Episode Summary
This episode continues the conversation with Bill McCann, founder of Dancing Dots, exploring the pivotal moments that shaped his success as a blind entrepreneur. Bill recounts the nerve-wracking scramble of submitting a major grant during a snowstorm—an event that ultimately became a turning point for the company.
He shares the organic evolution of forming Dancing Dots, from learning business skills out of necessity to building a small but powerful team of collaborators, including his longtime colleague Albert and talented musicians like Matthew Whitaker. Bill explains how humility, resourcefulness, and knowing when to ask for help have been essential parts of entrepreneurship—especially as a blind business owner.
Bill also speaks candidly about balancing artistry with practicality: how blind musicians can fit music into their lives, why passion must be paired with a plan for sustainability, and the importance of keeping creativity alive even if music isn’t a primary income source.
The episode closes with a full overview of Dancing Dots’ products, training services, and Braille music resources—plus where listeners can go to learn more or get hands-on support.
Contact Info
Guest / Organization
Bill McCann — Founder, Dancing Dots
Website: https://www.dancingdots.com
Services: Braille music production, accessible notation software, Reaper/Logic/Pro Tools training, 30-minute consultation for audio accessibility, Braille music courses, temporary software trials.
Aftersight & Penny Forward
Penny Forward
Website: https://www.pennyforward.com
Phone: 888-332-5558
Services: Accessible financial education, business plan consulting, workshops, online courses, 1:1 financial counseling.
Aftersight (distribution partner)
Website: https://www.aftersight.org
Producer Credits
Produced by Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner
Audio editing & post-production by Jonathan Price
Music composed/performed by Andre Louis
Distributed in partnership with Aftersight
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Opening & Episode Setup
00:30 – Bill’s biggest early business scare
02:20 – The FedEx snowstorm story
04:15 – Relief, success, and key turning points
05:00 – How Dancing Dots organically formed
06:30 – Learning business skills without business school
07:55 – Finding collaborators & unexpected help
10:30 – Running a micro-business as a blind founder
13:00 – Humility, asking for help, and resourcefulness
15:20 – Creativity vs. structure: the balance of entrepreneurship
17:00 – Advice for blind musicians
19:45 – Fitting music into a sustainable life plan
22:20 – The state of the music industry
23:55 – Keeping creativity alive
24:50 – Dancing Dots services & training
25:40 – How to contact Bill
26:10 – Penny Forward services
27:00 – Closing credits
