Blonde and Blind

Tikia Kidd, author of Life with J.A.K: Living with Albinism, joins Marissa to share her experiences raising and advocating for her son Julian (aka J.A.K) who has albinism. They discuss processing a new diagnosis, embracing differences, and fostering self-advocacy skills. Tune in to learn how parents can educate relatives, teachers, and other community members about albinism!

Tikia Kidd is a wife, mother, and educator who lives in Illinois with her loving husband and their two exceptional children. She is a Parent Education Coordinator with NOAH and wrote Life with JAK to provide communities a non-fiction, family-friendly, and diverse book about Albinism.

“I wanted to celebrate how brilliant, intelligent, and beautiful people with albinism are.”

Purchase Life with J.A.K.: Living with Albinism!

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Life-J-K-Living-Albinism/dp/0997171901

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/life-with-jak-living-with-albinism-tikia-kidd-tbd/1140422927

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:

2:45 - How did you find out about JAK’s albinism and how did you process the new diagnosis?

13:00 - How did you explain albinism to your family and friends? Were there any misconceptions you encountered?

21:0 - What inspired you to write Life with J.A.K: Living with Albinism?

25:15 - What are some of the main messages you wanted to convey in the book?

27:00 - How have you used the book to educate those around you?

30:00 - How did you involve JAK in the process of creating Life with JAK and how did you foster self-advocacy skills?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/18-life-with-jak-embracing-albinism-and-low-vision

Sean Curry joins Marissa to discuss the current state of access to vision care in the United States, particularly in the DC metro area, and the importance of eye exams. Tune in to learn more about how public transportation, income, and other social determinants of health impact vision loss (and what you can do about it!).

Sean Curry is the Associate Director of Programs for the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington who has a Masters in Public Health from The George Washington University. He oversees low vision community and health education events in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties of Maryland.

“A lot of eye conditions do not have early symptoms. You may not realize you are losing your vision because it is progressing very slowly. You often hear the phrase ‘ignorance is bliss’, but when it comes to your eye health, that is not the case”

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

Learn more about the Prevention of Blindness Society!

Website - https://www.youreyes.org/

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/youreyesdc

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/youreyesdc

Key Points:

1:25 - What is the Prevention of Blindness Society and what services do they provide in the DC Metro area?

4:25 - Why is preventative care so important in eye health?

7:50 - How often should people receive eye exams?

9:30 - What is the current state of access to vision care in the United States, especially in the DMV area?

13:20 - What are social determinants of health?

17:25 - Are there certain communities disproportionately impacted by vision loss?

19:20 - How has COVID-19 impacted vision care and Prevention of Blindness Society’s initiatives?

24:15 - How can people learn more about and support the Prevention of Blindness Society?

25:38 - How do you recommend spreading awareness and talking with family members about vision care?

28:18 - How does Prevention of Blindness Society ensure blind people are central in their advocacy efforts?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/17-understanding-vision-loss-and-preventative-care

Sometimes the glass feels half empty, and that’s okay. In “Let’s Talk about the Hard Things,” Marissa shares the most challenging aspects of living with albinism and low vision, including inaccessible buildings, awkward interactions, and society’s low expectations for blind people. Acknowledging and discussing these frustrating realities can help reveal how to make the world more accessible. WARNING: Marissa discusses sexual assault from 14:15-16:20, so please skip that portion if you find the topic upsetting.

“This is how we make meaningful change. These hard conversations can help us raise awareness for and analyze the barriers facing blind people.”

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:

2:15 - Why discuss the most challenging aspects of blindness?

4:22 - Pathologizing Albinism and Blindness

6:20 - Viewing Blindness as a Tragedy

8:45 - Awkward Interactions with Sighted People

10:12 - Low Expectations for Blind People

13:10 - Frustration

14:20 - Sexual Assault

17:00 - Driving and Transportation

19:00 - Career Prospects

20:30 - What can we do to combat these challenging realities?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/16-let-s-talk-about-the-hard-things

Lia Stone joins Marissa to discuss gaining confidence and independence in the kitchen with low vision. She shares several organizational tips as well as approaches for handling knives, ovens, and other potentially dangerous tools. They also discuss the benefits of attending a training center and when to ask for sighted help. Tune in to learn about developing cooking and baking skills without starting a fire!

Lia is a work experience coordinator with the EDGE program as part of New Jersey's Pre-Employment Transition Services for blind and visually-impaired students. She is also the chair of the State’s Rehabilitation Council and a board member of New Jersey’s National Federation of the Blind affiliate. During the coronavirus pandemic, she hosted a Zoom cooking class for her blind students.

“I prefer the concept of interdependence over independence. The reality is, regardless of ability, everyone to some degree depends on others”

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 Lia Stone!

Email - [email protected]

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EvangeliaMS

Key Points:

2:40 - Information about the NFB Scholarships!

10:20 - How do blind people get started in the kitchen?

13:45 - What are some good starter meals or recipes?

16:30 - Apps and Assistive Technology

20:00 - Handling Sharp and Hot Objects

23:30 - Organization Tips

25:00 - Handling Spills and Messes

29:45 - What are the benefits of attending a training center?

40:45 - How do you balance wanting to be independent with asking for help?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/15-blind-baking

Shaara Roman joins Marissa to discuss her experiences implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) as well as what companies can do, both at the individual and organizational level, to prioritize accessibility in these efforts. Tune in to learn more about amplifying the voices of disabled employees in the workplace!

Shaara Roman is a former Chief Human Resources Officer and the CEO of The Silverene Group, a boutique management and culture consulting group. Her firm helps organizations foster engaged and productive teams by removing toxic stressors in the workplace. She also helps leaders through pivotal organizational changes, such as rapid growth, mergers, and acquisitions.

“Diversity is a fact. It’s numbers and representation. Inclusion is an act…diversity without inclusion is ineffective.”

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 Shaara Roman!

The Silverene Group - https://www.silverenegroup.com/

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

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ShaaraRoman/status/1446143367331647500

Key Points:

1:44 - What inspired you to pursue a career in Human Resources and management consulting?

6:45 - What are some of the biggest issues facing disabled employees in the workplace?

10:35 - How would you define Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

15:45 - What are some common misconceptions surrounding DEI programs?

18:20 - What are some of the most common barriers and challenges organizations encounter when implementing DEI programs?

28:15 - How can organizations ensure disabled people are included in DEI efforts?

31:45 - How do you think we can help organizations move beyond viewing workplace accommodations or DEI training as an obligation? What can we do to make companies more interested in building an inclusive workplace?

38:30 - Most of Legally Blonde & Blind’s listeners are college students preparing to begin full-time careers. What advice do you have for us as we navigate recruiting, interviews, and hiring?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/14-finding-a-voice-in-the-workplace

After several months living in Georgetown, exploring D.C., using public transit, and getting lost more than a few times, Marissa discusses the unexpected challenges she encountered as a blind person navigating a new city. She shares how her attitudes towards blindness and independence have changed since moving away from home. Tune in to learn more about mobility and gain several “blind hacks” for getting around.

“I realized I need to love the blind girl who gets lost as much as the blind girl who is independent, who has her act together.  If I never tried new things, put myself out there, put myself in positions where I might feel lost or helpless, I would’ve never gained the skills I have today.”

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:

2:25 - Inspiration for Episode

4:15 - Anxieties Surrounding Moving Out

16:03 - Orientation & Mobility Training Advice

22:00 - Tips for Transitioning to a New School/City

29:25 - Practical Blind Hacks!

33:45 - Reflection on the Past Year

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/13-movin-on-out-living-independently-and-navigating-a-new-city

Jenna Giesecke joins Marissa to share how she developed and adapted to a tic disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss transitioning to college, requesting accommodations, and finding a place in the disabled community. Tune in to learn more about the intersection between disability and mental health!

Jenna Giesecke is a junior at Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Mechanical Engineering. She is the Philanthropy Chair and Sisterhood Development Co-Chair in her university’s Theta Pi Alpha chapter. She is also an accessibility advocate for Stevens’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.

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 Jenna!

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jennana44

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennagiacone12/?hl=en

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-giesecke-0133a8220

Key Points:

2:15 - What was your experience Ike moving to college in the fall of 2020 with COVID-19 restrictions in place?

3:40 - How did your tic disorder develop?

5:19 - How did you process the new diagnosis as part of your daily life?

12:25 - Did you try new medications to suppress the tics like and how did you adjust to side effects?

15:08 - What was it like asking for accommodations for the first time in college?

18:28 - How did you find interacting with professors and your school’s disability office?

24:45 - Increase in tic disorder symptoms amongst adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

25:45 - How is anxiety related to your tic disorder and have you found any effective self-care methods?

27:58 - Have you joined any online communities or met anyone else with Tourette’s?

33:31 - Do you have advice for anyone with a tic disorder or Tourette’s?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/12-tic-tok-college-covid-19-and-mental-health

How does gender identity impact the way blind women live, work, and travel independently? In the next episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa and special guest Mia Parra discuss the intersection of gender, sexuality, and blindness. Tune in to learn how their combined identities influence how they receive help, view their appearance, approach dating, travel alone, and pursue friendships.

Mia Parra is a sophomore at Western Michigan University who is studying psychology and loves musical theatre.

WARNING: From 21:40-27:00, Mia Parra and Marissa discuss sexual harassment and assault. If you don’t want to hear about these topics, make sure to skip this segment!

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 Mia!

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

Key Points:

3:29 - What is glaucoma?

5:36 - What was it like losing vision the past few years?

11:30 - When did you begin to consider yourself a part of the disabled community?

14:42 - How does gender influence the way you experience blindness?

21:49 - How does your gender influence the way you complete tasks and live independently?

27:03 - How does disability intersect with the LGBTQ+ community?

33:26 - How do you approach dating and disclosing disability?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/11-all-the-blind-ladies-put-your-hands-up

In the tenth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses how inspiration porn and other narratives surrounding disability made it challenging for her to share her story. She’ll then share some writing, editing, and brainstorming tips she’s gathered along the way.

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:

2:30 - Inspiration for Episode

5:33 - Why is writing about disability challenging?

5:56 - Inspiration Porn

9:55 - Lack of Representation

11:04 - Are my challenges significant enough?

12:28 - Will I have an unfair advantage?

14:56 - Should you disclose your disability in your college application?

21:15 - Essay Writing Tips!

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/10-sharing-my-story-writing-about-blindness-and-disability

Marissa interviews Alanna Cronk, the founder of 1AC-CESSIBILITY, They discuss how the hyper-competitive culture and inflexible, “one size fits all” structure of speech and debate harms participants, especially those who are members of marginalized communities. Learn how speech and debate tournaments can create a more welcoming environment that encourages students to prioritize their mental and physical well-being!

Alanna is a senior at Georgetown University studying English and Philosophy. Her academic interests include indigenous philosophy, disability studies, semantics, symbolic logic, and women’s studies. When she is not conducting fascinating research projects, she can most often be found playing with her rescue dog and emotional support animal, Twinkie.

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 Alanna Cronk!

Website - https://www.alannacronk.com/about

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanna-cronk

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alannacronk/?hl=en

Learn more about 1AC-CESSIBiLITY!

Website - https://www.1ac-cessibility.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/1ac.cessibility/

Key Points:

2:00 - About Alanna Cronk! (feat. Twinkie!)

5:30 - What is speech and debate?

11:20 - What are the problematic aspects of speech and debate?

30:35 - Why is your organization named 1-AC?

31:40 - What changes would 1-AC like to see in speech and debate?

32:00 - Standardized Process for Requesting Accommodations

37:00 - Conceiving of Time more Flexibility

41:00 - Incident Reporting

45:33 - Physical & Mental Well-Being

46:15 - Food & Dietary Restrictions

51:10 - Nuisance Fees

55:00 - How can we reshape the hyper-competitive culture of speech, debate, and other academic competitions?

61:30 - How can people connect with 1AC-ACCESSIBILITY and learn more about your organization?

Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/9-1-ac-accessibility-in-speech-and-debate