Creating a Braille Sefer Torah
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.
Hadley Presents
Creating a Braille Sefer Torah
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, Hadley's Chief Program Officer, Ed Haines, interviews Rabbi Lenny Sarko, sharing his braille journey, including the creation of a Sefer Torah. Welcome to the show, both of you.
Lenny Sarko: Thank you.
Ed Haines: Thanks Ricky, this is going to be really interesting.
Ricky Enger: Yeah, I agree. It's so great to have you both here, and even better to have the opportunity to discuss braille. Braille is always fun to talk about. This story in particular, I think, is one of the coolest. I'm really looking forward to learning a bit more about you Rabbi Lenny, what you've done, not only learning braille, but creating the Sefer Torah in braille. Before we jump into the questions that Ed has, and start to just explore the story, why don't we get a quick intro from each of you? Ed, we'll take you first. I know you've been on the program several times before, so just a sentence or two about who you are, and what you do at Hadley?
Ed Haines: Sure, thanks, Ricky. I'm Ed Haines, and I'm the Chief Program Officer here at Hadley.
Ricky Enger: Excellent. Rabbi Lenny, how about you?
Lenny Sarko: Thanks, Ricky. Again, this is Rabbi Lenny Sarko, I am a leader of a congregation just outside of Pittsburgh. I have entered the realm of the visually impaired about six or seven years ago, through an issue of bleeding within my eyes, as a result of diabetes, which led me initially to Hadley, where I learned some English braille. As a rabbi that led me, eventually, to Hebrew braille, and eventually to this over a six-year journey, in the creation of a Hebrew braille Sefer Torah.
Ricky Enger: Fantastic. I can already tell that your story is going to be an interesting one, and we're so glad that you found Hadley, and started your braille journey here. How appropriate is that? So with that, I think, Ed, you've got a lot of great questions, and we'll jump right into it.
Ed Haines: Thanks. Yeah, I sure do. Rabbi Lenny, the Sefer Torah is just such an amazing project, and I want to hear all about it. I wonder, before we do that, just to give it some context, if you could tell us a little bit about your own personal journey with braille itself?
Lenny Sarko: I entered the realm of visually impaired, which has remained, about six or seven years ago. That eventually led me to Hadley, because as a rabbi, reading is such an important part of my life, and allows me to help do my job. Although I do have some vision left, and I can do some reading, I really wanted to be able to continue to do what I do, which led me to Hadley initially. Eventually, that led me to the discussion within my job, as to what we do about Hebrew, and found out that Hebrew braille was actually invented around 1948, give or take. There isn't a lot of teaching of Hebrew braille within the United States. The Sefer Torah becomes a little bit of a different animal, but again, Hadley really helped me quite a bit in the baseline, the foundation of getting me familiar with, and beginning to use braille.
A lot of my efforts have been really placed on the Hebrew side, which is a little bit different in approach than the English. There is only uncontracted Hebrew braille, there is no contracted Hebrew braille. Certainly, its use becomes exceedingly important for the blind and visually impaired Jews that are not only in the U.S. but around the world.
Ed Haines: That makes perfect sense. You've obviously moved so far beyond that original goal of just learning to read English braille, so it's a perfect segue. If you could now just tell us about your mission to create this braille Sefer Torah?
Lenny Sarko: The Sefer Torah really goes back almost 3000 years. They developed, at that point, a weekly reading of the five books of Moses we call Torah. A number of customs grew out of that. Again, why a weekly congregational reading? Well again, books back in those days were exceedingly rare and expensive. For Judaism, the Torah itself becomes the baseline of how we learn to do our religion. It was critical for everyone that is Jewish to be able to access that information, and they developed the idea of doing a weekly reading where, across an entire year, they get through the entire five books of Moses in a public way. Then, they developed a number of customs around that public reading. One was to create a specific scroll for that, and there were some things around that scroll that became custom. For example, a Sefer scroll is 100% organic, organic from living things.
The parchment that it is written on comes from a kosher animal. It's put on rollers that are wood rollers. The inks that are typically used in a written scroll are made from gall nuts and honey. Secondly, it must be handwritten. It can't be machine done. There can be no mistakes in the various words, and letters, and columns. The last, and probably the most critical item from a blind perspective, it must be read. It cannot be memorized. It can't be memorized because memorization leads towards mistakes. We don't want mistakes in a Torah. It must be read. Blind and visually impaired Jews are considered 100% full members of the Jewish community. There is no aristocracy in Judaism. You don't have to be a rabbi to lead a service. Anyone can lead a service. Anyone can read from the Torah, and they do.
It's called an Aliyah, a high honor, to be able to read, and that is given to anyone who would like it. Blind Jews, visually impaired Jews, were never given that Aliyah, that honor, because they couldn't read. Were they really considered full members? As a rabbi, that bothered me. As somebody who became visually impaired in my sight, that bothered me. Now, there was a large number of issues related to making an initial scroll. When I did my initial investigation, I found there were no such thing as a Hebrew braille scroll in the U.S. There were none in Europe, there were none in Israel. As a rabbi, and as a Jewish person, we tend to question a lot. We start to ask the question, why? I received a large number of answers, but every time I broached those questions, there weren't answers to those questions. I went on, basically, a six-year journey, that eventually developed what became the world's first Hebrew braille Sefer Torah scroll.
Ed Haines: Wow, that's amazing. From what I understand, it's not just the Sefer Torah. At this point, you've built an entire non-for-profit organization around this project. Could you talk a little bit about that as well?
Lenny Sarko: Again, as I approached the project, we have another issue. Typically, as a Jewish community gets together, they all put some dollars into a kitty, and we buy a scroll. But Jewish blind and visually impaired are not in one community, they're spread throughout the country. These scrolls are expensive. To make a written scroll begins around $50,000, and generally heads up towards $100,000. Even the blind scroll will be in and around $50,000 to make one full five books of Moses. That also bothered me. How are we going to get these scrolls to those that need them?
I developed a program, and what's the program? We put together a nonprofit corporation, a 501c3, and we're getting grants to create as many scrolls as we can. They're going to be housed in one area. Then when a blind or visually impaired person would like to use them, they simply contact me, and I will mail them the scroll. They'll use it for a week or two, and mail it back. So their cost is really only the mailing and the insurance, not the creation of the scroll. This now becomes economically viable for them, and accessible to literally any blind or visually impaired person around the country.
Ed Haines: That makes perfect sense. I believe you haven't even stopped there. You've subsequently developed a Hebrew braille literacy program as well.
Lenny Sarko: As I began my journey to learn Hebrew braille, and I searched for some help around the country, it didn't exist. I decided to develop a course that could be done remotely, that will teach a person who knows English braille, how to read Hebrew braille. What it is, it's a set of workbooks, and the workbooks are sent to the person. Currently, there is no charge for those workbooks. When you get a workbook, it's both in English and Hebrew braille, and also a textual version. That text version is far more pictorial, so that a person that's either a spouse or a good friend, that is there, does not need to know Hebrew, and does not need to know braille, and can assist line by line, character by character, the person going through the workbooks. They can go at their own pace and learn Hebrew braille enough to be able to use the Torah scrolls. It doesn't teach conversational Hebrew, but it does teach enough for them to be able to use the scrolls.
Ed Haines: I know there are some guidelines that are involved in the creation of a Sefer Torah, and you mentioned this earlier, one of which is, it has to be created by hand, and it has to be mistake-free. I'm really fascinated to hear how you accomplish this, because you had to braille it entirely by hand, mistake-free. That's just really a huge achievement.
Lenny Sarko: Yeah, that was probably the biggest hurdle of all, in the project. How do you do this? Again, how do you make braille manually? Everyone knows, that's a slate and stylus. I don't know about you, but when I use my typical slate and stylus, I can't get through a line without making a mistake. How do we do this? How do I make it so that it can be mistake-free? Here's what I eventually came up with. We're going to make a slate, but the slate itself is going to be the size of an entire column. A typical column, just in rough numbers, is roughly two-foot by two-and-a-half foot. It's about 4,000 letters, give or take. What I do, and again, a braille dot only two millimeters in diameter, a half a millimeter high. So what I came up with is as follows: can use machines in the preparation of the materials, as long as the letters themselves are hand-done.
What I did is, used what's called a CNC machine, which is, in essence, a computerized drill, and pre-drilled the holes for each of the letters. In the case of the Alef, which is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, it's a lot like an A. In English braille, it's only dot one. In that particular cell, only dot one gets drilled. In that way, there is no way for me to slip and go into a different hole, because only that hole exists for that letter. I had to do that for every single letter of the Bible.
Again, why does it take six years initially? Remember, a slate and stylus is done upside down and backwards. What I had to do is take the English, make sure the Hebrew is all set, take the Hebrew, put it into the proper sequences. In a typical column in a standard scroll, you will have 42 lines of roughly 40 characters per line. I had to invert it. Then, I had to take that and convert it into CNC language, because I needed to save the money. Then, give that program to a company that has a CNC machine, to drill all 279 columns, for every single letter of the Bible.
