The American Foundation for the Blind has announced pledges totaling $3 million from Gordon Gund to launch a fund aimed at ensuring greater equity in the workplace for people who are blind or have low vision.

Named for Gund's late wife, Llura "Lulie" Gund, the Llura Gund Workforce Inclusion Fund will support AFB programs that expand pathways to leadership, inclusive technology, and well-paying career opportunities. Gund, himself visually impaired, has personally committed $2 million to the fund and another $1 million in the form of a challenge grant through the Gordon and Llura Gund Foundation that requires AFB to raise another $2 million for its employment programs.

Those initiatives include the Blind Leaders Development Program, launched in 2020, which provides blind or low-vision individuals who are in the beginning stages of their careers with extensive training in leadership, networking, communication, and other key skills; a forthcoming program focused on apprenticeships that will enhance the equity and inclusion of these proven workforce development initiatives; and a new curriculum designed to help both future software engineers and people who use assistive technology to develop their understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design through immersive, hands-on, and authentic experiences.

"As our society focuses on driving greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, AFB is working hard to ensure the millions of Americans with visual impairments have equal access to technology, career-development programs, and leadership training," said AFB president and CEO Kirk Adams.

"It is paramount that we create new solutions to the longstanding problems of inequity and injustice for those with disabilities, including visual impairments," said Gund. "With AFB's suite of employment-focused initiatives, AFB is on the right path to leveling the playing field for blind or visually impaired jobseekers."