AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND INC
Programs
Knowledge Building and Research Initiatives
Knowledge Building and Information Dissemination Through research and data, we understand complex problems and identify appropriate solutions. Prioritizing a consumer-centered approach with scalable impact, AFB is pursuing and catalyzing forward-looking knowledge generation on key issues facing people who are blind or have low vision by fostering collaborations with institutions of higher education and other research organizations and by conducting independent research. Priority issue areas may include (but are not limited to) policy research and applied research in education; meaningful employment and social and economic mobility; rehabilitation services; aging and vision loss; demographic trends; and technology. In FY2022, AFB published two research reports describing the experiences of people who are blind or have low vision during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a research report about use of technology in the workplace. AFB's Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), the international peer-reviewed journal of record in the blindness field, which has been in continuous publication since 1907, delivers peer-reviewed research and peer-reviewed best practice information and analysis. The journal also features letters to the editor and commentaries from authoritative experts on critical topics. In 2022 (Volume 116), the final issue of the year featured a special issue that focused on disasters and disaster preparedness for people with visual impairments. The published issue included two open-source articles, as well as other informative research and practice articles and expert commentaries from the United States and around the world. The issue was guest edited by an international expert in the field of visual impairment based in New Zealand. Since 1921, AFB has been a leader in creating a world of no limits for the nearly 25 million Americans living with vision loss. A national nonprofit, we champion access and equality, and stand at the forefront of new technologies and evidence-based advocacy. We address the most pressing needs of people with vision loss and their families, breaking down societal barriers and promoting broad systemic change. A preferred partner for many multinational companies, AFB strives to achieve shared value in our programs. Each year, we host a Leadership Conference (AFBLC) that convenes a targeted audience of leaders in the blindness field-those who are the influencers, as well as the decision-makers for their organizations. Conference attendees include technology experts, corporate representatives, and university professors. They come from diverse organizations and institutions spanning the public and private sectors. The AFB Leadership conference regularly averages around 350 attendees when held in-person. The conference has returned to a traditional in-person conference. The Blind Leaders Development program continued to work directly with people who are blind and visually impaired in order to prepare them for leadership positions within the workforce by building their organization, communication, and networking skills through structured activities, webinars, and direct 1-1 mentorship. Upon completion of the program, fellows exit with a certificate of program completion as well as connections to a network of individuals who can supply continued support, including references for future job opportunities.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJul 1, 2021 – Jun 30, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$4.4MAdvocacy and Public Policy Initiatives
ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY AFB is working to ensure that policymakers, business leaders, professional communities, and public interest advocates understand the key trends, challenges, and opportunities facing people who are blind or have low vision, for the purposes of changing attitudes and transforming institutional practice. The AFB Public Policy and Research Institute (PPRI), collaborates with policymakers in Congress and the Executive Branch to ensure Americans with vision loss have equal rights and opportunities to fully participate in society. AFB's advocacy strategy is backed by researchers and experts with professional and personal experience in living with vision loss. In FY 2022, AFB focused on advocacy surrounding technology, transportation, and education with a strong focus on digital inclusion and the COVID-19 response. This work included advocating for accessible educational technology that equips students who are blind or have low vision with the tools to succeed on par with their peers. AFB continued to advocate for technology and communications accessibility through legislation and federal rulemaking. AFB's research on workplace technology, education during the pandemic, and the experiences of adults during the pandemic informed AFB's advocacy priorities.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJul 1, 2021 – Jun 30, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$1.8MTechnology Solutions AccessWorld
Technology Solutions AccessWorld is AFB's free web-based, industry-leading monthly technology magazine which provides timely information on hardware, software, and technologies of interest to people with vision loss, their family and friends, rehabilitation professionals, and technology manufacturers. AccessWorld provides guidance to consumers and others about both mainstream and access technology products. The AFB Talent Lab continued to provide accessibility consulting services to organizations ranging from small nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies, with services ranging from web and mobile accessibility assessments, remediation, best practices, and training in disability-inclusion. The AFB Talent Lab also began development of a digital inclusion talent development program, launching both a student internship and registered apprenticeship.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJul 1, 2021 – Jun 30, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$3M
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