Picture yourself watching TV in your living room when, without warning, you suddenly lose vision in your right eye. People born blind often say “you can’t miss what you never had,” but what happens when someone with normal eyesight suddenly or gradually loses their vision? In “Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind,” Marissa interviews Rose West, a junior at Swarthmore College who lost most of her vision at age 12 due to a brain tumor. They discuss the grief, trauma, and frustration surrounding vision loss, and Rose shares how discovering the blind community helped her cope and build confidence. 

Rose West is a junior at Swarthmore College studying Political Science. She is an AmeriCorps member who serves at the Overbrook School for the Blind and helps facilitate a work-readiness program for Blind/low vision students in Pennsylvania ages 14-24. She also serves on the board of the Arc Alliance, a non-profit supporting people with disabilities across the Philadelphia suburbs. Nara—a goofy, playful, and lovably dramatic Chocolate Labrador—is Rose’s guide dog and best friend. 

Connect with Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 

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Connect with Rose West! 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-west-701009279 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rose.briars/

Connect with OSB AmeriCorps Next Step Skills Program!

Website - https://www.obs.org/what-we-do/osb-americorps.cfm

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/osbamericorps/ 

Key Points: 

00:00 - Introduction

04:09 - What was it like losing your vision?

08:26 - What are some of the common stereotypes surrounding vision loss? How did they impact your experience becoming blind?

11:33 - Many people think becoming blind is one of the worst things that could ever happen. What was it like going through something people consider tragic?

13:20 - How did you cope with your vision loss?

16:21 - What was it like interacting with people who knew you before your sight loss versus those who only knew you as blind?

18:46 - Many people will say that everything happens for a reason. How do you respond to that?

20:02 - How did you relax and de-stress while coping with vision loss?

23:54 - What do you think about the notion of fighting blindness?

32:03 - What advice do you have for people experiencing vision loss?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/35-out-of-sight-not-out-of-mind-feat-rose-west

As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, Blonde & Blind is amplifying the voices of a group often overlooked—students with disabilities. Olivia O’Connell, a dedicated disability rights activist, joins Marissa to talk about how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Department of Education ensure that students get the accommodations they need. Magnifiers, extended time, and teachers of the visually-impaired (TVIs) don’t come from the kindness of a school district’s heart; they are federally-mandated tools and services that are critical for student success. Olivia shares how her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) supported her and why funding IDEA ensures students have access to a free appropriate public education. With Donald Trump proposing to close the Department of Education, Marissa and Olivia highlight how dissolving the agency responsible for ensuring equal access to education would negatively impact students across the country.

Olivia O’Connell is a senior at the University of Michigan studying Political Science and History. She is currently an At-Large Presidential Fellow with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, where she is conducting research on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, its funding, and its impacts on students with disabilities at the local level. She also has experience working on Capitol Hill, at nonprofit organizations, with government relations firms, and in community-based advocacy groups. She is dedicated to protecting democracy and championing the rights of historically marginalized communities, especially students and young adults with disabilities.

Connect with Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ 

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 

X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley 

Connect with Olivia! 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oliviaelizao/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviaelizabeth 

Key Points:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

05:25 - What sparked your interest in politics and disability advocacy?

06:49 - What is IDEA?

08:15 - How has IDEA impacted your life?

11:15 - What is the concept of "Least Restrictive Environment" and why is it important for students with disabilities?

12:52 - Why does IDEA need funding? Where does that money go?

16:03 - What does "full funding" for IDEA mean and why is it important?

19:21 - Many Republican politicians, including Donald Trump, have explicitly proposed eliminating the Department of Education and redirecting all IDEA funding to states with no strings attached. How do you think this could impact students with disabilities?

23:19 - What should people do if they want to take action?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/34-your-iep-didn-t-fall-out-of-a-coconut-tree-feat-olivia-o-connell

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 Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ 

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 

X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley 

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

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/33-advice-for-college-bound-blind-kids 

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.

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ 

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 

X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/32-questions-tipsy-people-ask-about-my-disability

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 Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ 

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 
X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.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 Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ 

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 

X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley

Connect with Liza!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/liza.corso3/

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.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 Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ 

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 
X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley

Resources & Transcripts - https://www.blondeblind.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 Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ 

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 
X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley

Resources & Transcripts - https://www.blondeblind.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 Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ 

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 

X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/27-i-m-not-broken-why-albinism-advocacy-is-more-valuable-than-genetic-research

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!

Connect with Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ 

Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/legallybb/?locale=sq_AL 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg 

X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley