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Cheryl McNeil Fisher writes books, has used a guide dog from Guiding Eyes for the Blind for over 3 decades, experienced Google’s Project Guideline wearing boots with heels, yes, with heels, and has found community events and programs on-line during the Pandemic.

Cheryl shares advice about writing books and the publishing process. Talks about how she made the decision to get a guide dog and her experiences over the years. She also has found the ACB Group Calls that have emerged during the Pandemic to be very satisfying and recommends others to join the community. You don’t have to be an ACB member, she says, just find a time and group and add to the conversation. There is something for everyone.

Project Guideline started when Thomas Panek, CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, asked a Google Hackathon group if there was a way to assist a blind runner to run independently. After a few months and some hard work in the Google research labs, Thomas was able to run independently and will soon be further testing Project Guideline in New York’s Central Park during a running event. Cheryl was invited to test the Guideline set-up and she is here to talk about her experience.

After losing most of her sight, Cheryl decided to contact Guiding Eyes for the Blind and start the process of getting a guide dog. After a bit of nerves almost stopped her from going, she soon did not want to leave the facilities where she was matched with her first guide dog. Now, on her 4^th guide dog, Cheryl talks about her experiences and shares advice to anyone considering getting a guide dog.

When Cheryl found the Community Calls from ACB, she began attending the virtual events and now hosts her own meeting as well. She admits she never participated much in events and the Pandemic has changed all of that.

Join Cheryl and Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio for ta brief look at Cheryl’s journey through blindness, authoring books and being a guide dog owner. Hope you enjoy!

Here are some links mentioned in the podcast episode:

Google’s Project Guideline

Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Audio Described Video of Project Guideline

Cheryl McNeil Fisher Web Site

ACB Community Conference Calls

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