Passion Project Portal: Meet Benjamin Wright (By Hindley Williams
Photo above: Benjamin Wright, wearing a t-shirt that says “DADDY” poses with his young daughter.
Benjamin Wright has dedicated over a decade of his life to the American Council of the Blind (ACB), becoming a member of the Kentucky affiliate in 2011. His commitment and passion for the organization led him to join KCB Next Generation in 2014 when it was still in its infancy as a statewide concept. Throughout his involvement with KCB Next Generation, Benjamin has taken on various roles, serving as both the secretary and president, showcasing his leadership abilities and dedication to fostering a supportive community for young individuals who are blind and low vision. Currently, Benjamin is an active member of both ACB Next Generation and KCB Next Generation.
Benjamin’s commitment to leadership and growth has not gone unnoticed. He has been named a 2023 JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellow, and he is looking forward to making connections and expanding his horizons at this year’s ACB Conference and Convention in Schaumburg, IL. Although he is eager for the trip, he will miss his young daughter while he is away from home.
Becoming a father for the first time has been an incredibly significant and life-changing experience for Benjamin. Father’s Day 2023 marked only the second time he celebrated the occasion as a father himself. Outside of his professional commitments and his dedicated work within ACB, Benjamin devotes all of his spare time to his wife and daughter. Hadassah, his 14-month-old daughter, holds a special place in his heart. She has recently begun to learn to talk, and he takes immense pride in her ability to say “dada.”
In true toddler fashion, Hadassah’s curiosity and energetic spirit keep Benjamin and his wife on their toes. To ensure her safety and be aware of her whereabouts as a totally blind parent, Benjamin has been known to attach bells to her shoes so he can hear where she is walking. This ingenious solution allows him to monitor her activities, providing peace of mind while fostering her independence.
Reflecting on a recent stay at Kentucky’s rehabilitation center, Benjamin fondly recalls the time he spent there receiving supplemental technology training for his job. Although he missed the comfort and familiarity of home, he found solace in the digital age. With the aid of modern technology, Benjamin was able to connect with his daughter through FaceTime, bridging the physical distance between them. Seeing Hadassah’s face light up with joy and recognition brought him so much happiness. When they reunited in person, he was treated to one of her signature hugs, which are always accompanied by gentle pats on the back. He is looking forward to one of these perfect daughter hugs when he returns home from the flurry of activity at the 2023 ACB convention.
This month, as we commemorate Father’s Day, let us take a moment to honor and appreciate the fathers and father figures in our lives. These remarkable individuals not only provide us with security and comfort but also gracefully navigate the intricate balancing act between their responsibilities and personal growth.