UBL Update September 2025 - Blind Leadership on the World Stage

Written By June Bennison

Dear supporters,

September has been a productive month for United Blind Leaders. Read on in this update to learn how we’ve been advancing Blind Leadership worldwide.

World Blindness Summit (WBS) – Reflections & Resources

Earlier this month, UBL took to the global stage at the World Blindness Summit 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil. More than 1,500 delegates from over 100 countries gathered to discuss leadership, accessibility, braille literacy, innovation, and inclusion.

In our session, Nothing About Us Without Us: Why Blind People Must Lead Blindness Organisations, Emma Bennison and Graeme Innes made the case that authentic blind leadership is both a justice imperative and a driver of more effective services:

“Blind leadership is not optional. It’s a matter of justice, a human rights imperative. When organisations are led by blind people, they are more effective because they start from lived experience.”

Graeme reflected on the broader impact:

“The opportunity to engage with blind and vision-impaired people from around the world was informative, challenging and educative. It was an excellent launch pad for United Blind Leaders and we were able to get our messages out and make very broad contacts.”

We also launched the UBL Pledge, adapted with permission from the National Federation of the Blind, inviting individuals and organisations worldwide to commit to supporting blind leadership at every level.

Success of the 11 September Webinar

Our most recent webinar, Balancing Leadership and Life: Sleep, Mental Health, and Wellbeing as a Blind or Vision-Impaired Leader, drew a fantastic turnout.

Keynote speaker Jonathan Mosen spoke powerfully about the importance of wellbeing in leadership:

“As leaders, if we’re not good to ourselves, we’re not good for anybody. It can be brave for a blind leader to show vulnerability, given how rare it is for blind people to be in leadership positions.”

He shared practical strategies that have helped him, including meditation, journaling, and peer support, emphasising the value of both self-compassion and collective action.

Emma Bennison added her own perspective, particularly on the importance of sleep and pacing oneself:

“I have an anxiety disorder and I can pretty much guarantee that if I don’t get a decent amount of sleep… I can feel myself going into an anxious spiral. Over time I’ve learned to have a lot more self-compassion. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint.”

You can read the full recap and download the recording and transcript at UBL Webinar Recap: Balancing Leadership and Life – Sleep, Mental Health, and Wellbeing as a Blind or Vision Impaired Leader — United Blind Leaders

Stay connected: follow UBL on socials

Help grow the movement by following and sharing our updates. You can find all our up-to-date social links at https://unitedblindleaders.org/contact-us.

With gratitude for your continuing support,

The United Blind Leaders Team
Emma Bennison
Jane Britt
Graeme Innes
Pam MacNeill
John Simpson

June Bennison
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UBL Webinar Recap: Balancing Leadership and Life – Sleep, Mental Health, and Wellbeing as a Blind or Vision Impaired Leader