The Impact of Vision Loss on a Marriage
Jan and Elgie Dow share how vision loss has changed their relationship and the advice they have for other couples.
Hadley Presents
The Impact of Vision Loss on a Marriage
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 is joined by Jan and Elgie Dow to discuss the dynamics of vision loss from a couples' perspective. Welcome to the show, everyone.
Ed Haines: Thanks, Ricky.
Jan Dow: Yep.
Elgie Dow: Thank you Ricky.
Ricky Enger: So glad you all could be here now, Ed, you've been on the program a few times before, so I think your voice is familiar to those who have listened. Great to have you here as always, I know you always come up with some really great questions for our guests. For those who don't know Jan and Elgie, why don't we just get a brief introduction for each of you? Let's start with you, Jan.
Jan Dow: I am the sighted member of this pair. I'm a medical technologist by trade and have more of a scientific mindset.
Ricky Enger: Fantastic. And Elgie, how about you?
Elgie Dow: I'm visually impaired. I'm a licensed master social worker, clinical social worker, I'm not always so scientific about things, being a therapist, Jan and I really do make a good pair because of our different backgrounds and different ways we look at things, I think it helps, it brings a lot to our relationship.
Ricky Enger: Yeah, it sounds like it, it's that you both complement each other. One thing that really comes up quite often among our learners is not just about the practical aspects of vision loss, how do I cook again? How do I clean again? But some of the family dynamics that can change as a result of vision loss and just how do we get through that adjustment and still like each other at the end of it all and still maintain that level of individuality that we had before, as well as that level of connectedness that we had as a family? So, this is a topic that comes up all the time and I'm delighted that we have a chance to really explore that. Ed, I know you have some great questions, so I'm going to let you take it away and take us on this journey.
Ed Haines: But before we start, I do want to mention that Elgie and Jan let us know that they've just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, so congratulations to both of you, that's wonderful.
Elgie Dow: Thank you.
Jan Dow: Thank you.
Ed Haines: So, let's dive right in. I have a lot of questions to ask, and I'll start with a topic that is difficult for a lot of couples in that's offering assistance. When you have a spouse that's lost their vision sometimes it's difficult to know when and how to help them, you don't want to help too much, but you also want to make sure you're there when you're needed, so Elgie I just have a question for you, what kinds of things did you do or what language did you use to help Jan understand when and how to help you?
Elgie Dow: “I can't see.” [Laughs] I'm having troubles doing a simple thing, one of the things is that using tools, I've never been really skilled at using tools anyway, but using even a screwdriver, sometimes has been difficult and asking for help there or finding, looking for stuff, I can't see something that's right there and have to ask Jan to help me. Sometimes it's not easy to do that, it certainly wasn't at first, I had to make the adjustment to ask for help.
One of the things I used to, I did all the driving and Jan navigated with a map and that has changed, I cannot read a map quick enough to help her navigate and of course - story is that we were on our way to our niece's wedding in Iowa. We live in Eastern port part of the Upper Peninsula and we went across Upper Peninsula down through Wisconsin, to head for Iowa and got into Madison and we got lost, we had a map, it wasn't pre-GPS, but we didn't have one and we were towing our travel trailer, so we went out to the wedding, it was a great wedding, we had a good time. It was nice, but came home, guess what?
We got lost in the same place in Madison, Wisconsin, we got a GPS, so you know what I mean? You just have to ask for help. I think that was a big thing is I can't see, and I can't find this, or I can't see well enough to screw in that screw, you to admit to it, you have to ask. I guess, going back because I've I started losing my vision 40 years ago. Our daughter is, she was born 1983, so I started losing my vision about the time she was born, realizing that things were dimmer was telling Jan about it, so that was a big thing right there.
Ed Haines: That's actually a great segue into my next question. I was going to ask Jan and sometimes it's difficult to, if you're not experiencing vision loss yourself, it's kind of difficult to understand what your spouse is going through, so Jan, I just wondered if there were specific times or insights that really were revelatory for you as things that really helped you learn or realize something about Elgie's experience?
Jan Dow: The truth is we still go through that 40 years later because I do not know what he can and can't see. Things like when he couldn't pass his driver's license test, things like that are evidence that it's bad enough that he isn't going to be able to drive. The things that happened from outside the relationship are probably just as important for knowing that he can't do some things.
Ed Haines: Elgie you did mention earlier about giving up the role of driving. I wonder if there were other roles in your relationship that have changed both internal to relationship and maybe externally as you relate to the world as a couple?
Elgie Dow: Yes. We are sailors, one thing is I can no longer sail alone because I can't see well enough to. And the other thing is that the roles on the sailboat haven't changed a great deal with the exception that Jan has become my eyes to see things. There's a rock protruding out of the water or I have to get out farther or where the buoys are, where other boats are, there's a fisherman over there, in that respect, our roles have changed. Jan, she still bends the sails on and she still does that kind of stuff and I'm still at the tiller, in that regard our roles has changed, she tells me where to go.
