Most people might think—and maybe rightfully so—that being blind would not allow you to be a scientist. But being a scientist is all about having fresh ideas, creativity, and be driven to solve problems. If you figure out a way to embrace your difference and use it to your advantage along with your proper tools and support, you can make meaningful and innovative contributions to any scientific field.
"Your disability or difference is not a hindrance. Rather, your unique perspective and abilities can lead you to innovate and take your field in a different direction."
I'll be honest. I didn't always feel the way that I do now. For the majority of my life, I was constantly told that science would be hard as a blind person because it is very visual. Even within the blind community, I was discouraged from becoming a scientist; it's too impractical, many would say.
This all changed when I met my postdoc advisor, Dr. J. Ilja Siepmann. He presented my blindness as an asset, explaining that I could solve problems that other people haven't because I needed to process things differently. Before that, no one had ever told me my blindness had value; I always felt like I needed to overcome it, rather than work with it and I never had the tools I needed.
Using my visible position as a blind professor and commitment to outreach, I continuously work to change the climate on towards one of accessibility and diversity. I have curated and share a comprehensive list of strategies, resources, and software that I have used throughout my scientific career.
Explore ToolsI also share the stories and highlight the achievements of my Fellow Blind Scientists, to build a sense of community and inspire others. Ultimately, I hope to demonstrate that a blind person can enter into any STEM field and contribute just as much—if not more—as their sighted peers.