Our Mission
The mission of the American Foundation for the Blind is to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. We mobilize leaders, advance understanding, and champion impactful policies and practices using research and data.
Who We Are
Since 1921, AFB has been a leader in addressing the most pressing needs of people with visual impairments and their families, breaking down societal barriers, and promoting broad systemic change. Publisher of the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness for over a century and counting, AFB is also proud to steward the accessible Helen Keller Archive, honoring the legacy of our most famous ambassador. AFB’s mission is to expand pathways to leadership, education, inclusive technology, and career opportunities to create a world of no limits for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.
Our Action Plan
AFB cultivates in-depth knowledge that improves understanding of issues affecting children and adults who are blind or visually impaired, to facilitate meaningful change that fosters equality and inclusion. To achieve this we:
- Promote and engage in research with wide-scale impact
- Develop and share knowledge
- Pursue strategic relationships with those who can accelerate change in every area of society, including work and school
Our Objectives
Conduct Research to Advance Change
AFB collaborates with researchers and educators to better understand the issues facing people who are blind or visually impaired. We use that knowledge to develop evidence-based solutions in areas including education, employment, socio-economic mobility, rehabilitation services, aging and vision loss, healthcare, and technology.
Promote Knowledge and Understanding
We educate policymakers, business leaders, advocates, and the public about the challenges and opportunities that exist for people who are blind or visually impaired. That knowledge influences attitudes, improving acceptance, accessibility, and inclusion.
Shape Policies and Practices
AFB builds and maintains strategic public- and private-sector relationships and networks. Through these partnerships, we drive the adoption of policies and best practices for making workplaces, schools, and communities more welcoming for people who are blind or visually impaired. We have led the blindness community for nearly a century, paving the way for a world of no limits.
Find out how to get involved with AFB.
Join AFB in creating a world of no limits for millions of Americans who are blind or visually impaired.
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, visit Afb.org.
