Acclaimed Author Andrew Leland to Discuss Vision Loss at Braille Institute Library
The Braille Institute Library in Los Angeles is hosting a free event featuring Andrew Leland, author of the acclaimed memoir “The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight.” This insightful event, taking place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM (PT), will be both in-person at the Braille Institute Library and livestreamed for a wider audience. Leland’s memoir, lauded by publications such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, chronicles his journey with retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive eye disease. The book offers a powerful and moving account of navigating identity, relationships, and societal perceptions while facing progressive vision loss. Currently, Leland is legally blind with approximately 6% of typical visual capacity.
This special event promises an intimate conversation about the challenges and triumphs of living with vision loss. Leland will be joined in conversation by John Nuanes, a Braille Institute student, volunteer instructor, and board member who also has retinitis pigmentosa. Their discussion will explore themes of adaptation, agency, and the remarkable power of stories to reshape perspectives on disability and the human experience. Drawing directly from Leland’s book, their dialogue will provide unique insight into the realities of blindness and the resilience of the human spirit.
The event is designed to be accessible to a broad audience. The livestream option allows individuals across the globe to participate in this compelling discussion. The Braille Institute Library, with its comprehensive resources and services for visually impaired individuals, provides an ideal setting for this impactful event. This event highlights the crucial role libraries play in providing access to information and support for people with disabilities. In an era marked by increasing emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity, events like this are essential in promoting understanding and empathy.
The Braille Institute Library itself serves as a vital resource for Southern Californians with visual or physical impairments, or learning disabilities that affect reading. Offering over one million downloadable and mail-order books, along with computers, Wi-Fi, magnification stations, and a children’s reading room, the library provides invaluable support to its over 8,000 annual patrons. The library’s services are entirely free, thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and staff. As the Southern California Regional Library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, the Braille Institute Library demonstrates a continued commitment to serving the community and promoting literacy.
This event is not just for those with visual impairments, but for anyone interested in powerful storytelling, overcoming adversity, and understanding the diverse lived experiences that enrich our world. The free event, made possible through the generous support of the Braille Institute, emphasizes the importance of community, inclusion, and the profound impact of shared stories. This event aligns with current global trends focused on disability inclusion, accessibility, and community support initiatives. The discussion is also timely, given the increased public awareness of progressive eye diseases and the need for supportive community resources.
Registration is required to receive the livestream link and guarantee your spot, whether attending in person or online. Visit the Braille Institute Library website for more details and to register. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a compelling story and participate in a meaningful discussion.
