From a small idea to a national movement — and now, officially a nonprofit
Before we share the big news, we want to zoom out for a moment.
Because this didn’t happen overnight.
Over the last (almost) decade, together with this community, we’ve:
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Built a movement of 600,000+ supporters
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Launched the viral Shop Blind Challenge
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Created braille-forward, tactile products that spark everyday conversations about blindness and accessibility
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Designed the largest charity-branded optical eyewear collection in the country
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Made our eyewear available in over 1,500 optical retail locations nationwide
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Partnered with mission-aligned brands and organizations
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Created meaningful employment opportunities for blind and low-vision workers
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Raised awareness for braille literacy, guide dogs, and independent living
What started as two brothers with an idea turned into something so much bigger than we ever imagined.
And now, we’re stepping into our biggest chapter yet.
Two Blind Brothers is officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.
Where this all started
When we were seven years old, we were both diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease — a degenerative eye condition that slowly takes central vision.
Our family suddenly found themselves navigating a world that didn’t feel built for blindness. There were questions, uncertainty, and not a lot of support.
Years later, Two Blind Brothers started with one simple goal:
Make things easier for the next family.
In 2016, we launched with a bold commitment — donating 100% of profits from our products to blindness-related causes. What began as a small apparel project quickly grew into a community.
People showed up.
Shared our story.
Took the Shop Blind Challenge.
Trusted us.
And together, we built something special.
From products to purpose
Along the way, we realized something important.
Yes — research matters.
But so does awareness.
So does education.
So does connection.
So does creating real opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired today.
That’s what led to:
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The Shop Blind Challenge
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Braille-integrated and tactile designs
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Guide dog education
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Braille literacy tools
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Employment partnerships
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Everyday products that spark conversation and empathy
It wasn’t just about raising money anymore.
It was about changing perspective.
As Brad often says:
“We can’t go back and change our own diagnosis — but we can change the experience for the next family.”
The challenge we faced
Even though our mission was always charitable — and we proudly donated 100% of profits — our structure didn’t fully match the impact we were creating.
Because we were technically an apparel brand, we couldn’t accept donations, apply for grants, or fully operate like the nonprofit we already felt like.
So we kept building.
Kept educating.
Kept growing.
And we applied for official nonprofit status.
The moment everything changed
After years of impact through awareness and education, the IRS recognized Two Blind Brothers as serving a meaningful public benefit.
And we were officially approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.
“This moment finally aligns our structure with our purpose,” Brad shared.
“We’ve always existed to serve the blind community — now we can do it at a much bigger scale.”
Now we can:
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Apply for grants
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Expand educational programs
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Create more jobs and opportunities
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Reach more families nationwide
Most importantly, it allows us to focus fully on what matters most: people.
Why awareness — and braille — matter so much
Accessibility starts with understanding.
Braille isn’t just a code — it’s independence.
It’s literacy.
It’s access to school, work, and everyday life.
That’s why we design products with braille and tactile details, and why we’re building tools that help more people learn and use braille.
Because when braille becomes part of everyday life, the world becomes more inclusive for everyone.
As Bryan says:
“Blindness isn’t what holds people back — barriers do. Our job is to help remove those barriers.”
What we’re building next
Becoming a nonprofit isn’t the finish line — it’s the starting line.
We’re excited to:
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Expand braille literacy and educational tools
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Grow partnerships with mission-aligned organizations
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Increase accessibility programs nationwide
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Create more employment opportunities
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Launch new products and experiences that spark awareness
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Bring our mission to even more communities
Our goal is simple:
A world with fewer barriers and more opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Thank you for being part of this
If you’ve ever taken the Shop Blind Challenge, worn our products, shared our story, or simply cheered us on — you helped make this possible.
You’re not just customers.
You’re supporters.
You’re advocates.
You’re part of this mission.
And we’re just getting started.
With gratitude,
Brad & Bryan
Two Blind Brothers
Join the mission
Take the Shop Blind Challenge • Shop with purpose • Support accessibility
