An afternoon at the Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is a beautiful park located in Colorado Springs which showcases a host of geological and ecological rarities beloved and visited by nature enthusiasts for generations. I took this photos on a recent afternoon trip. Image description: a black and white image of the craggy peaks that jut out of the forest floor. Evergreen trees can be seen in the foreground and a clouds and moody sky fills the area above the peaks.
I find black and white landscape photography a fun challenge especially when the subject of the photo is usually seen in color. In the case of this image, the iconic orange rocks that the Garden of the Gods is known for look similar to any mountain when presented in black and white. Since I could not rely on color I had to rely on the interesting shape of the peaks contrasted against the moody sky to make this photo stand out.
A side note: I’m working on a review of the Garden of the Gods for accessibility. stay tuned!
If you would like more information about Garden of the Gods click the link below
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Two blind women removed from cruise ship
Recently, two blind women from West Sussex were removed from a P&O cruise ship over health and safety concerns. The cruise departed from Southampton and the passengers said that the cruise line and London-based travel agency that booked the cruise for them were aware of their visual impairment and were promised accommodations aboard ship. Upon embarkation, the two women were given a letter citing health and safety concerns, asking them to disembark. Though information about the incident is limited, questions remain about the rights of the passengers, and how P&O handled the situation.
Traveler’s rights
In 2015, U.S. Department of Justice reached a landmark settlement with Carnival Corp. ruling that the spaces aboard cruise ships are a public location and must comply with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) for accessibility. This ruling means that all cruise ships that sail in U.S. waters must be compliant with the ADA and offer equal access for passengers. This ruling also extends to cruise ships that are foreign-flagged, meaning they don’t originate from the U.S.
The incident with the two blind women aboard the P&O ship, occurred last month and has sparked a debate about the rights of individuals with disabilities and the responsibilities of service providers. The UK and EU are behind the curve when it comes to accessibility rights for disables passengers, and I must wonder how this situation would have played out if it had been in the U.S. The ADA mandates for accessibility of course do not stretch internationally, and P&O is not a larger cruise line like Carnival and the like. Should the size of a corporation determine the level of accessibility offered to passengers? Just because P&O aren’t as big as Holland, Celebrity or Carnival, does that make it ok to turn away disabled passengers?
While the cruise line did opt to not offer the two blind women service, they did offer to pay for their travel expenses and offered them a full refund for their vacation booking. What if the situation included travelers who had journeyed from another country for the cruise? I’m wondering how I would react if I flew from the U.S. only to be turned away because my lack of sight was deemed a health and safety concern.
Accommodations
Cruise lines in compliance with the ADA make accessible accommodations for passengers with hearing and visual disabilities, not just those with mobility restrictions. Most cruise lines have braille signage and elevator buttons and offer familiarization tours of the vessels if requested. Norwegian provides a staff member for blind or low vision passengers to assist with their accessibility needs during the cruise. Holland America offers large print or Braille menus if they have advanced notice. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity both offer Qualified Readers to read written materials like menus and ship newsletters.
Guide Dogs, and other service dogs are welcome onboard major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America and Carnival. Passengers should be aware that most cruise lines will not allow emotional support animals, therapy animals, companion animals or pets onboard. Service dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations, and passengers are encouraged to bring their dog’s immunization records in case they’re required in a port of call for entry into that country. Many cruise lines require this documentation from passengers once they’re onboard. I always carry my guide’s vaccination records in a pouch on her harness wherever I go. My guide Fauna would never bite anyone, but having vaccination proof along with a card I can hand out to anyone who questions my rights for access has resoled many situations where restaurant staff were ill-informed about the laws surrounding legitimate service animals. In terms of access for cruise lines, each company has a different policy for service animals, and it’s best to contact them directly to make sure you know what to expect onboard.
Passenger Safety
Travel service providers are well within their right to determine what is best for their passenger’s safety, including limiting disabled people from sitting in exit rows on planes. While I can see that a disabled passenger’s needs for additional help may put other passengers or crew in harm’s way in the case of an emergency, does that mean travel service providers should have the right to turn away passengers because of a disability? All travel providers should be held to a minimum level of accommodation regardless of their country of origin or company size. Nobody should be excluded from participating in travel because of a disability.
