Blindness Briefs – Edition 82 – World Blind Herald

What's Inside

AI Can help blind community in many ways.
Mobile app used to diagnose eye diseases.
July is disability pride month.
Was Helen Keller a real person – new conspiracy suggests not.
More can be done to improve inclusion of blind people in employment.
Arizona prisons discriminated against prisoners with vision disabilities.
Fashion brands do more to include disabled people.
Andrew Leland’s book getting a lot of press.
An action packed sports section.
And, more than 70 stories about all things blindness from all over the world.

Editorial By Chris Hofstader

Welcome to the 82nd edition of Blindness Briefs. This was an especially rewarding week as we got more than 70 stories about as wide a range of subjects related to blindness as one can imagine. Science Briefs, to be released tomorrow, also has a pretty good collection of stories so it was a big week for blindness stories in the mainstream press.

This week, the story that jumped out at me most was a conspiracy theory spreading on Tick Tock that suggests that Helen Keller was not a real person but, rather, a fiction made up by the US government to inspire young people. This country has gone conspiracy happy, we have moon landing hoax conspiracies, flat Earth conspiracies, JFK has been a popular conspiracy for decades, people drinking the blood of little children conspiracies, we have the adrinochrome conspiracies which Hunter Thompson invented satirically in his book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and now we have a conspiracy suggesting Helen Keller was invented and not a real person.

I don't know what's driving Americans to move away from facts and into the post modernist philosophy that suggests that a "strongly held belief" supersedes facts. Helen Keller is a very well documented historical figure and hero to many. She was a leader in disability issues, a socialist, a social justice activist and her collection of friends were the intellectual elite of her time. Helen is to be celebrated and readers who use Tick Tock (I don't) should try to combat this absurd theory.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Blindness Briefs, David and I had a good time putting this one together as so many of the stories were interesting.

How It's Organized

WBH Weekly 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.

Braille

How the National Braille Press Brings Books to Blind Readers

The Boston-based publisher is the only organization in the U.S. that publishes its own books by blind authors for blind readers. This story comes to us from: Publishers Weekly.

Technology

AI can help blind community experience world in new ways: 'will lead to quality of life changes'

"At our convention in Houston this year, a company called Good Maps actually mapped out the hotel, so what you could do is you could take your phone camera and wave it around and the Good Map software would recognize where you are in the hotel and could tell you what was around you and how to get to and give you turn-by-turn directions," Danielsen said. This story comes to us from: Fox News.

Keeping An Eye On Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc.

Adverum Biotechnologies is a prominent clinical-stage gene therapy company that is at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for ocular diseases. This story comes to us from: Sick Economics.

ChatGPT 4 is analysing people's faces and it's freaking out its makers

Jonathan Mosen, a blind man who has been using assistive technology since a long time, was chosen to test the new feature of ChatGPT 4 that allowed him to analyse images. The feature worked so well for him that it has made OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT 4, a bit worried. This story comes to us from: The Financial Express.

Mobile app uses AI to detect eye diseases

… three of the world's most common causes of vision loss and blindness. … the world suffer from some kind of visual impairment or blindness. This story comes to us from: News Medical.

How to make cannabis websites ADA compliant

For people with disabilities, being able to navigate a website is just as … that's required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This story comes to us from: MJBizDaily.

Servicon Earns Digital Health Award for Responsive Website Design

Upgraded the site to comply with the American Disability Act (ADA) … I particularly like that it is ADA compliant so people who are blind can enjoy our content. This story comes to us from: Yahoo Finance.

Blindness Organizations

Alphapointe's annual Adventure Camp creates an inclusive experience for blind youth

Every camper at AAAC is blind or visually impaired, participating in a week of community and fun. This story comes to us from: Kansas City Pitch.

Cyprus failed to support blind people

“For more than 40 years, the Pancyprian Organization of the Blind, founded in 1980, has been waging an unequal struggle for socio-economic empowerment, educational and professional integration and for ensuring the exercise of the fundamental and inalienable rights of the blind of Cyprus,” President of the Organization said Christakis Nicolaides said from the podium of the 42nd Annual General Assembly on Saturday 8 July 2023 at the School for the Blind in Nicosia. This story comes to us from; In-Cyprus.

