From Vision Loss to Inspiration | Helen Keller Achievement Award Recipient Kathy Nimmer

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.