Category: Beyond Sight Magazine

Highlights of our 5main series (Men In Motion, Women On The Move, Monthly Beauties, Cane Enabled) and Lifestyle.

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AI Breakthrough: Ally Revolutionizes Museum Experience, Making Art Accessible to All

A middle-aged man with grey hair and glasses, wearing a checkered purple shirt, stands in an indoor museum using his smartphone to explore an exhibit. Beside him is a vibrant, abstract artwork filled with bright colors and rich textures. A relaxed, light-colored dog lies at his feet. The scene features a softly lit, neutral background and a graphic element with the partially visible text “MUSEUM CRAFT DESIGN” accented by an orange, flowing line.

 ”Ally was built to unlock the world through conversation. By launching an Ally at the Museum of Craft and Design, we’re not just adding accessibility—we’re transforming how people connect with art. This pilot shows that great design is inclusive design. And that benefits everyone, not just those who are blind or have low vision”

~Karthik Mahadevan, CEO and co-founder of Envision

Editor’s Note

Museums have always been places of discovery, but true inclusion has long remained an aspiration rather than a reality for many blind and low-vision visitors. That is why I am thrilled to spotlight Ally, Envision’s conversational AI assistant, in this month’s Cane EnAbled feature. Fresh from a highly praised pilot at San Francisco’s Museum of Craft and Design, Ally is setting a new benchmark for accessibility—enabling everyone to independently explore, question, and truly engage with art in real time.

As former Bold Blind Beauty intern Jonathan Rubinov shared:

“If you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to check out the Ally app—available now on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. As someone who’s been using it extensively, I can confidently say I’m blown away by how capable, intuitive, and intelligent it is. From providing detailed descriptions of any image you upload to effortlessly searching the web, Ally helps you get things done in a flash. This isn’t just another app—it’s revolutionary assistive technology that’s already making a meaningful impact, and I truly believe it can empower even more people to live and work independently.”

By harnessing the power of intuitive, AI-driven guidance, Ally empowers visitors to connect with exhibitions in ways that once seemed unimaginable—transcending barriers not just for the blind community, but for all who value access and autonomy. As we move forward, Ally shows what can be achieved when technology prioritizes both innovation and inclusion. I am excited to see how this breakthrough influences the future of arts engagement for everyone.

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Revolutionizing Museum Accessibility and Engagement

A new era of museum engagement is dawning thanks to Envision’s groundbreaking AI assistant, Ally. Fresh off a highly successful pilot at the Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) in San Francisco, Ally, the most accessible AI assistant, is transforming how every museum-goer interacts with art, moving beyond traditional accessibility to create a truly inclusive and interactive experience

Ally, the most accessible and conversational AI assistant, empowers visitors to independently explore exhibitions like never before. By simply scanning a QR code at the museum’s entrance and pointing their smartphone camera at an artwork, visitors can engage in a natural conversation with Ally.

“Ally was built to unlock the world through conversation,” says Karthik Mahadevan, CEO and co-founder of Envision. “This pilot shows that great design is inclusive design. And that benefits everyone, not just those who are blind or have low vision”.

How Ally makes art accessible and interactive for everyone:

Conversational Guidance: Ally provides thoughtful, natural answers to any questions visitors have, from “What am I looking at?” to “What materials did the artist use?”. Exhibition texts and wall labels are built directly into Ally, enabling it to understand what it’s “looking at” and offer detailed insights and visual descriptions on the spot.

Empowering Independence: For visitors who are blind or have low vision, Ally provides rich descriptions and contextual insights, allowing them to engage with art in a way previously unimaginable. One visitor shared, “It goes above and beyond other devices. The descriptions felt so comprehensive—it was like I had my sight back”.

Seamless for All: Ally works on any smartphone – no special device or setup required. It adapts to anyone’s pace and curiosity, including elderly visitors and those with hearing loss, who can receive information streamed directly into their hearing devices. Sighted visitors also benefit from a screen-free, voice-first experience.

Overwhelmingly Positive Results: The pilot at MCD’s “Beau McCall: Buttons On!” exhibition received rave reviews. 100% of participants reported that Ally improved their museum experience, noting how descriptions of lighting, textures, materials, and story helped bring the art to life.

See Ally In Action

Ally is currently available at the Museum of Craft and Design until September 14th and represents a significant leap forward in making cultural spaces truly inclusive. Envision is now inviting more museums to pilot Ally, offering a web-based, hardware-free solution that can be deployed in just a few days.

We believe Ally’s impact on making art accessible and interactive is a compelling story for your audience. We’d be delighted to arrange an interview if needed to discuss this innovative technology further.

To learn more about bringing a custom Ally experience to your museum or cultural space, visit ally.me/museums. Download Ally on iOS, Android, or try it online at ally.me.

A digital graphic with a solid blue background features a vibrant, wavy orange line curving across the center for dynamic contrast. White text above reads “find more on” with the URL “ally.me/museums” below, inviting viewers to explore museum content. The clean design and bold colors create an inviting, accessible atmosphere that emphasizes community and inclusivity.
Find More on: ally.me/museums

About Envision

Envision is a global leader in assistive technology for blind and low-vision people, empowering millions through AI-powered tools that turn visual data into meaningful spoken information. Trusted by users worldwide, Envision combines cutting-edge AI with a deep commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and user-centered design. Whether through the award-winning Envision app, smart glasses, or Ally—the most accessible AI assistant—Envision’s technology is transforming how people connect with the world around them. For more information, visit www.letsenvision.com.

About the Museum of Craft and Design

The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) is San Francisco’s only museum devoted to craft and design. Founded in 2004, MCD showcases designers, makers, and artists through an exciting and distinctive series of craft and design-focused exhibitions and public programs. MCD explores the creative process and current perspectives in craft and design through inspired exhibitions and experiential programs. Learn more at sfmcd.org.

Like what you’ve read and want to chat about it? Join us in the Bold Blind Beauty Facebook group.

Connecting With Bold Blind Beauty

PiccyBot Image Descriptions

  • The header image depicts a scene from an indoor museum, specifically focusing on the dynamic interplay of art and technology. In the foreground, there is a middle-aged man standing slightly to the left. He wears a checkered, light purple shirt, demonstrating a sense of casualness as he examines an exhibit on his smartphone, likely accessing information or engaging with an audio guide. He has greying hair and wears glasses, giving him a knowledgeable and inquisitive appearance.
    • To the right of the man, there is a large, abstract artwork mounted on the wall, which features a multitude of shapes and bright colors, including yellows, greens, and hints of orange. The texture of the piece seems rich and intricate, possibly constructed from mixed media, which invites viewers to contemplate its composition closely. The overall visual impact of the artwork adds vibrancy to the setting, enhancing the cultural atmosphere of the museum.
    • In front of the man, at his feet, lies a well-groomed, light-colored dog that appears relaxed, showcasing the gentle texture of its fur. The presence of the dog adds a warm, friendly element to the scene, suggesting a casual outing rather than a strictly formal museum visit.
    • The background includes a subtly lit wall, which is likely painted in a neutral shade, allowing the art to take center stage without any distractions. The scene is illuminated softly, creating a serene and contemplative mood conducive to museum exploration. The overall atmosphere feels educational and inviting, encouraging curiosity and engagement with the art.
    • In the foreground, there is an ornamental design or graphic element with the text “MUSEUM CRAFT DESIGN,” prominently displayed but partially obscured. An artistic, flowing line, presumably in an orange hue, winds through the text, symbolizing creativity and movement in design. This combination adds a modern flair to the traditional museum setting.
  • Thumbnail & Video Description: Thumbnail & Video Description: A bold graphic set on a deep blue background features the prominent white text “MUSEUM CRAFT DESIGN” in two lines, with “CRAFT” partially obscured for a playful effect. To the right, the word “ally” is written in bright orange, flowing script, its line curving dynamically across the design.
    • The video features Ally, a personal AI guide, introducing museum visitors to button-themed art pieces created in 2024. A man explores the exhibit using his phone, asking detailed questions about the artworks, including a vintage clawfoot bathtub made of buttons and a world-themed piece on a 45B side. Visitors praise the tool’s accessibility and rich descriptions, sharing a positive museum experience. The video ends with Ally thanking viewers and sharing the website ally.me/museums.
  • A digital graphic with a solid blue background features a vibrant, wavy orange line curving across the center for dynamic contrast. White text above reads “find more on” with the URL “ally.me/museums” below, inviting viewers to explore museum content. The clean design and bold colors create an inviting, accessible atmosphere that emphasizes community and inclusivity.
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Living Blind: Ariana Dewberry’s Journey of Empowerment

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows a striking woman with a rich, deep brown complexion standing confidently against a softly lit, pastel backdrop. Her long, flowy black hair flows in gentle waves over her shoulders, framing her face beautifully. She has high, sculpted cheekbones, full lips, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by perfectly shaped brows and subtle, glamorous makeup. Her radiant smile lights up her face, exuding warmth and charm. She’s dressed in a chic, tailored houndstooth suit with soft pink accents, the fitted jacket and pants flattering her curves. Underneath, a silky, champagne-colored blouse adds a touch of elegance. One hand, with manicured nails, rests gracefully on a classic white column, while the other holds a sparkling white cane. In the upper left corner, the name “Ariana 2025” appears in a stylish script. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | July 2025 | Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.

Bold Blind Beauty understands the importance of representation, and we believe real beauty goes beyond physical appearance. We stand for A.I.R. (Access, Inclusion, and Representation)TM, and our July cover model, Ariana Dewberry, embodies this belief. It is our mission to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are.

There is no single blueprint for living blind. But now, I’m grateful. Every journey is unique, and comparison only steals meaning from your own accomplishments.

~Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie

Editor’s Note

A vibrant mother-and-son duo beaming with joy against a softly blended blue backdrop. The mother, exuding confidence and warmth, dazzles in a bold red tee and chic black pleated skirt, her long waves cascading over her shoulder. Beside her, her adorable son sits perched on a classic white pillar, his infectious smile lighting up the scene. He rocks a vibrant blue T-shirt and trendy ripped jeans, clutching a teddy bear dressed to match. Both shirts feature a custom photo print, adding a personal, heartfelt touch. There’s a playful “Grad 2025” script in the corner.

This July, Bold Blind Beauty proudly features Ariana Dewberry—known to many as Professor Blindie—as our Monthly Beauty. Ariana’s story exemplifies the resilience, vision, and authenticity that lie at the heart of true representation.

As Ariana shares, searching for a ready-made blueprint to achieve a thriving life with blindness often reveals a difficult but empowering truth: there is no one-size-fits-all path. Each journey is unique, molded by personal triumphs, struggles, and the willingness to rise time and again. Ariana’s honesty reminds us that comparison can diminish the value of our accomplishments, while courage and self-acceptance allow us to celebrate every hard-earned milestone.

Ariana’s evolution from seeking external examples to embodying the representation she craved is a lesson in empowerment for all. Her advocacy, unwavering commitment to education, and vibrant leadership through Blind Intelligence challenge stereotypes and open doors for countless others.

In highlighting Ariana, we hope her story ignites confidence for every reader: embrace your individuality, share your journey, and remember that your story—stumbles, victories, and all—holds immeasurable power. Congratulations to Ariana Dewberry for lighting the way and showing us all how to blaze our blueprint.

With pride and gratitude,

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows a striking woman with a rich, deep brown complexion standing confidently against a softly lit, pastel backdrop. Her long, flowy black hair flows in gentle waves over her shoulders, framing her face beautifully. She has high, sculpted cheekbones, full lips, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by perfectly shaped brows and subtle, glamorous makeup. Her radiant smile lights up her face, exuding warmth and charm. She’s dressed in a chic, tailored houndstooth suit with soft pink accents, the fitted jacket and pants flattering her curves. Underneath, a silky, champagne-colored blouse adds a touch of elegance. One hand, with manicured nails, rests gracefully on a classic white column, while the other holds a sparkling white cane. In the upper left corner, the name “Ariana 2025” appears in a stylish script. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | July 2025 | Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | July 2025 Monthly Beauty

Blaze Your Blueprint: Discovering the Power Within

A radiant young Black woman stands proudly in front of a backdrop of tall bookshelves filled with neatly arranged, colorful books. She is dressed in a vibrant royal blue graduation gown and matching cap, adorned with a red, white, and blue tassel. Her skin is a rich, deep brown, and her long, wavy black hair cascades over her shoulders. She beams with a wide, joyful smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement and accomplishment. Around her neck, she wears a striking white and silver stole. One side features the Dallas College logo in bold red and blue, along with photos of herself, including one where she is holding a white cane, symbolizing her journey and achievements. The other side of the stole is decorated with another photo of her and the inspiring words: "My eye sight doesn’t determine my future." She also wears a black and white honor cord, gold hoop earrings, and a delicate gold necklace. In her hands, she holds a rolled diploma tied with a red ribbon.
Graduation

For a long time, I searched for myself in other people’s journeys. I was just looking for a blueprint—a guide to living a prosperous and successful blind life. Eventually, I realized that the representation I longed to see was within me. I had to become what I was searching for.

At first, it felt like a harsh truth: there is no single blueprint for living blind. But now, I’m grateful. Every journey is unique, and comparison only steals meaning from your own accomplishments. Your milestones, your victories—they matter more when they’re earned through your own grit, perseverance, and strength.

It’s okay to blaze your own path, to stumble, to fall, to rise again—and to stride at your own pace. This is your life to live and your story to tell.

A radiant woman and a young boy are posed closely together, exuding warmth and affection. The woman’s smooth, glowing skin is complemented by her long, flowing waves of dark hair that cascade over her bare shoulders, revealed by a strapless, form-fitting light blue dress. Her eyes sparkle with joy, and her full lips are parted in a wide, inviting smile. Gold hoop earrings and a delicate necklace rest against her collarbone, adding a touch of elegance. Her manicured hands, with long white nails, gently and securely embrace the boy, highlighting a sense of tenderness and connection. The boy, nestled comfortably in her arms, beams with a bright, infectious smile. His soft, youthful skin and neatly braided hair add to his charm. He wears a pastel plaid shirt and light blue shorts, his small body relaxed and happy in her embrace. The blue, star-studded background adds a dreamy atmosphere to The text in the upper left corner reads: Ariana & Rahkeen 2025.

Ariana Dewberry’s Biography

Ariana Dewberry, known professionally as Professor Blindie, is an ambitious mother, entrepreneur, and college student from Dallas, Texas. She is the founder of Blind Intelligence, a platform dedicated to educating, empowering, and disability advocacy. After being diagnosed with Pseudotumor Cerebri, Ariana turned her challenges into purpose, raising awareness through events, merchandise, and public speaking. Now on the path to becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, she continues to inspire others by embodying the representation she once searched for.

Connect With Ariana Dewberry

Image Description

  • Header: Beyond Sight Magazine’s cover shows a striking woman with a rich, deep brown complexion standing confidently against a softly lit, pastel backdrop. Her long, flowy black hair flows in gentle waves over her shoulders, framing her face beautifully. She has high, sculpted cheekbones, full lips, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by perfectly shaped brows and subtle, glamorous makeup. Her radiant smile lights up her face, exuding warmth and charm.
    • She’s dressed in a chic, tailored houndstooth suit with soft pink accents, the fitted jacket and pants flattering her curves. Underneath, a silky, champagne-colored blouse adds a touch of elegance. One hand, with manicured nails, rests gracefully on a classic white column, while the other holds a sparkling white cane. In the upper left corner, the name “Ariana 2025” appears in a stylish script. The text reads Beyond Sight Magazine | Monthly Beauties | July 2025 | Ariana Dewberry AKA Professor Blindie | A Project of Bold Blind Beauty.
  • Graduation: A radiant young Black woman stands proudly in front of a backdrop of tall bookshelves filled with neatly arranged, colorful books. She is dressed in a vibrant royal blue graduation gown and matching cap, adorned with a red, white, and blue tassel. Her skin is a rich, deep brown, and her long, wavy black hair cascades over her shoulders. She beams with a wide, joyful smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement and accomplishment. 
    • Around her neck, she wears a striking white and silver stole. One side features the Dallas College logo in bold red and blue, along with photos of herself, including one where she is holding a white cane, symbolizing her journey and achievements. The other side of the stole is decorated with another photo of her and the inspiring words: “My eye sight doesn’t determine my future.” She also wears a black and white honor cord, gold hoop earrings, and a delicate gold necklace. In her hands, she holds a rolled diploma tied with a red ribbon.
  • A vibrant mother-and-son duo beaming with joy against a softly blended blue backdrop. The mother, exuding confidence and warmth, dazzles in a bold red tee and chic black pleated skirt, her long waves cascading over her shoulder. Beside her, her adorable son sits perched on a classic white pillar, his infectious smile lighting up the scene. He rocks a vibrant blue T-shirt and trendy ripped jeans, clutching a teddy bear dressed to match. Both shirts feature a custom photo print, adding a personal, heartfelt touch. There’s a  playful “Grad 2025” script in the corner.
  • A radiant woman and a young boy are posed closely together, exuding warmth and affection. The woman’s smooth, glowing skin is complemented by her long, flowing waves of dark hair that cascade over her bare shoulders, revealed by a strapless, form-fitting light blue dress. Her eyes sparkle with joy, and her full lips are parted in a wide, inviting smile. Gold hoop earrings and a delicate necklace rest against her collarbone, adding a touch of elegance. Her manicured hands, with long white nails, gently and securely embrace the boy, highlighting a sense of tenderness and connection.
    • The boy, nestled comfortably in her arms, beams with a bright, infectious smile. His soft, youthful skin and neatly braided hair add to his charm. He wears a pastel plaid shirt and light blue shorts, his small body relaxed and happy in her embrace. The blue, star-studded background adds a dreamy atmosphere to  The text in the upper left corner reads: Ariana & Rahkeen 2025.