And we're both retired and that's another thing, is that Jan's an outstanding, fantastic cook, so she does all the cooking and I do all the cleaning up and we do stuff together. We're going to be going up to the tiny house and doing some maintenance on it, we'll do it together more so than maybe before, I guess. So, our roles have changed. You know, when we cross a busy street, I take Jan's arm.
One of the things I'm going to admit to that we've talked about just recently because this, like I said, like Jan said, it's an ongoing thing, is using my cane, my white cane. I have a, my stick's name, Sumi and if you know anything about Finnish that means courage and fortitude. I don't carry my white cane enough and we've talked about that, Jan says she wishes I would take it and carry it because then when she is reaching out and taking my arm or holding me back from stepping out onto a busy street or something, or guiding me into something, people will know rather than, they'll know that she isn't just being bossy, so just recently that came up that she says. I mean, I do use it when I walk alone often through town, but she says that she wishes I would use it when, carry it all the time and I guess I'm going to do that.
Ed Haines: That's really interesting. My next question was going to be about the process of this adjustment, and you've already answered that question, but Jan, I wanted to ask you, do you have any insights or any perspective on role changes?
Jan Dow: First off, I have some sympathy for people who are obsessive about things like clean dishes. Yes, Elgie cleans up the kitchen after dinner and which means he loads and unloads the dishwasher. It's not unusual for the dishes not to be clean and you just have to take it and what are you going to do? It's either I do all of this stuff myself or I accept the fact that dishes are going to be put away and once in a while, some of them are dirty. I don't know about roles only that you need to, I don't know, you need to just go with the flow because some things you can't change.
Ed Haines: That's a really good insight, so thank you. So, you've already answered my next question, I was going to ask if you both felt like you've arrived at this point in terms of adjusting. By your response, obviously it sounds like it's an ongoing process, is that a fair assessment?
Jan Dow: We've been married 50 years; we haven't got that right yet either.
Elgie Dow: Yep, I agree with that.
Ed Haines: Well, obviously humor is part of the process for you folks. Are there some, and humor could certainly be one of these, what are some of the strategies you've discovered that you've used as a couple to be successful in adjusting division loss? Where you feel like, "Okay, we've made it, we've learned how to deal with this particular difficulty or this particular level of loss." What kind of strategies have you used to do that?
Jan Dow: Can I go first here? Because there are some things that I think are critical. Make friends with technology, you might just as well learn and be happy about using it because things like BARD and GPS and things like that are just critical to getting around in the world when one of you can't see. I have had to learn to ask for help as well, because there are not two of us who can drive, if I have to be taken somewhere and dropped off, I need to ask a friend or someone else to do it because if the car needs repair, I take it up and I wait or I have to walk home and walk back because we don't have a second car and there's not a second driver. I think the, officially, this is called a visually impaired persons group that meets monthly, I just think it's almost as important to me as it is to Elgie, he wanted to meet with people who had similar experiences. Well, we also meet with the support person for all these people and so I can learn from their experiences too.
Ed Haines: Those are fantastic strategies. And Elgie, how about you? Anything to add to that?
Elgie Dow: I think that's what Jan says is really, really important about asking for help. One of the hardest things, after all I'm a healer and at least I looked at myself as a healer, that means that I shouldn't need help, right? And maybe also growing up in Northern Michigan as a male, had something to do with it too. This macho thing, although I've never been extremely macho, but it was there and asking for help was pretty difficult, saying to people, well, when you and I got together, actually a friend of mine called you to ask your help for me, that was something and then it's 35 miles, I worked as a social worker in a professional facility and we're 35 miles from my work and I lost my driver's license, one of my co-workers who she and I had a carpool for many years, she said to me, "You don't have to worry about getting to work." She said, "We'll work things out." And we did and the support, just the support, that's very important for couples, our support group, trying to figure out how many years we've been meeting, probably at least 15, maybe a little longer than that. The support from that group and the support we both learn, and we teach together, it's just amazing. I think that's very important is to rather than isolate yourself, if you're visually impaired or blind, is to reach out and find other people who are in the same boat that you are, other couples, other support people too, like Jan said.
Ed Haines: That's fantastic advice. I was going to ask you questions about your personality in a way, I'm just curious if, and I'll let Jan answer this first maybe, if that's okay. What personal qualities Jan did you draw on through this adjustment process and where were there parts of your personality that were maybe even strengthened by this whole experience?
Jan Dow: I have learned, as hard as it might be to believe, I have learned to be more patient and in other relationships, besides our relationship with each other, although I may sometimes say it with a strange tone of voice, I am okay with saying, "Listen, if you don't want to do this, don't do it." I mean, I can go do things without him if that's, we don't have to do everything together. And of course, when Elgie said he wasn't very good with tools that's because he hasn't had to be because I'm the carpenter, plumber, electrician, a fixer of things, I always have been but now I have to, but it used to be something that a lot of women are not proud of the fact that they can do things with their hands like that. Having to do it has given me the understanding that it's okay to be the one who gets drills and saws for their birthday.
