What do you think?
Rate this book
Thriving Blind: Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight
Blindness. A tough topic to discuss? Not anymore. In this groundbreaking book, readers will see blindness in a whole new light. In fact, the compelling and entertaining stories will not only change perceptions of blindness, they’ll make readers forget the people featured are actually blind. Author Kristin Smedley’s journey began with devastation and tears after her two sons were diagnosed as blind when they were each just four months old. Eventually, she met a few people would who change her perception of what is possible for those navigating the world without sight. Those role models were the tipping point for Kristin and her sons to move from surviving blindness, to thriving. Thriving Blind introduces the reader to thirteen of those pivotal people--including a reality tv star, YouTube sensation and Teacher of the Year! While the stories in Thriving Blind demonstrate how blind people used creativity and determination to live the life of their dreams, the lessons they convey about facing fears and crashing through society’s barriers are transformative for all who experience struggles. Kristin herself applied these lessons to her own journey. She has testified at the FDA for the first ever treatment for vision loss, coordinated the first legislation in US history to be submitted in Braille, and is a highly influential voice around the world for those living with rare eye diseases. Thriving Blind will transform your idea of what is possible for people who encounter a devastating disability or life challenge and will catapult your motivation to set extraordinary expectations for your own life. From the Foreword by Erik Weihenmayer (blind Author, Filmmaker, International Speaker): “In Thriving Blind, Kristin beautifully presents how her beliefs and fears, her perspective and mindset could become either her boys’ biggest barrier or the boys’ most powerful catalyst. My mom believed in me. She saw strength, opportunity, and promise, while others saw only problems, obstacles, and limits. My dad taught me a lot about what I now call ‘a No Barriers Mindset.’ With the right support, encouragement, and belief, your child will survive (blindness). In fact, as Kristin so poignantly describes, ‘They’ll do better than survive. They will thrive.’”
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2019
16 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 25, 2019
Read this book review on my blog, along with an exclusive interview with author Kristin Smedley, at: https://beckiewrites.com/2019/02/25/k...
Thriving Blind by TEDx speaker and disability awareness activist, Kristin Smedley, is a powerful little book that packs a huge punch. In this book there are twelve amazing stories from twelve people who are doing great things and also happen to be blind or visually imapired, Throughout the book, Smedley emphasizes the fact that people with disabilities can do anything anyone else can do- we just do it a little differently.
This book includes testimonies from people who are blind and also CEO’s, marathon runners, musicians, parents, and so much more! I was particularly drawn to the story of Scott Mac Intyre, the 2009 American Idol contestant who is blind. I am also a visually impaired musician and Scott’s heartfelt story struck a chord within my heart.
Throughout the entire book, Kristin is frank about her own personal struggle with the impact that sight loss has had on her family. Her words are raw and poignant; however, they are also full of hope. Her story reminded me of how my own mother fought for me to have equal access to education and opportunities when I was a child. I am certain that Kristin’s words will offer parents with children who have visually impairments a great deal of hope and comfort.
The only reservation that I have about this book is a small note of constructive criticism: There are many times throughout the book that Kristin does not use “person first” language. For example, she frequently refers to her blind sons as opposed to her sons who are blind. I was not offended by this construction because I often speak about myself as a “disabled woman,” or a “visually impaired Filipino-American.” My disability is an important part of my identity and I am comfortable using “identity first,” language rather than “person first” language; however, there are many people who prefer person first language.
I strongly recommend Thriving Blind for anyone who has ever looked at a person with a disability and thought, “How do they do that?” Smedley’s book is an important reminder that people with disabilities can live full and happy lives.
If you or someone you love is impacted by disability or sight loss, I strongly recommend that you take some time to read this powerful little book!
Note: I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thriving Blind by TEDx speaker and disability awareness activist, Kristin Smedley, is a powerful little book that packs a huge punch. In this book there are twelve amazing stories from twelve people who are doing great things and also happen to be blind or visually imapired, Throughout the book, Smedley emphasizes the fact that people with disabilities can do anything anyone else can do- we just do it a little differently.
