Episoder
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In âAdvice for College-Bound Blind Kids,â youâll get college tips, advice, and life hacks from a recent Georgetown graduate. Starting college can be exciting but overwhelming, especially for students with low vision who also have to think about accommodations, orientation, mobility, and talking about their disability with tons of new people. The 33rd episode of Legally Blonde & Blind will help you stay organized, avoid losing your socks in the washing machine, and become a better advocate in college!
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Key Points:
03:45 - Your disability is a factor you should consider when selecting a college.
07:19 - Life skills are important, but you don't have to learn them all at once.
12:45 - Look for financial aid through SSI and your state's commission for the blind.
15:30 - Apply for blind scholarships.
17:07 - Self-Advocacy is critical, but it is a skill you can learn and develop at any point in life.
21:55 - College kids are a lot less awkward about disability.
23:01 - Take a disability studies class or join a disability alliance!
25:59 - Be safe, even if you can't see the blue lights on campus.
29:11 - Become familiar with G-Suite Applications.
30:27 - Get organized!
33:42 - Take ownership of your education.
34:57 - Think carefully about getting a guide dog in college.
36:51 - Let go of the perfect college experience.
40:16 - Miscellaneous Advice
Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/33-advice-for-college-bound-blind-kids
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Alcohol can be a social lubricant, so it’s no surprise that I’ve received some of the most fascinating, bizarre, and hilarious questions about my low vision at the bar. Disability is often the elephant in the room. People either avert their gaze or stare at us across the street. They either ask random, invasive questions like “what happened to you?” or chastise their children for asking about our mobility aids. However, conversations surrounding disability (if you are comfortable talking about it) do not need to be depressing, or violating. To celebrate my 21st birthday (eight months after the fact), the 32nd episode of Legally Blonde & Blind answers questions my listeners and I have received from people who *might* have been a little tipsy.
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/ -
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Weâve all heard the phrase âalbinism is beautiful,â and over the last decade, albino models, influencers, and advocates have taken the world by storm. But albinism representationâespecially in the fashion and beauty industryâis far from perfect. In the thirtieth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, I discuss society's evolving attitudes towards beauty and how we can more meaningfully include, uplift, and celebrate those with albinism. Tune in to learn how for me, albinism is far more than pretty white hair..itâs a community, source of pride, and part of who I am.
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - â https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/â
Instagram - â https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=enâ
Facebook - â https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/â
LinkedIn - â https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Resources & Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/31-albinism-is-not-an-accessory
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If you were asked to picture an âathlete,â you probably wouldnât imagine someone who is blind. But with creativity, collaboration, and a few modifications, athletes with low vision can partake in many elite and recreational activities, such as goalball, skiing, tandem cycling, and many more! Sports help athletes of all ages and abilities stay healthy, build self-confidence, and become part of a team. Liza Corsoâa Paralympic silver medalistâjoins Marissa to share how participating in track and field has positively impacted her life. Tune in to learn about how we can raise awareness and increase opportunities for people to participate in adaptive sports.
Liza Corso is a junior at Lipscomb University studying psychology and nutrition. She was selected to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games and won a silver medal in the 1500m. She also competes on Lipscombâs Cross Country and Track & Field team.
âI feel that there is so much value in sports and being able to prove to yourself that you are mentally and physically tough, that you can do hard things.â
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Connect with Liza!
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/liza.corso3/
Shownotes & Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/30-blind-athletics-and-the-paralympic-world
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Research indicates that 55% of communication in face-to-face conversations is through nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. How can blind folks navigate social settings where subtle, nonverbal communication is prevalent? In âBlind Social Butterfly,â I share my perspective on networking, mingling, and forming connections with low vision. I also offer advice for making happy hours, conferences, and other social events more accessible.
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Shownotes & Transcripts - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/29-blind-social-butterfly -
âNo dogs allowed!â âCan you show me your service animal ID?â âJust take an UberPet.â In restaurants, airports, convenience stores, and Ubers across the United States, many service animal teams experience access issues and denials. A survival guide for both new and experienced service animal handlers, the twenty-eighth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind outlines the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal laws relating to assistance animals. I explore when, where, and why access issues most frequently occur. Based on surveys, personal experience, and testimonies from other handlers, I then offer advice on how to respectfully yet assertively handle access issues.
