If someone who is blind were to draw a map of your city, what would you think it would look like? What would be highlighted? What would be left out? Growing up in Kansas, which, if it’s not as flat as a table top, comes pretty close, it was relatively easy for me to have a reasonably accurate mental map … Continue reading
After a little reflection, all of us can name those people who had had the greatest influence on our lives: parents, favorite teachers, etc. Sometimes, however, people who only touch our lives very briefly may have a significant impact as well.
As a blind or visually impaired student, there are all kinds of things that the others kids do that people say you can’t, and, to be honest, there are a few you will have to cross off your list. If you’re a boy, you’re never going to be quarterback of the football team, and, if you’re a girl, it’s not … Continue reading
You may be wondering why, with all of the responsibilities and inconvenience associated with working with a dog, anyone would do it. It ultimately comes down to a personal preference, and these are some of the reasons that people give for using a guide dog.
The easiest, or perhaps the least stressful, part of flying as a blind person is the flight itself. There are only a few things to keep in mind to make it a little less difficult than it might otherwise be.
Every single one of you who reads my blog matters to me. I’m here because you’re here, after all. As we reach the first-year anniversary of the blog, I’d like to ask each of you to take a minute and help me see myself and the blog through your eyes. Every year about this time I go on a retreat … Continue reading
When transferring between flights, most people simply pick up their luggage when exiting the plane, check for the gate number of their connecting flight, perhaps stop off at the restroom or get something to eat, walk to the gate area of their connection, and board when the flight is called. If you’re blind and working with a customer service representative, … Continue reading
Even though both a Chevy and a Ford will get you where you want to go, many people still have a strong preference as to what they drive. It’s not much different for people whose vision has deteriorated to the point that they must either use a cane or a dog. Preferences are sometimes held with the same intensity as … Continue reading
Usually, getting to your gate and boarding is pretty simple and uncomplicated. With rare exception, gate agents are helpful. If, however, there is a snag in the process – your flight is delayed or canceled, the gate is changed – what you thought was going to be simple now holds the potential for becoming far more complex and challenging. There … Continue reading
Ordering in a restaurant does not rank very high on the list of problems you have if you’re blind, but it can be both annoying and a bit frustrating at times. Fortunately, there are only a few things to keep in mind when trying to minimize problems. The menu. While it’s nice if you’re lucky and the restaurant has a … Continue reading