Introduction Over the last few years, you may have noticed that many meetings and conference presentations start by people describing themselves. The idea is to make the meeting as inclusive for visually impaired people as possible. But is it for visually impaired people only? Does it make a meeting more inclusive? Is it mandatory? There..
Trip report to Scotland with a guide dog
I recently read a post on a mailing list from Eric Caron, who explained the difficulties of traveling with a guide dog to Scotland. He wrote about the days of travel arrangements, paperwork, and expenses. I asked Eric if he would be willing to share his story with you. I have to say I had..
Blindfolds Are Not the Same as Being Blind
Often when discussing the experience of being blind, I find that different simulations are implemented to explain what it feels to be blind. Probably the most common is to put on a blindfold. While such exercises can have many different values, the only thing they don’t simulate is what it means to be blind. However,..
Preparing for Life When You Are Going Blind
Introduction If you or any of your relatives are going blind, it will probably be one of the biggest life events. It is hard to avoid trauma, but it is important to know that people who go blind can continue doing what they were doing with modifications, and it will also create new opportunities. Going..
Remembering trips
Previously I discussed that for blind people sometimes the only way to experience something is to get on the road and touch it. But there is a difficulty with this. While sighted people can take photos and videos, for us it maybe a chance of a lifetime and the only thing we can do is..
Why Blindness is Expensive and Time-Consuming?
I always tell people that being blind is expensive and time-consuming. Just by the nature of things, the expense parts can be cut back to some extent, but the time consuming will always be a thing. I could provide numerous examples, but for now, let’s concentrate on some of those which are related to travel..
Accepting Help as a Blind Person: Perspectives and Tips
Asking for and accepting help is one of the most controversial topics for blind people. Each person has their views and reasons, thus there isn’t one good way, only a preferred way. In this post, I will try to review some of the arguments and give some advice on how to offer help. (more…)
An average business trip to Las Vegas from a blind employees perspective
I attended a conference in Las Vegas which was one of the most typical experiences from the accessibility point of view. Most of the challenges were familiar, and usually I wouldn't even think about them. However, this time I took note on everything that maybe a challenge, and I will take you through it. I..
Working with a guide dog
Hi, my name is Baldwin. My human, Tom, asked me to talk a bit about the work of a guide dog. I’m glad he did, because what does he know about being a dog anyway? A little bit about me, I was born in New York state, at Guiding Eyes for the Blind. That’s where..
Hotels
These days with electronic check-in and electronic keys in theory one just has to walk upstairs and go to bed, which is great once I know my room, but there are a few things to do for the first time. (more…)