Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB)

Join us at noon ET for Bridging the Rehab Gap: Agency and Client Perspectives on Vision Rehabilitation Service Barriers for Older People New to Vision Loss. Hear preliminary findings from AFB's latest research on aging with vision loss and join the conversation about improving vision rehabilitation services for older adults.

Watch live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/pt-bnKXhbp4?feature=share/

Bridging the Rehab Gap Join us on Wednesday, July 22, at noon ET for a webinar featuring f...

The American Foundation for the Blind is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Migel Medal, the highest honor in the field of blindness.

Congratulations to Kevin Lynch, Dr. Mona Minkara, and Dr. Joel Snyder. Through leadership in employment, scientific research, and audio description, each has made lasting contributions that have expanded possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision.

Established in 1937 by AFB's first chairman, M.C. Migel, the Migel Medal recognizes professionals and volunteers whose dedication and achievements have improved the lives of people who are blind or have low vision.

The honorees will be recognized during the AFB Leadership Summit this October in Louisville, Kentucky.

Learn more about this year's recipients: https://afb.org/news-publications/press-room/press-release-archive/press-release-2026/2026-migel-medal

Our webinar is just two days away!

Join us on Wednesday, July 22, at noon ET for Bridging the Rehab Gap, featuring preliminary findings from AFB's latest research on aging with vision loss. We'll explore how older Americans adjust to vision loss, the services they use and which they do not, and how those services can be improved.

Register today: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5017833582185/WN_HCsVBdd6Q1e8x1qFtgehzQ

Learn about AFB's latest research on aging with vision loss.

On Wednesday, July 22, at noon ET, AFB's research team will share preliminary findings during Bridging the Rehab Gap. We'll explore how older Americans adjust to vision loss, the services they use and which they do not, and how those services can be improved. Jennifer Ottowitz of the Older Individuals Who Are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC) at The National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision will also help place these findings in the broader conversation about vision rehabilitation services.

Register today: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5017833582185/WN_HCsVBdd6Q1e8x1qFtgehzQ

How do overlapping identities like language, culture, or immigration status shape the experiences of people who are blind or have low vision?

The Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) invites submissions for a special issue that will examine how human characteristics and social factors influence the unique experiences of people who are blind or have low vision and highlight educational advancements and innovations that aim to improve outcomes for students with vision loss.

Guest Editor Madeline Milian, EdD, welcomes papers that include innovative research, descriptions of effective practices, conceptual works, and short reports. Submissions using quantitative, qualitative, case study, or mixed methods approaches, as well as international contributions, are encouraged.

The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2027. Learn more and submit: https://www.afb.org/news-publications/publications/jvib/authors/calls-papers/2027-special-issue-intersectionality

Join AFB on Wednesday, July 22, at noon ET for Bridging the Rehab Gap, a free webinar featuring preliminary findings from our latest research on aging with vision loss. We'll explore how older Americans adjust to vision loss, the services they use and which they do not, and how those services can be improved. We'll also discuss what these findings could mean for older adults and their families, service providers, policymakers, and others working to strengthen vision rehabilitation.

Learn more and register: https://afb.org/research-and-initiatives/research/webinar-series/bridging-rehab-gap

Congratulations to Dr. Rachel Schles, recipient of the 2026 Corinne Kirchner Research Award!

An assistant professor at Vanderbilt University and former teacher of the visually impaired, Dr. Schles is recognized for her research on accurately counting and tracking the number of students who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision in the educational system. Her work has significantly improved the accuracy of these counts, providing a more realistic understanding of the number of students across the country who require services to support their educational pursuits.

Learn more about Dr. Rachel Schles and the 2026 Corinne Kirchner Research Award: https://afb.org/news-publications/press-room/press-release-archive/press-release-2026/2026-kirchner-gund-honorees

During , we’re highlighting the connection between vision loss and mental health.

New data in AFB’s Statistical Snapshots shows that across nearly all age groups, older adults who have difficulty seeing report poorer mental health outcomes than their sighted peers. While serious psychological distress is reported more frequently among people with vision difficulty, it remains uncommon overall.

These findings highlight the importance of understanding and supporting mental health among older adults with vision loss.

Now updated with 2024 data, Statistical Snapshots also includes insights from the National Health Interview Survey on mental health and mobility among older adults with and without vision disabilities.

Explore AFB's Statistical Snapshots: www.afb.org/stats

Are you 55 or older and have experienced changes in your vision within the last five years?

We are seeking participants to better understand how older adults adjust to vision changes and what services can help.

Participants can choose a 60-minute interview or a 90-minute focus group, offered in person or online.

This study will close on May 31. Learn more and sign up: www.afb.org/agingstudy