I apologize for posting this announcement so late, as this is old news.
I only found out about it recently and I kept forgetting to post it to
this list. I'm posting the announcement for a couple of reasons. First,
one of the recipients of the AFB Access Awards is Computers for the
Blind, a wonderful organization which distributes refurbished
Windows-based computers at extremely affordable prices. Secondly, the
recipient of the Irvin P. Schloss Award is Dr. Bernadette Kappen, who is
known for her work at the Overbrook School for the Blind and was its
former director. Here's the announcement.
American Foundation for the Blind Announces 2017 Access and Schloss
Award Winners
Bridge Multimedia, Computers for the Blind, United Airlines Named Access
Winners; Bernadette Kappen Named Schloss Recipient
NEW YORK (January 23, 2017)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
is proud to announce that Bridge Multimedia, Computers for the Blind and
United Airlines will be honored with 2017 Access Awards for their
commitment to innovation and access for all. In addition, Bernadette
Kappen, Ph.D., executive director of the New York Institute for Special
Education, has been named the Irvin P. Schloss Advocacy Award recipient.
“Each year, the Access Awards highlight those organizations that have
gone above and beyond to expand possibilities for the more than 20
million Americans with vision loss,” said Kirk Adams, president and CEO
of AFB. “By creating innovative solutions and opportunities that level
the playing field for those with visual disabilities, these companies
are creating access for millions of Americans. It is also my sincere
pleasure to recognize Bernadette Kappen, who has dedicated her life to
ensuring access to quality education for countless students with visual
impairments, with the Schloss Award.”
The Access Awards honor individuals, corporations and organizations that
eliminate or substantially reduce inequities faced by people with vision
loss. Previous award recipients include Apple, Inc., Google, Microsoft,
Comcast, AT&T and Major League Baseball. The Irvin P. Schloss Award is
given to recognize a tremendous legacy of advocacy work on behalf of
individuals with vision loss. The awards will be presented to the
recipients during a reception on March 3 at the AFB Leadership
Conference in Arlington, Va.
About the 2017 Access Award Recipients
Bridge Multimedia has been a leader in the development of accessible
multi-sensory media, including audio description and captioning for
television, film, websites, museums/exhibits, live performances and
gaming, in multiple languages, for over a decade.
Computers for the Blind refurbishes donated computers and installs
accessible software, making both available to people throughout the
country who are blind or visually impaired at little cost. This
non-profit organization also has an extensive lending library of
audio-described movies.
United Airlines has made major improvements in its website
accessibility, particularly for visitors using screen readers. This
extra effort, above and beyond that needed just for accessibility
compliance, makes the company’s site one of the easiest to access and
use in the airline industry.
About the 2017 Irvin P. Schloss Advocacy Award Recipient
Bernadette Kappen been a tireless advocate on behalf of children who are
blind or have visual impairments, as well as those who have emotional or
learning disabilities, and their families. Kappen has provided
leadership for generations of advocates throughout her teaching and
administrative career. Before becoming the executive director of the New
York Institute for Special Education, Dr. Kappen spent 25 years at the
Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia, where she eventually
became director. Her work on language and communication programs have
become models for other professionals. The Commission on Independent
Colleges and Universities in New York placed Dr. Kappen among “the most
influential, innovative and outstanding individuals as graduates who
help make New York State great.” A graduate of Dominican College, she
serves on the college’s Board of Trustees and has been recognized as one
of the top 100 Alumni of Distinction.
###
About AFB
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that
expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities
include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of
information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision
loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with
vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and
timely resources. Headquartered in New York, AFB is proud to house the
Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller
worked tirelessly with AFB.
About the American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference
The 2017 Joint AFB Leadership and Virginia AER Conference, sponsored by
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Delta Gamma Foundation, Consumer Technology
Association (CTA)™ and CTA Foundation, Google, Sprint, Perkins School
for the Blind, Verizon and many others, seeks to improve the quality of
programs and services to blind and visually impaired children and
adults. The AFB Leadership Conference provides a forum in which
leadership personnel in the blindness field have the opportunity to
increase their awareness of student and client needs, expand their
knowledge, refine leadership skills and share concerns and strategies.
