About Judith Dixon Writer. Advisor. Lover of braille.
For many years, Dr. Judith Dixon has promoted literacy for blind people in all its forms. She has ben a frequent pioneer in pushing the limits of technology and exploring its benefits for people who are blind. Diagnosed as legally blind at nine days old, she has devoted her life’s work cultivating space for the blind and visually impaired. Her involvement has spanned across decades.
She earned 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.
For 42 years, she worked at the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled within the Library of Congress, working as the authoritative resource on providing equitable library and information services for the print disabled as the Consumer Relations Officer. When the internet exploded at the turn of the 21st century, she was ahead of the curve and quickly realized the need to highlight the importance of media access for tactile readers. Dr. Dixon is a major point of contact between established organizations, universities, libraries, and consumer environments regarding web and print accessibility. She is an expert in the field of braille literacy.
She served as Chair of the Braille Authority of North America from 2007 through 2011 and Secretary of the International Council on English Braille (ICEB) from 2008 to 2016. She currently serves as President of ICEB.
She has published numerous professional articles, and edited the volume "Braille into the Next Millennium" published by NLS in 2000. One of her hobbies is writing books for National Braille Press about things that are important to her. These include braille and mobile devices. She has authored or co-authored seventeen titles. Topics include: iPhone photography, audio description, and GPS. She also writes articles for AccessWorld, the technology magazine of the American Foundation for the Blind. A complete list of her books and articles can be found on the Collected Works page of this website.
In her personal time, Dr. Dixon enjoys attending Ski For Light events, held by the non-profit organization dedicated to teaching the visually and mobility impaired how to cross-country ski. In the 1970s and 1980s, she was a competitive skier and participated in the 1980 Paralympic Games in Geilo, Norway. In more recent years, she has been an active member of the Board of Directors, holding the office of President for four years, Treasurer for 12 years, and Secretary for 14 years, and has managed all the activities at 11 annual events.
7 year-old Judy reading a braille book to fellow patients
Her love of braille and braille writing devices shines on her website, which showcases her vast collection of braille and tactile writing devices she’s collected from around the world. She is highly technologically savvy and enjoys using the internet daily with a screen reader and braille display.
Major Awards and Events
- Her passion for literacy began early. In 1960, The Boston Globe featured seven-year-old Judy reading a braille book to fellow patients at Boston's Eye and Ear Hospital.
- In 1964, Judy and a few of her classmates traveled to Washington D.C. where she visited the Library of Congress and met President Lyndon Johnson.
- Distinguished Alumni Award, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida—February 1986.
- Francis Joseph Campbell Award, Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, American Library Association, Chicago, Illinois—June 2005. For being an advocate for access to printed information through the widest possible use of special formats—tape, braille, large print, adaptive technology, the Internet, e-books, digital audio, and other emerging technologies
- Gallagher Award, American Foundation for the Blind, Washington, DC—June 2009. For exemplary participation in the workplace and the community, and for serving as an outstanding role model to others who have vision loss.
- Robert S. Bray Award, American Council of the Blind, Phoenix, AZ—July 2010. In recognition of her commitment for library accessibility for all.
- Migel Medal, American Foundation for the Blind, Arlington, VA—May 2022. For dedication, achievements and life work that have significantly improved the lives of people with vision loss on a national level.
- Wings of Freedom Award, American Printing House for the Blind, Louisville, KY—October 2024. For her exemplary leadership in blindness and low vision.
Judy and her classmates with President Lyndon Johnson.
