Ron Long’s service in the U.S. military shaped his life in more ways than one, stealing his eyesight and developing his principles for living a meaningful life. After being blinded by a chemical agent, Long’s honorable discharge for being visually impaired led to becoming a restaurant and mobile food service businessman. His delicious “Santa Maria Style Barbecue” and the speed in which it can be made, and served, landed him a dining contract for the Navy in San Diego. He also has a portable barbecue pit stationed at the U.S. Army National Training Center in Fort Irwin, CA. Long also hosts fundraising events for the Army Emergency Relief Program and Toys for Tots.“Having served in the military, they really make me feel like I’m one of them,” said Long. “They treat me like family and I even go on vacation with some of them. It’s the least I can do to give back.”
If you are visually impaired and need assistance, the San Diego Center for the Blind can help. Let us help you rebuild your independence!
"Ron Long: A Blind Entrepreneur Still Supporting the U.S. Military"
A variety of assistive devices and gadgets are available due to advances in technology in recent years. Often with the goal of granting access to services or products to as many people as possible while minimizing barriers and usability difficulties, various assistive devices are coming to market rapidly. These handy inventions can make daily tasks less challenging for people with disabilities.
At 6 years old, an undeniable musical gift emerged in Henry Butler. Today, at the age of 68, Mr. Butler is a nationally recognized pianist, vocalist, and composer despite losing his sight as an infant due to glaucoma. He explores various genres including jazz, gospel, blues and classical. Mr. Butler’s talent does not end with him being a brilliant musician. He also possesses a passion for photography. His work can be seen in various exhibits and in the HBO documentary “Dark Light: The Art of Blind Photographers.” 
Statistics indicate that vision loss makes academic success challenging. Low vision and blind students who graduate from high school and college are a minority. Facts like these don't seem to phase 13-year-old Lindsey Towns who experienced vision loss just before entering 8th grade. Lindsey's favorite subject is math although a universal audio tool for learning math does not exist today. She has found creative ways to accommodate her disability. In the meantime, a system is being developed that can reduce learning barriers for disabled students. 
Many who suffer with glaucoma use eye drops as part of their treatment plan. The medication can prevent irreversible blindness if done in the early stages. Typically, the drops need to be administered 3 times per day though. It can be arduous to keep up with a timetable of this intensity. To make it even more challenging, much of the medication is drained into the patient's blood instead of inside the eye. Researchers at the UCSF Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine believe that dissolving implants could be the answer. 
Peanut was born without sight. Her owner knew right away as the lamb stuck close to her mother and seemed to find her way by using sound. Peanut soon learned how to find food, water and face challenges though. Watching the little lamb, inspired owner Jim Thompson to pen a children's book that is motivating readers of all ages to fight through adversity and live their best life. 
With a few modifications, most sports can be adapted for the visually impaired. This goes for ice hockey as well. While adaptive hockey has been enjoyed in Canada for several decades, it has only recently been introduced in the United States. The players appreciate having the opportunity to use their athletic ability and are experiencing the benefits of community connection with their teammates at the same time. 
When vision deteriorates, the morning routine can bring on feelings of frustration. Tasks like hair styling, shaving or applying make-up which were once routine turn into challenging exploits that seem impossible. Fortunately, those who are willing to make a few simple adjustments can enjoy less frustration, smoother mornings and the confidence that comes from starting the day looking neat and put together. 
Those living with vision loss, often visit new locations ahead of time to memorize the space. They sometimes worry about getting lost. For this reason, Rasha Said developed a program that uses a smart phone app to provide information to the blind that many sighted people take for granted. This information helps the visually impaired navigate independently and also offers the freedom to explore. 
Echolocation uses sound waves and echoes to determine the location of objects. This method, used by bats to find food and navigate in the dark can also be used by humans. In fact, with training, the visually impaired can learn to be skilled at echolocation giving them the ability to see the world around them through their ears. It's another tool that can be used to give independence to those who live with vision loss. 
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal lost his vision in 2004 and learned first-hand about the difficulty of engaging with a community that was often inaccessible to those living with a disability. This experience fuelled his passion to help others gain the skills needed to create more inclusivity. Since that time, he has helped close to 10,000 people with disabilities obtain skills and jobs in different sectors of business.
Companies have a few good reasons to improve digital accessibility. Increasing bottom line profits and avoiding litigation top the list. Corporate giant, eBay has appointed an Ambassador for Accessibility and suggests that improvements to this area can offer great returns and provide surprising opportunities for growth.
For people living with vision impairment, getting out socially can be challenging. It may seem unlikely that visiting an art museum could be a social event for the blind. The Seattle Art Museum does not think so. Every month, the museum hosts guided tours complete with trained escorts prepared to describe art pieces to the sight-impaired. 
Running a marathon is hard work. Running a marathon without vision assisted by a guide is hard work. Running a marathon without vision and without a guide seems impossible. Thanks to assistive technology, called Wayband, a blind runner will cross the finish line at the New York Marathon unassisted for the first time. 
Due to a degenerative eye disease, Walfre Lopez experienced vision loss over 20 years ago. He recently underwent a complex surgery which implanted a computer chip in the back of his eyes. With the use of special glasses he can now see shapes and contrasting images and is learning to use his new found 7th sense as vision. 
Painter Ken Alexander's life is full of challenges. Mr. Alexander has faced each one with the determination and courage. From being a single dad to beating prostate cancer, Ken has persevered through hardship. He was diagnosed with glaucoma which eventually caused vision loss. That has not stopped him from moving forward with his dreams to pursue an art career. He just opened studio. 
Dan Mancina lost his vision due to a degenerative eye disease. Although he had been skateboarding since he was 7 years old, he was unable to continue this activity as a person with vision loss. Until, he decided to do it anyway. Through practice, hard work and perseverance, he is proving that there are no limits to the human spirit. 
In recent years, accessibility lawsuits against companies have increased. With 20% of the population living with a disability, it would be wise for businesses to take this issue to heart. It is expected that the percentage of those living with a disability will increase as baby boomers get older. Creating an atmosphere of inclusion is simply morally right. 
Her mother was blind for as long as she remembers. She can recall times from her childhood when her mother was not given equal access. The Americans with Disabilities Act has changed that. Or has it? Her mother's most recent hospital stay left this daughter scratching her head and searching for answers. 
These women lost their vision at different stages of life. They now educate others and create awareness on what vision loss looks like and willingly share insight on how best to support them and those like them. They are successfully building a culture of sensitivity and teaching those around them how they would like to be treated. 
Carina's Bakery is special for so many reasons. It was created by a courageous and determined woman who wanted to offer a variety of vegan baked goods. The shop is equipped with assistive technology and signs that encourage customers to be patient. Dogs are welcome. The visionary behind this project is visually impaired and so are the employees. 
Steph Fernandes wanted to use her education to serve and inspire young people. When she got the job as Assistant Public Defender, she was given the opportunity to live out her dream. Her presence in the courthouse has sparked conversations about blindness and independence as well as encouraged dialogue around accessibility. 
Vera Jones, a collegiate basketball athlete had been inducted into the Hall of Fame and was used to winning. Winning almost never comes without hard work and the ability to face challenges though. Her strong will and determination were engaged off the court, when her son faced one of his toughest battles – losing his sight.
You may remember Wait Until Dark from 1967 when Audrey Hepburn played Susy. The thriller's plot is centered around a blind woman who is victimized by a group of conmen. The men had not planned for Susy's inner strength and her ability to navigate in the dark much better than they ever could. 
Lenny Jordan thought his artistic dreams were over when he began losing his sight to a degenerative eye disease. Through a conversation with a colleague, he began exploring various artistic techniques. Awakening a dormant talent, Lenny has used color pencils, sketch pads and paint to create breathtaking works of art. 
