“People who are blind can be a blessing for the rest of the world.”

Looking for insight into how valuable accessible audio textbooks can be for blind people who have academic and professional aspirations? Listen in on a far-reaching conversation with Dr. Charles Walker — counselor educator, scholar, college professor, public speaker, assistive technology trainer, tireless advocate for people with disabilities, and long time Learning Ally member. A towering figure with a warm demeanor and endless stories to share, Walker has been quietly redefining what blind people can do and be. 

Read his interview on the Learning Ally Blog.

Husband and Wife Graduate College Together…

Great news from a great friend: Since he was blinded by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004, retired U.S. Marine Corps serviceman Michael Jernigan has gone the distance - returning to college, advocating for wounded warriors, getting married, and building a vibrant life of service to others. Click on the photo to read the heartening news from Mike and his wife, Leslie.

You can also watch a video about Mike Jernigan’s amazing story on Learning Ally’s YouTube page.

CHAMPION OF CHANGE: Learning Ally member Henry “Hoby” Wedler, at right, with Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to President Obama for Disability Policy.  Hoby came to Washington, DC to receive the White House Champions of Change Award for his pioneering work advancing science and chemistry education for the blind.  A graduate student at UC Davis, Hoby was nominated for the prestigious award by Learning Ally in recognition of his passion for making educational opportunities in STEM disciplines accessible for all.

Kudos to our friend John Russo, a long-time Learning Ally member who is blind and based in Texas. John writes: “I completed my Thesis and Masters program, and am now teaching American History at Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, TX as an adjunct. On April 19, NTCC held their 20th annual Student Awards ceremony. The academic senate awarded me Alumnus of the year.”

A small and charming volunteer has made her way into our Orland Park-Chicago studio — bringing major encouragement to all the hard-working readers, celebrities, authors and volunteers. Thanks, Ruby, for your support of #Recordathon!

Capping off Learning Ally’s National Achievement Awards celebration, we went over to the ABC television affiliate in Washington, DC for a live studio interview. Left to right: Natasha Barrett, ABC-7 host of “Let’s Talk Live”; Steph Fernandes, Learning Ally National Achievement Award winner, who is totally blind and going to law school in Ohio; and Doug Sprei, Learning Ally National Director of Communications.

A young Learning Ally volunteer talks up our mission on national TV – “The Young Icons.” With star spokespeople like this, how can we go wrong? Thank you, Candice Coll!