The blog of Mackey Enterprises, LLC.
Edited by Brian Mackey
Click here to contact the blog’s editor
The Meaning of “Blind With Vision”
Blindness isn’t a limitation—it’s a different way of experiencing the world. “Blind With Vision” means using creativity, touch, and sound to navigate life with confidence. Inspired in 2015, this mindset empowers individuals to break barriers and live the life they want.
How My Dream Transformed Into A Reality
Turning my dream into a reality wasn’t an easy journey, but through dedication and hard work, I’ve built Mackey Enterprises to offer services that support businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. Whether you need website content management, website maintenance, data entry, or bookkeeping services, I’m here to help you streamline your operations and achieve your goals. Let Mackey Enterprises turn your vision into a reality with professional, reliable, and tailored support for your unique needs.
Golf for the Blind: Turning an Obstacle into an Opportunity
Golf is a challenging yet rewarding sport enjoyed by people of all abilities, including those who are blind or low vision. The Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) has been breaking down barriers since 1948, providing blind golfers with the tools, resources, and community they need to thrive on the course. Through innovative techniques and the support of sighted coaches, blind golfers are proving that vision isn’t required to play the game at a high level. Learn how MABGA empowers blind and low vision individuals to embrace the sport, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities, from the Junior Golf Program to the annual fundraising tournaments. Join us in turning blindness into an opportunity with golf!
Sports Jamboree for Blind and Wheelchair Participants
Experience the thrill of adaptive sports at the International Sports Jamboree at North Bend State Park in Cairo, West Virginia—held annually on the third weekend of July. This event welcomes blind and wheelchair athletes aged 40 and under from across the U.S. and Canada. Participants enjoy exciting activities like the 40-yard dash, beeping basketball, bowling, golf putting contests, and more. It’s a weekend full of sports, live entertainment, and camaraderie, with lodging provided at the park’s lodge or cabins. Don’t miss this unforgettable event—get ready to compete, connect, and have fun!
Getting Into The Game of Life
Linda Melendez, president of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ), turned personal challenges into a journey of empowerment. After facing loss and life changes, Linda took control of her health, losing 120 pounds and discovering a passion for running. Despite being legally blind, she completed multiple half-marathons, proving that determination knows no limits. Linda’s story is an inspiring reminder that with focus and perseverance, anyone can rise above obstacles and live life to its fullest.
Be My AI Review: Identifying Food Labels Nonvisually
In this review of Be My AI within the Be My Eyes app, I share how I used this innovative AI-powered tool to identify food labels nonvisually. From checking the name of Clean Eatz meals to confirming pantry items, Be My AI made meal tracking and food organization easier, all without sighted assistance. Learn how this technology empowers blind and low-vision users to navigate daily tasks like identifying product labels and nutritional facts, and discover tips for using VoiceOver with Be My Eyes.
Navigating Microsoft Outlook Nonvisually
Looking to improve your productivity in Microsoft Outlook? Discover the essential keyboard shortcuts for Outlook 2010 and later to quickly navigate your inbox, calendar, and tasks. These time-saving commands are perfect for anyone, especially those who are blind, low vision, or print disabled. Boost your efficiency and navigate Outlook seamlessly without a mouse.
QuickBooks for the Blind
Since 2013, thanks to MyBlindSpot, QuickBooks Desktop has become nonvisually accessible for blind and low vision users. With JAWS screen reader support and specialized QuickBooks Blind scripts, bookkeeping is now more efficient. Plus, QuickBooks Online offers built-in accessibility without the need for additional scripts. Explore how these tools empower financial independence today!
Literacy for the Blind
While most individuals read printed materials visually, those who are blind or have low vision rely on alternative methods such as speech output and Braille. With only 10% of the blind community being Braille literate, it’s crucial to advocate for Braille education for both youth and adults. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has led efforts to promote Braille literacy through initiatives like the BELL Academy, helping blind youth gain essential literacy skills. Discover how Braille empowers blind individuals for academic, social, and professional success.
Blind People Reading Print They Can’t See? There’s an App for That!
Reading print materials as a blind or low-vision individual has always been a challenge—until now. Thanks to the OneStep Reader app, formerly known as the KNFB Reader, blind and print-disabled people can now instantly read any printed material using just their smartphones. This innovative app leverages optical character recognition (OCR) to convert printed text into high-quality speech, making it easier than ever to read pay stubs, business cards, bills, and even books. With features like tilt guidance and a field of view report, OneStep Reader ensures accuracy, so you can read printed materials on the go. Learn how this app can transform your reading experience and bring independence to your daily life.
Siri and the Visually Impaired: Call Me Apple!
Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, offers powerful accessibility features for the blind and low vision community. From making calls to setting reminders, Siri helps users navigate daily tasks hands-free. However, improvements are still needed, especially for those with speech impairments. Discover how Siri is transforming accessibility and how future updates could make it even more inclusive.