Milestones in AFB's History

1924-1968 Helen Keller worked for AFB for 44 years and changed the world's perception of what it means to be blind and deaf. As a result of her travels around America, state and private agencies for the blind were created and Americans with disabilities gained a voice.

1928 AFB distributed radios to citizens who are blind, giving them firsthand access to breaking news. This was the Foundation's first direct service to blind individuals.

1929 AFB created a nationwide Directory of Services for people with vision loss. Now in its 27th edition and available online, the Directory remains an indispensable resource.

1932 AFB developed Talking Books and Talking Book machines. These long-playing records, played on special machines, opened the door of knowledge and transformed the lives of thousands of Americans across the country. AFB later successfully advocated for the distribution of talking books by the National Library Service for the Blind. AFB was instrumental in the passage of a law to establish the NLS.

1938 AFB played the leading role in the passage of the Wagner O'Day Act, which radically improved employment opportunities for people with vision loss. This law required the federal purchase of blind-made products.

1945 Following World War II, the Veterans Administration asked AFB to help set up its rehabilitation program for blinded soldiers. M. C. Migel, AFB's President and CEO gave what was at that time a large donation of $10,000 towards the establishment of the Blinded Veterans Association.

1966 AFB improved the education of blind and visually impaired children by helping to develop nationwide standards. AFB established the National Accreditation Council (NAC) to ensure uniform educational services and standardized teaching practices for children with visual impairments by developing educational standards and curricula that agencies and schools could follow nationwide.

1975 AFB played a major role in the passage of legislation to ensure that children with vision loss are mainstreamed into America's public education system. Until this time over 90% of blind and visually impaired students were taught in residential schools. This legislation, known as IDEA, ultimately resulted in the creation of comprehensive curriculum guidelines for public school programs serving visually impaired children.

1983 AFB began marketing a talking device which identified U.S. paper currency.

1985 AFB established the first organization for parents of children with visual impairments. Today, we continue supporting parents through FamilyConnect.

1990 AFB was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This landmark civil rights law gave Americans with disabilities more public access and greater protections against discrimination.

1990s AFB successfully rallied educators, parents, and professionals to keep braille in the school systems.

2002 AFB opens AFB TECH in Huntington, WV. AFB TECH works with companies to make medical devices, household appliances, office equipment and communications technology accessible to people with vision loss.

2002 AFB fought to ensure that people with vision loss can vote independently and privately. Great progress was made with the passage of the Help America Vote Act.

2004 AFB led the advocacy effort to ensure children with visual impairments receive their textbooks and classroom materials on time and in braille, large print, and electronic formats.

2006 AFB opened its Center on Vision Loss in Dallas, Texas to help provide information to older Americans with low vision. Its center piece is Esther's Place, a fully furnished, model home fitted with simple adaptations and products designed to make daily life more manageable for individuals with vision loss.

2010 AFB led the way for passage of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. This landmark law requires television programs, smart phones, and other modern communications technologies to be accessible.

2011 AFB gives professionals in the vision loss field the tools they need to stay on top of cutting-edge research, adaptive technology, and best practices. AFB has, to date, published over 500 books and other titles about blindness and visual impairment.