Special Collections
Blindness and Visual Impairment Special Collection
Description: A collection featuring biographies, memoirs, fiction and non-fiction by and about members of the blind community. #disability
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Fire in My Eyes
by Brad Snyder and Tom Sileo"I am not going to let my blindness build a brick wall around me. I'd give my eyes one hundred times again to have the chance to do what I have done, and what I can still do."-Brad Snyder speaking with First Lady Michelle Obama
On the night Osama bin Laden was killed, US Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder was serving in Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer with SEAL Team Ten. When he learned of SEAL Team Six's heroics across the Pakistani border, Brad was thankful. Still, he knew that his dangerous combat deployment would continue.
Less than five months later, Brad was engulfed by darkness after a massive blast caused by an enemy improvised explosive device. Suddenly Brad was blind, with vivid dreams serving as painful nightly reminders of his sacrifice.
Exactly one year after losing his sight, Brad heard thousands cheer as he stood on a podium in London. Incredibly, Brad had just won a gold medal in swimming at the 2012 Paralympic Games.
Fire in My Eyes is the astonishing true story of a wounded veteran who refused to give up. Lieutenant Brad Snyder did not let blindness build a wall around him-through tenacity and courage, he tore it down.
Carmella's Quest
by Carmella BroomeThe author, who is blind, describes her years at North Greenville College.
Out Of Sight
by Art Schreiber and Hal SimmonsA high level radio news broadcast executive, Art Schreiber suddenly lost his eyesight. At the top of his career as a radio station general manager, Art awoke one morning at a resort near Santa Fe, New Mexico, unable to see. His world was in complete darkness. After facing total despair, Art plotted his return to the top while learning to live life in a new way in a new world. Art's refusal to fold his tent when his eyesight failed and his struggle to live life to the fullest will inspire any person who reads his story. Art's greatest reward in life is encouraging and motivating others who face similar challenges.
The Doctor Will Not See You Now
by Jane PoulsonA spiritual autobiography by Dr. Poulson takes the reader by the arm through the story of her career as a sighted medical scientist who became blind in the first year of her professional career. No reader will fail to be astonished and inspired by her accomplishments and optimism.
No Finish Line
by Sally Jenkins and Marla Runyan"Blind? I think there's no doubt that Marla Runyan can see things much clearer than most of us with 20/20 vision. " - Lance Armstrong
Marla Runyan was nine years old when she was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease, an irreversible form of macular degeneration. With the uneasy but unwavering support of her parents, she refused to let her diagnosis limit her dreams. Despite her severely impaired, ever-worsening vision, Marla rode horseback and learned to play the violin. And she found her true calling in sports. A gifted and natural athlete, Marla began to compete in the unlikeliest event of all: the heptathlon, the grueling women's equivalent of the decathlon, consisting of seven events: the 200-meter dash, high jump, shot put, 100-meter hurdles, long jump, javelin throw, and 800-meter run. In 1996, she astonished the sports world by qualifying for the U. S. Olympic Trials and, along the way, set the American record for heptathlon 800. It was then that she decided to concentrate on her running. Four years of intense effort paid off. In 2000, she qualified for the U. S. Olympic team by finishing third in the 1,500 meters. In Sydney, she placed eighth in the finals, the top American finisher - the highest women's placing for the United States in the event's history. With self-deprecation and surprising wit, Marla reveals what it's like to see the world through her eyes, how it feels to grow up "disabled" in a society where expectations are often based on perceived abilities, and what it means to compete at the world-class level despite the fact that - quite literally, for her - there is no finish line.
No End In Sight
by Rachael Scdoris and Rick SteberRachael Scdoris, the daughter of a sled musher, has a passion for sled dogs and racing. From a young age she dreams of racing the Iditarod. Afflicted with a rare eye disorder, she is legally blind but is determined to overcome obstacles to make her dream come true. The book tells of her childhood, her experiences at school, and her struggle to become independent. Her love of dogs and dogsledding are paramount throughout her young life.
Breaking the Bonds of Blindness
by Mark Jacoby and Bill DriverHad he stayed in public school, he would have been in ninth grade, but without sight, he had to go to the school for the blind, where he found himself in class with kindergarteners. He had to learn braille--harder for him since his arms were longer and the dot messages had longer paths to travel--and he couldn't get out of eighth grade until he got those reading skills. Always the optimist, Bill graduated and had a lot of fun along the way. Bill and his family encountered plenty of stumbling blocks, but with humor, love, and ingenuity, they persevered, enjoying life and each other. This book is humorous, inspiring,and real--a fascinating and enjoyable autobiography.
