A Message From Steph
Greetings, I’m Stephanae McCoy, and I extend a warm welcome to Bold Blind Beauty, an advocacy platform dedicated to sharing empowering stories from individuals navigating life on the blindness spectrum worldwide. This brand aims to honor our diverse and all-encompassing community by fostering empowerment, connections, and shattering barriers.
Before the onset of my sight loss, my personal and professional achievements were on an upward trajectory. I secured a significant promotion while working for one of the Big Four accounting firms. I also married my best friend, an exceptional carpenter who was in the process of renovating our first home. Everything seemed to be falling into place, and I had grand plans for a brighter future.
However, losing my sight dealt a severe blow to my self-confidence, and I grappled with accepting my new life as a blind woman. Feelings of isolation, fear, and depression overwhelmed me, stalling my aspirations. For a deeper insight into this journey, you can explore the interview on the ADNA YouTube Channel: “The ADNA Presents: Stephanae McCoy discusses how and why she created Bold Blind Beauty.”
As someone who had long championed the rights of both my son and my mother, I found myself at a loss when it came to self-advocacy. My turning point in the journey of blindness came when I immersed myself in the blind community.
People on the blindness spectrum encounter formidable challenges, including societal barriers, stereotypes, and misconceptions about blindness. The key to transforming these systemic obstacles lies in A.I.R. – Access, Inclusion, and Representation. With the right tools, training, resources, and ongoing advocacy, we can lead incredibly productive and fulfilling lives.
Together, let us continue to break down barriers and enhance our collective humanity by reshaping our perceptions of one another. Discover more about our values, mission, and vision on our website. ~ Steph
You can support Bold Blind Beauty’s mission, advocacy, and projects
through sponsorships, shopping at our online store,
or simply invest in our cause via PayPal.
Bold Blind Beauty embraced the acronym A.I.R. (Access, Inclusion, and Representation) as it is crucial for individuals with disabilities. Access, Inclusion, and Representation are vital for people with disabilities to not only survive but also thrive.
Access
A Q&A interview with Caroline Desrosiers of Scribely who discusses accessibility as it relates to web-based images and videos.
Inclusion
Monthly Beauty, Catarina Rivera is a Disability Public Speaker and DEI Consultant with 14+ years of experience in the public sector.
Representation
Representation Matters! Marta DiVito, our summer intern eloquently shares her story on why representation is so important.
What People Are Saying
“Profound”
You help many people with your honest and authentic thoughts. Not just those who are sight impaired. Your words about ‘ the paradox of being strong yet fragile’ being part of the human condition is quite profound for me.
Robyn
“Heart Warming”
Your page warms my heart! I have a blind 5-year-old and she wants to do everything when she grows up! Something (like driving) she knows may not happen, but she’s positive about everything.
Mrs. Marshall
“Inclusive”
I am legally blind, disabled, and most importantly isolated and totally misunderstood! The invisible disability no one understands…. nor can I truly explain…. Thank you for giving me a place of inclusion!
Deebra