American Foundation for the Blind

We’re just four weeks away from the 2024 AFB Leadership Conference (AFBLC) in Minneapolis, and there’s still time to register and be part of the conversation as we chart our future forward for leading in the digital age. The conference will kick off at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis on the evening of Sept. 23rd, followed by two engaging days of programming across a diverse range of relevant issues encompassing leadership in the digital age. AFBLC 2024 offers an excellent opportunity for networking and growth, and attendees can receive continuing education credits through ACVREP. - Learn about the impact of AI on the world around us. - Explore the role of digital inclusion in our schools and workplaces. - Contribute to the broader discussion on blindness in a post-pandemic world. - Hotel discount now extended through September 3rd! AFB's President and CEO, Eric Bridges, is joined by AFB's Chief Technology and Programs Officer, Matthew Janusauskas, and AFB's AVP of Communications, Tony Stephens, to discuss what's in store for this year's conference. Explore the conference details and program agenda at www.afb.org/afblc.

The fall issue of AccessWorld is now available! Discover how AI is revolutionizing digital accessibility, get tips for creating accessible mobile apps with React Native, and learn about the diverse career journeys of blind and low-vision professionals. Plus, don't miss the in-depth review of Google’s Reading Mode app for Android. This tool enhances the reading experience for low-vision users, offering customizable text-to-speech and high-contrast visual options, making it easier to read webpages and emails. Explore these topics and more in AccessWorld to stay current on the latest in accessible technology: https://ow.ly/KBKl50T55fS.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is seeking a Partner Success and Operations Manager to join our team. Reporting to the Director of Business Development and Strategy, this role is responsible for driving growth in AFB's Professional Services and Programs. Responsibilities include supporting business development, managing partner relationships, and leading cross-organizational process improvements to enhance efficiency and collaboration. Be part of our mission to create a future of endless possibilities for Americans who are blind and have low vision. Learn more about this position opening: https://lnkd.in/dbHA_p9W.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is excited to welcome Pam McGonigle as its new Chief Development Officer starting September 16, 2024. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience, including leadership roles at Overbrook School for the Blind and the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes, Pam will focus on strengthening AFB’s philanthropic efforts. A four-time Paralympian and USABA Hall of Fame inductee, Pam has demonstrated exceptional teamwork and leadership, qualities that will play a significant role as AFB expands its impact and reach in our second century of work. Learn more by visiting https://ow.ly/MqeM50T3aRU.

#AFBLC2024 Session Spotlight: Mary Liz McNamara and Michelle Witman, co-founders of Asset Based Consulting and Seamless Customer Solutions, will discuss the strategic importance of UX teams that include disabled members and their impact on enhancing digital and physical accessibility within organizations. • Explore how integrating UX teams into development and problem-solving processes serves as a checks-and-balances system, providing organizations with information about the real-life impact of inaccessibility and poor design. • Discuss and practice how to develop strategies for promoting accessibility and inclusion. • Learn about the role of UX in creating inclusive products, integrating feedback, and real-life case studies. • Discover how involving UX teams from the start can help organizations design inclusive products, spaces, and experiences, reaching a broader range of people with diverse lived experiences. Explore the full conference agenda and register by visiting https://ow.ly/vrHC50T21LY. Don’t wait—reserve your room at the AFBLC conference rate by 8/26.

People who are blind or have low vision are twice as likely to be unemployed as those without disabilities. But it doesn't have to be that way. At AFB, about 40% of our staff, including our entire research team, are blind or have low vision. Your support helps us create programs, research, and advocacy that can result in more people who are blind or have low vision joining the workforce. Give by September 30 by visiting https://ow.ly/X0wJ50T1k4m, and your donation will be matched up to $250,000! Together, we can achieve AFB’s goal of increasing employment rates among people who are blind or have low vision and help more people find fulfilling financially secure careers.

Join us at the 2024 AFB Leadership Conference, Sept. 23rd — 25th, for a mini-summit focused on defining a shared narrative that will strengthen public perception of those experiencing vision loss. This year’s conference offers a unique opportunity to engage in critical discussions that will shape the future of our field and expand equal opportunities and independence for people who are blind and have low vision. Make a difference—register today and ensure your voice is part of this pivotal conversation. Visit our conference page to access the #AFBLC2024 agenda, learn more about continuing education credits, and register: https://ow.ly/loBx50SZBqt

Researchers at Brandeis University are studying barriers to applying for SSI, and how to make it easier to get this important disability benefit. They are currently interviewing: • People with disabilities who have never applied for SSI or who applied and received a denial (even if they are currently getting benefits). • Benefits counselors or professionals who help people with disabilities apply for SSI. You may be eligible to participate if you are: • A person with a disability between the ages of 18–64. • You think you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (disability benefits from the Social Security Administration). • You are an SSI benefits counselor who works with people with disabilities between the ages of 18–64. • You have experience working with people who may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Potential SSI applicants who complete an interview will receive a $50 gift card for their time. Counselors who complete an interview will be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card. Learn more about the study and how to participate by visiting: https://ow.ly/1Sgm50SXIph

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is thrilled to announce that our documentary film, #Possibilities, was selected to screen at the #PowerInternationalFilmFestival in Durban, #SouthAfrica! This festival showcases 24 powerful films from around the world, representing previously marginalized sectors including women, people with disabilities, rural communities, emerging filmmakers, historical, religious, and LGBTQIA. AFB is honored to have our film featured among the official selections, and we are grateful to the festival organizers and managers for providing a platform for these important messages. For those in the area, our film will be screening on August 24th at noon at the Musgrave Center, located at 115 Musgrave Road Berea, Durban. We encourage everyone to support this incredible festival and the selected films by booking tickets at https://ow.ly/NAtG50SWYT2.

AFB's 2024 Leadership Conference Session Spotlight: Toward Accessible and Disability Representative Generative AI Presented by Dr. Cynthia Bennett, Senior Research Scientist, Google Generative AI, including large language models (LLMs) and text-to-image (T2I) models, is rapidly transforming the tools we use every day. This session will discuss making AI-generated media more accessible and representative based on two studies: • Image Descriptions for Blind and Low-Vision Users: Explore the evolving needs of blind and low-vision consumers with recommendations for improving AI-powered experiences. • Disability Representation in AI-Generated Images: Learn about common tropes identified by focus groups of participants with different disabilities, guidelines for respectful representation, and areas for future research. Explore the full conference agenda and secure your registration: https://ow.ly/QghC50SWCkW. Don’t wait—reserve your room at the AFBLC conference rate by 8/26.