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The Meaning of “Blind With Vision”

When most individuals learn that someone is blind, they often assume it means complete or partial loss of vision. What they don’t realize is that the blind individual has only lost their physical vision, and still has the ability to use mental, tactile, and audio vision to interact with and understand the world. These nonvisual forms of vision not only help blind individuals thrive, but they also enable them to live full, independent lives.

What Is Mental, Tactile, and Audio Vision?

Mental Vision

Mental vision is the ability to imagine or visualize something in your mind, whether it’s a task you need to accomplish, a goal you want to reach, or a creative project you are working on. This type of vision goes beyond what can be seen with the eyes. Mental vision allows blind individuals to use their imagination and creativity to “see” possibilities, plan solutions, and create mental maps of their surroundings.

For example, blind individuals may use mental vision to plan a route through a new location, rehearse a presentation in their mind, or create a mental image of a painting or photograph. They rely on their mind’s eye to visualize the world in the same way sighted individuals use their eyes, which empowers them to make decisions and take actions confidently.

Tactile Vision

Tactile vision refers to using the sense of touch to explore objects or environments. For blind individuals, the sense of touch becomes an essential tool in understanding the world around them. Using Braille, tactile graphics, and other specialized materials, blind people are able to read and interact with information in ways that are just as effective as sighted individuals use their vision.

Examples of tactile objects that facilitate tactile vision include Braille books, LEGO bricks, 3D photos, and tactile maps. These tools allow blind individuals to gather information, process ideas, and navigate their environment independently. For instance, a blind person can use a slate and stylus to write Braille notes or feel the raised shapes on a tactile map to understand the layout of a space. Tactile vision enriches their world and promotes learning, communication, and independence.

Audio Vision

Audio vision involves the ability to understand and interpret the world using sound. For blind individuals, auditory cues and feedback provide essential information about their environment. This could include listening to descriptions of objects or surroundings, using screen readers to navigate websites, or utilizing auditory navigation apps to move through physical spaces.

Screen readers like JAWS (Job Access With Speech), NVDA (Nonvisual Desktop Access), TalkBack, or VoiceOver turn digital text into audio, allowing blind individuals to interact with technology, write emails, or surf the web. Navigation apps such as AIRA, Be My Eyes, and Seeing AI use audio cues to describe the world, guiding blind individuals through their day-to-day tasks with spoken descriptions. For example, a voice assistant might tell a blind person which bus is approaching, provide directions, or even describe a scene in a photograph.

Through audio vision, blind individuals can gain insight into their surroundings, stay informed, and interact with the world without relying on sight.

The NFB Philosophy

As the National Federation of the Blind’s one-minute message states, “Blindness is not the characteristic that defines a blind person and their future.” This powerful statement reflects the NFB’s long-standing belief that blind individuals can lead rich, successful lives. By learning how to use nonvisual tools and techniques, maintaining a positive “can do” attitude, and embracing an adaptable mindset, blind individuals can reach their goals and live life to the fullest.

This philosophy has been at the heart of the NFB’s mission since its founding in 1940. Through advocacy, education, and technology, the NFB works to break down barriers and change public perceptions about blindness, helping to create a world in which blind people have access to equal opportunities and the tools they need to succeed.

The Story Behind “Blind With Vision”

In 2015, when I was searching for a tagline for my company, Mackey Enterprises, I asked several individuals for their ideas and suggestions. During one of my workout sessions with Steve Murray of Rezults Never Lie, he reminded me that even though I might be blind, no one can ever take away my vision. This profound insight led me to create the tagline “Blind With Vision,” which aligns perfectly with the NFB’s philosophy.

This phrase represents the idea that blind individuals possess vision in ways that go beyond physical sight. It symbolizes resilience, creativity, and adaptability—the qualities that allow blind individuals to overcome challenges and live the lives they choose.

What Does “Blind With Vision” Really Mean?

The best way to explain the meaning behind “Blind With Vision” is through an example. Let’s consider a blind individual who needs to take notes independently. Here are some of the ways they might do this:

  • Using a slate and stylus to write notes in Braille.
  • Recording notes on a voice recorder and later transcribing them using a screen reader.
  • Using audio navigation tools like AIRA or Be My Eyes to guide them through new environments, or even recording a spoken summary of a meeting.

By using mental, tactile, and audio vision, blind individuals are able to “see” tasks and experiences from multiple perspectives. Whether they are working, studying, or engaging in personal activities, blind people use their nonvisual senses to approach challenges and find solutions that align with their abilities and strengths.

Living Life With a “Blind With Vision” Mindset

I encourage you to live the life you want by seeing things from a different perspective. Whether you are blind, low vision, sighted, deafblind, deaf, hard of hearing, autistic, or experience any other condition, it’s important to embrace a “Blind With Vision” mindset. The world is full of opportunities, and you can achieve your goals if you’re willing to use your unique vision to navigate challenges and embrace your potential.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t matter whether you are blind or sighted—the key to success is to think creatively and see the world through your unique lens. By adopting a “Blind With Vision” mindset, you unlock endless possibilities for personal growth and achievement. Embrace mental, tactile, and audio vision, and live a life full of purpose, fulfillment, and independence.

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How My Dream Transformed Into A Reality

Early Beginnings: The Dream Takes Shape

In 2006, as I prepared for my senior year at Lenape High School, I applied for a variety of scholarships, one of which was offered by the Medford Business Association. In my scholarship essay, I shared my dream of becoming a bookkeeper, imagining that in five years, I would be working in that field. Little did I know, that dream would eventually become a reality, but it would take a different direction than I had expected.

The Turning Point: A New Opportunity

In November 2011, I began actively seeking a bookkeeping position. On November 4, I had an interview with Padden Denn Drewry, a local accounting firm in Medford, for an office job. During the interview, Dan Padden, one of the firm’s partners, suggested something I hadn’t considered before. He encouraged me to start my own business focusing on data entry and bookkeeping, areas that I had always found enjoyable. Inspired by his advice, I officially founded Mackey Enterprises later that month.

The Early Days: Laying the Foundation

The first few years involved working on subcontracted projects for Padden Denn Drewry. Some of the tasks I handled included creating profit and loss statements from bank statement information, building Excel spreadsheets to track clients’ credit card expenses, and reconciling multiple bank accounts. These initial projects continued through 2014, providing the groundwork for the business.

Spreading the Word: Promoting the Business

In June 2014, I started promoting Mackey Enterprises more actively. I spread the word through emails, flyers, and word of mouth. By 2015, I had business cards printed and a website for the company. That same year, I had the opportunity to introduce Mackey Enterprises at the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ) state convention.

First Personal Clients: Expanding the Services

In the spring of 2015, I gained my first two personal clients. One of the projects involved creating an inventory list for a model train collection, while another required organizing sales receipts for a bathroom remodeling project. These early opportunities allowed me to expand my services beyond bookkeeping and take on new challenges.

Entering Web Content Management: A New Chapter Begins

In February 2016, the NFBNJ reached out to me with an exciting opportunity to manage their website’s content. With the assistance of the Website Committee, I helped rebuild the site on WordPress, launching it in late June. The positive feedback I received encouraged me to start offering content management as part of my services. In October 2016, I took on the role of maintaining the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBIL) website, which was already on WordPress, ensuring that the site’s content was kept up to date.

New Projects and Growing Opportunities

In early 2017, the president of the National Federation of the Blind of Delaware (NFBDE) asked me to manage their website’s content. I completed the project before the 2017 National Convention, marking another milestone for Mackey Enterprises. Later that year, I revamped the website for the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA), improving its accessibility and optimizing it for WordPress.

Around the same time, I began maintaining the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania (NFBPA) website, ensuring that it was kept up to date. By early 2018, I had also become the website coordinator for the National Federation of the Blind of Nevada (NFBNV) National Federation of the Blind DeafBlind Division, and the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa (NFBIA), transitioning their websites to Drupal, a more flexible platform for long-term growth.

Expanding Further: New Challenges and Opportunities

In 2018, the National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBCA) approached me to assist in transferring their website to a new hosting provider and rebuilding it with WordPress. This project represents another exciting opportunity for Mackey Enterprises and the continued growth of the business.

Where I Am Today: Living the Dream

At Mackey Enterprises, I combine my passion for data entry, bookkeeping, and web content management to deliver top-quality services. From handling bookkeeping projects to managing website content for National Federation of the Blind affiliates, I have gained valuable experience and built a foundation of skills that help clients achieve their goals.

As of 2025, I am proud to maintain the websites for several National Federation of the Blind (NFB) affiliates and related organizations, including the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ), National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBIL), National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas (NFBAR), National Federation of the Blind of Iowa (NFBIA), National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts (NFBMA), National Federation of the Blind of Nevada (NFBNV), National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), NFBMA Greater Springfield Chapter, and National Federation of the Blind Seniors Division. Additionally, I serve as the web coordinator for the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA).

Of the websites I maintain, the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) and the NFBMA Greater Springfield Chapter are hosted on WordPress, while all the other listed organizations are using Drupal.

I am committed to helping these organizations maintain an accessible and up-to-date online presence, contributing to their missions and supporting the blind community in various ways.

Partner with Mackey Enterprises: Making Your Vision a Reality

Turning my dream into a reality was no easy feat, but now I’m ready to help you do the same. Whether you need data entry services, bookkeeping services, or website content management, Mackey Enterprises is here to support you. Let’s work together to make your vision a reality!

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Literacy for the Blind

While the majority of individuals can read printed materials visually, blind and low vision individuals often rely on alternative methods such as speech output and Braille to access printed content and achieve literacy.

For those who are blind or have low vision, screen readers are commonly used to read scanned materials, audio books, and websites. These tools convert text into speech, making it possible to enjoy written content without sight. In addition to screen readers, audio books are a popular resource, allowing users to listen to books, documents, and other materials. This technology is essential for maintaining access to written information, offering convenience and independence in reading.

Despite the growing use of technology, Braille literacy remains a cornerstone of access and independence for many in the blind community. Braille is a tactile writing system that allows blind individuals to read and write by feeling raised dots arranged in patterns that represent letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. Braille is unique because it is the only reading and writing system that offers blind individuals complete autonomy over their reading and writing without needing technology.

However, only about 10% of blind individuals are Braille literate. This statistic underscores the need for greater Braille education and the challenges that many blind individuals face in acquiring literacy skills. Braille literacy is essential not only for academic success but also for ensuring that blind individuals have access to the same opportunities as sighted peers in both education and employment. Through Braille, blind individuals can read books, sign documents, take notes, and more, with the independence that sighted individuals experience when using printed text.

The Role of the National Federation of the Blind in Promoting Braille Literacy

Since its founding in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has been a dedicated advocate for Braille literacy. The NFB has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of Braille as a tool for literacy, independence, and equal access to education. The organization has fought for policies and initiatives that prioritize Braille instruction in schools and institutions for the blind, ensuring that blind children have the skills they need to succeed.

The NFB’s advocacy for Braille literacy has included legislative efforts to increase Braille access in public schools and provide financial support for Braille programs. The NFB continues to promote Braille literacy in schools, libraries, and communities, encouraging educators to offer Braille instruction alongside other accessible technologies like screen readers and audio books.

The BELL Academy: Empowering Blind Youth Through Braille Education

One of the most impactful initiatives led by the NFB to promote Braille literacy is the BELL Academy (Braille Enrichment through Literacy and Learning). Since its launch in 2010, the BELL Academy has focused on teaching Braille to blind children through fun, interactive, and engaging activities. The program offers an immersive environment where blind children can practice reading and writing Braille in a supportive and enriching setting.

The BELL Academy plays a critical role in fostering Braille literacy at an early age. The program helps students develop a strong foundation in Braille and introduces them to the skills they will need throughout their academic careers. Braille instruction at an early age is crucial for preventing academic delays and ensuring that blind children are not left behind in their education.

In addition to learning Braille, students at the BELL Academy also have the opportunity to develop their social skills, build confidence, and connect with other blind children. These programs are vital for instilling a love of learning and literacy, while also empowering children with the tools to succeed in school and beyond.

The Importance of Braille in the Digital Age

In an increasingly digital world, it might seem that technologies like screen readers and text-to-speech software would replace the need for Braille. However, Braille remains essential for the independence and academic success of blind individuals. While speech output technology offers significant access to content, Braille literacy allows individuals to read and write independently, without relying on technology.

For example, Braille is crucial for blind students during exams, as it provides a quiet, independent way of reading and responding to questions. Braille also enables blind individuals to engage with print material in a variety of settings, from reading books and newspapers to filling out forms or following directions in a manual. Braille provides the tactile feedback that enables blind individuals to navigate and function independently in ways that speech output technology cannot fully replicate.

Moreover, Braille literacy supports career development by allowing blind professionals to take notes, write reports, and engage in written correspondence with full independence. In some professions, such as law, science, and technology, Braille can be an essential tool for reading complex materials that may not be available in audio format.

Watch this Video to Learn More About Braille Literacy

To better understand the impact of Braille literacy and how it can change lives, we invite you to watch the following video from the National Federation of the Blind:

Conclusion: Advocating for Braille Literacy and Equal Access

While technology has advanced and provided new ways for blind individuals to access printed materials, Braille literacy remains a vital tool for independence and success. The continued advocacy by organizations like the National Federation of the Blind ensures that Braille remains accessible to future generations, empowering blind youth to excel academically, socially, and professionally.

As we look to the future, it’s crucial to support Braille education and encourage efforts to provide equal access to literacy for all individuals, regardless of sight. Programs like the BELL Academy help make this possible by offering early Braille instruction, giving blind children the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Through continued advocacy, education, and support, we can ensure that Braille literacy remains a critical element of access for blind individuals, allowing them to live, work, and participate fully in society with the same literacy skills as their sighted peers.