Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jennifer.h.bazer
LinkedIn page: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bazer-msw-5b019787
1. Please introduce yourself, indicate the position you are seeking, and explain why you are interested in serving in this role.
My name is Jennifer Bazer, and I am seeking a position as a Director on the Board of the American Council of the Blind.
I have been blind since birth and have spent my life navigating the opportunities and challenges that many blind and low vision individuals experience. From learning Braille and orientation and mobility as a child to becoming a professional leader, advocate, and mother of two teenagers, I have seen firsthand the importance of accessibility, mentorship, and community.
Professionally, I bring experience in leadership, workforce development, program management, advocacy, public speaking, and partnership development. Much of my career has focused on helping people with disabilities connect to employment, education, and opportunities for greater independence. I was honored to be selected as a JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellow through ACB, where I further developed my leadership skills alongside emerging leaders from across the country.
Within the blindness community, one of my proudest accomplishments has been helping revitalize the Palmetto Council of the Blind and assisting in re-establishing it as an affiliate of ACB. I was also instrumental in the passage of South Carolina's Blind Persons Right to Parent Act, advocating for the rights of blind parents and families.
I am interested in serving because I care deeply about ACB and its future. I believe in collaborative leadership, strengthening affiliates, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring members feel welcomed, connected, and empowered. I would be honored to help advance ACB's mission and expand opportunities for blind and low vision individuals nationwide.
2. What do you consider your strongest contribution to ACB at the national, state, special-interest affiliate, or local chapter level? Please explain why you view this as your most significant contribution.
I believe my strongest contribution has been helping revitalize the Palmetto Council of the Blind and assisting in re-establishing it as an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
When we began this effort, our focus was not simply on rebuilding an organization. We wanted to create a welcoming and sustainable community where blind and low vision individuals could connect with resources, advocacy, mentorship, and one another. Through outreach, collaboration, and relationship-building, we strengthened membership, increased engagement, and expanded awareness of opportunities available through ACB.
I view this as my most significant contribution because it was about more than organizational growth. It was about helping people find community, build confidence, and discover opportunities to lead. I have seen individuals become more engaged and willing to step into leadership roles because they felt supported, valued, and encouraged
I am also proud to have been instrumental in the passage of South Carolina's Blind Persons Right to Parent Act. As a blind woman and mother, that advocacy was deeply personal and reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens when people work together toward a common goal.
Whether serving professionally or as a volunteer, I have always focused on building relationships, creating opportunities, and helping others succeed. Those values continue to guide my involvement in ACB today.
3. In your view, what is the most important challenge currently facing ACB? How would you work to help address this challenge if elected?
Many individuals who are newly blind or experiencing vision loss are unaware of the resources, mentorship, and support available through ACB. Others may join but struggle to find meaningful ways to become involved and connected. As our organization evolves, we must continue finding ways to engage people of different ages, backgrounds, experiences, and interests.
If elected, I would work to strengthen outreach, mentorship, leadership development, and affiliate engagement. I believe members are more likely to remain involved when they feel welcomed, valued, and connected to a purpose. I would encourage opportunities for newer members to participate, contribute, and develop leadership skills at every level of the organization.
As someone who has worked with youth, working-age adults, families, and older adults, I understand the importance of meeting people where they are and helping them find pathways to meaningful involvement.
ACB's greatest strength is its members. By investing in relationships, leadership development, and engagement, we can continue building an organization that remains strong, relevant, and impactful for generations to come.
4. What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the blindness community we serve, and how would you work to advance meaningful change in this organization?
The most pressing issues facing blind and low vision individuals today include accessibility, employment, transportation, affordable technology, and persistent misconceptions about blindness.
While technology has opened many doors, inaccessible systems continue to create barriers in employment, education, healthcare, and daily life. Employment remains one of the most significant challenges facing our community despite the talent, education, and capabilities of blind and low vision individuals. Public misconceptions and low expectations continue to affect opportunities, independence, and quality of life.
As a blind professional, advocate, and mother of two teenagers, I understand how these issues affect individuals and families in real and practical ways.
If elected, I would support ACB's advocacy efforts while also working to strengthen partnerships, leadership development, and member engagement. I believe meaningful change happens when advocacy is paired with education, collaboration, and the sharing of lived experiences.
I am especially passionate about mentorship and community connection. Individuals who are newly blind or losing vision need opportunities to learn from others who have successfully navigated similar challenges. By strengthening connections among members and affiliates, we can help more people gain the skills, confidence, and support needed to achieve their goals.
ACB has a long history of advocacy and leadership, and I would be honored to help continue that work while advancing opportunities for blind and low vision individuals across the country.