VIDBE-Q 2026 Volume 71 Issue 1
Once in Louisville, the student sang an impassioned rendition of Andra
Day's "Rise Up" for the judges and earned a golden ticket to compete in
Hollywood the following month. A flurry of activity followed, including a visit
from one of the show's producers and a camera crew. They recorded several
school scenes and included a lesson in braille and assistive technology. Months
later, we saw a brief glimpse of our lesson when the episode aired.
After the visit from the producer and camera crew, they asked if we could
send something to simulate the student's vision. Fortunately, I had been trained in
how to make vision simulation goggles during graduate school. Based on the
student's ophthalmological reports and my assessment of her vision, we began
adapting three sets of goggles that a science teacher had donated. We repeatedly
ran visual field and acuity tests with the goggles and adjusted them until the results
matched the student's vision as closely as possible. Throughout the process, the
student's input was invaluable, as she was able to articulate what had changed with
her vision since her diagnosis. With the simulation goggles ready, the student
headed to Hollywood.
During the Hollywood segment of the competition, the contestants were
divided into teams of four and asked to perform a song together. The student's
teammates were given the simulation goggles to help them understand her vision,
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