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: visually impaired
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Quick Tips for Blind Inclusion in University Settings
Inclusion isn’t too challenging; you can be creative and proactive to meet individual needs. By Roqayah Ajaj To promote inclusion for students who are blind and visually impaired in higher education settings, everyone must collaborate to work toward that goal: the university system at large, the staff, the students, and the faculty. Here are someContinue reading “Quick Tips for Blind Inclusion in University Settings”
Navigating the World of Higher Education as a Blind or Visually Impaired Student: Unequal Opportunities for Academic Success
By Roqayah Ajaj Have you ever wondered how students who are blind navigate the materials, system, and people in college settings? Have you wondered what students who are blind and visually impaired have to do in order to be successful in higher education? Faculty and staff in higher education: what are you doing to ensureContinue reading “Navigating the World of Higher Education as a Blind or Visually Impaired Student: Unequal Opportunities for Academic Success”
What is Blind Culture? Similarities and Differences within the Blind Community
By Roqayah Ajaj As a blind, Saudi Arabian woman living in the United States, I have traveled and noticed that there is a blind culture. Individuals who are blind or visually impaired share, like other cultural reference groups based on race/ethnicity, gender orientation, religion, etc., a common experience of oppression, beliefs, expectations, and a visionContinue reading “What is Blind Culture? Similarities and Differences within the Blind Community”
Diversely Blind 