Editorial By Chris Hofstader
Welcome to edition 31 of Gonz Blinko's Blind News digest, a weekly summary of all of the news and information about blindness and blind people that our team can find in the mainstream media. This is our largest edition so far with 84 articles about all sorts of topics. Last week celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so we got a bumper crop of articles about such this week.
The digest will be changing its name and, along with the newer stories we've been publishing by authors other than me, it will be moving to a new site dedicated to the broad set of ideas and issues we hope to raise about blindness and blind people in the future. We plan on launching the new site on January 4 (Louis Braille's birthday) and will be keeping you, our dedicated readers, up to date as we progress forward.
This is also a pretty special edition as it introduces Laura Legendary as part of our team and she wrote the feature article in this one. Laura will be serving as our Fashion, Culture and Lifestyle Editor but will also be bring her terrific business talents and marketing skills (something at which I do a poor job) to the new publication. If you don't know Laura or know of her, she's a speaker, author, and educator, specializing in advocacy, accessibility, and assistive technology. Laura is the owner of Elegant Insights an ecommerce boutique which offers a distinctive collection of jewelry and accessories embossed in braille. Laura is the co-founder of The Fashionability Channel podcast, which brings style information within reach of all of its listeners. You can read more of her work on the Sparkle On blog.
To say the least, I'm really happy to have Laura Legendary on our team and I'm sure our readers will notice her influence on our work almost immediately
How It's Organized
Gonz Blinko's Blind News Digest is a very simple page to read. The categories are at heading level 2 and the stories are links at heading level 3. So, navigation to the sections and stories you find interesting is quite simple.
An Introduction to a World of Style By L. Legendary
Fashion, culture, and lifestyle are inextricably linked, and often so deeply embedded in attitudes and societal norms that what we perceive as trends are sometimes only seen in retrospect. While one generation may roll their eyes at the popularity of a specific garment, such as the hoody, parachute pants, or crop tops, fashion can become the anthem for another generation. We refer to it as a "fashion statement," a movement, much in the same way as a chart-topping pop ditty can become the song of the summer. While fashion may feel very much of the moment, there is a rich history of fashion to discover. I'll be writing about a variety of sartorial topics, especially as they pertain to access for people with vision loss.
Jewelry and accessories are as diverse as the people who wear it. As is the case with apparel, often, jewelry styles are categorized as belonging to a specific era. If you have an affinity for, or have lived through a particular time period, you may or may not have an appreciation for that style. Most of us associate different decades of our lives with certain clothing, such as the hippie or bohemian look of the sixties, where tie-dye and love beads were the rage, worn by a generation on the brink of changing the world. If you were a child of the seventies, then you may have sported bell-bottom jeans, or wore your hair "feathered back," in homage to everyone's favorite poster girl at the time, who was one of the stars of a popular TV show. The eighties graced us with designer jeans and big permed hair. The nineties? I have only one word: Grunge. Cringing yet?
Jewelry, like fashion, has its time periods as well. Nowadays, it is popular to characterize the work of a designer or artist as having a particular "esthetic," which is a way to describe in general terms the attributes most favored by the artisan in the design or craft of their products. Some of the terms used may be familiar, and are evocative of specific qualities or traits that make a jewelry piece instantly recognizable. Other terms are more nebulous, and are open to interpretation. If you've ever wondered what features characterize a specific jewelry style, read on.
The terms "contemporary," or "modern," usually refers to a jewelry style that is of the here and now. It may not necessarily mean what is trending, but it does point to jewelry that is current. Since what is happening now is fluid, and every moment is a new "now," describing jewelry as contemporary doesn't typically bring to mind a singular attribute or feature that would be emblematic of today. However, anything described as modern or contemporary may still share characteristics of older examples, especially since style is cyclical. The term "contemporary" can simply be one way to express that which is popular.
Vintage, on the other hand, does have a specific meaning. Vintage jewelry is jewelry that is 20 to 50 years old. It' doesn't have to be distressed, or look old, but it is definitely reminiscent of a period at least two or more decades past. If you see a piece described as "vintage inspired," or "vintage style," be careful. A piece of jewelry that is described as "vintage-style" is not a product of a bygone era, but it may have been designed to appear that way. It could have been made yesterday, but metal treatments, finishes, or oxidation may be applied to give the appearance of age. Use of components recycled from existing jewelry is common, or the design may be a blatant copy of an older original.
The word "retro" is used to describe jewelry that is associated with a very specific time period. A popular watch brand that everyone was wearing in the seventies might be called retro. Huge hoop earrings are sometimes thought of as retro, because they have been popular on and off in various decades past. Remember the mood ring? Retro is a style that is easily identifiable, because you could point to an object that is perfectly representative of everything you associate with a particular time period, and say: "OMG, that is so 50's," or whenever.
Art Deco refers to jewelry that belongs to the period of the 1920's and 30's. Like the style of architecture of the time, Art Deco is characterized by bold lines and geometric shapes. Some beautiful examples of Art Deco architecture can be seen in Miami South Beach, and the New York Chrysler Building. Jewelry houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels crafted Art Deco jewelry for the wealthy and fashion conscious, consisting of extravagant jewelry as well as everyday accessories, such as brooches, hatpins, and shoe clips.
Again, art, architecture, and fashion were influenced by another specific time period, the late 1800's and early 1900's, during the art nouveau period. Art nouveau jewelry mimics the popular art of the time, which featured free-flowing natural elements, stylized flowers and other natural forms.
"Organic" is a more contemporary term that describes another jewelry style that takes its inspiration from natural textures and shapes. Organic jewelry can be amorphous and freeform, with flowing curves and irregular surfaces, just like in nature.
If you love classical music, then you probably love compositions from the Baroque period. Baroque art mirrored the music style, characterized by intricate details, complex motifs with curves and curlicues, swirls and ornate embellishments. Pearls, diamonds, and bright, colorful gemstones were used in Baroque era jewelry and accessories, in the form of hair ornaments, patterned bangles, pins, buttons, and elaborate necklaces with gemstone drops, worn with chandelier earrings.
Antique jewelry is a category all its own. Often imitated, or crafted in the "antique style," a true antique piece of jewelry is 100 or more years old. Chances are, if you have a piece of jewelry that is a genuine antique, it was passed down through your family and is considered a treasured heirloom.
There are many more genres of jewelry, but these few are probably most familiar. Jewelry styles such as "steampunk,"Victorian," "minimalist," "Edwardian," and "upcycle," are more examples of jewelry trends that can be found at the intersection of fashion, culture, and lifestyle. Look for more articles on these topics as we explore the landscape of apparel, accessories, and access to style that is inclusive of everyone.
Technology
Alt Text Helps the Visually Impaired Experience the James Webb Telescope
"A starfield is speckled across the image. They range from small, faint points of light to larger, closer, brighter and more fully resolved stars with eight-point diffraction spikes. The upper-right portion of the image has wispy, translucent, cloud-like streaks rising from the nebula." That's how a team of scientists, writers and educators described in vivid detail just one of the breathtaking celestial images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope so people with visual impairments could appreciate it, too. This story comes to us from: kqed.
Aussie tech to help the blind read screens hits US
This headline is a bit misleading as we all know a lot of blind people who are using NVDA in the US and every other part of the world. I also think NVDA has been in development for more than ten years and it doesn't mention that the incredible Jamie Teh no longer works at NVAccess but, rather, he's with Mozilla today.
Brisbane-based blind inventors Michael Curran and James Teh have signed up Texas State University to use their free screen reading software NVDA, marking a milestone for the open-sourced not-for-profit.
The new deal will give 38,000 American students access to the software, adding to NVDA’s 200,000-strong existing user base which has assisted in the 10-year development of the technology. This story comes to us from: afr.
InclusionHub Launches Podcast Tackling Digital Inaccessibility
To commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law, online digital accessibility and inclusion resource directory InclusionHub has released the inaugural episode of a podcast series devoted to exposing the truth behind the current state of the web. This story comes to us from: Yahoo Finance.
Chandigarh University Student invents AI-based Smart Stick 'Netra' to make visually-impaired people self-reliant
We get a lot of articles about smart canes. I'm not sure why this seems to be an obsession of people at research universities.
To help this visually-challenged populace, Chandigarh University's student Lovelesh Dutt has developed a smart stick or cane which helps them with their day-to-day activities, ensuring that their visual impairment doesn't hamper them from living a life of joy. Aptly named 'Netra', this smart cane is a smart device developed and based on Artificial Intelligence, and not only just as a guide but a protector for the blinds, thus making them self-reliant. This story comes to us from: Chandigarh University.
Science and Medicine
Woman's Hangover Became Mystery Illness That Left Her Blind and Paralysed
A woman who contracted a rare disease that left her paralyzed from the waist down and visually impaired had initially put her symptoms down to a hangover. This story comes to us from: – Newsweek.
Immunosuppressive Cocktail Helps Advance Stem Cells For Blindness
A new study published in stem cell report, overcomes these challenges and marks significant progress towards cell-based medicine. This story comes to us from: Nation World News.
2 in 5 kids miss out on preventive vitamin A; expert says deficiency can compromise immunity, cause blindness
According to a study in BMJ Global Health, two in five eligible children in India are missing out on preventive vitamin A supplementation designed to ward off the health problems associated with deficiency of the vitamin. Adequate vitamin A intake can only be obtained from the diet, but poor nutrition plus infections that are common in the under-five-year olds in developing countries mean that an estimated 190 million young children – 1 in 3 – are vitamin A deficient. This story comes to us from: News9live.
Brain Tumor Symptoms and When to Get Help
Signs of a brain tumor can range from the mild and subtle to the severe and life-threatening. These brain tumor symptoms may include vomiting, seizures, balance problems, dizziness, personality changes, loss of consciousness, and more. Headaches are common in both adults and children diagnosed with a brain tumor, but headaches are not the only symptom of a brain tumor.1 The symptoms also may vary depending on the location of the tumor. This article discusses brain tumor symptoms and areas of the brain where tumors occur, including some differences between children and adults. This story comes to us from: Verywell Health.
Guidelines issued to prevent ROP-related childhood blindness
The government on Saturday issued a set of guidelines for combating retinopathy of prematurity, also known as ROP which is the leading cause of childhood blindness in Bangladesh. This story comes to us from: The Business Standard.
FDA: Puberty Blockers May Cause Brain Swelling, Blindness
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added a warning to the label of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, commonly known as puberty blockers, indicating that young people who take them might develop serious adverse reactions such as brain swelling and vision loss. This story comes to us from: The New American.
Gene Mutations In Retinal Lesions From Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy Found
Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy Found
Multimodal adaptive optics imaging has revealed photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium relationships in eyes with vitelliform macular dystrophy. This story comes to us from: Science 2.0.
Progress toward a stem cell–based therapy for blindness
A new study, published in Stem Cell Reports, overcomes these challenges and marks significant progress toward a cell-based therapy. The work, led by a team at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the National Institutes of Health’s National Eye Institute (NEI), introduced precursors of human photoreceptor cells into the retinas of dogs. A cocktail of immunosuppressive drugs enabled the cells to survive in the recipients’ retinas for months, where they began forming connections with existing retinal cells. This story came to us from: penntoday.
The Seven Senses Workshop Series – National Center on Deaf-Blindness
On July 28, the Hawai'i & Pacific Deaf-Blind Project presents "The Seven Senses: The Olfactory System." Julie Maier of California Deafblind Services will provide an introduction to our sense of smell and explain how we can use scents to enhance our interactions with children who have vision and hearing loss. Korrina Leong, aromatherapist and mom to Zaddie, will share practical suggestions on how she uses essential oils with her daughter. This story comes to us from: National Center on Deaf-Blindness.
A Coast success story: D'Iberville woman's vision restored with advanced brain surgery
But by the time she met Miguel Melgar, who heads a team of neurosurgeons at Merit Health Center in Biloxi, she was legally blind. This story comes to us from: Biloxi Sun Herald.
Bondi Behavioural Optometrist Creates Awareness On National Eye Health Month
Jacqueline Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, expands on the importance of healthy vision. This story comes to us from: Digital Journal.
A Trailblazer in Medicine
Few people in Bangladesh will have heard of onchocerciasis or river blindness, a devastating parasitic infection that claims the sight of millions of people worldwide. The parasite Onchocerca volvulus is transmitted by the blackfly which breeds in rivers.
This story comes to us from: The Daily Star.
Drink enjoyed by billions every day could be linked to leading cause of blindness
I would like to read the full study on this claim as news publications do like to play on fear to sensationalize their articles.
It’s a hugely popular hot beverage that many of us kick-start the day with – but did you know that drinking too much of it could lead to glaucoma? This common eye condition is where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. And if not dealt with swiftly and properly can ultimately lead to blindness. So what's this drink we seriously need to monitor our intake of? It's coffee – and it’s all down to the high levels of caffeine. This story came to us from: The Mirror.
New Vision team adds glaucoma specialist/cataract surgeon
Dr. Scott Piette couldn’t be happier in his new position at the Glaucoma Institute at New Vision Eye Center. The board-certified, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and cataract surgeon was aware of New Vision’s stellar reputation and jumped at the opportunity to join the practice. This story came to us from: Vero News.
Dr Mosley shares mindful meditation can 'reduce pain' without medication
“Meditation is a formal way of training the mind where you choose one object and you focus on it." The expert suggested focusing on something like breathing and paying attention to it in an “open, non-judgmental way”. However, she also warned that if you experienced any trauma in your past, you should approach this practice carefully. This story comes to us from: Samachar Central.
The Molecular Signature of Macular Degeneration Could Aid in Diagnosis and Treatment
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in higher-resource countries. This story comes to us from: List23.
Eye stem cell transplant to treat blindness bolsters retinal function in monkeys
An international research team of scientists from Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York and Germany’s Eye Clinic Sulzbach is using a type of stem cell in the eye to grow the pigmented layer of retina that’s essential for vision. The approach is showing promise in monkeys. This story comes to us from: Fierce Biotech.
Clues to age-related macular degeneration revealed
Better diagnosis and treatment of the incurable eye disease age-related macular degeneration is a step closer, thanks to the discovery of new genetic signatures of the disease. This story comes to us from: ScienceDaily.
Novel gene therapy platform speeds search for ways to cure blindness
A novel computational platform developed by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identifies top-performing viral vectors that could deliver gene therapies to the retina with maximum efficiency and precision. This story comes to us from: Ophthalmology Times.
Black patients found six times more likely to have advanced vision loss after glaucoma diagnosis than white patients
Black patients have a dramatically higher risk of advanced vision loss after a new diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) when compared to white patients, according to a new study from New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. This story comes to us from: EurekAlert.
Patterns of anti-VEGF treatment for retinopathy of prematurity vary by country
Study Rundown: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a common cause of blindness in children. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections have emerged as an alternative to laser photocoagulation therapy for the treatment of severe ROP. However, due to lack of current clinical consensus, multiple anti-VEGF medications are used at different dosages and with different administration methods. This study aimed to examine current differences in these factors, including national differences. Nearly 1,700 eyes of about 900 infants treated with anti-VEGF injections at 23 sites in 8 countries were included. This story comes to us from: 2 Minute Medicine.
Vision centres can help reduce blindness, vision impairment
This page is pretty crowded and one may need to use their search feature to find the bulk of the story.
Published recently in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, the study has indicated that vision centres can help in reducing blindness and vision impairment. This story comes to us from: The Indian Express.
Lagos and the relaunch of 'Jigi Bola
Recently, the Sanwo-Olu’s administration re-launched the blindness prevention program, codenamed Jigi Bola, which was initiated in 2001 by the then Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was introduced to mitigate the occurrence of blindness among the residents of the State. This story comes to us from: PM News Nigeria.
Group offers free eye treatment for residents in Taraba
An Abuja based Non Governmental Organization (NGO) UC-Eye Care Centre, has commenced a three week free Eye treatment service to Tarabans in all the 16 local government areas of the state. This story comes to us from: The Sun Nigeria.
Genetic clues to age-related macular degeneration revealed
In another recent study, the researchers uncovered genetic signatures of glaucoma—a degenerative eye disease causing blindness—using stem cell models. This story comes to us from: Medical Xpress.
Blindness Organizations
How blind women are moving from darkness to light
The NAB India Centre of Blind Women and Disability Studies has been providing training to women to run cafes, manually screen breasts to diagnose breast cancer in its early stages, or become bank managers. This story comes to us from: The Federal News.
Center for Independent Living event marks anniversary of ADA
Julie Farrar and Anita Cameron traveled to Williamsport to let people at the Center for Independent Living know that they are behind them. “They asked us to speak,” Farrar, of Albany, New York, said. “We have been activists since the 1980s. We want to share the story of the rights movements. This story comes to us from: Williamsport Sun-Gazette.
Helen Keller Archive
The Helen Keller Archival Collection at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is the world’s largest repository of letters, speeches, press clippings, scrapbooks, photographs, architectural drawings, artifacts and audio-video materials relating to Helen Keller. This story came to us from: American Foundation for the Blind.
Nat'l Federation of Blind traces its aims, history, fight for rights
This one comes from a far left wing radical publication called The Militant which is published by what's left of the old Socialist's Workers Party. It probably has a pretty high level of bias as they tend to publish propaganda.
The National Federation of the Blind held its annual convention here July 5-10. The NFB is the largest organization of the blind and those with low vision in the U.S. and its national conventions are the largest gatherings of blind people in the world. Close to 2,500 people registered in person at this year’s event, with an additional 1,500 following various sessions by Zoom. This story comes to us from: The Militant.
Videos | National Industries for the Blind
This is a collection of links to videos about various topics at National Industries For The Blind.
This story comes to us from: National Industries for the Blind.
Education
“We Are the Universe Trying to Understand Itself:” A Q&A with Astrophysicist Thomas Madura
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Thomas Madura hopes to find new ways to make STEM available to blind and visually impaired students. This story comes to us from: SJSU Blogs.
Legally blind Cary student wins $10K scholarship to pursue future helping others with disabilities
An 18-year-old graduate of Panther Creek High School in Cary was one of only 15 students across the country to win a $10,000 scholarship from the Lighthouse Guild of New York City. At the age of 7, Avery Sallean was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy. "It’s kind of like looking through fog," Sallean said. This story comes to us from: WRAL.
Beating All Odds, Visually Challenged Girl From Kerala Tops Class 12 With 496/500 Marks
Despite having the underlying condition "Microphthalmia," which left her blind, she scored 496 out of 500 in CBSE class XII.
Born and raised in Kochi, Hannah attended Rajagiri Christu Jayanthi Public School in Kakkanad.
The 19-year-old humanities student rose to the top of the list among students with disabilities in the country. This story comes to us from: Indiatimes.com.
Employment
Blind woman thanks strangers who helped her land a job at her old college
A blind woman has thanked the generosity of strangers who crowdfunded a campaign which led to a job at her old college. This story comes to us from: Independent.ie.
Transportation
Disabled community ask for safer detours when Auckland's footpaths are blocked
A blind woman in Auckland says her life is at risk because of construction work blocking footpaths and accessibility advocates are calling on Auckland Transport to enforce stricter guidelines for its contractors. Rhonda Comins told the Herald she was walking down a path in Newmarket when she suddenly met an unexpected obstacle. Clueless as to where the tactile paving went, Comins said she was in a state of panic. This story comes to us from: NZ Herald.
Discrimination and Inaccessibility
Blind Leicester woman hits out at NHS after it repeatedly sent her chemotherapy booklets
A blind Leicester woman has hit out at the NHS after it repeatedly sent her booklets about her chemotherapy treatment she could not read. Sarah Leadbetter, from Narborough, suffers from the rare genetic condition called Bardet-Biedel syndrome which affects her sight. Despite being registered blind, Sarah said she received multiple printed booklets from the NHS about chemotherapy treatment – booklets she would be unable to read. This story comes to us from: Leicester Mercury.
Safety
Blind man stranded on Glasgow crossing says 'lives are at risk due to lack of safety
A blind man says his life was put in danger after he was left stranded on a busy Glasgow road. This story comes to us from: Glasgow Times.
Crime
Guests Make Terrible Mistake After Finding "Illegal" Disney Hack
When visiting The Happiest Place On Earth, every Disneyland Resort Guest has their favorite hack, whether that be rope dropping their favorite attraction, discovering a secret snack, finding the perfect photo spot, and so many more. However, fans went crazy after seeing an “unethical” and even “illegal” hack to beat the massive crowds at Disney Parks. This story comes to us from: Inside the Magic.
Guide Dogs
guide dog Milton dies after trainer left him in van during heat wave
If this trainer hasn't been fired, it must be impossible to fire people in the blindness world.
Human error is being blamed for the death of a beloved guide dog that was a lifeline for a blind and deaf Long Island woman. The Labrador retriever was left in a van in sweltering heat while in the care of a trainer at the Guide Dog Foundation. This story comes to us from: CBS News.
Politics
Conservatives Melt Down After VP Harris Describes Her Outfit For Visually-Impaired Viewers
Bigots will be bigots.
Conservatives lashed out at Vice President Kamala Harris after she introduced herself by mentioning her pronouns and the color of the suit she was wearing during a roundtable discussion commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and exploring the effects of the recent Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health OrganizationSupreme Court ruling on reproductive healthcare access for people living with disabilities. This story came to us from: Comic Sands.
Disability activist drops suit versus city, takes job with mayor
A lead plaintiff in a high-stakes, handicapped-rights lawsuit against the city has agreed to drop her claims — two days after being named the new commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. This story comes to us from: ny post.
Former New York governor discusses challenges of being Black and legally blind
David A. Paterson says he was ready to be governor, but the media's focus on his blindness obscured what he was trying to accomplish. This story comes to us from: KCUR.
[Blind advocates allege NSW's removal of online voting system is a breach of human rights][
Advocates for blind and low-vision people will take the New South Wales Electoral Commission (NSWEC) to Australia’s human rights watchdog, accusing it of unlawful discrimination over the removal of an accessible voting platform. This story comes to us from: The Guardian.
32 Years After US Disabilities Act, No Plans to Ratify UN Treaty It Inspired
On the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. remains one of a handful of countries that have not ratified the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) — an international treaty the U.S. legislation inspired. The ADA, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability in public accommodations, employment, transportation and community living, and provides recourse for people with disabilities who faced discrimination. This story comes to us from: voanews.com.
FACT SHEET: The Biden-Harris Administration Marks the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Today, on the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we celebrate the inclusion and access promoted by this landmark civil rights law for disabled Americans. Grounded in four core outcomes of full participation, equal opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency, the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations, employment, transportation, and community living and provides recourse for people with disabilities who faced discrimination. This story comes to us from: The White House.
Mayor Adams Marks 32nd Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act by Appointing Christina Curry
Our city has made significant accomplishments to improve the lives of people with disabilities, but more must be done," said Mayor Eric Adams. "Christina Curry has the skills and the lived experience to continue and expand on the progress made and ensure that the rights and needs of people living with disabilities are included in all that New York City has to offer. We must work every day to make our city more and more accessible." “Incoming Commissioner Curry brings a unique perspective and fresh thinking to the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities,” said Chief CounselBrendan McGuire. “She will listen to the community to ensure that this administration’s commitment to making New York a national model for serving the disability community is realized. This story comes to us from: NYC.gov.
Americans with Disabilities Act turns 32
July 26 marks the 32nd anniversary of the signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act by the late former President George H. W. Bush. Tuesday at the Washington Park Senior Center, people gathered to learn more about all the different services that might be available to them. This story comes to us from: CBS 58.
City of Tampa Celebrating 32nd ADA Anniversary
When did purple become the color representing disability rights?
Old City Hall will shine purple on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 in celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The anniversary brings awareness to this landmark event and promotes equal opportunity for people with disabilities. This story comes to us from: Tampa.Gov.
Legal
Smart Ass Cripple: The ADA's Bittersweet Anniversary
On July 26, 1990, I attended the historic White House ceremony where President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At the time, I didn’t think about how different life for disabled Americans might be today, thirty-two years later. I just wanted to enjoy the victorious day and wait until tomorrow to think about what happens next. This story comes to us from: The Progressive.
Volleyball Equipment Website Is Sued by Blind Man in SDNY As Inaccessible Under ADA
This guy is an ADA troll of the highest order. In such cases, the plaintiff rarely gets more than $1500 and all of the rest of the money goes to the lawyers. Don't be like this guy.
Jose Paguada, a blind man who sued a lot, has sued R.C. Quiggle, Inc for having an inaccessible website. This story comes to us from: Inner City Press.
San Diego County sued for medical neglect of inmate at Vista Detention Facility
— A jail inmate says his vision is permanently blurred and he will go blind as a result of insufficient medical care inside Vista Detention Facility. This story came to us from: CBS 8.
Americans with Disabilities Act: 32 years of work in progress
I did not grow up as a person with a disability. When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in July 1990, I understood its significance, but it was not until I started losing my vision that I experienced firsthand the barriers it helps to remove. Now, as a person living – and thriving – with a disability, I encourage others to realize the importance of this essential piece of legislation. This story comes to us from: Shelbyville News.
U.S. Supreme Court Holds That Emotional Distress Damages are not Recoverable Under the Rehab Act and ACA
For how long have I been writing that this Supreme Court would start to weaken laws that give us our civil rights as disabled people? You didn't listen and this seems to be the first case to start our setbacks.
On April 28, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 6-3 that emotional distress damages are not recoverable in a private action to enforce the Rehabilitation Act or the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This story comes to us from: JD Supra.
Brookstone class action alleges website inaccessible to blind, visually impaired
… Lawsuit against Brookstone Company, Inc., July 21 in a New York federal court, alleging violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act. This story comes to us from: Top Class Actions.
Uber not violating ADA by not having wheelchair accessible vehicles in every city, judge says
The judges are starting to turn against this. I warned this would happen but neither NFB (who permits Uber to be a convention sponsor) nor ACB seem to be doing anything about the ride sharing problem but NFB will take their hush money.
A federal judge in California has sided with Uber over claims the ride-hailing company should be required to provide its riders in New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi, with vehicles that are wheelchair accessible. This story comes to us from: Top Class Actions.
Business
SCREEN READER MARKET INSIGHTS AND CHALLENGES (2022-2028) – AMEDIA CORPORATION, FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC, KOCHI SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT, DOLPHIN COMPUTER ACCESS, CAMBIUM
Study is segmented into numerous areas and includes a detailed analysis of both recent and historical trends as well as information relevant to the sector. Market drivers and restrictions are inherent characteristics, whereas market opportunities and hazards are extrinsic elements. Our analysts provide an in-depth analysis of every important firm’s financial structures, as well as their principal growths, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis, in the Screen Reader market research part of our website devoted to the major players in the global market. Additionally, Screen Reader market report includes a section solely devoted to such significant players, where our analysts provide analysis of the financial statements of all important companies as well as product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. This story comes to us from: thepost.
Vision Care Market Analysis, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape and Key Regions
According to the latest report published by the company, the global Vision Care Market size is projected to account for over US$ 127,730 Mn, in terms of value, by 2028 end. The report further projects significant growth with an average CAGR of 7.3% through 2028. This story comes to us from: PharmiWeb.com.
Lifestyle
Life can be better because someone with a disability was in it
July is Disability Pride Month. It’s been 32 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. Reflecting on this, I recall how my entire life has been shaped by a person with a disability. My cousin, Olin George Holley Jr. — known in our small town of Greenville, Alabama simply as “O.G.” — was paraplegic and spent most of his life in a wheelchair. At the age of 16, “O.G.” was in an automobile accident suffering a broken back and a severe spinal cord injury. In those days, that was like a death sentence. To say his future looked bleak was a vast understatement. This story came to us from: Thomasville Times.
Blind in S.F.: How one man learned to 'see' San Francisco
Jerry Kuns, who became completely blind in 1978, uses his other senses to make up for his lack of vision. This story comes to us from: San Francisco Chronicle.
Dancing for 'awareness and inclusion' at Harvard's ADA celebration
Kerry Thompson, who is deafblind, remembers the passage of the American with Disabilities Act well — it was her 10th birthday. This story comes to us from: WGBH.
Maren Morris Shares Special Moment With A “Superfan,” Who Is Blind On National Television
Early Thursday (July 28) morning, the multi-platinum artist brought her honky tonk flair to the Big Apple to perform outside of Rockefeller plaza alongside hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. In the midst of the sing-along-worthy set, Guthrie introduced Morris to a girl named Lily. Lily is a visually impaired country music supporter, with a deep passion for Morris and her craft. This story comes to us from: CMT.
Captain Jack Sparrow Surprises Blind Guest at Disney Park
Whenever you visit a Disney Park– whether it be Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, or any other– some of the most magical moments happen when interacting with characters. This story comes to us from: Inside the Magic.
Boy Helps Old Blind Lady to Get Home, She Rewards Him by Leading to Forest Dugout
Luke helped an old blind lady who was disoriented on the street, and she led him toward the forest just outside the city until they reached a dugout. She told him something unbelievable about the contents inside, and the boy had to make an important decision. This story comes to us from: AmoMama.
[Blind Dad Takes Son For Walks][
This story is presented entirely as a video.
This story comes to us from: YouTube.
Small Specialty Home Provides Big Impact on Quality Living for Elderly Blind Women
Under the leadership of Executive Director Amy Lepper, the home provides long-term life care for senior women who are visually impaired and blind. This story comes to us from: Webster-Kirkwood Times.
Molly Burke – Dispelling Misrepresentations of Blindness
Digital creator and inclusivity advocate Molly Burke describes how society treated her differently once she became blind, why she decided to use social media to take back the narrative, and spills the tea on how she navigates online dating This story comes to us from: Daily Show – YouTube.
Group of college teens raising money to help Tempe blind couple
The group of teens are raising money for the couple so they can buy groceries, pay bills and travel easily. This story comes to us from: AZFamily.
Inclusive Chocolate Packaging
At the tail end of last year, boutique Canadian chocolate brand Purdys Chocolate released the 'The Holiday Braille Box,' a specialty chocolate box purposefully designed to accommodate people with visual impairments. This story comes to us from: trend hunter.
Regé-Jean Page and Ryan Gosling Describe Outfits at "The Gray Man" Premiere For Blind Activist
Edwards, who has 1.7 million followers on TikTok, is fighting for more inclusivity for blind people, and this weekend she certainly raised even more awareness thanks to her heartwarming interviews with Ryan Gosling and Regé-Jean Page. This story comes to us from: Yahoo Life UK.
FDR Memorial steps up accessibility for visually impaired visitors
Fogle-Hatch, who is blind, walked the memorial first in 2021, and then again in 2022, recording observations from a blind person's perspective. This story comes to us from: WTOP.
I felt like an alien': Illegally Blind is a show that finally represents Susan Williams
Susan Williams is a self-described “functionally blind, autistic, ADHD, chronically ill, mentally ill, fat, queer and non-binary person. This story comes to us from: Stuff.co.nz.
Blind Girl Creating Wonders Along With Studies, He is Showing Great Talent in Various Fields
This story is video only. This story comes to us from: YouTube.
Art and Artists
15 facts you didn't know about the Helen Keller movie, "The Miracle Worker"
The story of Anne Sullivan's efforts to teach Helen Keller, a young Victorian-era blind and deaf girl, how to communicate is so well-known, it's taken on an almost legendary quality. Helen had grown up in a family that had no clue how to communicate with her, much less raise her to be self-sufficient and a part of society. This story comes to us from: Salon.com.
Creativity Heals: Saying yes to life's opportunities
At three months old, Frankie Ann Marcille was diagnosed with a visual impairment that classified her as legally blind. At the age of two, Marcille began dance lessons. By six, she was performing in "Annie" on the stage at The Garde Arts Center. Today, she is living in New York City, finishing her studies to earn a master’s degree in vision therapy. This story comes to us from: Day newspaper.
Sports and Athletes
Team bond and common playlist lead German football prodigy Kuester to Euro title
Teenager Thoya Kuester scored all of Germany's eight goals at the IBSA Blind Football Women's European Championships in June 2022. This story comes to us from: International Paralympic Committee.
Aussie Dedekind sets para-swim record
Australian para-swimmer Katja Dedekind has set a world record in winning the women’s 50m freestyle S13 gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. This story came to us from: Commonwealth Games Australia.
Partially sighted woman set to complete 15000 miles in 1000 days for charity
A partially sighted woman from Devon will be walking, running or cycling 15 miles a day for 1,000 days to raise money for Blind Veterans UK. This story comes to us from: Charity Today News.
The BLIND para-triathlete who has attempted to climb Mt Everest and competed on Dancing With The Stars is making his debut Commonwealth Games his sporting swansong
Veteran blind Paralympian Gerrard Gosens has confirmed the Birmingham Commonwealth Games will be his sporting swansong. Gosens, 52, who bravely attempted to climb Mt Everest in 2005 and previously competed on Dancing With The Stars, will line up in the men's PTVI triathlon. Having represented Australia in multiple sports for over 30 years. This story comes to us from: Daily Mail.
Steve Hartman proves the sky's the limit
In April 2022, Steve Hartman connected his blind nephew, Ted, to a blind drag racer who inspired the boy to dream bigger. A pilot from Roosevelt, N.Y., saw that story and offered to give flight to Ted’s dream. This story comes to us from: CBS News.
I Spoke With 'The Blind Surfer' About Becoming the Most Popular YouTuber In Surfing
Pete Gust-in, also known as The Blind Surfer, is officially the most popular surfing YouTuber. This story comes to us from: The Inertia.
Pakistan Blind Cricket Council announces monthly stipends for 17 players
The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) announced to provide monthly stipends for the top 17 performing players. This story came to us from: Pakistan's first HD Sports Channel.
Blind athletes compete at Penn State Behrend
More than 60 vision-impaired junior athletes visited Penn State Behrend for the Envision Blind Sports summer camp. They played hockey, lacrosse and goalball, a game invented in 1946. This story comes to us from: Penn State.
Acknowledgement
As we do in every edition of the digest, we'd like to acknowledge our friend in the UK, Leon Gilbert. He practically invented blind news and he has a terrific Twitter feed which you can follow at @leongilbert.
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As I wrote in the introduction to edition 20 of this digest, I'm slowly in the process of converting this site from being strictly the blog of Gonz Blinko to being more of a fully featured information service for the blind. I publish the digest that you are now reading every Tuesday morning and it averages 65 articles per edition covering all aspects of blindness and blind people from all over the English speaking world.
Over the past few weeks, I've recruited other writers to join as regular contributors and we'll be covering topics ranging from science and medicine to sports to arts to music to the politics of the blind world, employment issues, do it yourself projects, fashion, culture and as much as we can find that might interest our readers.
The migration of this site from being my blog exclusively is slow going and I chose to focus on content before we started rearranging the look and feel of the site. We're working on a new theme and will be moving quite a few things around. I think our readers, new and old, will enjoy this new way of presenting this information.
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I hope to evolve this site from my personal blog into a more broad news service serving the blind community. I cannot do this alone. So, if you have a story to tell about literally anything related to blindness from dating to technology, please pitch me the story through the contact form on this site and we can work together to get your story into the digest if it's a short piece or as a stand alone feature if it's longer. If you've little confidence in your writing skills, I'm an excellent editor and we'll make your story good.
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