Considering a White Cane: Who? When? Why?
In honor of White Cane Safety Day today, we're joined by Hadley learner Larry Carlson and Orientation and Mobility Specialist Elijah Haines for a conversation about this important tool. Larry shares what made him decide to use a white cane, and Elijah shares tips for what to consider and how to adjust to using a white cane.
Hadley Presents
Considering a White Cane: Who? When? Why?
Presented by Ricky Enger
Ricky Enger: Welcome to Hadley Presents. I'm your host, Ricky Enger, inviting you to sit back, relax and enjoy a conversation with the experts. In this episode, Larry Carlson and Elijah Haines join us in honor of White Cane Safety Day to discuss adjustment to the white cane. Welcome to the show both of you. How's it going?
Larry Carlson: Great.
Elijah Haines: Great. Thanks for having me.
Ricky Enger: Awesome, so glad you both could be here. White Cane Safety Day, it's been around for quite some time. Sometimes there are conversations about the white cane that just aren’t had, maybe, as often as they should be. Why don't we let the audience get to know you both just a bit? So, Elijah, we'll start with you. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Elijah Haines: Yeah. My name is Elijah Haines, and I'm up here in Anchorage, Alaska. I'm working at the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. I am a certified orientation and mobility specialist, and a certified low vision therapist, as well. I do the role outreach travel here at the center, as well. Enjoying exploring Alaska and getting around, and definitely teaching cane travel in all sorts of conditions. Lots of snow sometimes, you can imagine, and here in town, as well.
Ricky Enger: And even moose. We were talking about that just before we started recording. You never know what you're going to get in Alaska. That's fantastic. Larry, how about you? Tell us a bit about yourself.
Larry Carlson: Married my high school sweetheart in 1981. Moved to Las Vegas, went through an electrical apprentice program, hired on with the City of Las Vegas, and I was a traffic signal technician until 2015, when I had cataract surgery. The surgery was in December of 2015. In February of 2016, my retina detached and tore in multiple places, so I've had issues with my eyes ever since. Was sent to DETR, they wanted to know why we didn't have audible head buttons, because they're also the Bureau for the Blind and Low Vision. While I was there, I walked into that fire hydrant that's right in the middle of the sidewalk.
And while I was bent over trying not to speak in French my partner just ratted me out, “He falls ever since the surgery. He falls over everything.” It was obvious that I've got a problem, and I probably need some help. A week later, I was ordered to report to DETR, officially, by the city. That's when they broached the cane of an ID cane, initially. And I said, "I don't need a cane, those are for blind people." She said, "You're really blind in the one eye, and you're wearing a Dixie cup, because you have no peripheral vision there." I was like, "Well, okay, yeah. But I can still see out of the left eye." And she says, "Yeah, how far?" And I was like, "Kind of." And needless to say, in 2017, they took my driving privileges from me, so at that time, I became un-promotable. I was like, "Well, if I'm not promotable, let's retire.” So I retired, and I've been retired ever since. I waffled a lot on that cane thing for a long time before I finally just said, "I'm tired of falling."
Ricky Enger: Yeah. And that's a fairly common thing, I think, just that adjustment. It's one of those things that people just have a difficult time with. It's not always this quick transition of, “Yay, I get to use a cane now.” And so, there are probably some misconceptions, some myths, about the cane that are out there. Elijah, do you know of any? Are there things that your clients misunderstand about the cane?
Elijah Haines: Definitely. I think one of the primary things is that some people don't see it as a tool that you're actively using. A lot of people think you just passively hold it, and then wander around and hopefully it will catch things in your way. But when they realize, no, there's techniques, and there are subtleties to the grip, and how you're holding it and adjusting it, and different types of canes. It's so much more involved on the part of the cane user than I think a lot of people realize in the beginning. I think, too, Larry, your story is so classic that a big misconception is that a cane is only for people who have no light perception or are totally blind people might say.
And not realizing that most cane users have some vision left, and a wide variety of vision. Some people might need it just in certain conditions and certain environments. It can be a useful tool for a lot more people than I think people first initially think, when they think of maybe the stereotype of a long white cane.
Ricky Enger: Yeah. That makes perfect sense. Even at Hadley, we hear that a lot. Larry, what about you? Aside from that big misconception, did you have any other thoughts about the cane that just turned out not to be accurate?
