Getting Ready for the Holidays: Accessibility Tips and Tricks

The holiday season is a time of connection, joy, and celebration. But for individuals with disabilities or those hosting loved ones with accessibility needs, planning for the season may come with unique challenges. With a little preparation and consideration, it’s easy to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone. Here are some practical tips for accessible cooking, decorating, traveling, and hosting gatherings this holiday season.

1. Accessible Kitchen Tips for Holiday Cooking

Cooking elaborate holiday meals doesn’t have to be overwhelming! These kitchen tips can make meal preparation more accessible:

• Organize Ingredients and Tools: Keep commonly used items within easy reach. Use labeled containers, or for individuals with visual impairments, consider braille or tactile labels.

• Invest in Adaptive Kitchen Tools: Items like one-handed can openers, angled measuring cups, and nonslip cutting boards can simplify the process for people with mobility limitations.

• Simplify Recipes: Focus on recipes with fewer steps or that use prepared ingredients to save time and energy.

• Delegate Tasks: Turn meal prep into a group activity! Assign tasks like chopping, mixing, or setting the table to friends or family members.

2. Holiday Decorating with Accessibility in Mind

Create a festive and functional environment with these decorating strategies:

• Clear Pathways: Avoid placing decorations in high-traffic areas or walkways to maintain accessibility for those using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.

• Adjustable Lighting: Use dimmable lights or smart bulbs to cater to light sensitivities. Twinkling holiday lights can also be set to steady mode for those who find flashing lights uncomfortable.

• Safe and Inclusive Designs: Choose lightweight or unbreakable decorations for easier handling. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, avoid overly noisy or scented decor.

• Adapt Decor Placement: Hang decorations at varying heights to ensure they’re visible and enjoyable for everyone, including children and seated guests. Consider including decor that can be felt as well as seen. 

3. Planning for Accessible Holiday Travel

Traveling for the holidays can be stress-free with a bit of forethought:

• Research Accommodations: When booking hotels or rentals, confirm they meet accessibility needs such as roll-in showers, grab bars, or visual door alarms.

• Pack Accessibility Essentials: Keep mobility aids, medications, and assistive technology easily accessible during travel.

• Request Assistance: Airlines, bus, and train services often provide accommodations like pre-boarding or wheelchair assistance. Contact them in advance to arrange.

• Be Mindful of Timelines: Plan for extra time at airports or stations to account for potential delays and assistance needs.

4. Hosting Inclusive Gatherings

A little thoughtfulness can go a long way in making holiday gatherings more inclusive:

• Seating Arrangements: Provide flexible seating options for those using mobility devices or who may need a quiet corner to recharge.

• Dietary Needs: Ask about dietary restrictions ahead of time and prepare alternatives to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal.

• Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Designate a low-stimulation area for guests who may feel overwhelmed by noise or crowds.

• Accessible Communication: For guests with hearing impairments, provide clear visual signals for announcements or consider using captions during group activities like holiday movies.

• Inclusive Activities: Opt for games and activities that everyone can participate in, like tactile games, storytelling, or music.

A Joyful and Inclusive Holiday Season

Accessibility is about ensuring everyone can fully participate in the holiday spirit. By incorporating these tips, you’ll create a more welcoming environment that celebrates the diverse needs of your loved ones. After all, the true magic of the holidays lies in bringing people together and making lasting memories.

In addition to these tips, there are many AI-powered apps that can assist individuals with limited or no sight to identify products, read cards, and navigate transportation.

Do you have additional accessibility tips or tricks? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear your ideas!

5 Famous Blind Athletes

In the world of sports, determination and passion often overcome the greatest obstacles. For these five USA athletes, blindness was not a barrier but a stepping stone to achieving greatness. Their stories are a testament to the human spirit's ability to triumph against the odds. Here are five famous blind athletes who continue to inspire millions around the world.

1. McClain Hermes – Paralympic Swimmer Turned Triathlete

McClain Hermes has made waves, both literally and figuratively, in the world of sports. As a two-time Paralympic swimmer, Hermes is no stranger to the water. She first made a name for herself at the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016 and again in Tokyo in 2021. However, after her college swimming career at Loyola University, she sought a new challenge. Inspired by Brad Snyder, a former Paralympic swimming gold medalist turned triathlete, Hermes decided to dive into the world of triathlons.

Her first triathlon in March 2022 was not what she would call a great success, but she persevered. A year later, Hermes claimed victory at her first international race at the America's Championships in Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida. Now, living at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, she has her sights set on competing in the triathlon at the Paris Paralympic Games next summer.

Hermes' journey from a young girl dreaming of the Olympics to becoming a Paralympic swimmer and now a triathlete is a story of resilience and dedication. Her achievements inspire countless others to push beyond their limits and pursue their dreams.

2. Alvaro Mora Arellano – U.S. Blind Soccer National Team Forward

Alvaro Mora Arellano's story is one of perseverance and passion. After losing his eyesight at the age of three due to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, he never let his blindness hinder his love for soccer. Born in Cocula, Guerrero, Mexico, Mora Arellano immigrated to Arizona in 2003, and over the years, he honed his skills in blind soccer.

In 2019, he attended a talent identification camp for the U.S. Blind Soccer National Team, and in October 2022, he made the team. Mora Arellano made history on March 19, 2023, when he scored the first-ever goal for the USA Blind Soccer Men's National Team in an international friendly match against Canada.

Now, as the only player from Arizona on the U.S. national team, Mora Arellano is training hard for the 2028 Paralympic Games, which will be held in Los Angeles. His journey from a young soccer lover in Mexico to representing the United States on the international stage is a powerful reminder that challenges can be overcome with determination and love for the game.

3. Deborah McAlexander: Riding Beyond Limits

Deborah McAlexander's journey is a remarkable testament to resilience and the power of pursuing one's passion despite life's challenges. Legally blind since her early twenties due to retinitis pigmentosa, Deborah has never let her visual impairment hinder her dreams. At the age of 64, she embarked on an ambitious goal: to represent the United States in para dressage at the Paralympics.

In March 2019, Deborah moved from Missouri to Wylie, Texas, to train at the prestigious North Texas Equestrian Center, a facility recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation as a center of excellence. Under the guidance of world-renowned trainer Kai Handt, she began rigorous training in dressage—a highly skilled form of riding that requires seamless, nonverbal communication between horse and rider to perform precise movements.

Despite being new to dressage, Deborah's dedication quickly propelled her forward. She trains six days a week with her equine partner, Cornet Noir, an 11-year-old Bavarian Warmblood. Together, they have made significant strides, regularly earning ribbons at competitions and qualifying for regional and national events.

Beyond her equestrian pursuits, Deborah is an accomplished musician and educator. A former scholarship violinist, she transitioned to piano after her diagnosis, earning a master's degree in piano performance. She has dedicated much of her life to advocating for the disabled through her foundation, Vision Beyond Eyesight, Inc., which focuses on public education and providing horseback riding opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

4. Olivia Chambers: Overcoming Adversity to Shine in Para Swimming

Olivia Chambers, a swimmer from Little Rock, Arkansas, has faced significant challenges in her athletic career. At 16, Chambers began losing her vision, and by her senior year of high school, she was declared legally blind. Despite this, she continued to swim competitively and joined the University of Northern Iowa’s swim team. With the support of her coaches and teammates, Chambers transitioned into para swimming after her freshman year. She quickly rose through the ranks, breaking records and earning medals in international competitions. Most recently, she won a gold medal in the 2024 Paralympics for women’s 400m freestyle S13, a silver medal for women’s 100m breaststroke SB13, and a silver in women’s 200m medley SM13.

5. Lex Gillette: World Record Long-Jumper

Lex Gillette is a Paralympic silver medalist and world record holder in the long jump for Team USA. The only totally blind athlete to surpass the 22-foot barrier, he has won five Paralympic medals and four world championships.

