Blind Visionaries & AI: Seeing Differently

Blind Visionaries and AI: Seeing Differently is an in-depth exploration of how individuals with diverse visual impairments leverage technology--and especially AI--to reimagine their perceptions of the world. Central authors Dagmar Jamieson, who lost her sight due to cone-rod dystrophy, and Mark Rawleigh, diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, provide foundational narratives informed by their personal journeys, establishing context for insightful chapters and interviews from a diverse group of accomplished experts, each with unique visual impairments.

Structured as a collaborative volume, the book begins with a foreword by playwright Eugene Stickland, who discusses his experiences living with prosopagnosia (face blindness). This is followed by chapters from pioneering professionals, including Ashley King, a legally blind actor and playwright who advocates for accessibility and inclusive representation in the arts. Jonathan Sieswerda, whose congenital visual impairment drives his exploration of technology's dual potential to empower and isolate, also contributes. Dr. John-Ross Rizzo, alongside colleague Dr. Giles Hamilton-Fletcher, shares groundbreaking research on Choroideremia and sensory substitution, while Jason Crawford, a legally blind multi-disciplinary artist, explores how AI has become his creative partner--enhancing his work in music, acting, and writing while preserving the authenticity of his artistic voice.

Additional insights come through interviews with Sam Seavey, creator of The Blind Life YouTube channel, who shares how his experience with Stargardt's disease led to a leading role in assistive tech education; Maria Ramirez, a SmartLife Coach at CNIB, who discusses her journey with rod-cone dystrophy and how AI-powered wearables like Envision Glasses are reshaping independence; and artist Julian Hobson, who reflects on colour vision deficiency and his unique blend of medical physics, metaphysics, and art. His vision is also captured in the book's striking cover design. Together, their perspectives expand the narrative, showing how personal experience and emerging technology intersect to redefine what it means to see differently.

These compelling personal narratives and interviews illuminate technology's transformative potential for promoting independence, creativity, and professional advancement while critically examining both its capabilities and limitations. Blind Visionaries and AI offers readers practical insights into implementing and advancing assistive technologies and AI, highlighting their potential to foster greater inclusivity and societal engagement.

Foreword Writer, Eugene Stickland

Eugene Stickland lives with prosopagnosia (face blindness), a visual impairment that makes recognizing even familiar faces challenging, though other aspects of his vision remain intact. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Eugene earned an MFA in Theatre, specializing in playwriting and dramaturgy, from York University. In 1994, he relocated to Calgary for Alberta Theatre Projects' premiere of his acclaimed play, "Some Assembly Required," which subsequently enjoyed over 100 productions worldwide. During his ten-year residency at ATP, Eugene authored nine additional plays, and he is also the author of No Harm Done: Three Plays About Medical Conditions, demonstrating his ongoing exploration of unique and impactful themes.

Dagmar Jamieson

Dagmar Jamieson is an artist, designer, and water skier whose passion for creativity persists despite losing her sight due to cone-rod dystrophy diagnosed at age 13. Her determination and imagination drive her innovative home designs and expressive watercolour paintings. Dagmar views blindness not as a limitation but as a gateway to extraordinary experiences. She describes water skiing as a sensory journey, guided by the rhythm of the wake, where intuition and precision replace sight. Her research and artwork have been featured in the book Ascenti: Humans Opening to AI.

Mark Rawleigh

Mark Rawleigh, diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of nine, is a dedicated lifelong learner who holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology, and is currently pursuing a post-bachelor's certificate in Human Resource Management. Mark has never let vision loss define his limits; instead, he passionately explores the world through travel, education, and photography, studying at universities globally and immersing himself in diverse cultures, histories, and ways of life. Photography, a passion from childhood, enables Mark to capture and preserve his unique perspective, allowing him to share his adventures and inspire others to embrace life's boundless possibilities.

Ashley King

Ashley King is a Mexican-Canadian, legally blind actor, playwright, writer, and accessibility consultant. After losing her vision at 19 due to methanol poisoning, she now lives with Optic Nerve Atrophy. A graduate of Company of Rogues Actors' Studio and Mount Royal University, she centres her work on representation, accessibility, and inclusion. Her writing explores personal lived experiences, using technology to share authentic stories and foster understanding across diverse perspectives.

Jonathan Sieswerda

Jonathan Sieswerda was born with Leber congenital amaurosis, leaving him with only peripheral vision. He channels this experience into advocacy, research, and tech-based accessibility. A Psychology major and Computer Science minor at The King's University, he is Vice President Internal of the Students' Association and supports both IT and research into gender identity. He works at Apple's Genius Bar and collaborates with groups like Eviance and CNIB on disability rights and climate justice. A competitive water skier on Canada's adaptive team, he's training for the World Championships in Australia, using sport and technology to help build a more inclusive world.

John-Ross Rizzo, MD, MSCI, FACRM

Diagnosed in childhood with Choroideremia, Dr. John-Ross (JR) Rizzo is a physician-scientist and accessibility leader. He holds the Ilse Melamid Professorship at NYU Langone, where he is Director of Disability Inclusion and Vice Chair of Innovation at Rusk Institute. He directs the VMIL and REACTIV Labs, advancing wearable assistive technologies. With over 150 publications, he also serves on the MTA Board, advocating for accessible public transit across New York City.

Giles Hamilton-Fletcher, PhD

Dr. Giles Hamilton-Fletcher is a postdoctoral fellow at NYU Langone, collaborating with Dr. JR Rizzo. Fully sighted, his research focuses on multisensory psychology and improving assistive technology for people with vision loss. His work explores synaesthesia, cross-modal learning, and sensory substitution. With degrees in neuroimaging (Brunel) and psychology (Sussex), he was named an Emerging Vision Scientist in 2018 and has helped advance innovation in sensory accessibility and inclusive design.

Jason Crawford

Jason Crawford is a multifaceted entertainment industry professional whose talents span music, film, television, and digital content creation. As a legally blind artist, Crawford has shattered industry barriers across multiple disciplines, establishing himself as a formidable creative force. Crawford's musical prowess earned him a Juno nomination for "Bridge of Love" with Calgary-based group The Earthtones, cementing his place among Canada's elite musical talent. As a hip-hop artist, producer, and lyricist, he commands respect through technical mastery and authentic storytelling.

Maria Ramirez

Maria Ramirez, diagnosed as legally blind in 2014 due to rod-cone dystrophy, is a SmartLife Coach with CNIB. Holding an Honours degree in Psychology, she teaches people with vision loss how to use assistive technology to enhance independence and accessibility. Passionate about lifelong learning, Maria explores the evolving role of AI and digital tools in fostering inclusion, empowerment, and meaningful connection for individuals navigating the challenges of vision impairment.

Julian Hobson

Julian Hobson has protanopia, colour vision deficiency, affecting his ability to distinguish certain colours due to cone-cell impairment. A talented artist, he designed the cover background for Blind Visionaries, in colours he can discern, by blending creative prompts with innovative AI technology. Equally skilled in mainstream medicine, art, and metaphysics, Julian studied medical physics and cardiological science during his career with the Royal Army Medical Corps in the British Army. Julian is also co-editor of Embrace Your Divine Flow and co-editor and illustrator of Secrets of the Forsaken.