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. 

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

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

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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!

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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

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!

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

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.”

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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:

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.blondeblind.com/post/24-two-feet-instead-of-four-wheels

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.

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

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 child’s disability on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or other social media platforms. Tune in to learn why “raising awareness” and “inspiring others” is often not as straightforward or impactful as mommy bloggers believe.

“My 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 can’t share our own stories.”

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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:

0:00 - Introduction!

1:05 - Why did I decide to make this episode?

2:25 - Why do parents share about their child’s disability on social media?

6:55 - Issues Surrounding Informed Consent

11:39 - Issues Surrounding “Raising Awareness”

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 & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/22-before-posting-about-your-child-s-disability-listen-to-this

In “Gifted & Talented Blind Kids,” 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.

“How can we raise society’s expectations for blind people without feeling like we as individuals need to be perfect?”

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:

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 & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/21-gifted-talented-blind-kids

White canes in the albinism community can be rather controversial. Some view them as a useful tool for navigation while others feel they are “overkill” 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. “White Canes in the Wild” debunks common misconceptions and shares tips for cane training!

“I think viewing canes as a tool in the toolbox rather than a sign of defeat would do our community a lot of good.”

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:

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 & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/20-white-canes-in-the-wild

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Podcast Trailer Transcript

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 “How Many Fingers am I Holding up?”, Marissa shares how to identify and discuss subtle acts of exclusion. Tune in to learn how to respond next time someone says “You look like a ghost!”

“Even if a comment seems small or unimportant to you, it can do real harm”

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:

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 …As a recipient?

20:20 …As an initiator?

22:30 …As a bystander?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/19-how-many-fingers-am-i-holding-up