In my job as a researcher, I am part of different projects, which means I attend many meetings with different groups. I have attended a number of meetings where the agenda or a document is projected to organize the meeting and keep everyone on the same page. However, when this information is not read orContinue reading “Making work meetings inclusive for colleagues who are blind or visually impaired: Quick tips to consider”
Tag Archives: Blind Inclusion
We agreed that I will be her eyes. An interview with a running coach for the blind.
Recently I interviewed Yousef who became a running coach for the blind by fate. Yousef earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has been coaching cycling and running in Saudi Arabia for 2 years. His first blind trainee, Reem, is a 25-year-old woman, and is soon to be a lawyer. Reem is legally blindContinue reading “We agreed that I will be her eyes. An interview with a running coach for the 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”
Adapting Healthcare Practices to Meet the Needs of Patients who Are Blind
By Roqayah Ajaj An important part of quality healthcare is a positive relationship between the healthcare provider and the patient. This relationship should be built on trust between both parties, as well as on mutual respect and dependable confidentiality. As with other settings, doctors’ offices and hospitals can be overwhelming to people with disabilities, especiallyContinue reading “Adapting Healthcare Practices to Meet the Needs of Patients who Are Blind”
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”
Video: Guiding a Person Who is Blind During Coronavirus
By Roqayah Ajaj People who are blind have been impacted in different ways by Covid-19. It is challenging to follow social distancing without sight, and this is made even harder when we have to avoid physical contact. In this video, you can take a walk with my assistant and me as we explore a parkContinue reading “Video: Guiding a Person Who is Blind During Coronavirus”
Diversely Blind 