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Two dogs from Guild Eyes Guide Dog School: Rowan, an active guide, is a yellow lab and Weller, a retired guide, is a black lab.

You’ve Made the Decision, Now it’s Time to Choose Your Guide Dog School

September 15, 2021 | 4 Comments

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 »

Someone holding a sticker announcing they got their Covid 19 Vaccine

Creating a Digital Copy of Your Vaccination Card Using VoiceOver

August 16, 2021 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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Aly does the plank pose on a bench looking across the pond to the Taj Majal on her travels to India

Travel to India? Why Not?

July 20, 2021 | 2 Comments

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 »

Audio Book Month: National Library Service Player and Audible app on a smart phone

Audio Book Month: Narrators Brings Stories to Life

June 22, 2021 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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Man walking with a white cane.

Choosing the Right White Cane: Factors to Consider

May 26, 2021 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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Kitchen tools organized before starting cooking include a tray, magnifier, oven glove, seasonings and the recipe.

The No-Look Cook: Adaptive Cooking for People with Vision Loss

May 6, 2021 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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Terracotta pots of all different shapes and sizes are perfect for a container garden.

It’s Spring: Start a Container Garden

April 1, 2021 | 1 Comment

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 »

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Ready for an Outing? Effective Route Planning Strategies

March 1, 2021 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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Gear for mobility during winter travel

Winter Travel with Vision Loss:  A Common Sense Approach

January 6, 2021 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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A large group of pedestrians crossing Michigan Avenue with the Chicago Cultural Center in the background.

GPS for the Traveler with Vision Loss: An Overview

December 15, 2020 | Leave a Comment

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 »

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