Organization
American Foundation for the Blind(AFB)
AFB is a national non-profit that works to create a society where people who are blind or visually impaired can achieve equality in access and opportunity. Best known for the AccessWorld technology review publication, AFB was also Helen Keller's employer for over 40 years.
About the American Foundation for the Blind
Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind has a century-long history of research, advocacy, and direct service for people who are blind or have low vision. Helen Keller joined AFB in 1924 and served as its ambassador and fundraiser until her death in 1968, giving the organisation extraordinary public visibility during a formative period for disability rights.
AFB is a professional-led rather than consumer-led organisation — its leadership and staff include both blind/low-vision individuals and sighted professionals, which distinguishes it from NFB and ACB. AFB's strength is in research, technology evaluation, and policy work.
What they do
AFB conducts research on the employment, education, and technology needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. It publishes findings that inform policy and professional practice. AFB has been a longstanding advocate for Braille literacy, audio description, and accessible technology.
Key programs and resources
- AccessWorld: AFB's publication reviewing technology for blind and low-vision users — evaluating screen readers, smartphones, apps, smart speakers, and other digital tools. A go-to resource for anyone evaluating AT.
- Helen Keller Archive: Historical archive of Helen Keller's correspondence, manuscripts, and AFB records
- Center for Vision Loss: Information and resources for people experiencing vision loss, including guides on adjusting to low vision
- Literacy and Braille Literacy Initiatives: Research and advocacy on Braille instruction
- The Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness: Peer-reviewed publication (AFB Press)
Who they serve
People who are blind or visually impaired, their families, and professionals serving them. AFB's research and technology reviews are particularly valuable for assistive technology specialists, orientation and mobility instructors, and vision rehabilitation therapists making recommendations.
Why it matters
AFB's AccessWorld reviews are among the most trusted independent evaluations of assistive technology products. For anyone navigating screen readers, magnification software, or adaptive smartphones, AccessWorld provides expert, user-tested guidance. AFB's research on employment, education, and technology informs policy discussions and professional training.
Related Organizations
National Federation of the Blind(NFB)
FeaturedBaltimore, MDNationalThe NFB is the largest organisation of blind people in the US, with over 50,000 members organised in chapters in all 50 states. Led entirely by blind people, NFB is known for its strong civil rights stance, its flagship Jernigan Institute, and landmark accessibility litigation including the Target.com lawsuit.
Disabled-LedBlind / Low VisionAdvocacyAmerican Council of the Blind(ACB)
Alexandria, VANationalACB is a national membership organisation of blind and low-vision Americans that promotes independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all people who are blind or visually impaired. It operates numerous special-interest affiliates and coordinates a broad network of state and local chapters.
Disabled-LedBlind / Low VisionAdvocacyAutistic Self Advocacy Network(ASAN)
FeaturedWashington, DCNationalASAN is a national advocacy organisation run by and for autistic people, working to advance the rights of autistic people through public policy, community-building, and direct support. Their motto is "Nothing About Us Without Us."
Disabled-LedAutismAdvocacy