Blindness

Visually impaired people face challenges, especially getting around unfamiliar spaces and navigating obstacles such as stairs or walls. But in Charlotte, two visually impaired individuals are overcoming all those obstacles and more to climb to new heights with the support of a volunteer.

Researchers with North Carolina Central University’s Special Education – Visual Impairment program are gathering data while using smart canes.

A nonprofit textile manufacturer in Charlotte, called Lions Services, has multimillion-dollar contracts to produce gear such as backpacks and hydration carriers for the U.S. military. The meticulous sewing is done by a workforce that is mostly blind or visually impaired.

Cassidy Hooper, 22, is pretty typical for a college student. She's trying to keep up with sociology and American government classes at Central Piedmont…