Low Vision and a Love for Hiking: The All Terrain Cane
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.
Hadley
Low Vision and a Love for Hiking: The All Terrain Cane
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, Dave Epstein, inventor of the All Terrain Cane, joins us to share his story of vision loss and ingenuity. Welcome to the show, Dave. So happy to have you.
Dave Epstein: Thank you so, so much, Ricky. It's an honor and a pleasure to be here with you today.
Ricky Enger: I am just delighted that you're here and you have invented one of the coolest things ever, and we are going to talk about that a little bit. But I think just your story in general, the idea of finding an obstacle in your way and figuring out how to get exactly what you want and continue doing the things that you enjoy and being very creative about it. I think that is the fascinating bit. So I'm so happy that you have chosen to join us and talk a little bit about it. So before we get into any questions that I might have, I think the first thing I always like to ask people is just tell us a bit about you. Who are you?
Dave Epstein: Well, I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I just turned sixty. I do have RP, retinitis pigmentosa, and fairly progressive state right now. I've got about three degrees of central vision remaining and really not much left.
The diagnosis devastated me. It really, really did. I was faced with that decision at that young age. In high school, the guidance counselor said, "So Dave, what would you like to do for the rest of your life?" And now that I've got this, what I considered a death sentence at the time, going blind, now what are you going to do for the rest of your life? It was a long and arduous journey to find out where I'm going. I ended up taking six years off my life to just explore and play and really put RP out of my sights. I didn't want to deal with it.
Ricky Enger: Yeah.
Dave Epstein: Until I had to make the decision go back to school and really get back on my feet. So I did. I threw a dart at the dartboard and said, okay, I'm going to be a forester. So out to Montana for forestry. Then I discovered my love for fighting wildfires as part of fuels management. It was legit in forestry. Fighting fires was a legit thing to do. So I spent about a decade on the fire line in the park service and the forest service fighting wildfires, which is really where I got my love for the outdoors. That's where I found my passion was outside, in nature, amongst the trees. So moving the clock way forward, my wife landed a position in Sedona, Arizona as a body worker for her mentor. I was fortunate to come along, yes, that's where our family was moving to, surrounded by 400 miles of trails right outside my back door.
I was ecstatic. Sure, I'm going blind, but she's got the career and I've got the trails. So I hit the trails as happy as could be, knowing that my vision at this time was really, really tanking. No longer did I have just a little bit of RP. Thirty, thirty-five years since my diagnosis and my central vision had really, really tanked to about 10 degrees and I knew I was in trouble. So I knew I needed help. I contacted the state of Arizona for O&M instruction, and now I entered that next phase of life, the white cane.
Ricky Enger: Yeah, so this is the phase where you’re working with an Orientation & Mobility specialist, an O&M specialist. And they are maybe giving you the cane, but they are also showing you how to travel safely with it. How to interpret what the cane is telling you and how to get around using this new device.
Actually, I'm so curious about this because I think people don't always say, you know what, I'm ready for a cane. There's generally some resistance there. If you can be without a cane, a lot of people will push that even past the point where it always makes sense. So what did you do? Did you wake up one day and say, you know what, it's time? Or was there some of that, you worked with the mobility instructor, and you thought, well, I'll do this for an hour and then put the cane away. How did all that go?
Dave Epstein: I knew that this was my future, and sure, everybody said, learn while you have some vision, seize the opportunities while you still can. But that was all very cerebral. That was all in my head. I knew that I should do this, and yet when I was on Main Street with that ridiculous white reflective thing in my hand, I was exposed. Every single person in Sedona knew that I was blind, and I couldn't escape it. I was about as raw, exposed, and vulnerable as I had ever felt in my life.
Ricky Enger: Yeah.
Dave Epstein: Everybody knew, and I hated it. I'm sure like all of us, I fought it, I hated it. And I resented it so very much until after a series of events, I came to not only accept, but embrace the cane and my vision. This is all part of the development of the All Terrain Cane where I had to ultimately embrace that I can't see. But once I did, I looked at the prototype of this hiking cane that I was working on for me, and I said, okay, it's not just for me anymore. Now this is for my community, my blind community. That's when I embraced it. That's when I was like, I'm not alone in this. We need awesome tools.
