Podcast Summary: "Joshua A. Mealy and Wendell Jamieson, CONNECTING DOTS: A Blind Life"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Totally Booked with Zibby
- Host: Zibby Owens
- Episode: Joshua A. Mealy and Wendell Jamieson, CONNECTING DOTS: A Blind Life
- Release Date: March 21, 2025
Introduction to the Guests
In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Joshua A. Mealy and Wendell Jamieson to discuss their co-authored book, Connecting Dots: A Blind Life. Joshua Mealy is a prominent blind scientist, designer, and inventor focused on accessible technology and disability inclusion. He is a recipient of the 2021 MacArthur Fellowship and serves as a Distinguished Fellow at UC Berkeley's Othering and Belonging Institute. Wendell Jamieson brings his extensive experience as an author, writer, editor, and painter, having spent two decades working for major newspapers, including the New York Times.
The Genesis of Connecting Dots
Zibby Owens expresses her admiration for the book, stating, “I am obsessed with this book. I read it, every word. I was like poring over it, dog-earing pages...” (03:51). Joshua acknowledges the positive feedback, noting the thrill of seeing their work resonate with readers after three years of limited readership.
Collaborative Storytelling
Zibby delves into the premise of the book, asking Joshua to elaborate on how the collaboration with Wendell originated. Joshua explains that while the book is his story, Wendell's expertise as a professional writer was instrumental in effectively conveying his experiences. He emphasizes that the book aims to highlight the lives of people with disabilities and the role of technology in fostering inclusion, rather than focusing solely on his personal trauma.
Facing Trauma and Moving Forward
Wendell provides background on Joshua's traumatic experience: “...a neighbor who was mentally disturbed poured acid on his head and blinded him...” (06:46). Joshua discusses his initial reluctance to delve into this painful part of his life, stating, “...nobody in my family ever said, you can't do that because you're blind...” (26:41). He emphasizes that while the event was traumatic, it does not define him or the essence of the book. Instead, the focus is on resilience and moving forward.
Overcoming Accessibility Challenges
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the challenges Joshua faced due to inaccessible technologies, such as ATMs. He recounts a frustrating experience where ATMs were non-functional for blind users despite having Braille labels: “...ATMs were not accessible. They didn't talk. And while they had Braille all over them, it was performative braille...” (21:18). This anecdote underscores the broader issue of societal design favoring sighted individuals and the necessity for genuinely inclusive technology.
The Power of Family Support
Joshua attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his family. He shares, “...nobody in my family said, you can't do that because you're blind. The people in my family said to me, let's figure out how you're going to do this...” (26:46). This nurturing environment empowered him to advocate for himself and pursue a fulfilling life despite his blindness.
Humor as a Narrative Tool
Both Joshua and Wendell highlight the role of humor in their storytelling. Wendell mentions, “...it is a funny book. And I just think you might say, well, I read a book about a guy that burned with acid on the first chapter, and at the end he won a big. Well, I don't want to give away anything...” (25:12). Joshua adds, “...sometimes people think, oh, well, like, of course, blind people can't use computers...” (21:18). Their ability to infuse humor into serious topics makes the narrative engaging and relatable.
Building an Inclusive World
A recurring theme in the conversation is the importance of designing a world that accommodates everyone. Joshua passionately states, “...the world is designed for sighted people. And my mission in life essentially has been to try to bring accessible design into the mainstream...” (21:52). He advocates for thoughtful design processes that consider the needs of disabled individuals from the outset, ensuring that innovations benefit a broader audience.
Key Takeaways and Messages
When prompted to distill the book's essence, Joshua succinctly articulates, “...blindness is just another way of living in the world. It's not tragic, it's not scary. It just is. And if we would design the world more thoughtfully for everyone, then blindness would be easier...” (30:15). Wendell echoes this sentiment, emphasizing perseverance and finding joy even in challenging circumstances: “...if you have draw a bad card one day, don't throw in the towel...” (30:40).
Conclusion
Zibby Owens wraps up the discussion by commending the guests for their insightful and heartwarming storytelling. She remarks, “...buy the books,” encouraging listeners to delve into Connecting Dots: A Blind Life. The episode serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, the power of inclusive design, and the importance of supportive relationships in overcoming life's adversities.
Notable Quotes:
- Zibby Owens: “I was like poring over it, dog-earing pages.” (03:51)
- Joshua A. Mealy: “Blindness is just another way of living in the world. It's not tragic, it's not scary. It just is.” (30:15)
- Wendell Jamison: “If you have draw a bad card one day, don't throw in the towel.” (30:40)
- Joshua A. Mealy: “The world is designed for sighted people. And my mission in life essentially has been to try to bring accessible design into the mainstream...” (21:52)
This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Zibby Owens, Joshua A. Mealy, and Wendell Jamieson, highlighting the key themes and insights from their discussion about Connecting Dots: A Blind Life. For an in-depth understanding and personal anecdotes, listeners are encouraged to read the book and tune into the full podcast episode.