by Alexis Read Editor’s note: Alexis Read shares the importance of selecting a dog guide school that will tailor training and tools to your specific abilities. I was born with a visual impairment and other disabilities that affected me physically and neurologically. My visual impairment hinders both my central and peripheral vision, which causes complications … Continued
I was 19 when I boarded a flight for the first time to fly to The Seeing Eye Inc. a dog guide school, located in Morristown, New Jersey. I had always loved dogs. Back then, I was a petite, shy girl who looked about 12 years old. This past July, I made that trip for … Continued
By Elizabeth Sammons and other contributing APH VisionAware peers Whether it’s to stay fit, maintain independence, or enjoy nature, many of us who cannot drive due to blindness or low vision walk more than the average person. As experienced peers who are blind/low vision, we want to share our advice on staying as comfortable as … Continued
In 2015 I wrote a series for VisionAware for National Service Dog Month. This is a sequel to that series. I am currently working with my ninth guide from The Seeing Eye Inc. Each of my lovely dogs has taught me lessons I could apply to other aspects of my life. Insights I Have Gained from My 50 Years … Continued
By Liz Bottner, VisionAware Peer Advisor VisionAware Peer Advisor Deanna Quietwater Noriega‘s first book-Fifty Years of Walking with Friends brings the reader along on an authentic, captivating journey with the author as she learns to navigate the world accompanied by her nine guide dogs. The partnership with each guide is described in detail, with more than half of the book being … Continued
We have all had to learn new ways of doing things during COVID-19. One concern I have had is keeping my guide dog Enzo in good working order. I have always been a person who has spent a lot of time doing advocacy work. Enzo and I attended meetings, met with friends, and accompanied my … Continued