July: Disability Pride Month

The availability of audio books and voice-activated hands-free phones are only two of the things that the general population benefits from as a result of the advocacy work done by blindness and other disability-related organizations. This story comes to us from: Living Lutheran.

Oldest VA Blind Center, white cane perfecter, to celebrate 75th Anniversary

Williams and his staff are also credited with perfecting the long white cane by the American Foundation for the Blind. This story comes to us from: Daily Herald.

Hines VA Blind Center Is Vision Of Hope For 75 Years

Valley Forge hospital in 1944, an offshoot of shorter canes used for several decades, according to the American Foundation for the Blind. This story comes to us from: VA.gov.

KSrelief sponsors 12 medical camps to combat eye diseases

These camps are strategically set up in rural and urban areas of Sindh and Baluchistan Province to combat blindness and eye diseases. This story comes to us from: Daily Times.

Was Helen Keller A Psyop And A Liar? Here's Why The Internet Thinks So

However, the American Foundation for the Blind did retain some of her material, most of which were "letters, prose, and verse. This story comes to us from: Evie Magazine.

Did Helen Keller Fly A Plane? Inside The Remarkable Feat Of This Historic Deaf-Blind Activist

Keller spent much of her adult life working for the American Foundation for the Blind, which involved touring the United States. This story comes to us from: All That's Interesting.

Education

Krystal Guillory presented national educator of blind award

Krystal Guillory (left) accepts the award for National Federation of the Blind 2023 Distinguished Educator of Blind Students as Carla McQuillian, Chairperson of the Awards Committee and President of NFB of Oregon, joins her. This story comes to us from: Ruston Daily Leader.

In Kwara special school, it's battle between blind, deaf students

Last month, the cat and mouse relationship between the blind students and their deaf and dumb counterparts at the Kwara State School of Special Needs climaxed with a brawl over food during lunch. This story comes to us from: Daily Trust.

High school students who are visually impaired gain tools for future campus life

The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services Summer Academy is offered by the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. This story comes to us from: Penn State.

Miss Kansas: Helping Kansans see is her focus

People are really starting to realize that your vision isn't going to be permanent; it's going to shift all through the years. This story comes to us from: The Hays Post.

Two Legally Blind UWS Teens Receive $10K Scholarships

Matthew Cho and Emely Recinos, two teens from the Upper West Side, were among 15 legally blind teens recently awarded $10000 college scholarships. This story comes to us from: West Side Spirit.

Teens with limited vision learn skills in Duluth

The camp focuses on transition-age youth, meaning ages 14-21, who have a degree of visual impairment or blindness. This story comes to us from: Duluth News Tribune.

New Online Course Helps Older Adults with Hearing and Vision Loss

education and blindness prevention programs. The agency also operates the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. This story comes to us from: The Hearing Review.

Carmel Convent student Sharanya Jain's vision helps visually impaired see for the first time

Netra Foundation works for the betterment and upliftment of blind children through various activities. This story comes to us from: Babushahi.com.

Employment

More can be done to expand inclusive hiring practices for people with disabilities

Undeterred by the disabilities of deafness and blindness, Helen Keller rose … Most are familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This story comes to us from: The Desert Sun.

Transportation

Bipartisan FAA Bill Gains Support of More Than 1000 Aviation Stakeholders

The bill was introduced on June 9th by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), full Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN), and was approved by the Committee in a unanimous 63-0 vote. This story comes to us from: House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

US House panel looks to revive legislation on self-driving cars

Innovation CEO John Bozzella, Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro and National Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono. This story comes to us from: Reuters.

Discrimination and Inaccessibility

Dollar General class action alleges website not accessible to blind, visually impaired customers

Who: A legally blind woman is suing Dollar General. … Carolina federal court, alleging violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). This story comes to us from: Top Class Actions.

Safety

No water, power, blind hostel inmates suffer

NEW DELHI: For 11-year-old Mehatab, who suffers from visual impairment, this has been a nightmare. This story comes to us from: The Delhi News – The Times of India.

Blind woman and guide dog fighting for change after being attacked by loose dogs

Editor's Note: This story is in audio. This story comes to us from: YouTube.

I thought I was going blind after having dodgy eye lash extensions.

A WOMAN in pain feared she was going blind after getting dodgy eye lash extensions. This story comes to us from: The Sun.