Final thoughts
Research and knowledge are key components when deciding on a destination and travel provider. Any time I travel internationally, I am acutely aware that regulations for disabled passengers are not the same as they are in the U.S., this is why I sometimes go to extreme lengths to learn as much as I can about available accommodations for my destination. Crowd sourcing your research is always a great option, ask on Twitter, Facebook or other platforms in disabled travelers’ groups about the experiences for a destination. If you don’t like what you are learning about a destination, then I suggest considering a different destination option if possible. In the case of the two women from West Sussex, it sounds as though the company they booked their vacation through assured them there would be no problem with their limited sight. If the cruise line had enough prior notice to type up a letter asking them to disembark, then they should have had enough notice to inform the women they were not welcome well before they left home.
As travelers, we have (often) many options when it comes to providers and destinations. If the location you are considering will not offer appropriate accommodations for your disability, it is totally fine to speak with your wallet and not book your vacation with that company. A smaller travel provider does not have to hire a disability coordinator liaison, they just need to be willing to take the necessary steps to make their services accessible to everyone. Sticking with larger cruise lines that sail in U.S. waters, as they have accommodations requirements for all passengers with disabilities can offer a level of assurance that your trip will be accessible at a base level.
What are your thoughts? Have you ever been denied service because of a disability? How did you handle the situation? I’d love to hear your stories. Feel free to connect with me on my social media link below.
If you would like to read more about the two women denied service with P&O, click the link below.
If you would like to read more about cruise lines accommodations offerings, click the link below.
https://www.vaxvacationaccess.com/the-compass/cruise-lines-and-accessibility-what-you-should-know/
If you would like to read more information about the landmark settlement with Carnival Corp, including a list of the changes implemented to comply with the ruling for Carnival and their affiliate brands, click the link below.
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Airlines increasing training to help vision impaired travelers
airlines are finally starting to up their game when it comes to visually impaired travelers. Recently, Travel + Leisure reported that Virgin Atlantic are revamping their training for cabin crews to better support visually impaired travelers with Guide Dogs. Virgin Atlantic is partnering with the Guide Dogs charity (https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/) to offer a “more inclusive air travel experience for those with sight loss,”. According to Travel + Leisure: “The training will focus on how best to approach passengers with sight loss, how to help them navigate narrow spaces and stairs, and how to assist them to take a seat. The training will also address the best place for guide dogs to rest on long trips.” Whether in a restaurant, or on a plane, the lack of training when it comes to interacting with visually impaired travelers is painfully apparent, just seeing These organizations move toward improving their service is great news for travelers with sight loss.
My Experiences
I’m visually impaired, and own and serve as the chief content creator for Blind Travels, www.blindtravels.com a website dedicated to providing tips, tricks and reviews for blind and low vision travelers. In my journeys, I find myself on most of the major (and minor) airlines, and most of the flight attendants have little, if any experience helping passengers with vision loss. This is especially true when it comes to guide dogs. It is sad to say that most cabin crew members have far more experience with fraudulent service animals than those who are actually trained. Thankfully, the recent changes in the definition of a service animal, and where they can travel by the Department of Transportation has alleviated some of the shenanigans passengers try to get away with in order to not leave their little biting dogs at home.
United Airlines
Recently on a trip from Denver to Las Vegas, I encountered the most understanding and best trained crewmember I have ever had the pleasure to fly with. I boarded early, and for this flight was traveling without my guide dog. As I was getting settled into my seat, one of the crewmembers came to sit next to me. She explained that she was working in the rear of the plane but noticed me come onboard and wanted to have a quick chat. She asked if Las Vegas was my destination, and if I had any special plans while I was there. She then used this short conversation to ask if I understood the amenities of the aircraft and told me where the restrooms were located in the cabin, and how to get to each of the emergency exits. She told me that while we were waiting for the other passengers to board, she was happy to go over all the safety features and explain the seatbelt if I wanted her to.