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Shownotes & Transcripts - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/28-guide-dogs-access-issues-a-survival-guide
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I have never wanted a âcureâ for my albinism and corresponding visual impairment, but only recently found the words to explain why. Research regarding treatments for and the genetic origins of disabilities raises complex ethical questions. Does studying albinism in a laboratory genuinely improve peopleâs lives, or does it merely satisfy the curiosity of medical professionals? In âIâm Not Broken,â I argue that albinism should be viewed as part of oneâs identity and a source of community rather than an undesirable mutation. I consider the emotional, social, and political impacts of seeking to reverse or cure blindness. I then argue how redirecting these funds towards developing assistive technology, advocating for legislative changes, and providing necessities (sunscreen, UV protective gear, etc.) to people with albinism would have a stronger impact. Keep in mind that this is a deeply personal subject. My goal is to share my perspective and lived experienceânot speak on behalf of the entire albinism community.
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Show Notes & Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/27-i-m-not-broken-why-albinism-advocacy-is-more-valuable-than-genetic-research
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There is more to “guide dogging” than meets the eye. Contrary to popular belief, guide dogs are not perfect robots or GPS systems who can single-handedly take handlers to class or tell them when to cross the street. Working with assistance animals is much like learning a language, an entirely new way of communicating. In the 26th episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, I share my experiences applying for and training with my first guide dog. Tune in to learn more about my challenges, success, and takeaways from my first month as a guide dog handler!
“I got a guide dog because I wanted to prioritize my happiness and safety over arbitrary notions of necessity or independence.”
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Key Points:
0:00 - Introduction!
1:50 - All About Smalls!
6:00 - Why did I record this episode a month after being matched?
7:10 - Disclaimers
8:45 - Why did I apply for a guide dog?
9:00 - Reframing my Attitudes towards Disability and Independence
13:00 - Investing in Myself
14:30 - Choosing Joy
16:00 - What is the application process like?
18:20 - What I learned from my first month as a guide dog handler
18:40 - Bonding doesn’t happen instantly
19:30 - Having a guide dog is a CHOICE
21:15 - Feedback does not equal Failure
22:45 - Dogs learn from EVERYTHING
24:20 - Take things one step at a time
25:00 - Guide dog training is VERY emotional
27:00 - Confidence is key
Resources:
“Canes vs. Guide Dogs | Pros and Cons” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyq-JgvpvHQ&list=PLwa2HVLMFj5Vmgh7QkaCvWTHS6ZJlRVfv&index=2&t=680s
“5 Things I Wish I Knew before Getting my First Guide Dog” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sZI7UTQ40g&list=PLwa2HVLMFj5Vmgh7QkaCvWTHS6ZJlRVfv&index=7
“Zenith in Action | Watching my Guide Dog Work” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRdRQ2KTkLI&list=PLwa2HVLMFj5Vmgh7QkaCvWTHS6ZJlRVfv&index=9
“How I Handle Access Issues” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEgUf7BPNJc&list=PLwa2HVLMFj5Vmgh7QkaCvWTHS6ZJlRVfv&index=21
“Try Guys Train Guide Dogs for a Day” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvAmiYQgytA
“10 Worst Things about Having a Guide Dog” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVPTwDjT9Ek
“I Almost Left Training without My Guide Dog” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK1pzIvGUWA&t=244s
“Guide Dog vs. Cane - Pros and Cons!” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd2O9qmq8qc&t=918s
“Guide Dog User Answers Most Googled Questions about Guide Dogs” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mZ8Hk_j9D4&t=531s
“All About Guide Dog Retirement” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEkLu3UxaH4
“College Advice || Service Dog Addition” - https://youtu.be/gBN014EPez4
“The Challenges of Having a Service Dog in College” - https://youtu.be/QNnQbLiWPLQ
“White Canes vs. Guide Dogs. Which is Better? 21 Pros and Cons” - https://youtu.be/IURFgbt-AGc -
Less than 30% of working-age blind adults in the United States are employed full-time. Approximately only 16% of them have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Tired of being the only blind person in the room, Kathryn Webster joins Marissa to discuss how her organization Together Achieving Dreams will increase employment opportunities for the low vision community. She specifically focuses on management consulting, big law, finance, and other fields where blind people are especially underrepresented. Tune in for advice on networking, interviewing, and breaking into Corporate America!
