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Adventures in Blindness: Me, Crew, and the Chaos of Life

Hi everyone, I’m Douglas Rudolph, and welcome to my blog! My life has been a unique adventure, shaped by blindness, guided by incredible dogs, and filled with a healthy dose of the unexpected. I’ve been visually impaired my entire life, experiencing a significant loss of vision when I was 11. But that hasn’t stopped me from embracing life’s challenges, celebrating its joys, and advocating for a more inclusive world.

A huge part of my story, and a frequent star of this blog, is my amazing guide dog, Crew. This 5-year-old, utterly labradorable yellow Lab from Guiding Eyes for the Blind is more than just a dog; he’s my partner, my confidant, and my furry eyes on the world. Crew and I navigate life together, from bustling city streets to our comfy couch. You’ll hear plenty of stories about our daily adventures, the funny moments, the occasional mishaps, and the unwavering bond we share. He’s truly a remarkable companion, and I can’t imagine life without him.

Speaking of incredible dogs, my partner also has a guide dog! And not just any guide dog – her current partner is the legendary “Yellow Dinosaur” (you’ll have to read her blog to discover the story behind that name!). I have linked to her dog day, to give you a place to start!

Living with two working guide dogs definitely makes for an interesting household, and their personalities, quirks, and occasional shenanigans are a constant source of amusement (and sometimes, mild chaos!). We’re also lucky enough to share our home with my partner’s retired rockstar guide dog, Jen, who is enjoying her well-deserved relaxation.

And if that wasn’t enough, we’re also owned by four feline overlords: Wolfie, Wiley, Maddie, and Monkey. Yes, you read that right – four cats! Our house is a veritable menagerie, a symphony of barks, purrs, and the occasional meow-off. Needless to say, there’s never a dull moment.

Beyond the furry family, I’m passionate about a few key things: assistive technology, advocacy, and, well, just about anything that throws a curveball my way. I’m fascinated by the ever-evolving world of assistive tech, from screen readers and braille displays to the latest gadgets and apps that empower blind individuals. I’ll be sharing my experiences, reviews, and tips on navigating this technological landscape.

I’m also a firm believer in advocacy. I’m passionate about creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities, and I’ll be using this platform to share my thoughts and experiences on accessibility, inclusion, and the importance of equal opportunity.

Professionally, I work as an Educational Assistant for the local public school board. I have the privilege of supporting a student who is visually impaired and has other complex needs. This role is incredibly rewarding, and I’m passionate about inclusive education, creating accessible classrooms, and promoting inclusive learning environments for all students. I’ll be sharing some insights into the world of special education, the importance of individualized support, and the power of believing in every student’s potential.

So, buckle up! This blog is a glimpse into my world – a world of blindness, guide dogs, assistive technology, advocacy, and the beautiful chaos of life. I’m excited to share my stories, connect with you, and learn from your experiences as well. Welcome to Unapologetically Blind.