Overview

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss.

Mission

AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB's work in these areas is supported by the strong presence the organization maintains in Washington, DC, ensuring the rights and interests of people with vision loss are represented in our nation's public policies.

Assistive Technology

Technology has removed many barriers to education and employment for visually impaired individuals. Students with visual impairments can complete homework, do research, take tests, and read books along with their sighted classmates, thanks to advances in technology. Adults with visual impairments can continue to work and pursue a tremendous range of careers because of the use of computers and other devices such as:

• Assistive technology programs that run on off-the-shelf computers can speak the text on the screen or magnify the text in a word processor, web browser, e-mail program or other application
  

• Stand-alone products designed specifically for people who are blind or visually impaired, including personal digital assistants (PDAs) and electronic book players provide portable access to books, phone numbers, appointment calendars, and more.
  

• Optical character recognition systems scan printed material and speak the text. Braille embossers turn text files into hard-copy braille.