From Patient to Keynote: A Full-Circle Moment at the 2026 AER International Conference
Last year, I was honored to be invited as a keynote speaker for the 2026 AER International Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. AER, the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, brings together teachers, orientation and mobility specialists, rehabilitation professionals, assistive technology experts, and others who dedicate their lives to helping people who are blind or have low vision live more independent lives.
A Journey Back to Kentucky
Speaking at the conference marked a full-circle moment in my life. Years earlier, Kentucky had been part of my journey through blindness rehabilitation. This time, I returned not as a patient searching for answers, but as the opening keynote speaker with an opportunity to thank the professionals whose work helped make my independence possible.
After losing my eyesight in Baghdad, Iraq, in May 2008, I eventually found myself assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Knox. While I spent most of my rehabilitation at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois, I traveled back to Fort Knox several times for my Medical Evaluation Board appointments. Kentucky was also familiar to me from years earlier. Around 2004, I lived there while working for my father’s research and development company on a water treatment project in Glasgow.
As I arrived in Louisville, memories from those earlier years came rushing back. I thought about the rolling hills, the colorful fall leaves, and riding my Harley-Davidson through the countryside near Mammoth Cave. Those were memories from a time when I still had my sight.
More than 18 years later, I was back in Kentucky for a completely different reason. This time, I had come to share my story of recovery and, more importantly, to thank the people whose professions helped make that recovery possible.
From the moment I arrived, everyone made me feel welcome. The conference organizers ensured I was comfortable and familiar with the hotel layout, and the hotel staff were consistently friendly and helpful as I navigated between my room and the conference meeting spaces.
Learning Alongside Blindness Professionals
Throughout the week, I attended presentations covering many aspects of blindness and visual impairment. It was fascinating to hear about the challenges professionals are currently facing and the innovative ways they continue improving services for people who are blind across the country.
One presentation that particularly stood out focused on 3D printing. For someone who is blind, understanding the overall shape and scale of a large object can be difficult through touch alone. You can stand at the base of a lighthouse and touch its wall, but that tells you very little about its overall shape. A detailed 3D model allows someone to explore the entire structure with their hands, providing a much richer understanding of its design and perspective. It was another reminder that technology continues creating opportunities for learning in ways I could never have imagined years ago.
Visiting the American Printing House for the Blind
One afternoon, we visited the American Printing House for the Blind. The organization has been renovating its campus and creating an impressive new museum experience scheduled to open later in 2026. During our visit, I even had the opportunity to sit down and play the baby grand piano that Stevie Wonder learned on. As someone who has been learning piano over the past few years, that was a special and memorable experience.
Networking, Music, and Meaningful Conversations
The evenings were just as memorable. After a full day of sessions, everyone relaxed together. One night, several blind musicians gathered around a Yamaha baby grand piano in the hotel lobby. We played music, sang songs like “American Pie,” and simply enjoyed each other’s company. It reminded me how music has a way of bringing complete strangers together.
While the educational sessions were excellent, I think the conversations between sessions meant even more. I met professionals who were genuinely interested in my story, shared ideas with fellow blind attendees, and connected with people who hope to invite me to speak at future events. Those personal conversations often become the most meaningful part of any conference.
The Message Behind My Keynote
Looking back, it’s remarkable to think about who I was when I first woke up blind compared to the person I am today.
I still remember lying in a hospital bed wondering what my life could possibly become. At the time, I couldn’t imagine traveling independently, climbing mountains, kayaking whitewater rivers, speaking to audiences around the country, or exploring the world. Those fears felt overwhelming then, but today they remind me just how important rehabilitation truly is.
That message became the heart of my keynote address.
I wanted everyone in the audience to understand that the skills they teach every day matter. The orientation and mobility instructor teaching someone how to use a long white cane, the assistive technology specialist introducing a screen reader, or the rehabilitation professional helping someone regain confidence may not immediately see the full impact of their work.
But I am living proof of what those small lessons can become.
Those foundational skills gave me independence. They gave me confidence. They opened doors to adventure, meaningful work, travel, athletics, music, and experiences I never thought possible. More than anything, they gave me the freedom to build a life that I genuinely enjoy.
If my keynote accomplished anything, I hope it reminded everyone in that room that what they do changes lives. They may only see one lesson, one client, or one day at a time, but those small moments often become the foundation for someone else’s future.
Looking Ahead
I am grateful to AER for the opportunity to share my story, grateful to everyone I met throughout the week, and already looking forward to returning for the next AER International Conference in 2028.
