I was 19 when I boarded a flight for the first time to fly to The Seeing Eye Inc. a dog guide school, located in Morristown, New Jersey. I had always loved dogs. Back then, I was a petite, shy girl who looked about 12 years old. This past July, I made that trip for … Continued
In 2015 I wrote a series for VisionAware for National Service Dog Month. This is a sequel to that series. I am currently working with my ninth guide from The Seeing Eye Inc. Each of my lovely dogs has taught me lessons I could apply to other aspects of my life. Insights I Have Gained from My 50 Years … Continued
Over the past year during the pandemic, the American Council of the Blind (ACB), a national consumer group for people who are blind or visually impaired, has held Community Calls where people can connect with one another and often learn something along the way. I’ve enjoyed these calls so much that I learned how to … Continued
In honor of International Women’s Day, celebrated this year March 6-8, Deanna Quietwater Noriega, who has been blind since childhood, talks about the women in her life who have shaped who she is today. The theme this year is Educate. Enlighten. Empower. Deanna’s post embodies this theme as she discusses mentoring, self-advocacy, and overcoming adversity and opting “into life” as a whole person. There … Continued
Editor’s note: November 11 is Veterans Day, and VisionAware is honoring those who have served us with this special tribute from VisionAware Peer Advisor DeAnna Noriega. For further information, VisionAware has an entire section devoted to Veterans including services, resources, and personal stories about veterans with vision loss. A Tribute to Veterans with Disabilities By … Continued
We have all had to learn new ways of doing things during COVID-19. One concern I have had is keeping my guide dog Enzo in good working order. I have always been a person who has spent a lot of time doing advocacy work. Enzo and I attended meetings, met with friends, and accompanied my … Continued
Book Presents View of Difficulties of Growing Up with Low Vision Ann Chiappetta’s second book entitled “Follow Your Dog, A Story of Love and Trust,” is a memoir about growing up with low vision and how becoming a guide dog handler changed her life. Ann took me on a journey through her world as she … Continued
Editor’s Note: Today’s post by DeAnna Quietwater Noriega is from the new series on disability. This personal story highlights the stigmas, stereotypes, marginalization, and lowered expectations people with disabilities are exposed to everyday. Read DeAnna’s story and poem about how the attitudes of others have made her feel invisible and how she has chosen to … Continued
I wrote this poem while walking 16 blocks with my sixth guide dog to a dental appointment. I am sharing it to honor my nine guide dogs on April 26th, International Guide Dog Day! Dancers: A Tribute to My Nine Guide Dogs We are cloud dancers, You lead and I follow. Our steps synchronized Our … Continued
Editor’s note: February is low vision awareness month, and we are highlighting the importance of being safe when walking around, even in a known area. VisionAware peer advisor, DeAnna Noriega, gives sound advice about what you should think about when making a decision about a dog or cane. Questions to Consider If you have low … Continued