Blind Life Cafe

Bird-Watching While Blind: Join the Movement!

Philip Lowry explores the growing number of people with blindness or vision loss who become enthusiastic birders.  He interviews three blind birders; Michael Hurben, Martha Steele, and Jerry Berrier. Michael, Martha, and Jerry all have excellent advice about becoming birders, and share some memorable and heartfelt stories. They have also organized an exciting new event, the first ever "Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon", coming up on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Understanding and Navigating Partial Vision Loss

In this episode, RTB volunteer Philip Lowry interviews Gordon Legge, PhD, Director of the Minnesota Laboratory for Low Vision Research at the University of Minnesota and Donald Fletcher, MD, a pioneer in the field of vision rehabilitation and Medical Director, Bicknell Envision Vision Rehabilitation Center in Witchita, Kansas.  They discuss key issues and emerging trends in successfully adapting to the various stages of vision loss.

Guide Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Radio Talking Book volunteer reader Philip Lowry interviews Maureen Pranghofer, previous owner of six different guide dogs, as well as Miranda Beckmann, a trainer from Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York, one of the leading guide dog training facilities in the world.  They have a lively discussion about the joys and potential challenges of living with a guide dog. If you are contemplating getting a guide or an assist dog, they share the things you need to know.

Blind Life Cafe: Interview With Rocky Hart

Minnesota Radio Talking Book volunteer, Philip Lowry, hosts a conversation with Rocky Hart, a deaf-blind student at North Central University.  Rocky discusses growing up with Norries Disease, his work advocating for the blind and deaf-blind community, and his plans for his future endeavors. 
This episode of BLC originally aired on 6/23/2024 on the MN Radio Talking Book. For more information visit: https://mn.gov/deed/ssb/communication-center/rtb/