Blind Independence: Living, Working, and Traveling with Vision Loss

Charlie Hardwick discusses accessible technology for vision loss, adaptive strategies for daily living, and career transitions as a visually impaired journalist, musician, and graphic designer.

He and Jennifer cover assistive devices like Be My Eyes and VoiceVista, digital tools for creative work, and best practices for visually impaired travel. Charlie shares experience running with Achilles International, building independence, and connecting with blind community networks. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Vision loss can occur gradually and affect all aspects of life, but adaptive technologies like Be My Eyes and VoiceVista help with daily tasks and navigation.

2. Pursuing creative passions and career goals is possible after vision loss by changing approaches, using memory and tactile skills, and utilizing screen reading tools.

3. Participation in community groups and organizations, such as Achilles International and the Lighthouse of Houston, leads to new friendships, activities, and expanded independence.

4. Solo and group travel is possible for people with vision loss by using research, planning, online support groups, and local contacts.

5. Building confidence, staying persistent, and ignoring outside doubts are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving personal goals.

Timestamped Overview:

• 00:00 — Introduction; set description for visually impaired audience

• 00:57 — Charlie’s vision loss journey, impact on driving, living with legal blindness

• 03:33 — Adaptation strategies; use of smart phone, Be My Eyes, VoiceVista for navigation and daily tasks

• 08:00 — Graphic design career; creating packaging for major brands; colorblindness adaptations

• 11:23 — Playing music; forming bands, open mic experiences, shifting focus after career change

• 14:27 — Start in journalism; writing for The Leader, covering local news, integration of daily writing and assistive technology

• 17:31 — Introduction to Achilles International; running with guides, training for races, experience at Chevron Marathon

• 19:53 — Tandem bike rides, assistive devices for athletics, community activities through the Lighthouse of Houston

• 21:00 — Journalism tech setup; using VoiceOver and cloud services on Mac and phone, workflow for editing and reading back work

• 22:49 — Building community connections; Texas Workforce Commission mobility training, discovering services and social groups

• 27:09 — Solo travel to Germany; joining Vision Loss Travel group; planning and navigating a trip independently

• 29:02 — Meeting blind athletes in Munich; building global friendships; tips for travel confidence

• 29:45 — Advice for others: persistence, independent travel, and not letting outside opinions limit possibilities

• 31:00 — Closing and listener information; how to find more episodes and connect with the Lighthouse of Houston

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