Larry Carlson: Besides the I'm not blind, I'm just legally blind, what I found was that less and less people seem to know what the white cane means. I've run into that a lot. It's like, "Hey, you can't have that in here." And it's like, "What do you mean I can't have that in here? Without it, I'm going to trip over things, and I'm going to fall, because I'm not going to..." If I'm looking forward, I can't see anything below my waist, so that's a real problem. I mean, people don't seem to understand that for me, it really is a tool. I mean, I can tell, and I can tell when I step off the sidewalk and I'm on asphalt, when I'm on grass, when I'm on dirt. It tells me what kind of environment I'm on where I'm at, and I can tell when I'm stepping and got that odd stuff called water. Being in Las Vegas, we don't have a lot of that.
Ricky Enger: I mentioned earlier that there’s this adjustment phase. Larry, you've touched on that a bit already. It's not just the adjustment on the part of the person using the cane, but also maybe friends and family. You get into a certain dynamic and then you introduce the cane and that changes things to some degree. Elijah, can you speak about that first? How does this go with your clients? What are some common things that you hear about, as people adjust to using the cane?
Elijah Haines: I think people have so many different reactions. And for me, as a specialist, it's really important to get to know the client as best I can, get to know their family environment, the background they come from, what type of community they live in, whether it's a bigger town or a really small town or village. That really determines how comfortable they might feel using a cane. Some friends and family members are a lot more proactive about the cane use than the individual themselves, because maybe they've seen them trip and fall, or they're having to assist them quite a bit. They might be relieved like, "Yes, please. Give them a cane and teach them how to be safe."
Other times the cane might be a bit of a disruptor in that caregiver role that's been established. The family or friend that's always there to offer their arm, and walk with them, and guide them around. All of a sudden, this cane sometimes is seen as a replacement for that, interrupting that dynamic and the friendship, or whatever it is. And so, that can lead to some resistance, because then that person feels like they won't be needed anymore, or that the cane user can just go anywhere they want now. And so, they won't be with that person as much. Some people can confuse, maybe, being independent with being alone. I've seen those two extremes of family being very proactive and thanking me for giving them a cane. And then resistance and some people saying, "I don't think they need that yet."
I just try to introduce it in slow steps for people. People initially say they don't want a cane. I, at least, hand it to them, so they can feel it, feel the weight of it. It's always a lot lighter than they think. They can feel the different tips on it, and they can walk a few steps with it. And if they hand it back to me and say, "No, thanks." That's all right. At least they've tried it, and so they know a little bit more about it than when they first came to me.
Ricky Enger: I like the way you put that, in terms of allowing the person themselves to make the decision. Because you can't force that, you can hand it to them, let them experience it. But ultimately, it has to be that person's decision to accept the cane. Larry, I know that you were pretty hesitant initially. So how was that for you? What ultimately led you to decide this cane is pretty cool? And then, your family members, what was their role in your journey toward acceptance of the cane?
Larry Carlson: I mean, I was off and on with it for, probably, about a year. I would use and I'd walk, and I wouldn't fall. I wouldn't use it on a five mile walk and I'd come back, and my pants were ripped, and the knees are bleeding somewhere, scrapes on the hands. My wife would be, "What happened," and she's like, "You really should consider that cane." I'm like, "No, I'm not ready for it." And then I took that hike at Red Rock. It was just a one mile out and back, and I saw these blobs coming at me, because that's how I see people until you get within, probably, a foot or two. You're just a blob. And I stepped off the trail, and the only thing I really remember is that I was flat on my back. I know somebody pushed me because I didn't fall. My son was right there, and he said, "Dad, you stepped off the trail and fell."
I got back to the trail head, and I couldn't stop the bleeding on my left knee. I decided from there on, because I'm going to carry this scar on my knee for the rest of my life, I was like, "This is just one of those things I'm going to have to learn. I have to carry it with me. This is what we're going to have to do." Once I got that all dialed in, I've been good with it ever since. But, like I say, it's just getting used to it. It's adding to your routine if you will. You hit the door and it's like, "Okay, car keys, keys, phone, wallet." I got to remember to make sure I have my cane, and I've got a spot right there by the door where the canes are all stacked up and grab the primary cane and go.
