The Dot Experience Cast: Judy Dixon

Judy Dixon is a woman of humility, generosity, spunk, and drive. Judy worked for the National Library Service for the Blind within the Library of Congress for 43 years, served as Chair of the Braille Authority of North America, Secretary of the International Council on English Braille, and as President of ICEB. She is a trailblazer in the field of blindness and low vision and believes wholeheartedly in the importance of braille literacy and education. 

Early Life 

Born with low vision, Judy was diagnosed as legally blind at nine days old. Growing up in rural Florida, she had enough vision to make out shapes but didn’t have the ability to do things like read large print books. In her small town, she had never met another person with blindness or low vision. Her parents sent her to the Florida School for the Blind where she not only met peers who were blind but began to learn braille. Judy recalls that the moment she began learning braille and being taught to use a braille slate and typewriter, she fell in love with every piece of braille literacy. She read all the braille books she could get her hands on and was thrilled to learn all that was placed in front of her.  

After her parents spoke to an optometrist in Massachusetts who was interested in improving Judy’s eyesight ─even going so far as to attempt surgery that would increase her vision─ she moved in with an aunt nearby to stay close to the doctor following the procedure. Judy attended public school in Massachusetts and loved her newfound freedom. During her time at the school for the blind, Judy recalls feeling so frustrated in her inability to go outside if she needed air or walk herself to the bathroom. At public school, she was given much more independence than she realized school could allow. Judy developed an attitude toward other people who were blind or low vision, thinking of them as being lazy, and incapable of the kind of thought, activity, and freedom that she was. For years, she was hesitant to attempt close friendship, or even work with another person who was blind or had low vision.  

That all changed in the 1970s when Judy heard of an organization called Ski for Light, a non-profit organization that teaches individuals who are blind or low vision to ski. She took a chance and decided to attend their international week, meeting a community of blind and low vision individuals like none she had known before. Judy found that there were people like her out in the world who were determined to work hard toward success and independence, despite their blindness or low vision and any other barriers that might stand in their way.  

Career 

Judy received a B.A. from Stetson University, DeLand, Florida in 1974; an M.A. from Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, in 1976; and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, also from Adelphi, in 1980. She recalls that she wasn’t overly excited by the actual work of psychology, but that it felt like a field where she could find opportunities for success. However, at an ACB Convention in 1978, she heard about a job with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled within the Library of Congress and took a chance. While Judy had never imagined herself in the field of blindness, she loved the library, and remained with them for over 40 years.  

Judy spearheaded the movement for accessible text with the development of the internet and it’s use in everyday life. She became an expert in the field of braille literacy, and worked diligently in her own life to maintain her independence as a person who is blind.  

Some of her major awards include, but are not limited to: Francis Joseph Campbell Award, Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, American Library Association, Chicago, Illinois—June 2005; Gallagher Award, American Foundation for the Blind, Washington, DC—June 2009; Robert S. Bray Award, American Council of the Blind, Phoenix, AZ—July 2010; Migel Medal, American Foundation for the Blind, Arlington, VA—May 2022; and the Wings of Freedom Award, American Printing House for the Blind, Louisville, KY—October 2024.  

Each of these awards recognize Judy for her commitment to print and electronic accessibility, braille literacy, and modeling a successful career for those with vision loss. She has continued to be a clear voice within the field of blindness, ensuring that all people receive access to the materials they deserve. APH is honored to have her included in The Dot Experience Cast.