Flight for Sight is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals who are blind or have low vision by offering $10,000 travel grants. These grants enable recipients to explore the world, engage with diverse communities, and educate others about blindness and low vision.
It sounded like an exciting program, so I contacted the founder, Mike Walsh to learn more about the program. Mike generously agreed to spend time on a call to tell me all about the program.
Since its inception, Flight for Sight has conducted two rounds of grants, each selecting three winners who have embarked on unique journeys to benefit the blind and visually impaired community. The application process encourages innovative travel project proposals that align with the organization’s mission.
An example would be Grayson Roberts: A motivated 9-year-old who founded Limitless Lemonade to finance his travels, Grayson and his mother, Terica, journeyed to Ghana, Africa. There, they donated white canes and learned about conditions for blind and visually impaired individuals in a developing country. Their efforts aimed to bridge gaps in resources and raise awareness about global disparities in accessibility.
One of the notable grant recipients is Ted Tahquechi, a blind photographer and travel influencer based in Denver, Colorado. Since his work is related to my most recent projects in many ways, I asked Mike if he could put me in touch with Ted, who was also willing to spend a great amount of time to tell me about his work and his experience.
After losing his vision in a car accident, Ted redirected his technological skills towards creating tactile photographs—art pieces that can be experienced through touch. With support from Flight for Sight, Ted, his wife Carrie, and his guide dog Fauna traveled across the United States, capturing images of iconic locations to transform into tactile prints. Each print includes a tactile QR code that links to an audio description, enhancing accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
Ted’s project exemplifies the innovative spirit that Flight for Sight aims to foster. His work not only broadens the accessibility of art but also raises awareness about the capabilities and creativity of individuals with visual impairments.
Flight for Sight encourages individuals who are blind or have low vision to propose travel projects that will have a meaningful impact on the community. Applications can be submitted through their website. Additionally, the organization offers resources such as application tips and opportunities to discuss ideas with Executive Director Mike Walsh.
For those interested in applying for the next round of grants, Flight for Sight has scheduled a Zoom Q&A session on January 14, 2025, at 7 PM Eastern Time. This session offers prospective applicants an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions. The application deadline for the upcoming grants is February 15, 2025.
I am very excited to hear about the new applicants and the final three who will get to fly and make a difference.
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