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In this episode, join Tim Schwartz, along with his co-hosts Ryan Palm and Charles Hiser, as they dive into the captivating topic of the Spoon Theory and its application to the blind and visually impaired community.
Charles sets the stage by providing background information on the Spoon Theory—a metaphor created by Christine Miserandino, who herself has lupus, as a way to explain the experience of living with chronic illness or disability to others who may not understand. The trio recognizes the significance of Miserandino’s contribution and how it has resonated with countless individuals facing similar challenges.
Tim then opens up about his wife Jennifer’s experiences with back, knee, and nerve issues, illustrating how Spoon Theory profoundly relates to their daily lives.
Drawing from the original blog post, the trio explores how Spoon Theory intertwines with blindness and visual impairment. They touch upon attending NFB conventions and exhilarating concerts, shedding light on the impact of sensory overload and limited sensory input.
Throughout the episode, Ryan and Charles share their own encounters with Spoon Theory, delving into the struggles of reading print, braille, and computer screens. They discuss the importance of accessible alternatives and the role of technology in creating a more inclusive environment.
Don’t miss this candid and enlightening conversation that blends personal anecdotes with the key insights from the original blog post. Tune in to the Life After Blindness Podcast to gain a deeper understanding of Spoon Theory and its profound implications for those with limited sensory input.
As someone who has both lupus and impaired vision, I can fully relate to this podcast. At one time, I taught a new lupus, self-help course for the arthritis foundation, and the metaphor we used was a jar of marbles that was smaller in amount than what others may have. It is hard for others to understand the fatigue of lupus, as it is, probably not to a level that many people have experienced. Also, since I have partial vision, it is hard sometimes for people to appreciate what I cannot see. Currently I can see that there are objects, but if I am in an unfamiliar place it is hard many times to make sense of what I am seeing. My mind tries to fill in and make sense of it but this uses up some spoons and the result may not be very accurate.
Tim, I hope that Jennifer has seen a good rheumatologist for evaluation of her joint problems. I can relate to her symptoms as you are describing them. I really enjoyed this episode.