Shawn Sturges started noticing diminishing vision at the age of 15 and was later diagnosed with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy which led to total blindness. After losing his sight, he became withdrawn and angry. He later discovered that rock climbing provided an escape from everyday stress. Today at 31, he is an inspiration to so many. You can catch him climbing at an indoor facility or even the Eldorado Canyon in Colorado. 
Juliet Cody is 50 and has had low vision most of her life and experienced total vision loss in 2000. She is a motivational speaker and author who is on a mission to educate adults and children about what it means to be blind. She can do anything although she may do it differently than a sighted person. She learned many of her independent living skills at San Diego Center for the Blind. 
Trachoma is the leading infectious disease that causes blindness in the world. It is caused by a bacteria that is often carried by flies and is prevalent in poverty stricken communities where access to clean water and sanitation is prohibitive. In 1998, the World Health Assembly set out to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. 
Imagine playing baseball unable to see the ball. Someone already did. People of all ages and abilities are competing in Beep Ball. There are a few differences between Beep Ball and its cousin Baseball though. The ball beeps and the bases buzz allowing participants to use sound instead of sight to play. 
Some people view old age and vision loss as obstacles. For 94 year old dream catcher, Pauline Lawrence, not so much. Although she has lost much of her vision, she still dreamed of riding a bicycle like she used to years ago. Recently, Pauline took her first bike ride in over 15 years. 
When the term beauty comes to mind, we think of appearance. If a person is beautiful, perhaps they have a certain physique, perfect curls or dewy skin. What does beauty mean to someone living with vision loss? The answers from four blind individuals will enlighten you. THEY are beautiful. 
In a newly published book, “Hold The Light,” author, April McGowan explores vision loss through the character of Amber who discovers that she is losing her sight at the beginning of her creative career. The book takes the reader on Amber’s journey of self discovery in pursuit of her true purpose.
As people age, many have the experience of seeing floating shadows in their eyes appropriately named eye floaters. Should this happen, a physician should be consulted. Floaters can be a sign of a benign disease. It could also be an indication of an eye disease that could lead to vision loss. If detected early, often diseases can be treated and remedied.
Since birth, Rosie has been blind. When a 2nd grade class began asking questions about blindness, their teacher invited Rosie to answer their questions. Rosie was happy to share her story and life with the inquisitive bunch who gained new perspective and understanding of the remarkable ability of the many living with vision loss.
Visits to the eye doctor and staying healthy are routine prevention measures that guard against vision loss. However, some people will face untreatable loss of vision where the effects are permanent. It can be a depressing experience initially. Mike Glenn encountered blindness brought on by diabetic retinopathy and shared his story with radio talk show host, Charity Nebbe. We are reminded that vision loss is not the end but the beginning.
As people spend more time in front of screens, dry eyes are becoming a greater concern. With the addition of smartphones and the widespread use of the internet, our lifestyle is different than it was 20 years ago. Issues associated with prolonged blue light exposure are fairly new. However, we should pay attention as continued exposure to blue light emitted from many digital devices can cause a multitude of complications for the eyes including dry eyes. Thankfully, there are a few things that we can do to restore moisture and alleviate dry eye problems.
Many people over the age of 40 experience some form of vision loss. Researchers have discovered a gene that could be responsible. This gene causes a chronic hereditary eye disease which affects night and peripheral vision. There is no cure at this time. Scientists believe that study of the gene will lead to conclusions which bring them closer to healing treatments.
For many older adults, night driving becomes more of a challenge with each passing year. There are a number of possible causes for declining night vision which include early cataract formation, glaucoma and dry eyes. Fortunately, there are surgical procedures and treatment options available. In fact many of today's solutions have the benefit of a briefer recovery time which allows patients to get back to their normal routine sooner.
Most people know that smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can lead to heart disease and cancer. However, many don't realize that sustained tobacco use can deteriorate eye health and lead to vision loss over time. Smoking also worsens diabetic retinopathy. Experts urge smokers to quit as blindness caused by tobacco consumption is often irreversible. 
Imagine a mango that offers more than sweet tropical flavor. Developed by researchers in Thailand, the Mahachanok mango packs a healthy punch. This super fruit has the potential to slow cell degeneration, reduce cancer risks and enhance eye health. What makes the Mahachanok mango so powerful is its high level of the antioxidant anthocyanin and carotenoid. Even better, this mango is not limited to the normal growing season. It can be produced past the normal April-June cut-off time of other fruits of its kind.
Danito Mondlane is an 8th grader full of courage and determination. Although blind, he has worked with coaches to learn the techniques of surfing. Danito built up his confidence by first working with a body board and practiced every week for 2 hours until he mastered his skills. He entered competitions and triumphed over his opponents to win the top position in the South African Adaptive Surfing Championship in Muizenberg. His next challenge? The International Surfing Association World Championship.
When Google glass first hit the scene in 2014, the announcement came with media buzz and excitement. However, the hype soon fizzled out as concerns were raised about security, distractedness and plain creepiness. The technology has recently been relaunched as smart glasses, a tool used to help the blind navigate their surroundings. The glasses do not correct vision but rather connects the user to a live sighted agent that can see through the glasses and communicate with the user through a headset.
We know Judi Dench from movies such as Philomena and Shakespeare in Love. Today, the multiple Academy Award nominee is living with a few limitations that come with macular degeneration. She's made some adjustments and says she will start using audio books. The actress has not let the disease stop her from doing what she loves.Look for Ms. Dench this September as Queen Victoria in the film Victoria and Abdul. She will also appear alongside Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz as Princess Dragomiroff in Murder on the Orient Express coming to the big screen in November.
Nearly all of us have been touched by Alzheimer's disease in some way. According to the Alzheimer's Association approximately 5 million Americans have been diagnosed. This number is expected to increase to 16 million by 2050. With Alzheimer's disease as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, researchers have been on the hunt for ways to detect the disease earlier. Recent findings indicate that an eye scan can catch the disease before an individual experiences any symptoms. 
News media did a great job warning us of the damaging effects that improper viewing of the eclipse could have. Now that it's over, some have been posting on social media that they are feeling off or having headaches and other symptoms. While we usually do not experience the symptoms of eye damage right away, there are a few warning signs that we can look out for.
When Steve Walker began to notice symptoms of a rare eye disease, he never imagined that one day that he would live with severely limited vision. As the disease progressed and more of Steve's vision was lost, instead of losing hope, he trained for triathlons which made him aware of the inner strength he possessed. He began to see blindness similar to other obstacles that he had already overcome in bootcamp. Mr. Walker has competed in dozens of triathlons. Additionally, he is a 2 time Ironman competitor and is currently pursuing a degree in psychology. Nothing can hold him back.
Driving is part of a daily routine that few of us give much thought tot. However, many who live with vision loss have lost driving privileges too. Chip Sheehan, founded a driving school in Maryland that provides standard driver's ed to high school students but also offers a one day, course that gives blind students a confidence boost and a chance to get behind the wheel. 
A study found that drinking coffee can lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in seniors. Since there are over 200,000 new cases of AMD diagnosed in the United States each year, this news gives hope to many who would like to prevent the disease from stealing their sight.
Experts suggest that setting your kids up for a successful school year should include making sure that they can see the whiteboard and read from their text books. An eye exam is the best way to ensure good vision health. There are other things parents can do to protect little peepers.
Those who live with vision loss, are often excluded from using everyday appliances. The Talking Laundry module was developed as a result of one person’s desire to have appliances speak their settings. The device, developed by 14 year old, Jack DuPlessis, gives voice to GE washers and dryers making them accessible to the blind and visually impaired.