

How COVID-19 improved accessibility for job seekers with disabilities

HR Dive
July 17, 2020
An HR-focused perspective on how employment issues are affecting workers with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Kirk Adams’ recent op-ed is cited.

Opinion | 30 years after the ADA, barriers to travel remain

Washington Post
July 7, 2020
Public Policy and Research Advisor Sarah Malaier penned a letter to the editor in response to the June 26 article, “Nearly 30 years after the ADA, the nation’s transit agencies report successes and shortfalls." In it, she highlights AFB's focus on transportation issues for people with vision loss.

Technology Bridges the Gap to Better Sight

The New York Times
July 7, 2020
Director of Research Dr. Penny Rosenblum notes that the coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for people who are blind or low vision, especially when attempting social distancing practices, who often rely upon audio and tactile cues. She also comments on assistive technologies designed for people with vision loss.

'A moment of inclusion': Will the post-pandemic workplace be more friendly to people with disabilities?

HR Dive
June 30, 2020
In his op-ed, Dr. Kirk Adams considers how the workplace, whether at the office or home, might become more accessible in a post-COVID-19 society.

‘We Need To Move Away From Thincentric Beauty Standards,’ Says Spktrm Founder Jasmine Glass

Forbes
June 29, 2020
Jasmine Glass, the founder of cosmetics brand Spktrm, worked with AFB to incorporate braille into its products' packaging. “The blind and low-vision community is another community left out of the conversation and out of consideration in product development,” she said.

One-Stop-Shop Apps for COVID-19 Information

JD Supra
June 10, 2020
An overview of Apple's COVID-19 website and app mentions that both are accessible to people with disabilities - "works well with a screen reader" - and links to AFB's review of the app.

Airbnb Unveils New Online Experiences on Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Airbnb Newsroom
May 21, 2020
AFB Consulting Business Development Lead Tanner Gers commends Airbnb's recent disability inclusion efforts, thinking they are a great first step to helping improve accessibility on the platform.

Accessible Online Job Recruitment Must Be a Priority, Now and Always

Rooted in Rights
May 20, 2020
Too many corporations are unfamiliar with the range of technology from voice-typing solutions to screen-readers which disabled people leverage every day - open conversations about ways of working and reasonable accommodations lead to disabled people and employers making educated decisions together, according to AFB Consulting Business Development Lead Tanner Gers.

Neva Fairchild - AFB (podcast)

A Sense of Texas
May 15, 2020
Neva Fairchild, National Aging and Vision Loss specialist, discusses how AFB is helping individuals who become blind later in life and shares some of her own journey as a person who is blind.

Being Blind During a Pandemic

Bloomberg
April 27, 2020
Director of Public Policy Stacy Cervenka discusses firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people who are blind and low vision, as well as initiatives AFB is tackling around education and employment.

Disability Advocates Fear Betsy DeVos Will Roll Back Students’ Educational Rights

NJ Left Behind
April 16, 2020
Director of Public Policy Stacy Cervenka discusses the potential impact of IDEA waivers on blind and low vision students.

Leaders With Heart Often Find Their “Why” Through Their Adversity (podcast)

Leadership with Heart
March 31, 2020
AFB President and CEO Dr. Kirk Adams shares how his uniqueness frames his leadership style.

Coronavirus restrictions put extra burden on the blind community: Experts

ABC News
March 20, 2020
Director of Public Policy Stacy Cervenka discusses the transportation and accessibility barriers blind people are facing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ways to Cope When Vision Loss Changes Your Life

Next Avenue
March 18, 2020
Neva Fairchild, National Aging and Vision Loss Specialist, provides tips on how to make home modifications for those adapting to vision loss.

Anne Sullivan Found 'the Fire of a Purpose' Through Teaching Helen Keller

Biography.com
March 4, 2020
An examination of the relationship between Keller and Sullivan in light of Women’s History Month.

Three Huntington organizations working to make technology more accessible for the visually impaired

WOWK 13 News
March 2, 2020
Three Huntington, WV-area organizations - Marshall University, AFB, and Strictly Business – are working together to make the popular history app Clio accessible for users who are blind or visually impaired. AccessWorld Editor and Manager Lee Huffman and AccessWorld Technology and Information Specialist Aaron Preece are both quoted.

'This Is Us': Toby's Struggle With Jack's Disability is More Common Than You'd Think

CheatSheet
February 26, 2020
Coverage of the popular "This Is Us" television show includes an excerpt from a blog post by Director of Public Policy Stacy Cervenka that examines the portrayal of a blind character.

Captain Kirk: Kirk Adams CEO and President of AFB (podcast)

Dangerous Visions
February 10, 2020
Podcast Host Randy Cohen and Dr. Kirk Adams discuss research, policy, creating an app to navigate public bathrooms, and the novel that they both are reading and love, among other topics.

Men in Motion | Kirk Adams

Bold Blind Beauty
February 3, 2020
A profile of AFB President and CEO Dr. Kirk Adams was the feature story in the digital lifestyle magazine's monthly “Men in Motion” series.

