Flight for Sight Inc. is a 501(c)(3) education nonprofit organization. We are giving away three $10,000 travel grants to individuals who are blind or have low vision to Explore the world, Engage with people and organizations, and Educate others about their lifestyles and experiences. Qualifying candidates can apply here by pitching their trip idea along with how they will educate others. We are looking for curious individuals who seek adventure and knowledge. They will create educational content and share lessons through Flight for Sight’s social platforms and in person.
Our History
Mike Walsh, along with his brother, Johnny, was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome Type 2C in 1997 around his 20th birthday. He has moderate hearing loss combined with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). His hearing has been stable his entire life, and with the help of hearing aids, he hears pretty well. Retinitis Pigmentosa is the continuous deterioration of the retina which leads to night blindness and a loss of peripheral vision.
2014
By 2014, Mike’s vision had deteriorated to the point where he was no longer driving and used a cane to get around. Mike was working in social media and understood its value in connecting people. He loved to travel, see the world, and connect with others.
With a team of friends, he combined those things and launched Flight for Sight. He crowdsourced ideas for trips all over the world to see and do things while he still could. Another part of his mission was to learn and educate others about vision issues.
He started a Facebook Page and posted,“Hello, my name is Mike Walsh and I am losing my sight. In two days (Saturday, February 1st), I will walk into the Madison Dane County Airport. Today, YOU decide where I am going.” Mike crowdsourced where he went and what he did. He went around the world and the rest is history! You can see his past adventures on Facebook and the blog on the old Flight for Sight website.
Today, Flight for Sight is a team and we want to give others the chance to have similar experiences. Are you blind or have low vision? Do you have an idea that is adventurous and educational? We want to hear from you!