I Can Feel Blue On Monday
by Marc MaurerThe title vignette involves a teacher who is determined that a young boy (who is blind) should be able to feel the color of the piece of paper which she gives him. When he assures her that this is not possible, the teacher badgers him until he answers: "I can feel blue on Monday." He is sent to the principal's office for punishment. The principal is a wise man, and the "punishment" is quite fun. "The present volume, I Can Feel Blue on Monday, is number nineteen in the [Kernel Book] series. Here you will meet old friends and new-the real blind men and women whose stories tell what blindness is and, perhaps equally important, what it is not. Although our problems often seem complex, they frequently result from simple matters of misunderstanding and lack of information. ... How does a blind tourist absorb the splendor of the palace of the Imperial Chinese Emperor? What about the woman with failing eyesight who can no longer see the beautiful wings of a butterfly-can she no longer hope to experience those magical moments of beauty which once moved her to tears? And, finally, if (as Thomas Edison once said) 80 percent of all we learn comes through the eye, can our hope for normal lives be anything more than a futile dream?
The Kingdom Within
by Genevieve CaulfieldGenevieve Caulfield became blind as an infant, and was educated at the Perkins and Overbrook Schools for the Blind before attending college. When she was seventeen she became passionately interested in Japan, and determined to work there as a teacher. This memoir describes her long and careful preparations for her move to Japan, and her 14 years there as a teacher of English. In 1937, as Japan went to war in Manchuria and its relations with the United States deteriorated, Caulfield relocated to Thailand, where she established that nation's first school for blind children. Along the way Caulfield made innumerable friends, adopted a Japanese daughter, and raised her twin grandchildren after her daughter's tragic death. Life in Thailand during World War II is vividly portrayed in this memoir. This is a straightforward account by a woman of enormous determination and ability.
Craig Macfarlane Hasn't Heard Of You Either!
by Craig MacfarlaneIn the pages of this book Craig MacFarlane tells a remarkable story and shares the incredible lessons his experience taught him. Craig takes the amazing story of his success and uses it as a backdrop to demonstrate the framework that has led to a successful, enviable life.
To appreciate this book, you need to understand that Craig MacFarlane is totally blind.
The victim of a horrible tragedy at the age of two that cost him his eyesight, Craig has forged an awesome life. Treating his total loss of eyesight as nothing more than a minor inconvenience, Craig proceeded to become the World's Most Celebrated Totally Blind Athlete, using his athletic opportunities as the vehicle to establish himself in the "sighted" world and as the launching pad for an impressive 30 year career in the world of business. In his trademark modest and self-effacing style, Craig has written an autobiography that isn't so much about him as it is about you.
The stories of Craig's accomplishments, which include winning more than 100 gold medals (the majority against sighted competition) to winning multiple National Championships in both Canada and the United States, to representing Canada and the United States and winning on the World stage, to winning the U. S. National Blind Snow Skiing Championship to Water Ski Jumping at Cypress Gardens to shooting 91 in golf, only serve as the backdrop for a greater message as Craig shares the lessons he learned and how he applied them.
Those lessons, those principles, became the foundation that led to his noteworthy career as an internationally renowned Keynote Inspirational Speaker. From the big stage of the Republican National Convention to innumerable international Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 business conferences and conventions to almost 3,000 high schools on three continents, Craig has demonstrated the principles he will challenge you to incorporate into your life. Success, of course, is a highly personal thing and to Craig that also includes being the best husband, father and friend he can be.
You will quickly realize that the same principles and lessons that lead to business success also lead to a great life and Craig's world personifies this message every day. The stories in this book will enthrall you. They will grip you. They will entertain you. They will tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh while holding you on the edge of your seat. Even more, they will test you. The stories are real, they are dramatic, they are genuine. The lessons they teach are powerful, significant and potentially life changing, for those who take them seriously. Prepare to be entertained and enlightened as you enjoy this awesome experience. You are about to see the principles of success in a whole new light. You will find yourself inspired to raise the bar in your life and do more with the opportunities in front of you with greater appreciation of what you already have. Don't study this book, enjoy it.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Craig's message and he will truly elevate your senses, taking you from having eyesight to having vision. Ultimately, Craig's message will teach you how to benefit from the profound wisdom that comes from true self awareness, or as he calls, Inner Vision.
To Race the Wind
by Harold KrentsThe autobiography of Harold Krents, a young blind man who was a well-known lawyer in the early 1970's. Harold was the inspiration for the film and play, Butterflies Are Free.
Crashing Through
by Robert KursonIn his critically acclaimed bestsellerShadow Divers, Robert Kurson explored the depths of history, friendship, and compulsion. Now Kurson returns with another thrilling adventure–the stunning true story of one man’s heroic odyssey from blindness into sight. Mike May spent his life crashing through. Blinded at age three, he defied expectations by breaking world records in downhill speed skiing, joining the CIA, and becoming a successful inventor, entrepreneur, and family man. He had never yearned for...
How Do you Kiss a Blind Girl?
by Sally Roesch WagnerSally Wagner grew up in Prairie Village, Kan., and received a B.A. in English from Grinnell College. She taught high school English in Lakewood, Colorado, and re ceived an M.A. in journalism from the University of Colorado. She turned from teaching to journalism, but within months came the first signs of what led to blindness three years later.
With Andy, her golden retriever dog guide from the Seeing Eye, she took a public relations post, returned to reporting and collected the anecdotes which drew her back to Prairie Village to write this book. Wagner, 42, now covers a police beat for the Kansas City Times from her Prairie Village apartment.
No Barriers
by Erik Weihenmayer and Buddy Levy“More than an incredible adventure story . . . a beautiful book about family and finding a way to achieve more than you ever thought possible.” —Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Lightning RodFinalist, Colorado Book AwardHonorable Mention, National Outdoor Book AwardsErik Weihenmayer is the first and only blind person to summit Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Descending carefully, he and his team picked their way across deep crevasses and through the deadly Khumbu Icefall; when the mountain was finally behind him, Erik knew he was going to live. His expedition leader slapped him on the back and said something that would affect the course of Erik’s life: “Don’t make Everest the greatest thing you ever do.”No Barriers is Erik’s response to that challenge. It is the moving story of his journey since descending Mount Everest—from leading expeditions around the world with blind Tibetan teenagers to helping injured soldiers climb their way home from war, from adopting a son from Nepal to facing the most terrifying reach of his life: to solo kayak the thunderous whitewater of the Grand Canyon.Along the course of Erik’s journey, he meets other trailblazers—adventurers, scientists, artists, and activists—who, despite trauma, hardship, and loss, have broken through barriers of their own. These pioneers show Erik surprising ways forward that surpass logic and defy traditional thinking.Like the rapids of the Grand Canyon, created by inexorable forces far beneath the surface, No Barriers is a dive into the heart and mind at the core of the turbulent human experience. It is an exploration of the light that burns in all of us, the obstacles that threaten to extinguish that light, and the treacherous ascent towards growth and rebirth.“A tale of grit, determination, courage, and overcoming tremendous odds. . . . A wonderful tribute to the greatness of the human spirit.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Two Ends of a Leash
by Grace D. NapierTwo Ends of a Leash: Unshackled is the life story of author Grace D. Napier.
Born blind, Grace came from a humble home in New Jersey. She began school when there were no special education programs for children who were blind. The teachers and principal regarded Grace as not only blind, but also mentally retarded. Because they misunderstood her disability, they ignored her, letting her sit idle at her desk every day. Nevertheless, Grace had a hunger to learn.
When her parents heard about a special education program in the next city, Grace met Miss Katharine Taylor, her new special education teacher. Grace's life was forever changed, thanks to the influence of this gifted teacher. Now eighty-five, Grace resides in Colorado after a long career of teaching children and graduate students at three universities.
Grace began using Seeing Eye dog guides when she was seventeen years old. She is now working with her ninth dog, Esma (shown on the front cover). Read her fascinating and inspiring story.
Breaking Barriers
by Peter AltschulFor some unknown reason, Peter Altschul was born totally blind. He grew up in a working-class town where, with the help of his persistent mother, he broke through barrier after barrier, determined to live a full life.
After attending a private school that initially turned him away--simply because he was blind--Peter details how he discovered his gift for music, eventually playing percussion in the orchestra, marching band, and jazz ensemble at Princeton University.
But it was only after Peter graduated from college that it became evident he would need a guide dog. Heidi, a Weimaraner with a large repertoire of barks, howls, and grunts, would assist Peter for the next eight years through the halls of New England Conservatory, where he eventually obtained a master's degree in music composition.
Peter relays how he blazed a unique professional trail while simultaneously overcoming obstacles; managed his uneasy relationship with music; and embraced his unexpected entrance into an unfamiliar and romantic world.
He also provides an unforgettable glimpse into the wonderful ways his five guide dogs supported him on his journey from urban bachelorhood to the light of love.
Breaking Barriers shares a compelling account of one man's journey through life as he and each of his specially trained dogs learned to trust each other, ultimately melding into a smooth working team that tackled the world-together.
Eclipse
by Hugues De Montalembert and David NoakesUp until 1978, the author, a French count by birth, was a painter. He travelled extensively working on documentary films such as I A Dancer about Rudolph Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. He took a deep interest in the culture of the countries he visited: the harlem voodoo in West Africa and Indonesian music in Bali. On May 25th 1978, when returning to his apartment in New York from a Greenwich Village coffee-house, he was met by two intruders who threw caustic solution in his face. At the age of thirty-five he was blinded for life. Hugues de Montalembert is currently based in Rome although he continues to travel between Europe, America and South East Asia. The French edition of ECLIPSE became a bestseller when it was published in 1982 and the author is currently working on his second book.
Facing the Wind
by Julie SalamonRobert and Mary Rowe’s second child, Christopher, was born with severe neurological and visual impairments. For many years, the Rowes’ courageous response to adversity set an example for a group of Brooklyn mothers who met to discuss the challenges of raising children with birth defects. Then Bob Rowe’s pressures — professional and personal — took their toll, and he fell into depression and, ultimately delusion. And one day he took a baseball bat and killed his three children and his wife. InFacing the Wind,Julie Salamon not only tells the Rowes’ tragic story but also explores the lives of others drawn into it: the mothers, a social worker with problems of her own, an ocularist — that is, a man who makes prosthetic eyes — a young woman who enters the novitiate out of shame over her childhood sexual activities, and a judge of unusual wisdom. Facing the Windis a work of redemptive compassion and understanding. It addresses the questions of how human beings cope with the burdens that chance inflicts upon them and what constitutes moral and legal guilt and innocence.
Adventures in Darkness
by Tom SullivanIn Adventures in Darkness, Tom Sullivan takes readers through the adventures of his monumental eleventh year. Blind since birth, Tom lived in a challenging world of isolation and special treatment. But he was driven to break out and live as sighted people do. This book is a hair-raising, heart-warming experience that culminates in Tom's reliance upon God to realize his dreams of a "normal" life.
Cry Purple
by Christine McdonaldThis is the story of the author's journey from almost two decades of prostitution, crack addiction and prison to her present life of blindness, motherhood and happiness.
Shades of Darkness
by George E. BrummellThe last image I ever saw--the instant before my eyes were seared by a landmine explosion in the jungles of Vietnam--is always with me. Many times during the past forty years, I have thought of myself as unlucky. But a soldier I met recently left me wondering. The meeting happened on a visit with a friend and fellow Vietnam veteran to Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., where some of America's wounded warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan were being treated.
Now I See You
by Nicole C. KearAt nineteen years old, Nicole C. Kear's biggest concern is choosing a major--until she walks into a doctor's office in midtown Manhattan and gets a life-changing diagnosis. She is going blind, courtesy of an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa, and has only a decade or so before Lights Out. Instead of making preparations as the doctor suggests, Kear decides to carpe diem and make the most of the vision she has left. She joins circus school, tears through boyfriends, travels the world, and through all these hi-jinks, she keeps her vision loss a secret.
When Kear becomes a mother, just a few years shy of her vision's expiration date, she amends her carpe diem strategy, giving up recklessness in order to relish every moment with her kids. Her secret, though, is harder to surrender - and as her vision deteriorates, harder to keep hidden. As her world grows blurred, one thing becomes clear: no matter how hard she fights, she won't win the battle against blindness. But if she comes clean with her secret, and comes to terms with the loss, she can still win her happy ending.
Told with humor and irreverence, Now I See You is an uplifting story about refusing to cower at life's curve balls, about the power of love to triumph over fear. But, at its core, it's a story about acceptance: facing the truths that just won't go away, and facing yourself, broken parts and all.
Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind
by Lindy BergmanOut of Sight, Not Out of Mind presents a personal account of living successfully with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), combined with powerful new information on effective service delivery. Ninety-three-year old Lindy Bergman illustrates the ways in which life with low vision can be lived with independence, dignity, and personal satisfaction. Also included are highly informative chapters, written by the world-renowned experts from The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired, encompassing the latest information about the causes and treatment of AMD; a concise, informative overviews of the effects of aging on vision, the emotional and psychological components of vision loss and the integration of the individual's psychological recovery into low vision service delivery; and a cutting-edge model of rehabilitation that meets the challenges of service provision today. Foreword by Jonathan Safran Foer, award-winning author of Everything Is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
C'mon Papa
by Ryan KnightonRyan Knighton's humorous and perceptive tales of fatherhood take us inside an unusual new family, one bound by its father's particular darkness and light.
C'mon Papa is Ryan Knighton's heartbreaking and hilarious voyage through the first year of fatherhood. Becoming a father is a stressful, daunting rite of passage to be sure, but for a blind father, the fears are unimaginably heightened. Ryan will have to find novel ways to adapt to nearly every aspect of parenting: the most basic skills are nearly impossible to contemplate, let alone master. And how will Ryan get to know this pre-verbal bundle of coos and burps when he can't see her smile, or look into her eyes for hints of the person to come? But this is no pity party, and Ryan has no time for sentimentality.
Tackling these hurdles with grace and humour, Ryan is determined to do his part -- and this is where the fun starts. From holding his daughter as she wails into the night to their first nerve-wracking walk to the cafe, no activity between father and daughter is without its pitfalls. In his struggle to "see" Tess, Ryan reimagines the relationship between father and child during that first chaotic year.