08/07/2025
Meet Halim Urban, founder of and a recent participant in BAAB’s Independent Living Program. After being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Halim didn’t stop—he adapted.
Halim found the tools, training, and community to keep doing what he loves: leading food tours across Florida’s Space Coast. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and strength through support.
💬 Read more about Halim’s journey below, and see how BAAB is supporting and empowering individuals across Brevard to live independently.
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Seven years ago, Halim Urban and his wife Jessica launched Village Food Tours with a simple mission: to connect visitors and locals with the incredible restaurants and rich history of Florida’s Space Coast through guided walking food tours. Since then, they’ve introduced thousands of guests to hidden gems and local flavors across the region.
Less than two years ago, Halim was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare genetic condition that causes progressive vision loss, including night blindness and tunnel vision. The diagnosis came as a life-altering shock—but not a stopping point.
Today, Halim continues to guide food tours with the assistance of a white cane and adaptive technology. He also manages the website, guest communications, and daily operations—proving that accessibility and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.
After facing the challenges of vision loss while raising a family and running a business, Halim and Jessica were introduced to the Brevard Association for the Advancement of the Blind (BAAB). A former tour guest shared how life-changing BAAB’s support had been—and they decided to attend classes themselves.
Their experience with BAAB opened the door to vital services, essential daily living skills, and—most importantly—a supportive community. “Meeting others going through the same journey gave us a kind of support that nothing else could,” Halim shared.
Today, Halim and Jessica continue to grow Village Food Tours while embracing this new chapter. They credit much of their strength and progress to the resources and encouragement they received from BAAB.
To learn more about Halim’s journey or to join one of his food tours, visit www.villagefoodtours.com, and be sure to follow Village Food Tours for updates on his story and the incredible restaurants that make the Space Coast shine.
