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: 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
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
Edited by Maribel Steel When we need an outlet to express our inner thoughts, especially when facing a life challenge like living with low vision, why not let your thoughts flow onto a page in the form of poetry? “It isn’t about rhyming, meter, or number of syllables,” says DeAnna Quietwater Noriega, “Really, anyone can … Continued
Editor’s note: With this post, VisionAware is rolling out a new series on “Dealing with Crime or Domestic Violence As a Person with a Disability.” In this series, you will find articles on the disturbing statistics on crimes against people with disabilities, information and resources on domestic abuse, and personal stories that two peer advisors … Continued
Often as I go about my business accompanied by my guide dog, people remark on his beauty, good manners, and say things like, "I wish my dog was as well behaved as yours." They don’t seem to understand that a lot of work on the part of a puppy raiser, a guide dog instructor, and … Continued
Editor’s note: Peer advisor DeAnna Noriega writes about independence and the full range of options you have as a person with visual impairment. You may also want to go back and read the first of our series on independence with a post by peer advisor Audrey Demmitt, RN, Independence versus Interdependence. Do you handle your … Continued
