FOCUS Winter 2026: Focal Point

2025 AFBLC Unites Voices Across the Blindness Field

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) held its annual AFB Leadership Conference (AFBLC) in November 2025, bringing together thought leaders, scholars, and allies in the field of blindness and low vision. The three-day event, which took place in Arlington, Virginia, across from our nation’s capital, came at a critical time amid a rapidly changing landscape in the field. Since 1986, AFBLC has served as one of the premier gatherings dedicated to accelerating progress in independence, inclusion, and opportunity for people who are blind or have low vision. Each year, the conference serves as a catalytic space for collaboration, learning, and the advancement of systemic change.

This year’s conference theme was “Leading Together: Leveraging Change to Advance Our Shared Vision.” Conference plenaries and breakout sessions focused on changes in government and the swiftly accelerating technological shifts taking place throughout society.

With more than 150 attendees, the conference kicked off with an opening plenary featuring leaders from national organizations representing both the blindness field and consumer advocacy groups. Each voice echoed current concerns impacting the U.S. Department of Education, particularly those surrounding reductions in the federal government’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. At the same time, leaders shared optimism about the significant progress being made through advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

Subsequent sessions held during the conference covered three primary tracks, focusing on the current state of the blindness field; the rapidly changing social landscape tied to advances in technology such as artificial intelligence; and key issues on the horizon for the next generation of leaders serving the community.

Recognizing Leaders in the Field

A group of four individuals in front of an AFB banner, smiling and proudly holding their awards.

During AFBLC 2025, AFB recognized outstanding leaders advancing independence and opportunity for people who are blind or have low vision. Migel Medal recipients included Dr. Bernadette Kappen and Lukas Franck, as well as Louis Braille, who was honored posthumously on the 200th anniversary of his development of the tactile reading method. Additional honorees included Dr. Tiffany Wild, recipient of the Corinne Kirchner Research Award, and Nicholas Cook, recipient of the Llura Gund Achievement Award.