Marshall receives $98,809 NEH grant to increase Clio accessibility for visually impaired

Herald-Dispatch
January 21, 2020
Clio, a history app founded by Marshall University, has received a nearly $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to improve accessibility for users who are visually impaired via partnership with AFB.

Taking another look at blind employees

Human Resource Executive
December 12, 2019
AFB President and CEO Dr. Kirk Adams discusses the misperceptions employers often have about hiring blind employees.

New journey app to help visually impaired

Cities Today
November 28, 2019
AFB Director of Public Policy Stacy Cervenka comments on Moovit, an app that can assist blind travelers.

15 Inspiring Moments for People with Disabilities in 2019

The Healthy
November 25, 2019
Among the "historic achievements and advances that happened in 2019" is the court ruling that Domino’s and other retailers need to make their online services accessible. An excerpt from AFB's public statement on the case is included.

Destination: Future

Axios
November 14, 2019
At an "Expert Voices Live" discussion on transportation technology, Washington, D.C.-area leaders gathered to identify the different pain points associated with embracing new forms of transportation. Dr. Kirk Adams shared how transportation is a constant theme when discussing disability inclusion.

Visual impairment should not be a barrier to employment

Seattle Times
November 1, 2019
In his op-ed, Dr. Kirk Adams chronicles his own employment journey and the frustrations he experienced when prospective employers did not understand the full potential of a job candidate with a disability.

The Making of Blind Leaders

Reid My Mind
October 23, 2019
AFB Director of Knowledge Advancement Programs Megan Aragon discusses her own journey with blindness, the advent of the Blind Leaders Development Program, and other assorted topics.

Trump policy stirs debate: How 'self-sufficient' must immigrants be?

Christian Science Monitor
October 18, 2019
Under a new proposed rule, legal immigrants with disabilities would be unable to apply for and receive needed services to find and maintain employment, which is “entirely contradictory to DHS’s professed intention to ensure that immigrants are self-sufficient," according to Director of Public Policy Stacy Cervenka.

What makes a restaurant’s website accessible? That’s up for debate

CNBC
October 16, 2019
Director of Public Policy Stacy Cervenka comments on the recent decision by the Supreme Court not to hear Domino's case involving website accessibility -- or lack thereof.

Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind to House American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss, Esther’s Place

Eyewire
October 14, 2019
Envision Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind will become the new home of the American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss and Esther’s Place, with a grand opening tentatively scheduled for spring 2020.

Helen Keller collection coming to Louisville

WHAS11
October 11, 2019
AFB and the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) have partnered to expand public access to the Helen Keller Archive by moving the collection to the APH Museum.

How Nate Berkus Is Making Homes Safer for People with Vision Loss

Healthline
July 24, 2019
Celebrity interior designer and host of TLC's “Nate & Jeremiah by Design” Nate Berkus is taking part in the My Home in Sight program, which aims to help those with wet macular degeneration make simple design changes that can preserve their independence without sacrificing style. Neva Fairchild, AFB's National Aging Initiative Specialist, provides her top tips on how to make a home safer for people with vision loss.

What you need to know about hiring blind and visually impaired workers

Monster.com
June 2019
Chief Knowledge Advancement Officer George Abbott is quoted: “We spend so much of our day being problem solvers for everything we do. So we just naturally bring creativity and creative thinking to the work environment and I think that adds value.”

American Foundation for the Blind Receives Grant

The Huntington Regional Chamber Of Commerce
June 17, 2019
AFB received a $77,000 grant from the James H. and Alice Teubert Charitable Trust to conduct research on the access to quality care for hospital patients who are blind or visually impaired, and then design and develop best practices to improve access and experiences for visually impaired patients in hospital settings.

Archival Innovators: Helen Selsdon, Archivist, American Foundation for the Blind

ArchivesAWARE
April 25, 2019
Archivist Helen Selsdon discusses her work coordinating a National Endowment for the Humanities-funded project to digitize the Helen Keller Archive and make the digital collection fully accessible to blind, deaf, hearing impaired, deafblind, sighted, and hearing audiences alike.

As baby boomers age, rates of vision loss are soaring. A 99-year-old Winnetka organization wants to help.

Chicago Tribune
April 23, 2019
National Aging Initiative Specialist Neva Fairchild discusses the expected surge in older adults with vision loss, and the lack of support services that can allow them to maintain their independence.

New projects focus on equality for the blind

Herald-Dispatch
April 22, 2019
An overview of Huntington-area projects being performed by AFB. President and CEO Kirk Adams and AccessWorld Editor-in-Chief Lee Huffman are quoted.

Insight – Educating the Marketplace and More on Employing Persons with Vision Loss (podcast)

Progressive Radio Network
April 11, 2019
AFB President and CEO Kirk Adams discusses his work with AFB, including how it’s changing perceptions and creating career opportunities for job seekers with vision loss.

Expanding Possibilities For People With Vision Loss (podcast)

Ruh Global Communications
April 5, 2019
AFB President and CEO Kirk Adams reflects on the organization’s shift away from a medical model of serving people who are blind and vision impaired and how their efforts fit into the larger conversation about inclusion in the workforce.

