Some people assume that since I can’t see, I don’t cook. One gentlemen even asserted that I must use Meals on Wheels. Others assume that my remaining senses are heightened and that I am some sort of cooking superhero. The truth is, a blind person’s […]
Jenna’s Blog
Blind Girl Snapshots
When someone says my outfit is too revealing, is it really? Or are they just more conservative than I am? When I hold out my hand to shake someone else’s, and all I encounter is empty air. Are they ignoring my hand, or did they […]
Six-Legged Teamwork: What Guide Dogs Are and Are Not Responsible For
Many people labor under the assumption that guide dogs do all the work, make all the decisions, and generally act as a GPS that takes their person wherever they need to go. Friends, guide dogs are brilliant, but they are not omniscient. A guide dog […]
Puppy Petting
“I know I shouldn’t pet her, but she looked so cute I couldn’t resist.” “He looks just like my dog who passed away last year. I’m sorry I probably shouldn’t be petting him, right?” No friend, you definitely should not. Guide dogs have important jobs […]
Social Inclusion
As a #blind woman, I am used to being overlooked or ignored by sighties. It’s an annoying truth that comes hand in hand with having a #disability. Some people don’t know how to talk to me. Others are uncomfortable that I can’t make eye contact. […]
Top Ten Ways to Help Differently-Abled Children Succeed.
Raising a differently-abled child is undoubtedly one of the hardest things a parent will ever do. There are so many unknowns, so many questions. The stakes are higher, the barriers more real. There are trillions of ways to fail them, after all, no parent will […]
The Right to Refuse Help
At least once per outing, I am offered help I do not need. People ask if I’m okay while I’m sitting on a bench listening to music waiting for a friend. Bus driver’s ask me if I know which bus I’m on. Total strangers will […]
How To Help a Blind Person Memorize a New Area
The best way to help people is to help them help themselves. Today on Safe Space, we’re covering a rather advanced sighted ally skill. Until last week, I’d never met anyone besides my immediate family who could do it. Want to learn? Keep reading! O&M […]
Top Five Things Sighties Should Know About Blind People…And Don’t
Who’s ready for another top five? This week’s addition of Safe Space tackles some things sighted people should seriously already know about blind people. Fingers crossed that you already intuitively understand, but just in case you don’t, keep reading. Also, be sure to comment below […]
The Beauty of Being Different
How many times have you been told to stand out in the crowd, to shine brighter than the stars, to make sure you’re remembered? Being the only blindy most people ever meet makes me difficult to forget. My white cane/reflective guide dog harness doesn’t exactly […]