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 Defying Norms: Jessica Gonzalez’ Triumphs In Education & Blind Tennis

The header photo is in the Beyond Sight Magazine cover template and shows an image of Jessica with long, curly hair that extends down past her shoulders. The hair is voluminous and tightly curled. She is wearing a dark-colored top. The background appears to be an indoor setting with shelves and various items, but the details are not discernible. The image is styled as a magazine cover with the title ‘BEYOND SIGHT | A Bold Blind Beauty Project’ and features ‘Jessica Gonzalez'. The cover is dated July 2025.

I would like to make sure that the people out there hear me when I say, go out there and try something new. Even if it’s baby steps to get out there and try little stuff. Don’t be afraid, ’cause if I were afraid, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

~Jessica Gonzalez

Editor’s Note

We are so excited to introduce you to our Woman On The Move for July: Jessica Gonzalez!

Jessica’s story begins with heartfelt gratitude, as she expresses her thanks to Bold Blind Beauty for this feature and gives a special shout-out to her friend Melody. Get ready to be empowered by Jessica’s incredible journey of perseverance and self-advocacy. She faced significant vision challenges from an early age, navigating a world that wasn’t always understanding.

Through it all, Jessica found her path to independence, embracing her unique perspective and bravely stepping outside of societal expectations. Her experiences led her to remarkable achievements, from surprising career choices to discovering a passion that’s taking her across the globe.

Jessica’s message is a powerful reminder of the impact of encouragement and the importance of supporting one another, no matter how big or small the stride. She truly embodies what it means to be “on the move.”

Join us in celebrating Jessica Gonzalez, a remarkable woman whose journey lights the way for others to embrace their challenges and pursue their dreams.

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

A magazine cover titled 'BEYOND SIGHT' featuring a sepia-toned portrait of Jessica Gonzalez with curly hair. She is smiling, and the cover highlights 'Women On The Move' and 'A Bold Blind Beauty Project'.
Beyond Sight Magazine |  Jessica Gonzalez

YouTube Video

Introduction and Gratitude

Hi guys. My name is Jessica Gonzalez, and I would like to start off by saying thank you to Bold Blind Beauty for featuring me in this month’s magazine. Thank you. I like to give a shout-out to my friend Melody for telling me all about this. Thank you, girl. Love you.

Early Life and Vision Challenges

So let’s get started. My name is Jessica Gonzalez, and I was born four months early as a premature. I was diagnosed with the eye disease, retinopathy of prematurity, which is short for ROP. And in my state, my vision, I don’t know how others’ ROP is, but my vision may be a little different from others. I am totally blind in my left eye, and in my right eye, I have no peripheral vision, and I have very cloudy vision in my right eye, which is like looking through the fog, and it’s like being nearsighted and farsighted, kind of, at once.

And so with that, as a child, I hid that from the world, I mean obviously you can see that one eye is straight and one eye is crooked. And so that always brought a lot of stares, a lot of teasing. But I still walked with no cane, and I had no guide dog, and I had no help. And oh boy, falling down was a thing to do.

And I still got teased a lot by a lot of peers growing up. But as I’ve gotten older and a lot more confident in my life, a lot of that stuff stopped. I don’t know if people became more mature, but I definitely became more confident, and I learned to embrace my vision and roll with the punches.

Gaining Independence and Confidence

The image shows a person wearing a dark quilted vest and a short-sleeved shirt, positioned closely next to a large dog. The dog has light fur and is wearing a collar with a leash attached. The dog is panting, with its tongue visible. In the background, there are several trees with green foliage and a building with a brick facade. The building has a distinct architectural feature, an archway, and is situated at a distance behind the person and the dog. The scene appears to be outdoors, with a clear sky visible above.

So, how I did that was I started off by going to the Orientation Center for the Blind in Albany, California. That is where I first learned how to read and write braille. I learned my orientation skills. I learned how to use the computer as well as my living skills, which pretty much kind of highlights, you know, how to get around the house, how to organize your stuff, and how to cook and clean.

After I finished that program, I went and got my very first guide dog, Fender. And I learned from there how to be severely independent. I started feeling more confident in my life. I started feeling safer knowing that I have a guide dog next to me. I. And learning that my independence can now be strided off and a little bit more smoothly, and I was less afraid now that I had a cutie pie next to me. So once I got him and finished the school for Guide Dogs, I moved down to Sacramento, and then I ended up going to school.

Pursuing a Career in Film

And this was another portion of my visual journey that really, really tested my faith in my own self and my vision. It was definitely, it was a major that I went into called digital film and video production, which a lot of people told me not to do. It was very visual, and that is something that I should just leave to the sighted people, and I was told to go and do something that’s more for you. And I would tell people, okay, well, what is that?

Filling out paperwork, typing people’s papers, working at a front desk, like, you know, what do you suggest? And of course, that was what they thought that we all blind people should be doing. But I did not wanna do that. I wanted to do something outside the norm. I didn’t wanna do the stereotypical, what blind people are supposed to do.

So I went to school anyway, and I graduated with a 3.9 GPA and did a killer speech at the end, and it was a struggle. I did struggle a little. I could not see through the camera lens. I can see it once it was done, and it was on a big, big, big screen. But I had a lot of help. And thank you for all my filmmakers out there who guided me along the way and helped me be who I am today. Thank you. And so instead of looking through the camera, I would direct someone else to look through the camera because I know what I wanted it to look like, but I just needed a little assistance to help make that happen. So that’s how I was able to get through film school and graduate with honors.

Working at Apple

The image shows a person with long, wavy hair that extends past the shoulders. The hair appears to be dark in color. The individual is wearing a zippered garment, possibly a jacket or sweater, with the zipper partially visible at the neckline. In the background, there is a shelving unit with various items, including rolled-up materials or objects that resemble yarn or fabric. The shelves are positioned to the right side of the image. On the left side, there are horizontal lines that suggest the presence of blinds or a window covering.

And so after I was done with that, I went to apply for a job at Apple, and I started off as a technician, and I was kind of skeptical at first ’cause I was like, oh my God, they’re not gonna hire me. I’ve been down this route before, where they were like, Why would we wanna hire you? What can you do for us? What would make you, what would make us wanna hire you before we hire anyone else? And I just pushed through it, and I was like, look, don’t not hire me because I’m blind. You need to see what I can do first. And I let that just flow with it, and I said, you know what, I’m gonna just hope for the best.

And sure enough, I was able to land the job. And four years later, I got hired on with Apple Inc. And I was hired on as a logistics warehouse trainer, and that is where I reside today in my work field. And as I started working that job, that job was a little, it was, it was perfect for me, but I didn’t realize how much eyesight I would need or how much sight I would use.

And with me using the little bit of sight that I had left, I was stretching my limits. I was having to read a lot of papers, read a lot of instructions, and use the computer a lot. And I had to have the font big, and I had to have the brightness up really high. But overall, I was telling them, look guys, I think I need to go back and get a refresher on my braille and my computers and everything else because I feel now I am in a part of my life that will allow me to use these skills and I can actually put them to use.

So I was granted the time to go and learn these skills at the Society for the Blind, and I was able to relearn how to use braille and use my computer and how to get through my job nice and nice and successfully. So that is where I am in my job.

Discovering Blind Tennis

The image shows two individuals standing side by side on a brick pavement. The person on the left is holding a tennis racket with a red frame and white strings in their right hand. They are wearing a gray zip-up jacket with the word "FLEXDAY" printed on the left side of the chest, a black skirt, and white athletic shoes. Their left hand is giving a thumbs-up gesture. The person on the right is wearing a black zip-up jacket, also with "FLEXDAY" printed on the left side of the chest, gray pants, and black sneakers with white soles. Their right hand is also giving a thumbs-up gesture. Behind them is a banner advertising a tennis championship, with text indicating the event will take place in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, from September 23 to 29, 2024. The background includes a green fence and trees.
The image depicts a group of six individuals positioned in front of a red curtain. Two individuals are kneeling in the front row, while four are standing behind them. The person on the left in the front row is wearing a dark tracksuit with light blue and white accents, along with a lanyard and badge around their neck. The individual on the right in the front row is dressed in a dark blue blazer over a light-colored shirt and jeans. In the back row, the person on the far left is wearing a black jacket with "USTA" written on it, holding a white cane. Next to them, another individual is holding an American flag, wearing a dark jacket with a white collar. The third person in the back row is wearing a red jacket with "JACK FISHER" written on it, also with a lanyard and badge. The person on the far right is partially visible, standing next to a white flag with red markings. The flags being held are positioned vertically, with the American flag on the left and another flag on the right. The individuals are arranged closely together, with the flags prominently displayed behind them.
The image depicts a person playing tennis on an indoor court. The individual is positioned centrally in the frame, standing on a blue tennis court surface with white boundary lines visible. The person is wearing a black sleeveless tennis dress with white trim and white athletic shoes. On their left wrist, they have a black wristband. The person is holding a tennis racket in their right hand, which is raised above their head, and a yellow tennis ball in their left hand, also raised above their head, suggesting they are about to serve. Behind the player, there is a black banner with white text and logos, including "Comune di Lignano Sabbiadoro," "VISPORT," and "EUROSPORT." The background also features a green structure, possibly part of the indoor facility.

While I was at the Society for the Blind, I was introduced to blind tennis, and that is where my passion lies today. So I was introduced to blind tennis and I didn’t wanna do it, I didn’t wanna do typical blind sports, which is track and field, beep baseball, goal ball like that, just, I don’t know, it just wasn’t for me.

So when tennis came along, I was like, wow, how do I do this? And I get that question asked every day. How do you do this? And I said, you know, guys, I had the same question that you guys have. I also wanted to know how. So with my extremely happiness to learn and my willing to get out there and try something new, I got out there and I tried it and oh my God, I fell in love and that landed me a wild card spot to fly to Italy in 2024 to play in my very first World Championship tournament. Yay. Thank you.

And to this day, I have the support of the Gold River Sports Club, and I also have the help of some amazing tennis players and my coaches, and friends to get out there, and they’re supporting me. And we are building a blind tennis team. So if there’s anyone else out there in the United States who would love to learn how to play blind tennis, but you don’t have blind tennis in your area. This hit me up on Instagram or Facebook and or my contact information will probably be down in my information, and feel free to give me a call, and we’ll work something out.

Encouragement and Final Thoughts

And so, yeah, my life has revolved around my blindness my whole life. But I didn’t let it stop me. I may have started off letting it stop me, but in the end, I didn’t let it stop me. And I would like to make sure that the people out there hear me when I say, go out there and try something new. Even if it’s baby steps to get out there and try little stuff. Get out there and try. Don’t be afraid, ’cause if I were afraid, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

So I wanted to just say thank you, everyone, for supporting us, wonderful blind people out here, and encouraging us to get out there and try new stuff, and just being here to support us and being proud of us, because your little bit of encouragement really goes a long way. So I just wanted to tell everyone thank you, thank you, thank you, and have a wonderful, wonderful day. Thank you guys.

Connecting With Jessica Gonzalez

Connecting With Bold Blind Beauty

Like what you’ve read and want to chat about it? Join us in the Bold Blind Beauty Facebook group.

Image descriptions:

  • The header photo is in the Beyond Sight Magazine cover template and shows an image of Jessica with long, curly hair that extends down past her shoulders. The hair is voluminous and tightly curled. She is wearing a dark-colored top. The background appears to be an indoor setting with shelves and various items, but the details are not discernible. The image is styled as a magazine cover with the title ‘BEYOND SIGHT | A Bold Blind Beauty Project’ and features ‘Jessica Gonzalez.’ The cover is dated May 2025.
  • YouTube thumbnail and video description: The thumbnail features a sepia-toned image of Jessica with long, curly hair, set against a softly blurred indoor background. The photo is framed with a gold border on the left, while the right side displays bold white text on a black background, highlighting “JULY WOMEN ON THE MOVE” and the name “Jessica Gonzalez.” A large gold circle adds a modern touch to the design, emphasizing the celebratory focus on Jessica as the featured individual.
    • In the video, Jessica has long braids cascading over her left shoulder. She is wearing a dark graphic tee with dark pants while seated on a stylish red and cream sofa surrounded by complementary sofa pillows. Behind her are several large windows accessorized with cream colored Venetian blinds.
  • The image shows a person wearing a dark quilted vest and a short-sleeved shirt, positioned closely next to a large dog. The dog has light fur and is wearing a collar with a leash attached. The dog is panting, with its tongue visible. In the background, there are several trees with green foliage and a building with a brick facade. The building has a distinct architectural feature, an archway, and is situated at a distance behind the person and the dog. The scene appears to be outdoors, with a clear sky visible above.
  • The image shows a person with long, wavy hair that extends past the shoulders. The hair appears to be dark in color. The individual is wearing a zippered garment, possibly a jacket or sweater, with the zipper partially visible at the neckline. In the background, there is a shelving unit with various items, including rolled-up materials or objects that resemble yarn or fabric. The shelves are positioned to the right side of the image. On the left side, there are horizontal lines that suggest the presence of blinds or a window covering.
  • A tri-panel of tennis images
    • The image shows two individuals standing side by side on a brick pavement. The person on the left is holding a tennis racket with a red frame and white strings in their right hand. They are wearing a gray zip-up jacket with the word “FLEXDAY” printed on the left side of the chest, a black skirt, and white athletic shoes. Their left hand is giving a thumbs-up gesture. The person on the right is wearing a black zip-up jacket, also with “FLEXDAY” printed on the left side of the chest, gray pants, and black sneakers with white soles. Their right hand is also giving a thumbs-up gesture. Behind them is a banner advertising a tennis championship, with text indicating the event will take place in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, from September 23 to 29, 2024. The background includes a green fence and trees.
    • The image depicts a group of six individuals positioned in front of a red curtain. Two individuals are kneeling in the front row, while four are standing behind them. The person on the left in the front row is wearing a dark tracksuit with light blue and white accents, along with a lanyard and badge around their neck. The individual on the right in the front row is dressed in a dark blue blazer over a light-colored shirt and jeans.
      • In the back row, the person on the far left is wearing a black jacket with “USTA” written on it, holding a white cane. Next to them, another individual is holding an American flag, wearing a dark jacket with a white collar. The third person in the back row is wearing a red jacket with “JACK FISHER” written on it, also with a lanyard and badge. The person on the far right is partially visible, standing next to a white flag with red markings.
      • The flags being held are positioned vertically, with the American flag on the left and another flag on the right. The individuals are arranged closely together, with the flags prominently displayed behind them.
    • The image depicts a person playing tennis on an indoor court. The individual is positioned centrally in the frame, standing on a blue tennis court surface with white boundary lines visible. The person is wearing a black sleeveless tennis dress with white trim and white athletic shoes. On their left wrist, they have a black wristband. The person is holding a tennis racket in their right hand, which is raised above their head, and a yellow tennis ball in their left hand, also raised above their head, suggesting they are about to serve. Behind the player, there is a black banner with white text and logos, including “Comune di Lignano Sabbiadoro,” “VISPORT,” and “EUROSPORT.” The background also features a green structure, possibly part of the indoor facility.
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Beyond Her Blur: Marie Elise’s Empowering Perspective

I believe that no matter how much more my vision will degenerate, I now have the trust in myself and the trust in my surroundings that I will be able to thrive in the future.

~Marie Elise | @beyondmyblur

Editor’s Note

With great pride, we spotlight Marie Elise as Bold Blind Beauty’s May Woman On The Move. Previously featured as our April Monthly Beauty, Marie Elise’s story is proof of the transformative power of advocacy, leadership, and lived experience in the disability community.

Through her immersive travel stories, Marie Elise invites us to experience the world beyond sight-capturing the sounds, scents, textures, and flavors of natural destinations. Her unique perspective inspires us to connect deeply with our surroundings and discover the richness of every place through all our senses.

Building on this, Marie Elise’s work demonstrates that advancing equity isn’t just about breaking down barriers, it’s about expanding what’s possible when we center diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Her dedication to authentic representation and her ability to inspire meaningful change shine as a guiding light for all striving to create a more inclusive world.

We are honored to share Marie Elise’s story and celebrate her impactful contributions to disability advocacy and beyond.

Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty

Beyond Sight Magazine Cover

The photo is in the Beyond Sight Magazine cover template and shows a portrait of Marie Elise. She has wavy, shoulder-length brown hair and is smiling brightly while sitting among tall green grass. She is wearing a vibrant red lace top with thin straps and a delicate gold necklace featuring a small charm. The sunlight casts a warm, golden glow on her face, highlighting her skin, red lipstick, and cheerful expression. Some blades of grass are in the foreground, slightly blurred, adding a natural and intimate atmosphere to the image. The image is styled as a magazine cover with the title ‘BEYOND SIGHT | A Bold Blind Beauty Project’ and features ‘Marie Elise | @beyondmyblur.’ The cover is dated May 2025.
Beyond Sight Magazine | Marie Elise | @beyondmyblur

YouTube Video

Marie Elise | May 2025 Woman On The Move

Introduction and Gratitude

Hi everyone. Thank you so much for tuning in to this video. I am just beyond grateful and excited to be featured in this month’s segment of Women on the Move from Bold Blind Beauty, and will be sharing a bit more about my vision loss journey in this video. My name is Maria Elise. I’m 32 years old and I was born and raised in the Netherlands, which is also where I currently live.

I was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, which is a subtype of juvenile macular degeneration, the genetic form of macular degeneration, when I was about 16 years old. This is, I think, about the average age to be diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease. The onset of the disease can vary a lot; some are diagnosed younger, already in their childhood, some, like me, uh, in puberty, and others, even in early adulthood.

Living with Stargardt’s Disease

Marie Elise is riding a white horse along a sandy beach with gentle waves rolling in behind her. She is smiling and wearing a riding helmet, dark sunglasses, and a patterned black-and-white long-sleeve top with dark riding pants. The sky is a vibrant mix of blue and white, filled with soft, wispy clouds. The overall scene is bright, open, and joyful, capturing a serene moment by the sea.
Marie Elise riding a white horse

Because of this condition, I am losing the central portion of my vision. So in the central part of my vision, I basically see a constantly moving blur with sort of like, I think it’s called visual noise in it. This kind of blur in the middle can get gray or black in the future, but I do not know when or how fast that is going to happen.

For me, my sight loss was quite rapid in the beginning. I think that I already started losing vision when I was maybe around 12 or 13, I just didn’t notice it. It’s because when I was diagnosed, I saw about 50% in my left eye and 30% in my right eye. Even though probably many of you with visual impairment will know that it is very difficult to sort of express what you see in percentages because my vision really varies depending on the lighting conditions, on how much color contrast there is, et cetera, et cetera.

Now I see between 10% to 15%, more or less, again, depending on the day. But I’ve had the luck that for at least the past couple of years, my vision has been relatively stable. So right now, I find myself in a phase where it’s stagnated.

My current vision allows me to navigate the streets without a white cane, as I still have enough functional vision left. But I do use an ID cane or symbol cane, especially when I’m traveling, to communicate to those around me that I have a visual impairment.

Coping with Anxiety and Building Trust

In the beginning, when I first got diagnosed, of course, I was still quite young that my brain took, as I like to call it, the dirtiest yet quickest escape route for me, which was flight.

I think that I suppressed my emotions concerning my visual condition for many years. I think that subconsciously, I was deeply anxious and truly afraid of what was going to happen to me in the future. And part of me still is, except now I have acknowledged that I have this anxiety. I have worked with it, and I have also grown a very steady and high level of trust for the future. As I really believe that no matter how much my vision will degenerate, I now have the trust in myself and the trust in my surroundings that I will be able to thrive in the future. And this doesn’t mean that the anxiety has gone away completely, but it just means that it is something that I can control and no longer overtake my life.

Because, unfortunately, when I was about 24 years old, having suppressed emotions for so many years, I suffered an anxiety disorder, and was in a really bad, bad place for the second half of my twenties. And I think this was my body’s way of saying, like, Hey, you know, I think that you’ve been suppressing a lot of emotions concerning your insecure future. And it’s time to, well, kind of look at it in the mirror, and that’s what I did. And here I am, in a place of more trust and love towards myself. So that was also really important for me to share with you in this video.

Creating a Travel Platform

Marie Elise, wearing a black polka dot dress and holding her symbol cane in her left hand, is smiling in front of the Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre. The only thing separating her and the painting is an oval-shaped wooden bar. She is standing in the designated disability space in front of the Mona Lisa.
The Mona Lisa

I think part of where the trust comes from is also that I now have my own platform. I am a very passionate traveler. I have always been, since I was a young child, I watched a lot of Steve Irwin, and I loved Planet Earth and listening to David  Attenborough, and all the nature documentaries. I’ve always been crazy about exploring. But of course, when you get told that you’re losing a very important part of your vision, I think there was also a part of me that was, that was really afraid that I could no longer do something that I was so passionate about.

So, being a passionate traveler, I actually started a travel platform for visually impaired travelers that is specifically, but not exclusively, as I like to say, for visually impaired travelers. And I share stories there about everything that I experience on my travels non visually. So I write about sounds and smells and textures and flavors. And I also report on accessibility insights from the destinations that I visit, as unfortunately, accessibility still varies from destination to destination.

So I just hope that this is a very inclusive travel media source for all of you watching that also like traveling like me, but are not really sure where to find the right information. With this platform, of course, I hope to motivate visually impaired travelers to keep on exploring. I hope to push for a more inclusive travel industry. But I also really hope that it will just inspire people, regardless of visual ability, to consciously connect with their senses and to just be with their environment in a richer way. As many of us depend so much on our vision that I think we forget just how powerful our smell is and how powerful our ears are, et cetera, et cetera. So that is really something that I hope my stories can do.

Passions Beyond Vision

Marie Elise, sitting down with her symbol cane in her hand, and standing on the ground, is touching a series of tactile photos at the ‘The World Unseen’ exposition by CANON. She looks concentrated as her fingers are resting on the images that show hands of elderly people, made tactically by textured prints of the photos.
‘The World Unseen’

Another part of I think, where my newly developed self-trust comes from is that I have really learned that my visual disability is just a tiny part of who I am. For example, I also really love makeup. I’m wearing red lipstick right now, which I almost wear every day.
I really love animals, I’m crazy about dogs. I’ve had two already in my life, and hopefully next year, I’ll get my third dog. I love horse riding, I just love the feeling of being in the saddle. You know, as competent horse riding is very much about becoming in sync with the movement and the feeling with the horse.

I love teaching. Aside from riding and creating for my platform, I also earn my money as a teacher. I am a private tutor for children. Uh, so I’m very passionate about educating people, which is something that I do on my platform, too, of course. I love baking. I love the feeling of kneading dough. I’m a very smell and touch-oriented person, partly due to my visual disability, of course, but just also because I find that really relaxing.

What I would also like to add is that I am very passionate about South American culture. I have lived in both Spain and Argentina, so Dám Español. I love the warmth of the people there. I love their passion for dance and food. It’s quite different from the country where I’m from, which is in the north of Europe. So it’s a continent that I love traveling to. Also, because I feel safer traveling to countries where I can speak the local language, so that if I need any help, well that I can ask for help from the locals in their language.

Connecting with Me

So if you have any questions for me, of course, feel free to drop them in the comments. You can also send me a DM via my Instagram @beyondmyblur. You can write me an email, which is beyondmyblur@gmail.com. And of course, you can visit my travel website and maybe sign up for the newsletter so you can stay tuned for updates, which is www.beyondmyblur.com.
And then I want to thank you for watching, and I want to wish you a great rest of your day.

Marie Elise’s Bio

Marie Elise (32) is a travel writer, speaker, and content creator from the
Netherlands. At the age of 16, she was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease, a
condition that causes progressive loss of central vision. A passionate explorer,
she founded Beyond My Blur, a platform for visually impaired travelers. On her
website and social media, Marie Elise shares non-visual travel stories – rich in
sounds, scents, textures, and flavors – alongside accessibility insights for each
destination. Through her work, she aims to inspire people of all visual abilities
to consciously connect with their senses and push for a more inclusive travel
industry.

Connecting With Marie Elise

Connecting With Bold Blind Beauty

Like what you’ve read and want to chat about it? Join us in the Bold Blind Beauty Facebook group.

Image descriptions:

  • The header photo is in the Beyond Sight Magazine cover template and shows a portrait of Marie Elise. She has wavy, shoulder-length brown hair and is
    smiling brightly while sitting among tall green grass. She is wearing a vibrant
    red lace top with thin straps and a delicate gold necklace featuring a small
    charm. The sunlight casts a warm, golden glow on her face, highlighting her
    skin, red lipstick, and cheerful expression. Some blades of grass are in the
    foreground, slightly blurred, adding a natural and intimate atmosphere to the
    image. The image is styled as a magazine cover with the title ‘BEYOND SIGHT | A Bold Blind Beauty Project’ and features ‘Marie Elise | @beyondmyblur.’ The cover is dated May 2025.
  • Piccybot YouTube Video description: Marie Elise is smiling and engaging directly with us. Her skin is pale, with her cheeks lightly flushed, and she’s wearing striking red lipstick. Her eye makeup is subtle but enhances her almond-shaped eyes.
    • Her brown hair, with some lighter highlights, is parted slightly off-center and is styled in a neat side braid that cascades over her left shoulder. On the left side of her hair, near her forehead, she sports a vibrant red flower. She’s wearing a dark, button-down shirt adorned with a floral print; the flowers seem to be pink, red, and possibly a touch of white. A delicate silver necklace is visible around her neck.
    • She seems to be in what looks like a cozy living room. Behind her, we see a large, rectangular window with a split frame, suggesting it might open in two halves. The window is covered with a white curtain bearing a floral pattern that includes birds, leaves, and flowers. To the right, there’s a tall, dark wood cabinet with ornate carvings, and to the left, we catch a glimpse of what seems to be the back of a pink armchair. On the table just underneath the window, there is a beautiful sculpture of an egret. To the left on the same table is a decorative vase. There is a dark green pillow with a leaf print pattern placed beside the sculpture.
  • Marie Elise riding a white horse: Marie Elise is riding a white horse along a sandy beach with gentle waves rolling in behind her. She is smiling and wearing a riding helmet, dark
    sunglasses, and a patterned black-and-white long-sleeve top with dark riding
    pants. The sky is a vibrant mix of blue and white, filled with soft, wispy clouds.
    The overall scene is bright, open, and joyful, capturing a serene moment by the
    sea.
  • The Mona Lisa: Marie Elise, wearing a black polka dot dress and holding her symbol cane in her left hand, is smiling in front of the Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre. The only
    thing separating her and the painting is an oval-shaped wooden bar. She is
    standing in the designated disability space in front of the Mona Lisa.
  • ‘The World Unseen’: Marie Elise, sitting down with her symbol cane in her hand, and standing on the ground, is touching a series of tactile photos at ‘The World Unseen’
    exposition by CANON. She looks concentrated as her fingers are resting on the
    images that show hands of elderly people, made tactically by textured prints of
    the photos.