blind – Diversely Blind

Making work meetings inclusive for colleagues who are blind or visually impaired: Quick tips to consider

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”

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”

Tips for How to Make a Graduation Ceremony Inclusive for a Person who is Blind or Visually Impaired

I can’t express my excitement that I will be graduating from my Ph.D. program this year! As I am preparing for the graduation ceremony, I was thinking of some of the graduation and award ceremonies I have had in the past. In my experience, accessibility at these events was inconsistent. Therefore, I wanted to shareContinue reading “Tips for How to Make a Graduation Ceremony Inclusive for a Person who is Blind or Visually Impaired”

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.”

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”

Cultivating Socials Skills In People Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired

In my previous article (Understanding Social Anxiety and Blindness), I talked about how a lack of social skills can lead to social anxiety in people who are blind and visually impaired. In this article, I am focusing how building social skills can prevent or reduce the risk of having such anxiety. Studies have shown thatContinue reading “Cultivating Socials Skills In People Who Are Blind Or Visually Impaired”

Building a System of Support: Critical Tips for Caregivers of Children who Are Blind

By Roqayah Ajaj In a recent discussion I had with a group of teachers of the visually impaired, one of the teachers (who is blind herself) mentioned that her own mother still directed her with vague words like “here” and “there,” instead of giving precise directions. As educators and advocates, we push for communities toContinue reading “Building a System of Support: Critical Tips for Caregivers of Children who Are Blind”

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”

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”