The American Foundation for the Blind

Helen joined the American Foundation for the Blind in 1924 and was one of their most prominent members for her 44 years of service. The AFB helped to achieve many things and Helen was happy to be apart of what they did to aid the blind and seeing impaired. She helped to develop a communication device where those who are dear and blind could easily communicate with people who did not having auditory or sight disabilities. Another great accomplishment of the American Foundation for the Blind was the international conference for blind workers that they organized. Helen, along with M.C. Migel and Robert B. Irwin, two other members from the AFB persuaded President Herbert Hoover to open the doors of the white house to representatives from thirty two countries for this conference. The countries were greeted by both Hebert Hoover and Helen Keller! They were proud to host such a prestigious international meeting. Helen continued her work with the American Foundation for the Blind and was always concerned with bringing help and aid to everyone she could. (“Helen Keller Kids Museum”) In 1946, there was a specific section devoted to assisting and helping those who were both blind and deaf, like Helen. A very generous person, Helen worked hard to build up a “Helen Keller Endowment Fund” so that there was money to help even after she no longer could. Helen used her influence to gain privileges for those who were less fortunate. The AFB was responsible for the early development of audio books called “Talking Books.” Helen worked to ensure that the government would help to fund programs such as this. Her success is evident in the fact that today in the Library of Congress it is still possible to listen to these books for free. (“Helen Keller Biography”) When the AFB had a campaign asking for radios to give to the blind, Helen was able to persuade a radio manufacturer to donate 250 radios directly to their cause. Overall, this campaign was able to gather and distribute 3,750 radios to the blind or visually impaired. (“Helen Keller Kids Museum”)
Today, the AFB still operates to bring help to the blind and vision impaired. The organization has several main goals that it works towards in order to achieve its goals. They work to broadcast information to the general public as well as medical professionals through books, pamphlets, videos, and personal responses. They work to sustain the Helen Keller Archives, an assortment of memorabilia from Helen Keller’s life including photographs, letters, and personal possessions. The AFB helps to resolve problems that the blind face and advocate for product advancement. The American Foundation for the Blind services the public and works directly with Congress and legislatures in order to help the visually impaired as well as find and provide jobs for the blind. Just as Helen Keller once promoted the beginning of audio books, the AFB now works to further the use of audio books by re-recording old talking books and continuing their system with the library of congress. With the publicity and acknowledgement that Helen brought to the organization, the AFB has been able to continue with its agenda to help the blind and visually impaired. (“American Foundation for the Blind”)