In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with Mike Hess....who is the founder and executive director for The Blind Institute of Technology.  BIT for short, is dedicated to finding meaningful employment for individuals with visual impairments, since there is an unemployment epedemic among our community.  Mike started the organization after years of being the token blind guy in his tech career.


If you are interested in learning more about the organization, and are in need of more meaningful career opportunities, check out their website at : https://blindinstituteoftechnology.org/  

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks has a discussion with Michael Patellis, who is the VP of corporate engagement for the Blind Institute of Technology.  Otherwise known as BIT, this non-profit is dedicated to securing meaningful jobs for low vision individuals.  Considering that the unemployment and underemployment rates for the visiually impaired are above 70% it is incredible to see BIT candidates landing jobs on average that generate $70,000-$80,000 per year.The institute also provides executive leadership training and is an incredible resource for The Blind AMerican followers to take advantage of.  


Michael himself, was suddenly subjected to vision loss through a rare DNA disease, thus causing him to go from perfect vision to legally blind in a few short months.  This has never stopped Michael from achieving executive business positions and starting a family of his own.  His story is truly inspirational and is a reminder that we can do anything that we set our minds to.


If you would like to contact Michael, you can reach him at his email:  [email protected] and you can check out their website through the link below.

https://blindinstituteoftechnology.org/

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks discusses the powerful screen reader from Apple, known as voice Over.  Voice over allows visually impaired Apple user's to interact with their devices in a way that reads everything on the screen.  This episode is a brief intro, showcasing the basic features of how to use voice over, both on IOS and on Mac.  


If you are officially legally blind, we highly suggest that you take a look at voice over and other screen readers.  They will make your life so much easier and is another great tool for the tool box!



Like us on Facebook for more updates on the podcast and let us know where you want to receive a $25 gift card from?  We will be giving away a gift card to a randomly selected follower in the next few weeks....

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks discusses the idea of learning curves.  It is important to highlight that whenever we as visually impaired individuals begin to start something new, there typically will be a significant learning curve.  


We wanted to emphasize this for our newly diagnosed listeners, or for the individuals who are not effected but either work with somebody or have a loved one who is.  The bottom line is, keep this in mind because sometimes, at the beginning it is the hardest.  Don't compare yourself to others and if you want it bad enough, you will get it!  



Like us on Facebook @theblindamerican for updates on our newest episodes and let us know what kind of gift cards you would be interested in.  Giving away $25 gift card for hitting 1,000 total downloads

Yes, we have done it.....The Blind American has reached 1,000 downloads in total.  To celebrate, we are giving away a $25 gift card to a place of your choosing.  Let us know on Facebook, @theblindamerican  where you would like to receive a gift card and we will start a raffle.  



The take away here is, keep working and you will see results eventually.  When you find those results in front of you, give yourself a pat on the back and keep going!

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks about the importance of taking breaks and achieving balance.  At the blind american, we believe that taking breaks is actually necessary for well being and productivity.  There are many pros to taking breaks, so long as you don't end up stopping and are able to get back to work.


Make sure you follow us on Facebook @theblindamerican  and let us know what you think.  Also, we are wanting to know what kind of gift card you guys want when we hit 1,000 downloads.  Make sure to let us know!

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with Kaley Outlaw, who actually went to the same college as him.  Kaly is legally blind due to a unique type of albinism.  She is a college graduate with a degree in communications and was an honor student through her time at Eastern Kentucky University.  


Like a lot of us, Kaley has had her moments with anxiety and depression, a common occurance for individuals with visual disabilities.  The two spoke very honestly about mental health, as it does affect visually impaired individuals at a higher rate than individuals who can see.  This however, was not the only point of discussion, we were able to see into her personality and the things that she enjoys doing as well as hearing her road to acceptance.


We hope that this podcast will bring you awareness and inspiration, as Kaley exudes the true embodiment of self advocacy.


Make sure to check us out on Facebook @theblindamerican like, share and give us a review if you enjoy the episode!  Also, stay tuned for our give away that will be coming once we hit 1,000 downloads!  

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with Susan Tanner, who has a rare genetic disease.  This disease impacts her vision as well as her kidneys.  Susan has an incredible story of beating lung cancer, overcoming life with blindness and many other constant uphill battles but yet, she maintains positivity and lives life to the fullest.  



Susan is very involved with several organizations such as NFB and even has her own art business, which you can check out below!


Dont' forget to like us on Facebook,share and join the community...Stay tuned as we will be keeping the episodes coming and having a special give away in the near future!!!!


If you want to support Susan, check out her Facebook business @DrawnByHeartOriginals-Art

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks discusses several random things that happen when you are experiencing vision loss.  There are a lot of grey area when it comes to loosing your vision and doctors may not be either aware or understand how to communicate these sorts of things to newly diagnosed patients.  


Let us know what your thoughts are on Facebook @theblindamerican and please share if you relate or learned something.

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks discusses the app "Seeing AI".  Just as it sounds, the app uses AI or artificial intelligence in cooperation with access to your phone camera in order to provide several services.  This app can read something aloud to you, tell you what color something is, read currency, and our personal favorite, scan a bar code and tell you what it is.  


This is one of our favorite apps that we use on a daily basis and is a great tool to add to your tool kit.  


Please share this if you enjoyed and let us know on Facebook @theblindamerican what your thoughts are on the app!  Stay tuned for more app reviews and recommendations coming soon!