Crime

Woman accused of intentionally setting fire that killed blind man in Milwaukee

A 62-year-old woman has been charged after prosecutors say she intentionally started a fire that killed a blind man near 29th and Bobolink. This story comes to us from: TMJ4.

Monessen man convicted of sexual assault of blind victim

A Monessen man was convicted this week of sexually assaulting a legally blind woman last year outside of a Rostraver home. This story comes to us from: Tribune-Review.

Guide Dogs

'Double Vision' new beer brewed to help blind people in the East Midlands

The brew will raise vital money for the Seeing Dogs Alliance. This story comes to us from: ATV Today.

Blind woman forced to walk a mile in the rain as she's 'refused taxi over guide dog'

A blind woman claims she was left to walk home in the rain after her taxi driver wouldn't let her in with her guide dog. This story comes to us from: The Mirror.

Cumbrian School takes on blindfold 'Fund Race' for Guide Dogs charity

Cumbrian School takes on blindfold 'Fund Race' for Guide Dogs charity. This story comes to us from: Times and Star.

Politics

New York City Comptroller Lander Addresses City's Accessibility Issues at Inaugural

Greater New York Council of the Blind, Caring Majority, National Federation of the Blind in New York City, and One Heart One Vision. This story comes to us from: NYC.gov.

Legal

How cancer, blindness and Parkinson's changed my thoughts on death

If I need it, California’s medical-aid-in-dying law, the End of Life Option Act, would allow me to obtain prescription medication that I could take to peacefully end my suffering, if it becomes unbearable, in my sleep, at home, in my bed, surrounded by my loved ones. This story comes to us from: The San Francisco Chronicle.

Superintendent, new mascot still a source of friction for many VSDB alumni

The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind uses two mascots … for making VSDB "a more inclusive, equitable, and unified educational setting but not all agree and will protest. This story comes to us from: The News Leader.

Justice Department Finds that Arizona Prisons Discriminate Against People with Vision Disabilities

the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against individuals with vision disabilities, including those who are blind. This story comes to us from: Department of Justice.

Business

As corporate disability inclusion practices improve, uneven adoption remains

Companies are making strides in implementing more disability inclusion practices throughout their corporate culture, but several key areas need sustained attention in coming years. This story comes to us from: HR Dive.

Lifestyle

33 Years of the ADA: Increasing Access, Inspiring Our Future

The Americans with Disabilities Act turns 33 this week. This story comes to us from: EIN News.

Fashion brands embrace adaptive clothing to empower people with disabilities

Inspired by her son who was born with a degenerative disorder, fashion. This story comes to us from: NBC News.

People shouldn't pity me but assess my work, says blind podcaster

A 23-year-old visually impaired podcaster, Abenego Oghene, tells TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about his talent, passion for podcasting. This story comes to us from: The Punch Newspapers.

Isle of Man student uses podcast to 'remove blindness stigma

Born with bilateral anophthalmia, the podcaster hopes the regular episodes will raise awareness about being visually impaired. This story comes to us from: BBC.

Capetown Tourism launches Blind Tour Guide

The movement introduces city-wide braille touch-points and SA’s first-ever qualified blind tour guide to create a tourism environment that allows anyone to embark on unforgettable and exhilarating adventures across the Mother City, without facing barriers or discrimination. This story comes to us from: Bizcommunity.

Boyfriend abandoned me with pregnancy despite my blindness – Single mum

He informed Agnes' people, who at first, were mad at him but with no option gave their daughter to him till she would give birth. This story comes to us from: Punch Newspapers.

Two blind people post video on TikTok to explain what they see when dreaming

Two blind men have appeared in a TikTok video to explain what it feels like to dream and one of them said he experiences audio dreams. This story comes to us from: – Legit.ng.

What It's Like to Eat at Restaurants When You're Blind

The year before Dans le Noir NYC shut its doors, the National Federation of the Blind issued a formal resolution at its national convention. This story comes to us from: Eater.

Mopani Tvet student build a house for a blind elderly woman

Mopani TVET College Council and Management for initiating and successfully building a 3-bedroom house for Mme Malatji, a blind elderly woman. This story comes to us from: Tzaneen Voice.

