WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Foundation for the Blind announces the 2026 recipients of the Helen Keller Achievement Awards: social influencer and author Molly Burke, nationally recognized teacher and author Kathy Nimmer, and T-Mobile US Inc. These outstanding honorees, who have made significant strides in expanding independence and opportunity for people who are blind, deafblind, and low vision, will be recognized during AFB’s annual celebration the evening of April 23rd at the prestigious Harvard Club in New York City.
“Each honoree has harnessed through their work Helen Keller’s own spirit of inclusion of people with disabilities, and as we continue to move further into the digital age, their achievements demonstrate how Helen’s contributions still reverberate a century after she joined AFB,” said Eric Bridges, AFB president and CEO. “Their collective works continue Keller’s passion to create a world of endless possibilities across the globe.”
Both of this year’s individual honorees are recognized for their steadfast advocacy to break down stereotypes and create a more positive attitude toward blindness. As a social influencer with millions of followers across her YouTube and Instagram channels, Molly Burke routinely creates content that pushes back against ableism, breaking down negative misconceptions about people who are blind. In September 2025, she published her memoir, Unseen: How I Lost My Vision and Found My Voice.
A motivational speaker, writer, teacher, and pianist, Kathy Nimmer spent 29 years teaching English at Harrison Public High School in West Lafayette, Indiana. In 2015, she was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” for the state and was a national finalist that same year. It was there that she founded SEED, a mentoring program for new teachers, which earned her the “Excellence in Leading & Learning” award from the State of Indiana in 2024. A published author, she has written two books: a nonfiction work celebrating the relationship between service dogs and their handlers, and a book of poems.
Receiving the organizational award this year is T-Mobile US Inc., one of the world’s leading telecommunications companies. Branded as the “Un-carrier,” T-Mobile places significant focus on customer service, and the accessibility team has made notable advancements in creating a more digitally accessible universe for smartphone users with disabilities. In recent years, they launched MagentaA11y, a powerful toolkit for designers, developers, and testers. The site, which is free to access for all, is a valuable resource to ensure that digital content is accessible for all.
Since 1994, the Helen Keller Achievement Award has recognized the finest thought leaders, change-makers, and performing artists committed to carrying on Keller's mission to create a world of full and equal inclusion for people with disabilities. For over 40 years, Helen Keller was AFB's leading ambassador, inspiring millions worldwide as she demonstrated all that can be accomplished through determination and perseverance.
AFB continues to honor Keller's legacy by recognizing exceptional individuals and organizations from industry, education, and the arts who have distinguished themselves in pursuit of expanding possibilities for those who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. Past honorees include author and advocate Haben Girma, tech leader and entrepreneur Bernard Newcomb, Chef Christine Ha, filmmaker Shawn Levy, and performing artists Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. Past organizational honorees include Mattel, Netflix, Comcast, and JPMorgan Chase.
Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. AFB publishes the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) and is the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive, available at afb.org/HelenKellerArchive.