This crewmember used conversation to ease into asking if the passenger needs assistance and took the time to offer important information about the emergency exits and the restrooms. She took the time to inform me about the plan for the flight and let the crew that would be helping me know that I was vision impaired. This was all done without prompting and given the fact that this crewmember was scheduled to work in the back of the plane and took the time to come to the front of the plane to talk with me was pretty amazing. It sort of feels like United should have this person running the training for interfacing with disabled passengers.
Conclusion
It is so nice to be able to call out an airline for great training instead of always having to complain about something bad that happened on a flight. I love that organizations like Virgin Atlantic are taking the steps to better train their staff to help blind and low vision passengers. Let’s hope that the other airlines take a tip from United and Virgin Atlantic and add more training for their staff as well.
Have you had a particularly good or bad flight experience? Tell me about it, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to drop me a message here or on any of my social media links below. If you would like to read the original article from Travel + Leisure, find the link below.
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Be My Eyes adding GPT-4 Ai object detection
With everyone wound up tight about how Ai technology is affecting creative industries like logo design, photography and image editing, nobody is talking about the benefits Ai is having for the blind and low vision communities. Be My Eyes is partnering with open Ai to implement some really great object recognition features into their app.
A slow rollout
Open Ai’s GPT-4 is being integrated into Be My Eyes as a free feature (as of this writing). Users will be able to upload a picture to the service and the GPT-4 driven engine will allow the user conversational interaction, and the program will answer questions about the image, including offering contextual information like recipes if a label is scanned. The service is dubbed Virtual Volunteer, and Open Ai feels that their technology can provide similar interaction that a user would get with a human volunteer through the service. Be My Eyes is optimistic about the addition of this potentially life changing technology to their platform, but are understandably approaching the rollout of the new feature with caution.
Cheat Engine
With all the negative reporting that Ai technology is seeing about Ai written essays and the like, it is refreshing to read about Ai being implemented to provide a feature that could potentially allow blind and visually impaired users of the Be My Eyes app more flexibility when using the service. As an aside, if the users of the new virtual assistant don’t like the results they get from the Ai, there is always an option to connect with a human volunteer as before.
If you would like to read more about this new feature, follow the link below.
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Sony RETISSA NEOVIEWER – An EVF for Visually Impaired Users
At this year’s CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show in Japan an interesting new adaptive device was introduced which will allow users with visual impairment to use a camera. (from the manufacturer) The DSC-HX99 is a small compact camera with a ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 24-720mm zoom, an 18.2 Megapixels sensor, and the capability of recording 4K videos in 3840×2160. The RETISSA NEOVIEWER housing wraps around the back side of the camera and is connected with an HDMI cable at the bottom. The unit currently works with Sony cameras and will be available in late March at selected Sony stores in Japan.
Though not manufactured by Sony, the Sony brand continues to be a source for accessibility features for visually impaired users of their brand. It is great to see manufacturers embracing their users wo have low vision, allowing those with less than perfect sight to create art. If you would like more information about this cool new adapter, check out the link below, and if you would like to see my article about the Sony camera with screen reader technology built in, check out that link below.
As a professional photographer who is blind, I’d love to get my hands on this technology (or the camera listed below).
Sony RETISSA NEOVIEWER Introduced – An EVF for Visually Impaired Users
My article on Sony camera with Screen reade:
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Wisconsin non-profit helps the visually impaired experience skiing
The Wisconsin Based non-profit BOLD (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) offers assisted skiing opportunities for those who are legally blind. This non-profit is among the growing number of groups offering the visually impaired a chance to enjoy the joy of skiing in a safer guided environment. Being blind no longer means giving up things you used to do, or activities you want to try.
If you would like more information about the BOLD program, including how you can donate to support, check out the article below.
Wisconsin Non-Profit Provides Visually Impaired People Opportunity To Ski
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Thank you Voyage Denver
A big shout out and thank you to Voyage Denver for interviewing me about my life and work. You guys are amazing!
http://voyagedenver.com/interview/life-work-with-ted-tahquechi-of-broomfield-co/
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Lab Grown retinal eye cells open door for clinical trials
For those who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration and glaucoma, team members at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are looking toward beginning human trials for stem cell grown retinal cells which may cure the blindness caused by these diseases. The team showed the lab grown cells making successful connections and sensing changes in light wave intensity.
This is certainly great news, and it is great to see the team making progress after more than a decade working on this project.
Samsung announces TV feature for the visually impaired
CES is always a fun time for those that follow tech. This year Samsung announces the inclusion of Relumino mode in their Neo QLED 8K and 4K TVs later this year. The technology makes the television picture clearer by increasing sharpness, contrast and outlines. From Mashable:
The feature, called Relumino Mode, has layers of camera technology that highlights outlines, sharpens contrast, and enhances colors. The result is a picture thats clearer and easier to see.
I have a NEO QLED TV, so I will keep you posted on how the technology works once it has been released. If you would like to read more:
Mashable Article:
https://mashable.com/article/samsung-event-relumino-mode-smart-tvs-ces-2023
Samsung Relumino Mode
https://www.samsungrelumino.com/home
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Theater of the Mind Denver DCPA Accessibility Review
Recently, I was invited to attend an audio described presentation of Theater of the Mind, a multisensorial journey through the eclectic mind of Academy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne. Co-created with writer Mala Gaonkar, Theater of the Mind is a unique experience which invites participation and embraces interaction from its attendees. Inspired by historical and current neuroscience research, Theater of the Mind presents an immersive journey into the processes surrounding the building of our sense of self and challenges our perceptions of that world view. While many of the aspects of the show are visual-centric, the team did an admirable job of making the content accessible for those who are blind and visually impaired.
Location
Theater of the Mind’s show dates at Denver’s York Street Yards have recently been extended through January 22nd, 2023, and the next showing which includes Audio Descriptions will be on Saturday, January 14 at 3:15 pm.
Theater of the Mind
At showtime, guests assembled in the lobby and were asked to put away or leave behind (in provided lockers) all cell phones and wearable tech. I loved this and appreciated that there would not be constant notification sounds going off, allowing the guests to focus on enjoying the show.
Audience members are limited to 16 for each showtime, and guests follow their guide through each room of the 15,000 square-foot installation space. Each location visited during the 75-minute presentation treated attendees to immersive audio, visual, tactile and taste sensations.
Accessibility
From the outset, the Theater of the Mind experience felt very personalized, with the cast member who would be delivering the audio descriptions introducing herself to each guest. Audience members were given parts to play during the performance, and the materials each person was given were offered in braille.
The Theater of the Mind experience is an inherently visual one, but care was taken to provide full descriptions of each room we visited during the performance, including rich descriptions of the furniture, wall coverings and lighting. Where the progression of the story focused on a visual aspect, the descriptions provided just enough information to give the sight impaired guests the information they needed to enjoy the show, but still maintain the joy of wonder and exploration as the story progressed.
Guides were adept at pointing out changes in elevation and small ramps during the times guests were moving from room to room in the installation. Guides and other cast members were also very good at informing the guests of the direction they needed to go to get to the next room.
For guests who are mobility impaired, wheelchair accessibility appeared to be good. We didn’t have anyone with a wheelchair, but ramps and elevation changes in the floor were small and should be easy to navigate. Passages were wide enough to comfortably traverse with a mobility aid, and the rooms provided ample space to move.
Experiences
While I was unfortunately not able to fully appreciate the visual aspect of the show, my wife explained each visual component she saw, and expressed her enjoyment. Each room had a distinct visual component, and light often played a large part in this.
There were several opportunities throughout the show to touch explore areas of the rooms, and the guides did an admirable job of letting those who were totally blind know exactly what they were going to be touching – well done.
Each room had a unique sound scene in the installation. Most of the ambient sounds were subtle and not overly loud and obtrusive. Smells also played a key part in the experience, and as with the ambient sounds, the smells were not overpowering and added to the feeling of the scene rather than detracting from it.
Conclusion
I commend The Denver Center for the Performing arts and the cast members of the Theater of the Mind for making accessibility for their visual-centric performances a priority. The Theater of the Mind performance was equally entertaining and thought provoking. As someone who appreciates the work of David Byrne, I loved the candid glimpse into his life and memories.
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee