From My Experience – Diversely Blind

When you know your mission in life, you’ll be able to overcome obstacles: Summary of my educational journey

On August 12th, 2022, I passed my Ph.D. defense, which marks the passing of a major milestone in my life. I was proud, happy, and thrilled to share my accomplishment with my family, friends, and social media network after all the hard work I put into it. Not only my family were proud to celebrateContinue reading “When you know your mission in life, you’ll be able to overcome obstacles: Summary of my educational journey”

Summer Fun is for Everyone: The Importance of Physical and Outdoor Activity for People who are Blind and Visually Impaired

As the weather gets warmer and summer vacation starts, many people engage more in physical and outdoor activities. However, often people with different types of disabilities face barriers to these activities. People who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) spend more time engaged in sedentary activities such as computer work or traveling (e.g. car orContinue reading “Summer Fun is for Everyone: The Importance of Physical and Outdoor Activity for People who are Blind and Visually Impaired”

I Know You: Making the Unfamiliar Familiar to People who are Blind

I have been working as one of three data analysts in a department project for the last six weeks. The other data analysts are also PhD candidates from different tracks than mine. Since this was our first time working together as a team, we were trying to get to know each other’s experiences. We wouldContinue reading “I Know You: Making the Unfamiliar Familiar to People who are Blind”

A Snowy Social Adventure Filled with Warmth

By Roqayah Ajaj In this post, I am going to share with you one of my first real social outings since the pandemic started. I have not been out much since March of 2020, as I spend most of my time writing and working on my dissertation. I only go outside for urgent things, meaningContinue reading “A Snowy Social Adventure Filled with Warmth”

A Taste of Full Inclusion: My Experience Using an Audio Describer

by Roqayah Ajaj In 2019, I planned to attend my first significant conference as a PhD student. It was the biggest conference that I had ever been to – over 3,000 people attended, and it went from 8am to 8pm for about four days in a row. As a person who is blind, when preparingContinue reading “A Taste of Full Inclusion: My Experience Using an Audio Describer”

Respect: A Crucial Piece of Giving Help to a Person who Is Blind or Visually Impaired

by Roqayah Ajaj This is a question that I often get: When should I help a person who is blind or visually impaired? In this blog, I am going to share with you some personal experiences that demonstrate when and how to respectfully offer me, or other people who are blind or visually impaired, helpContinue reading “Respect: A Crucial Piece of Giving Help to a Person who Is Blind or Visually Impaired”

Friendship and Blindness: Socializing across Different Abilities

By Roqayah Ajaj Do you enjoy going out and exploring new places with your friends? I do. Since coming to the United States for graduate school, I have a pretty small social circle, but I still make an effort to reach out and schedule times to go out and socialize. I’d like to share someContinue reading “Friendship and Blindness: Socializing across Different Abilities”

Let’s Take a Trip: Blind Experiences with Air Travel

By Roqayah Ajaj During this time of year, before COVID-19, many people would be preparing for vacations, trips to visit family, etc. Air travel during the winter holidays is stressful for everyone, but blindness adds another layer of complexity to my travel experience. Even though there are policies that require assisting travelers with disabilities, theseContinue reading “Let’s Take a Trip: Blind Experiences with Air Travel”

Engaging with People who are Blind as Evaluators

In an evaluation conference last year, I attended a session about disability. I was interested in connecting with the speaker, as her topic aligned with my interests. Surprisingly, she spoke with my assistant and ignored me, a behavior I often experience but did not expect from a professional in the disability field. This experience ledContinue reading “Engaging with People who are Blind as Evaluators”