I wrote this poem while walking 16 blocks with my sixth guide dog to a dental appointment. I am sharing it to honor my nine guide dogs on April 26th, International Guide Dog Day! Dancers: A Tribute to My Nine Guide Dogs We are cloud dancers, You lead and I follow. Our steps synchronized Our … Continued
Editor’s note: February is low vision awareness month, and we are highlighting the importance of being safe when walking around, even in a known area. VisionAware peer advisor, DeAnna Noriega, gives sound advice about what you should think about when making a decision about a dog or cane. Questions to Consider If you have low … Continued
Edited by Maribel Steel When we need an outlet to express our inner thoughts, especially when facing a life challenge like living with low vision, why not let your thoughts flow onto a page in the form of poetry? “It isn’t about rhyming, meter, or number of syllables,” says DeAnna Quietwater Noriega, “Really, anyone can … Continued
Editor’s note: With this post, VisionAware is rolling out a new series on “Dealing with Crime or Domestic Violence As a Person with a Disability.” In this series, you will find articles on the disturbing statistics on crimes against people with disabilities, information and resources on domestic abuse, and personal stories that two peer advisors … Continued
Often as I go about my business accompanied by my guide dog, people remark on his beauty, good manners, and say things like, "I wish my dog was as well behaved as yours." They don’t seem to understand that a lot of work on the part of a puppy raiser, a guide dog instructor, and … Continued
Editor’s note: Peer advisor DeAnna Noriega writes about independence and the full range of options you have as a person with visual impairment. You may also want to go back and read the first of our series on independence with a post by peer advisor Audrey Demmitt, RN, Independence versus Interdependence. Do you handle your … Continued
Editor’s note: This post is the first in a short series on Mother’s Day. My First Child Was Born When I Was a Peace Corps Volunteer My eldest daughter was born near the end of my tour of duty as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Western Samoa. Due to a tragic mistake at the … Continued
People Think Braille Is Not Useful In this age of digital talking books, computers fitted with screen reader software, audio labeling systems like the Pen Friend, some believe that learning braille is no longer necessary for people with vision loss. It’s true that we have reached an age when more access to printed material is … Continued
Editor’s note: What can we write using the letters of the word “ABILITY” on this special day celebrating our talents and skills on International Day of Persons with Disabilities? The answer is two posts! This is the second post in the series offering encouragement to focus on how we help teach courage by being our … Continued
The Temptation to Pretend We Don’t Have a Disability In honor of Invisible Disabilities Week, which falls from October 18 through October 24, I decided I would share a few thoughts about the temptation to pretend we don’t have a disability. What Is An Invisible Disability? According to the Invisible Disabilities Association, “the term invisible … Continued