Infographic headed “Keep up to date with What’s New!” features article, video, and resource previews marked “New” and “Updated.” Below, a diverse group, including a wheelchair user, reviews materials together beneath the message “Informed and ready to remove barriers.”

What's New and Updated at The Shining Lamp?

  • Dr. Natalie Shaheen Wins $1.5 Million NSF CAREER Grant

    New

    Dr. Natalie Shaheen's groundbreaking $1.5 million NSF CAREER grant signifies a pivotal moment in the quest for equitable STEM education. With an unwavering commitment to addressing the entrenched disparities faced by blind and low-vision (BLV) students, Shaheen's initiative aims not only to remove barriers but to empower Blind People in science classrooms like never before. Through innovative research and mentorship, she's leading a charge to redefine the landscape of STEM education, ensuring that Blind and Low Vision students have the opportunity to excel and contribute meaningfully to the…

  • Safeguarding the legacy, investing the inheritance - A tribute to the transformative impact of Louis Braille's invention on the lives of Blind People

    New

    by Jonathan Mosen MNZM In his keynote address to the International Council on English Braille, Jonathan Mosen MNZM paid tribute to the transformative impact of Louis Braille's invention on the lives of Blind People. Mosen recounted the historical journey of Braille, from its inception by an unrecognized genius to its eventual acclaim and celebration. He emphasized Helen Keller's tribute to Braille, highlighting its crucial role in the intellectual and educational empowerment of Blind People. Jonathan Mosen MNZM is a renowned advocate for the rights of Blind People, a prolific author, and a…

  • When Do People with Disabilities Get the Respect and Services They Deserve?

    Updated

    Those with physical disabilities aren’t invisible, and yet we fail to adequately plan for their needs and ability to contribute to our society. Physically disabled people don’t all travel in wheelchairs or use motorized lifts to put them into pools or baths. Many will walk right past you in the street, and you won’t know they have a disability until something happens and you find they are deaf, Blind, or have Low Vision or even have one or more other invisible Disabilities. Perhaps the cloak of invisibility these disabilities provide may furnish a greater ability to navigate our society as…

  • Shattering Injustice and Raising Expectations: Dedication to Equality by a Blind Attorney

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    Karla Gilbride, a distinguished attorney, shares her journey of removing barriers and fighting against injustice as a blind woman in the legal field. Her remarkable achievements include arguing a case before the United States Supreme Court, a feat rarely accomplished by any attorney, let alone a blind one. Despite facing doubts and problems, Gilbride's determination, strengthened by her stubborn streak and strong blindness skills, propelled her forward. Her story sheds light on the importance of advocating for equal rights and removing structural barriers that prevent justice. Gilbride's…

  • A Nation of “Haves” and “Have-Nots”?

    Updated

    Embark on a journey through America's economic landscape with the illuminating article, "A Nation of 'Haves' and 'Have-Nots'," meticulously crafted by Jodie T. Allen and Michael Dimock from the Pew Research Center. Unveiling a profound societal shift over the past two decades, the article delves into how a growing segment of the population perceives America as sharply fragmented between the privileged "haves" and the struggling "have-nots." Through meticulous research and compelling analysis, Allen and Dimock unravel the complex dynamics driving this divide, from widening income inequality to…

  • Fighting the War on ‘Image Poverty’

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    In "Fighting the War on ‘Image Poverty’" by Claire Rojstaczer, Chancey Fleet shares her journey from being a beneficiary of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) to becoming an advocate for improving access to information for people who are Blind or Low Vision. Fleet's childhood experiences with NLS ignited her passion for creating meaningful access to information for others, leading her to her current role as the Assistive Technology Coordinator at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library in New York City. Through innovative programs like the…

  • Helping Out: How Chores at Home May Pave the Way to Future Employment for Blind Youth

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    "Helping Out: How Chores at Home May Pave the Way to Future Employment for Blind Youth" by Julie Deden explores the pivotal role of household chores in shaping the future employment prospects of blind people. As the Director of the Colorado Center for the Blind, Deden draws from personal experiences and interviews to highlight the problems blind people encounter in acquiring practical life skills. The article underscores the significance of parental involvement in teaching nonvisual methods of performing daily tasks, emphasizing the long-term benefits of this early exposure. Deden's…

  • On Becoming a Commercial Realtor: A Blind Person’s Pathway out of Poverty and Penury

    New

    Charles Innes shares a remarkable journey of perseverance and triumph in his article, "On Becoming a Commercial Realtor: A Blind Person’s Pathway out of Poverty and Penury." In his seventies, Innes reflects on his thirty-one years as a licensed commercial realtor in Maryland, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. From the depths of unemployment and reliance on welfare to the heights of professional success, Innes's story is one of resilience and determination. In his narrative, Innes recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from failed ventures to…

  • Fostering Inclusion: Blindness Doesn’t Define Us

    New

    The article "Fostering Inclusion: Blindness Doesn’t Define Us" by Cricket Bidleman and Karen Smith shares a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and triumphs faced by Blind People in navigating social interactions and recreational activities. Cricket, as the social media coordinator at the Jernigan Institute, reflects on her journey from childhood, where accessibility was often an afterthought, to finding a supportive community in college. She recounts her experiences with board games, highlighting both the barriers she encountered and the efforts made by friends to create inclusive gaming…

  • The University of Washington Accessible Technology - Documents Information

    Updated

    The University of Washington Accessible Technology provides a well organized web presentation on Document Accessibility. Here are some of the main highlights and the links to each section: When creating digital documents, there are a few basic issues to keep in mind in order to ensure your content is accessible. These issues are the same regardless of whether your document is in HTML, Word, PDF, or another document format. A good starting point for learning about accessibility is our IT Accessibility Checklist. The following items from the Checklist are especially applicable to digital…

