By Marissa Nissley
4.9
1717 ratings
The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.
In “Advice for College-Bound Blind Kids,” you’ll 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
We’ve all heard the phrase “albinism is beautiful,” and over the last decade, albino models, influencers, and advocates have taken the world by storm. But albinism representation—especially in the fashion and beauty industry—is 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..it’s a community, source of pride, and part of who I am.
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/
Resources & Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/31-albinism-is-not-an-accessory
If you were asked to picture an “athlete,” you probably wouldn’t 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 Corso—a Paralympic silver medalist—joins 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 Lipscomb’s Cross Country and Track & Field team.
“I 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.”
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
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 “Blind Social Butterfly,” 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
“No dogs allowed!” “Can you show me your service animal ID?” “Just take an UberPet.” 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
I have never wanted a “cure” 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 people’s lives, or does it merely satisfy the curiosity of medical professionals? In “I’m Not Broken,” I argue that albinism should be viewed as part of one’s 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 experience—not 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
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!
“Being a nondriver does not mean you will be any less independent. It does not mean you will be a passenger in your mom’s car for the rest of your life. Thousands of blind people have found their way, and so will you.”
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:
Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/24-two-feet-instead-of-four-wheels
The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.
10,892 Listeners