Welcome to the V.I.&B. Creatives Workshop

Author: Low Vision and Blind creatives community

  • 🦯Beyond the Glass Wall: Professionalism Through the Blind Lens

    The podcast discusses systemic barriers and misconceptions faced by visually impaired and blind professionals in the job market, emphasizing the impact of inaccessible technology and bias. Advocates from the V.I. & B. Creatives Community call for a cultural shift that values innovation from disability and redefines professionalism based on competence rather than sight.

  • The Unseen Resumé: Navigating the Professional Threshold with Low Vision

    By: A Member of the V.I. & B. Creatives Community In the quiet of my home office, my screen reader—a rhythmic, synthesized companion—pulses through a list of job descriptions. To most, these are opportunities. To those of us in the V.I. & B. (Visually Impaired and Blind) community, they are often a series of digital…

  • Writing Without Limits: The Blind Storyteller’s Journey- With Paul Martz

    Spotify podcast Paul Martz is an award-winning science fiction author, technology blogger, and former punk rock drummer. At age six, he saw 2001: A Space Odyssey on the big screen, which lead him to a collection of Arthur C. Clarke’s short stories and a lifelong insatiable appetite for mind-bending science fiction. His short stories can…

  • Writing Through the Darkness: Creativity, Mental Health, and Vision Loss (Part 1)

    In this emotionally powerful Part 1 episode of Blindsight, Bill Lundgren conducts an interview with Elyse Draper. She is an author, illustrator, and founder of the VI&B Creatives Workshop. Elyse shares her incredible journey from visual artist to writer. The onset of vision loss reshaped her life. It also transformed her family dynamics and identity.…

  • Let’s Talk About the Library of Congress, Part Three

    How can an independent author, who has already published their book, get into the LOC? ~Submitting your already-published book to the Library of Congress (LOC) While the ideal scenario for a self-published author hoping to get their book into the Library of Congress is to apply for a Preassigned Control Number (PCN) before publication, it is still…

  • Let’s Talk About the Library of Congress, Part Two

    Independent authors can get their books into the Library of Congress (LOC) by applying for a Preassigned Control Number (PCN) through the PrePub Book Link, sending a printed copy once published, and understanding the selection process for inclusion. Quality production and professional reviews can further increase chances of acceptance.

  • Let’s Talk About the Library of Congress, Part One

    The Library of Congress (LOC) is the U.S. national library, housing over 164 million items, including books, recordings, and maps. It utilizes the Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) for cataloging, which has been in use since 1898. The Cataloging in Publication (CIP) Program helps publishers by creating pre-publishing bibliographic records.

  • Let’s Talk About the NLS and BARD

    Collection Building Policy The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Disabled (NLS) patrons are invited to fill out the Book Recommendation form to request books or magazines to be added to the NLS collection. (Not yet a patron? Visit the Apply for NLS Service page.) NLS patrons should always check the catalog to see if we have a book before requesting…

  • Mastering Professional Writing Skills

    Professional writing is the creation of clear, structured content used in business or academic settings, emphasizing effective communication to convey messages professionally, concisely, and with the intended impact.

  • Minutes from Aftersight

    Minutes from Aftersight

    This content highlights various national and local services aimed at assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision. Resources include FindHelp.org for essential services, the National Library Service for accessible literature, and local organizations like Ensight and Beyond Sight that provide support, rehabilitation, and community engagement to enhance independence and quality of life.