Hello world. Given that I’ve moved servers, it’s time for an #introduction. I’m Noah, a 21-year-old #Blind vocalist, skier and #accessibility enthusiast. I am a rising third-year at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York pursuing a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance, but I am currently taking an academic leave of absence for training at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. I am also privileged to serve on the board of @Students, a proud division of @nationsblind. However, this is a personal account. The views expressed are my own and not those of any institution, organization, employer, etc., and follows, reblogs, and favorites are not endorsements. Given my studies, I am also a huge supporter of #Braille & #MusicBraille availability as well as digital #MusicNotation software accessibility in the hope that blind musicians will have greater access to music literacy at parity with their sighted colleagues. #BrailleRocks, y’all. When I’m not working, I enjoy great music of all kinds (seriously, my Spotify is chaos), an interesting book, good company, a probably slightly unhealthy amount of YouTube, and a hot cup of decaf coffee or tea (I’m sadly sensitive to caffeine).

The 215th World Braille Day is on January 4–just two weeks from today. Help us come up with 215 ways that Braille can be used in daily life. #BrailleRocks

I didn't start learning Braille until my mid-thirties. Through regular practice, I have built up my speed enough to read for pleasure. I'm not speedy, but I'm fast enough to enjoy reading. I never had reached the point where I felt comfortable reading out loud though. I made attempts but it was always halting, awkward and embarrasing. Today I had to do a thing and I needed to read out loud. I hadnt tried it in awhile but this was important to me and I knew I was reading faster than the last attempt I made. So, I practiced beforehand then did my thing and I totally nailed it. It sounded fine, like a competent adult reading a speech instead of a kid just learning how to read. I'm so happy I conquered another hurdle in my Braille journey. Braille is awesome and worth every bit of eff'ort I have put into it over the past 15 years or so. #Braille #BrailleRocks #BrailleIsBeautiful