American Foundation for the Blind

“Expanding possibilities for people with vision

loss.”

By: Chantalle Dupont

THe AFB’s Mission: The American Foundation for the Blind

envisions a world in which those with

vision loss possess equal access to

opportunities to reach and achieve their

goals in school, work, and in their own

communities. AFB’s award-winning

programs and services address the most

pressing needs for those with vision loss.

“We change lives—breaking

through barriers, challenging

misconceptions, and

expanding possibilities.”

Programs and Services: The American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss holds a

significant role in the AFB for it is devoted to 25 million Americans with vision

loss to help them find resources, professional services, and workable solutions

to many issues related to living independently.

The AFB have over 500 devices on display that can help those with vision loss:

* Read

* Use a computer

* Use a telephone

* Move around home independently and safely

1) AFB offers the blind to test out their model

home and various gadgets in a realistic home setting.

Programs and Services (continued)

-AFB’s Public Policy Center in D.C. collaborates policy makers 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 a team of experts who perform and

analyze research related to vision loss.

-AFB is committed to ensuring:

* Consumer electronics, home health appliances, and modern communications

technologies are accessible

* Students can learn effectively, live independently, and compete on terms of

genuine equality

* Prescription medication labels are available in accessible formats

* The Americans with Disabilities Act continues to break down barriers in the

digital age

Programs and Services (continued)

-AFB holds a belief that Information is POWER. Thus, AFB is dedicated to

connecting those with vision loss to life-changing information and resources,

services, as well as a supportive community through their “family” of websites.

http://www.afb.org/info/programs-and-services/our-family-of-websites/15

ServicesThe AFB Leadership Conference (AFBLC) is aiming to improve the quality of

programs and services to blind and visually impaired children and adults.

AFBLC offers a forum in which leadership personnel, in both education and

rehabilitation, strive to:

* have the chance to increase their awareness of

student and client needs

* expand knowledge

* refine leadership skills, and share concerns

and strategies.

What can we do?

We can make a difference by volunteering our time, ideas, and

expertise.

We can:

* Serve as a career mentor

* Participate in a focus group

* Greet visitors

* Help out at events

There are many ways to get involved and help expand

opportunities for those living with vision loss!

Alice Cogswell and Anne SUllivan Macy actCogswell-Macy acts would:-Ensure specialized instructions for students with hearing and vision loss.

-Increase availability of services and resources by assuring that ALL

students with visual impairment or other disabilities are accounted for.

-Enhance accountability at state and federal levels

-increase research into best practices for teaching and evaluating students

with visual impairments by establishing the Anne Sullivan Macy Center on

Visual Disability and Educational Excellence—a collaborative consortium of

nonprofits, higher education institutions, and other agencies to provide

technical support, research assistance, and professional development.

Move Time!

How can we support this act?

-Tweet your support on for #CogswellMacy

-Spread the word on Facebook,Pinterest, or other social

media.

-Call on Your Senators and Representatives to Support the

Cogswell-Macy Act

-Show Your Organization's Support for the Cogswell-Macy

Act