AFB Blog

By Janet Ingber, AccessWorld Author As we all deal with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we need to consider the safety of our guide dogs and companion animals. The Animal Medical Center in New York City provides answers to many questions. It employs over 100 veterinarians and is the largest non-profit animal hospital in the world. Below is a summary of its information. Author’s note: The terms “companion animals” and “pets” are used throughout this blog post. Since guide dogs are dogs, this…

By Steve Kelley, AccessWorld Author Social distancing may be just what the doctor is ordering to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, but this same distancing may contribute to the social isolation many people experience with vision loss. For those that look forward to a low vision support group that meets face-to-face, this loss of support may be particularly difficult. There’s nothing like getting together in person with people you know, who share a common experience, and supporting one…

During this national period of quarantine due to the novel coronavirus, many US schools have instituted distance learning programs that allow students to continue their education at home. This change should prevent students from losing important academic skills—for example, in reading and math—and ensure that they are prepared to advance to the following grade in the fall. Last week, Senator Lamar Alexander stated that the Department of Education should consider allowing states to choose not…

By Jamie Pauls, AccessWorld Author In 2003, I was in a motorcycle accident with my dad and found myself instantly going from a really busy summer schedule to having absolutely nothing on my agenda at all. While the COVID-19 quarantine isn’t exactly the same, I do see some similarities. While watching the news is important, I find that I need to limit my exposure so as not to become overwhelmed with too much unpleasant information. There are many things one can do to combat the stress and…

Editor's Note: We asked our AccessWorld contributors to create AFB Blog posts to provide support to our readers during the coronavirus saga. These posts will address topics such as accessible medical devices, accessible work-from-home solutions, online learning for students and adults, accessible social gaming, staying connected with others digitally, keeping technology and workspaces sanitary, home fitness resources, and more. By Bill Holton, AccessWorld Author You are doubtlessly familiar…

With COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the news, organizations like AFB are taking steps to flatten the curve. From shifting events from live to virtual, and shutting down schools, to restricting approved business travel, everyone is now looking to make more training materials available online. As we move our interactions to the digital space, it is important we bring the same inclusive lens to our decision-making as we do when planning face-to-face interactions that use technology. “Agencies are…

Dear Friends: I wanted to take a moment to thank you. After making the decision earlier this week to cancel our events, we received an outpouring of positive messages and support from so many of you. Your kindness and understanding at this time mean more than we can express. Our community has always been strong and incredibly generous, but this week, we were reminded of just how strong our bonds are. From those of you who donated your registration fees and gala tickets back to us, to our…

On February 25, members of Marshall University and the local business community of Huntington, WV were treated to an informative and entertaining evening at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center with engaging speaker and accomplished author, Isaac Lidsky. Through speaking engagements—such as his TED Talks—and within the pages of his New York Times bestseller, “Eyes Wide Open,” Lidsky shared his experiences of overcoming personal and professional challenges as a person with a visual…

Each year, the United States’ two national consumer groups of people who are blind and low vision come to Washington, DC, to meet with members of Congress and advocate for policy changes that would improve the lives of blind and low vision Americans. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) held its annual Washington Seminar from February 10-13. The American Council of the Blind (ACB) will be hosting its annual DC Leadership Meetings from February 22-25. AFB is pleased to partner with both…