Todd Tolson Speaks

Todd Tolson delivered an outstanding presentation, Putting Faces to the Work: How SRCs Can Use Social Media to Strengthen Engagement, Communication, and Strategic Impact, for the National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils (NCSRC).

From the opening interactive icebreaker to the practical tools and real-world examples, Todd created an engaging learning experience that challenged participants to think differently about communication, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. Rather than simply discussing social media platforms, he demonstrated that meaningful engagement begins with building relationships, fostering trust, and understanding people before making “the ask.”

One aspect that truly distinguished Todd’s presentation was his intentional commitment to accessibility. Recognizing that members of the audience were blind or visually impaired, he thoughtfully described the images and graphics displayed on each slide. He took the time to ensure every participant could fully engage with the content, demonstrating genuine respect, inclusion, and awareness. It was evident that Todd knew his audience and cared about making everyone feel included in the learning experience.

Todd also simplified complex communication concepts into practical, actionable strategies that State Rehabilitation Councils can immediately apply. Through storytelling, data, and examples from the Maryland State Rehabilitation Council, he illustrated how intentional communication can strengthen stakeholder relationships, increase community engagement, and amplify the impact of our councils.

Todd’s dynamic presentation style, authentic passion, and commitment to inclusive engagement resonated with attendees. Conference evaluations reflected overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants rating the session as either “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied.”

— National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils (NCSRC)

Todd delivered an exceptional presentation to the Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, offering our members highly practical insights into accessibility and inclusive communication. His professionalism, compelling storytelling, and natural ability to connect with the audience made the session both deeply informative and memorable. We appreciate the valuable expertise he shared and highly recommend Todd to any organization looking to elevate their communication and accessibility strategies.

The Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce highly recommends Todd for his valuable expertise in accessibility and inclusive communication. His engaging, professional presentation style resonated deeply with our members, providing them with actionable insights. He is an excellent choice for any group seeking an informative, memorable speaker.

Todd was an absolute pleasure to work with and set an exceptionally high bar for webinar programming. He came to the project prepared with a dynamic idea and ready to collaborate—and when my schedule unexpectedly moved forward by several weeks, he stepped in and helped tremendously by developing high-quality, original content ahead of schedule and beyond expectations.

From the beginning, Todd made me feel valued and included in the creative process. He maintained excellent communication, asked thoughtful and important questions, and approached every stage of the project as a true collaborator.

His audience engagement during the live recording was outstanding, and his presentation seamlessly combined didactic instruction with experiential learning in a way that kept participants involved and brought the material to life. The recorded webinar and accompanying materials were built to last and will continue helping employment service providers engage employers through storytelling, relationship-building, and memorable communication strategies that stay with learners and extend well beyond the training itself.

Todd’s professionalism, preparation, warmth, and ability to connect with an audience surpassed my expectations, and I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to work with him again in the very near, AND distant future.

It is my pleasure to recognize Todd Tolson for his extraordinary contributions to the field of audio description over the past decade. Todd's work has helped transform audio description from simply an accessibility feature into a powerful tool for inclusion, education, and meaningful participation for people who are blind or have low vision.

For more than ten years, Todd has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and professionalism through the production of high-quality audio description for state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and private organizations. His portfolio reflects remarkable diversity, encompassing civic engagement, transportation planning, adaptive sports, science, museums, public service, and the arts. Few professionals have contributed to such a broad range of projects while consistently maintaining the highest standards of quality and accessibility.

What distinguishes Todd is his understanding that audio description is about far more than describing visual images—it is about ensuring that people who are blind or have low vision can fully participate in experiences that many others take for granted. His narration is clear, concise, engaging, and carefully crafted to complement, rather than compete with, the original production. Every project reflects his commitment to making information accessible without sacrificing the integrity or artistic value of the work itself.

Todd has also been an innovator. He has thoughtfully embraced emerging technologies while recognizing that the most effective audio description is created through collaboration with blind consumers and experienced voice talent. By combining technological advances with direct community involvement, he has helped establish practices that are both scalable and authentic, ensuring that accessibility remains centered on the needs of the audience it is intended to serve.

Beyond his production work, Todd has been an outstanding ambassador for accessibility. Through his leadership with the Blind Muse Foundation, he has demonstrated how storytelling can bridge communities by making meaningful content accessible to blind and low-vision audiences while educating sighted audiences about the importance of inclusion. His work has encouraged organizations to view accessibility not simply as a compliance obligation, but as an opportunity to reach broader audiences, strengthen public engagement, and demonstrate responsible leadership.

Equally important has been Todd's willingness to mentor others, share his expertise, and promote greater awareness of audio description throughout the accessibility community. His passion for excellence and his commitment to continuous improvement have elevated both the quality and visibility of audio description across numerous sectors.

Those of us who have had the privilege of working with Todd know him not only as an accomplished professional, but also as a thoughtful collaborator whose integrity, generosity, and dedication inspire everyone around him. His contributions have enriched countless lives by opening doors to information, education, culture, recreation, and civic participation that might otherwise have remained inaccessible.

Todd Tolson's sustained leadership, technical excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to accessibility have made a lasting impact on the audio description profession and on the blind and low-vision community. His work over the past ten years exemplifies the highest ideals of service and inclusion, and his influence will continue to benefit future generations.

It is with great respect and sincere appreciation that I offer this testimonial in recognition of Todd Tolson's exceptional contributions and lasting legacy in the field of audio description.

Working with Todd Tolson Speaks elevated our disability inclusion training videos and helped them capture the true spirit of inclusion we’re advancing. Todd was easy to work with, efficient, and quick to turn things around, thoughtful and understanding throughout. His work made our videos far more accessible for learners who are blind or have low vision.

Before working with Todd Tolson as Executive Director of the Foundation, I had the privilege of serving as Chair of Maryland’s State Rehabilitation Council (MSRC). During my tenure, the Council was actively seeking innovative ways to increase our visibility and strengthen our connection with the disability community.

As the Governor’s appointed member of the MSRC, Mr. Tolson volunteered his time and talents by serving on the Public Relations and Quality Assurance Subcommittee. Without hesitation, he developed a comprehensive and fully accessible social media marketing strategy designed specifically to reach the individuals and communities we serve. His creativity in producing accessible YouTube videos, integrating multiple social media platforms, and developing targeted marketing lists for stakeholders in vocational rehabilitation services significantly elevated the Council’s presence and outreach throughout Maryland.

Mr. Tolson’s exceptional volunteer contributions deserved broader recognition. I encouraged him to present his work at the National Council for State Rehabilitation Councils (NCSRC) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., in the spring of 2026. As expected, his presentation was exceptionally well received. Attendees from across the country, including representatives from numerous states and U.S. territories, were eager to learn how they could replicate Maryland’s success. He not only showcased the results of his work but also provided practical, step-by-step guidance that empowered other State Rehabilitation Councils to implement similar marketing strategies and expand their visibility within their own communities.

What distinguishes Mr. Tolson is his willingness to share his knowledge freely and invest in the success of others. His commitment to advancing vocational rehabilitation services extends far beyond Maryland, and his leadership has had a lasting impact on organizations nationwide. He consistently demonstrates vision, innovation, and a genuine desire to improve opportunities for people with disabilities.

Mr. Tolson’s selfless service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service cannot be overstated. He is an outstanding leader whose contributions have strengthened the vocational rehabilitation community and inspired others to pursue excellence in serving people with disabilities.

Without hesitation, I would encourage Mr. Tolson to continue delivering his presentations and pursue a role as a professional development coordinator, where he can help improve vocational rehabilitation and disability services across the nation.

When Todd Tolson first joined our Descriptathon in 2023, he immediately stood out amongst the crowd. Around 200 diverse people from around the world were participating in this annual hackathon-like event, as a part of The UniDescription Project. Todd immediately became a leader on his team, brought camaraderie to it, and also became deeply engaged in the investigation of Audio Description and accessibility as both art and craft. He then came back the next year, and the next year, becoming an important and enduring contributor to this internationally award-winning initiative.

When we were seeking Audio Description experts to hire for our video projects, Todd Tolson at the Blind Muse Foundation was at the top of our list. He was easy to work with, did the job professionally without significant oversight, and delivered a high-quality product that made our clients happy. We’re eager to collaborate with him again!

