You watched season 3 of Fox TV’s reality TV cooking show. “MasterChef,”Remember the big smile that lit your face? Christine HaShe was a star in the eyes of judges every time she showed off her bold flavors. “MasterChef”Title
Casual viewers might not know that Ha, a Houston-based amateur chef, is blind. Ha was diagnosed in 2003 with neuromyelitis optica, a rare neurological condition that affects the optic nerves. Ha had lost nearly all of her vision by 2007. With the help and support of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (“NLS”), she was able to regain her love for reading.
“[NLS] reignited my love for literature. It was what kept me sane when I went through my first bouts of NMO,”Ha is also the blogger at theblindcook.com “When I went through some of my worst health issues in 2003 — complete paralysis from my neck down due to spinal inflammation, and complete blindness — all I could do was lie in bed and listen to NLS audiobooks.”
The NLS is part of the Library of Congress and offers a free reading program to U.S. citizens as well as those who live abroad. NLS patrons can choose from thousands of books, dozens of magazines in braille and audio — including many cookbooks like “O, the Oprah Magazine Cookbook”Julia Child, James Beard and other well-known foodies contributed titles. NLS lends portable playback equipment to listen to audiobooks. Access books online for computer-savvy patrons can be made possible by the NLS Braille or Audio Reading Download (BARD).
Ha, who is studying master of fine arts at the University of Houston has always had a book checked by NLS. She was recently reading Gail Caldwell’s book. “Let’s Take the Long Way Home”Braille She currently works on her braille. “MasterChef”A cookbook will be released in spring 2013.
You can learn more about the NLS program and how it can benefit you, your loved one, or a close friend by going online www.loc.gov/nlsOr call 1-888-277-READ