This book includes testimonies from people who are blind and also CEO’s, marathon runners, musicians, parents, and so much more! I was particularly drawn to the story of Scott Mac Intyre, the 2009 American Idol contestant who is blind. I am also a visually impaired musician and Scott’s heartfelt story struck a chord within my heart.
Throughout the entire book, Kristin is frank about her own personal struggle with the impact that sight loss has had on her family. Her words are raw and poignant; however, they are also full of hope. Her story reminded me of how my own mother fought for me to have equal access to education and opportunities when I was a child. I am certain that Kristin’s words will offer parents with children who have visually impairments a great deal of hope and comfort.
The only reservation that I have about this book is a small note of constructive criticism: There are many times throughout the book that Kristin does not use “person first” language. For example, she frequently refers to her blind sons as opposed to her sons who are blind. I was not offended by this construction because I often speak about myself as a “disabled woman,” or a “visually impaired Filipino-American.” My disability is an important part of my identity and I am comfortable using “identity first,” language rather than “person first” language; however, there are many people who prefer person first language.
I strongly recommend Thriving Blind for anyone who has ever looked at a person with a disability and thought, “How do they do that?” Smedley’s book is an important reminder that people with disabilities can live full and happy lives.
If you or someone you love is impacted by disability or sight loss, I strongly recommend that you take some time to read this powerful little book!
Note: I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2020
A book that I could relate to. Very inspirational. This is good not only for the parents of the visually impaired or the visually impaired themselves but a good book in general. I was 23 years old when I lost my site suddenly. I was able to relate with a lot of the people that were interviewed because I pretty much went down a little bit of all they spoke about. My wife and I along with my father started our roofing and construction business within a year after I violently had lost my site and it took off from there. My grandfather said do not let the grass grow underneath your feet. In my situation I have a lot of family and friends as a support group. I was able to receive my boxer, Wyatt, from Pilot Dogs and Columbus Ohio about eight months after I lost my vision. I remember a moment in 1990 my freshman year at Fresno state when I was riding my bike to class and seen a blind person with a boxer for a guide dog. That moment stuck with me because we had always raised boxers and was a breed that I was real familiar with and love. I just sat there and cannot believe that there was a boxer as a guide dog. Who would’ve known about 5 1/2 years later I would be receiving a boxer for a guide dog. I remember the moment laying in the hospital bed and they said my vision was gone. One of my first things that came to mind was that boxer as a guide dog. From their family and friends went to work. Within a couple of days I have a relative in Texas that got the information about where I could get a boxer. I remember with one of the interviews in the book about the frustration with the mobility training. Oh boy can I relate. My wife used to follow behind myself and the mobility trainer not knowing how to hold back. Books like this is great for any visually impaired person. One thing we always talk about if I rather not have ever had vision and would’ve been easier. There’s pros and cons either way. In my case, I have a four-year-old and one-year-old when I lost my vision and I just got promoted to manager at our families roofing companies. I was able to learn a lot growing up from my family, all my schooling throughout college and my job prepared me for the next unknown chapter. I was able to “embrace the journey“ and took it head on. I am only giving a little background because reading this book really inspired me. My wife and I look back at times and I wonder how we did certain things. I cannot imagine doing this without my friends and family support and I know there’s many people that don’t have what I had and we’re in the same situation. The more resources out there for people with disability would help them as a person and our society in whole. All of this is very inspirational as someone else had mentioned we are just a person and living. This is what we know and this is what we’re going to do. Great book.
April 2, 2024
All I can say is Wow!!!
If you want to read something that really gives you some perspective and inspiration this is the book for you! The people in this book have all taken things in their life that could be considered negative and have turned them not just into positive, but amazing! I recommend this to everyone!!
If you want to read something that really gives you some perspective and inspiration this is the book for you! The people in this book have all taken things in their life that could be considered negative and have turned them not just into positive, but amazing! I recommend this to everyone!!
March 7, 2025
A wonderful book told by blind people that made me lighten my heart more about blindness. I believe in Portugal, we don’t have as many resources, but it made me understand more about disabilities and made me closer to that community.
May 11, 2019
The author has done exactly what we’re always advised – write the book you want to have. If you were a parent who has learned your child is or will become blind, what do you want to know? In this case, the author wanted to know that her child had the possibility of being highly successful in a way that might be characterized as “the American Dream.” She collected stories of highly successful blind people and how they got that way. Her own children have earned accolades such a valedictorian of a mainstream school.
I do have a couple of quibbles with the book. It uses some language about disability that many in the disability community find cringy, like describing an impressive person as “made me forget he was blind.” (I was once told I shouldn’t write a book about disability by someone who “didn’t see me as disabled.”) And the focus on success can be problematic. One of the people interviewed did mention about looking for different models of success for blind children with additional disabilities.
But if I were facing blindness and didn’t know any successful blind people, the position the author was in as a parent, these are stories I would want to know. An auto mechanic who owns his own shop! For him, developing blindness as an adult after already being a mechanic, the fact that this was possible for him was obvious. For many of us unfamiliar with blindness, some of these stories may be unexpected.
I do have a couple of quibbles with the book. It uses some language about disability that many in the disability community find cringy, like describing an impressive person as “made me forget he was blind.” (I was once told I shouldn’t write a book about disability by someone who “didn’t see me as disabled.”) And the focus on success can be problematic. One of the people interviewed did mention about looking for different models of success for blind children with additional disabilities.
But if I were facing blindness and didn’t know any successful blind people, the position the author was in as a parent, these are stories I would want to know. An auto mechanic who owns his own shop! For him, developing blindness as an adult after already being a mechanic, the fact that this was possible for him was obvious. For many of us unfamiliar with blindness, some of these stories may be unexpected.
March 16, 2019
Kristin brings together an inspiring collection of unique individuals sharing a unifying condition - they all may lack eyesight but, what is revealed to me is that these miracles are anything but blind.
The stories taught me of the powerful metaphysical insights that can be derived from lacking the physical sense of sight, and, how important it can be to turn a “blind eye” to certain preconceived notions.
Kristin’s energy comes through the text - particularly in the acknowledgments! Her zest and excitement about life and her children are examples we can all learn from, particularly her gratitude and honesty.
The stories taught me of the powerful metaphysical insights that can be derived from lacking the physical sense of sight, and, how important it can be to turn a “blind eye” to certain preconceived notions.
Kristin’s energy comes through the text - particularly in the acknowledgments! Her zest and excitement about life and her children are examples we can all learn from, particularly her gratitude and honesty.
October 12, 2021
Kristin Smedley is passionate about her children and wants them to reach their potential. Her quest to find role models for her sons and children like them was successful. This book showcases very successful and engaged adults with visual impairments from all careers. It inspires me and I have been in the field for over 30 years! A must read for any parent or teacher.
May 31, 2019
An excellent collection of autobiographic stories! I enjoyed “getting to know” some of the local accessibility and mobility leaders in the area. Their blindness is their strength, and it was so encouraging to read about people taking charge in the midst of struggle.
June 30, 2021
In a time when ‘inclusion’ is part of everyday life, it makes me wonder, why aren’t those with physical disabilities included in those conversations?
September 4, 2021
Live interview with Kristin on September 10, 2021. www.writingworkswonders for details.
If you miss it live, Look for Episode 27 on Writing Works Wonders Podcast.
If you miss it live, Look for Episode 27 on Writing Works Wonders Podcast.
December 12, 2021
As the mother of a VI child, it was helpful to read first-hand accounts of VI adults who are thriving.
June 2, 2022
Highly recommended for parents raising blind children or anyone with a visually impaired friend/family. I loved it!
February 26, 2025
I recommend this book to everyone, but especially to parents and loved ones of people who have recently been diagnosed with vision loss. My sixteen-year-old son began to lose his vision 6 years ago and I have never come across a resource as hopeful and helpful as this book. I could not put it down. I'm actually re-reading it already. Thank you, Kristin, for showing the world that people are #thrivingblind.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews