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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.
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.
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.
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.
Our Mission
"Empowering blind and visually impaired individuals through transformative training, employment, and inclusion; proving that ability isn't seen — it's felt."
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The Equation for Transformation
70%
Unemployment
70% unemployment rate among blind/VI
Untapped Talent
Untapped workforce with proven excellence in the art & science of massage therapy for centuries
$54B
Massage Industry
$54 billion massage industry facing a shortage of massage therapists - Projected 20% job growth from 2021-2031
Unmatched opportunity for transformation
Opportunity + Inclusion = Economic Empowerment
The Grand Finale: A Celebration of Possibilities
As ABS’s Two-Year I-AM Possible Pilot Program came to a close, the journey wasn’t ending— it was just beginning.
To honor this milestone, ABS hosted a Community Wellness Evening, uniting supporters,
sponsors, pastors, and community members in recognition of breakthrough and belonging. What
unfolded wasn’t just a celebration, it was living proof of transformation.
Testimonials poured in, revealing: The profound impact of blind and visually impaired massage
therapists The undeniable power of inclusion in wellness and workforce development The
resounding recognition that gave rise to Train-to-Hire
With the pilot’s legacy now sealed, the future stands wide open. ABS is launching Train-toHire—a bold new chapter expanding opportunity, breaking barriers, and declaring that employment for blind individuals is no longer the exception…It’s the expectation.
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.
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.
Led by Master Massage Therapist and ABS Board Chair Dawud Ali, and delivered in partnership with local 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.
Event Sponsors
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.