The past fiscal year for the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has been one of significant progress and forward momentum. When we began the year in July 2024, we were several months into implementing AFB’s new strategic plan, a five-year roadmap designed to strengthen our leadership as we enter our second century of success.
Our plan centers on three key goals: expanding the transfer of knowledge about blindness and low vision, fostering collaboration as the leading convener in the field, and transforming the public perception of blindness. Together, these goals position AFB to drive positive change, dismantle misconceptions, and create greater opportunity for the more than 42 million Americans living with vision loss.
We began FY2025 at full speed. By July’s end, our yearlong collaboration with Mattel culminated in the launch of Blind Barbie, a partnership that generated global attention and accelerated our efforts to promote positive representation of people who are blind or have low vision. This project underscored the power of collaboration to challenge stereotypes and harness the power of play to shape the perception of blindness for the next generation.
A YEAR OF MOMENTUM AND MEANING
Each achievement this year strengthens our foundation for lasting change, ensuring that innovation and inclusion continue to move forward together.
That momentum continued into the fall with the announcement of a major grant from the Ford Foundation, supporting AFB’s Public Policy and Research Institute. This investment fuels critical research into digital accessibility, including the first phase of our groundbreaking study on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on people with disabilities. Released in January, this research provided valuable insights from industry, government, and nonprofit experts to identify consensus on key issues that can help guide industry leaders and policymakers as they navigate the future of AI technology.
As the year progressed, we also launched the AFB Scholars Program, made possible through the Lulu J. Alonso Scholarship Fund. This initiative provides substantial financial support, mentorship, and guidance for exceptional graduate and undergraduate students. Our inaugural class of four scholars embodies the promise of a new generation of changemakers who will one day take the wheel and lead in their respective fields of study.
Behind the scenes, we strengthened our operational infrastructure to ensure AFB remains agile and efficient. By fine-tuning internal systems and optimizing project management, we improved performance and collaboration across departments and extended the reach of every dollar invested in our mission. These improvements position AFB to deliver even greater impact in the years ahead.
As we reflect on FY2025, we do so with deep gratitude. The progress we achieved would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our donors, partners, and allies. Your belief in our mission fuels our success.
Looking ahead, we are driven by the same vision that has guided AFB for more than a century. We are thankful for all those who have traveled with us along the way and invite everyone to join us for the exciting journey that lies just beyond the horizon.
Sincerely,
ERIC BRIDGES
President & CEO
SARAH HERRLINGER
Chair, Board of Trustees
