Joe Strechay

Neil Armstrong recently passed away, and the United States lost a great hero. I can't say that I saw his walk on the moon because I wasn't alive—but, I have seen the clips, and heard his immortal words. With Armstrong's passing, I started thinking about when we will see a person who is blind or visually impaired being launched into space. On these space missions, there are very specific roles for the personnel onboard. With all of the efforts and focuses on S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology,…

A few weeks back, you might have seen features on ABC's Good Morning America, CNN, and other media outlets about the Miss Florida USA, contestant with a visual impairment called Stargardt's Disease. You may have heard that Connor Boss finished fourth overall in the competition, but won a few hearts and opened some eyes along the way. I saw her interview on Good Morning America and loved her upbeat attitude about life and her vision loss. Just from witnessing a few interviews that she…

The American Foundation for the Blind is prepped and ready to head to the 2012 Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind or Visually Impaired (AER) International Conference in Bellevue, Washington. We are "rolling deep" to the conference, prepped to present, attend, and show off our amazing exhibit! Our exhibit is in a prime location, exhibit space number one! As you enter the exhibit hall, AFB will be the first booth that you encounter. We will be showing off the titles…

Have you heard about Christine Ha? She's a contestant — who’s blind — on MasterChef, the FOX Network Primetime reality television cooking competition starring Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Graham Elliot. These star chefs and food critic judge aspiring cooks from around the country on their culinary skills. Christine is a University of Houston graduate student and a food blogger who shows off her skills in many ways. "You have an excellent palate!" said Chef Gordon Ramsay about Christine…

I was catching up on some television recently when I caught the season premiere of MasterChef, starring Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot, and Joe Bastianich. My wife said to me, "Wait, I think I just saw a white cane." She rewound the recording and there was definitely a woman using a white cane. "Oh no," I said, "how are they going to portray her on this show?" We continued watching, and they teased it a little bit. They had her as the last person to compete for a spot on the episode.…

...And maybe add "A Few Fruity Drinks!" to that title. I am just getting back in the swing of things after a great AFB Leadership Conference with Florida AER in St. Pete Beach, FL. I can tell you that it was hard to get back behind my desk after returning from our beautiful location at the Tradewinds Island Resort. I would prefer to set up my desk on the white sand beach with the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico in front of me. Still, I was glad to have the opportunity to connect with…

Wow, the AFB Leadership Conference and Preconference with the Florida Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind or Visually Impaired is just about here! Which means, it's almost time to head to St. Pete Beach, Florida, to see some great sessions presented by some of the top speakers from around the country. All of the partners have pitched in to create a great event. I am looking forward to seeing my friends from around the nation and from Florida. I have lived and worked…

I often have the opportunity to give presentations or workshops to professionals, adults or teens who are blind or visually impaired. I speak about the employment process, resources, and the route to a career or successful employment. It always brings me back, thinking about my very first job. It was at a video rental store that also provided photo processing and enlargements. I started working there when I was14 years old, through a bit of a fluke. I'd decided I wanted a job, so I…

With the AFB Leadership Conference and Preconference, along with Florida AER, quickly approaching, we're busy packing our swim trunks and preparing for some amazing sessions. The reasons to attend are endless, but for fun, here are our top 10: You haven't been to the beach in a while and AFBLC will be held at the beautiful Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach, FL. Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen because it will be a hot conference packed with quality information—don't get burned! You…