Todd’s documentary about Accessible Pharmacy Services accurately captures who we are, what we do, and why our work matters. From the beginning, he took the time to educate our team about the documentary process, asked thoughtful questions, and guided us every step of the way to ensure our story was told authentically. His attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to accurately portraying our mission gave us complete confidence throughout the project. The finished documentary showcases the care we put into serving people who are blind or have low vision, including our prescription labeling in audio labels and braille, while communicating the heart of our organization. Todd has a unique ability to combine storytelling, accessibility, and strategic communication to create content that informs, engages, and inspires. I would highly recommend him to any organization looking to strengthen its message, tell its story with authenticity, and connect more meaningfully with its audience.

Todd Tolson has been an invaluable MSRC partner whose leadership, insight, and commitment to improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities have strengthened our shared work.

Working with Todd was an outstanding experience from start to finish. He was punctual, professional, and genuinely considerate of our team’s needs throughout the entire project. His ability to listen, understand our mission, and help us tell our story in an authentic and meaningful way made the entire process seamless.

Todd captured the heart of our commitment to providing accessible and inclusive firearms safety training for the blind and visually impaired community with accuracy and care. His storytelling allowed our mission to be shared exactly as we envisioned, while highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

We highly recommend Todd as a documentary producer, storyteller, and accessibility consultant. We truly enjoyed working with him and look forward to collaborating with him again in the future.

Working with Todd has been a true pleasure. His ability to facilitate meaningful conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and help leaders translate vision into actionable strategy is exceptional. Todd brings professionalism, insight, and authenticity to every interaction, creating an environment where ideas are challenged, refined, and strengthened.

Through our engagement, he demonstrated a unique ability to help shape strategic thinking while keeping collaboration and practical implementation at the forefront. His approach encourages organizations to move beyond discussion and into purposeful action.

I highly recommend Todd to organizations and leaders seeking a trusted thought partner, dynamic speaker, and strategic facilitator who is committed to helping teams achieve meaningful and lasting impact.

Todd has a real talent for helping blind professionals think through visual presentation and branding in a practical way. He has a knack for finding solutions that communicate visually without requiring someone to become a graphic designer. I always appreciated his creativity, collaborative approach, and ability to make visual communication feel much more approachable.

Working with Todd on “The Shape of Touch” was a great experience for me. He took the time to truly understand my artwork and artistic process, and documentary he completed authentically captures my artistic intention. Throughout the project he was professional, thoughtful and genuinely committed to telling my story with respect and accuracy. His ability to connect with people and draw out the heart of the story is remarkable. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a storyteller who listens first

I have had the pleasure of working with Todd on a number of projects over the last several years. Every time we collaborate, I am impressed by his creativity, Energy, and extraordinary attention to detail. Todd's thoughtful and methodical approach has helped us s shape our communication strategy for maximum impact, and I'm sure he can do the same for your organization

My name is Christine Faltz Grassman. I am the President of Out of Sight Dragons, a competitive dragon boat team led by athletes with disabilities, including those who are blind/low vision, hard of hearing/Deaf, mobility impaired, and combinations of disabilities.

Recently, the team embarked on a mission to increase recruitment, fundraising, sponsorship, and promotion/marketing.

I knew the perfect person for the assistance we needed. I was already aware of Todd Tolson’s phenomenal work within the DMV and beyond. His marketing strategies and social media acumen are magnitudes above anyone else I have worked with in the past, and as someone who has worked with many advocacy organizations, I have interviewed and researched many individuals, companies, and teams.

Not only did Todd share expertise which expanded our social media presence (pushing visits to our sites beyond anything we had previously experienced), but he took the time to tutor several team members in how best to apply his winning strategies.

Any lack of growth or success on the part of any person or group who signs up with Todd can be laid at their feet; it means they are not taking proper advantage of the knowledge, skills, and techniques he conveys.

If you have the opportunity to work with Todd, do not pass it by.

Todd is an outstanding collaborator with a remarkable ability to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and help turn ideas into practical strategies. During the many times we brainstormed together, he consistently brought creativity, insight, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. His strengths in communication, relationship building, and strategic thinking make him someone I would confidently recommend to organizations looking to strengthen their messaging and better connect with the people they serve."

I worked with Todd on developing funding strategies for Maryland's Independent Living Older Blind Program. Instead of defaulting to conventional solutions, he designed an innovative community engagement model that combined education, service learning, and sustainable fundraising into a comprehensive initiative. Todd approaches problems by asking thoughtful questions, identifying opportunities others may overlook, and developing practical, well-structured solutions backed by data. His creativity, strategic thinking, and ability to communicate complex ideas make him a valuable collaborator for organizations seeking fresh perspectives and meaningful change.

It all started about 10 years ago when I took a ride with Lyft. The driver and I had a friendly conversation, and he mentioned that he was starting a service called Grocery by Phone to help people with their food deliveries through Instacart. We discussed the benefits of such a service to visually impaired people. The one thing that can send me right over the edge is when an Instacart shopper sends me a message saying, “we don’t have the thing you ordered, but we have this, take a look”. And they send me a picture! Being blind, this picture does me no good at all, and being a control freak, I want to be in charge of my entire shopping experience.

So, over the past 10 years, I have been totally grateful and comforted by the fact that Todd Tolson and Grocery by Phone have been there for me and other blind shoppers. Never again will I have to experience the frustration of not knowing what items I’ll get when my food is delivered.

I like to think that that auspicious Lyft ride was the start of all the great things Todd has done with both Grocery by Phone, and the Blind Muse Foundation, bringing audio description to so many aspects of our lives.

You will have a hard time putting this book down! Todd Tolson's story is full of resilience and a journey through so many challenges and victories. Navigating abuse, drug addiction, profound loss, incarceration, a beloved mother battling Alzheimers and still standing strong. Todd's story is inspiring and genuine.

The Sissy, The Alchemist, and the Man by Todd Tolson is an awe-inspiring memoir that delves into the depths of resilience, showcasing an incredible strength of spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. Tolson crafts his narrative with an insistence on inner strength, while avoiding preachiness and instead opting for authentic, lived examples of perseverance. Central to his story is the influence of his mother, who provided the model, guidance, and tough love that enabled him to push through life's harshest trials. Her unwavering belief in him became a cornerstone of his ability to transform trauma into a source of empowerment.

Tolson’s experiences highlight the challenges of addiction, homelessness, sexual abuse, grief, the heart-wrenching separation from children, and incarceration. He also faced the difficult reality of protecting his mother as she descended into Alzheimer's. Despite these setbacks, the memoir emphasizes the belief that there is no one like you, and only you can navigate your way out of life’s traps and tribulations.

Tolson’s relentless inner drive reinforces the power of the human spirit to triumph over adversity. His mother's impact on his life illustrates how foundational support and love can equip someone to face life’s challenges head-on, serving as a testament to survival and a guide for anyone seeking to draw on their own resilience.

Engaging with this book means discovering a narrative that might offer the courage and hope needed to navigate your own life challenges, all while appreciating the subtle influences that guide us along the way. You are your own rescue.

I met the author, in 2011, when he worked at the high-end hair salon I frequented. I and the other clients loved him because he was mild mannered, kind, friendly and willing to help with whatever was needed. He gave everyone the benefit of the doubt, even when it was not deserved. So, when I found out that he had written a book, I had to buy it. I planned to read a couple of chapters each day, but once I started reading, I didn’t put it down until it was finished. This book grabs your attention and does not let go. It is a realistic look at Todd’s life journey and it is packed with emotion. His story starts when he was a child dealing with adult issues, the death of his beloved father, sexual abuse, homophobia, and bullying (The Sissy). The next part of the book deals with personal growth, making mistakes, facing fears and survival. (The Alchemist). And finally, all of his many experiences made him who he is today (The Man). Todd’s life journey was nothing like I imagined and the fact that he had to overcome so many obstacles in his path amazes me. His story is honest and he chooses to be present, flaws and all. This book makes you think about resilience, honesty and hope.

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Outstanding!!! Very well written and kept me captured. I planned to go to the beach and spend the weekend reading it, but finished it before I left. I lived around the corner and went to school with the author and always admired his smile and outgoing spirit. Never had a clue he lived such a parallel life to my sibling. Great job Todd. You rock and will forever be my hero!!!!

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The Sissy, The Alchemist, The Man by Todd Tolson is an incredible read that unfolds numerous truths, urging you to become the person you need to be. Grab a copy and stop running; I assure you it will bring clarity. Thanks to the Blind Muse Foundation for supporting this publication.