Founder's Story

James Jasey

My name is James Jasey, a resident of South Orange, NJ. Since November 2019, I have been
employed at Rutgers University as a peer support specialist with the Eye2Eye Peer Support
Program for Vision Loss, providing phone-based peer support, resources, and referrals to the
blind and visually impaired community. Prior to that, I was employed by the U.S. Customs
Service as a senior customs inspector for 27 years.

On November 22, 1999, at 45 years old, my life changed drastically. I was involved in a serious
automobile accident. A stolen car crashed into multiple vehicles, causing my car to be crushed
under a traffic light and resulting in multiple severe bodily injuries. Ten days later, I lost my
eyesight, resulting in total, irreparable blindness. The diagnosis was ischemic optic neuropathy.

My body healed through an extensive rehabilitation process that took three months following my
vision loss. I was able to raise my family through faith and with the assistance of many others:
family, friends, former co-workers, my church, healthcare professionals, the Personal Assistance
Services Program (PASP), and the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI).

Then, my life became manageable. At that time, I was a single parent of two sons and a daughter.
They motivated me to adjust and acquire skills that would enable me to head my household. I
obtained guide dogs to assist me in navigating around obstacles.

I have served on many nonprofit boards and organizations serving various disabled communities,
including the blind and visually impaired.

President of Beyond the Eyes, Inc., a visually impaired multicultural peer support group
Black Issues Convention (BIC).
Member of NJ State CBVI Rehabilitation Advisory Board.
Member of DIAL, Inc. - Center for Independent Living Serving Passaic and Essex
Counties.
Member of the Essex County Cultural Affairs Accessibility Advisory Board.
Member of the National Black Disability Coalition (NBDC).
Member of the People's Organization for Progress (POP).

People with disabilities face isolation, ignorance, discrimination, and stigma from society at

large, which can have a tremendous effect on them and their families.

In July 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. The ADA law should also
apply to all people with disabilities!

Blessed are the Differently Abled;

James A. Jasey III