Legally Blonde & Blind Marissa Nissley

Alcohol can be a social lubricant, so it’s no surprise that I’ve received some of the most fascinating, bizarre, and hilarious questions about my low vision at the bar. Disability is often the elephant in the room. People either avert their gaze or stare at us across the street. They either ask random, invasive questions like “what happened to you?” or chastise their children for asking about our mobility aids. However, conversations surrounding disability (if you are comfortable talking about it) do not need to be depressing, or violating. To celebrate my 21st birthday (eight months after the fact), the 32nd episode of Legally Blonde & Blind answers questions my listeners and I have received from people who *might* have been a little tipsy.

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We’ve all heard the phrase “albinism is beautiful,” and over the last decade, albino models, influencers, and advocates have taken the world by storm. But albinism representation—especially in the fashion and beauty industry—is far from perfect. In the thirtieth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, I discuss society's evolving attitudes towards beauty and how we can more meaningfully include, uplift, and celebrate those with albinism. Tune in to learn how for me, albinism is far more than pretty white hair..it’s a community, source of pride, and part of who I am.



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Resources & Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/31-albinism-is-not-an-accessory

If you were asked to picture an “athlete,” you probably wouldn’t imagine someone who is blind. But with creativity, collaboration, and a few modifications, athletes with low vision can partake in many elite and recreational activities, such as goalball, skiing, tandem cycling, and many more! Sports help athletes of all ages and abilities stay healthy, build self-confidence, and become part of a team. Liza Corso—a Paralympic silver medalist—joins Marissa to share how participating in track and field has positively impacted her life. Tune in to learn about how we can raise awareness and increase opportunities for people to participate in adaptive sports.

Liza Corso is a junior at Lipscomb University studying psychology and nutrition. She was selected to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games and won a silver medal in the 1500m. She also competes on Lipscomb’s Cross Country and Track & Field team. 

“I feel that there is so much value in sports and being able to prove to yourself that you are mentally and physically tough, that you can do hard things.”



Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/ 

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/



Connect with Liza!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/liza.corso3/



Shownotes & Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/30-blind-athletics-and-the-paralympic-world 

Research indicates that 55% of communication in face-to-face conversations is through nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. How can blind folks navigate social settings where subtle, nonverbal communication is prevalent? In “Blind Social Butterfly,” I share my perspective on networking, mingling, and forming connections with low vision. I also offer advice for making happy hours, conferences, and other social events more accessible. 



Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/

Shownotes & Transcripts - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/29-blind-social-butterfly

“No dogs allowed!” “Can you show me your service animal ID?” “Just take an UberPet.” In restaurants, airports, convenience stores, and Ubers across the United States, many service animal teams experience access issues and denials. A survival guide for both new and experienced service animal handlers, the twenty-eighth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind outlines the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal laws relating to assistance animals. I explore when, where, and why access issues most frequently occur. Based on surveys, personal experience, and testimonies from other handlers, I then offer advice on how to respectfully yet assertively handle access issues.



Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/



Shownotes & Transcripts - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/28-guide-dogs-access-issues-a-survival-guide 

I have never wanted a “cure” for my albinism and corresponding visual impairment, but only recently found the words to explain why. Research regarding treatments for and the genetic origins of disabilities raises complex ethical questions. Does studying albinism in a laboratory genuinely improve people’s lives, or does it merely satisfy the curiosity of medical professionals? In “I’m Not Broken,” I argue that albinism should be viewed as part of one’s identity and a source of community rather than an undesirable mutation. I consider the emotional, social, and political impacts of seeking to reverse or cure blindness. I then argue how redirecting these funds towards developing assistive technology, advocating for legislative changes, and providing necessities (sunscreen, UV protective gear, etc.) to people with albinism would have a stronger impact. Keep in mind that this is a deeply personal subject. My goal is to share my perspective and lived experience—not speak on behalf of the entire albinism community. 



Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind!

Website  - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legallybb_/?hl=en 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/legallybb/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/legally-blonde-blind/



Show Notes & Transcript - https://www.legallyblondeblind.com/post/27-i-m-not-broken-why-albinism-advocacy-is-more-valuable-than-genetic-research