Leadership
blindDANCE leadership is comprised of industry professionals in the blindness community, in addition to the business, academic, government and medical fields. Our team has banded together to provide opportunities and training in the film industry to those who are blind and visually impaired, often through creative partnerships.
Bari Azman - President of the Board
Bari is an expert launch and business growth specialist with startups. Former President of IDT Jets, administered more than fifteen overseas manufacturing facilities while directing sourcing, creative, retail and business development.
Currently serving as VP of Marketing and Wearable Technology for Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA, a multi-office practice that specializes in working with patients suffering from low vision. Bari was part of the team that collaborated with Samsung in the development of IrisVision. Bari also worked tirelessly in the launch of the advanced eSight product throughout the Northeast USA.
Ben Fox - Executive Director, Founding Board Member
Legally blind, and a former Sundance Filmmaker, Ben has boldly returned to filmmaking with several powerful films in 2020, highlighting the possibilities for filmmakers who are blind.
Ben is a trained journalist and educator with international experience. He is an entrepreneur at heart who opened and managed a small media creation company, specializing in video marketing.
Ben is also the founder of AlmostBlind.org, and has dedicated the past five years to doing service work in the community.
Stephen Azman - Director, Founding Board Member
Dave Steele - Director of Europe
Dave Steele is an award-winning poet, author, public speaker, singer, and advocate for the blind. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in 2014, this genetic eye condition left Dave “severely sight impaired.” Together his wife, Amy, the family grappled with the difficult diagnosis as RP quickly left Steele an unemployed father of four. Feeling the stressors of financial debt and the loss of his independence,
Dave has been featured in a short film by Cambridge university called Blindsighted. He has also appeared on a special called the Blind Poet for RNIB radio, BBC TV, ITV and That’s Manchester TV news. His advocacy work continues to be recognized both locally and internationally. In 2018 Dave was honored by Henshaws with the “Impact Award” and was the recipient of the Pride of Bury “Community Hero Award.” He currently serves as a local ambassador for Henshaws and as a global Ambassador for the American company, Two Blind Brothers.
Charlie Collins - Chief Inspiration Officer
Brent Day - Advisory Board Member
Film Maker
Michele Spitz - Advisory Board Member
Woman of Her Word
Dr. Kallie Harrier, O.D. - Advisory Board Member
ViewFinder Low Vision Resource Center
