Should I laugh or cry? “You sound nice, but if it’s drunken driving, I don’t want to meet you.” This reply came in response to my ad on a dating site, including my mention that I do not drive. I had no idea my attempts to ease into disclosing my blindness would bring that response. … Continued
Editor’s note: Although this film is not available for public viewing at this time, this review of the film and the concurrent post by Empish Thomas, provide great information about the world of art for people with vision loss and the importance of audio description (voicing of titles and nonverbal actions for nonvisual viewers) to enable viewers who … Continued
If you or a loved one is experiencing vision loss, you may think about things you used to enjoy that no longer seem feasible, especially activities that link you with other people as a volunteer or mentor. Let’s be honest. A few things might be tough, for example if you dreamed of teaching your grandchild how to drive or play umpire at a junior baseball league. While some opportunities will … Continued
Editor’s note: This post is part of our international travel series. Be sure to read Part One to find out about “traveling” from the comfort of your armchair. Also, read Elizabeth’s fascinating and related article on thinking through your best way to visit the world. The Big Picture Here are several questions essential to ask before planning any type … Continued
As a young teen, I dreamed of going away from home, far from home. It wasn’t so much that my parents were clueless and embarrassing, though that was true from a teenage perspective; but my mother and uncle, both army brats, regaled me for years with tantalizing stories about their youthful adventures in Japan, Germany, and Turkey. Our home … Continued
When you lose vision, at first it might feel like you are unable to participate fruitfully in a faith community. Whether you’re new or a long-term member, some aspects of congregation life that you’ve always taken for granted can suddenly feel uncomfortable as a worshipper with blindness or visual impairment. Who’s saying hello? What are … Continued
The reality any parent will tell you is this: as children become teens, their abilities grow along with their independence. We must be there to guide but also to accept and take pride in their accomplishments. I did not expect the bittersweet reality of my daughter’s driving to overwhelm me as it did, but perhaps … Continued
Editor’s note: This is the 3rd part of our series on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Be sure to read Part 1 on useful tips when you meet a person with vision loss and Part 2, “Speak to Me.”. And stay tuned next week for Maribel Steel’s post on “accepting life as it … Continued
Editor’s Note: Elizabeth brought this question up to the VisionAware peer advisors and it elicited a wide-range of discussion, which we agreed needed to be shared with the larger VisionAware audience. Elizabeth’s post is the kick-off of this discussion. Other peers will be sharing their thoughts in future posts, but we hope that you will … Continued