Embrace Award – Living with Grace and Courage

Born in Iran, Odet Nasseri has lived a life defined by resilience, faith, and determination. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disease inherited from both parents, Odet gradually lost her sight and is now fully blind. Despite the challenges of blindness, she has never allowed her condition to define her limitations.

After immigrating to the United States in 2001, Odet enrolled at the Braille Institute, where she began learning English, Braille, and computer skills. She quickly advanced through a variety of courses, including ceramics, basketry, and mobility training. Her passion for independence and advocacy led her to volunteer as a mobility instructor, helping others who are blind gain confidence in navigating their surroundings.

Odet’s advocacy contributed to an important change in public accessibility: she helped bring awareness to the need for audible pedestrian signals at traffic lights, ensuring that blind individuals can safely cross intersections. Her input and persistence were instrumental in influencing accessibility updates that began implementation around 2006.

A passionate adventurer, Odet has also climbed seven mountains, including the renowned Mount Baldy, alongside other blind climbers and volunteer guides — a testament to her courage and spirit. Beyond her accomplishments in mobility and advocacy, she expresses her creativity and joy through music. A talented pianist and singer, she has performed with Beyond Vision Music Foundation and is now a member of the ABBA Choir.

Through every chapter of her life, Odet has shown that true strength lies in acceptance, perseverance, and faith. Her words reflect her philosophy:

“I want people to know that they are not weak — they are strong. If they believe in their strength, they will grow stronger.”

Odet Nasseri embodies the essence of the Embrace Award — living with grace, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit.