OUR VISION
To enable the visually impaired to become economically independent and socially connected through training, sports recreation, and the arts.
Our Story
How a blind adventurer founded a world-class training academy
The Founding Story
The Hein Wagner Academy was founded in 2019 by blind extreme adventurer and motivational speaker, Hein Wagner. Born blind, Hein attended the Pioneer School for the Blind in Worcester from the age of five.
“At the time I could not believe my parents dropped me off at a blind school so young, but now I know it was the best decision ever. During my teenage years I was introduced to two-way radio communications by a blind friend, and I soon knew that technology is the only bridge into the sighted world. I became the first totally blind learner at the school to complete my final exams on a computer with text-to-speech software that I had installed myself.”
— Hein Wagner
While Hein started his career as a switchboard operator, he soon worked his way into the IT industry and 12 years later he was the international sales manager for a multinational internet security company. Now Hein travels the world, inspiring people to achieve the impossible by turning huge obstacles into major opportunities.
The Journey
A lifelong journey of overcoming barriers, breaking world records, and advocating for persons living with vision loss led to the founding of a permanent tertiary training facility in Worcester.
The Tadoma Method & David Geyer
One of Hein Wagner's most poignant encounters was with deafblind student David Geyer, communicating via tactile lipreading (the Tadoma method)—demonstrating that human connection and learning transcend sensory barriers.
“As an alumnus of the Department of Career Development and knowing how much its services mean, I knew that something had to be done, hence the birth of the Hein Wagner Academy.”
— Hein Wagner
Our Campus & Facilities
Our facilities in Worcester, South Africa, cater to students who are blind and visually impaired, offering full-time and part-time courses as well as full board and accommodation within walking distance of all amenities.
Our Vision, Mission & Promise
OUR MISSION
To bridge the gap between being dependent and being independent for the visually impaired by providing specialised training in an environment focused on the needs and development of persons living with vision loss.
OUR PROMISE
We promise to take you from as far as your fingers can reach to as far as you dare to dream. We will enable you to be the inspiration the world so desperately needs by supporting you to reach your full potential.
Inspired by the story?
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