Dreamer Award Winner 2024 Jennifer Bazer

Jennifer was born blind. As a single parent of a teenager and a pre-teen, Jennifer balances her career with a fulfilling personal life. In her free time, she enjoys cooking for loved ones and listening to live music. She is passionate about making a positive impact both in her community and with her family. She has a Bachelor's degree from Winthrop University, and her Masters degree was earned at the University of South Carolina. Jennifer has eight years of experience in workforce development, and one of her greatest joys is helping people with disabilities, find meaningful employment. She continues to advocate for accessibility and inclusion, as president of the Palmetto Council of the Blind of South Carolina.

One of her greatest challenges is not being on the same level playing field as her sighted counterparts. The lack of accessibility in her workplace remains a daily hurdle that she overcomes.

Jennifer’s greatest success to date is becoming an advocate for people with disabilities and helping people with any disability. This is a daily, rewarding opportunity she cherishes. She says, “I hang my hat but strive to build on, my contributions as a speaker, for the Blind Persons’ Right to Parent Act, passed in 2014. To me, being extra-abled means emphasizing one’s capabilities, rather than focusing on weaknesses or limitations. It is an empowering term to describe one’s potential and contributions.”

Jennifer is the owner of Inclusive Access Solutions which helps individuals in the disability community reach their highest potential, by providing resources and training to make informed decisions. It also provides avenues for businesses to be more inclusive, by adopting accessible materials, structures and systems, signage, and more. “We provide disability awareness assessments and training, to companies, schools, civic groups, and more.”

“I am dreaming that people with disabilities will soon have more options, for services, products, and resources. I am dreaming of a more level playing field for people with disabilities. I dream that people with disabilities can enter a business without fear of rejection, and cruelty, nor be faced with inaccessible information or structures, products, or services. I am dreaming of my local community, my state, my nation, and a world, where ignorance is no more.” Jennifer Bazer