Washington Lt. Governor honored for work for people with disabilities

King 5
February 27, 2019
Regional (Seattle, WA) coverage of 2019 Helen Keller Achievement Award recipient Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib.

Accessible Websites - 2019 Commentary

Commentary on companies getting sued over their websites not being fully accessible to people who use assistive technology:

More Than 75 New York Galleries Are Slammed With Lawsuits for Allegedly Violating the Americans With Disabilities Act

Artnet
January 29, 2019

Domino's app, website must be accessible to the blind, court rules

Arizona Republic
January 17, 2019

High Tech Innovation for Low Vision

AARP
January 7, 2019
National Aging Initiative Specialist Neva Fairchild comments on several technological advancements intended to assist people who have difficulty seeing. “These kinds of things put the zest and joy back in life for people who think they’ve had to give up some things,” she said.

Rest Haven Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

AFB Staff were on hand as special guests for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Rest Haven in Monroe, NY, the historic home for blind women founded by M.C. Migel. Coverage included:

Rest Haven Ribbon Cutting Celebrates History & Heart

Warwick Valley Dispatch
October 26, 2018

Oct. 13 Rest Haven program to highlight preservation and restoration efforts

The Photo News
October 11, 2018

Blind Workers Test Limitations of Online Hiring Systems

Bloomberg Law
August 21, 2018
Director of the Center on Vision Loss Megan Dodd comments on a series of lawsuits occurring in California concerning the lack of accessibility of companies' online job boards. Intentional bias likely isn’t behind the accessibility problems, but rather "a lack of awareness in most situations."

A memory that never faded

Claremont Courier
July 20, 2018
When Suzanne Coulombe was nine years old in 1960, she wrote Helen Keller a letter, to which Keller responded. Decades later, Coulombe rediscovered her correspondences as a volunteer transcriber for the Helen Keller Archive. This is her story.

Finding Low Vision Resources

20/20
July 2018
AccessWorld Editor-in-Chief Lee Huffman believes "there’s a lot of education that needs to be done for traditional ophthalmologists and optometrists who serve the general population” about assistive technologies for people who are blind or have low vision.

Massive Helen Keller archive reveals little-known details about the advocate’s extraordinary life

Washington Post
July 1, 2018
An examination of the writings and life milestones of Helen Keller throughout her lifetime from childhood to advocate, thanks to the June 2018 launch of the Hellen Keller Archive. Archivist Helen Selsdon is quoted.

A New Massive Helen Keller Archive Gets Launched: Take a Digital Look at Her Photos, Letters, Speeches, Political Writings & More

Open Culture
June 22, 2018
A small sampling of the educational and historical treasures that can be found on the recently launched Helen Keller Archive.

Apps for travelers with disabilities that can help smooth the way

Los Angeles Times
June 16, 2018
AccessWorld Information and Technology Specialist Aaron Preece suggests some helpful apps for blind travelers.

NYISE Helen Keller Archive Celebration

Visually impaired students at the New York Institute for Special Education celebrated the launch of the Helen Keller Archive with a pizza party and cake in honor of Keller's 138th birthday. Media coverage included:

Bronx students among first to access Helen Keller Archive

NY1
June 7, 2018

Bronx students celebrate launch of Helen Keller archive

News 12 The Bronx
June 5, 2018
Read the transcript here.

Students at the New York Institute for Special Education Launch the Helen Keller Archive

FOX5 NY
June 5, 2018

Everything you need to know about Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Mashable
May 17, 2018
In a rundown of the many ways to observe and celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Mashable included AFB's recent webinar, which covered topics including recent advances in the accessibility space, common characteristics of successful accessibility programs, an overview of Accessworld, and more.

Glossier Hit With a Lawsuit Alleging It Violates the Americans With Disabilities Act

Racked
May 16, 2018
AFB's Director of Public Policy Mark Richert is quoted, commenting on recent lawsuits over Americans with Disabilities Act compliance for online retailers.

The printed book is not going away anytime soon

Salisbury Post
April 16, 2018
In an examination into the so-called "death" of the printed book, the history of the audio book is included, making mention of AFB's Talking Book program from the 1930s.

Helen Keller’s Stunning Description of 'Hearing' Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

Strings
April 6, 2018
A writeup of the time in 1924 Helen Keller experienced Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony by the New York Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.

The Fears Stirred Up by Vision Loss

The New York Times
March 1, 2018
AFB President and CEO Kirk Adams' Letter to the Editor expressed optimism in response to the Feb. 25 op-ed "Am I Going Blind," pointing out that "losing your sight doesn’t have to mean giving up your independence, your job or your favorite activities."

Comcast & AFB Survey

Media and blog coverage of the Comcast-AFB survey results examining TV-watching habits of blind people included:

2018 Helen Keller Achievement Awards

AFB's announcement of the 2018 Helen Keller Achievement Awards received widespread coverage, including:

The American Foundation for the Blind in the News