What happens when you begin losing your vision as a child—and refuse to let it define your future?
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Kathy Nimmer, recipient of the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, author, speaker, and retired high school English teacher who spent nearly three decades educating and inspiring students while living with blindness.
Kathy shares her remarkable journey of progressive vision loss caused by a rare retinal degenerative disease, the challenges she faced along the way, and the resilience that helped her build a life filled with purpose, achievement, and impact.
In this episode, Kathy discusses:
- Growing up with gradual vision loss and adapting to change
- Teaching high school English for nearly 30 years as a blind educator
- Overcoming depression, anorexia, and uncertainty about the future
- The role of advocacy, family support, and disability representation
- Pursuing mountain climbing, writing, public speaking, and teaching
- Employment challenges facing people who are blind or visually impaired
- Practical advice for families navigating vision loss and disability
Kathy also shares insights from her latest book, Two Plus Four Equals One, an anthology celebrating the unique bond between people with disabilities and their assistance dogs.
This powerful conversation is a reminder that while circumstances may change, purpose, passion, and perseverance can help us achieve far more than we ever imagined.
Learn more about Kathy at KathyNimmer.com.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on iHeart
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland highlights three powerful stories celebrating resilience, ability, and community support. We start with the Danny Awards, an inspiring initiative by Daniel's Music Foundation, recognizing the talents of musicians with disabilities. Next, we revisit the viral video of an amputee dog offering its owner a touching "ghost paw," capturing hearts worldwide. Finally, we share the moving story of a family coming together to renovate their home for a teen amputee courageously battling cancer. Tune in for these uplifting stories of triumph and support!
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Christopher Rodriguez, CEO of Ability360, to discuss the organization's powerful role in promoting independence for individuals with disabilities. Learn about the wide range of programs and resources Ability360 offers, from adaptive sports to advocacy, and how they are transforming lives by empowering people to live fully and independently.
Host Mike Bolland highlights inspiring stories of resilience and recovery. We explore the latest in assistive technology and vocational resources at the VRATE Expo, empowering individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we celebrate the bravery of a double amputee Army veteran who skydived to kick off the Helping Heroes Golf Tournament, and share how amputee golfers gathered in New Jersey for a unique clinic, finding healing and camaraderie through the game.
