Introduction

This post shares the accessible visual descriptions from my presentation,
“From Losing Sight to Finding Voice: The People, Purpose, and Possibility Behind Rehabilitation,”
delivered at the 2026 Penn-Del AER Conference.

The goal of this work is simple: ensure that blind and low vision individuals have
equitable access to visual content. Whether you attended the session or are exploring
this topic for the first time, this post is designed to give you a complete, immersive
experience of the presentation.

Watch the Full Presentation

Download Accessible Resources

Access the full resource folder on Dropbox

This folder includes the presentation in multiple accessible formats, along with
additional materials designed to support blind and low vision users.

About This Document

This collection provides detailed visual descriptions of each slide and embedded
media element used throughout the presentation. It is intended to ensure that all
attendees—regardless of vision—can fully engage with the content.

Accessible Slide Descriptions

Slide 1 – Title / Introduction

A wide, high-resolution image of a snow-covered mountain range fills the screen.
Jagged peaks rise into a cloudy sky, with soft light breaking through. The scale
of the mountains creates a strong sense of openness and possibility.

Centered near the top is a dark, semi-transparent overlay displaying the name
STEVE BASKIS in large white capital letters. At the bottom,
smaller white text reads:

SteveBaskis.com

BlindEndeavors.org

Slide 2 – Military Service

Two photographs appear side by side, taken during my 2008 deployment to Baghdad, Iraq.

In the first image, I stand beside a military vehicle in a desert environment,
wearing full combat gear. The tones are muted—tan and brown—reflecting the harsh
conditions.

In the second, I am positioned behind a concrete barrier, leaning forward while
aiming a mounted machine gun. The posture conveys focus and readiness in an
active combat setting.

Slide 3 – Walter Reed Recovery

This image shows me seated upright in a hospital bed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
following my medical evacuation from Iraq.

Medical equipment surrounds the bed, while my brother, Michael Baskis, sits close
beside me, offering support. The moment reflects both vulnerability and the strength
of family.

Slide 4 – Transition

A completely black screen, used as a visual pause.

Slide 5 – “Going Blind” Documentary

The video features interviews and close-up shots of individuals discussing vision loss.
Visuals include soft lighting, clinical environments, and simulations of impaired vision.
The tone is reflective and educational.

Slide 6 – Transition

A black screen with no visible content.

Slide 7 – Iztaccíhuatl Volcano

A large mountain rises above a dense forest. The lower slopes are dark green, while
the upper regions are covered in snow. The terrain is rugged, with ridges leading
up into a partly cloudy sky.

This represents Iztaccíhuatl, where I completed my first major climb after losing
my vision in 2009.

Slide 8 – Summit of Iztaccíhuatl

I stand on a rocky summit wearing a bright red jacket and cold-weather gear.
Clouds stretch below, creating the sensation of standing above the world.

The image captures a moment of achievement, isolation, and perspective.

Slide 9 – Transition

A full black slide.

Slide 10 – “High Ground” Documentary

Veterans navigate steep, snow-covered terrain using ropes and ice axes.
Wide shots emphasize scale, while close-ups highlight determination and teamwork.

Slide 11 – Transition

A black screen.

Slide 12 – Team River Runner

Veterans participate in adaptive kayaking, navigating both calm water and rapids.
The visuals emphasize movement, energy, and community support.

Slide 13 – Transition

A black screen.

Slide 14 – Closing Slide

The presentation concludes with the same mountain landscape from the opening.
The imagery reinforces themes of resilience, exploration, and possibility.

Final Thoughts

Rehabilitation is not just about adapting—it is about rediscovering purpose,
building community, and creating new possibilities.

This presentation reflects my journey, but more importantly, it highlights the
people and experiences that shape what is possible when we commit to accessibility,
inclusion, and growth.