Cancellation FAQ

03/10/2020—Over the last few weeks, we have been closely monitoring the evolving situation with the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure we are taking every precaution to look after our community. The health and safety of our staff, supporters, attendees, and the public at large is our primary concern. After careful consideration, we’ve decided to:

Cancel the in-person elements of the AFB Leadership Conference scheduled for March 25-27, 2020

Postpone the Helen Keller Achievement Awards Gala until 2021

Reschedule the Blind Leaders Development Program kickoff within 6 months

This decision was not made lightly, and we regret this missed opportunity to connect with you in person. Ultimately, we were guided by our values, which is to put the health and safety of staff and the community above all else. And while nothing can take the place of in-person interactions, we are exploring ways to make some of the sessions available online. Please bookmark our FAQ page—we will be updating it regularly.

We hope to see all of you next year, as we reconvene at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, April 14-16, for our centennial celebration, where we will also honor this year’s Helen Keller Achievement Award honorees. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at afblc@afb.org.

We are thinking of you during these unprecedented times. Thank you for your support and understanding.

The Helen Keller Achievement Awards were established by AFB in 1994 to acknowledge Keller's extraordinary efforts and to promote the notable achievements of individuals and organizations that are leaders in improving the lives of people with disabilities.

This year's recipients are The American Printing House for the Blind, for its ongoing commitment to accessibility and a future that belongs to everyone; Dr. Chieko Asakawa, for her life’s work in furthering accessibility research and development; and Procter & Gamble (P&G), for prioritizing inclusive design and an inclusive and diverse work environment. The awards ceremony will be emceed by Dave Steele, known as The Blind Poet. Read our press release for more information on this year's HKAA recipients.

Past awardees include leaders from business such as Amazon, Apple, Google, JPMorgan Chase, and Northrop Grumman, as well as giants from the performing arts including Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Patty Duke.

March 25, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

Crystal Gateway Marriott

1700 Jefferson Davis Highway

Arlington, VA 22202

6:30-7:30 Cocktail Hour

7:30 Dinner

Cocktail or Evening Dress

Proceeds from this stellar fundraising gala will enable us to create a world of no limits for people with vision loss. Your generous support is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.