Tips for Fun and Accessible Travel
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.
Hadley Presents
Tips for Fun and Accessible Travel
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, certified accessible travel advocate, Melvin Reynolds joins us with tips on keeping travel fun and accessible. Welcome to the show, Melvin.
Melvin Reynolds: Thank you for having me, Ricky.
Ricky Enger: It is so great to have you here. I know that you're passionate about travel and you've actually gone a step further and decided to help others with their travel needs as well. And we'll get into that in just a bit, but before we do that, I'm wondering if you can just give us a quick intro, tell us about yourself and how you came to just fall in love with traveling? Where does your passion for that come from?
Melvin Reynolds: In 2010, I graduated from Youngstown State University with an associate degree in hospitality management. Before that, in 1997, I had graduated from Youngstown University with a bachelor's in geography. And I wanted to figure out some way to combine the two, geography and hospitality. In early 2020, I saw an ad on Facebook for Cruise Brothers, and I thought, "Well, what better way than to become a travel agent?"
I became a certified travel associate through the Travel Institute. It was a year ago this past April, that I received that. Went one step further and actually got a certification through a special needs group as an accessible travel advocate. Fell in love with traveling when I was just out of high school. My sister and I took trips all over the eastern United States, up into New England and down south into North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia. We went everywhere, every summer we were on a road trip, my sister and I. And from that, I kind of developed the love of travel.
Ricky Enger: I think you make some amazing memories like that, just going with family or friends and figuring out a new place to go that you just haven't experienced yet. And I think being with people that you enjoy, whether it's people that you don't know well yet, but you're getting to know better, or somebody like your sister. Where it's something that you can talk about for years to come. That's really awesome.
I think one of the first steps to traveling is figuring out where you want to go. And that's true regardless. If you are traveling as someone who has 20/20 vision, or if you're traveling as someone who's blind or low vision, you want the same things out of a trip, right? You want to have fun. You want to get the most out of the trip. You want to go somewhere that you will enjoy. Like, "Hey, I hate the cold. I probably shouldn't go to the snowy mountains necessarily." Are there things beyond just, I guess the standard questions that you might ask yourself, are there considerations beyond that, that somebody who's blind or low vision should think about when they're figuring out where they should take a trip?
Melvin Reynolds: One of the biggest ones, I think, is what is the public transportation like? Do they have buses? Is there taxis available? That sort of thing. So, you kind of know what you're getting into when you get to wherever you're going. Whereas a sighted person probably doesn't have to think about that as much. Also, what are the accessibility issues you're going to face? Is there elevators? Will I be able to understand the Braille that's on signage if there's Braille on signage?
The whole world doesn't use Unified English Braille, unfortunately. I took a Spanish class and I had to learn Spanish Braille. Do I have enough basis in that language that I can at least communicate that I'm blind or low vision and I need help? Those kinds of things also go into figuring out where you want to go when you travel.
Ricky Enger: That's a great point. And it actually kind of dovetails nicely into my next question, which is figuring out how to get there. That can really be a challenge. You mentioned public transportation. There are also things like, I guess, thinking about what your technology needs are or what your level of technology is. So are there tips for, say making travel arrangements for a tech-savvy person? And then how might somebody who's not really in love with the technology still do something like being able to arrange travel? Whether it's Uber or Lyft or airlines, or what have you. Are there ways that somebody who's not in love with technology can still do this easily?
Melvin Reynolds: Even as a travel advisor, I have issues with a lot of the technology sites. They don't read well with screen readers, that sort of thing. So even I need help, sighted help, from time to time. If you're really super uncomfortable with using technology and you want to book something like a flight or a cruise, I would suggest calling a professional, calling a travel agent. And they are more than happy to help you do whatever it is that you need done. Some of them do charge fees, especially if they're booking flights only. I personally do not book flights only. I do book them in combinations with hotels and cruises, that kind of thing. Travel agents make no money off of flights because they pay no commission. A lot of agents won't book flights only, but some of them, if you explain what your situation is, they may say, "Okay, I'll do it for you." It can't hurt to call someone to ask.
Ricky Enger: Right. And I think for some people there's just no substitute for having a human on the other end of the phone to talk to, whether it's a travel agent or even the air carriers themselves, you can arrange flights by phone. Although, some of them I think do have fees and for some of them you might be on hold for as long as your flight is, in order to get that arranged. But it's a possibility, right?
Melvin Reynolds: Even the cruise lines also have phone numbers, if you would rather work directly with the cruise lines. They have phone numbers that you can call. Airlines have accessibility specialists; cruise lines, Amtrak. They all have accessibility specialists that are more than happy to work with someone.
