Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's Director Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, Joins the American Foundation for the Blind's National Board

By AppleVis, 4 April, 2018

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

In a very interesting development for the blind and low vision community, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has announced that Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's Director Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, has been elected to the AFB's National Board.

In the AFB's press release, Kirk Adams, AFB President and CEO, is quoted as saying that “"Sarah Herrlinger is an outstanding addition to AFB's board”:

Ms. Herrlinger and Apple's commitment to making technology accessible to everyone reflects AFB’s mission of removing barriers and creating a world of no limits as we approach our 100th year and beyond."

"Throughout her career, Ms. Herrlinger has been a strong advocate for people who are blind or visually impaired," said Russell Shaffer, chair of AFB's Board of Trustees. "AFB will benefit immensely from her insights and leadership."

Whilst overall responsibility for Accessibility at Apple falls within the remit of Lisa Jackson, Vice President Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, Sarah Herrlinger will for many be the most public face of Apple's commitment to inclusion due to her leadership role with its Accessibility Team and her involvement with building relationships and partnerships with other actors and agencies in the field of accessibility.

We at AppleVis wish Sarah all the best for her new role with the AFB; and we will watch with interest to learn what this will mean for the world of accessibility.

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Comments

By Ekaj on Saturday, April 21, 2018 - 21:29

I think this is a great move. Best wishes to Ms. Herrlinger and I think she will be an excellent addition to the AFB Board and whatever else she does for them.

By brandon armstrong on Saturday, April 21, 2018 - 21:29

My main concern about this is will this translate into finally apple getting their act together and fixing outstanding bugs both on iOS and on mac?

By Holger Fiallo on Saturday, April 21, 2018 - 21:29

In reply to by brandon armstrong

I do not think that her change will do so. If apple does not address issues that have with accessibility by now, nothing will do so. Not saying that apple is not addressing issues but they take forever because we are a second thought in their goals.