Ricky Enger: It's such an interesting transition to go from everyone's going to know that I'm blind and I hate that to, “I'm a part of a community and we all need things.” I'm curious, something tells me it has to do with hiking and being able to do that, right? So you move to this place with all these trails, and then I have a feeling that maybe some things were not ideal initially. So, can you talk about just that moment of deciding, I got to do something to make this better?
Dave Epstein: Yes, and you're absolutely right. It was a moment. It was a very specific minute and a quarter of my life that changed the course of my history. That day and I refer to this as that day on the trails. You're absolutely right. That day on the trails, setting the stage, I was about midway into my O&M instruction. So I've been introduced to the cane. I had to give them a name. My canes were thing one and thing two, and I knew what they were supposed to do. Obstacle detection, terrain changes, navigation, letting the outside world, the sighted world know that I can't see, and this is how I ambulate. So I knew its role, and yet there I was on the trails with my wife. One Thursday afternoon, very late afternoon, she and I were hiking in the village of Oak Creek just outside of Sedona.
And the sun just dipped below, not the horizon, but the range, the mountain range. And I lost all direct sunlight. I lost the shadows, contrast, depth perception, and I was falling behind as we were hiking. My wife was up ahead substantially with our dog. I was struggling to keep up and I was tripping and falling, hurting myself, my ankles. Not having a good experience at all. I apparently started to mutter some beautiful poetry, just stunning iambic pentameters I'm sure, that my wife finally stopped and turned around and said, "What is your problem, dude? We're in the middle of the most beautiful place in the world, and all I hear is your magnificent poetry back there. What seems to be the trouble?" And I said, "I can't do this. I'm in trouble. I need help. I don't belong here. I can't do this. I need something. I need this, but I don't know what this is."
And what I was doing at the time was simulating painting on the trails, simulating that I'm smashing into the rocks and identifying everything that's in my way right now, all the tripping hazards and all the terrain and obstacles and, because that's what I knew. That's from my O&M training for the streets, that's all I knew about being blind, is how to get around like that. And I said, I need this, but I don't know what this is. Well, we got off the trails then sort of debriefed that night about what's going on? What do I need, where my head is at? The next day, I found myself at the local hiking store and I asked him, "Can you tell me your blind hiking section?" And he looked at me and said, "Come this way." And he took me to the first aid kits and the flashlights and the whistles and the water bottles, not exactly what I thought I needed.
Ricky Enger: Right.
Dave Epstein: So I ended up walking out of there with a set of trekking poles and off I went into what I call the cane lab now, which is a corner of the garage where I have a workbench and tools and sharp knives and duct tape and went to town. What do I need to do to convert this trekking pole into a mobility cane that I can effectively use on the trails? That was the first of three prototypes that ultimately brought us to where we are today with the production model of the All Terrain Cane.
Ricky Enger: Wow yeah. So if you’re listening and you’re wondering, ‘Okay so what is the current version of the All Terrain Cane? What does this look like? What does it do?’ If you’re familiar with the standard folding white cane, there are some similarities but there are significant differences here too. So, you can fold the All Terrain Cane, but it is much more sturdy so that it can provide support to you. It is height adjustable so if you need a longer cane for some instances and then you need to make that a bit shorter for something else that you’re doing, you can adjust that height on the fly. So this can be both a standard white cane that you move in front of you, and it can provide some support as you’re doing various things like Dave was using on the trails and other people use it for different things, which is amazing!
So, that actually brings me to a question, were you working with other people? Did you know other blind people at this point who could say, hey, this'll work for me, or no, that's just you, Dave? I think if you want a wider audience, you might need to change a few things.
Dave Epstein: I didn't. I didn't know any blind people.
Ricky Enger: Yeah.
Dave Epstein: I refer to myself more tongue in cheek than anything that, I'm the token blind guy here. I'm the only one. There's nobody around to bounce ideas off other than my O&M instructors.
Ricky Enger: Right.
Dave Epstein: And very interesting, as I started broaching this concept of a supportive mobility cane, my initial feedback was one of more of a negative tone. You can't do that. The joints won't be strong, it won't work, it won't be strong enough. That's not what it's meant for. And the negative, discouraging words of, you probably shouldn't be going in that direction.
Ricky Enger: So what made you keep going then? How did you decide not only I'm going to do this for me, but I have a feeling other people are out there who want this also?
Dave Epstein: Back into college, I learned the word paradigm and what it meant. And when I find myself on the trails of Arizona, the word “no” doesn't work for me. Don't lean on your cane. Why? Ultimately, I can't get an answer for that. But in the wilderness, there's nothing to hold onto except cactus and dead trees. My goal is to ambulate with at least a small sense of grace. To me, grace is not falling face-first into a cactus out there, so I need something to hold onto. All the O&M instructors and the world can jump up and down and say, “Dave, don't. You're not supposed to.” I need it, so I'm not going to accept no for an answer.
What do I need to effectively hike? I started bouncing ideas of how to use the cane off of various O&M instructors. And sometimes I find that if I take a large step down, I'll tap the cane and really poke and prod to find where that next safe step is. And I'll tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, find the next safe step and on the move. Well, some O&Ms have told me, "Don't do that. You're wasting time. You're not doing anything." You know what? No, I am doing something. I'm making sure my next step is safe. So I stopped listening to the word no, and I just moved forward.
Yes, I will swing my cane. Not just from 11 o'clock to one o'clock. I'll go from nine to three o'clock if I need to because I want to know what's to the side of me. And if there's nothing but a cliff to the side of me, I want to know that too. So I stopped listening to the naysayers, even though they're the instructors, I said yes. And then as I've been getting invited more and more to present at various conferences and trade shows, I found myself standing in front of rooms full of O&M instructors. The first thing I’d say is, ‘all right, now we're going to lean on our canes,’ expecting wads of rotten fruit and veggies to come hurling towards me. Not at all. The reception is one of tell me more, show me, and embracing this notion of a supportive mobility cane.
Once that notion, that concept, became more accepted, people started approaching me with questions like, “I've got a low vision parent who has balance issues, support issues, stability issues, vertigo. Is this appropriate?” Like, oh my goodness, never thought of that. So a supportive mobility cane how interesting. And all we really needed was I guess for one person to say, no, I need this, and here we are.
Ricky Enger: Yeah, I love that story because it shows that when you find something that you need, inevitably you're going to find at least one other person who either has that same need or is going to take what you've done and use it in a new and interesting way. And in that way, just questioning, how can we use canes? Is there a right way and a wrong way? Well, it turns out when you are in different situations, like the guy on The Blind Life YouTube channel, I believe he was using the All Terrain Cane for ice skating or something that I would never have thought of, but he's enjoying it that way. So I think that's really cool.
Dave Epstein: It's really taking our perspective and just expanding it to where do we want to be? Because all we need are the right tools. We've got the training. With the right tools, where do we want to be? And it's not just for hiking the trails. A supportive mobility cane at beaches, parks, playgrounds, grand dunes playground, snowy and icy conditions, and that's just for outdoors. Also, any stability issues, balance, or vertigo issues in any part of our community.
Ricky, it dawned on me honestly a month ago, only a month ago when I was hiking with my wife. I trip all the time and I keep score on my hikes. Hey, it was a three and two, three saves, two assists. But it dawned on me on one particular hike that I only trip forwards. Now that may be a dumb or duh statement for any O&M instructor, but I only trip moving forwards, not to the side or back. And as a blind person, I have a cane and it's ahead of me. Now, my logical brain would say, use it. You've got a connection from your upper body to the ground in the direction that you're tripping. Let it be strong enough to support you. Let that help me stay upright. And to me, it's maybe a bit of brilliance, a little bit late in my life.
Ricky Enger: Oddly enough, I've never thought about it that way. Never. But you're right. If you're tripping, you're going to be falling forward. It would take a bit of talent or walking backward in order to trip some other way. So I'm curious about one thing as we come kind of to a close here, and your story is really remarkable because you took a need that you had, and you made it happen. And not everyone is an outdoorsy hiker kind of person. And so maybe someone is listening and thinking, okay, yes, I can use this cane indoors and it could be supportive and that kind of thing, but I wonder how does this apply to me in general?