Contact:
Amanda Kolling
Communications and Marketing Manager
American Foundation for the Blind
Tel. (304) 710-3031
akolling@afb.netAmerican Foundation for the Blind Announces 2017 Access
and Schloss Award Winners
Bridge Multimedia, Computers for the Blind, United Airlines Named Access
Winners; Bernadette Kappen Named Schloss Recipient
NEW YORK (January 23, 2017)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
is proud to announce that Bridge Multimedia, Computers for the Blind and
United Airlines will be honored with 2017 Access Awards for their
commitment to innovation and access for all. In addition, Bernadette
Kappen, Ph.D., executive director of the New York Institute for Special
Education, has been named the Irvin P. Schloss Advocacy Award recipient.
“Each year, the Access Awards highlight those organizations that have
gone above and beyond to expand possibilities for the more than 20
million Americans with vision loss,” said Kirk Adams, president and CEO
of AFB. “By creating innovative solutions and opportunities that level
the playing field for those with visual disabilities, these companies
are creating access for millions of Americans. It is also my sincere
pleasure to recognize Bernadette Kappen, who has dedicated her life to
ensuring access to quality education for countless students with visual
impairments, with the Schloss Award.”
The Access Awards honor individuals, corporations and organizations that
eliminate or substantially reduce inequities faced by people with vision
loss. Previous award recipients include Apple, Inc., Google, Microsoft,
Comcast, AT&T and Major League Baseball. The Irvin P. Schloss Award is
given to recognize a tremendous legacy of advocacy work on behalf of
individuals with vision loss. The awards will be presented to the
recipients during a reception on March 3 at the AFB Leadership
Conference in Arlington, Va.
About the 2017 Access Award Recipients
Bridge Multimedia has been a leader in the development of accessible
multi-sensory media, including audio description and captioning for
television, film, websites, museums/exhibits, live performances and
gaming, in multiple languages, for over a decade.
Computers for the Blind refurbishes donated computers and installs
accessible software, making both available to people throughout the
country who are blind or visually impaired at little cost. This
non-profit organization also has an extensive lending library of
audio-described movies.
United Airlines has made major improvements in its website
accessibility, particularly for visitors using screen readers. This
extra effort, above and beyond that needed just for accessibility
compliance, makes the company’s site one of the easiest to access and
use in the airline industry.
About the 2017 Irvin P. Schloss Advocacy Award Recipient
Bernadette Kappen been a tireless advocate on behalf of children who are
blind or have visual impairments, as well as those who have emotional or
learning disabilities, and their families. Kappen has provided
leadership for generations of advocates throughout her teaching and
administrative career. Before becoming the executive director of the New
York Institute for Special Education, Dr. Kappen spent 25 years at the
Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia, where she eventually
became director. Her work on language and communication programs have
become models for other professionals. The Commission on Independent
Colleges and Universities in New York placed Dr. Kappen among “the most
influential, innovative and outstanding individuals as graduates who
help make New York State great.” A graduate of Dominican College, she
serves on the college’s Board of Trustees and has been recognized as one
of the top 100 Alumni of Distinction.
###
About AFB
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that
expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities
include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of
information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision
loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with
vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and
timely resources. Headquartered in New York, AFB is proud to house the
Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller
worked tirelessly with AFB.
About the American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference
The 2017 Joint AFB Leadership and Virginia AER Conference, sponsored by
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Delta Gamma Foundation, Consumer Technology
Association (CTA)™ and CTA Foundation, Google, Sprint, Perkins School
for the Blind, Verizon and many others, seeks to improve the quality of
programs and services to blind and visually impaired children and
adults. The AFB Leadership Conference provides a forum in which
leadership personnel in the blindness field have the opportunity to
increase their awareness of student and client needs, expand their
knowledge, refine leadership skills and share concerns and strategies.
Contact:
Amanda Kolling
Communications and Marketing Manager
American Foundation for the Blind
Tel. (304) 710-3031
akolling@xxxxxxx
--
David Goldfield, Assistive Technology Specialist Feel free to visit my
Web site WWW.DavidGoldfield.Info
You are invited to visit the moderator's Web site at WWW.DavidGoldfield.Info
for additional resources and information about assistive technology training
services.
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