Ricky Enger: It sounds like once you did make the decision to use it, it did become an important part of your routine. But it took something pretty painful to get you to make the decision, and I think that's going to be so relatable too. There are a lot of assumptions that people make about the white cane. Whether a person is blind, or legally blind, or just a part of the general public with no vision disability, at all. When people learn a bit about the cane, they realize it can find steps, it can find obstacles, it can tell you about the environment that you're walking on. Are there other things that people might not think about, in terms of how a cane is useful?
Elijah Haines: Yes. And the cane can offer so much information. It's incredible. It just opens up your whole world in such a just beautiful way. But the auditory information it offers. For a lot of folks with typical hearing, the cane can offer so much information about the size of the room you're in as that tip is tapping and moving across the surface. The echoes it produces gives you so much information. The sound it makes on those different surfaces. I was walking with someone the other day and they were trying to find a specific street corner, and a couple different landmarks. And their cane happened to just ping against a little metal grate, which they knew was on the corner of that street. And they heard that little sound and, all of a sudden, it cued them right in.
I think that's something people don't think about a lot is all of the sounds and auditory information it provides. And different types of cane tips offer you different types of sounds, as well, which is really exciting to explore.
Ricky Enger: That's a great point. Thank you for that. Larry, how about you? Is there something that you were surprised that the cane made easier, or just something that you'd never thought I didn't know a cane would do this for me, or would make this particular thing easier?
Larry Carlson: I think the thing of it is, is I can look forward all the time, so I can see what's coming at me. The cane tells me what's below my waist that I cannot see. I can tell, okay, there's a crack there. The pull box lid has been missing in the sidewalk, so rather than stepping in it, I was able to stop, post up, and feel around and get around without falling. I can tell you on one hand that I've only fallen three times in five years with my cane. And before, without the cane, I can't go a quarter of a mile without falling down off of something. You get that feedback and... Well, I'm talking to you on my iPad. I don’t know how Apple Stores are there, but here the one that we go to all the time, it's all glass. If you hit the wrong aisle, you can't get out. But twice I've gone down the wrong aisle, I could sense something wasn't right, but I wasn't sure what. And when my cane hit it, rather than walking into the glass and smashing up, there's a wall here. Now, it's left or right.
Usually, by the time I have it dialed in which way I want to go, left or right, somebody's over there to help me out. I didn't have to walk into the wall to figure out that you got to go left, or you got to right, to get out the door. I mean, I went to a convention here a month ago at one of the casinos, and it told me that “Hey, you're on tile, you're on carpet.” And I was able to tell that, and then, when I was on the carpet, it told me you've got something in front of you. My cane said, "Hey, you got three steps," and I couldn't find a handrail, so I just, okay, one, two, three, no more steps and got to where I wanted to go. Having the cane just makes it so that you understand what you're walking on, or what you're walking to, and that sort of thing.
Ricky Enger: For somebody who is still on the fence after listening to this, or maybe they're just struggling with the decision. Is there anything that you would say to them that might make that decision a little easier, one way or the other?
Elijah Haines: I think just that it's normal to be uncertain about it. And if you're worried about the stigma of carrying a cane, and what people are going to think, or wondering how exactly you're going to use it. That's all normal. You're not doing it wrong. You're not adjusting badly. Or you're not a bad blind person, or whatever it is. That's totally normal to have that dilemma and struggle with that. I think just to realize that, as a society really, we've stigmatized the cane so much, and other mobility devices that, that's a very real thing to grapple with. I would say that if someone's still uncertain about whether they should use a cane they already have, or get a cane, hear more stories. You've heard Larry's amazing story today about his adjustment, and it's not always smooth. But if you talk to more and more people, it starts to normalize cane use. You start to realize, even if you feel like it, you definitely are not the only one that has been in this situation.
And learn how other people adjusted. How did they explain to friends and family when they were suddenly walking with a cane? How did they deal with those awkward interactions of passersby on the street every cane user has? I think the more people can learn and listen to those stories, the more they can picture themselves as a successful cane user.
Ricky Enger: Larry, how about you? What do you wish somebody had said to you before you fell a lot of times that might've sped up your decision to ultimately get a cane?