  • A moment that changed me: I thought deafness was a flaw. Then I met clever, wise, funny Rosie

    Updated

    Embark on a transformative journey with Sarah Marsh as she recounts a pivotal encounter that altered her perception of deafness in "A moment that changed me: I thought deafness was a flaw. Then I met clever, wise, funny Rosie." In 2001, Sarah's university life took an unexpected turn when she met Rosie, a fellow student who, like her, wore hearing aids. Their initial interaction sparked a deep connection rooted in shared experiences of navigating the barriers to being deaf in a predominantly hearing world. Through Rosie's friendship, Sarah discovered a newfound sense of acceptance and…

  • The Equality of Men and Women

    Updated

    Explore the profound insights of 'Abdu'l-Bahá into the essential equality of men and women, a foundational principle for the advancement of humanity. Through eloquent passages and compelling quotations, 'Abdu'l-Bahá elucidates the interconnectedness of male and female potential, likening them to the two wings of a bird necessary for flight. Delve into the significance of companionship, mutual respect, and cooperation between genders, which form the bedrock of social harmony and spiritual progress. Unveil the transformative power of education and equal opportunity in dismantling barriers to…

  • Anti-Ableism Fast Facts - Ways to Combat Ableism:

    Updated

    In a community where diversity should be celebrated, it's crucial to correct the pervasive problem of ableism. Did you know that according to the 2012 U.S. Census, 1 in 5 Americans has a disability? This staggering statistic highlights the importance of understanding and combatting ableism, a set of beliefs and practices that devalue and discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Anti-Ableism isn't just a buzzword; it's a vital set of strategies, theories, and actions aimed at correcting and countering ableism. It encompasses a wide range of efforts to remove barriers, inequalities…

  • Create and verify PDF accessibility

    Updated

    Acrobat tools make it easy to create accessible PDFs and check the accessibility of existing PDFs. You can create PDFs to meet common accessibility standards, such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and PDF/UA (Universal Access, or ISO 14289). The simple, guided workflow lets you do the following: Make PDFs accessible: A predefined action automates many tasks, checks accessibility, and provides instructions for items that require manual fixes. Quickly find and fix problem areas. Check accessibility: The Full Check/Accessibility Check tool verifies whether the document conforms…

  • 3 Quick and Easy Ways to Tell if a PDF is Accessible

    Updated

    Written By : Ashish Tiwari How to check if a PDF is accessible? The tricky thing about accessible and inaccessible PDF documents is that they, in most cases, look the same. In other words, they are visually identical. Therefore, it’s almost impossible for most users to tell whether the PDF they are looking at is accessible by looking at their physical view. We have a detailed article about the differences between accessible and inaccessible PDFs; you can read it here: Accessible versus Inaccessible PDF documents 3 ways to quickly check whether a PDF is accessible 1 – Select the text in the…

  • Eureka! It All Matters!

    New

    Dr. Cary Supalo's article, "Eureka! It All Matters!" delves into the world of science through the lens of blind people, shedding light on the possibilities and problems they face in pursuing scientific careers. Dr. Supalo, a research chemist and advocate for accessibility in science, emphasizes the fundamental problem-solving nature of science, which extends far beyond laboratory experiments. Through engaging anecdotes from his own journey in chemistry, he highlights the importance of critical thinking skills, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving approaches in scientific endeavors. In…

  • Giving a damn about accessibility - A candid and practical handbook for designers.

    Updated

    The essence of digital accessibility lies in ensuring equal access to information, functionality, and experiences on digital platforms for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities or traits commonly associated with disabilities. This encompasses physical disabilities, neurodiversity conditions, and the impact of socio-economic discrimination on people with disabilities. The definition of disability encompasses various types, including permanent, temporary, and situational disabilities. While the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have been in existence since 1999, numerous…

  • A complete guide for content creators to start making accessible content

    New

    The guide "A complete guide for content creators to start making accessible content" by Whitney Lewis offers invaluable insights and practical tips for content creators to enhance the accessibility of their digital content. In today's digital landscape, where inclusivity and accessibility are paramount, this guide serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to make their content accessible to People with Disabilities. Content creators wield significant influence over the accessibility of web content. They have the power to either remove barriers for People with Disabilities or…

  • Blind Courtesy

    New

    In "Blind Courtesy" by Marc Maurer, the author explores the profound impact of simple acts of kindness within the blind community. Maurer highlights the transformative power of courtesy, emphasizing its role in creating opportunities for people who are Blind or Low Vision. He suggests that courtesy is not merely a skill but a mindset—one that involves giving to others what one desires for themselves. By instilling this habit of mind within the blind community, Maurer argues, the National Federation of the Blind fosters a culture of empowerment and mutual respect. Maurer challenges societal…

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Five diverse young friends enjoy tacos together at an outdoor taco truck. A Blind young man with a white cane receives a taco from the vendor at the service window, while his friends eat and talk nearby. One young woman uses a wheelchair at the end of a picnic table, and the group is spread naturally throughout the lively outdoor dining area.

Consistently ensuring equitable participation of People with Disabilities in community gatherings and events by planning ahead for Accessibility transforms exclusion and discrimination into a culture of inclusion, respect, belonging, and value.

Question: Is this example of inclusive practices the norm in your community? If not, what barriers need to be removed which prevent inclusive and welcoming participation?

"The challenge facing the friends serving at the grassroots is essentially the same in every place. They must be able to read their own reality and ask: what, in light of the possibilities and requirements at hand, would be fitting objectives to pursue in the coming cycle or series of cycles?"  -- December 30, 2021 UHJ to Conference of Counselors Introducing Nine Year Plan

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