Ricky Enger: That's fantastic. I am not currently a guide dog user, but I have been in the past. And it was interesting for me because it was, number one, one of the most freeing experiences I've ever had to travel with a guide dog. And number two, one of the most logistically challenging at times experiences that I've had. For someone who is perhaps a new guide dog user, or maybe they've been a guide dog user for a while but haven't traveled in a bit, what kinds of logistics does somebody need to think about when they're going to take a trip with their guide dog, that doesn't really come up with a cane?
Melvin Reynolds: A lot of countries don't have... like we have the ADA. A lot of countries don't have something like that. You cannot take your dog into a store, or a restaurant, or even a hotel in some countries. Short story, I was in Martinique on a cruise, and we were doing a walking tour of the city. At first, they weren't even going to let me take my dog off the ship. We finally agreed that we could bring it along. And if after she met the dog, she didn't like it, I could take her back to the ship.
We went on our tour. The strange thing is, people were jumping, literally jumping over car hoods to get out of our way because they just were not used to a dog in the city. Dogs were not a city thing. They're a country thing in Martinique. I had no issues getting her into any of the buildings, but it's just that people aren't used to it.
So, there is that. There is the paperwork that's involved, because every country that you go to has their own requirements for you to enter their country with your dog. They have their own paperwork. The U.S. has its paperwork. There's tests that need to be done. There's all of that paperwork that needs to be done, not only for the countries, but also now for the airlines as well. There's a form that you have to fill out and submit to the airline, and they send you back a code and it's kind of a hassle.
Ricky Enger: Yeah. So, it sounds like a lot of doing some research, asking a lot of questions ahead of time and planning for a number of different possible contingencies before you go?
Melvin Reynolds: Yes. And someone who is an accessible travel advocate or maybe not even necessarily an accessible travel advocate, but they specialize in travel for blind or low vision people can help with that paperwork. They know where to go to get the paperwork. They know what needs to be filled out and that kind of thing. That's a possibility too, is working with someone like that.
Ricky Enger: That's fantastic. And we'll talk a bit more about what an accessible travel advocate is in just a second. Before we do, I am curious about one thing that comes up a lot traveling as a blind or low vision person, and you're with your friends and family and they're like, "Let's go sightseeing." And for a lot of people, just even the name of that, that phrase is, "Oh really? This is not going to be fun for me at all."
But I think there are probably ways that sightseeing can be made accessible in some way. You can still get something out of the experience. Are there ways that you can kind of plan ahead for so that everybody is having fun with kind of the sightseeing aspect of traveling?
Melvin Reynolds: Maybe doing reading on the place where you're going, I think gives you a little background. Say you're visiting Mount Rushmore. If you read a book on the history of Mount Rushmore, you understand a little more how it was sculpted and carved and that kind of thing and the time that it took. Also, having a family member who is a good describer, not someone who just says, "Oh, there's a purple flower." What does that purple flower look like other than a purple flower? Try to describe it. If you have someone who can describe really well, helps a lot. When I do short excursions or even guided tours of historic homes here in the U.S., if I speak to the tour guide prior to taking off on the tour and say, "Hey, I need a little more in-depth discussion, a little more in-depth detail on things." They tend to do their best. It's not always perfect, but they do their best to describe something.
And I've actually been really surprised that there have been times that I've actually been able to touch things, that most people don't get to touch. One really cool place we went was Monticello. Got to feel things at the Monticello, which is really kind of cool, got to feel a sample of the wallboard and got to feel a sample of buffalo hide. And it was fascinating, the stuff that I got to feel at Monticello when we took a tour of it. That was really kind of cool. So, if you ask upfront, especially the tour guide or a family member that you're with, they can help.
Ricky Enger: So just being willing to advocate for what's going to make things a little more fun and enjoyable for you and just seeing how far that takes you? That makes a lot of sense, actually.
Melvin Reynolds: It's surprising, even the Ryman Theater in Nashville, I got a private guided tour, me and my partner got a private guided tour of the Ryman, because we called and said, "I’m totally blind. Is there anything you can do for me?" The director of the museum said, "Sure, come on down. Ask for me when you get here. I'll give you a private tour." Paid no extra for it. It's something they did just because, and it was really kind of neat.
Ricky Enger: That's fantastic. So, you've talked a lot about cruises. We've mentioned that several times. I love cruising and I know you do as well. Are there tips for taking a cruise that a blind or low vision person might really benefit from, just to make the trip that much more fun?
Melvin Reynolds: One of the coolest things though, I think, is some of the technology that the cruises are coming out with now. And you can actually use an app on your phone to find your way around the ship. And there's only certain cruise lines that have it and it's not necessary the cruise lines with the biggest ships that have it either. It's some of the smaller ships that have it. But it makes it really nice.
On the opposite end of that big ship, you have the smaller ships and sometimes those are easier to navigate than the big, gigantic ships. The 2,000-2,700 passenger ships, those are nice because they're small. They're a little more intimate. They're easier to navigate. Asking the crew. The crew's there to work for you and they're more than willing to help you out. However, now granted, they're not going to take you and guide you someplace, because that's a liability issue for the cruise line, then if you were to get hurt while they were guiding you.
They will give you electronic menus. If you contact them prior to sailing, at least 30 days prior, they will send you menus in electronic format that you can look at either on your phone, in an email or on your computer, whichever. There is Braille signage everywhere on the ship. All the staterooms have Braille signage. The elevators have it. The elevators talk, tell you what deck you're on. The servers at the main dining rooms, once they know, they will do anything for you. They set the plate down in front of you and they tell you your steak is at six o'clock, your green beans are at two and your potatoes at nine or whatever.
They've had some training in it as well. But once they realize that that's what you need, that's what they'll do. They do provide relief areas for the dogs. If you do travel with a service dog going on a cruise, they will provide a relief area. There is paperwork again, that needs to be filled out for the cruise line. It's required so many days before, that certain paperwork needs to be sent in and proof of rabies, vaccine, and proof that they're actually a service dog. People are going to say, "Well, the ADA says they can't." Well, they're not based in the U.S. They're based usually in The Bahamas, so they don't necessarily follow the ADA when it comes to requiring documentation, that it's actually a service dog.
Ricky Enger: Yeah. And I guess that's a good point just in general, is and I think we kind of alluded to this earlier, is just to be aware that laws may be different elsewhere. So that actually does bring up my last question, which is we've talked a lot about some dos and don'ts, and things to research and think about before you go. And for a lot of people, it's a lot and it may become really overwhelming.
So, I'm wondering how much of that can a certified accessible travel advocate help with? What kinds of things are you able to do, so that somebody who's booking a trip just thinks about, "Oh, I'm going to have so much fun. It's going to be great. Everything's going to be taken care of." what are those things that you or someone like you can help people figure out before they leave?
Melvin Reynolds: We can help with making sure that your paperwork is in on time, making sure you have the correct paperwork because it changes. It can change what I fill out today, may not be what I need tomorrow. It can change that quickly. We take care of submitting all the paperwork to, say the cruise line for you. We take care of all the arrangements, as far as letting the ship know that you have a service dog coming, or the hotel, or whatever, wherever you're going. We can help with actually booking the trip and taking you from start to finish, from picking where you will go, to follow up when you come home. Things like that. We can help with pretty much anything that you need to do to make your trip pleasant and fun.
Ricky Enger: That's excellent. So, for somebody who's looking for a certified accessible travel advocate, how do they go about finding you or somebody like you?
Melvin Reynolds: Unfortunately, there's no published list of certified accessible travel advocates. Google is probably your best friend. Calling your local travel agency and saying, "Hey, do you have someone there that's a certified accessible travel advocate or that is familiar with working with someone who is low vision, possibly traveling with a guide dog?" However it is that you travel. And if not, ask if they can recommend you to someone who is. They may or may not know someone. It just really depends.
Ricky Enger: That makes sense. And Google's your friend and sometimes word of mouth is your friend. We will have a link to your Facebook page in the show notes here, so that'll be at least one place that people can go. Any final thoughts that you want to leave the listeners with before we wrap up here?
Melvin Reynolds: Don't be afraid to step out there and travel and have fun and experience the world. If you just stay at home and don't put yourself out there, you're missing a lot. Not just the travel itself, but the cultures you get to experience, the food, the friends you'll make. I have made friends that we've been friends now for six, seven years, that I met on a cruise, and we still keep in contact. We still have lunch and dinner at each other's house every once in a while. You make lifelong friends when you travel and there's nothing like it.
Ricky Enger: Love it. Thank you so much for that, Melvin. I would like to stop the recording and head out to the beach right now, so I'm feeling inspired. Thank you for dropping by and for sharing your experience with us. Really appreciate it.
Melvin Reynolds: You're welcome. Thank you.
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 [email protected]. Or leave us a message at 847-784-2870. Thanks for listening.
All Episodes
-
Episode 118
Vision loss can be emotionally overwhelming. In this episode, we chat with a clinical psychologist who is legally blind herself, Dr. Ann Wagner. She shares how learning from and connecting with our emotions can bring about healing and transformation.
