Driving 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 will be a passenger in your mom’s car for the rest of your life. Thousands of blind people have found their way, and so will you.”

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Key Points:

2:25 - Low Vision Driving Basics

3:36 - Bioptic Telescopes

5:50 - Safety Considerations

9:52 - Attitudes towards Driving

13:05 - How can we better support nondrivers?

13:09 - Acknowledging the Downsides of Car Dependency

14:57 - Increasing exposure to public transportation

15:52 - Offering rides

17:32 - Take a deep breath!

Resources:

• Albinism and Driving Bulletin - https://www.albinism.org/information-bulletin-albinism-and-driving/
• “Is Low Vision Driving an Option?” - https://familyconnect.org/browse-by-age/teenagers/transition-to-independence-teenagers/preparing-for-independent-travel/is-low-vision-driving-an-option/
• “The Negative Consequences of Car Dependency” - https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2017/11/2/the-negative-consequences-of-car-dependency
• “Driving with Low Vision” - https://www.lowvision-nj.com/driving-with-low-vision/
• “Proceed With Caution: Low Vision and Driving” - https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/proceed-with-caution-low-vision-and-driving
• “Driving and Low Vision - What Optometrists Must Know” - https://eyesoneyecare.com/resources/driving-and-low-vision-what-optometrists-must-know/

Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/24-two-feet-instead-of-four-wheels