How a community of doers turned a fundraiser into forward motion for vision-first accessibility
TL;DR
We partnered with the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals to host a lively fundraiser at Utah Arts Academy—complete with hands-on demos, live music, food trucks, speakers, trivia, a raffle, and powerful community storytelling.
The result: stronger partnerships, new advocates, and real momentum for blindness and low-vision accessibility in Southern Utah. The work continues—join us below.
What happened (and why it matters)
Let’s be honest: change doesn’t happen because someone posts a “we should do better” meme. It happens when people show up, ask smart questions, try the tech, and commit to next steps.
The Young Professionals community did exactly that—bringing the kind of energy that turns good ideas into real-world access.
Hosted at Utah Arts Academy, the evening centered on a simple idea: if St. George is going to grow, it should grow equitably. That means building businesses, events, and digital spaces that welcome blind and low-vision neighbors by design—not as an afterthought.
We came ready with tools, demos, and stories. YP brought curiosity, influence, and sleeves-rolled-up optimism. Perfect match.
Highlights you could feel in the room
Hands-on accessibility demos
Guests interacted with accessibility workflows and vision-first interfaces. The goal wasn’t to impress with jargon—it was to show how small, specific changes can dramatically improve independence and navigation for blind and low-vision folks.
Community storytelling
Local voices reframed accessibility from “nice to have” to non-negotiable infrastructure—the kind cities brag about because it actually works for everyone.
Live music + food trucks
Because networking is better with a bassline and tacos. No one waxes poetic about a meeting that could’ve been an email. This wasn’t that.
Speakers + Q&A
Short talks with straight answers: how to make websites, events, and physical spaces more accessible—without the drama, mystery, or sticker shock.
Trivia & raffle
Trivia turned accessibility into a team sport; the raffle kept the stakes fun. The proceeds move directly into projects that expand vision-first access in the community.
What we achieved—together
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- New partners and pledges. Local orgs and professionals stepped up to explore pilots, sponsor initiatives, and bring accessibility into their 2025–26 plans.
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- A louder signal. Attendees left with clear actions (see below), not just good intentions.
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- A stronger network. The YP community is a force multiplier—we’re excited to build with you, not just present to you.
(If you want to add hard numbers like dollars raised or headcount, drop them here. If not, the momentum speaks for itself.)
5 actions you can take this month
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- Audit one thing. Pick your website, office, or event checklist. Improve one concrete accessibility element. Then tell your audience what you changed and why.
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- Caption and describe. Add accurate captions and alt text to new content. Accessibility isn’t extra—it’s professional.
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- Invite lived expertise. Involve blind and low-vision users early. Feedback late in the process is just a band-aid.
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- Budget it in. Make accessibility a line item, not a line later. It’s cheaper—and better—when done up front.
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- Partner with us. From quick consultations to pilot programs, we make this doable without derailing your roadmap.
Gratitude where it’s due
Huge thanks to the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals for co-hosting and rallying the community, and to Utah Arts Academy for the space and support.
To every volunteer, vendor, musician, and attendee: you didn’t just show up—you moved the needle.
What’s next
We’re rolling this momentum into vision-first pilots with local businesses and community groups.
If you’re YP, a small business owner, a city leader, an educator—or just someone who believes independence should be built-in—let’s talk.
Partner with Hearsee: Strategy sessions, accessibility audits, and pilot programs
Donate: Fuel projects that make independence possible
Stay in the loop: Get event invites, progress notes, and opportunities to help
👉 Ready to move? Contact Us
