Helen Keller

Actor & Advocate Marilee Talkington Receives 2024 Helen Keller Achievement Award

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is pleased to announce actor Marilee Talkington will be among those to receive the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, which AFB will present during a special evening ceremony on April 18th in Los Angeles.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is pleased to announce actor Marilee Talkington will be among those to receive the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, which AFB will present during a special evening ceremony on April 18th in Los Angeles.
  • An acclaimed actor and activist for performers with disabilities, AFB recognizes Talkington for her continued contribution to breaking down barriers for people with disabilities in the performing arts.
  • Since 1994, the Helen Keller Achievement Award has recognized the finest thought leaders, change-makers, and performing artists committed to carrying on Keller's mission to create a world of full and equal inclusion for people with disabilities.
  • In addition to publishing the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), AFB is also the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive on www.afb.org .

Filmmaker Shawn Levy Receives 2024 Helen Keller Achievement Award

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is pleased to announce filmmaker Shawn Levy will be among those to receive the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, which will be presented during a special evening ceremony on April 18th in Los Angeles.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is pleased to announce filmmaker Shawn Levy will be among those to receive the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, which will be presented during a special evening ceremony on April 18th in Los Angeles.
  • The series was recently nominated for a Golden Globe, Directors Guild award, and Producers Guild award.
  • Since 1994, the Helen Keller Achievement Award has recognized the finest thought leaders, change-makers, and performing artists committed to carrying on Keller's mission to create a world of full and equal inclusion for people with disabilities.
  • For over 40 years, Helen Keller was AFB's leading ambassador, inspiring millions worldwide as she demonstrated all that can be accomplished through determination and perseverance.

AFB Announces the 2023 Helen Keller Achievement Award Recipients

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 25, 2023

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the two honorees who will receive the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award at a special event on April 19, 2023 , at the Crystal City Hyatt Regency in Arlington, Virginia.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the two honorees who will receive the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award at a special event on April 19, 2023 , at the Crystal City Hyatt Regency in Arlington, Virginia.
  • "Both of our honorees this year embody the heart and passion of Helen Keller in their efforts to create a more inclusive and just world for people with disabilities," said AFB Board Chair Debbie Dennis.
  • "For sixty years, serving this remarkable community has been my ministry and so I am incredibly honored to receive the Hellen Keller Achievement award and all that it represents," said Congressman Coelho.
  • We are honored to be recognized with the Helen Keller Achievement Award as a result of our efforts."

Helen Keller Intl Appoints Shawn K. Baker as Chief Program Officer

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 3, 2023

New York, NY, Jan. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helen Keller Intl, a global health organization working to eliminate barriers to good health, sound nutrition, and clear vision for millions of children and family members around the world, has appointed Shawn K. Baker as Chief Program Officer.

Key Points: 
  • New York, NY, Jan. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helen Keller Intl, a global health organization working to eliminate barriers to good health, sound nutrition, and clear vision for millions of children and family members around the world, has appointed Shawn K. Baker as Chief Program Officer.
  • Baker has more than 30 years of experience in global public health and nutrition, including 19 years at Helen Keller Intl in previous roles and 25 years living in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
  • Shawn returns to Helen Keller at just the right moment and is exactly the right person to help us alleviate the effects of this global malnutrition crisis,” said Kathy Spahn, Helen Keller CEO.
  • During Baker’s 19-year tenure at Helen Keller Intl, Baker held roles including Niger Country Director, Bangladesh Country Director, and Vice President and Regional Director for Africa.

Haben Girma Receives the First Dr. Alan R. Morse Lecture in Advocacy for People with Vision Impairment

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 8, 2022

New York, Sept. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lighthouse Guild announced today that the noted human rights lawyer and disability justice advocate Haben Girma is the first recipient of The Dr. Alan R. Morse Lecture in Advocacy for People with Vision Impairment.

Key Points: 
  • New York, Sept. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lighthouse Guild announced today that the noted human rights lawyer and disability justice advocate Haben Girma is the first recipient of The Dr. Alan R. Morse Lecture in Advocacy for People with Vision Impairment.
  • The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben Girma believes that disability is an opportunity for innovation, and she teaches organizations the importance of choosing inclusion.
  • The Morse Lecture in Advocacy was created to honor individuals who act and make a difference, and we are thrilled that Ms. Girma is the first recipient.
  • The Lighthouse Guild Technology Center provides people with vision loss access to the latest assistive devices and state-of-the-art technology.