Though he lost his sight as a child, Lex’s determination was shaped by his mother’s words: “You decide what you can do.” This mindset helped him turn adversity into triumph. Featured in media outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated, Lex was inducted into the ADN Hall of Fame in 2015.

Beyond sports, Lex is an athlete-mentor for Classroom Champions, where he inspires students in underserved communities to set goals, persevere, and work as a team. His work with young people even led to a collaboration on a Google Glass app that enhances his access to the world—mirroring the vision of his students. Through his achievements and mentorship, Lex continues to inspire on and off the field.

Conclusion

These five athletes, through their hard work, determination, and passion, have shown the world that blindness is not a limitation but a different way of experiencing life and sport. Their stories inspire us to overcome our own challenges, whatever they may be, and to strive for greatness in all that we do.

Navigating the Job Market as a Blind or Visually Impaired Person

Blue square with the text "Navigating the Job Market" and a white box within the blue square containing the world services for the blind logo and the text "As a Blind or Visually Impaired Person"

Navigating the Job Market as a Blind or Low Vision Job Seeker

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the job market, prompting many to seek new opportunities that better align with their personal and professional goals. For individuals with disabilities, including blindness or low vision, this can present unique challenges but also exciting opportunities. Understanding the landscape and knowing your rights and resources can empower you to find the right job.

The Importance of Accessible Recruitment

Accessibility in hiring is not just a legal requirement but also a practice that benefits both job seekers and employers. Unfortunately, many companies still treat accessibility as an afterthought, making the job search process difficult for those with disabilities. There are steps you can take to navigate what may be a challenging process. 

Steps to Enhance Your Job Search

Here are some actionable tips to navigate the job market more effectively:

1. Leverage Support Organizations: Connect with organizations that specialize in supporting individuals with blindness or low vision. These include the National Federation of the Blind, American Council of the Blind, and state vocational rehabilitation agencies (including World Services for the Blind). These groups can provide job leads, resources, and support tailored to your needs.

2. Seek Accessible Job Postings: When searching for jobs, prioritize companies that maintain accessible websites and application processes. Look for indications that a company follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which ensure web content is accessible to people with disabilities.

3. Understand Your Rights to Accommodations: You have the right to reasonable accommodations during the application process and in the workplace. Employers are legally required to provide these accommodations, which can include accessible application forms, assistive technology, and modifications to the job role.

4. Disclose Your Needs When Ready: Deciding when to disclose your blindness or low vision is a personal decision. Some choose to disclose during the application process to ensure accommodations are in place, while others wait until after a job offer is made. Knowing your rights and the company's policies can help you make this decision.

Making the Most of Technology

Technology can be both a barrier and a benefit in your job search. Automated screening tools and AI can sometimes overlook qualified candidates with disabilities. If you encounter inaccessible technology, don't hesitate to request accommodations or alternative application methods. Additionally, many companies now use video interviews—make sure you have the necessary assistive technology to participate fully. World Services for the Blind offers Assistive Technology Fundamentals support if you need to brush up on your skills.

Building an Inclusive Workplace Culture

When evaluating potential employers, consider their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Look for companies that explicitly state their dedication to providing reasonable accommodations and fostering an inclusive environment. Testimonials from current employees with disabilities can also offer insights into the company culture.

Conclusion

The job search process can be challenging, but by taking advantage of available resources and understanding your rights, you can find opportunities that match your skills and aspirations. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of diversity and inclusion, making now a great time to seek out employers who appreciate the unique perspectives and talents that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce.

Empower yourself with knowledge and reach out to supportive networks. Your next opportunity is out there, and with the right tools and support, you can navigate the job market successfully.

Explore Career Training Programs for the blind and visually impaired here

Voting Tips for the Blind & Visually Impaired

someone putting a ballot in a white box that says “vote” with white text underneath “Voting tips for those who are blind and visually impaired”

Voting Tips for the Blind & Visually Impaired

With election season right around the corner, and our video showcasing accessible voting machines, we wanted to share some tips for voting when you are blind or visually impaired. For someone without a disability, voting is a fairly simple task. You go to your designated voting site, check in, and then get to voting! But for people with disabilities, this can be a bit of trickier process, especially if you are new to blindness. But in today’s blog post, we’ve got you covered in how to succeed when it comes to voting as someone who is blind or visually impaired!

Request a Demo and Check Accessibility Options

As we showed in our video of accessible voting machines, you can ask your local voter commission for a demo of the voting machine! While you may want to wait until election season is over (or before election season) to request a demo, they should be happy to provide one. We have also heard of different states providing different accessibility features such as an ADA compliant phone registration to submit your ballot. It can just depend on the state! Be sure to check with your local voter commission.

Ask for Help from the Volunteers, not your friend!  

While it can be tempting to just ask your friend for help when it comes to voting, don’t forget the volunteers are there to help you! Voting is a personal decision and your friends don’t need to know who you vote for! As someone with a disability, you are still allowed that autonomy and freedom to confidentiality when it comes to voting.

Bring Headphones

When using the accessible voting machines, it is important to have headphones! While they might have headphones there, it’s not always a guarantee, so it is important to remember your own pair.

Set up your ride beforehand

We know too well that transportation can be a big issue when it comes to voting, especially for the blind and visually impaired. One tip is to set up your transportation beforehand, whether that is scheduling paratransit, scheduling a rideshare service, or even grabbing a ride from a friend. Uber oftentimes has free rides to go vote as well, so that is definitely something to keep a look out for in the future on big election days!

Absentee Ballot

If transportation is an even bigger issue for you, perhaps you live somewhere more rural, another option is requesting an absentee ballot. Some states even allow you to request absentee ballots for the entire election cycle as someone with a disability. Again, this is just something you will want to check with your local voter commission to make sure.  

What are your tips for voting? Let us know in the comments!

 Follow WSB on Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok  

Why Representation Matters on All The Light We Cannot See with Joe Strechay

Headshot of joe in a circle with white text “why representation matters in all the light we cannot see with associate producer, joe strechay by world services for the blind”

Why Representation Matters with Joe Strechay

Representation in media for the blind and visually impaired is scarce. Whether it’s in books, film, or TV, it is often not there. And if it is there, oftentimes it’s not accurate largely due to those who are depicted as blind being played by sighted actors. Historically, disability has been something society has seen as uncomfortable and a version of humanity to hide away.

But there is one person who is working to change that narrative when it comes to the film industry. If you don’t already, get to know the name Joe Strechay. 

With the release of the adaptation of All the Light We Cannot See on Netflix this past month, we were pleasantly surprised and delighted with the depiction of blindness in this limited series. Not only was the representation portrayed beautifully by the main actress (who is blind!), Aria Mia Loberti, but it was also thanks to accessibility consultant and associate producer, Joe Strechay. The representation was intentional, and we could tell.

We were thrilled to sit down with Strechay and gain a better understanding around how he is working to change the film industry when it comes to accurate representation. Strechay has worked on a myriad of productions including Daredevil and Apple TV’s science fiction television series See. His career has allowed him to become an accessibility consultant whether he was working to make sets more inclusive, for example, large print or braille scripts, or working on projects that highlight and champion blindness depiction like All the Light We Cannot See.  

The Intentionality of Representation

For a lot of able-bodied people, many get their ideas of blindness from films and TV. As those in the blind community know though, the representation is a false hope of what could be. But Strechay is intentional about even the smallest details to make the portrayal of blindness realistic. In one scene, he noted, Marie (the main character) asks someone a question. They answer by nodding but realize she cannot see them nod, and they respond verbally.

He also noted that it was especially important when working behind the camera on All the Light We Cannot See to get the blocking right and authentic when working in disability representation. In some scenes, Aria may have been using her feet a lot in unfamiliar environments, but Strechay noticed it might not get picked up on camera. He noted if this happened, he would oftentimes work with Aria on creating a different way to portray how she navigated the environment as someone who is blind. For example, she might use her hands more to explore the environment while she was standing as opposed to using her feet.

While it may not seem as big of a deal to those who are not blind and visually impaired, there were also big moves when it came to the audio description of the adaptation. In the production, Aria used scrubbing when reading braille due to her learning it in school (a technique to increase speed and fluency), and this was even added into the audio description of the adaptation! Not only were there thoughtful additions to the audio description, but it comes back to the small details. Throughout the show, she can be seen switching her cane in her hands if needed, for example, in one scene where she opens the door to a bakery. She switches her cane to her other hand quickly to open the doorknob of the bakery. Stretchay noted that sighted people don’t do this when portraying blindness, but those who use canes do this hand switch often when navigating the world.

 Strechay remarked it is these small details that makes him really excited and it’s the different between a sighted actor and an actor with the real lived experience. These details might seem small to some, but for those who are blind and visually impaired, it’s a huge leap in representing our community accurately. Strechay noted that he keeps a running list of things that happen in his daily life that might be important to use on screen or elsewhere.

“What I get to do is we find these amazing people who are going [to] go onto great careers and give them an opportunity. But also, the people that I work with who are all these people who are sighted persons without disabilities working on the film set behind the camera”

The Impact On and Off Screen

Strechay has noticed the impact that his work has had on the disability and the able-bodied communities. Oftentimes those who are blind are portrayed in very negative connotations on film, whether it’s on a street corner or in a hospital bed. Strechay reflected on how the projects he has worked on have contributed to changing that narrative and perception: “You know, not that we don't do all these things but you know we do way more than that, and a and to show people like, See? You know, we show people fighting. We show people doing all kinds of stuff like building houses. And I have friends who are contractors who are metal workers”

Strechay noted not only has the projects he has worked on help build representation, but him working on set gives our community the representation we deserve. When he works on a new show, he provides training to those working on the production around disability. But he noted there are oftentimes those working on the production who are there for only a day or two and do not receive that training. He noted one time, someone said to him “it’s really nice they allow you to be here” and Strechay had to advocate for himself to say they wanted him there. But just like all of us, this confidence in advocacy was something that Strechay had to grow. Prior to his work in the film industry, Strechay had a long history working in the field of disability and blindness with a Master’s degree in Visual Disabilities.

Strechay is no stranger to the world of Vocational Rehabilitation. Previously, he worked leading the Bureau of Blind Services in Pennsylvania, as well as running youth programs across various states. Because of his experiences, Strechay is a champion around employment barriers, accessibility, blindness, and confidence. He noted “the employment process is about creating trust between you and that employer”.

Through his experiences, whether it is the lived experience as someone who is blind, or through his work in the film industry, Strechay believes in giving everyone a chance to succeed.

“I think we have to give people the opportunity to decide where they want to go. And their passion, you know, it doesn't mean they're going to be great at it but give them the opportunity. We all of us have the opportunity to fail. But we learn from it and move forward. We don't get to do that if we don't get to try.”

Strechay is hopeful for the future of representation. This is only just the beginning. He hopes through his work to help the film industry show more disability in general. All the Light We Cannot See, and Strechay’s work on the adaptation, allow the blind community to be seen in ways we have not before. Disability is a part of daily life, and we are not going anywhere.

 Follow WSB on Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok  

How to Use LinkedIn In Your Job Search as a Person with a Disability

a laptop at a desk with white text “how to use linkedin as a person with a disability by world services for the blind” with the wsb globe logo in the bottom right corner

How to Use LinkedIn In Your Job Search as a Person with a Disability

At WSB, we work with clients who in the job search process all the time. One of the biggest components of our career training programs includes Employment Preparation classes. These classes go over everything from interviewing skills to searching for jobs. But have you ever thought about how to use LinkedIn in your job search as a person with a disability? It can be a great tool to utilize when it comes to connecting with those in the field and applying for jobs.  

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and this month on the blog we’re focusing on LinkedIn! Below are some tips on utilizing LinkedIn in your job search, especially as someone who is blind or visually impaired.

Fill out your profile fully

One of the biggest keys to utilizing LinkedIn to its fullest is by filling your profile fully. This includes listing your past job experience, volunteer experience, skills, and creating a headline section. If you’re searching for a job, your headline section can highlight your skills an previous experience.

Professional Photo

Make sure you are using a professional photo. A simple headshot is the most common on LinkedIn, especially because you don’t want to use a photo that you might use on other social media sites. A headshot is professional, which is what LinkedIn is all about! If you don’t have one, we recommend having a friend take one of you against a blank wall. You also want to make sure you are wearing professional clothing in the photo. 

Job Search Feature and Save Job Searches

One of the most useful tools when it comes to LinkedIn is the job search feature. Once you fill out your profile fully, the job search function can be a great way to find jobs you might enjoy or fit your skillset. You can also save searches and they will be emailed directly to you!

Create Connections

Another great way to utilize LinkedIn is by creating connections. This may be through people you meet while on-campus at WSB (think of your peers, instructors, etc.), or it can include people in fields you might be interested in pursuing. If you are connecting with people who you may want to pursue an informational interview with, make sure you send them a personalized note when you connect with them. You can mention some of your past experience, and you are interested in talking with them about their career.

Join Groups

When you think of groups, you might just think of Facebook but LinkedIn also has a lot of different groups! Groups can be another way to gain connections and learn from others in the field. If you are new to vision loss, we know that networking in person can feel intimidating. Connecting with others in career fields you’re interested in through LinkedIn groups can be great way to connect online.

 Follow WSB on Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok

Travel Tips for the Blind 2023

Travel Tips for the Blind 2023

picture of the Eifel tower with blue text “travel tips for the blind & visually impaired 2023” with the wsb blue globe logo at the top

In 2020, we shared some of our favorite travel tips for the blind, but we thought that might need an update! With travel being a norm after the pandemic, there are certainly specific tips and tricks you can use a blind traveler to make it a little easier on yourself. We’re sharing our top 2023 travel tips for the blind.

Research Accessibility and Discounts Where You Are Going

Depending on where you are going, there may be different accessibility tools or ways to navigate that are different than you are used to. For example, in the UK they have tactile cones at the bottom of crosswalk signals that start to move when it is safe to cross.  

One plus of being blind or visually impaired is that there are some discounts depending on where you go! For example, did you know when you visit Versailles, if you are blind or visually impaired, it is free to visit? Many historical sites, museums, and more have discounts for those with disabilities. It can be helpful to research this before you go.  

Bring a Spare Cane

We’ve learned this from experience… Bring the spare cane!! Even if you have a guide dog, it can still be helpful to bring a spare cane. You never know what might happen. A spare cane means that you have a little extra security.

Ask, Ask, Ask

We’ve featured this in other blog posts, but do not be afraid to ask for help! Whether it is asking for help finding your seat on the plane, or asking the desk when you get off the plane which baggage claim you need to go to, asking for help is never a bad idea. Most of the time, people are happy to help.

Utilize Digital Technology & Apps

There are so many apps that can help when you are traveling. At WSB, we are big fans of Be My Eyes to help us navigate the airport and new locations. Google Maps is also great because you can download maps of cities and access them even if you don’t have Wifi or Data. Learn how to download maps here.

Know some braille

While we know braille may not be as common, especially for those who have lost their vision later in life, it can really come in handy when traveling! It can be helpful at train station or even when you’re looking for the right bathroom. If you’re interested in learning braille, WSB offers a wide range of life skills training.  

Do you have any travel tips for the blind and visually impaired? Let us know in the comments!

Follow WSB on Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok