There has never been a better time to be blind, visually impaired or newly diagnosed with vision loss than right now....The host Alex Sparks brings up the idea that, with all of the technology, scientific research and cultural appropriation, that right now is the best time that there has ever been to be visually impaired.  


Hundreds of years ago, there were no computers, jobs that were accommodating or any scientific research that was going on for blindness.  We need to understand this and be grateful for the amazing times that we live in.  Be on the lookout for the next few episodes, as they will all include resources that will help to give you independence if you are visually impaired.  We like to think of this concept of a toolbox or tool belt, and it's all about getting access to more tools.  


Please like, rate, review and share this episode if it impacts you in any way.  Also, don't forget to follow and like the Facebook page @theblindamerican which is where we post updates, news, events and all of our podcasts!

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks discusses the "Be my eyes" app.  This app is one in which you grant access to your phone camera and are able to call a volunteer who can see through your camera, in order to tell you what you are looking at.  This has been such a wonderful tool that we constantly use at The Blind American and is definitely one that you should add to your toolbox.  



Please share this with your friends and family if you enjoy it, and if you enjoy the app feel free to let us know on The Blind American Facebook page @theblindamerican.

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with Dave Wilkinson who is a digital accessibility expert.  Dave has worked for Google over the past several months and starts with Hilton hotels in the coming days.  Dave is also a triathlete and competes in what are known as Iron Man triathlons, which consist of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and full length marathon.  


Dave has a very interesting story for somebody who has LCA or Leber congenital amaurosis.


We hope that you enjoy this episode and will share with anyone you know who has LCA or any other types of blindness for that matter.  Check us out on Facebook as well @theblindamerican, for all of the updates on new episodes and news/events.

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks discusses a breif overview of what the foundation fighting blindness is.  FFB for short, is a organization that is dedicated to driving research for the treatment of blinding diseases.  The website www.fightingblindness.org has a plethora of resources, information, educational peices, merchandise and ways to donate.  


On the website, you can also find info about genetic testing, which is very important and how to join a local chapter.  Joining a local chapter means that you will be connected with other visually impaired individuals in your area.  Don't forget, that you can register for the webinar that is taking place at noon EST on May 22nd as well.  The webinar is going to address all of the on going updates from current clinical trials.  Hope to see you there!

Links to their website and registration for the webinar are below.  Make sure to follow The Blind American on Facebook and join our community over there.  Any questions or contact can be initiated through the Facebook page.  

https://www.fightingblindness.org

https://www.fightingblindness.org/national-vision-webinars

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with John Kusku, a math and physics teacher who is also a medalist in goal ball and a paralympian.  John is a team mate of Tyler Merren, who was featured in EP. 7 and John discusses his time training together.  For many of us, math is difficult due to the visual nature of it, however John was able to thrive on the objectivity of it and make his passion a career.  



We hope that this episode will enrich your day and inspire you to go after your dreams, whatever they are!

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with Jeremy Smith, the owner of Atlas Counseling which is a private practice offering counseling and therapy in the Lexington KY area.  Jeremy, just like a lot of us has had his share of ups and downs, as he tells in this podcast including a stent with the Army over seas in Germany, legal battles through discrimination and provides invaluable advice for living with vision loss.  


We hope that you draw as much inspiration from this story and conversation as we did!  Remember to share, like, rate the episode and check us out on Facebook for upcoming episodes and to build a strong community of visually impaired individuals.


As promised, here are the links to his counseling services and a link to follow his memoir journey :






https://www.facebook.com/atlascounselinglexington/



http://www.atlascounselinglexington.com

https://m.facebook.com/T-Jeremy-Smith-Writer-2083371198353040/

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with Martin Riffe, who has a rare visual impairment which cause him to go from 20/20 perfect vision to being legally blind in a matter of six weeks.  This happened towards the end of his college career but did not stop him from becoming very successful in his life long career of technology sales.  This is a great podcast for anyone interested in tech sales or business for that matter, who may have a visual impairment.  



Please share if you like this and check our Facebook page out as well @theblindamerican

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks discusses some of the pros and cons of using a cane.  In our opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons but in case you were apprehensive, here is a few of the pros and cons of using a cane.  We hope you guys can benefit from this episode and make sure to check out our Facebook page @theblindamerican.  

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks answers a common question for visually impaired individuals....When should I start using a cane?  There are several situations and circumstances that clearly indicate that you should consider using a cane.  If you experience more than one of the mentioned situations and notice that they are happening frequently, that is a clear sign, that you should either start or consider starting to use a cane.  


We hope this will answer your questions and we will be releasing an episode soon where we discuss the pros and cons of using a mobility cane.  Stay tuned and share if you find this helpful!

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with Todd Purvis, who is a post production editor for The real house wives of Beverly Hills.  Todd has a disease known as Choroideremia, which is very similar to Retinitis Pigmentosa.  This diagnosis inspired Todd and his brother, who is also diagnosed to shoot a short independent film called "Driving Blind".  The film is a documentary of their journey around the United States to see all of the sights, landmarks and monuments before they potentially could go blind.  This film is a sure recommendation for our listeners and the links are below, both traditional and audio described.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPWkif-5-z0



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gq7BJ8BUSQ