Chris Downey: An Architect with a Vision for the Blind

Chris Downey of San Francisco is an architect who lost his sight after a brain tumor removal at age 45 in 2008. A hospital social worker told Downey he should choose a different profession, but he was determined to keep doing what he loved. With a heightened sense of hearing, he went back to work in a month but lost his job less than a year later. However, Downey was soon hired to design a rehabilitation center for veterans with sight loss. So, his disability turned out to be an advantage for this job. Married with an adult son, Downey walks around with a white cane he taps on the ground. At work, he uses a printer that prints embossed architectural drawings so he can "read" them through touch. Surprisingly, Downey believes he is a better architect than he was before losing his sight. A week ago, he was featured on 60 Minutes. To view the segment and read the transcript, go to https://www.cbsnews.com/news/architect-chris-downey-goes-blind-says-hes-actually-gotten-better-at-his-job-60-minutes/. Downey's website is www.arch4blind.com.

Chris Downey (front) "reading" a plan

(image via archdaily.com)