The bad part of that is, it took so long to do that particular project. The good part is as follows. In a typical scroll, a written scroll, a scribe will take roughly a year to a year and a half to make a Torah. This took six years, but most of the time was in making the slates. Now, the slates can be used... and again, I also have matching bottom slates. You have the bottom slate, you put a piece of parchment between, you put in a top slate, they're bolted together, so that the parchment doesn't move, then it's punched.
Now that the slates are there, how many more of those columns can I make? Thousands, yes, without needing another slate. I can actually get down to making one of the five books in, basically, a month. I can also do it with help. A scribe can't really use help, because they have to know Hebrew, they have to have all sorts of other expertise to be able to do this. Who can punch a hole in a slate that's already pre-made? Anybody. Again, if we go back to kosher rules, a kosher slaughterhouse, for example, will hire non-Jewish workers, as long as there's a Jewish supervisor, the food is still considered kosher.
In this particular case, who can I get to help? Because I lead a congregation, we have a number of elderly people who are retired. This is a great project, because they can start and stop when they want. They don't need to know Hebrew. They don't need to know braille. Just hit the holes. I can actually reduce the time even further, and actually push a scroll out, an entire five books, anywhere from one to five, six months.
Ed Haines: That is just fantastic. That's real ingenuity. Frankly, my mind is blown, when I think about using a slate to do Hebrew braille, and the difference between reading left to right. There's a lot of differences.
Lenny Sarko: Here's some of the interesting things. I'd say, 99% of the rules, I can follow. Here's one that I can't. Typical Hebrew is read right to left. Hebrew braille is actually read left to right. I need to put it in left to right. Why do they do that? Because again, braille reading needs to be consistent. They don't want somebody to approach a page in Hebrew, and all of a sudden say, "Which way do I have to go," and all that kind of stuff. Again, that doesn't really change the essence of what we have.
Here's another difference. A typical scroll will be justified both on the right and left side. How do they do that? A typical scroll, they'll take the end of the line, and they'll elongate or squat their letters. I can't do that. It's got to be consistent. I get to the end of the line, if I can't fit the word, it just goes to the next line. Interestingly enough, standard written scroll will run anywhere from 225 to 290 columns. It takes me 239 to create a scroll. It's not like a braille book, where it's five times the size. It's no bigger or smaller than a regular scroll. In a typical scroll, they'll have some interesting, we'll call it anomalies, for no better term. For example, there's a number of letters within the scroll that are either extra large or extra small.
Again, I can't change my size, but here's what I can do. There is no six dot Hebrew letter. If I have an extra small letter in a particular word, it will be preceded by a six-dot cell. If it's extra-large, two six dot cells. That tells the reader it's extra-large or extra small. Also, there's some really interesting spacing issues. For example, if you get to the end, there's something called Haazinu, the song of Moses, the poem of Moses. It's in a very poetic spacing. I can actually repeat that spacing in the braille scroll, without any problem. The same thing with other areas that are like that throughout the scroll. For example, when you get to the 10 Commandments, that's spaced a little bit differently. I can match that same spacing in the braille scroll.
Ed Haines: I had another question about some differences in guidelines, too, it's more related to reading than actually the creation of the scroll. I'm aware that, traditionally, people who read from the Sefer Torah, they don't actually touch the manuscript. I'm assuming there's an exception that's made for braille readers.
Lenny Sarko: The lack of touching is not what they call a Halakhah, a legal precept, but a custom. The inks in a written scroll is organic. Eventually, you're going to start to smear them, damage them, because of the oils or dirt from your fingers. Typically, in a written scroll, they use what's called a Yad, which is a pointer. Even some people who take the pointer, you're not really supposed to touch the letters. You're supposed to follow it above. But, it's not a legalistic rule, it's a custom because we don't want to damage the scrolls. In the braille scroll, you want to touch it, because it's strictly by feel. As long as you don't start pressing the dots like bubble wrap, you're good to go.
Ricky Enger: That does bring to mind a question for me, which is, is the parchment that you use the same as you would use for a printed scroll? Because sometimes, braille dots do not show up as well, or feel a bit fainter on some paper than others. Do you use that same parchment?
