Flying Blind: Legally Blind Man Learns to Fly
Author: Jason DeCamillis - Contact: flyingblinddoc.com
Published: 2015/08/26 - Updated: 2020/12/23
Peer-Reviewed: N/A
On This Page: Summary - Main Article - About/Author
Synopsis: Special education teacher who is legally blind learns to fly, challenging traditional assumptions of disability. I see this an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. It's not about overcoming disability; it's about living my life. Earlier this year, he saw a video online of a pilot who had lost his license due to the same condition, but kept on flying by taking flight lessons.
advertisement
Main Digest
Jason DeCamillis of Ypsilanti, MI, has wanted to learn to fly a plane ever since he was a child. However, he never thought that it would be possible because he is legally blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, a progressive condition which slowly affects his peripheral and night vision.
"I have about 20 degrees of central vision now, which some refer to as 'tunnel vision'," Jason DeCamillis, special education teacher and advocate said.
Earlier this year, he saw a video online of a pilot who had lost his license due to the same condition, but kept on flying by taking flight lessons.
"I thought, 'Wow. Maybe I could do the same thing.' I had just never thought to ask," DeCamillis said.
He contacted a local nonprofit flying club in Ann Arbor, MI. and not only did the club agree to take him up for a discovery flight, but his instructor, Dr. Alex Arts, encouraged him to pursue flight instruction.
It's been a few weeks now, and DeCamillis has logged over 8 hours of flight time even though he can't ultimately get his license.
"I see this an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. It's not about overcoming disability; it's about living my life. I've seen so many people forgo their dreams as a result of traditional notions of disability, and I want to share what is possible when we work together across ability; doing so isn't charity or inspiration, it's life," DeCamillis said.
Jason DeCamillis holds a visual impairment special education teaching certificate in the state of Michigan, and recently graduated from both Eastern Michigan University's Special Education Teacher Preparation Program (BA '14), and the University of Michigan's Educational Leadership and Policy Program (MA '15).
DeCamillis is currently working on an independent documentary film of his experience titled "Flying Blind", to be completed in 2016, and is raising funds via Indiegogo in order to complete the project.
Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed article relating to our Hobbies for Disabled section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "Flying Blind: Legally Blind Man Learns to Fly" was originally written by Jason DeCamillis, and published by Disabled-World.com on 2015/08/26 (Updated: 2020/12/23). Should you require further information or clarification, Jason DeCamillis can be contacted at flyingblinddoc.com. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.
advertisement
Discover Related Topics ▶ Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer Disabled World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. See our homepage for informative reviews, exclusive stories and how-tos. You can connect with us on social media such as X.com and our Facebook page. Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/entertainment/hobby/flying-blind.php">Flying Blind: Legally Blind Man Learns to Fly</a> Cite This Page (APA): Jason DeCamillis. (2015, August 26). Flying Blind: Legally Blind Man Learns to Fly. Disabled World. Retrieved December 5, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/entertainment/hobby/flying-blind.php
Share This Information To:
𝕏.com Facebook Reddit
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified professional medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.