Press Room

American Foundation for the Blind Announces New, Enhanced eLearning Center for Vision Loss Professionals

New webinars and online courses to cover critical topics from technology to aging

New York (May 15, 2013)—Busy professionals in the blindness and low vision fields now have a familiar resource with a new look and even more robust offerings: the AFB eLearning Center. A long-time leader in the arena of professional development for vision loss specialists, AFB is now offering webinars on cutting-edge topics from some of the most reputable names in the field. The eLearning Center builds upon AFB's well-known professional development offerings such as the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, AFB Press, the AFB Leadership Conference, and professional development workshops and seminars.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2013 Access Award Winners

AT&T, Regal Entertainment Group, Panasonic, RNIB, and Best Buy lauded for accessible design

New York (April 16, 2013)—This spring, AT&T*, Best Buy, Panasonic, Regal Entertainment Group and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), will be honored with a 2013 Access Award from the American Foundation for the Blind for improving access to a variety of entertainment options, including television, movies, and radio.

American Foundation for the Blind Introduces Described TV Listings

New York (March 8, 2013)—Finding described television shows just got much easier. As part of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, several of the most popular television networks have made certain prime-time and children's programs accessible to viewers with vision loss by adding video description. To help celebrate and promote this initiative, AFB has implemented a Described TV Listings page on its website, an online guide where visitors can determine which shows will be described as well as when they air.

MEDIA ADVISORY: AFB to Honor Helen Keller during Women's History Month with Special Event for New York School Children

New biography for young readers, Helen's Big World, by author Doreen Rappaport and illustrator Matt Tavares, celebrates Helen Keller's tireless work as advocate for women, children and people with disabilities

New York (February 7, 2013)—On March 1, students from across New York City will learn about famous disability and women's rights activist Helen Keller at a book reading and Women's History Month celebration at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

New American Foundation for the Blind App Helps People with Vision Loss Easily Take Notes on iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod touch®

New York (February 1, 2013)—For the millions of Americans with vision loss looking for a simple, convenient way to take notes at work, at school, or at home, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today launched the AccessNote™, a specialized notetaker for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

AFB Welcomes Three New Trustees to Its Board

New York (January 15, 2013)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the election of three new, distinguished trustees to its national board: Larry Kimbler, Pat Leader, and Milt Springut. The new members were elected during the November 2012 Board of Trustees meeting.

AFB Names Kay Ferrell, Ph.D. and Jim Fruchterman 2013 Migel Medal Recipients

New York (December 7, 2012)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the 2013 winners of the Migel Medals, the highest honor in the blindness field. This year’s recipients are Kay Ferrell, Ph.D., and Jim Fruchterman.

U.S. Senate Fails to Approve United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Statement from Carl R. Augusto, President & CEO, American Foundation for the Blind

Washington, DC (December 4, 2012)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate blocked ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

New Information Hub for Veterans with Vision Loss

New York (November 9, 2012)—Veterans experiencing vision problems have a new place online to find a host of materials to help them live fully and stay active. The new guide, titled “Information for Veterans Coping with Vision Loss,” is available on VisionAware, a website for adults with vision loss from the American Foundation for the Blind and Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation. Timed to coincide with this year’s observation of Veteran’s Day, this new resource serves veterans with vision loss, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals.

AFB Celebrates 10 Years of Innovation in Huntington, West Virginia

Huntington, WV (November 1, 2012)—Joined by Mayor Wolfe and members of the Huntington community, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today celebrated a decade of changing lives through innovative technology and employment programs in Huntington, West Virginia.

AFB Announces Retirement of Maureen Matheson, Long-Time Champion and Friend

New York (October 1, 2012)—Today the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced that Maureen Matheson, vice president of AFB Press and Web Programs, will retire on December 31, 2012, after 12 years of distinguished work, overseeing dramatic changes in AFB Press, Web, and other programs.

AFB Announces New Director of eLearning Center

New York (September 26, 2012)—George Abbott, an education professional with nearly 20 years of experience, has joined the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) as its new director of AFB’s eLearning Center.

AFB Announces 2013 Access Awards Call for Nominations

New York (August 20, 2012)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced its official call for nominations for the 2013 Access Awards, which honor individuals, corporations and organizations that eliminate or substantially reduce inequities faced by people who are blind or visually impaired.

AFB Announces Call for Nominations for 2013 Migel Medals

New York (August 10, 2012)—Today, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced an invitation for nominations for the 2013 Migel Medals, the highest honor in the blindness field. The Migel Medal was established in 1937 by the late M.C. Migel, the first chairperson of AFB, to honor professionals and volunteers whose dedication and achievements have significantly improved the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. The Migel Medal Awards consists of two categories, the Professional Award and the Lay Volunteer Award.

President Obama Signs Landmark Accessible Prescription Drug Label Bill

AFB Applauds White House and Congress for Protecting the Safety of Americans with Vision Loss

New York (July 11, 2012)—On July 9, President Barack Obama signed into law the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, which brings us a step closer to ensuring Americans with vision loss have access to the important information on their prescription labels. The Act includes provisions that establish national best practices for retail and other pharmacies to use in providing accessible prescription drug labeling to customers with vision loss. This includes proper dosage, the name of the medication, accompanying information about possible side effects, and more.

AER and AFB Join Forces to Provide Access to Research in the Blindness Field

Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness To Be Named Official Journal of AER

New York (July 5, 2012)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) today announced an agreement regarding the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), the international peer-reviewed journal of record in the blindness field. JVIB will become a membership benefit for AER members in January 2013 and will be designated the official journal of AER.

New Website Offers Information and Support for Adults with Vision Loss

New York (June 12, 2012)—Are you or a family member having difficulty seeing? Or perhaps been diagnosed with an eye condition such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy? If the answer is yes, you're not alone: vision problems affect 25 million Americans, and are on the rise. To support this growing community, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation have launched VisionAware.org, a free, easy-to-use informational website for adults with vision loss, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals.

AFB Announces 2012 Helen Keller Achievement Award Winners

New York (May 30, 2012)—On the evening of June 7, 2012, Donald A. Goldsmith, Vornado Realty Trust, CBS Television Network, the Delta Gamma Foundation and Rocco Fiorentino will all be honored with the American Foundation for the Blind's (AFB) prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award for continuing Keller’s extraordinary legacy to leave the world a better place than she found it. The black tie gala will be held at the New York Marriott Downtown, marking the 17th annual Helen Keller Achievement Awards ceremony.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information visit us online at www.afb.org.

Media Contact:
John Mackin
AFB Communications
(212) 502-7617
jmackin@afb.net