AFB Announces 2026 Kirchner and Gund Award Honorees
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Corinne Kirchner Research Award and Llura Gund Leadership Award. Dr. Rachel Schles, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, will receive the Kirchner Research Award for her work in accurately counting and tracking students who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision within the educational system. Ms. Marissa Miara, director of student services at Marshall B. Ketchum University, will be honored with the Gund Leadership Award for her substantial impact on the community. AFB President and CEO Eric Bridges praised both honorees for their dedication to expanding possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. The awards will be presented at AFB's annual awards ceremony.