Helen Keller Intl to Honor Chef Carla Hall and Philanthropist Eleanor Crook at 2022 Spirit of Helen Keller Gala

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 7, 2022

Helen Keller trustee and chef Carla Hall will be honored with the Helen Keller Visionary Award for her work as an outstanding spokesperson who uses her public platform to shine a light on families vulnerable to malnutrition and vision loss.

Key Points: 
  • Helen Keller trustee and chef Carla Hall will be honored with the Helen Keller Visionary Award for her work as an outstanding spokesperson who uses her public platform to shine a light on families vulnerable to malnutrition and vision loss.
  • Eleanor Crook will be honored with the Spirit of Helen Keller Award for her philanthropy, advocacy, and vision of creating a world in which every mother can nourish her children.
  • Helen Keller is honored to present Eleanor Crook with the Spirit of Helen Keller Award for her philanthropy, advocacy, and vision of creating a world in which every mother can nourish her children.
  • Helen Keller isthrilled to award Carla Hallthe Helen Keller Visionary Award.

American Foundation for the Blind Announces 'The Power of Gratitude and Joy: A Conversation with Rebecca Alexander' Centennial Conversation

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 13, 2021

On Thursday, May 27, at 2 p.m. EDT, AFB presents " The Power of Gratitude and Joy: A Conversation with Rebecca Alexander.

Key Points: 
  • On Thursday, May 27, at 2 p.m. EDT, AFB presents " The Power of Gratitude and Joy: A Conversation with Rebecca Alexander.
  • "\nRebecca Alexander is an award-winning author, psychotherapist, keynote speaker, disability advocate, and extreme athlete who is almost completely blind and deaf due to Usher syndrome type III.
  • A 2016 Helen Keller Achievement Award recipient , Rebecca uses her drive, innate curiosity, and zest for life to address every challenge she faces.
  • AFB mobilizes leaders, advances understanding, and champions impactful policies and practices using research and data.

Helen Keller Intl to Honor Warby Parker and Henry C. Barkhorn at 2021 Spirit of Helen Keller Virtual Gala

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

New York, NY, April 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On May 4, 2021, global health organization Helen Keller Intl will host its Spirit of Helen Keller Virtual Gala, its most important event generating crucial revenue, to help vulnerable children and families around the world.

Key Points: 
  • New York, NY, April 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On May 4, 2021, global health organization Helen Keller Intl will host its Spirit of Helen Keller Virtual Gala, its most important event generating crucial revenue, to help vulnerable children and families around the world.
  • Warby Parker co-founders Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa will be honored with the Helen Keller Visionary Award for their work to bring sight to vulnerable children and families, and Trustee and past Board Chair Henry C. Barkhorn will be honored with the Helen Keller Humanitarian Award, recognizing his outstanding dedication and contributions.
  • Helen Keller Intl mobilizes a global community to help eliminate preventable vision loss, malnutrition, and diseases of poverty.
  • Warby Parker co-founders and co-CEOs, Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa, Helen Keller Visionary Award

Dicapta Foundation's Technology That Serves the DeafBlind Community Is nominated to Receive a Global Recognition

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 23, 2021

The United Nations (UN) created it to harness the potential of knowledge and technology for promoting the goals of the United Nations Millennium Declaration.

Key Points: 
  • The United Nations (UN) created it to harness the potential of knowledge and technology for promoting the goals of the United Nations Millennium Declaration.
  • Dicapta Foundation's founder and president, Maria-Victoria Diaz, states, "This nomination gives visibility to the needs of the DeafBlind community.
  • The Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) facilitated first-hand access to users who are DeafBlind to refine and adjust the technology.
  • For more information, about Dicapta Foundation or their GoCC4All App visit online at https://gocc4all.dicaptafoundation.org or call (407) 389-0712.

Helen Keller Intl Elects William Toppeta Chair of Board of Trustees

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 22, 2021

New York, NY, Jan. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helen Keller Intl, a global health organization dedicated to eliminating preventable vision loss, malnutrition, and diseases of poverty, announced the election of William Toppeta as Chair of its Board of Trustees, as well as the appointment of several new trustees.

Key Points: 
  • New York, NY, Jan. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helen Keller Intl, a global health organization dedicated to eliminating preventable vision loss, malnutrition, and diseases of poverty, announced the election of William Toppeta as Chair of its Board of Trustees, as well as the appointment of several new trustees.
  • Toppeta, a former executive officer of MetLife, Inc., has served as a trustee for Helen Keller since 2016.
  • Bill Toppeta is a fierce advocate for the worlds most vulnerable people and will help Helen Keller accelerate our work to create a world without barriers to human potential, said Kathy Spahn, Helen Keller CEO.
  • Along with Toppetas new role on the Board of Trustees, Helen Keller also announced the election of several new trustees: