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”
Tag Archives: social integration
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”
Interview with a Guide Dog User
Last year, I interviewed Laura Lautaret, who works at the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at the University of Minnesota. Laura is blind and uses a guide dog. She works with students who are blind or visually impaired daily to support them in using assistive technologies. We had a really nice conversation about guide dogs, whichContinue reading “Interview with a Guide Dog User”
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Moving Beyond Words, Toward Action
by Roqayah Ajaj It is International Day of Persons with Disabilities! Many leaders and organizations are publicly celebrating this day. Their posts are talking about different types of disabilities, raising awareness, shedding light on successful people with disabilities, and admiring people with disabilities and presenting them as “inspirational.” Others talk about disability rights. Many times,Continue reading “International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Moving Beyond Words, Toward Action”
Diversely Blind 