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Hectic Holidays
Surviving the Hectic Holiday Season: A Personal Perspective Hectic—that’s the word I use to describe this time of year. The holiday season is a whirlwind of gift shopping, meal planning, and party preparation. Guests are coming, and the festivities seem endless. While this season is challenging for most, for those…
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The Day My Distraction Cost Me an iPhone 15 Pro
It started as a simple trip to the restroom. I placed my shiny iPhone 15 Pro—my prized possession—on the toilet paper roll holder while using the facilities. As I finished up, my focus shifted entirely to fumbling with my Go Card (a must-have for bus travel here in Australia). The…
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Regaining Confidence and Independence Through a Veterans Blind Rehab Program
Life as a disabled veteran comes with its unique challenges—some of which can feel insurmountable. For me, one of the biggest hurdles was learning to navigate life after experiencing vision loss. However, with the right support and resources, I found a path to regain my confidence and independence. A pivotal…
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Life as an Adventure: Embracing the Unexpected
Over the last three years, I’ve started to see life as one big adventure. This shift in perspective has transformed how I approach challenges, particularly my vision loss. Initially, I grieved the changes and struggled to continue my hobbies and daily activities. But by reframing life as a series of…
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The Power of Organization
Organization is the foundation of success in the kitchen. Start by asking yourself: What am I cooking today? Adapting Your Kitchen Making your kitchen accessible is crucial. Here are a few ways I’ve adapted my space: Cooking Techniques
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Turning Failures into Lessons: A Challenging Couple of Days
Some days just don’t go as planned, and today felt like one of those days—a continuation of yesterday’s challenges. It’s not something I’m used to. As someone who’s worked hard to adapt after losing my vision, I’ve grown accustomed to celebrating small victories. But every now and then, the struggles…
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Choosing the Right Screen Reader: Finding What Works for You
Screen readers are essential tools for individuals with vision impairments, enabling access to digital content through text-to-speech technology or Braille displays. Selecting the right one depends on your needs, operating system, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options: 1. Fusion: A Combination of ZoomText and JAWS Fusion combines…
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My South Pacific Cruise Adventure: The Countdown Begins
Being something of a gypsy at heart, I couldn’t resist the chance to embark on a South Pacific cruise. So, when my niece invited me to join her on an adventure to see Noumea, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, I jumped at the opportunity without hesitation. I came out here in…
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Navigating Grocery Stores with Visual Impairment: My Experience and Tips
The real game-changer for me is Be My Eyes. This app offers a variety of features, such as: I primarily use it to read product labels while shopping. To maintain privacy, I pair the app with my Shokz earbuds. Let’s face it—having your tech “talk” out loud in public can…
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Tools That Empower My Daily Life
1. Acrobat CCTV The Acrobat CCTV magnifier is one of my essential tools. It enables me to read mail, manage paperwork, and work on art projects. It’s especially helpful for inspecting and refining my creations. While its magnification is fantastic, there are moments when I need additional support to see…