American Foundation for the Blind

On Tuesday, the National Federation of the Blind hosted a rideshare rally at Uber and Lyft headquarters in San Francisco to bring attention to the ongoing discrimination faced by individuals who are blind or have low vision when rideshare drivers deny service because of their guide dogs. Under the ADA, people with guide dogs have the right to equal access to public spaces, including rideshare vehicles. These denials not only waste valuable time but also threaten the independence and safety of users. The American Foundation for the Blind stands in strong solidarity to end this harmful discrimination in rideshare services.

Today, we recognize #BlindAmericansEqualityDay, also known as #WhiteCaneAwarenessDay! This day highlights the importance of the white cane as a symbol of independence and mobility for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. It also raises awareness of the rights, capabilities, and contributions of those in the blind community. To celebrate, we’re sharing photos of AFB’s Blind Barbie Fashionista doll with her white cane at landmarks across the country, symbolizing the independence and inclusion that a white cane brings. Barbie is shown below at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the statue of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the Big Red Lighthouse in Holland, Michigan. Please share any photos you take in the comments! To learn more about the Blind Barbie Fashionista doll, please visit https://lnkd.in/eu-SXBBV.

AFB will be in Washington, DC next week from October 15-17 for the 2024 M-Enabling Summit, joining disability advocates, policymakers, and professionals in the #DigitalAccessibility space. On Tuesday, AFB’s Director of Research, Dr. Arielle Silverman, will present a lightning talk on disability inclusion perspectives of future AI developments. On Wednesday, AFB’s Chief Public Policy & Research Officer, Stephanie Enyart, will participate in a panel discussion on advocate viewpoints of digital accessibility rights and technology directions. For more details, access the conference agenda at https://ow.ly/Catt50TGZ3A. We hope you’ll join us!

RENEGADES is a documentary series that showcases the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities. Hosted and narrated by musician and disability rights advocate Lachi and created and produced by a team of D/deaf and disabled filmmakers, the series is designed to increase public knowledge of disability history and encourage cross-cultural understanding between non-disabled people and those with disabilities – who make up more than 1 in 4 adults in America today. Starting on October 1st and every Tuesday in October, RENEGADES will release a new episode! Each episode will be available with #AudioDescription, on-screen ASL interpretation and open captions, extended audio description and large open captions, and descriptive transcripts. Learn more about this PBS program by visiting https://lnkd.in/eNPWmFMg.

There is only one week left until the 2024 M-Enabling Summit, taking place in Washington, DC, from October 15-17! Discover innovative solutions and best practices for creating accessible digital experiences that benefit everyone at #mEnabling24: https://ow.ly/t4Xj50TFJIQ

October is #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth! Did you know that individuals with Down syndrome are more likely to experience eye conditions that can affect vision development? According to our friends at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), between 60% and 80% of people with Down syndrome face some form of eye disease. This can range from less severe issues, like tear duct abnormalities, to more serious conditions, such as early-age cataracts. For this reason, particular attention should be given to eye exams for people with Down syndrome. In July, Barbie introduced the first blind Barbie Fashionista doll in partnership with AFB and the Black Barbie Fashionista doll with Down syndrome in partnership with NDSS. The Black Barbie Fashionista doll with Down syndrome features pink eyeglasses to symbolize the vision difficulties often encountered by individuals with Down syndrome. This release is part of a broader effort to celebrate diversity and allow more children to tell stories through play. To learn more, visit https://ow.ly/lK1F50TFSxC.

AFB’s documentary Possibilities, which honors the legacy of Helen Keller through 21st-century voices, has been awarded Champion of the Year at the 2024 Champion Film Salon International Film Festival! During the festival, we hosted a special screening followed by a Q&A session featuring executive producer Scott Tennant, audio description writer Bridget Melton, and AFB Associate Director of Development Melody Goodspeed. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their support. Together, we are shaping a future of endless possibilities. Learn more about the documentary by visiting https://lnkd.in/eT4GiJWk.

Last week, Paralympian and champion for inclusion, Clark Rachfal PLY, delivered the keynote address at the 2024 AFB Leadership Conference. With over 15 years of experience in government affairs and disability rights, Clark is widely recognized as a leader in promoting disability inclusion and accessibility. We are grateful to have had him join us at #AFBLC2024 and deliver such a compelling keynote presentation!

Free at-home COVID-19 tests are now available again through a partnership between the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the United States Postal Service. These tests can detect current COVID-19 variants and are intended for use through the end of 2024. Each household can order four tests per request. For people who are blind or have low vision, the Orasure InteliSwab test provides a more accessible option. Learn how to order these COVID-19 tests by visiting https://lnkd.in/dEBiZ7BU.

There are only 14 days left until the 2024 M-Enabling Summit, taking place in Washington D.C. from October 15-17! Join disability advocates, policymakers, and professionals in the #DigitalAccessibility space at #mEnabling24: https://ow.ly/Wh1H50TAsBC