Kathryn Webster is a 2023 MBA candidate at Harvard Business School. Upon graduation, she will be joining KKR, a global investment firm, in New York. She graduated with high honors from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Computer Science. Kathryn is a leader in the National Federation for the Blind and previously served as President of the National Association of Blind Students. She currently serves on the board of the Lighthouse of San Francisco, BLIND, Inc., the Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund, and Business Opportunities for the Blind. She approaches each day with the motivation to break the stigma and prove that blind people can achieve anything they want in the world.
“I want us to break into Corporate America. The 75% unemployment rate statistic hasn’t changed for decades.”
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Connect with Kathryn Webster and TAD!
Website - https://tadfoundation.org/
Instagram - https://instagram.com/togetherachievingdreams?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Together-Achieving-Dreams-Foundation-Inc/100086574137762/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryncornellwebster
Key Points:
0:00 - Introduction!
2:35 - Could you describe your blindness and what the world looks like to you?
3:51 - What sparked your interest in disability advocacy?
5:54 - What inspired you to create Together Achieving Dreams?
11:02 - What are the unique challenges blind people face in corporate America?
13:10 - What is it like interacting with colleagues who have little to no experience working with blind people?
15:33 - What resources is TAD going to provide for blind students?
18:45 - How can people connect with TAD and learn more?
20:10 - What advice do you have for job hunting, recruiting, and interviewing?
23:30 - Outro
24:20 - Guide Dog blooper :)
Resources:
“How Kathryn Webster Owns Her Own Story, and Her Advice for Other Blind and Low Vision Employees” - https://aira.io/kathrynwebster/
“Is Consulting the Right Career for You?” - https://hbr.org/2020/07/is-consulting-the-right-career-for-you
My Consulting Offer - https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/
Management Consulted - http://managementconsulted.com/case-interview/
Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation - https://www.amazon.com/Case-Point-11-Interview-Preparation/dp/0986370762 -
Driving is a rite of passage in the United States and many people with albinism find themselves on the cusp of qualifying for a license. In the 24th episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa shares how she learned to accept and embrace her status as a nondriver. Tune in to learn about bioptics, low vision driving regulations, and ways to support those without a license. Driving should not be the only way to attain independence and freedom!
âBeing a nondriver does not mean you will be any less independent. It does not mean you will be a passenger in your momâs car for the rest of your life. Thousands of blind people have found their way, and so will you.â
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Key Points:
2:25 - Low Vision Driving Basics
3:36 - Bioptic Telescopes
5:50 - Safety Considerations
9:52 - Attitudes towards Driving
13:05 - How can we better support nondrivers?
13:09 - Acknowledging the Downsides of Car Dependency
14:57 - Increasing exposure to public transportation
15:52 - Offering rides
17:32 - Take a deep breath!
Resources:
Albinism and Driving Bulletin - https://www.albinism.org/information-bulletin-albinism-and-driving/ âIs Low Vision Driving an Option?â - https://familyconnect.org/browse-by-age/teenagers/transition-to-independence-teenagers/preparing-for-independent-travel/is-low-vision-driving-an-option/ âThe Negative Consequences of Car Dependencyâ - https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2017/11/2/the-negative-consequences-of-car-dependency âDriving with Low Visionâ - https://www.lowvision-nj.com/driving-with-low-vision/ âProceed With Caution: Low Vision and Drivingâ - https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/proceed-with-caution-low-vision-and-driving âDriving and Low Vision - What Optometrists Must Knowâ - https://eyesoneyecare.com/resources/driving-and-low-vision-what-optometrists-must-know/Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/24-two-feet-instead-of-four-wheels
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How can we help people with albinism facing violence and discrimination in East Africa as college students halfway across the world? On Episode 23 of Legally Blonde & Blind, Tess Ballis joins Marissa to discuss healthcare, education, and dispelling harmful myths surrounding albinism at a grassroots level. She explains how advocating for human rights has boosted her confidence and encouraged her to embrace albinism as part of her identity. Listeners will learn about concrete actions they can take no matter what their resources are.
Tess Ballis is a junior at Northwestern University studying history and political science. Her parents founded the nonprofit Vision for Tomorrow, which seeks to empower people with low vision through research, advocacy, and awareness campaigns. She was a keynote speaker at the 2018 Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa Summit and gave a TEDx Talk titled “Albinos Don’t Have Souls: What it means to be human from someone who has been told she is not.”