Larry Carlson: In my case, I'm just bull headed, so I'm not sure anything could've been said. Honestly, I don't know. I just had to come to the decision on my own. But I would tell anybody that's waffling on a cane or not, unfortunately we're not getting any younger, and it takes a lot longer to heal. All the falls I've taken, I could and should have more broken bones on my record than I have, because I didn't want to carry the cane with me and use it. I was concerned about what other people said, and I realized they can't live my life. I have to live my own. I hear it from time to time. Usually, it's high school kids, but not always, "He can see. He can see." Yeah, I can see, to a point, but without my cane I'm going to fall. And when I fall, I'm going to get hurt and I don't bounce back as quick I used to. The older I get, the longer it's going to take. You'll come to the right decision at some point. I mean, it's not an easy decision to come to, but once you come to it, it's fine.
Usually, once you make the decision, your family will get behind you. My family's been great about it. The grandkids either run well in front of me, or they'll stop, and they'll tell me that, "Hey, I'm here, or I'm on your right, or I'm on your left." They're three and six, and they're telling me this, so I know not to sweep into them. They'll walk beside me holding my other hand. You can't let pride dictate what you're going to do. Your health and well-being is far more important than your pride.
Ricky Enger: That is so perfectly said. This has been a really, really enlightening conversation just to hear from you both. Sharing your wisdom and just things that you've gained with your own experiences. As we wrap up, is there any final thing that, maybe, we didn't cover?
Elijah Haines: I'll just plug my field as orientation and mobility specialist. As a cane traveler, you can improve your skill. It's like a sport. There's a lot of different techniques and things to perfect, and a whole host of apps and technology to help you travel and stay on route. If you have a rehabilitation agency, or a state commission, in your area, or can connect with organizations where you can talk with specialists, or just experience cane travelers. Again, that's just a huge help, and you can improve your skills. If you're walking with your cane and you feel like something's not quite right, it might be time to reach out to someone to get some more practice.
Ricky Enger: Yeah, love it. Thank you for that. Larry, how about you? Any final thoughts you want to leave the listeners with?
Larry Carlson: In my case, I use the cane because I don't want to fall, and I don't want to hurt myself. While I don't have a lot of stairs around, if you have a cane, and you're not sure what to do, and you're not sure who to call, you can always go to Hadley and look up some of their videos on getting around. It's not necessarily a substitute for meeting with an O&M instructor, because that's by far the best way to go. But if you've had the O&M, like myself, the Hadley videos will remind you of something that you learned about, but then you don't run into all that frequently. That's been great for me. But I think the big thing with the cane is it's an icebreaker. It's a communication tool. I can talk to people because they realize this guy doesn't see that well. He's totally blind. And I inform them, "No, I can see, but I just can't define what I'm seeing."
They're curious, but they don't want to ask that question, "Why do you have a cane, if you can see?" And then when you tell them I can't read the sign across the thing, I just have an idea what it says. Then they understand and they realize that he can't see below his waist. It makes it easier the next time they run into somebody with a white cane, whether it's me or somebody else. They'll also understand that guy’s got a problem with his eyesight, and that's why he has the cane. He didn't just go to the store and buy one of those things. Somebody gave that to him. Because of that, he's not sitting at home becoming a problem for us.
Ricky Enger: I love what you said about how it can be a communication tool, and even an educational moment to show people that not everyone who's using a white cane is totally blind. There are times when you can see someone who's looking at something, and just the fact that there is this spectrum of vision loss. A lot of people don't know that, and the cane is a great tool to educate people on that. You've both shared such wonderful information today. And I really appreciate you both for joining us. I hope that for both of you, and for everyone else listening, it is a happy White Cane Safety Day.
Got something to say? Share your thoughts about this episode of Hadley Presents or make suggestions for future episodes. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at [email protected]. That's P-O-D-C-A-S-T at hadley.edu or leave us a message at (847) 784-2870. Thanks for listening.
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Episode 61
Karen and Dan Leonetti share how vision loss has changed their relationship and the advice they have for other couples.
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Episode 60
Rabbi Lenny Sarko joins us to talk about how his vision loss journey led him to create a first-of-its-kind braille Sefer Torah that people around the country can access.
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Episode 59
Actor and artist Bruce Horak talks about his personal journey with vision loss, how he got interested in painting, and his role in the new television series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
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Episode 58
CEO of Eschenbach Optik of America Ken Bradley joins the podcast to discuss how Eschenbach has adapted through the pandemic to help people with visual impairment access low vision devices remotely. Through their "Telelowvision" program, you can try out magnification devices from the comfort of your home to find what works best for you before you buy.
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Episode 57
Scottish radio broadcaster and podcaster Steven Scott loves finding and talking about tech stuff. He's especially fond of apps and gadgets that make life easier for him and others with vision loss.
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Episode 56
NYT Columnist Frank Bruni returns to the podcast to talk about his new book. Frank describes his personal experiences with vision loss and how, with time, his perspective has grown.
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Episode 55
IT professional and stand-up comedian Todd Blenkhorn talks about his personal journey with vision loss and how his passion for stand-up helped him find and share the humor in daily interactions.
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Episode 54
In this episode, we're sharing highlights from previous interviews with a glaucoma specialist, retina specialist, and a low vision doctor. Listen in to learn more about common eye conditions, treatments, and what to expect at these specialist appointments.
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Episode 53
Master Gardener Sue Brasel and Hadley's Chief Program Officer and gardener Ed Haines join us for a chat about gardening, no matter your level of vision or gardening experience. They share tips for how to get started, common challenges, and the many benefits of gardening.
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Episode 52
We're joined by Carol Mackey, an avid discussion group participant, and co-host Debbie Worman to chat about what Hadley groups are, how to join, and what you can get out of them. With 10 groups on a variety of topics, there's something for everyone. Listen in or chime in – it’s up to you.
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Episode 51
Bold Blind Beauty blogger Stephanae McCoy joins us for a chat on beauty, style and confidence. Stephanae talks about how vision loss shaped her life, and then shares some of her favorite fashion and beauty tips.
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Episode 50
Hadley staff share their favorite kitchen gadgets and tips. Whether you're an experienced home chef or a total novice, you're bound to pick up a few ideas that fit your vision needs and make your time in the kitchen more productive (and fun).
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Episode 49
We sat down with Kim Walker, co-director of research and development at Hadley, and Mark Andrews, one of the Hadley advisors who reviewed our exciting new approach for adults with vision loss to learn braille. From labeling items in your home to identifying buttons on an elevator, braille can be a wonderful tool for everyday use.
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Episode 48
New York Times Best-Selling Author, Gretchen Rubin, chats about her research on how tapping into different senses can enrich our lives and connect us to each other in surprising ways.
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Episode 47
Twin sisters Jenelle and Joy join the podcast to share their personal experiences with vision loss and adjusting to it emotionally. While they look identical, their perspectives and journeys differ, highlighting their mission to show that "there is no right way to go blind."
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Episode 46
Hadley learner Sharon Noseworthy shares tips and tricks for hosting get-togethers of any type or size, no matter your vision. Sharon has always loved the role of hostess and has learned to adjust her approach now that her own vision has declined.
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Episode 45
We're joined by Teepa Snow, occupational therapist and founder of Positive Approach to Care, to learn more about the challenges of having both vision loss and dementia. Teepa addresses common misconceptions about dementia and shares practical tips for supporting someone with both conditions.
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Episode 44
We sat down with several Hadley staff members and asked them about their favorite tech tips, apps, and gadgets. Whether you consider yourself a tech expert or novice, the group recommends a variety of high-tech and low-tech options that fit your comfort level and interests.
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Episode 43
Judge David Tatel has served on the second most powerful court in the country since 1994. He also happens to be blind. Judge Tatel joins us to share his story on building a law career and family while dealing with changing vision, the technology and resources he's found useful, and what made him consider getting a guide dog in recent years.
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Episode 41
Supriya Raman, manager of the Disability and Multicultural branches of the TSA, shares tips on traveling among shifting COVID restrictions. Supriya covers what to expect at the airport and what resources are available for people with visual impairment.
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Episode 40
Photographer Michael Nye chats with us about his latest art exhibit, "My Heart is Not Blind," a collection of photos and audio interviews of people with visual impairment. Through these stories, Michael provides a look into what he calls "our shared humanity and shared fragility," as well as common misunderstandings about blindness.
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Episode 39
Champion blind golfer Chad NeSmith talks about how vision loss shaped his life, and how he shares his passion for golf with others with vision loss.
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Episode 38
Doug Walker, Hadley co-director of R&D, and Ed Haines, Hadley Chief Program Officer, chat about the making of Hadley's "Adjusting to Vision Loss" workshop series. The series guides people through the emotional aspects of vision loss. Doug serves as the series' personal storyteller and narrator.
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Episode 37
In this episode we chat with ophthalmologist Dr. Angela Elam from the University of Michigan. Dr. Elam addresses common questions and concerns, and shares her advice for returning to the eye doctor among shifting COVID restrictions.
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Episode 36
Dorrie Rush, OE's Chief Content Officer, joins us for a chat about this wonderful online resource chock full of tips for living well with vision loss. You'll find great articles on using tech tools, tips for health and well-being, stories from others living with vision loss, a terrific podcast, and more.
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Episode 35
Learn about a new service that’s just launched in 2020 called Accessible Pharmacy. Accessible packaging and labeling and personalized customer support all free of charge to the end consumer, and specifically designed for those with vision impairment.
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Episode 34
Audio Describe the World! That’s the mantra of UniDescription: a free smartphone app that provides audio descriptions and navigation tips for US National Parks and other public places.
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Episode 33
In this episode, we chat with low vision optometrist Dr. Mark Wilkinson from the University of Iowa. Dr. Wilkinson answers common questions and shares his advice for getting the most out of low vision optometry appointments.
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Episode 32
Jan and Elgie Dow share how vision loss has changed their relationship and the advice they have for other couples.
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Episode 31
Join Hadley advisor Eddie Becerra as he shares about losing his sight from diabetic retinopathy, and how he gained a new perspective on life.
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Episode 30
Classically trained chef Regina Mitchell shares how vision loss shaped her life. Regina worked her way back into the kitchen and is now helping others cook with confidence, no matter their vision.
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Episode 29
In this episode we sit down with the director of Well Connected, an organization that offers free, call-in groups for adults over 60 on a wide variety of interest areas: games, music, meditation and more.
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Episode 28
Support groups can be a great way to connect with others who "get it." Listen in as as low vision support group leaders Lynndah Lahey and Judy Davis describe how their groups are run and what their members get out of them.
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Episode 27
World-renowned artist John Bramblitt describes how vision loss has shaped his painting and his life.
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Episode 26
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Tim Murray of the American Society of Retina Specialists. Dr. Murray treats eye diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. He answers common questions and shares his insights into the future of treatments.
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Episode 25
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jullia Rosdahl, a glaucoma specialist from the Duke Eye Center, and ask her some of the many questions we’ve heard about glaucoma, its risk factors, and how to treat the disease.
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Episode 24
Hadley learning expert Jessica Smith shares her experience raising a puppy that may eventually become a guide dog. She covers what she’s learned and things to consider if you’d like to volunteer to help out a guide dog school.
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Episode 23
October 15 is White Cane Safety Day, a day to recognize this important tool that empowers people with visual impairment to travel safely and independently. It also brings attention to the general public to be mindful of visually impaired neighbors, giving them additional consideration and right-of-way when needed. We sat down with Kellee Sanchez, an orientation and mobility specialist, to talk about the history of White Cane Safety Day, and how a white cane can help those with vision loss.
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Episode 22
Be My Eyes is a free smartphone app that connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers for help with visual tasks. We sat down with Will Butler from Be My Eyes to hear how the app started, tips for using it, and exciting new features that provide specialized assistance, including with Hadley.
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Episode 21
Tracy Simon from Eye2Eye peer support program shares her story of vision loss, how her program works, and the benefits of connecting with and supporting each other.
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Episode 20
Ophthalmologist Dr. Lori Provencher chats with us about how the coronavirus pandemic has changed doctor's visits. She shares tips for staying safe, questions to ask, and what to expect before, during and after your next office visit.
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Episode 19
Mindfulness expert Tiffany Guske returns to the podcast to share tips and insights on how to cope with life's challenges, such as vision loss or an illness, building resilience and focusing on self-compassion instead of judgment.
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Episode 18
Author of "When You Can't Believe Your Eyes," Hannah Fairbairn, chats with us about how to communicate in everyday situations when you can't rely on visual cues. Hear Hannah's own story about losing vision, her practical tips on adjusting to vision loss, and advice she has on regaining confidence in social situations.
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Episode 17
In this episode, we continue the conversation on living during the COVID-19 pandemic with a visual impairment. Listen in as we share some experiences, tips, and strategies for coping during these difficult times.
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Episode 16
The COVID-19 crisis has brought a wave of change and uncertainty to our everyday lives. Listen in as we share personal experiences, resources and some helpful tips...all from a blind or low vision perspective.
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Episode 15
Assistive technology experts Ricky Enger and Steve Kelley review BlindShell, a mobile phone built for those with visual impairment. They discuss the basic features, how it differs from a traditional smartphone, and how to decide if it's right for you.
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Episode 14
This week we sit down with Dan Roberts, author of "The First Year-Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed" and founder of MDSupport website and support group. Hear Dan's own story about being diagnosed with macular degeneration and what prompted him to reach out to others facing similar circumstances.
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Episode 13
Listen in as we explore the basics of using hand tools with a visual impairment. Gil Johnson, a visually impaired home repair expert, shares tips on everything from measuring, to leveling to hammering.
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Episode 12
Elections are right around the corner. So we gathered a panel to talk about options for voting no matter your level of vision. Listen in as we explore everything you need to know, from registering to vote to the many ways you can cast your ballot.
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Episode 11
Ricky sits down with Android Accessibility Product Manager Brian Kemler to discuss what is available on Android phones for those with visual impairment. From adjusting font size and color, or opting to listen with TalkBack instead, the commitment to making these powerful tools more useful to a wider audience is clear.
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Episode 10
In this episode, we chat with Gil Johnson, an experienced home repair and woodworking enthusiast about things to consider when undertaking home repair with blindness or low vision.
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Episode 9
Hadley's Debbie Good sits down to continue a conversation with author and visually impaired world traveler Dr. Wendy David. Together they explore a wide variety of helpful hints covering train, plane, and cruise travel as well as practical information on traveling internationally and navigating hotels.
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Episode 8
In this episode, Ricky Enger chats with Joe Strechay, associate producer on the Apple TV+ series SEE. The show takes place in a future where, after a viral apocalypse, all humans are blind. Joe takes us behind the scenes of the show and his work to help build an inclusive set for the cast and crew, including those with low to no vision. From casting to costumes, scripting to scenery, hear how Joe helped create a science fiction world that strives to be authentic to life with vision loss.
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Episode 7
Hadley's Debbie Good sits down with travel author Dr. Wendy David in this latest episode. In part one of this two-part interview, Debbie and Wendy discuss tips for traveling with confidence as a blind or low vision person, advice on picking destinations, considerations for traveling alone and in a group, and more!
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Episode 6
Ricky Enger is joined by Hadley's Debbie Worman and mindfulness expert Tiffany Guske in this latest episode. Debbie and Tiffany talk about what mindfulness is and the specific benefits that mindfulness can offer for those living with vision loss. Tiffany then walks listeners through a short mindfulness exercise.
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Episode 5
In this episode, Ricky Enger speaks with New York Times columnist Frank Bruni, who shares the story of his sudden vision loss from NAION. Bruni speaks candidly on his adjustment to the change, maintaining a realistic attitude towards his vision loss, and the failure of medical professionals to provide resources after diagnosis.
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Episode 4
Listen in as we share practical tips on how to keep your handwriting readable. This resource-packed episode includes many useful techniques and solutions to common handwriting challenges. Hadley Learning Expert Jennifer Ottowitz chats with Sue Dalton, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist.
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Episode 3
In this episode, Hadley's Steve Kelley speaks with Kendra Farrow, from the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision, located at Mississippi State. The episode serves as a guide for those new to vision rehabilitation, including determining who is eligible for services, key differences between the medical and social services models, and how to locate services in each state.
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Episode 2
In this episode, Ricky Enger chats with Microsoft's Jeremy Curry, a Senior Program Manager with the Windows Accessibility team. New vision accessibility features are now available in Windows 10 for low vision and screen reader users.
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Episode 1
In the inaugural episode of Hadley Presents, Ricky Enger and Jonathan Mosen of Aira chat about the ways in which a visual interpreter service, such as Aira, can be used to gain valuable visual information and enhance travel and leisure activities for blind and low vision users.