Category Archives: Visually Impaired

Web Accessibility for Blind Americans: Obama’s Broken Promise

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Donna W. Hill

Most Americans take the internet for granted. Banking, accessing medical records, making reservations, shopping and school/work-related research are routinely done online. Blind Americans, however, who rely on text-to-speech software (aka screen readers) are being left behind. And, why? The technology … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessibility, ADA, Blindness, Disability, Print Disabilities, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Featured Book: The Heart of Applebutter Hill by Donna W. Hill

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Donna W. Hill

Many thanks to poet and author Denise N. Fyffe for featuring my YA novel on The Island Journal. Jamaica Pen Publishers The Heart of Applebutter Hill The Heart of Applebutter Hill book 14-year-old Adiaphoran refugees Baggy and Abigail are a … Continue reading →

Posted in adventure-mystery, authors, Blindness, Disability, Dogs, Education, fantasy, Guide dogs, novel, Print Disabilities, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, young adult | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Writer’s Rant: Unchain Me from This PC!

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Donna W. Hill

Hope springs eternal … at least until it is dashed on the rocks of reality. Whether it’s a month, a year or a decade, perceptions of that perfect house, job, community or relationship can switch from a beautiful thing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessibility, ADA, authors, Blindness, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, Wrighting | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

National Poetry Month: a Tribute from a Fictional Creative Writing Class

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Donna W. Hill

“No, you go first.” Here’s a chapter from my novel The Heart of Applebutter Hill. It’s the first day of the summer term at the Plumkettle Learning Center. Our heroine, 14-year-old Abigail, her guide dog Curly Connor and best friend … Continue reading →

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Equal Rights for Blind Americans? Author Says We’re not There Yet

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Donna W. Hill

As a member of various blindness, advocacy and guide dog organizations, it’s not uncommon to come across a request from a college student to take a survey on blindness, and I’m always happy to participate. Rarely, however, (in fact, never) … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessibility, authors, Blindness, Disability, Guide dogs, novel, Service Dogs, Smashwords, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Changing Behavior Network: Teaching Diversity Through Fiction, Freebies & More 

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Donna W. Hill

Win an autographed copy of The Heart of Applebutter Hill; download a free MP3 of “The Rules of the Game;” take a quiz and listen to the best interview I’ve ever done. I never thought I’d say that about just … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, Blindness, diabetes, Education, novel, songwriting, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, Wrighting, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Authors, Advocates & the Press: Humiliation, Angst & Recovery

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Donna W. Hill

Hurray! I can finally scratch “getting humiliated by a national law journal” off of my bucket list. Oh, wait, it wasn’t on there to begin with. Nonetheless, it happened. I hope sharing the experience will enlighten my fellow authors and … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessibility, ADA, authors, Blindness, marketing, PR, Print Disabilities, Self-Publishing, Smashwords, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, Wrighting, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Quiz & Fact Sheet on Blindness

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Donna W. Hill

After inviting me to be on his radio show on the Changing Behavior Network, psychologist Dr. James Sutton asked me if I had a quiz or fact sheet about blindness that he could make available through: http://www.thechangingbehaviornetwork.com/ I didn’t, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessibility, ADA, authors, Blindness, Braille, diabetes, Disability, Education, Guide dogs, Literacy, Print Disabilities, Service Dogs, Uncategorized, Visually Impaired, young adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Symbolism of the Locks on the Erie Canal & an Author’s Dog Fighting IBD

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Donna W. Hill

Do you take comfort in certain manmade structures? Two of my top three – lighthouses and covered bridges – have virtually universal appeal. Lighthouses are beacons of hope, turning unforeseen disasters into visible rock formations, skirted with a flick of … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, Blindness, Cats & Dogs, Dogs, Guide dogs, Service Dogs, Visually Impaired, Wrighting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Is Literacy Really for Everyone? – the Numbers Tell a Different Story 

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Donna W. Hill

“They’re right! It is nice to snuggle up with a good book.” – photo by Rich Hill Which minority has the greatest disparity between literacy, unemployment and income on the one hand and intellect, talent and willingness to work on … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessibility, Blindness, Braille, Disability, Education, Libraries, Literacy, Print Disabilities, Visually Impaired | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments