Special Collections and Archives

The foundation provides services for people with disabilities who are blind and visually-impaired, nationwide. Services include archives, continuing education, disease/disability information, printed materials, recording for the blind and dyslexic, research, special library collections, specialized information and referral, technical assistance funds and visual/reading aids. There are no geographic restrictions.

The direct services offered by the foundation include information about blindness and the AFB and referral to resources nationwide through a toll-free hotline; written publications; public education about blindness; and national and regional conferences for professionals.

In addition, the foundation provides consultants for schools, agencies, and organizations; develops and evaluates technological devices for blind and visually-impaired people, assists manufacturers in the design of new devices, and maintains information about consumer products; hosts the online Helen Keller Archives; and assesses the relationship between the needs of blind and visually-impaired people and the services provided by community and government agencies to meet them.