ACBVI Hits the Road at Tour de Scottsdale
With every mile at the Tour de Scottsdale, ACBVI riders proved that vision loss is no barrier to achievement when community and determination come together.
BlindSided Rocks Scottsdale, Proving Music — and Resilience — Know No Limits by JAC on 2025-04-03
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — On a lively spring evening, Wasted Grain in Scottsdale was filled with the sounds of celebration, resilience, and rock ‘n’ roll as BlindSided, the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s (ACBVI) house band, took the stage.
Fresh off their feature on ABC15, the band — made up of talented musicians who are blind or visually impaired — delivered a performance that was as powerful as it was inspiring. Their appearance headlined the ACBVI Tour de Scottsdale Kick-off Party, presented by Arizona Bank & Trust, turning an ordinary Saturday into a night few will forget.
For the band members, the music is about much more than melodies and rhythms. Every note, every beat, every cheer from the crowd tells a story — one of resilience, joy, and fierce determination in the face of vision loss.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — On a lively spring evening, Wasted Grain in Scottsdale was filled with the sounds of celebration, resilience, and rock ‘n’ roll as BlindSided, the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s (ACBVI) house band, took the stage.
Fresh off their feature on ABC15, the band — made up of talented musicians who are blind or visually impaired — delivered a performance that was as powerful as it was inspiring. Their appearance headlined the ACBVI Tour de Scottsdale Kick-off Party, presented by Arizona Bank & Trust, turning an ordinary Saturday into a night few will forget.
For the band members, the music is about much more than melodies and rhythms. Every note, every beat, every cheer from the crowd tells a story — one of resilience, joy, and fierce determination in the face of vision loss.
“Music gives me a way to express everything I still have to say,” said the band’s lead guitarist. “Losing my sight didn’t take away my voice — it just changed the way I share it.”
Throughout the night, BlindSided played an eclectic set that moved seamlessly from classic rock anthems to modern hits, weaving in original songs that spoke to overcoming adversity and finding strength in unexpected places. Audience members danced, cheered, and sang along, creating an atmosphere that felt less like a concert and more like a community celebration.
“It’s easy to focus on what you lose when you lose your sight,” said Michelle H., an ACBVI staff member who helped organize the event. “But tonight is about what you gain — the community, the passion, the reminder that nothing can dim someone’s inner light.”
The kick-off party also served as a rallying point for ACBVI’s broader mission: promoting independence, vocational success, and whole-person health for adults who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. Founded in 1947, the organization has spent decades helping individuals not just adapt to vision loss, but thrive beyond it.
“Events like this show the heart of what ACBVI is all about,” said Steve T., CEO of ACBVI. “It’s about breaking down barriers — whether on a bike at the Tour de Scottsdale or on a stage with a guitar. It’s about challenging perceptions and rewriting the story of what’s possible.”
As the night came to a close, BlindSided finished their set with a crowd favorite — a soaring anthem of hope and perseverance. Glasses were raised, arms waved, and a collective spirit filled the room: a belief that obstacles are meant to be overcome, and that life after sight loss can be louder, prouder, and more beautiful than ever imagined.
For BlindSided, and for ACBVI, it was a night not just of music, but of connection, courage, and celebration — a night that proved that sometimes, the brightest lights shine from within.
For more information about ACBVI’s programs, services, and upcoming events, visit acbvi.org.
Chad’s Story by JAC on 2021-05-21
Most of us don’t exactly relish getting poked and prodded. And studies suggest that over 40 percent of men won’t go unless there’s a serious issue! That was Chad’s approach to his health. He knew he couldn’t see as well as before, but other things in his life — like providing for his family — were just more important to him.
A series of setbacks finally forced Chad to focus on his health. First, he got hurt on the construction site where he worked. So, he switched to a retail job ...
Then he lost that position — he struggled to make accurate deposits — and his driver’s license. But Chad was still determined to find a fix, one that did not involve the doctor.
Most of us don’t exactly relish getting poked and prodded. And studies suggest that over 40 percent of men won’t go unless there’s a serious issue! That was Chad’s approach to his health. He knew he couldn’t see as well as before, but other things in his life — like providing for his family — were just more important to him.
A series of setbacks finally forced Chad to focus on his health. First, he got hurt on the construction site where he worked. So, he switched to a retail job ...
Then he lost that position — he struggled to make accurate deposits — and his driver’s license. But Chad was still determined to find a fix, one that did not involve the doctor.
Sadly, Chad ended up in a hospital’s intensive care unit in 2017 after he was hit by a car. The doctors told him he has three conditions that affect his sight: cornea disease, nerve damage, and glaucoma. During his recovery, Chad became more active in his church – and it was a friend there who pointed him toward the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
ACBVI’s experts worked with Chad to improve his orientation and mobility skills. They visited his neighborhood to help him safely practice using a white cane in familiar surroundings.
Next, Chad began learning to read Braille. He started to feel less cut off from current events and his hobbies.
But it was his assistive technology classes that really inspired Chad. At first, it was challenging to use his hearing in place of his sight — and there were days when he wanted to give up ...
With some encouragement, Chad pressed on. He began to realize that he had a knack for assistive technology, and he might one day teach these practical skills to others in need. Chad is currently leading an Alexa training class for other students virtually and is enrolled in our DST certification class, preparing for a new career as a computer support technician.
“I want to be able to give back, with compassion and integrity,” says Chad.
Margo by JAC on 2021-04-22
For those who are blind, visually impaired or those with combined vision and hearing loss, getting a vaccine has been problematic.
Margo Schafer has low vision, meaning she only sees body shapes. "When you are disabled like I am, I never know if I'm close to a person because I can't see them. It's really awful, so I just stayed home. When you can't see who's by you, you can't tell if they are 6 feet apart," Schafer said.
She's has been trying to get a vaccine for months, but it's not easy. "I don't want to get COVID. I've been trying to get a vaccination for a long time, put my name into Walgreens, put my name in Fry's, couldn't get (one), My daughter tried too, and we didn't have any success at all," said Schafer. She's 82, doesn't drive, and lives alone.
For those who are blind, visually impaired or those with combined vision and hearing loss, getting a vaccine has been problematic.
Margo Schafer has low vision, meaning she only sees body shapes. "When you are disabled like I am, I never know if I'm close to a person because I can't see them. It's really awful, so I just stayed home. When you can't see who's by you, you can't tell if they are 6 feet apart," Schafer said.
She's has been trying to get a vaccine for months, but it's not easy. "I don't want to get COVID. I've been trying to get a vaccination for a long time, put my name into Walgreens, put my name in Fry's, couldn't get (one), My daughter tried too, and we didn't have any success at all," said Schafer. She's 82, doesn't drive, and lives alone.
"To me, getting a ride is hard. My kids all live out of state," Schafer said. She's relieved to get her shot thanks to Terros Health partnering with the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. "I feel free. I can go out if I want to and not worry, which is very nice," she said.
Margo is just one of the dozens who received their first vaccine shot at the clinic held at ACBVI, in partnership with Terros Health, on Monday in Phoenix.
For the blind, visually impaired or those with combined vision and hearing loss, who want the COVID-19 vaccine, ACBVI will help navigate the online or phone registration systems and connect applicants to transportation resources to the vaccination site.
Need more information?
If you have any questions or need additional information, we encourage you to reach out to us at ACBVI. Our team is dedicated to assisting you and providing the resources and support you require. Don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here to help. Contact us by phone at 602-273-7411 or via email at info@acbvi.org. To stay up to date with the latest news, subscribe to our newsletter.