by Kathy Austin
One lazy summer afternoon relaxing in a lounge chair while vacationing on a lake, I said to my husband, “I think I need to get a guide dog.” I’m not quite sure why I had the sudden realization but it just seemed like time. I was becoming wary of stairs and tripping on curbs. […] Read More »
by Kathy Austin
When I got my first COVID19 vaccination, I was presented with a card with the date for my return visit for the second dose. I thought, as with most of the little cards you get at a doctor’s office to remind you of your next appointment, this card would eventually be tossed. Who knew back […] Read More »
Tags: Digital Vaccine Card, Vaccine Card iPhone
by Aly Slaughter
“Is there anything in your life that your vision prevents you from doing?” This was the question I was asked by the resident ophthalmologist in November 2017. I was at the University of Iowa where I go every 2 years for a full day of tests and eye exams. This was a question I had […] Read More »
by Kathy Austin
The last book I read in print was The Osterman Weekend by Robert Ludlum, a CIA spy thriller. It was the second time I had read it and I struggled seeing the print under the dim light of a table lamp. Months later, I took my daughter to the library. I had to ask […] Read More »
Tags: audio books
by Eleni Gaves, COMS
Getting a first cane can seem overwhelming up front. From different sizes to materials and then to cane tips, there’s a lot of variety. And certainly, there is a lack of clarity about what each thing does or why so many variations exist. Add in the fact that you may be wondering how to hold […] Read More »
Tags: cane tips, mobility training, white cane
by Cody Froeter, CVRT
Cooking is something every person will experience to some degree at some point in their life. Some people detest cooking. Others think of it as just another task that needs to be done. Some people view cooking as a hobby. Others make it a passion or profession. Regardless of the perspective, every person will, at […] Read More »
Tags: cooking with vision loss, kitchen organization
by Kathy Austin
When I moved into my home 28 years ago, my backyard was a blank slate. I began digging up parts of the lawn to create flower beds, raised beds and a large vegetable plot. Over the years, some beds have gotten bigger and some have long since been turned back to lawn. I’ve watched the […] Read More »
Tags: adaptive gardening, container gardening, gardening
by Brad Blair
Brad is hosting a route planning workshop on March 17 at 4:30 PM CST via our conference line, 312-809-1004. This is a great opportunity to ask specific questions about the strategies he shares here. The Coronavirus seems to be receding — finally. Restaurants, sports venues, movie theaters and art galleries are once again […] Read More »
Tags: Independent Travel, O&M, route planning
by Eleni Gaves, COMS and Brad Blair, O&M intern
Whether you are fully sighted, losing your vision or blind, traveling in inclement winter weather is challenging. It requires planning and adaptations. These tips and methods will help you plan safe, productive travel. Many of these tips are similar to what anyone with 20/20 vision needs to do, but with methods adapted for those […] Read More »
Tags: travel with vision loss, winter travel
by Brad Blair
Global positioning system (GPS) technology is nearly everywhere. Today, GPS is in nearly every car on the road and every phone carried in a person’s pocket or purse. It’s now taken for granted that if you are planning a route from Chicago to Portland, or even just across town, you will use GPS systems. […] Read More »
Tags: GPS, GPS for visually impaired, O&M