What I'm really wondering about is do you have a piece of advice that you would share with someone who is facing a challenge, maybe they're losing their vision and they have been told, or they're telling themselves, I have to let this thing go that I love, whatever that thing is, I have to let it go. You didn't do that. So what advice would you give to someone who's in that same situation? How do you keep doing what you want to do and not let it go?
Dave Epstein: Wow, that's a heavy lift. That's a great and big question. For me, everything is quality of life. How much are we embracing our lives, our experiences, and knowing or learning the tools as we lose our vision? The cane, it could be anything and it could be high-tech, it could be low tech or a dog. As we embrace our tools, it doesn't make us different. It doesn't separate us. It allows us to stay in the game. There's nothing moral or ethical. It doesn't involve any of those words. We're human beings and we get to stay in the game with whatever tools we need. And it does come with a story.
One day on a beach in San Diego, we drove from Arizona to San Diego just to bring the dog to a beach. And we're sitting on Dog Beach in San Diego, and I'm walking, watching with my cane, and I was observing a co-ed walked down the beach with crutches and her foot in the cast, and I thought probably some co-ed who hurt herself on a rugby field or a fraternity party or who knows what, but it didn't matter. She's got crutches and a cast, and nobody cared. The beach was packed with people and dogs, and nobody cared. The guy over there with sunglasses, eyeglasses over there, that person's got hearing aids, a walker, a cane. I was the only blind guy, but everybody on the beach seemed to have some kind of aid to help them with their daily activities. Mine just happened to be white and red reflective. But everybody had something, and nobody cared.
So I thought to myself, in that moment, Dave, you're not special. I hate to say it, but nobody cares. And what a blessing, that the magnifying glass wasn't on me. The neon lights weren't pointing to me saying, blind guy, blind guy. It wasn't like that. So we're all bozos on the same bus. We're all trying to get through life with the most and best experiences we can. Let's use them. Let's embrace them. Yes, I'm on Main Street with my red and white reflective cane. Embrace it. Otherwise, I sit home and have somebody do the errands for me. So with these tools, we get to stay in the game.
Ricky Enger: I really love that perspective. Yeah, I really love that because we do, we get in our own head and think everyone is looking at me and it's all about me and how am I doing and am I doing everything right or whatever. The truth is everyone is wrapped up in their own thoughts of that very same thing. But if we're out there using what we have and making the most of it and enjoying ourselves, that's what matters. So yeah, I love that. Dave, for people who want to know more about the All Terrain Cane, I know you also have some really cool T-shirts and other merchandise, where can we go to find out more about that and just what's going on with you?
Dave Epstein: Ah, certainly. Best place to get information on all our awesome items, great line of T-shirts, thank you very much for mentioning them, the All Terrain Cane, as well as our new kid-sister version to the All Terrain Cane, we're calling the Urban Explorer. All this information can be found on our website, which is AWarewolfGear.com, and that is A-W-A-R-E-W-O-L-F-G-E-A- R.com.
Ricky Enger: Awesome. Well, this has been wonderful, Dave. Thank you so much for stopping by, for sharing your story. I think what you've designed is really, really cool, and I just love your attitude and your approach.
Dave Epstein: Thank you so, so very much.
Ricky Enger: Thank you. And we will have links to Dave's website in our show notes, as well as a review from Sam over at The Blind Life if you'd like to take just a look and listen to the YouTube video where he takes it for a spin. Thanks again, Dave, for stopping by.
Dave Epstein: Ricky, so my pleasure.
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@ hadleyhelps.org or leave us a message at 847-784-2870. Thanks for listening.
All Episodes
-
Episode 117
Preparing for a disaster is important for everyone. But for people with vision loss, it requires some extra thought and planning. In this episode, we share some ideas on how you can prepare.
-
Episode 116
Did you know that veterans are eligible for vision services and equipment through the Veterans Administration even if their vision loss developed many years later and was not as a result of service? Learn more as we chat with a representative of the Hines VA.
-
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 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 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.
-
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.