Our story
Why Open Eyes began
In the words of our founder, Chanell A. Briggs.
I created Open Eyes from a very personal place. I watched a family member who is blind move through a world that is built more and more around screens, apps and fast-changing technology. It opened my eyes in a way I could not ignore. Simple things many of us take for granted, like using a smartphone, finding information or connecting with others online, were often frustrating, inconsistent or out of reach for him.
I saw how hard it was to take part in technology that was not designed with people like him in mind. Tasks that should have given him independence put up barriers instead. Beyond the technical problems, there was something deeper. Technology is supposed to connect us, and without anyone intending it, it was leaving people out.
Digital access is no longer optional. It is essential. And for people who are blind or living with disabilities, too few places exist to learn. That realization turned concern into commitment. It became my mission.
One exercise says it all
When I work with people who can see, I ask them to close their eyes and try to use their smartphone. The reactions are the same every time. Confusion, then frustration, then realization: “I did not realize how challenging this is.” That moment builds empathy, and it shows the everyday barriers many people live with.
That is why I created Open Eyes.
What we are here to do
Open Eyes was built to bridge that gap, to make technology and media more accessible, understandable and empowering for everyone, especially people who are blind or living with disabilities. We offer hands-on, patient, practical guidance so people can use smartphones, social media and digital tools in their everyday lives.
We teach how to use technology safely, too: how to spot scams, protect privacy and move through online spaces with confidence. Most of all, we help people use technology as a way to connect, to reach loved ones, to find resources, to take part in their communities and to feel included in a digital world that too often overlooks them.
Open Eyes is about more than teaching technology. It is about opening doors, and giving people the tools to engage with the world on their own terms, with confidence, dignity and independence.
Chanell A. Briggs
Founder and CEO