Lenny Sarko: Great question, Ricky. Yes. Here's one of those questions that I got at the beginning of the project: how will braille take to parchment? We know you can't use regular paper. You use almost a card stock for braille writing. One of the comments that I got back, from all the various ones I got, "The braille will never hold up against the parchment, and even if it does initially, remember, what do we do with these scrolls? It's two rollers, so we're going to roll up the parchment back and forth, back and forth." That squished the dots. It turns out, we use cowhide for parchment. It turns out cowhide is both very strong, but also very flexible. The cowhide takes the braille dots very nicely, thank you. Because it's tough, even when you roll it, it does not damage the dots. I have rolled test dots on test scrolls. It never affected the dots. So the parchment that I use is the exact same parchment, and I get it from the exact same places that the written scrolls come from. The Torah rollers, same place that they get theirs, I get mine. There is absolutely no difference in materials used, except that I create dots, and they put inks on. The parchment itself is exactly the same.
Ed Haines: That's fantastic. It's almost, it was meant to happen, obviously. Finally, most important question, I suppose, if you could tell our listeners how they could participate in your program, and how they could request the Sefer Torah to read in their own synagogues?
Lenny Sarko: How many Jewish blind and visually impaired are there in the United States? Turns out there's around 200,000 blind, and a little over 200,000 visually impaired. That's over 400,000 people in the U.S. alone. Remember, this is Hebrew, so it can be theoretically used anywhere around the world. The easiest way to contact me is probably through the website. I have my email and phone number there. The website for the project is www.devarim, D as in dog, E V as in Victor, A R I M as in Mary, dot org. If you just hit the little contact button, you'll see all sorts of ways to write me, to email me, to call me. For those that are visually impaired, or partially sighted, or sighted, that is interested, there's pictures of the braille scroll on that site, that you can see, and a description of the projects as well.
Ricky Enger: Excellent. Of course, we will have that link in our show notes, for everybody listening. It's been just amazing hearing your ingenuity, and your passion for this project. Six years seems like a very long time. I would imagine that all that time you put into this is well worth it, both for you, and for others who are interested in learning Hebrew braille, and in reading the Sefer Torah.
Lenny Sarko: Might I just interrupt and do one more comment, because I think it's an important comment for me especially as a rabbi. This stuff doesn't only help those who are blind or visually impaired. Those that have already used the scroll, and I've gone there, and participated in their congregations- their congregations, their families, their friends, the entire community that they're there will show up on that day, and the pride, and the happiness, and the joy not only emanates from the person doing the reading but the entire community. It becomes a real lift for everybody. It's just a real positive experience all the way around.
Ricky Enger: Yes, thank you for sharing that. That's amazing. Of course, thank you for stopping by, and just sharing your story. This has been so fascinating.
Lenny Sarko: Yeah. I want to thank again, Hadley, for all their help to me in the past. I probably couldn't have gotten to this point without them.
Ricky Enger: We're certainly glad to have you. Thank you.
Lenny Sarko: Thank you. Or, as they say in Hebrew, Shalom.
Ricky Enger: 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.
-
Websites
All Episodes
-
Episode 115
Voting can be tricky if you've lost some vision. In this episode, we discuss a variety of ways to cast your ballot, no matter your level of vision.
-
Episode 114
The Bright Focus Foundation funds research to find cures for macular degeneration and glaucoma, among other conditions. In this episode, we learn about their glaucoma and macular degeneration monthly chats. These sessions with scientists are open to the public and offer insights into the latest breakthroughs, treatments, and promising research on the horizon.
-
Episode 113
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a lot to offer people with vision loss. Whether it's reading menus, describing pictures, or even narrating scenery, AI can make a big difference. This week we chat with Steven Scott, host of the Double Tap podcast, about some of the best AI-powered tools out there… so far. Link to Double Tap on Apple Podcasts.
-
Episode 112
When the doctor says, "there's nothing more I can do for you," what next? Who can help you make the most of your remaining vision and learn how to live more comfortably with vision loss? We break it down for you.
-
Episode 111
This week we talk to Dave Epstein, the visually impaired creator of the All Terrain Cane. He shares about his life with a progressive eye disease and his love of hiking. These two pieces of Dave lead him to develop his unconventional cane.
-
Episode 110
When you have vision loss, scams can be even more challenging to avoid. Listen in as we get some tips and tricks from Veronica Lewis who runs a low vision assistive technology website.
-
Episode 109
Be My Eyes CEO, Mike Buckley, joins us to talk about how this free, smart phone app merges technology and human kindness and how it's now using AI to describe the world in front of you.
