Ownership and Accountability Equals Success E6
In this episode, David and Kristin discussed the importance of Changing the Perception of Blindness in order to solve the unemployment, education, and financial crisis for those that are blind and visually impaired.
Kristin said that it is not only up to partnerships with organizations that are committed to changing how the world sees blindness but more importantly, working with people who are blind and visually impaired to change see themselves.
With the proper training, the right technology and the right attitude, people who are blind can compete in the workplace and live a full and inclusive life. of provides many examples from her own family experiences.
Thriving Blind Academy is a community dedicated to solving the unemployment, education, and financial crisis for those that are blind and visually impaired. Through a robust online platform and virtual mentorship, the members of the TBA community are empowered and equipped to design their lives on their terms. 
In order to solve the current crisis of high unemployment, high underemployment, high college drop out and high illiteracy rates, TBA has three main pillars: Thriving Blind in Business, Thriving Blind Transitions, Thriving Blind Parenting.
TBA is partnering with organizations committed to changing how the world sees blindness and more importantly, how the blind and visually impaired see themselves.
Kristin Smedley is the Best Selling author of Thriving Blind: Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight and Brilliantly Resilient: Reset, Rise and Reveal Your Brilliance. A recognized expert in the blindness and rare disease communities, Kristin won the highly regarded Champion of Hope Award and was named an Ambassador for the National Organization of Rare Disorders. Kristin is a popular, in demand speaker who has been invited to share her message internationally.
As CEO of a global patient organization, she coordinated legislation (H.R. #625) that became the first in US history to be submitted in Braille. Kristin spoke at the FDA to help achieve the first ever FDA approved gene therapy to treat an inherited retinal disease in the United States.
Her TEDx Talk, book and international summit change perceptions of blindness, and sparked a global movement, Thriving Blind Academy, that is solving the unemployment, literacy, and financial crisis in the blind the community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristin co-founded Brilliantly Resilient to help people come through life’s challenges and setbacks brilliant, not broken.
Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and follow Thriving Blink Academy on Facebook.
About Your Host
As the manager of Community and Public Relations, David Steinmetz uses his expertise, education, and personal experiences to “change the perception of blindness.”
Diagnosed with RP, a blinding retinal disease, at the age of 19, David uses his personal story to drive change that leads to improved employment outcomes and community integration for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Mr. Steinmetz graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics. Additionally, Steinmetz has continued his education by graduating from the Business Management Training (BMT) program provided by Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.
In 2008, David was the national recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement award. This prestigious award recognized Mr. Steinmetz for his career achievements and community service work.
David Steinmetz is a member of the Governors’ Council on Blindness & Visual Impairments, is a Board Member at the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) and serves his community through the Chandler Lions Club.
Connect with David on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the Show
Changing the Perception of Blindness; One Conversation at a Time is dedicated to breaking down barriers, de-mystifying blindness and promoting real world solutions that empower people who are blind to live a full and inclusive life.
Host, David Steinmetz connects with organizations, industry professionals and thought leaders who are working to bridge the gap that creates a world accessible for all.
About Arizona Industries for the Blind
Arizona Industries for the Blind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. It’s employees, more than half of whom are blind, deliver a variety of products and services, including a full-service Warehousing and Distribution Center, confidential Digital Data Scan (DDS) services for private businesses and government and the operation of Base Supply Centers located at each of Arizona’s three military bases under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Labor’s AbilityOne program.
