Blessed Thru Blindness

Welcome back to Blessed Thru Blindness! I’m your host, Victoria Essner, and today’s episode is all about one of my greatest passions: assistive technology. As someone who has been legally blind for over 50 years and has dedicated over 30 of those years to working with assistive technology, I know firsthand the transformative power these tools hold. Today, I’ll guide you through some of the best resources and strategies for maximizing independence and breaking through barriers.

In this episode, I cover:

• Understanding Your Needs: Identifying tasks you want to accomplish independently to better match the right technology.
• Knowing Your Eye Condition: Why understanding your diagnosis can be key in finding the best assistive tools.
• Getting Professional Support: How a professional assessment can streamline the process and help you choose the best tools for your unique needs. (And don’t forget, you can book a free 30-minute consultation with me!)

I also share my favorite tools and apps, including:

• iPhone & VoiceOver: How my iPhone, particularly the VoiceOver screen reader, enables me to navigate daily life, keep my caregiving organized, and stay connected.
• Spiritual & Mental Health Apps: Tools that keep me grounded, inspired, and resilient, including apps for scriptures, hymns, and uplifting messages.

Whether you’re navigating life with a vision impairment, supporting a loved one, or even an employer seeking to assist an employee, this episode has something for everyone. I hope you feel empowered to explore the tools that can enhance your independence and quality of life.

Connect with Me:

• Website: VictoriaEssner.com
• Social Media: @VictoriaEssner on all platforms
• Facebook Group: Join our Blessed Thru Blindness community for support, insights, and more!

Remember, “Be grateful, and just as important, be kind because kindness is contagious.” Stay blessed and empowered!

In this episode of Blessed Thru Blindness, I’m sharing one of the most meaningful parts of my life: caregiving. Being a 24/7 caregiver for my husband, a disabled veteran, has been both the most challenging and the most rewarding journey I’ve ever taken. Today, I want to share some of what I’ve learned along the way about finding peace, gratitude, and strength amid the daily responsibilities.

In this episode, I cover:

1. Prioritizing Communication – Why open, clear communication with healthcare providers, family, and loved ones is key to reducing stress.
2. Streamlining Daily Tasks – How creating routines, using checklists, and taking advantage of reminders and apps can help simplify caregiving.
3. Asking for Help and Delegating – Letting go of the idea that we have to do it all on our own, and embracing help from others as a blessing.

I also discuss the importance of self-care:

• Mental Health Check-Ins – Journaling, meditating, and connecting with a support system to stay emotionally balanced.
• Physical Rest and Nutrition – Making time for short breaks, healthy meals, and power naps to keep up my energy.
• Setting Boundaries and Taking Breaks – Learning that it’s okay to say “not yet” when overwhelmed and prioritizing what truly matters.

Key Takeaways:

• Ways to organize and plan ahead to make caregiving more manageable.
• Insights into tools and routines that can save time and reduce stress.
• How asking for help can create opportunities for others to serve and feel blessed.

Connect with Me: If you want to explore more resources or connect with me, head over to VictoriaEssner.com. You can also find me on all social media platforms @VictoriaEssner and join our Blessed Thru Blindness Facebook group, where we support each other on this journey.

Remember, “Be grateful, and just as important, be kind because kindness is contagious.” Stay blessed and empowered!

Welcome to the very first episode of Blessed Thru Blindness! In this podcast, we explore the blessings hidden within the challenges of living with vision impairments and providing caregiving. I'm your host, Victoria Essner, and I'm incredibly grateful to embark on this journey with you.

In this introductory episode, I share my personal story of being diagnosed as legally blind at a young age and how that experience has shaped my life's mission. I have spent over 30 years working in the field of assistive technology, empowering others with vision impairments and disabilities. I’ve also been a full-time caregiver for my husband, a disabled veteran, who has required 24/7 care since 2013. Through these experiences, I’ve learned how to turn obstacles into opportunities, and I’m excited to share those insights with you.

Join me as we dive into tips, tools, and resources that have helped me along the way. We'll hear from experts, assistive technology users, and caregivers, all sharing their unique perspectives on navigating life's challenges with confidence and grace.

Key Takeaways:

• My personal journey with vision impairment and caregiving.
• How an attitude of gratitude can help overcome life's challenges.
• What to expect from future episodes: expert interviews, caregiving tips, and assistive technology insights.

Connect with Victoria:

• Website: VictoriaEssner.com
• Social Media: Find me on all platforms @VictoriaEssner for updates and tips.
• Facebook Group: Join our growing community of support in the Blessed Thru Blindness group on Facebook.

Remember, “Be grateful, and just as important, be kind because kindness is contagious.”

Stay blessed and empowered!

Special Thanks:
A special appreciation goes out to Tom Martin of Tom Martin Media, the voice behind the wonderful intro and outro of this podcast. His work has added a professional and warm touch to Blessed Thru Blindness, and I’m incredibly grateful for his support.