"I just want people to realize we—as people with albinism—have a genetic condition. It affects our hair, our skin and our eyes, but that is the only difference. We are human beings, the same as anyone else."
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Connect with Tess!
Standing Voice Interview https://news.standingvoice.org/tess-ballis
TEDx Talk - https://youtu.be/qhoGts4PGXM
Key Points:
0:00 - Introduction, Background, and Content Warning
4:20 - What sparked your interest in albinism and human rights advocacy?
6:20 - A crash course on albinism and human rights
10:45 - What is currently being done in the nonprofit space to address these issues?
12:55 - Where are the gaps? What more would you like to see done?
18:45 - What made you want to speak publicly about albinism & human rights?
25:00 - How has advocacy work influenced your personal relationship with albinism?
27:45 - Why do you choose to use the phrase Person with Albinism?
31:45 - How can other people with albinism process these harsh realities and feel empowered rather than discouraged?
36:00 - How can people get involved? What nonprofits and NGOs should people check out?
Resources:
https://news.standingvoice.org/tess-ballis
https://visionfortomorrow.org/
https://www.underthesamesun.com/
https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2022/03/attacks-against-people-albinism-are-hate-crimes-un-albinism-expert
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/07/01/out-shadows-resilience-and-courage-people-albinism-mozambique
https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/we-are-tired-of-being-ignored
https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/q-and-a-an-international-movement-for-albinism-rights
https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_women-mothers-children-albinism-suffer-worst-discrimination-report-finds/6185246.html
https://www.thejfa.com/read/on-the-african-continent-discrimination-against-people-with-albinism-is-intensifying
https://minorityrights.org/programmes/library/trends2020/tanzania/
Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/23-making-our-voices-heard-albinism-and-human-rights-advocacy-feat-tess-ballis -
Many parents of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses use social media to share information and connect with others, but when does this go too far? In Episode 22 of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses issues surrounding representation and consent when sharing a childâs disability on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or other social media platforms. Tune in to learn why âraising awarenessâ and âinspiring othersâ is often not as straightforward or impactful as mommy bloggers believe.
âMy fear is that when parents take up so much space on social media, they send the message that people need to speak for us, that we canât share our own stories.â
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Key Points:
0:00 - Introduction!
1:05 - Why did I decide to make this episode?
2:25 - Why do parents share about their childâs disability on social media?
6:55 - Issues Surrounding Informed Consent
11:39 - Issues Surrounding âRaising Awarenessâ
12:18 - Inspiration Porn
13:50 - Exotification and Objectification
15:20 - Amplifying our Differences
16:50 - Not Everyone Needs to be an Ambassador
18:00 - Centering Parents
18:49 - What should parents do?
Resources:
https://themighty.com/2017/08/what-pictures-not-to-post-online-kids-disabilities/ https://www.themobilityresource.com/blog/post/gone-too-far-when-posting-about-your-childrens-health-crosses-the-line/ https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/07/16/parents-and-social-media/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/01/31/parents-online-sharing-can-be-particularly-problematic-autistic-kids-heres-why/ https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2017/04/youtube-family-vloggings-dark-side.html https://aliceleme.medium.com/until-children-are-protected-family-youtube-channels-should-not-exist-5d89429835a6 https://www.newstatesman.com/science-tech/2016/04/why-youtube-mums-are-taking-their-kids-offline https://neoreach.com/family-vloggers/Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/22-before-posting-about-your-child-s-disability-listen-to-this
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In âGifted & Talented Blind Kids,â Marissa explains why she and many other students with visual-impairments tend to be perfectionists in the classroom. This episode will outline how the U.S. education system fosters toxic attitudes towards grades, success, and intelligence that disproportionately impact disabled students. Tune in to learn about setting realistic goals, developing healthy coping skills, and detaching self-worth from grades.
âHow can we raise societyâs expectations for blind people without feeling like we as individuals need to be perfect?â
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Key Points:
3:20 - How do Gifted & Talented programs and advanced classes negatively impact the mental health of students?
8:45 - How does disability relate to perfectionism? Why do many blind students feel intense pressure to overachieve?
12:30 - What are the roots of the problem?
