I don’t remember exactly when I first came across the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), but I do remember how it felt: solid, trustworthy, and not overwhelming. At a time when I was still figuring out what vision loss meant for my life, AFB became one of those steady resources I kept returning to—especially when I needed clear, reliable information without the noise.
Over the years, it’s been a go-to for me—whether I was trying to understand more about a specific eye condition, compare assistive tools, or just stay up to date on what’s happening in the world of accessibility and vision advocacy.
AFB has supported literacy through Braille for generations.
What AFB Offers
What makes AFB stand out is how comprehensive their information is. It’s not just surface-level tips—it goes deeper. And it does so in a way that’s organized and easy to digest.
Here are just a few things I’ve turned to AFB for over the years:
- Learning about different types of low vision and blindness
- Exploring workplace accessibility tools and accommodations
- Reading about current accessibility laws and advocacy efforts
- Finding helpful links to services and tools I hadn’t seen elsewhere
They’ve done a great job over the years of pulling together solid, up-to-date resources for both individuals and professionals, so whether I was looking for support for myself or something I could pass along to a friend, AFB always had something useful.
Technology like digital Braille readers is easier to access thanks to advocacy and resources from AFB.
VisionAware: A Reliable Guide
One of the most useful parts of the AFB website is their VisionAware content. If you’re newly diagnosed or just feeling a little lost, this section is a great place to start.
It’s full of practical guidance—from orientation and mobility to daily living skills and emotional wellness. I’ve revisited this section more than once, especially when I wanted reassurance that what I was going through was normal—or when I just needed ideas on how to adapt something at home.
What AFB Helped Me Understand
Over time, AFB helped me shift my perspective—from feeling overwhelmed to feeling more informed and in control. It didn’t answer every question (no one resource does), but it helped me ask better questions—especially when speaking with doctors, family members, or support organizations.
In fact, I’ve pointed a few family members to AFB over the years when they wanted to understand more about my experience without making me feel like I had to explain everything myself.
AFB’s outreach and community support programs have made a difference in my journey.
How to Explore AFB for Yourself
If you’ve never used AFB, or it’s been a while, I recommend visiting www.afb.org and starting with the Living with Vision Loss section or VisionAware.
A few tips:
- Use the search bar if you’re looking for something specific
- Don’t worry about reading it all—just start with one page that speaks to where you are right now
- Bookmark helpful articles so you can return to them later
Final Thoughts
AFB may not have the flashiest website or the most interactive tools—but what it does have is depth, clarity, and a sense of stability. In a world where information can be overwhelming and inconsistent, it’s a place I trust.
And that trust has helped me stay grounded, stay informed, and stay connected to a broader community of people working toward accessibility and independence.