-
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 111
This week we talk to Dave Epstein, the visually impaired creator of the All Terrain Cane. He shares about his life with a progressive eye disease and his love of hiking. These two pieces of Dave lead him to develop his unconventional cane.
-
Episode 110
When you have vision loss, scams can be even more challenging to avoid. Listen in as we get some tips and tricks from Veronica Lewis who runs a low vision assistive technology website.
-
Episode 109
Be My Eyes CEO, Mike Buckley, joins us to talk about how this free, smart phone app merges technology and human kindness and how it's now using AI to describe the world in front of you.
-
Episode 108
Recently retired, David Tatel served for decades on the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He also happens to be visually impaired. In this episode, he and Ricky talk about his recently written memoir, a book about his life as a judge, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and how all of these roles intersect with his experience with vision loss.
-
Episode 107
This week we talk smartphone tools and when you might want to use the different options. Jennifer Shimon from the Wisconsin Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired joins Ricky.
-
Episode 106
Sometimes, navigating life with vision loss goes a bit sideways. Things don't always turn out exactly as we've planned, and it can help to just laugh at these strange situations.
We've shared several episodes of listeners' stories, what we're calling vision loss bloopers. Today, Ricky Enger and Doug Walker share some more of these bloopers along with a few of their own.
-
Episode 105
Prevent Blindness' patient advocacy program empowers people facing vision impairment. Patients learn how to promote change with their physicians, their families, drug companies, and even policy makers.
-
Episode 104
Ever thought about getting a guide dog? Listen in as we chat with members Jeff Flodin and Ed McDaniel about their experiences with guide dogs and some common misperceptions.
-
Episode 103
The National Library Service has a free talking book program for anyone in the US with vision loss. Tonia Bickford, an advisor from Michigan's talking books program, joins us to discuss how to get the most out of this free service.
-
Episode 102
This week we learn more about visual hallucinations that sometimes accompany vision loss, a condition called Charles Bonnet syndrome.
-
Episode 101
Sometimes vision loss can make us feel less secure. This week we talk about personal safety with Hadley's Chief Program Officer, Ed Haines.
-
Episode 100
For many living with vision loss, watching TV is less enjoyable as they can't see what's happening on the screen very well anymore.
Audio description fills the void by narrating key visual elements. Listen in as Ricky chats with Hadley member and avid audio description user, Judy Davis. -
Episode 99
Listen in to our conversation with Dr. Mondal, a low vision optometrist and professor at the University of Wisconsin. We chat about what to expect from a visit to a low vision specialist and the kind of help they can offer.
-
Episode 98
Have you listened to Hadley's community-generated audio podcast yet? In this episode, Ricky and Marc Arneson, Hadley's Director of Community, share a few stories from Insights & Sound Bites and discuss how to contribute your own story. Insights & Sound Bites | Hadley
-
Episode 97
Listen in as artist Chloe Duplessis explains how a degenerative eye disease changed, and didn't change, her life and love of art. "I thought art required sight. I was wrong."
-
Episode 96
Dr. Judy Box, a Hadley member living with macular degeneration, shares her tips for managing those important conversations with your eye doctor.
-
Episode 95
In this episode, the Hadley team talks all things gifts. Giving them, getting them, what's on their wish lists, and how vision loss may, or may not, impact these activities.
-
Episode 94
Friendships often change when one has vision loss. Whether it's adaptations to the activities you enjoy together, asking for help, or turning that help down … there are conversations to be had. Let's tune in as two Hadley members, Eugenia DeReu and Tara Perry, share their experiences with what's changed for them — and what's stayed the same.
-
Episode 93
Losing some vision can make for shopping challenges. Here are a few mishaps that Hadley members have run into. Have your own to share? Email us at [email protected]
-
Episode 92
This week we chat with the chief technology officer from Envision as he shares how their free mobile app or camera-enabled glasses can help those with vision loss. It speaks aloud written information, describes surroundings and objects, and even tells you who's nearby.
-
Episode 91
Lots of questions, concerns, and stereotypes connected to use of the white cane. In this episode, we address several of them from past discussions on the topic.
-
Episode 90
Listen in as Hadley's Director of Community, Marc Arneson, chats with Hadley members Bill Massey and Gregory Peterson about their participation in Hadley's new Peer-to-Peer program.
To learn if getting a peer connection is for you, call us at 1-800-323-4238. -
Episode 89
Listen in as we chat with Ed Haines about getting the most out of our magnifiers.
