Our Mission
To empower and educate individuals who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) to experience the world of fun and socialization safely and confidently with other BVI persons and the community of Oahu in a safe and controlled environment.
Our Vision
To provide a safe and relaxed environment for the BVI community to experience activities and build confidence.We aim to change the stigma surrounding blindness and increase awareness of the unique needs of BVI individuals to promote independence and accessibility.
What Aloha means to Us
Aloha is a powerful, vibrant energy that connects us to the beauty and grace of the world around us; a spirit of love, compassion, and generosity that brings people together and creates a sense of belonging and unity. Aloha is more than just a word; it is a way of life. Aloha is the light that guides us on our journey through life, illuminating the path ahead and filling our hearts with hope and joy.
Marri Murdoch
founder/ President
Marri Murdoch, Founder & President of Travel Visions Aloha For The Blind, is a remarkable figure who defies the odds and dedicates herself to enriching the lives of the blind community. A stroke in 2017 left her with the condition homonymous hemianopsia, a loss of all left peripheral vision, or “half blind” as she calls it. Her vision loss shifted her path in a life altering way and inspired her to form a nonprofit dedicated to empowering blind and visually impaired individuals. Her journey, marked by courage and determination, involves conquering marathons and expressing herself through vibrant artwork, showcasing the limitless power of creativity. Marri’s love for the ocean led her to adaptive surfing with our partner Access Surf, where she inspires visually impaired surfers to conquer even the mightiest waves. Beyond her personal achievements, Marri embodies kindness and compassion and shares her life with her boyfriend and three loyal canine companions. Whether hiking in nature or spending time with loved ones, Marri’s life is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and capacity for change, illuminating a path to a more inclusive future for the blind community.
Deb Braiman
Vice president
Meet Deb Braiman, the heart and soul behind Travel Visions Aloha For the Blind, serving as Vice President. Deb’s journey is a symphony of resilience and unwavering passion. With 15 years of professional singing in New York, her love for music and the arts knows no bounds. A true scholar, Deb holds a master’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s in criminology and psychology, proving that knowledge is the key to breaking barriers. Despite her total blindness due to cataracts, Deb has illuminated the lives of countless others. Her dedication extends to her four-legged friend, a rescued and trained horse, standing as a testament to her unwavering compassion. An accomplished author, she’s penned a book on identity theft and is a published writer, Identity Theft, A victims Search For Justice under the pen name Deborah E. Joyce. With 15 years as a social worker in New York State, she embodies a spirit of service. Deb’s advocacy doesn’t stop there; she champions the blind and seniors in their public transportation needs in Hawaii. As if that weren’t enough, she’s an avid blogger and a monthly columnist for ConsumerVisionsMagazine.org. Deb Braiman is a beacon of inspiration, proving that a life lived with purpose knows no limits. Her paralegal certification further highlights her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
Brandon Young
Secretary
My name is Brandon Young and I am the Secretary for Travel Visions Aloha (TVA). I grew up in Kailua, Hawaii. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After graduating, I attended the Louisiana Center for the Blind, where I received blindness training at a comprehensive training center. This was where I caught the fire to work in the field of rehabilitation for the blind. I enjoy being in the ocean and soaking up the sun and sand all year long. In 2021, I earned a Graduate Certificate in Diversity and Disability Studies from the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I am now employee with the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I also work part-time for the South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind (STLB). I work in our storefront which is located on the Coast Guard base off of Sand Island Access Road. This is just a beginning of who I am. As you get to know me, you will find that I have a big heart and just want to help people. I look forward to the success that Travel Visions Aloha (TVA) will most definitely have in the future.