Two-Year Stargardt's Anniversary and I'm Back

Well hello, its been a while since I blogged. I took a break but I'm back. Today happens to be a special day for me, its been two years since I was diagnosed with Stargardt's. It really doesn't feel like its been two years. In the video below I talk a little more about it.

My Vision

I just wanted to end 2013 talking about a topic that should of been one of my first vlog post and that's my visual impairment. If you are a regular reader of my blog this isn't news but I haven't discussed it much on my youtube channel. I've learned a lot over the past 20 months since being diagnosed with Stargardt's Disease.

Others With Stargardt's Playlist:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9t3Sm6-GgyXz5tGwybn6bEAEH2ir3WQx

What I See Playlist:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9t3Sm6-GgyWA7feo9l82Vby_o-DkNhkn

Watch Previous Video here: http://youtu.be/jWdL_sXg3fs

#TEDTalkTuesday Chris Downey: Design with the blind in mind

Haven't done a TED Talk Tuesday in a while but I'm back with a good one. Today (December 3rd) is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year's theme is "Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all”. I found this great talk that I feel embodies this year's theme perfectly.

Just In Time For the Holidays: Braille Greeting Cards

The above picture is an assortment of Braille Tactile Holiday Greeting cards.

So the other day one of my Stargardt's twitter friends Yvonne Felix tweeted me the above picture of greeting cards. These are not just any greeting cards they are Braille tactile cards. Yvonne was tired of getting cards that she couldn't see so since she's an artist she decided to make her own. This is such a great idea. The proceeds from the cards will go to support the non-profit Resight Inclusive Arts.

The cards are $3.00 or $25.00 for 40 cards you can purchase the cards here.

If you liked this post you maybe interested in reading: 
Artist Yvonne Felix Thriving With Stargardt's

Saying Hi and Stargardts Links

I'm saying hello via the below video I made but I just realized that some countries don't allow video playback. Basically what I'm saying is I know that on this blog I can be inconsistent when I post and I've drifted away from telling my story dealing with vision loss. Below the video I provided links to websites, blogs, a video playlist and more to help you connect with others who have Stargardt's. If you know of some information I missed feel free to contact me. If you are able to watch my video I made it closed captioned so you can understand me better.

#TEDTalkTuesday - Vampires: Folklore, fantasy and fact - Michael Molina

I'm switching it up a bit with my TED Talk Tuesday post and featuring a video from the education branch of the TED organization. This year I've been more enthusiastic about celebrating Halloween since last year being unable to due so because of Hurricane Sandy.

TEDTalkTuesday - Julian Baggini: Being Multifokal

Finally back with a new TED Talk. The title of this blog is The Ever Changing Perspective of Essceejulies. The word in that title that jumps out should be perspective. The use of the word perspective isn't just used to describe the physical sense of sight but how perspective shapes how we see with our inner-vision. Perspective molds so much of how we navigate through life. It shapes who we think we are and how we interact with others.

#TEDTalkTuesday Roundup Video Playlist

Its Tuesday so its time for a TED Talk but I'm not featuring one talk but instead a playlist. The TED talk posts have been the life-preservers for this blog. I've criticized myself in the past for letting the posts become the only content I would feature for a while on the blog but they aren't a complete waste.

My VEDA Experience #SSSVEDA

Last month I participated in VEDA or Vlog Everyday In August. A vlog is a portmanteau of the words "video" and "blog". I flirted with the idea of vlogging or making videos on Youtube since 2007 (before I was diagnosed with Stargardt's). I've always enjoyed the creative content the site has to offer. Yes, its more than cat videos! Its also been amazing to see so many of the creators develop their brands and others sharing their lives over the years.

September Is...National Guide Dog Month

A blog post that isn't a TED Talk? *sarcasm* Well the answer is yes and its a "This Month Is..." post. This lovely month of September happens to be

TED Talk Tuesday: Ron McCallum - How To Read When You Are Blind?

Its Tuesday, so that means another TED Talk and this week the featured speaker is visually impaired. I know I should of featured more videos like this sooner.

TED Talk Tuesday: Lissa Rankin, MD - Can We Heal Ourselves?

I'm starting to think do I work for the TED organization and don't know it yet? Hmmm... I wonder myself at times. *smiles* Its Tuesday so that means another Ted Talk. This week's presentation is from the TEDx American Riviera event and features physician Lissa Rankin.

Dr. Rankin takes a holistic approach to what makes people ill and what makes us well. In her TED Talk below she discusses how we may have the ability to heal ourselves with our minds. She cites the phenomenons of the placebo effect and the nocebo effect. She also looks at how our mentality towards life and our lifestyles can affect our health. I wonder though if the placebo and nocebo effects take place in all health cases. For instance if a patient has strong positive belief and doesn't get better or vice versa, just a thought.

She doesn't say that physicians and healthcare workers are no longer needed but may need to reevaluate how they treat patients. Patients should also remember that their healthcare is a collaborative effort between themselves and their care providers.

 

Check out Dr. Rankin's latest book:


Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof That You Can Heal

If you liked this, you may like the following: 

TED Talk Tuesday: Chen Lizra - Seduction In Our Everyday lives


TED Talk Tuesday: Brene Brown - The Power of Vulnerability

Turning Your Can'ts into Cans: Being a Visually Impaired Parent

Kim Nguyen: Varying Degrees of Visual Impairment

Since I've been a part of the visually impaired community for less than 16 months I'm still learning a lot. Its sort of like a baby learning how to walk, still a little awkward in their gait. At times its difficult to explain what's going on because I just don't have the experiences or the confidence to explain what I see. Sometimes navigating through the feelings involved when dealing with vision loss is more difficult than actually confronting the impairment. Imagine my excitement when I came across the youtube channel of 19 year-old Kim Nguyen. 

July Update

Sorry no TED Talk today sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. I've been using the TED Talk posts as fillers on this blog. Its been long overdue that I start writing more substantive posts; especially more about my journey with Stargardt's.

I feel like I have a better understanding about living with Stargardt's and have clarity to move forward. So there's lots of great things coming soon.

Like this post, you might like:

TED Talk Tuesday: Dr Robert Lanza - Cloning, Stem Cells & Regenerating Life

TED Talk Tuesday: Chen Lizra - Seduction In Our Everyday lives

Turning Your Can'ts into Cans: Being a Visually Impaired Parent

TED Talk Tuesday: Brene Brown - The Power of Vulnerability

It's Tuesday.. so its time for another TED Talk. Have you ever come across something in your life either it be a book, a song, a person or set of circumstances that just resonate with you? Well the below TED Talk which features social researcher Brene Brown Ph.D definitely resonates with me.