We put people at the center of change.

Helen Keller

A blind and deaf writer and activist, Helen Keller was the guiding force behind the American Foundation for the Blind. Keller devoted her life to expanding possibilities for people who are deaf-blind, blind or have low vision. She also campaigned for women's suffrage and workers' rightsRead more on Helen Keller.
American Foundation for the Blind, proud sponsor of The Extra Mile medallion honoring Helen Keller

Social issues Helen Keller addressed:
•    Opportunities for people with disabilities
•    Education

Social issues that need to be addressed today:
•    Disabilities – There are 38,430,187 people 16 years of age and older with disabilities in the U.S.* The American Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation and telecommunications. More can be done to educate the public on the needs and rights of the disabled.**
•    Visual Impairment and Education
–    According to state-reported data from the Office of Special Education Programs, 26,070 students ages 6-21 received vision services under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) during the 1997-1998 school year (U.S. Department of Education, 1999).***

* http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/STTable?_ bm=y&geoid=01000US&qr_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_ S1802&ds_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_&_lang=en&redoLog=false &format=&CONTEXT=st
** http://www.ada.gov/
*** http://www.lighthouse.org/research/statistics-on-vision-impairment/ prevalence-of-vision-impairment/#national