AFB announces Access Award recipients for 2012

What do the leaders of "America's pastime," a free open-source screen-reading software company, an orientation and mobility (O&M) program, and the founder of Camp Abilities have in common? All have taken successful strides toward creating a better quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired, which is why they were named the recipients of the 2012 Access Awards, announced today by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

Chosen annually, the Access Awards honor individuals, corporations and organizations that eliminate or substantially reduce inequities faced by people who are blind or visually impaired. Major League Baseball (MLB), NV Access, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and Lauren Lieberman, Ph.D. represent this year's recipients for creating new standards of accessibility and a better quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired. Through MLB.com all live game streaming broadcasts have been made accessible, NV Access created a free screen-reading program, Leader Dogs created a week-long O&M program, and Dr. Lieberman founded a non-profit aimed at increasing physical fitness in children with visual impairments.

"The 2012 Access Award recipients have directly impacted the lives of people with vision loss, having increased access to entertainment, technology, transportation and physical fitness," said Carl R. Augusto, president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind. "We are honored to publicly recognize these individuals and organizations for their commitment to ensuring their products and programs are accessible to all. With the growing number of people with vision loss, focusing on accessibility is not only the right thing to do, it's also a smart business move."