Tag: overcoming obstacles

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Accessibility Blindness & Low Vision Community & Inspiration Inclusion Personal Reflections

How My Dream Transformed Into A Reality

Early Beginnings: The Dream Takes Shape

In 2006, as I prepared for my senior year at Lenape High School, I applied for a variety of scholarships, one of which was offered by the Medford Business Association. In my scholarship essay, I shared my dream of becoming a bookkeeper, imagining that in five years, I would be working in that field. Little did I know, that dream would eventually become a reality, but it would take a different direction than I had expected.

In November 2011, I began actively seeking a bookkeeping position. On November 4, I had an interview with Padden Denn Drewry, a local accounting firm in Medford, for an office job. During the interview, Dan Padden, one of the firm’s partners, suggested something I hadn’t considered before. He encouraged me to start my own business focusing on data entry and bookkeeping, areas that I had always found enjoyable. Inspired by his advice, I officially founded Mackey Enterprises later that month.

The first few years involved working on subcontracted projects for Padden Denn Drewry. Some of the tasks I handled included creating profit and loss statements from bank statement information, building Excel spreadsheets to track clients’ credit card expenses, and reconciling multiple bank accounts. These initial projects continued through 2014, providing the groundwork for the business.

In June 2014, I started promoting Mackey Enterprises more actively. I spread the word through emails, flyers, and word of mouth. By 2015, I had business cards printed and a website for the company. That same year, I had the opportunity to introduce Mackey Enterprises at the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ) state convention.

First Personal Clients: Expanding the Services

In the spring of 2015, I gained my first two personal clients. One of the projects involved creating an inventory list for a model train collection, while another required organizing sales receipts for a bathroom remodeling project. These early opportunities allowed me to expand my services beyond bookkeeping and take on new challenges.

Entering Web Content Management: A New Chapter Begins

In February 2016, the NFBNJ reached out to me with an exciting opportunity to manage their website’s content. With the assistance of the Website Committee, I helped rebuild the site on WordPress, launching it in late June. The positive feedback I received encouraged me to start offering content management as part of my services. In October 2016, I took on the role of maintaining the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBIL) website, which was already on WordPress, ensuring that the site’s content was kept up to date.

New Projects and Growing Opportunities

In early 2017, the president of the National Federation of the Blind of Delaware (NFBDE) asked me to manage their website’s content. I completed the project before the 2017 National Convention, marking another milestone for Mackey Enterprises. Later that year, I revamped the website for the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA), improving its accessibility and optimizing it for WordPress.

Around the same time, I began maintaining the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania (NFBPA) website, ensuring that it was kept up to date. By early 2018, I had also become the website coordinator for the National Federation of the Blind of Nevada (NFBNV) National Federation of the Blind DeafBlind Division, and the National Federation of the Blind of Iowa (NFBIA), transitioning their websites to Drupal, a more flexible platform for long-term growth.

Expanding Further: New Challenges and Opportunities

In 2018, the National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBCA) approached me to assist in transferring their website to a new hosting provider and rebuilding it with WordPress. This project represents another exciting opportunity for Mackey Enterprises and the continued growth of the business.

Where I Am Today: Living the Dream

At Mackey Enterprises, I combine my passion for data entry, bookkeeping, and web content management to deliver top-quality services. From handling bookkeeping projects to managing website content for National Federation of the Blind affiliates, I have gained valuable experience and built a foundation of skills that help clients achieve their goals.

As of 2025, I am proud to maintain the websites for several National Federation of the Blind (NFB) affiliates and related organizations, including the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ), National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBIL), National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas (NFBAR), National Federation of the Blind of Iowa (NFBIA), National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts (NFBMA), National Federation of the Blind of Nevada (NFBNV), National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC), NFBMA Greater Springfield Chapter, and National Federation of the Blind Seniors Division. Additionally, I serve as the web coordinator for the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA).

Of the websites I maintain, the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) and the NFBMA Greater Springfield Chapter are hosted on WordPress, while all the other listed organizations are using Drupal.

I am committed to helping these organizations maintain an accessible and up-to-date online presence, contributing to their missions and supporting the blind community in various ways.

Partner with Mackey Enterprises: Making Your Vision a Reality

Turning my dream into a reality was no easy feat, but now I’m ready to help you do the same. Whether you need data entry services, bookkeeping services, or website content management, Mackey Enterprises is here to support you. Let’s work together to make your vision a reality!

Categories
Accessibility Blindness & Low Vision Inclusion Sports & Recreation

MABGA: Golf for the Blind

Golf is a great game enjoyed by many, but not everyone realizes that blind and low vision individuals can also participate in and excel at the sport. The Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) has been empowering blind and low vision golfers since 1948, proving that anyone, regardless of vision, can enjoy this challenging and rewarding game.

The History of the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association

In 1948, four blind individuals from the Philadelphia area who enjoyed playing golf came together to form the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association. Today, over 70 years later, the organization boasts over 115 blind and visually impaired members, along with sighted coaches who assist with estimating distances and identifying hazards such as sand traps and water. When the organization began, they held only a few outings. Now, MABGA organizes 30 to 40 outings every year in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey area, including its annual Joe Casey Pro-Am Tournament and fundraising events.

The organization has also evolved, now having both male and female members and coaches, compared to its early days when only men were involved.

How Do Blind and Low Vision Golfers Play?

When a sighted individual learns that a blind person is playing golf, they often wonder how such a challenging game can be played without sight. Blind golfers are paired with sighted coaches, who assist in a variety of ways, including determining the distance for a shot, selecting the appropriate club, lining up the ball, and finding it after a shot.

Many blind golfers also use nonvisual techniques, such as placing tactile distinguishing tape on their clubs. For example, MABGA President Mario Tobia uses different types of tape on his clubs to differentiate between woods, irons, and wedges. This method allows blind golfers to independently identify their clubs. Despite these challenges, some blind golfers can take better swings than their sighted peers!

The MABGA Junior Golf Program

The MABGA Junior Golf Program has played a critical role in introducing blind and low vision children to the sport of golf. The program, which is available to children ages 5 through 21 in the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware areas, offers free golf clinics and lessons from professional golfers. MABGA also pairs junior golfers with local golf pros for free lessons at their local courses.

When I first got involved with the Junior Blind Golf program in 2001, I attended the spring golf clinic at the Overbrook School for the Blind. At that clinic, I had to overcome the challenge of hitting short swings since the course had very short holes! The program has grown significantly over the years. In 2009, there were about 20 to 30 participants. Today, the program serves 78 participants and has expanded to six to seven locations in the Philadelphia area, along with a new group in northern New Jersey.

MABGA’s Legacy of Inclusivity and Growth

The MABGA Junior Golf program was founded by Norman Kritz, who left a lasting legacy by building two golf courses for blind students: the Robert Allman Memorial Golf Course at the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia (opened in 1996) and the Kritz Links at the New York Institute for Special Education in Bronx, NY (opened in 2021). These courses provide blind golfers with dedicated, accessible spaces to practice and improve their skills.

How to Become a Member of MABGA

Blind and low vision individuals interested in joining the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association can submit a membership application. After approval by the Membership Committee, members are considered provisional until voted in as full members during the annual Fall General Meeting. Once approved, members are required to pay annual membership dues, which grants access to all MABGA outings throughout the year.

MABGA’s Annual Fundraising Tournament

One of MABGA’s key events is the annual fundraising tournament, which raises essential funds for the organization’s programs. This year’s tournament is scheduled for August 25th at Philmont Country Club in Huntingdon Valley, PA. The registration cost for general participants is $250 per person, which includes brunch, 18 holes of golf, cocktail hour, and dinner. Special reduced rates are available for MABGA members and their coaches.

The tournament is the organization’s primary fundraising vehicle, supporting the continuation of its golf clinics, programs, and events. Additional details and registration information can be found on the MABGA website at www.mabga.org/annual-tournament.

Get Involved with MABGA

The Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association is always welcoming new members and supporters. Whether you are a blind or low vision golfer, a sighted coach, or someone who simply wants to support the organization, there are numerous ways to get involved. For more information, contact MABGA at info@mabga.org or 215-745-2323. You can also watch their promotional video on YouTube or visit their official website at www.mabga.org for more details.