My experiences with low vision and chronic illness have made my life much more interesting.  While I may not know how to drive, read a library book without a video magnifier, or walk backwards, I definitely can explain life with Chiari Malformation and low vision, […]

Dear Chiari Malformation, You came into my life six years ago now, when I suddenly developed a constant pain in the back of my head. I was a freshman in high school, and coincidentally it was Chiari Malformation Awareness Month, but I didn’t know that- […]

The year is 2011, but I’m in too much pain to remember that at the moment. I’ve forgotten a lot of things- my own name, the name of my cat, what town I lived in, and who the president is. All I can sense is […]

The teacher is passing out the classwork for the day, and there is a noticeable lack of large print or colored paper at the bottom of the pile. As it comes time to give classwork to my section, the teacher looks at me and goes […]

It seems like every year, a news story circulates about how a student with a disability and a student without a disability go to prom together.  It’s usually touted as something inspirational and kind, since the students with disabilities are perceived as not having many […]

As college decision day approaches, prospective students and their families have been touring my college, trying to decide what school will be the best fit for them. Often times, college is the first time people are exposed to a large, diverse population, and it can […]

I went out to dinner with one of my friends several weeks ago.  When we got to the restaurant, they requested that we get a large print menu, so that way I would be able to read it.  The server looked at us like we […]

While walking back from class one foggy night, someone recognized me and wanted to get my attention. In order to do this, they put their hand on my shoulder while standing behind me and started mumbling. Naturally, I screamed in their face and hit them, […]

Back in tenth grade, my favorite way to spend time with my friends was to go to the movie theater at the local mall.  Even though I had a sensitivity to flashing lights, quick camera movement, and couldn’t always see the screen very clearly, I […]

One time, on a day trip with a couple that I am good friends with, I kept running into stuff constantly, even with my blindness cane to help me. There were so many obstacles on either side of me that it was hard for me […]