-
Episode 88
Listen in as we chat with animal lovers Debbie Worman and Sheri Robinson about the joys and challenges of caring for a pet when you have vision loss.
-
Episode 87
Listen in as Hadley member, Wendy Spencer Davis, shares why she decided to learn some braille and how it's helping her in everyday life.
-
Episode 86
Ed McDaniel, a psychologist with low vision, joins us to talk about common emotional triggers people with vision loss face and how to recognize and manage them.
-
Episode 85
Jessica Grogan from the American Diabetes Association joins us to talk about managing your blood sugar with vision loss.
-
Episode 84
Tune into our chat with Sarah Clark, a visually impaired marriage and family therapist, as she offers her unique insight into some common family dynamics that often make adjustment more challenging and how to navigate through them successfully.
-
Episode 83
Join us as we chat with Hadley member, Kris, about her experience living with vision loss in a senior community.
-
Episode 82
Listen in as Hadley staff share their real-life bloopers—times when things didn’t quite go as planned.
-
Episode 81
Join us as we take a dive into the features of the BlindShell cell phone.
-
Episode 80
Listen in as Pastor Scott Himel shares his advice for participating in religious services no matter your level of vision.
-
Episode 79
Join us to learn about how ScripTalk technology translates medication labels into speech and where you can find a participating pharmacy.
-
Episode 78
Join occupational therapist from Duke Eye Center, Fay Tripp, in a conversation about bioptic glasses—what they are and who can benefit from them.
-
Episode 77
Listen in as we chat with birding expert Freya McGregor who shares her tips on how you can enjoy this hobby, no matter your level of vision.
-
Episode 76
Listen in as Hadley's Doug Walker and Ricky Enger chat about how they use GPS in their daily lives. From walking directions to finding items or assisting a driver by navigating a trip, GPS can be a very handy tool.
-
Episode 75
Listen in as we chat with Dave Steele about his life, poetry, and vision loss.
-
Episode 74
Listen in as we discuss some common situations that can make us feel unsafe and share ideas on how to address them. We're joined today by Christy Ray and Ricky Jones of STRIVE4You.Org
-
Episode 73
Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for feelings of shame to creep in when we've lost some vision. Join social worker Jeff Flodin and psychologist Ed McDaniel, both visually impaired themselves, as they explore where these feelings come from and how they have worked through these emotions in their own lives.
-
Episode 72
Listen in as Dorrie Rush of OE Magazine shares how she resisted using a white cane for years, the stigma she feared, and the confidence and security she found once it was in her hand.
-
Episode 71
Learn how CVS pharmacy customers throughout the US can access a free service that reads aloud prescription medication information.
-
Episode 70
Join us as we chat with author Hannah Fairbairn about the tips and tricks she has learned to take some of the stress out of holiday get-togethers, no matter your vision.
-
Episode 69
We're joined by the creator of The Blind Life YouTube channel, Sam Seavey. Sam shares his personal journey with vision loss and advice he has for people who are newer to vision loss.
-
Episode 68
Whether you like to read for enjoyment or need to check your mail, reading is an essential part of your day. We're sharing tips and tricks for how to continue reading, the best low-tech and high-tech gadgets, and the benefits of learning braille.
-
Episode 67
Chief Innovation Officer Doug Walker chats with us about the launch of Hadley's newest podcast, Insights & Sound Bites. This new podcast will offer short stories shared by listeners. By tapping into the power of our community, we hope to share ideas, discoveries, and moments of inspiration along the journey through vision loss.
-
Episode 66
Jim Hoxie and Joanna Jones join us to discuss their children’s book, "Grandpa's White Cane." Jim shares how vision loss shaped his life and how he and Joanna, a retired teacher, began instructing children about the importance of white cane awareness and the do's and don'ts for helping people with visual impairment.
-
Episode 65
Blogger and social worker Jeff Flodin talks about his personal journey with vision loss and how his passion for helping people led him to blog about his experiences.
-
Episode 64
Hadley has partnered with the National Eye Institute (NEI) to offer a Spanish-language version of our popular cooking workshop series. Devina Fan, director of the National Eye Health Education Program at NEI, joins the podcast to talk more about this new initiative, NEI’s expanding Spanish content, and the importance of connecting Hispanic and Latino communities to important vision resources.
-
Episode 63
A change in your vision may make some parts of your job more challenging. But with a bit of help and some new skills, you may be able to stay in your job. Hadley Chief Program Officer Ed Haines and Learning Expert Steve Kelley join the podcast to talk about our new Working with Vision Loss workshops and to share tips for where to find support and how to ask for what you need.
-
Episode 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.