Editorâs note: Maribel wrote this post for the International Day of People with Disabilities, which occurs on December 3. According to the organizers, âIt is a day for optimism â to look towards the future and the creation of a world where a person is not characterized by their disabilities, but by their abilities.â Creating … Continued
Editorâs note: This post is the second in our series leading up to White Cane Safety Day on October 15.  Be sure to read the first: October 15: White Cane Safety Day – VisionAware. Not Just a Guide Dog School Leader Dogs for the Blind in Michigan is dedicated to preparing people with vision impairments to travel safely and independently with either … Continued
Editorâs note: This post is the first in a series that VisionAware will offer during October to celebrate White Cane Safety Day, now called Blind Americans Equality Day. In this series we will bring you information about how to obtain a cane and the training to use it appropriately and safely. Read the other posts in the series: … Continued
In 1991, the United Nations (UN) adopted October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. According to the UNâs webpage on international observances, âBy creating special observances, the United Nations promotes international awareness and action on these issues…International days are occasions to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources … Continued
Editorâs note: Several VisionAware peer advisors share their personal perspectives on getting started with vision loss. They encourage you to watch our new video about VisionAware and the resources that the site provides to people with vision loss, family members, and professionals. Also be sure to check out the Getting Started Guide, which provides excellent tips for living with vison loss. Lenore Dillon When I became a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) … Continued
Editorâs note: Be sure to watch our archived webinar on Self-Advocacy and Low Vision. By: Cindy Schaffner, VisionAware Peer Advisor As Melanie Peskoe noted in her recent post on self-awareness, self-advocacy can be a common struggle for people who are blind or visually impaired. Having the confidence, courage, and know-how to speak up for your rights, needs, and accommodations can be mentally and emotionally challenging. … Continued
As a result of advocacy efforts over the years, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal government and many states offer assistance and exemptions for people who are blind or visually impaired. These cut across many areas of life, and we cover a few examples below. You may also want to read our post Everyday Implications of the ADA for People with Vision … Continued
Over the years the VisionAware Peer Advisors have observed this holiday by writing about what independence means not only for our country but for people with vision loss. This year, weâre compiling some of their most insightful thoughts. Angela Whitfield, former VisionAware Peer Advisor, wrote July is a Powerful Month of Independence, observing that, â…We started the month with Independence Day- the day we … Continued
The title of the book When You Canât Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss & Personal Recovery immediately grabbed me. My curiosity was peaked because when you are dealing with a visual impairment you honestly canât believe what you are seeing all the time. In my 20+ years of total blindness, I have learned to depend on everything else but my vision such as my other senses, … Continued
Editorâs note: Please join us on May 20 at 2:00PM ET for a panel discussion with Becky and other professionals to discuss words, feelings, and so much more! Please register and learn more. Importance of Processing Feelings in Healthy Ways Our feelings matter. According to Brene Brown, when we deny our emotions, they own us. As the Clinical Director of Resilient Solutions, … Continued