Spotlight on Stephanie Jones: Championing Blind Accessibility and Technology in the Memphis and Cincinnati Communities.

I have had the honor to interview Stephanie Jones over Zoom to uncover the impact that photosensitivity has on blind people, and what kind tools will be useful for the blind in the future. Photosensitivity in the blind is the ability to still perceive the presence and absence of light. Approximately 80% of all Visually Impaired People are still photosensitive.

Stephanie Jones, currently serving as the Manager of Accessible Media Services at Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired, is an advocate for accessibility and inclusivity. In her late twenties, Stephanie was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri which caused her blindness. She has no light perception in her left eye and can only see shadows or movement in her right eye.

With a rich history of work in the field, Stephanie has played a crucial role in ensuring that visually impaired individuals have access to resources and tools that empower them to lead independent lives. She worked at Clovernook in Memphis for over 10 years before it shut down on March 29, 2024, but she has moved locations and works at the Clovernook in Cincinatti now. I was able to reach out to Stephanie after tracing her work in the Memphis area, and after a couple of email conversations, she was gracious enough to allow me to interview her.

Beyond her role at Clovernook, Stephanie is also an entrepreneur, having founded an accessibility solutions company that focuses on developing innovative technology for those with visual impairments. Her expertise and dedication have made her a respected figure in the community.

Discussion - Exploring the Future of Assistive Technology for the Photosensitive Blind:

In this interview, Stephanie Jones provides valuable insights into the challenges and possibilities surrounding the use of photosensitivity as a navigation tool for the blind. Stephanie voiced several concerns. "I think people who are photosensitive, who wear special lenses...we use colored shades to help people with light sensitivities," she noted, emphasizing these existing aids for photosensitive individuals. She also raised concerns about the physical and social barriers that might arise with the use of an additional wearable device. "I wonder how well someone would want to wear an additional device on themselves," she said, pointing out that many people are already reluctant to use a white cane due to societal stigmas: “there's huge stigmas in the blind and visually impaired community about use of a white cane because it's an indicator that you're different.”

Stephanie's experience with novel blind technologies leads to cautious optimism. She acknowledges the innovative angle of using light and remaining photosensitivity for navigation but stressed the importance of not replacing traditional tools like the white cane. "I think, for example, [a new blind technology] could be great, but it needs to work with the light cane, not in place of a light cane," she explained. Stephanie is a strong advocate for the integration of technology with proven methods rather than outright replacement, noting the importance of having backup options in case of technological failure.

The conversation also touched on the potential market for new blind navigational technology. Stephanie was candid about the financial challenges that often accompany the development and adoption of new technology in the visually impaired community. "Only 30% or less are employed and have disposable income... Many of these technologies come out at price points that are a couple of thousand dollars. And therefore, it's not obtainable, your market becomes extremely small," she explained.

Stephanie’s insights highlight the need for a balanced approach to innovation in assistive technology. While new tools and devices have the potential to greatly enhance the independence of visually impaired individuals, they must be designed with a deep understanding of the users' needs, the limitations of current technologies, and the realities of adoption in a cost-sensitive community.

In conclusion, Stephanie Jones’s perspective offers a valuable reminder that while innovation is crucial, it must be pursued with an awareness of the broader context in which it will be implemented. Her work at Clovernook and beyond continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring that technology serves as an aid, rather than a replacement, for the essential tools that visually impaired individuals already rely on every day.