-
Episode 108
Recently retired, David Tatel served for decades on the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He also happens to be visually impaired. In this episode, he and Ricky talk about his recently written memoir, a book about his life as a judge, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and how all of these roles intersect with his experience with vision loss.
-
Episode 107
This week we talk smartphone tools and when you might want to use the different options. Jennifer Shimon from the Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired joins Ricky.
-
Episode 106
Sometimes, navigating life with vision loss goes a bit sideways. Things don't always turn out exactly as we've planned, and it can help to just laugh at these strange situations.
We've shared several episodes of listeners' stories, what we're calling vision loss bloopers. Today, Ricky Enger and Doug Walker share some more of these bloopers along with a few of their own.
-
Episode 105
Prevent Blindness' patient advocacy program empowers people facing vision impairment. Patients learn how to promote change with their physicians, their families, drug companies, and even policy makers.
-
Episode 104
Ever thought about getting a guide dog? Listen in as we chat with members Jeff Flodin and Ed McDaniel about their experiences with guide dogs and some common misperceptions.
-
Episode 103
The National Library Service has a free talking book program for anyone in the US with vision loss. Tonia Bickford, an advisor from Michigan's talking books program, joins us to discuss how to get the most out of this free service.
-
Episode 102
This week we learn more about visual hallucinations that sometimes accompany vision loss, a condition called Charles Bonnet syndrome.
-
Episode 101
Sometimes vision loss can make us feel less secure. This week we talk about personal safety with Hadley's Chief Program Officer, Ed Haines.
-
Episode 100
For many living with vision loss, watching TV is less enjoyable as they can't see what's happening on the screen very well anymore.
Audio description fills the void by narrating key visual elements. Listen in as Ricky chats with Hadley member and avid audio description user, Judy Davis. -
Episode 99
Listen in to our conversation with Dr. Mondal, a low vision optometrist and professor at the University of Wisconsin. We chat about what to expect from a visit to a low vision specialist and the kind of help they can offer.
-
Episode 98
Have you listened to Hadley's community-generated audio podcast yet? In this episode, Ricky and Marc Arneson, Hadley's Director of Community, share a few stories from Insights & Sound Bites and discuss how to contribute your own story. Insights & Sound Bites | Hadley
-
Episode 97
Listen in as artist Chloe Duplessis explains how a degenerative eye disease changed, and didn't change, her life and love of art. "I thought art required sight. I was wrong."
-
Episode 96
Dr. Judy Box, a Hadley member living with macular degeneration, shares her tips for managing those important conversations with your eye doctor.
-
Episode 95
In this episode, the Hadley team talks all things gifts. Giving them, getting them, what's on their wish lists, and how vision loss may, or may not, impact these activities.
-
Episode 94
Friendships often change when one has vision loss. Whether it's adaptations to the activities you enjoy together, asking for help, or turning that help down … there are conversations to be had. Let's tune in as two Hadley members, Eugenia DeReu and Tara Perry, share their experiences with what's changed for them — and what's stayed the same.
-
Episode 93
Losing some vision can make for shopping challenges. Here are a few mishaps that Hadley members have run into. Have your own to share? Email us at [email protected]
-
Episode 92
This week we chat with the chief technology officer from Envision as he shares how their free mobile app or camera-enabled glasses can help those with vision loss. It speaks aloud written information, describes surroundings and objects, and even tells you who's nearby.
-
Episode 91
Lots of questions, concerns, and stereotypes connected to use of the white cane. In this episode, we address several of them from past discussions on the topic.
-
Episode 90
Listen in as Hadley's Director of Community, Marc Arneson, chats with Hadley members Bill Massey and Gregory Peterson about their participation in Hadley's new Peer-to-Peer program.
To learn if getting a peer connection is for you, call us at 1-800-323-4238. -
Episode 89
Listen in as we chat with Ed Haines about getting the most out of our magnifiers.
-
Episode 88
Listen in as we chat with animal lovers Debbie Worman and Sheri Robinson about the joys and challenges of caring for a pet when you have vision loss.
-
Episode 87
Listen in as Hadley member, Wendy Spencer Davis, shares why she decided to learn some braille and how it's helping her in everyday life.
-
Episode 86
Ed McDaniel, a psychologist with low vision, joins us to talk about common emotional triggers people with vision loss face and how to recognize and manage them.
-
Episode 85
Jessica Grogan from the American Diabetes Association joins us to talk about managing your blood sugar with vision loss.
-
Episode 84
Tune into our chat with Sarah Clark, a visually impaired marriage and family therapist, as she offers her unique insight into some common family dynamics that often make adjustment more challenging and how to navigate through them successfully.
