Thriving Blind Academy

Joion us every Monday for our 5 Tips to THRIVE all week long!

What’s the one thing standing between you and the life you truly deserve? On Saturday, January 25, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM Eastern, join us for the Succeed Without Sight Summit—a powerful live, virtual event that will redefine what’s possible for your life. In just one day, you’ll uncover the THRIVER Formula for Success and learn tools to overcome any obstacle, build the life you want, and transform your mindset for good. This summit is completely FREE and entirely online, so you can join from anywhere in the world. 👉 Reserve your free seat today: https://lnkd.in/eWbNqveJ For the past four summits, attendees from 6 continents and over 30 countries have transformed their lives. This year, it’s your turn to thrive. You’ll hear from world-class leaders who have harnessed the ability in their disability to create lives filled with impact, achievement, and joy. These inspiring individuals have walked the path of struggle and triumph—and they’re ready to share their secrets to success. We live in challenging times. Rising costs, shifting industries, personal struggles—it’s enough to make anyone feel stuck. But here’s the truth: your circumstances don’t define you. Your choices do. The Succeed Without Sight Summit is your opportunity to make a new choice. You’ll gain proven strategies, connect with an incredible global community, and discover what’s truly possible—no matter what challenges you face. Last year’s stories of transformation were incredible. This year, it’s your turn. 👉 Reserve your free seat today: https://lnkd.in/eWbNqveJ Don’t wait for life to change on its own. Take control. It’s time to thrive! #thrive #Success #ThrivingBlind

As we close out another incredible year, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the amazing people who make our mission possible. This holiday season, we’re celebrating YOU—our donors, supporters, members, and believers—who give your time, energy, resources, and prayers to help us create a world where blind and visually impaired individuals thrive. Here are 5 extraordinary ways your generosity and support have helped our community thrive in 2024: #BucksCounty Thanks to a $5,000 donation from 100 Women Who Care - Bucks County, every family in #BucksCounty with a child receiving Vision Services in K-12 schools received a THRIVER Toolkit. These tools are helping families unlock their child’s potential and build thriving futures right in their own community. #Montana The MONTANA ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND INC brought TBA co-founders Kristin Smedley and Charlie Collins to their annual conference for a weekend immersion in the THRIVER Formula for Success. Attendees left equipped to thrive in school, work, and life! Council Rock School District The #RotaryCLub of Newtown, PA purchased our children’s book, What I Can Be Is Up To Me, for every single first-grade classroom in the Council Rock School District and Newtown’s Catholic school. Hundreds of young minds are now learning a foundational principle of thriving: Believe in Yourself! #SouthCarolina A nonprofit foundation supporting the South Carolina School for the Blind and Deaf provided a copy of What I Can Be Is Up To Me to every single student. They also brought Kristin Smedley in to share her thriving mindset with students and teachers, creating a ripple effect of confidence and belief in their limitless potential. #Florida A blind business owner is teaming up with TBA to launch a massive event and year-long program for 100 blind and visually impaired high school students and young adults in #Florida in early 2025. Stay tuned for the big reveal of this extraordinary partnership—one that’s set to change lives in bold and meaningful ways! As you celebrate the holidays, we invite you to give the gift of thriving to others. Your #donation this season can create more THRIVER Toolkits, reach more classrooms, and expand opportunities for the blind and visually impaired community in 2025. Visit https://lnkd.in/exePMYtU to donate, sponsor, or give a membership today. Together, we can make thriving a reality for even more people. As the text on the video says: Oh what fun it is to #thrive in a world that's #merryandbright Merry Christmas! #Thrive #ThrivingBLind #MerryChristmas

🔧 5 to Thrive: Reflect, Risk & Rise in 2025! It’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new one. Today, we’re focusing on the second “R” in the THRIVER Formula for Success: Risk-Taking. Risk-taking is essential to growth. It’s how we push past limits, discover new possibilities, and build confidence. But it’s not always easy—taking risks can feel daunting, especially when there’s a lot at stake. That’s why this season of reflection is the ideal time to assess where you took risks in 2024, where you held back, and how you can embrace bold steps as we approach 2025. Here are five steps to reflect on your year of risks and prepare for the next one: 1. Celebrate the Risks You Took Start by acknowledging the risks you did take this year, big or small. Maybe you pursued a new job, tried a new hobby, or spoke up in a situation where you usually wouldn’t. Thrive: Write down 2-3 risks you took in 2024 and reflect on what you learned from them, regardless of the outcome. Celebrate the courage it took to take those chances. 2. Acknowledge the Risks You Avoided It’s just as important to reflect on the opportunities you passed up. Were there moments where fear, uncertainty, or doubt held you back? Recognizing these instances is the first step toward turning hesitation into action. Thrive: Think of one risk you avoided this year and ask yourself, “What stopped me? What could I do differently next time?” 3. Define What Risk Means to You For some, taking a risk might mean making a major life change; for others, it could be as simple as speaking up in a meeting. Understanding what your version of risk looks like helps you make intentional decisions. Thrive: Define what a meaningful risk would look like for you in 2025. It could involve relationships, career, personal growth, or stepping into a new experience. 4. Set a Bold Goal for 2025 A new year brings fresh opportunities to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s pursuing a dream you’ve been putting off or challenging yourself in a new way, committing to a bold goal sets the stage for growth. Thrive: Identify one risk you’d like to take in 2025. Write it down and break it into smaller, manageable steps so you can build momentum toward your goal. 5. Embrace the Thrill of Uncertainty Risk-taking comes with uncertainty, but that’s where the magic happens. When you lean into the unknown, you open yourself up to new possibilities, lessons, and opportunities you never imagined. Thrive: Next time you feel hesitation about taking a risk, reframe it as an adventure. Ask yourself, “What’s the best that could happen?” Focus on the potential reward, not just the fear of failure.   Final Thought: As you reflect on 2024 and plan for 2025, remember that risk-taking isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being bold enough to act in spite of fear. The steps you take, no matter how small, will lead you closer to the thriving life you deserve. #Thrivingblind #THRIVERFormula #thrive

5 to Thrive: the Power of Gratitude in Thriving! As we step into this special Thanksgiving week, it’s the perfect time to focus on one of the most transformative elements of thriving: Gratitude. Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset—a powerful tool that can reshape how you see the world and how you navigate challenges. When we choose gratitude, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, opening the door to greater joy, connection, and resilience. Here are this week’s 5 to Thrive to help you cultivate gratitude and make this Thanksgiving truly meaningful: 1️⃣ Start Your Day with a Gratitude Ritual Each morning this week, take a moment to reflect on three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big—simple joys like a warm cup of coffee, a good night’s sleep, or a kind word from someone count. 💡 Thrive: Write these down or say them out loud to set a positive tone for your day. 2️⃣ Express Thanks to Someone Special Gratitude is even more powerful when shared. Think of someone who has made a difference in your life and let them know how much they mean to you. 💡 Thrive: Write a heartfelt note, send a thoughtful text, or give them a call. Even a small gesture can create a big impact. 3️⃣ Look for Gratitude in Challenges Life isn’t always easy, but even in the tough moments, there’s something to be thankful for. Maybe it’s a lesson learned, a new perspective, or the strength you’ve discovered in yourself. 💡 Thrive: Reflect on a recent challenge and find one thing you’re grateful for because of it. 4️⃣ Create a Gratitude Jar with Loved Ones If you’re spending time with family or friends, make gratitude a shared activity. Grab a jar, some slips of paper, and invite everyone to write down what they’re thankful for. 💡 Thrive: Take turns reading these aloud during your Thanksgiving meal—it’s a beautiful way to connect and celebrate together. ✨ Bonus for Thrivers: This is also an excellent way for newer braille readers or those using a new piece of assistive technology to share their skills. Have them collect & read the gratitude messages aloud for the group—it’s a unique and meaningful way to celebrate progress and abilities while sharing the spirit of gratitude. 5️⃣ Give Back in the Spirit of Gratitude Gratitude grows when we pay it forward. Whether it’s donating to a cause, volunteering, or simply lending a helping hand, acts of kindness are a powerful way to honor the blessings in your life. 💡 Thrive: Find one way to give back this week, no matter how small. Final Thought #Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s a foundation for thriving all year long. From all of us at the Thriving Blind Academy, Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 And as always, if you’re ready to connect and grow with us, check out https://lnkd.in/exePMYtU #ThrivingBlind #KristinSmedley #CharlieCollins #Thriver #Thriving #HappyThanksgiving #grateful #mindset

Imagine standing on the curb, waiting for a ride you booked, only to be denied—not just because of misunderstanding, but because the driver says something hurtful and deeply personal. That’s what happened to Suzette, a Thriving Blind Academy (TBA) member, and her loyal guide dog, Fred. This wasn’t the first time Suzette faced denial due to Fred, but it was the first time the experience came with such harsh, hurtful words. Moments like these aren’t just frustrating—they’re disheartening. They challenge your confidence and sense of independence. But Suzette didn’t back down. She turned to the tools and confidence she gained from TBA, including the THRIVER Formula for Success, and decided to advocate for herself and for others. How One Ride Turned into Advocacy Suzette took action, reporting the incident to ensure her voice was heard. From there, her advocacy journey grew. She spoke at Uber and Lyft headquarters in California, using her story to shine a spotlight on the challenges Blind individuals face when accessing rideshare services. Her determination to make a difference caught the attention of Forbes, where her story—and Fred’s—was featured this month. This is more than just a story about Suzette’s resilience; it’s a story about what we can all achieve when we empower ourselves and speak out for what’s right. 👉 Watch the video of Suzette and Fred’s experience here: https://lnkd.in/eVk3XgD9 👉 Read the full Forbes article here: https://lnkd.in/gCnGzvzy Why This Matters At Thriving Blind Academy, we believe in turning barriers into opportunities for progress. Suzette’s ability to transform a hurtful moment into a powerful advocacy effort shows what’s possible when you have the right support, knowledge, and determination. Her journey reminds us of this important truth: when one of us speaks up, we create change for all of us. Together, We Thrive We’re so proud of Suzette for her courage and determination to turn this experience into a chance to make the world more inclusive. Her story is an inspiration for all of us to rise above challenges and advocate for what’s right. 🚀 Learn more about how TBA empowers advocacy and success: https://lnkd.in/exePMYtU Thank you for being a part of this mission. Together, we can break barriers and build bridges. Remember: Thriving Begins With YOU! Suzette May #rideshare #advocacy #ADA #disability #ThrivingBlind #KristinSmedley #Forbes

This week's 5 to Thrive Community message for Thriving Blind Academy is all about #AssistiveTechnology resources and why it's important to stay on top of tools and trends! #Thrive #thrivers #ThrivingBlind #LevelThePlayingField #inclsuion #workforce

Exciting News, #Montana! Thriving Blind author Kristin Smedley is coming your way! Next month, she'll be speaking at the MONTANA ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND INC's annual convention! But that's not all—there's a surprise special guest joining her. (Stay tuned for more details!) Plus, there will be giveaways galore, including copies of Kristin's books #ThrivingBlind and #WhatICanBeIsUpToMe. 👉 Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible event. Grab your tickets now at https://lnkd.in/ehT2Agy2 See you there and please share with your network that will benefit from this event! Video Description: Conference rooms filled with engaged attendees. Kristin Smedley on the TEDx stage, captivating the audience. Kristin holding Thriving Blind alongside Kirk Adams, Tom Wlodkowski, and Erik Weihenmayer. A heartwarming image of three young children, two of whom are holding canes. #conference #ThrivingBlind #KristinSmedley #KeynoteSpeaker #blind #blindness

TBA Co-Founder, Kristin Smedley, recently joined Joe De Sena on The Hard Way podcast to discuss a powerful perspective: when accessibility is in place and people with disabilities have the tools they need, including the THRIVER Formula for Success, they give companies a competitive advantage. In this clip, Kristin explains how shifting the narrative from "disability as a limitation" to "disability as a strength" has helped her not just survive, but thrive. She believes that when organizations embrace accessibility and empower their employees, they unlock untapped potential and drive innovation. We invite you to watch or listen to the entire episode and consider how accessibility can be a game-changer for your organization. How can you implement strategies that turn challenges into opportunities? Check it out, and let us know what insights you discover. https://lnkd.in/e-Nc9Htn #HardWayPodcast #AccessibilityAdvantage #DisabilityInclusion #JoDeSena #KristinSmedley #SpartanUp #THRIVERFormula

5 to THRIVE! Happy Monday! As we celebrate the 4th of July this week, it’s a perfect time to focus on independence—a key element of the THRIVER Formula for Success. Independence is not just about physical abilities; it’s a mindset that empowers us to take control of our lives, regardless of vision loss. Here are 5 tips to help you shift from feeling dependent to embracing your independence. 1. Adopt a Positive Mindset The journey to independence starts with how we perceive ourselves. Replace thoughts of limitations with affirmations of your strengths and capabilities. Remind yourself daily that you are capable of achieving great things and that vision loss does not define your potential. 2. Set Realistic Goals Independence is achieved one step at a time. Set small, achievable goals that build your confidence and skills. Whether it’s mastering a new piece of technology or learning a new route in your neighborhood, each accomplishment brings you closer to greater independence. 3. Leverage Assistive Technology There’s a wealth of technology designed to enhance independence for those with vision loss. Explore tools like screen readers, voice-activated devices, and navigation aids. These technologies can transform how you interact with the world, making daily tasks more manageable and increasing your autonomy. 4. Build a Support Network Independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Surround yourself with a supportive community of family, friends, and fellow Thrivers. Share your goals and challenges with them, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. A strong support network can provide encouragement, advice, and practical assistance. 5. Embrace Lifelong Learning The quest for independence is ongoing. Stay curious and open to learning new skills and strategies that can enhance your independence. Attend workshops, join support groups, and seek out resources that help you grow and adapt. Remember, independence is a journey, not a destination. Each step you take towards embracing your independence is a victory worth celebrating. This 4th of July, let’s honor the spirit of independence by taking bold steps to thrive in our own lives. THRIVING BEGINS WITH YOU! Additional Resources: Explore our latest parenting event here: https://lnkd.in/ezjs7P27 Join our supportive community discussions at https://lnkd.in/exePMYtU Learn more about assistive technology with our TBA friend Sam Seavey of The Blind Life here: https://lnkd.in/ep-Xn-b8 Happy Independence Day! #AltText on pics #accessibilitymatters #Thrive #Independence #VisionLoss #Empowerment #ThriverFormula