17:45 - How can we tackle toxic mindsets towards grades and success?
Resources:
https://themaneater.com/pressures-in-school-lead-to-gifted-kid-burnout/ https://medium.com/mindsets/gifted-kid-burnout-breaking-free-of-smartness-2c29e71a6cd0 https://www.queensjournal.ca/story/2021-02-01/student-life/gifted-kid-burnout-is-more-than-a-punchline/Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/21-gifted-talented-blind-kids
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White canes in the albinism community can be rather controversial. Some view them as a useful tool for navigation while others feel they are âoverkillâ for people with significant residual vision. After years of resistance, I share why I decided to use a white cane and how I find it beneficial when traveling independently. âWhite Canes in the Wildâ debunks common misconceptions and shares tips for cane training!
âI think viewing canes as a tool in the toolbox rather than a sign of defeat would do our community a lot of good.â
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Key Points:
0:45 - Updates!
3:30 - What are white canes?
4:30 - Why are people, especially those with albinism, reluctant to use white canes?
13:30 - Why did I decide to start using a cane?
16:45 - How do people interact with cane users?
20:30 - Cane Training Tips!
Resources:
https://nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program https://www.enhancedvision.com/low-vision-info/should-you-be-using-a-white-cane.html https://lighthouseguild.org/the-white-cane-symbolizes-self-reliance-and-accomplishment/#:~:text=Despite%20technological%20advances%2C%20the%20white,to%20travel%20independently%20and%20safely https://www.letsenvision.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-white-cane Cane Training on my Own Terms https://lhblind.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-white-canes/ https://wecapable.com/blind-cane-tip-types/ https://wecapable.com/blind-cane-tip-types/ https://www.acb.org/whitecane https://brailleinstitute.org/white-cane-dayTranscript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/20-white-canes-in-the-wild
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Podcast Trailer Transcript
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Whether it be through invasive questions, unsolicited remarks, or condescending attitudes, people who are blind or visually-impaired experience microaggressions, actions that occur casually, frequently, and often without any negative intentions, on a daily basis. In âHow Many Fingers am I Holding up?â, Marissa shares how to identify and discuss subtle acts of exclusion. Tune in to learn how to respond next time someone says âYou look like a ghost!â
âEven if a comment seems small or unimportant to you, it can do real harmâ
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Key Points:
2:00 - What are microaggressions?
5:10 - Why call microaggressions subtle acts of exclusion (SAE)?
8:15 - What kinds of microaggressions do disabled people tend to experience?
17:25 - How can you address microaggressions or subtle acts of exclusion?
18:46 âŠAs a recipient?
20:20 âŠAs an initiator?
22:30 âŠAs a bystander?
Resources:
Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions by Tiffany Jana and Micheal Baran https://adayinourshoes.com/ableist-microaggressions-iep-meeting/ https://adayinourshoes.com/racist-microaggression-iep/ https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2102/bm210211.htm https://www.vox.com/2015/2/16/8031073/what-are-microaggressionsTranscript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/19-how-many-fingers-am-i-holding-up
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Tikia Kidd, author of Life with J.A.K: Living with Albinism, joins Marissa to share her experiences raising and advocating for her son Julian (aka J.A.K) who has albinism. They discuss processing a new diagnosis, embracing differences, and fostering self-advocacy skills. Tune in to learn how parents can educate relatives, teachers, and other community members about albinism!
Tikia Kidd is a wife, mother, and educator who lives in Illinois with her loving husband and their two exceptional children. She is a Parent Education Coordinator with NOAH and wrote Life with JAK to provide communities a non-fiction, family-friendly, and diverse book about Albinism.
âI wanted to celebrate how brilliant, intelligent, and beautiful people with albinism are.â
Purchase Life with J.A.K.: Living with Albinism!
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Life-J-K-Living-Albinism/dp/0997171901
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/life-with-jak-living-with-albinism-tikia-kidd-tbd/1140422927
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Key Points:
2:45 - How did you find out about JAKâs albinism and how did you process the new diagnosis?
13:00 - How did you explain albinism to your family and friends? Were there any misconceptions you encountered?
21:0 - What inspired you to write Life with J.A.K: Living with Albinism?
25:15 - What are some of the main messages you wanted to convey in the book?
27:00 - How have you used the book to educate those around you?
30:00 - How did you involve JAK in the process of creating Life with JAK and how did you foster self-advocacy skills?
Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/18-life-with-jak-embracing-albinism-and-low-vision
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Sean Curry joins Marissa to discuss the current state of access to vision care in the United States, particularly in the DC metro area, and the importance of eye exams. Tune in to learn more about how public transportation, income, and other social determinants of health impact vision loss (and what you can do about it!).
Sean Curry is the Associate Director of Programs for the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington who has a Masters in Public Health from The George Washington University. He oversees low vision community and health education events in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery and Prince Georgeâs Counties of Maryland.
âA lot of eye conditions do not have early symptoms. You may not realize you are losing your vision because it is progressing very slowly. You often hear the phrase âignorance is blissâ, but when it comes to your eye health, that is not the caseâ
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Learn more about the Prevention of Blindness Society!
Website - https://www.youreyes.org/
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/youreyesdc
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/youreyesdc
Key Points:
1:25 - What is the Prevention of Blindness Society and what services do they provide in the DC Metro area?
4:25 - Why is preventative care so important in eye health?
7:50 - How often should people receive eye exams?
9:30 - What is the current state of access to vision care in the United States, especially in the DMV area?
13:20 - What are social determinants of health?
17:25 - Are there certain communities disproportionately impacted by vision loss?
19:20 - How has COVID-19 impacted vision care and Prevention of Blindness Societyâs initiatives?
24:15 - How can people learn more about and support the Prevention of Blindness Society?
25:38 - How do you recommend spreading awareness and talking with family members about vision care?
28:18 - How does Prevention of Blindness Society ensure blind people are central in their advocacy efforts?
Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/17-understanding-vision-loss-and-preventative-care
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Sometimes the glass feels half empty, and thatâs okay. In âLetâs Talk about the Hard Things,â Marissa shares the most challenging aspects of living with albinism and low vision, including inaccessible buildings, awkward interactions, and societyâs low expectations for blind people. Acknowledging and discussing these frustrating realities can help reveal how to make the world more accessible. WARNING: Marissa discusses sexual assault from 14:15-16:20, so please skip that portion if you find the topic upsetting.
âThis is how we make meaningful change. These hard conversations can help us raise awareness for and analyze the barriers facing blind people.â
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Key Points:
2:15 - Why discuss the most challenging aspects of blindness?
4:22 - Pathologizing Albinism and Blindness
6:20 - Viewing Blindness as a Tragedy
8:45 - Awkward Interactions with Sighted People
10:12 - Low Expectations for Blind People
13:10 - Frustration
14:20 - Sexual Assault
17:00 - Driving and Transportation
19:00 - Career Prospects
20:30 - What can we do to combat these challenging realities?
Resources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/toxic-positivity#is-it-ok-to-be-negative https://www.smartvisionlabs.com/blog/becoming-blind-ranked-in-top-4-worst-things/Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/16-let-s-talk-about-the-hard-things
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Lia Stone joins Marissa to discuss gaining confidence and independence in the kitchen with low vision. She shares several organizational tips as well as approaches for handling knives, ovens, and other potentially dangerous tools. They also discuss the benefits of attending a training center and when to ask for sighted help. Tune in to learn about developing cooking and baking skills without starting a fire!
Lia is a work experience coordinator with the EDGE program as part of New Jersey's Pre-Employment Transition Services for blind and visually-impaired students. She is also the chair of the Stateâs Rehabilitation Council and a board member of New Jerseyâs National Federation of the Blind affiliate. During the coronavirus pandemic, she hosted a Zoom cooking class for her blind students.
âI prefer the concept of interdependence over independence. The reality is, regardless of ability, everyone to some degree depends on othersâ
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
Website - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/
Connect with Lia Stone!
Email - [email protected]
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EvangeliaMS
Key Points:
2:40 - Information about the NFB Scholarships!
10:20 - How do blind people get started in the kitchen?
13:45 - What are some good starter meals or recipes?
16:30 - Apps and Assistive Technology
20:00 - Handling Sharp and Hot Objects
23:30 - Organization Tips
25:00 - Handling Spills and Messes
29:45 - What are the benefits of attending a training center?
40:45 - How do you balance wanting to be independent with asking for help?
Resources:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai https://aira.io/ https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program https://nfb.org/about-us/training-centersTranscript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/po
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