Our Mission
"Empowering blind and visually impaired individuals through transformative training, employment, and inclusion; proving that ability isn't seen — it's felt."
The Equation for Transformation
70%
Unemployment
7 out of 10 blind or visually impaired adults remain unemployed. Not due to lack of ability—but due to limited opportunity.
Untapped Talent
Blind massage therapists bring centuries of practiced touch, intuition, and healing—talent that's been overlooked for too long.
$54B
Massage Industry
The U.S. massage industry is booming, but faces a therapist shortage. Demand is rising—and the solution is already here.
Opportunity + Inclusion = Economic Empowerment
70% unemployment tells the story. But it’s our equation—Opportunity + Inclusion = Economic
About ABS
Ability Beyond Sight (ABS) is transforming lives and perceptions through the power of touch.
What began in a Bergen County basement with a bold idea—inspired by time-tested models from Japan, Korea, and China—has become a movement redefining workforce inclusion in the U.S. wellness industry.
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From Legacy to Leadership For over a century, blind and visually impaired individuals across the Far East have shaped massage therapy into a cultural cornerstone, blending art, science, and livelihood. In South Korea, a 1913 law reserved massage therapy for blind practitioners, establishing a lasting model of empowerment through touch.
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Today, ABS carries that legacy forward—drawing from proven global models and, building on the success of the I-AM Possible Pilot Program in Bergen County, NJ, we are proud to launch the Train-to-Hire Program as the next chapter in workforce inclusion.
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The Catalyst: I-AM Possible Launched in 2015 with four blind massage therapists, ABS delivered over 1,000 complimentary massages across New Jersey, reshaping public perceptions, forging lasting partnerships, and earning county-wide recognition. This two-year pilot became proof of concept and fuel for the future.
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The Grand Finale
To celebrate this milestone, ABS hosted a Community Wellness Evening, uniting supporters, sponsors, and neighbors in recognition of breakthrough and belonging.​
Shining a Light: Community Voices & Impact
“I wasn’t sure what to expect from a blind massage therapist, but I stand completely corrected. Not only was it the best massage I’ve ever had, but it showed me the incredible skill, precision, and focus these therapists bring to their work. Nancy is leading something extraordinary, and I fully support her mission—this program proves that talent and dedication know no limits.” > — Jennifer Z.
Testimonials
Real voices. Real impact. These aren’t just testimonials—they’re the heartbeat of change.
“My chair massage with Danielle was excellent. She was very attentive to my needs and gave an expert massage. Thank you Ability Beyond Sight!”
— Victoria
“This guy Otis is the real deal. Excellent chair massage. Thanks so much for allowing me to participate.”
— Tony
“It was obvious that all the ABS massage therapists are artists, each with their own style and totally focused. Having or lacking sight is just irrelevant.”
— Rachim Baskin, LMT, NY
“I experienced my first massage ever with Silvana! It was invigorating. I never knew or had even seen a blind massage therapist before. Hats off to ABS for hosting such a spectacular Pilot Program.”
— Julia
“This experience totally changed my life and made me realize what people with disabilities are capable of. Thank you Nancy for doing this—together we’ll make a difference.” — Ariel
“It was an awakening experience. We can teach the world that it doesn’t matter if you have some type of disability.”
— Participant
As Featured In
Massage Magazine
“A Groundbreaking Nonprofit”
WFME Radio
Spotlight on inclusion and faith-driven leadership – Salute to Champions Award
Recipient
For innovation and accessibility
Blind, Bold & Beautiful
Silvana and Kency exemplify strength, talent, and resilience. Their success proves that ability is defined not by sight—but by skill, heart, and vision.
A Career Pathway, Not a Charity - From Pilot to Pathway: Launching What’s Possible
The Train-to-Hire Initiative Building on the success of the I-AM Possible Pilot Program, ABS launches the Train-to-Hire Initiative—a structured, scalable career pathway designed to prepare blind and visually impaired individuals for success in the wellness industry.
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Led by Master Massage Therapist and ABS Board Chair Dawud Ali, and delivered in partnership with XYZ Massage School, the program blends tactile-centered instruction—modeled on successful Far East frameworks—with a state-approved massage therapy curriculum. Together, we’re turning training into transformation and inclusion into impact.
Special Guests, Sponsors & Vendors
Miracle Catering
Providing delicious refreshments
Robert Fiance Beauty School
Educational partner
Community Partners
​Supporting our mission
Meet Our Board of Directors
Eleanor Richardson
Chairperson
Marcus Johnson
Vice Chair
Sophia Nguyen
Treasurer
David Patel
Secretary
Join Our Movement
Ability Beyond Sight is revolutionizing the massage industry—not just through employment, but through transformation. With each supporter, ABS deepens its impact. Together, we are rewriting the narrative. Together, we are illuminating a new path forward.
Be part of the movement
Donate
Help fund training, tools, and job placements
Partner
Bring inclusion to your spa, studio, or wellness brand
Refer
Know someone blind/VI ready to launch a career in healing? Let’s connect
Get Involved
Volunteer. Advocate. Spread the word
Ability isn’t seen — it’s felt.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
Together, we rewrite the narrative.