Ed Haines: So many positive things can happen out of experiences that you don't necessarily think are going to be positive. Elgie, how about you? Were there parts of your personality that have been strengthened by this experience?
Elgie Dow: Yes, I think so. I come to realize that I can be more resilient. It's amazing, I learned that I can do things that I couldn't then I didn't think I could do. I think learning to just go forward and continue on with it. I'm not one of these, well, I am a kind of an adventurer. I don't always think of myself that way to venture out and do something different. One of our experiences, Jan- I've sailed since I was a little boy and this is after losing my vision, Jan said to me, "I'd like to kayak. I'd like to learn to kayak." And I said to her, "I've been a sailor all my life, kayaking I know about a little bit, but..." I said, "I know there's as much to learn about that as there is sailing and I don't know if I have room for all that in my head."
Well, of course we ended up with sea kayaks and we ended up taking lessons and learning to do the stuff that we needed to do to survive if we roll over in Lake Superior, but we did, we went, ahead and learned all that stuff. I didn't really know or think that I'd be able to do that, I did. So, I think you have to realize that you have to reach out and explore and do things that maybe you've never done before because if you don't, you'll just stagnate, you'll just sit there, it's important to know that you're not only are you resilient, but you can adventure out.
Ed Haines: Well, thank you for that, that's fantastic advice. And actually, that brings me to my closing question, and you've covered a lot of ground, both of you already, but Jan, is there just final words of advice you'd give to other couples who are facing the same process?
Jan Dow: Yeah. Elgie said we did take on some new things and he has been visually impaired for some time now, but there are some things that you need to hang on to. We downhill ski, the only things different, I go in front of him and wear a bright colored jacket that's different than other people. So, he can see me in those where I am. We always need to be aware; I have to always be aware that if he goes someplace else in the store or even on the street, that he can't find me, and I have to be aware that I'm the one who has to be thinking about that all the time. And I'm also the one that has to find the unmute button on the Zoom call.
Ed Haines: [Laughs] That's an important button.
Jan Dow: Yes, it is.
Ed Haines: Elgie, how about you in closing? Is there any other advice you'd give to other couples that have been facing vision loss?
Elgie Dow: Yes. Take it one day at a time, no matter what difficulty pops up, stick with it. I'll tell you; commitment is one of the strong, one of the best things in a relationship. Remember that you were attracted to this person for some reason, you cared about them for some reason and even though you might be experiencing difficulties in your relationship, which Jan and I have, nobody gets through marriage without. Don't give up, give it some time, think about the positive things in your relationship. And again, remember that we are resilient, we can do things, we can reach out and ask for help, we can go forward and so those are things I think are really important.
Ed Haines: Well, Elgie, thank you, that's really a terrific uplifting way to end this segment. So, Ricky, I guess I'll turn it over to you.
Ricky Enger: Yeah. I was going to say, I agree, Ed, it's really powerful advice to say that commitment is important, it's not just about when things are going along as you expected them to, but sometimes they turn in a different direction and just maintaining that commitment is so important and you've just celebrated 50 years together, so clearly, you're doing something right. Thank you both so much for sharing your story.
Ed Haines: Yep, thank you.
Elgie Dow: Thank you, Ricky.
Jan Dow: You're welcome.
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 podcast@hadley.edu that's P-O-D-C-A-S-T@hadley.edu. Or leave us a message at (847) 784-2870. Thanks for listening.
All Episodes
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Episode 102
This week we learn more about visual hallucinations that sometimes accompany vision loss, a condition called Charles Bonnet syndrome.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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."
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Episode 96
Dr. Judy Box, a Hadley member living with macular degeneration, shares her tips for managing those important conversations with your eye doctor.
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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.
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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.
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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 podcast@HadleyHelps.org
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Episode 85
Jessica Grogan from the American Diabetes Association joins us to talk about managing your blood sugar with vision loss.
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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.
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Episode 83
Join us as we chat with Hadley member, Kris, about her experience living with vision loss in a senior community.
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Episode 82
Listen in as Hadley staff share their real-life bloopers—times when things didn’t quite go as planned.
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Episode 81
Join us as we take a dive into the features of the BlindShell cell phone.
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Episode 80
Listen in as Pastor Scott Himel shares his advice for participating in religious services no matter your level of vision.
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Episode 79
Join us to learn about how ScripTalk technology translates medication labels into speech and where you can find a participating pharmacy.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Episode 75
Listen in as we chat with Dave Steele about his life, poetry, and vision loss.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Episode 71
Learn how CVS pharmacy customers throughout the US can access a free service that reads aloud prescription medication information.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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 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.