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Blonde and Blind37. Don't Mess with Section 504 (feat. Kaleigh Brendle)Don’t mess with Texas? More like don’t mess with Section 504—and Kaleigh Brendle. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of people with disabilities in universities, hospitals, and other institutions that receive federal financial assistance. But in September, 17 states filed a lawsuit claiming Section 504 is unconstitutional as it stands. Their argument? That recent guidance from the Biden administration, particularly those including gender dysphoria as a disability and emphasizing accommodations be provided in integrated settings, goes too far. Kaleigh Brendle joins Marissa (again!) on Blonde & Blind to unpack what this lawsuit could mean for Section 504 and the ci...
2025-04-0536 minBlonde and Blind36. Let's Talk About (Blind) Sex (feat. Laura Millar) - 18+Blind people face unique challenges when it comes to sex. After all, we can’t drive by a CVS to pick up birth control or catch someone making eye contact from across the bar. In “Let’s Talk About (Blind) Sex,” Laura Millar, a blind certified sex educator, joins Marissa to offer insights on sexuality and sexual health for people with low vision. They share valuable tips and advice—covering everything from accessing contraceptives online to navigating consent and healthy communication—essential for any young adult thinking about sex. They also discuss the intersection of blind positivity and sex positivity...
2025-03-1632 minBlonde and Blind35. "Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind" (feat. Rose West)Picture yourself watching TV in your living room when, without warning, you suddenly lose vision in your right eye. People born blind often say “you can’t miss what you never had,” but what happens when someone with normal eyesight suddenly or gradually loses their vision? In “Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind,” Marissa interviews Rose West, a junior at Swarthmore College who lost most of her vision at age 12 due to a brain tumor. They discuss the grief, trauma, and frustration surrounding vision loss, and Rose shares how discovering the blind community helped her cope and build confidence...
2024-11-0935 minBlonde and Blind34. "Your IEP Didn't Fall Out of a Coconut Tree" (feat. Olivia O'Connell)As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, Blonde & Blind is amplifying the voices of a group often overlooked—students with disabilities. Olivia O’Connell, a dedicated disability rights activist, joins Marissa to talk about how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Department of Education ensure that students get the accommodations they need. Magnifiers, extended time, and teachers of the visually-impaired (TVIs) don’t come from the kindness of a school district’s heart; they are federally-mandated tools and services that are critical for student success. Olivia shares how her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) supported her and why funding IDEA ensures...
2024-10-0526 minBlonde and Blind33. Advice for College-Bound Blind KidsIn “Advice for College-Bound Blind Kids,” you’ll get college tips, advice, and life hacks from a recent Georgetown graduate. Starting college can be exciting but overwhelming, especially for students with low vision who also have to think about accommodations, orientation, mobility, and talking about their disability with tons of new people. The 33rd episode of Legally Blonde & Blind will help you stay organized, avoid losing your socks in the washing machine, and become a better advocate in college!
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2024-08-0347 minBlonde and Blind32. Questions “Tipsy” People Ask about my DisabilityAlcohol can be a social lubricant, so it’s no surprise that I’ve received some of the most fascinating, bizarre, and hilarious questions about my low vision at the bar. Disability is often the elephant in the room. People either avert their gaze or stare at us across the street. They either ask random, invasive questions like “what happened to you?” or chastise their children for asking about our mobility aids. However, conversations surrounding disability (if you are comfortable talking about it) do not need to be depressing, or violating. To celebrate my 21st birthday (eight months after the fact...
2024-04-0732 minBlonde and Blind31. Albinism is not an AccessoryWe’ve all heard the phrase “albinism is beautiful,” and over the last decade, albino models, influencers, and advocates have taken the world by storm. But albinism representation—especially in the fashion and beauty industry—is far from perfect. In the thirtieth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, I discuss society's evolving attitudes towards beauty and how we can more meaningfully include, uplift, and celebrate those with albinism. Tune in to learn how for me, albinism is far more than pretty white hair..it’s a community, source of pride, and part of who I am.
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2024-03-0323 minBlonde and Blind30. Blind Athletics and the Paralympic World (feat. Liza Corso)If you were asked to picture an “athlete,” you probably wouldn’t imagine someone who is blind. But with creativity, collaboration, and a few modifications, athletes with low vision can partake in many elite and recreational activities, such as goalball, skiing, tandem cycling, and many more! Sports help athletes of all ages and abilities stay healthy, build self-confidence, and become part of a team. Liza Corso—a Paralympic silver medalist—joins Marissa to share how participating in track and field has positively impacted her life. Tune in to learn about how we can raise awareness and increase opportunities for people to...
2024-01-0628 minBlonde and Blind29. Blind Social ButterflyResearch indicates that 55% of communication in face-to-face conversations is through nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. How can blind folks navigate social settings where subtle, nonverbal communication is prevalent? In “Blind Social Butterfly,” I share my perspective on networking, mingling, and forming connections with low vision. I also offer advice for making happy hours, conferences, and other social events more accessible.
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2023-09-0228 minBlonde and Blind28. Guide Dogs & Access Issues: A Survival Guide“No dogs allowed!” “Can you show me your service animal ID?” “Just take an UberPet.” In restaurants, airports, convenience stores, and Ubers across the United States, many service animal teams experience access issues and denials. A survival guide for both new and experienced service animal handlers, the twenty-eighth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind outlines the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal laws relating to assistance animals. I explore when, where, and why access issues most frequently occur. Based on surveys, personal experience, and testimonies from other handlers, I then offer advice on how to respectfully yet assertively handle acces...
2023-06-0637 minBlonde and Blind27. I’m Not Broken: Why Albinism Advocacy is more Valuable than Genetic ResearchI have never wanted a “cure” for my albinism and corresponding visual impairment, but only recently found the words to explain why. Research regarding treatments for and the genetic origins of disabilities raises complex ethical questions. Does studying albinism in a laboratory genuinely improve people’s lives, or does it merely satisfy the curiosity of medical professionals? In “I’m Not Broken,” I argue that albinism should be viewed as part of one’s identity and a source of community rather than an undesirable mutation. I consider the emotional, social, and political impacts of seeking to reverse or cure blindness. I t...
2023-04-0123 minBlonde and Blind26. SMALLS TALK: Meeting and Training with My First Guide DogThere is more to “guide dogging” than meets the eye. Contrary to popular belief, guide dogs are not perfect robots or GPS systems who can single-handedly take handlers to class or tell them when to cross the street. Working with assistance animals is much like learning a language, an entirely new way of communicating. In the 26th episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, I share my experiences applying for and training with my first guide dog. Tune in to learn more about my challenges, success, and takeaways from my first month as a guide dog handler!
“I got a guide dog be...
2023-03-0127 minBlonde and Blind25. Blind Ladies Breaking into Corporate America (feat. Kathryn Webster)Less than 30% of working-age blind adults in the United States are employed full-time. Approximately only 16% of them have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Tired of being the only blind person in the room, Kathryn Webster joins Marissa to discuss how her organization Together Achieving Dreams will increase employment opportunities for the low vision community. She specifically focuses on management consulting, big law, finance, and other fields where blind people are especially underrepresented. Tune in for advice on networking, interviewing, and breaking into Corporate America!
Kathryn Webster is a 2023 MBA candidate at Harvard Business School. Upon graduation, she will be...
2023-02-0125 min
Blonde and Blind24. Two Feet Instead of Four WheelsDriving is a rite of passage in the United States and many people with albinism find themselves on the cusp of qualifying for a license. In the 24th episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa shares how she learned to accept and embrace her status as a nondriver. Tune in to learn about bioptics, low vision driving regulations, and ways to support those without a license. Driving should not be the only way to attain independence and freedom!
“Being a nondriver does not mean you will be any less independent. It does not mean you wil...
2023-01-0120 minBlonde and Blind23. Making our Voices Heard: Albinism and Human Rights Advocacy (feat. Tess Ballis)How can we help people with albinism facing violence and discrimination in East Africa as college students halfway across the world? On Episode 23 of Legally Blonde & Blind, Tess Ballis joins Marissa to discuss healthcare, education, and dispelling harmful myths surrounding albinism at a grassroots level. She explains how advocating for human rights has boosted her confidence and encouraged her to embrace albinism as part of her identity. Listeners will learn about concrete actions they can take no matter what their resources are.
Tess Ballis is a junior at Northwestern University studying history and political science. Her parents founded the...
2022-12-0142 minBlonde and Blind22. Before Posting about your Child’s Disability, Listen to this…Many parents of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses use social media to share information and connect with others, but when does this go too far? In Episode 22 of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses issues surrounding representation and consent when sharing a child’s disability on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or other social media platforms. Tune in to learn why “raising awareness” and “inspiring others” is often not as straightforward or impactful as mommy bloggers believe.
“My fear is that when parents take up so much space on social media, they send the message that people need to speak for us...
2022-11-0123 minBlonde and Blind21. Gifted & Talented Blind KidsIn “Gifted & Talented Blind Kids,” Marissa explains why she and many other students with visual-impairments tend to be perfectionists in the classroom. This episode will outline how the U.S. education system fosters toxic attitudes towards grades, success, and intelligence that disproportionately impact disabled students. Tune in to learn about setting realistic goals, developing healthy coping skills, and detaching self-worth from grades.
“How can we raise society’s expectations for blind people without feeling like we as individuals need to be perfect?”
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2022-10-0124 minBlonde and Blind20. White Canes in the WildWhite canes in the albinism community can be rather controversial. Some view them as a useful tool for navigation while others feel they are “overkill” for people with significant residual vision. After years of resistance, I share why I decided to use a white cane and how I find it beneficial when traveling independently. “White Canes in the Wild” debunks common misconceptions and shares tips for cane training!
“I think viewing canes as a tool in the toolbox rather than a sign of defeat would do our community a lot of good.”
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2022-09-0126 minBlonde and BlindIntroducing: Blonde & BlindConnect with Legally Blonde & Blind!
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2022-08-0402 minBlonde and Blind19. How Many Fingers am I Holding up?Whether it be through invasive questions, unsolicited remarks, or condescending attitudes, people who are blind or visually-impaired experience microaggressions, actions that occur casually, frequently, and often without any negative intentions, on a daily basis. In “How Many Fingers am I Holding up?”, Marissa shares how to identify and discuss subtle acts of exclusion. Tune in to learn how to respond next time someone says “You look like a ghost!”
“Even if a comment seems small or unimportant to you, it can do real harm”
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2022-05-0725 minBlonde and Blind18. Life with J.A.K: Embracing Albinism and Low Vision (feat. Tikia Kidd)Tikia Kidd, author of Life with J.A.K: Living with Albinism, joins Marissa to share her experiences raising and advocating for her son Julian (aka J.A.K) who has albinism. They discuss processing a new diagnosis, embracing differences, and fostering self-advocacy skills. Tune in to learn how parents can educate relatives, teachers, and other community members about albinism!
Tikia Kidd is a wife, mother, and educator who lives in Illinois with her loving husband and their two exceptional children. She is a Parent Education Coordinator with NOAH and wrote Life with JAK to provide communities...
2022-04-0339 minBlonde and Blind17. Understanding Vision Loss and Preventative Care (feat. Sean Curry)Sean Curry joins Marissa to discuss the current state of access to vision care in the United States, particularly in the DC metro area, and the importance of eye exams. Tune in to learn more about how public transportation, income, and other social determinants of health impact vision loss (and what you can do about it!).
Sean Curry is the Associate Director of Programs for the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington who has a Masters in Public Health from The George Washington University. He oversees low vision community and health education events in the District...
2022-03-0532 minBlonde and Blind16. Let’s Talk about the Hard ThingsSometimes the glass feels half empty, and that’s okay. In “Let’s Talk about the Hard Things,” Marissa shares the most challenging aspects of living with albinism and low vision, including inaccessible buildings, awkward interactions, and society’s low expectations for blind people. Acknowledging and discussing these frustrating realities can help reveal how to make the world more accessible. WARNING: Marissa discusses sexual assault from 14:15-16:20, so please skip that portion if you find the topic upsetting.
“This is how we make meaningful change. These hard conversations can help us raise awareness for and analyze the barriers fac...
2022-02-0623 minBlonde and Blind15. Blind Baking! (Feat. Lia Stone)Lia Stone joins Marissa to discuss gaining confidence and independence in the kitchen with low vision. She shares several organizational tips as well as approaches for handling knives, ovens, and other potentially dangerous tools. They also discuss the benefits of attending a training center and when to ask for sighted help. Tune in to learn about developing cooking and baking skills without starting a fire!
Lia is a work experience coordinator with the EDGE program as part of New Jersey's Pre-Employment Transition Services for blind and visually-impaired students. She is also the chair of the State’s Re...
2022-01-0851 minBlonde and Blind14. Finding a Voice in the Workplace (feat. Shaara Roman)Shaara Roman joins Marissa to discuss her experiences implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) as well as what companies can do, both at the individual and organizational level, to prioritize accessibility in these efforts. Tune in to learn more about amplifying the voices of disabled employees in the workplace!
Shaara Roman is a former Chief Human Resources Officer and the CEO of The Silverene Group, a boutique management and culture consulting group. Her firm helps organizations foster engaged and productive teams by removing toxic stressors in the workplace. She also helps leaders through pivotal organizational changes...
2021-12-0447 minBlonde and Blind13. Movin’ On Out: Living Independently and Navigating a New CityAfter several months living in Georgetown, exploring D.C., using public transit, and getting lost more than a few times, Marissa discusses the unexpected challenges she encountered as a blind person navigating a new city. She shares how her attitudes towards blindness and independence have changed since moving away from home. Tune in to learn more about mobility and gain several “blind hacks” for getting around.
“I realized I need to love the blind girl who gets lost as much as the blind girl who is independent, who has her act together. If I never tried new things...
2021-11-0642 minBlonde and Blind12. “Tic-Tok:” College, COVID-19, and Mental Health (feat. Jenna Giesecke)Jenna Giesecke joins Marissa to share how she developed and adapted to a tic disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss transitioning to college, requesting accommodations, and finding a place in the disabled community. Tune in to learn more about the intersection between disability and mental health!
Jenna Giesecke is a junior at Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Mechanical Engineering. She is the Philanthropy Chair and Sisterhood Development Co-Chair in her university’s Theta Pi Alpha chapter. She is also an accessibility advocate for Stevens’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.
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2021-10-0238 minBlonde and Blind11. “All the Blind Ladies, Put Your Hands Up!” (feat. Mia Parra)How does gender identity impact the way blind women live, work, and travel independently? In the next episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa and special guest Mia Parra discuss the intersection of gender, sexuality, and blindness. Tune in to learn how their combined identities influence how they receive help, view their appearance, approach dating, travel alone, and pursue friendships.
Mia Parra is a sophomore at Western Michigan University who is studying psychology and loves musical theatre.
WARNING: From 21:40-27:00, Mia Parra and Marissa discuss sexual harassment and assault. If you don’t want to hear ab...
2021-09-0442 minBlonde and Blind10. Sharing My Story: Writing about Blindness and DisabilityIn the tenth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses how inspiration porn and other narratives surrounding disability made it challenging for her to share her story. She’ll then share some writing, editing, and brainstorming tips she’s gathered along the way.
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2021-08-0729 minBlonde and Blind9. 1-AC: Accessibility in Speech and Debate (feat. Alanna Cronk)Marissa interviews Alanna Cronk, the founder of 1AC-CESSIBILITY, They discuss how the hyper-competitive culture and inflexible, “one size fits all” structure of speech and debate harms participants, especially those who are members of marginalized communities. Learn how speech and debate tournaments can create a more welcoming environment that encourages students to prioritize their mental and physical well-being!
Alanna is a senior at Georgetown University studying English and Philosophy. Her academic interests include indigenous philosophy, disability studies, semantics, symbolic logic, and women’s studies. When she is not conducting fascinating research projects, she can most often be found playin...
2021-07-031h 07Blonde and Blind8. White Hair, Don’t Care: Self Love, Acceptance & AlbinismWhat is albinism and what unique challenges does it present? In the eighth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa explains how the physical appearance of people with albinism can lead to ostracization, discrimination, and low self-esteem. Tune in to learn more about how she learned to embrace her white hair, pale skin, and wiggly eyes!
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2021-06-1329 minBlonde and Blind7. Mother’s Day Special: A Conversation with Mama NissleyHow do parents of a visually-impaired child process a new diagnosis and encourage their child to develop a positive attitude towards blindness? How does one navigate the alphabet soup of IEP plans and other accommodations? In Legally Blonde & Blind’s Mother’s Day Special, Marissa’s mom shares her unique experiences and perspectives as a parent of a child with albinism.
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2021-05-0927 minBlonde and Blind6. Miss Independent: What Does Independence Mean to Me?How does one define independence and set reasonable goals for daily living? In this episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses developing a healthy mindset towards independence and asking for help. She also shares toxic ways she used to view independence and offers advice for sighted people when assisting a blind person.
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2021-04-0327 minBlonde and Blind5. Legally Blonde & Blind BenefitsIn the fifth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa shares her favorite things about being legally blind, such as being able to make friends in the blind community, scroll through her phone with her nose, and much more! She also discusses how her blindness helped her develop communication, social, and organizational skills.
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2021-03-0626 minBlonde and Blind4. Spilling the Disabili-TEA (feat. Samantha Hurley)Samantha Hurley, a high school senior who has made several YouTube videos about her experiences with albinism, joins Marissa to discuss bullying, activism, and raising awareness for albinism on social media.
Samantha is a rising sophomore at the University of Georgia studying Journalism with a minor in Spanish. She is also receiving certificates in News Media and Public Affairs Communication. Her YouTube channel features several videos about albinism, body positivity, and disability activism.
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2021-02-0626 minBlonde and Blind3. Virtual Learning with a Visual ImpairmentFrom web accessibility to Zoom fatigue, blind students face a unique set of challenges while learning virtually. Marissa discusses the roadblocks she has encountered and offers practical advice based on her experiences as an online college student.
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2021-01-0926 minBlonde and Blind2. Not Blind to Injustice (feat. Kaleigh Brendle)Marissa interviews Kaleigh Brendle, a high school senior in New Jersey who learned in March that the College Board would not provide paper, Braille copies of her AP exams. They discuss the legal action Kaleigh took and share self-advocacy tips.
Kaleigh Brendle is a Justice & Peace studies major at Villanova University. She directs the Sing for Serenity Choir, an international online choir for blind and visually impaired vocalists, and released her first album, Karma, in 2021. She is also the President of the New Jersey National Association of Blind Students.
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2020-12-1223 minBlonde and Blind1. The Art of the Blind JokeIn the first episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses how humor helped her develop confidence and feel more comfortable talking about her visual impairment.
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2020-11-0725 min