Religion

Blind church band shows Nigeria there's 'ability in disability

Visually impaired pastor Chimaobi Nduka sings with the faithful during blind people's Sunday church service at Bethesda Home for the Blind. This story comes to us from: TimesLIVE.

Art and Artists

80 Years In, Blind Boys of Alabama are Still Fighting for Justice on "Work Until My Days Are Done"

Blind Boys of Alabama have shared “Work Until My Days Are Done,” which finds the five-time GRAMMY winners shifting between heart-wrenching doo-wop. This story comes to us from: The Grateful Web.

Why blind historian Peggy Chong tells the stories of the blind

Peggy Chong with the Jacob Bolotin Award at the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Houston, Texas earlier this month. This story comes to us from: Colorado Community Media.

The Country of the Blind review – a penetrating study of the loss of sight

Andrew Leland’s memoir about this process articulates beautifully, with energy and honesty, how being held between seeing and blindness has changed him and his views on our ableist world. This story comes to us from: The Guardian.

What Does It Mean to be Blind? A Writer Chronicles the Loss of His Vision

In 2019, Andrew Leland began writing a book about blindness, … that allow visually impaired users to read the text on a computer screen. This story comes to us from: The New York Times.

Who is Lucy Illingworth? Blind and neurodivergent 'The Piano' winner has a new documentary

13-year-old blind and neurodivergent girl wows Lang Lang with Chopin piece on Channel 4 show. This story comes to us from: Classic FM.

Blind seamstresses sew blankets for homeless

THE KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society (KZNBDS) visited Denis Hurley Centre (DHC) on Tuesday, July 18 to deliver 50 blankets. This story comes to us from: Berea Mail.

Sports and Athletes

Blind Mount Kisco Woman Says Pilates is Perfect for Self-Care

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. – A couple of times each week, Mount Kisco resident Audrey Schading heads out the door and walks to nearby Club Pilates. This story comes to us from: TAPinto.

Blind woman wins at Riding for the Disabled National Championships

A WOMAN from Chipping Sodbury is celebrating after winning a major horse-riding competition over the weekend. This story comes to us from: Gazette Series.

Para chessfest for women on today

BLIND CHESSER Kyla Jane Langue will compete in the completely blind category at the Para Chess in Women Sports tournament, today, July 15, 2023. This story comes to us from: The Manila Times.

Funeral honors longtime Corbin educator, coach who believed in his blind ball player

“His belief that a blind person could play football established the direction that my life has taken over the last 29 years,” said former Corbin High School football player Travis Freeman. This story comes to us from: WYMT.

England blind footballer targeting Paris 2024 alongside educational ambitions

Sporting passion is fuelling blind footballer Azeem Amir's ambitions on and off the pitch. This story comes to us from: Ayr Advertiser.

Florida Panthers partner with Miami Lighthouse for the blind

Editor's Note: This story is in audio. This story comes to us from: YouTube.

Broughton: Stuart Hutcheson wins the Blind Golf British Open

England and Wales Blind Golf was formed back in 1989 and is a registered charity and is open to men and women who are blind or visually impaired. This story comes to us from: The Wrexham Leader.

England blind footballer targeting Paris 2024 alongside educational ambitions

As an England international, the 24-year-old is preparing for the International Blind Sports Federation World Games in Birmingham in August and hopes to be lining up at the Paralympics in Paris next year. This story comes to us from: The Independent.

Tewksbury's Tyler Cashman wins South Africa blind golf tournament

Cashman participated in his first international blind golf tournaments at the Milnerton Golf Club, Cape Town, South Africa from March 27-31. This story comes to us from: New Jersey Hills Media Group.

West Virginia woman who is blind runs 5K race, ranks in her age group: 'This is just the beginning

A blind woman from West Virginia competed in the 2023 National Senior Games 5K — placing in her group at 74-years-old. This story comes to us from: Yahoo.

Why NHL referee Dan O’Rourke is biking more than 2,700 miles from Santa Monica to Chicago this summer

O'Rourke is teaming up with the National Federation of the Blind in setting off on a 42-day bike ride, planning to cover more than 2,700 miles. This story comes to us from: The Athletic.

In Memoriam

Ruth Isaacs Obituary (1927 – 2023

She worked for Bourbonnais School District. In order to honor Ruth's memory, donations can be made to the National Federation of the Blind. This story comes to us from: Legacy Remembers.