Camping with Low Vision

Editor’s note: As spring begins to blossom, our thoughts turn to enjoying the outdoors again after the winter months. Beckie Horter talks about the joys of camping, listening to the call of animals, and sitting by the campfire….Enjoy! Grab a lawn chair and come sit by the campfire a while. The night is cold, and … Continued

Designing a Public Bathroom for Ease of Navigation

In this post, it’s not necessary to provide one more "frantic public restroom" nightmare. We have included several examples in the post "Tips on Navigating Public Bathrooms with a Vision Impairment." You probably sighed and said, "Been there, done that," or just laughed out loud because you could identify completely with the situation. Even so, … Continued

Tips on Navigating Public Bathrooms with a Vision Impairment

By Peer Advisors Empish J. Thomas and Lynda Jones About a month ago VisionAware received an awkward but important question on the message boards. The person wanted to know about the best ways to access public bathrooms. Of course, going to the bathroom is something that we all must do but trying to figure out … Continued

Visually Impaired Seniors Be Aware of Scams and Frauds

As a senior with vision loss, you have doubtless been encouraged to use computers, smartphones, and other access technologies to help regain and maintain your quality of life. With these devices, you can potentially recapture nearly all of the independence you once thought might be gone forever. But along with the advantages, come certain risks … Continued

The Bookshelf: Review of “Follow Your Dog” by Ann Chiappetta

Book Presents View of Difficulties of Growing Up with Low Vision Ann Chiappetta’s second book entitled “Follow Your Dog, A Story of Love and Trust,” is a memoir about growing up with low vision and how becoming a guide dog handler changed her life. Ann took me on a journey through her world as she … Continued

Reflections on Colored Canes

I had the pleasure of interviewing James Boehm, a young entrepreneur who has his own custom cane business entitled "Kustom Cane." This personal story is the third in a series of articles on colored canes. Part 1, "The Impact of New Colors on the Long Mobility Cane" gave a brief historical evolution of the white … Continued

White Cane Awareness: A History of White Cane Safety Day

Today, the white cane isn’t just a tool used by travelers with vision loss. It is a symbol for members of our community who are blind or visually impaired. White Cane Safety Day is observed annually on October 15 to recognize the many achievements of blind and visually impaired citizens and the white cane as … Continued

Why We Decided to Not Use a Guide Dog

Compiled by Empish Thomas September is National Guide Dog Month and is a celebration of guide dogs throughout North America. According to Wikipedia, National Guide Dog Month offers a way to raise awareness, appreciation, and support for guide dog schools across the United States. Since I lost my vision many years ago, a constant question … Continued

Four Lessons I Learned from Hurricane Irma

Editor’s note: September is National Preparedness Month. The theme this year is "Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can." With all of the weather emergencies taking place throughout the world during the past few weeks, Empish Thomas relates her recent experiences and lessons learned.   I must admit when Hurricane Irma hit, I was more focused … Continued