Arlington, VA (Feb. 23, 2023) — The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced today a major bequest in excess of $2.2M made on behalf of Marilyn and Francine Gruder, which will support the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB). AFB’s flagship publication of scholarly research to the field of blindness and low vision, in perpetuity
“On behalf of AFB’s staff and its Board of Trustees, we want to extend our deepest thanks to the Gruder Trust for investing in AFB’s scholarly pursuits, “ said AFB interim executive director Howard Sitron. “The generosity bestowed through Marilyn and Francine Gruder’s legacy recognizes the enormous value that JVIB brings to the larger field.”
Marilyn Gruder developed a deeper understanding of the needs faced by those with vision loss after years of caring for her sister Francine, who was blind. Ms. Gruder never married and dedicated herself to supporting her sister. It was through this relationship that it was decided after Marilyn’s death, the Gruder estate would be used to support organizations serving the blindness community. Marilyn Gruder passed away in September 2021, and it was determined AFB would become one of the benefactors to the Gruder estate. Acknowledgment of both sisters’ legacy will be noted in each issue of the Journal moving forward.
“Because of this generous gift from Marilyn and Francine Gruder, JVIB will continue to be able to serve as the uninterrupted archive of the literature of the field of visual impairment,” said Rebecca Burrichter, senior editor of JVIB. “Their memory will forever be enshrined in the pages of JVIB, to be witnessed by current and future generations of researchers, practitioners, administrators, and policymakers.”
JVIB is the international, peer-reviewed journal of record in the field of blindness and low vision. JVIB delivers current research and best practice information, and commentary from authoritative experts on critical topics. Practitioners and researchers, policymakers and administrators, counselors and advocates rely on JVIB for its delivery of cutting-edge research and the most up-to-date practices in the field of blindness and low vision.
About the American Foundation for the Blind
Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that creates a world of no limits for people who are blind, and low vision. AFB mobilizes leaders, advances understanding, and champions impactful policies and practices using research and data. In addition to publishing the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, the essential professional resource for information about visual impairment in the field, AFB is also the proud steward of the accessible Helen Keller Archive, honoring the legacy of our most famous ambassador. To learn more, AFB.org.
