AFB Blog

I am pretty psyched to let you all know about a cool opportunity. I know some of you were involved in the past National Transition Network Forum work, and some of you were not. But I wanted to let you know that we will be having a section of the pre-conference at the 2014 AFB Leadership Conference focused on the National Transition Network. For those who don't know what the National Transition Network is about, it was framed around sharing innovative programs and methods for the transition…

The American Council of the Blind has just announced its new leadership, and it is my honor to congratulate Kim Charlson on her election as the new ACB President. Kim has been actively involved in ACB’s work for 30 years. Kim is also the first female president of a blindness consumer organization in the U.S., so this is quite an achievement. I’d also like to congratulate Jeff Thom on his new role as first vice president of ACB. Jeff, of course, is on our board of trustees so I know he’s a…

This summer, the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) will feature the final publication by a giant in the research of neuroplasticity of the brain and how it relates to vision. Dr. James E. Jan, founder, retired professor, and senior research scientist emeritus of the Visual Impairment Program at BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is best known for his groundbreaking work that contributed enormously to the field's discussion of the nature of cortical…

Are you ready for a blog full of career pointers, employment tips, job seeking advice, and CareerConnect updates (plus all kinds of related rambling) from yours truly; my colleague, Detra Bannister; CareerConnect Mentors; and a slew of friends out there? I hope so—because we have some exciting news! Without further ado, here is the new CareerConnect blog! Our first post is up and running, and contains some important news—Lesson Plans for Professionals. As a rule, I tend to “decorate” my…

[Editor's note: The following post is authored by Keller Johnson-Thompson, Helen Keller's great-grandniece.] My Great Grand Aunt, Helen Keller, was a unique woman. Not only did she overcome the double dungeon of darkness and silence in her own life, but she fought to help others overcome the obstacles that stood in the paths of their lives as well. From women's suffrage, to civil rights, to labor laws, my aunt wanted a world in which every individual would have equal rights under the law. I…

It was with great sadness that I learned Stephen Marriott, former member of the American Foundation for the Blind Board of Trustees, passed away over the weekend after a long battle with a degenerative mitochondrial disease. Stephen was a gifted trainer—when he was on our board, he frequently gave great advice on marketing and communications issues. He became a staunch advocate for people who are blind, and people who are totally blind in particular. Stephen was a role model for anyone facing…

On the June 6th episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Kimmel featured a skit that involved actor Will Smith playing a blind basketball referee. Before reading on, I suggest that you watch the video— of course, it isn't audio described but hopefully you’ll get the gist regardless. Most of us (who are sports fans) have at some point questioned the eyesight of the officials who oversee games. Personally, I have no problem with people expressing their opinions about the officiating by asking the ref, "Are…

On June 27, the anniversary of Helen Keller's birth, you are invited to participate in a unique opportunity to honor the legacy of Helen Keller's beloved teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy, and to advocate for improved educational results for all students living with vision loss, including students who may have additional disabilities. Be a part of the National Call-In Day to support the Anne Sullivan Macy Act, and tell Congress to get moving on making America's special education system more…

Since July 1, 2012, America's leading broadcast and cable television channels have each been required by law to provide at least 50 hours of primetime or children's programming with video description in every calendar quarter, approximately four hours per week per channel. Video description (or simply “description”) is the narration of on-screen visual elements and actions spoken during natural pauses in program dialogue. Please take a couple moments and participate in AFB's Described TV…