The Dot Experience Cast: Joe Strechay

Joe Strechay is a pioneer in media accessibility, a public speaker, producer and consultant for television, and a champion for representation in the media.  

Early Life and Vision 

Strechay was born blind but did not initially expect a career in the field of blindness or low vision. “At the end of my undergraduate at East Carolina University, I hoped to work in professional sports or entertainment in communications,” said Strechay. After spending his graduate years at Florida State University, Strechay was hopeful to spend his professional career working in transition services for students who are blind or low vision.  

Career 

Strechay began his full-time career helping students as a Vision Rehabilitation Teacher and began to see his small interactions with mainstream media as more of a hobby, rather than an employment opportunity. As possibilities opened for consulting, Strechay was able to move into part-time roles in entertainment, eventually leading to a lifelong career in the media industry. Strechay works with producers, actors, and members of the media community to ensure accurate representation and accessibility on set. “I advise on all of the aspects where blindness is a consideration specific to character or story. I also work to create accessibility for performers with disabilities on most of these shows,” said Strechay. 

In his time consulting on projects, Strechay has found meaningful work in ensuring there’s a place in the media for everyone. “I have really had multiple careers, and I always hope to bring positive change or impact in whatever I do. I love working in the entertainment industry. I think the biggest impact is demonstrating the possibilities and pushing for change over time. A lot of the people I work with haven’t worked with people who are blind, and they leave seeing what is possible. I believe I open doors for others in the future. The folks I have worked with, move on and often hire persons with disabilities for roles and other aspects. It doesn’t make headlines, but it means a lot to me. I continue to be a resource to those contacts,” said Strechay. “Since the beginning of my role in entertainment, the largest impact I have made is around the portrayal of blindness, assuring blindness is respected and done in a manner that represents our community well. From Marvel’s Daredevil and beyond.” 

While all his roles have brought meaningful impact to people on and off-screen, a few pieces of media with Strechay’s fingerprints have stood out as influential in his life. “I would say, Netflix’s “All the Light We Cannot See” was the most impactful for casting the lead and child version of the character as folks who are blind or low vision and other aspects. However, overall, AppleTV+’s “SEE” allowed me the flexibility to impact so many areas of the work on the show. Apple, 5th Season, and Chernin Entertainment supported me throughout. We brought on thirty-five actors who are blind or low vision, over a hundred background performers who are blind or low vision, and included folks in the soundtrack,” said Strechay. 

Thoughts on The Dot Experience 

We are honored to have Joe Strechay as a part of The Dot Experience Cast. His dedication to the field of blindness or low vision and accurate representation in the media, is work we are proud to highlight as we move closer to the opening of the first accessible museum. “It means a lot to be a part of the The Dot Experience cast, as I believe that it addresses misconceptions and can introduce the public to many different people who are blind or low vision. I think access provides equality, and universal design brings equality to the world. Many museums only offer small aspects to us and even only at certain times,” said Strechay.