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.
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Mike Bolland highlights two impactful community events: the NAU Institute for Human Development Resource Fair and the NOB Amputee Support Group's annual picnic at Bethpage State Park. Discover how these events foster inclusivity, provide resources, and offer peer support for individuals with disabilities and amputees. Tune in for discussions on adaptive living, community building, and the power of connection!
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped Podcast, host Mike Bolland interviews Danielle Robins, founder of Orthopaws, a company specializing in custom orthotics and prosthetics for pets. Discover how Orthopaws is transforming the lives of animals with mobility challenges, the technology behind their solutions, and inspiring success stories of pets regaining independence.
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, congenital amputee Mike Bolland dives into the disparities in prosthetic access highlighted by an article from The Conversation. While the Paralympics showcase cutting-edge prosthetics, many people with limb loss face barriers to even basic prosthetic care. Join Mike as he discusses the article's key points, the challenges of accessibility, and the real-world implications for people with disabilities. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on the future of prosthetics and inclusive healthcare.
