Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!
Taking Back My Life: A Journey from Control to Freedom is a powerful firsthand account by Mary Azatyan-Witmeyer, a Blind woman whose early adulthood was shaped not by opportunity, but by legal and societal barriers rooted in systemic ableism. At the age of eighteen, Mary was forced into a conservatorship by her adoptive mother, despite her clear desire and ability to make her own decisions. This legal control—enabled by harmful assumptions about her blindness—stripped her of agency over her healthcare, finances, education, and even her housing. This unjust reality reflects a widespread failure to believe in the capacity of Blind People to live independent lives, and it underscores the urgent need for removing barriers that restrict personal freedom and community participation for People with Disabilities.
Mary’s experience highlights the deep emotional toll of being treated as incapable, not only by the legal system but also by those closest to her. Yet, her story is not just one of hardship—it is also one of determination and the power of inclusive community-building. Through her enrollment in the Colorado Center for the Blind’s Independence Training Program and her engagement with the National Federation of the Blind, Mary found support not in the form of caretaking, but through belief in her strength and capability. Her journey exemplifies the life-changing impact of removing barriers in environments rooted in dignity and high expectations.
Mary’s story is a reminder that creating Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities begins by removing barriers embedded in outdated systems of control, and by amplifying the voices of People with Disabilities. As Mary bravely reclaimed her independence—with the guidance of mentors, peers, and disability advocates—she transformed her life and is now preparing to contribute her expertise in accessible technology and cybersecurity. Her dream of making video games accessible to Blind players is not just personal—it’s a vision that aligns with our broader mission of removing barriers to access and opportunity for all People with Disabilities.
We are Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities! Mary’s courage calls each of us to act—to listen, to believe, and to stand alongside those fighting for autonomy and self-determination. Her journey from conservatorship to freedom is more than a personal victory; it’s a community call to ensure no one is denied the right to live the life they choose. Read her full story and be inspired to be part of the movement for access, equity, and real freedom.
Read the Full Article: Taking Back My Life: A Journey from Control to Freedom
by: Mary Azatyan-Witmeyer
Share or Print with:
