Angie Whistler, Researcher

Angie, a smiling woman with short brown hair and glasses.

Angie Whistler, M.S.Ed., joined AFB as a researcher in July 2025. She is a mixed-methods researcher dedicated to advancing equity, accessibility, and systemic inclusion for people with disabilities—particularly those with blindness and low vision (BLV). She brings extensive expertise in qualitative methodologies, survey and protocol design, and policy-oriented research. At AFB, Angie leads key components of the organization’s research on aging and vision loss and contributes to national studies on AI accessibility and digital inclusion. Her work examines the unmet needs of individuals experiencing new changes in vision and explores how emerging technologies shape independence and equitable participation for people who are blind or have low vision. Across all her projects, Angie focuses on translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights for policymakers, service providers, and community partners.

Prior to joining AFB, Angie served as a Research Associate at the American Institutes for Research, where she led data collection efforts, conducted thematic and statistical analyses, and contributed to major national reports and multi-million-dollar grant proposals, including the Frontier Set Equity Report with the Gates Foundation. She also developed accessible educational materials at the University of Pennsylvania, integrating UDL principles, Section 508 standards, and adaptive technologies into statewide curricular projects. Angie obtained her Master of Science in Education Policy from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, and obtained her bachelor’s degrees in International Economic Development and U.S. History from the University of North Texas.

Across her work, her core focus is on improving adult-centered andragogy and pedagogy practices to better serve diverse, often underserved populations. She is committed to producing rigorous, human-centered research that elevates lived experience and drives meaningful systems change.

Expertise: Research

Please email communications@afb.org to request an interview with Angie Whistler.