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Since 1921, The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has been a leader in expanding possibilities for the millions of Americans living with vision loss.

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AFB Releases New AI Research

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A new AFB AI research report highlights key issues and provides guidance that industry, advocates, and government can leverage to ensure the evolving AI landscape expands access and inclusion while avoiding harm.

[Access the Empowering or Excluding Report »](/AIResearch)

[Watch the Webinar Recording Now »](https://www.youtube.com/live/6MhZS_sfbWU?si=unmwaBmMOFBqBZzJ)

Learn About Our Priorities

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### Education

We speak up for children who are blind or visually impaired, to make sure every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.

](/research-and-initiatives/education)

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### Employment

Through research, education, and advocacy, we're changing the way employers see job seekers who are blind or low vision.

](/research-and-initiatives/employment)

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### Aging

For the growing number of older adults who are losing their sight, we seek to transform aging services and support.

](/research-and-initiatives/aging)

News and Events

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### Barbie® Unveils Blind Fashionista Doll with AFB

Barbie® announced its first blind Barbie Fashionista doll, created and designed to help more children find a doll that represents them and inspires all children to tell more stories through play. Barbie partnered with AFB to ensure all details accurately depict an individual with blindness or low vision.

[Read the Press Release](https://afb.org/news-publications/press-room/press-release-archive/press-release-2024/blind-barbie) [Learn More on the Mattel Website](https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-fashionistas-doll-in-partnership-with-the-american-foundation-for-the-blind-hrh17)

### Introducing the AFB Scholars Program

AFB is excited to launch our AFB Scholars Program! Through the generosity of the Lulu J. Alonso Scholarship Fund, this program invests in today’s scholars to transform tomorrow’s world. Applications are open from February 10th to March 21st, 2025.

[Explore the AFB Scholars Program](/get-involved/afb-scholars-program) [Find Out if You're Eligible](/get-involved/afb-scholars-program/application)

### FOCUS on AFB

FOCUS is a free quarterly newsletter by the American Foundation for the Blind. Stay informed about AFB's impactful work, including advocacy initiatives, events, research priorities, and more!

[Explore FOCUS](https://afb.org/news-publications/newsletters/focus-afb-newsletter) [Subscribe to AFB Newsletters](https://secure.everyaction.com/5C7k-BmI3kuVlOUrFOYfkg2)

Research & Initiatives

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### Barriers to Digital Inclusion 2

Following the [Barriers to Digital Inclusion Survey](https://afb.org/research-and-initiatives/bdis-series/barriers-digital-inclusion-survey) released in April 2023, AFB conducted a second study, Barriers to Digital Inclusion 2, to take a more in-depth look at blind and low-vision people’s digital experiences in real time.

[Read the BDIS 2 Report Now](https://www.afb.org/research-and-initiatives/bdis-series/barriers-digital-inclusion-2) [Download the Complete BDIS 2 Report](https://afb.org/sites/default/files/2024-04/AFB_Barriers_To_Digital_Inclusion_2_ACCESSIBLE_FINAL.pdf)

### AFB Introduces Toolkit for HR Professionals and Hiring Managers

In response to AFB’s study last year on the challenges job seekers who are blind or have low vision face toward closing the opportunity gap, our Public Policy & Research Institute has prepared a helpful toolkit for HR professionals and hiring managers.

[Read the Toolkit Now](https://www.afb.org/Hr-manager-inclusion-toolkit)

### AFB Launches Research Refresh

AFB’s Public Policy and Research Institute (PPRI) has prepared a wide range of research summaries and fact sheets intended to convey AFB’s research to a broad audience. These helpful tools are intended to further knowledge on issues impacting people who are blind through spotlighting AFB’s extensive research over the years.

[Check Out AFB's Research Resources](/research-and-initiatives/research) [Research Summaries](/research-and-initiatives/research/summaries) [Fact Sheets](/research-and-initiatives/research/fact-sheets) [Stay Updated on AFB's Research](https://secure.everyaction.com/qfc7_5NKB0yVHI3-LXt4BA2)

Quick Links

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### Helen Keller

Activist, writer, hero…

[Visit the Helen Keller Archive](/HelenKellerArchive) [Helen Keller Lesson Plans](https://www.afb.org/HelenKellerArchive?a=p&p=dynamicwordpresslesson&wordpressurl=lesson-plan)

### Read the latest issues of AFB's publications

Whether it's technology news, research reports, or advocacy in action, let AFB keep you up-to-date on blindness and low vision.

[_FOCUS on AFB_](/newsletters/focus-afb-newsletter) [AFB's 2024 Annual Report](https://afb.org/about-afb/financials/2024-annual-report)

### New on AFB's Blog

*   [](/blog/entry/ios-18-mainstream-features)[New Mainstream Features in iOS 18](/blog/entry/ios-18-mainstream-features)

*   [](/blog/entry/ios-18-accessibility-features)[iOS 18: New and Updated Accessibility Features](/blog/entry/ios-18-accessibility-features)

*   [](/blog/entry/ai-impact-disabled-workers)[AFB’s PPRI Team Discusses Impact of AI on Workers with Disabilities](/blog/entry/ai-impact-disabled-workers)