After losing his vision as a child, Daniel Martinez says he did well in school. But he didn’t have any role models for independence as a person who is blind. It wasn’t until he became part of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas’ mentoring program that he truly understood just how important that … Continued
Zoom interviews. Zoom conferences. Zoom meetings. Zoom classes. Zoom assemblies. Zoom consultations. Zoom gatherings. Zoom appointments. The world is entering Zoomtopia, so it’s about time we address considerations for those who are blind or visually impaired. Because, though the meetings aren’t in-person, they’re still face-to-face, and should be prepared for and accommodated as such. Here’s … Continued
By Amy Lynn Smith Professionals and parents of students who are visually impaired all have a part to play in preparing them for success. This post is also available on APH FamilyConnect. For people who are blind or visually impaired, nearly anything is possible – provided no one tells them it isn’t. One high school … Continued
Time and again we are face-to-face with that which is intimidating on the employment journey—how true! From initially choosing a career and preparing for it, to walking into nerve-wracking interviews, beginning a new job, assuming additional responsibilities, recovering from mistakes or “failures”, learning up-to-date technology, and taking calculated risks to advance in the career, there … Continued
COVID has us all germ-conscious, and for good reason. I vividly remember round after round of sicknesses passing through my former workplaces, and I can only imagine COVID wreaking the same or worse havoc. But no matter the virus or bacteria threatening to bring us down, whether COVID, the flu, stomach bug, or even a common cold, let’s establish a battle-ready defense by maintaining a clean and hygienic workspace. According to Cleaning, … Continued
Editor’s Note: In the fourth and final installment of our four-part blog series; Jovany Barba, a first-generation Latinx American, shares the experience of navigating the tensions between their parents’, teachers’, and own expectations of transition and independence. Read the full article here When I think of food and celebrations that depict a transition in time, such as Quinceañeras, weddings, and graduations, I picture the intricate layered … Continued
Editor’s note: This blog, written by: Ann Wai-Yee Kwong, is the third of a four-part blog series. This piece features the narrative of a Chinese American youth finding balance between her parents expecting her to attend college immediately upon graduation and her teachers encouraging her to first master independent living and blindness skills. The APH ConnectCenter wants to thank all the authors for sharing their stories with … Continued
Editor’s note: Join us on June 15, 2021, @ 12:30 pm (EST), for the second of two webinars in which Dr. Alexis G. Malkin, OD, FAAO, and David Bradburn from HumanWare will provide an overview of assistive technology and services that help people with low vision perform everyday tasks. Using the state of Massachusetts as an example, the presenters will illustrate the needs, available services, and funding for 3 different groups, namely: … Continued
Editor’s Note: In the second installment of our four-part blog series, Daisy the daughter of Mexican immigrants shares her experience of wrestling with forging a path forward when her parents expected her to stay near the family but her teachers expected her to pursue a more independent lifestyle. Read the full article here Bread, Rice, or Tostada: Cultural … Continued
Editor’s note: Bread, Rice, or Tostada: Cultural Inclusion at The Transition Table was written by: Ann Wai-Yee Kwong, Daisy Soto, and Jovany Barba. In Part 1: Why It Matters, the authors explore the importance of taking diversity into consideration during transition planning for blind and low-vision youth. Click here to read the full article. Bread, Rice, or Tostada: Cultural Inclusion at The … Continued