American Foundation for the Blind

AFB's 2025 Helen Keller Achievement Awards is two weeks away! This year’s honorees include Andrew Leland, who is recognized for his powerful contributions to disability storytelling, and Mattel, for its global impact on the inclusion of people who are blind or have low vision following the release of the Blind Barbie Fashionista doll in 2024. Join us for this momentous celebration on April 24th in Midtown Manhattan as we recognize those who have marked their own journey to keep the spirit of Helen Keller alive in the 21st century: www.afb.org/HKAA.

Did you know? The number of American adults (ages 18 and up) living with vision loss grew from an estimated 50.2 million in 2022 to 51.9 million in 2023—an increase of roughly 1.7 million people in just one year. That’s a 3.4% rise year-over-year, made up entirely of adults experiencing mild difficulty seeing. You can find this data and much more in AFB’s recently updated Statistical Snapshots, your go-to source for the latest facts, figures, and resources about vision loss in the U.S. Whether you’re looking for key statistics or in-depth information on blindness and visual impairment, Statistical Snapshots provides the answers you need. It is updated regularly and based on the most current research. Find AFB’s Statistical Snapshots at www.afb.org/statistics.

Curious about the new iPhone 16e? AFB’s latest blog post provides an overview of how this model harmonizes performance, accessibility, and cost. If you're considering a new phone and want to understand how the 16e fits the needs of people who are blind or have low vision, this review is a helpful place to start. Read "An Overview of Apple iPhone 16e" on the AFB Blog: https://ow.ly/bXEb50Vxvt1

The Corinne Kirchner Research Award, established by AFB in 2007, honors groundbreaking research that employs a novel approach or explores new areas of inquiry with the potential to drive policy or systems change. Named after Dr. Corinne Kirchner, whose influential work set new standards for research in blindness and low vision, this award celebrates research that has significantly advanced the field. The next recipient will be announced at the 2025 AFB Leadership Conference in Arlington, VA, November 12-14. Know someone whose published work is making an impact? Learn more about the award and criteria: https://ow.ly/IRrR50VwESY. All nominations must be submitted by Monday, May 12, 2025.

Learn more about this new resource from Teach Access and Every Learner Everywhere by visiting: https://lnkd.in/e-xHa4m3

Shoutout to Dallas Taylor and the Twenty Thousand Hertz team for an excellent podcast episode highlighting how #Accessibility drives innovation in sound. Featuring AFB Board Chair Sarah Herrlinger from Apple, who shares how decades of their accessibility work have shaped innovations across the industry, proving that solutions for #PWD often lead the way for everyone.

AFB’s documentary film, Possibilities, was honored this weekend at the Garden State Film Festival and received the Broader Vision Documentary Award. Huge thanks to #GSFF and everyone who came out to attend our screening — and to all who made the festival such a wonderful celebration of independent artists and storytelling. A special shoutout to our Director and Jersey native, Bill Sarine of Beachglass Films, for making the trip from Los Angeles to Asbury Park to accept the award. We’re so grateful to be part of this talented community of creators! Learn more about Possibilities: www.afb.org/possibilities

I am so happy to share that the latest webinar in The American Foundation for the Blind's series of webinars, was a great success! The topic was Using Research to Strengthen State and Local Disability Advocacy. Thank you to our speakers Arielle Silverman, Sarahelizabeth Baguhn, Sarah Malaier, and our special guest Denise Jess. Shout out to Stephanie Enyart and Mei-Lian Vader who helped keep the whole thing running smoothly. Final thanks to all those who registered and to those who attended live. If you missed the live stream, no need to worry, you can watch the recording at: https://lnkd.in/gsF9Qq-Z If you are looking for stats on blindness and low vision that you need to use in your own disability advocacy efforts please check out afb.org/research #disabilityrights #disabilityadvocacy #advocacy #humanrights

Big news from Waymo! Fully autonomous ride-hailing is coming to Washington, D.C. by 2026. Waymo One will launch its driverless service in the District, continuing its work with local communities, emergency responders, and policymakers to prepare for the rollout. Read more about how they’re shaping the future of transportation: https://ow.ly/Sej150VqNyN Pictured: Tony Stephens, AFB Assistant Vice President of Communications, stepping out of a Waymo vehicle after an autonomous demo ride in Washington, D.C. Last year, Waymo invited AFB staff to experience their driverless technology firsthand.

The American Foundation for the Blind is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Migel Medal Awards, the highest honor in the blindness field. The Migel Medal is awarded in two distinct categories: Leadership in the Field of Blindness and Low Vision and Leadership Impacting Positive Change to Broader Society. The deadline to submit nominations is April 30, 2025. Awards will be presented during AFB’s 2025 Leadership Conference. Know someone whose work deserves this recognition? Nominate them today! Learn more: https://ow.ly/U48R50VoWAY.