-
Episode 83
Join us as we chat with Hadley member, Kris, about her experience living with vision loss in a senior community.
-
Episode 82
Listen in as Hadley staff share their real-life bloopers—times when things didn’t quite go as planned.
-
Episode 81
Join us as we take a dive into the features of the BlindShell cell phone.
-
Episode 80
Listen in as Pastor Scott Himel shares his advice for participating in religious services no matter your level of vision.
-
Episode 79
Join us to learn about how ScripTalk technology translates medication labels into speech and where you can find a participating pharmacy.
-
Episode 78
Join occupational therapist from Duke Eye Center, Fay Tripp, in a conversation about bioptic glasses—what they are and who can benefit from them.
-
Episode 77
Listen in as we chat with birding expert Freya McGregor who shares her tips on how you can enjoy this hobby, no matter your level of vision.
-
Episode 76
Listen in as Hadley's Doug Walker and Ricky Enger chat about how they use GPS in their daily lives. From walking directions to finding items or assisting a driver by navigating a trip, GPS can be a very handy tool.
-
Episode 75
Listen in as we chat with Dave Steele about his life, poetry, and vision loss.
-
Episode 74
Listen in as we discuss some common situations that can make us feel unsafe and share ideas on how to address them. We're joined today by Christy Ray and Ricky Jones of STRIVE4You.Org
-
Episode 73
Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for feelings of shame to creep in when we've lost some vision. Join social worker Jeff Flodin and psychologist Ed McDaniel, both visually impaired themselves, as they explore where these feelings come from and how they have worked through these emotions in their own lives.
-
Episode 72
Listen in as Dorrie Rush of OE Magazine shares how she resisted using a white cane for years, the stigma she feared, and the confidence and security she found once it was in her hand.
-
Episode 71
Learn how CVS pharmacy customers throughout the US can access a free service that reads aloud prescription medication information.
-
Episode 70
Join us as we chat with author Hannah Fairbairn about the tips and tricks she has learned to take some of the stress out of holiday get-togethers, no matter your vision.
-
Episode 69
We're joined by the creator of The Blind Life YouTube channel, Sam Seavey. Sam shares his personal journey with vision loss and advice he has for people who are newer to vision loss.
-
Episode 68
Whether you like to read for enjoyment or need to check your mail, reading is an essential part of your day. We're sharing tips and tricks for how to continue reading, the best low-tech and high-tech gadgets, and the benefits of learning braille.
-
Episode 67
Chief Innovation Officer Doug Walker chats with us about the launch of Hadley's newest podcast, Insights & Sound Bites. This new podcast will offer short stories shared by listeners. By tapping into the power of our community, we hope to share ideas, discoveries, and moments of inspiration along the journey through vision loss.
-
Episode 66
Jim Hoxie and Joanna Jones join us to discuss their children’s book, "Grandpa's White Cane." Jim shares how vision loss shaped his life and how he and Joanna, a retired teacher, began instructing children about the importance of white cane awareness and the do's and don'ts for helping people with visual impairment.
-
Episode 65
Blogger and social worker Jeff Flodin talks about his personal journey with vision loss and how his passion for helping people led him to blog about his experiences.
-
Episode 64
Hadley has partnered with the National Eye Institute (NEI) to offer a Spanish-language version of our popular cooking workshop series. Devina Fan, director of the National Eye Health Education Program at NEI, joins the podcast to talk more about this new initiative, NEI’s expanding Spanish content, and the importance of connecting Hispanic and Latino communities to important vision resources.
-
Episode 63
A change in your vision may make some parts of your job more challenging. But with a bit of help and some new skills, you may be able to stay in your job. Hadley Chief Program Officer Ed Haines and Learning Expert Steve Kelley join the podcast to talk about our new Working with Vision Loss workshops and to share tips for where to find support and how to ask for what you need.
-
Episode 62
Certified accessible travel advocate Melvin Reynolds joins the podcast to share tips for getting the most out of traveling, no matter your level of vision. Melvin gives advice on what to research ahead of a trip, considerations for traveling with a guide dog, and how a certified accessible travel advocate can help.
-
Episode 61
Karen and Dan Leonetti share how vision loss has changed their relationship and the advice they have for other couples.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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."
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Episode 42
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Episode 32
Jan and Elgie Dow share how vision loss has changed their relationship and the advice they have for other couples.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Episode 27
World-renowned artist John Bramblitt describes how vision loss has shaped his painting and his life.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.