Discover how to turn differences into opportunities with an accessibility expert’s worldwide search for belonging.
What if the thing you were most afraid of… turned out to be the key to everything you were searching for?
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Book:
After a diagnosis of a degenerative eye disease, John Samuel’s life—and his chance at success—started to vanish.
From traveling the world and hiking mountains to finding love and raising a family, Don’t Ask the Blind Guy for Directions shares Ablr CEO John Samuel’s inspirational journey against his inevitable blindness as he searched for acceptance.
A powerful story for both professionals with disabilities and individuals working to create an inclusive culture at any organization, this memoir will empower you to accept yourself and others, break down barriers, and build a world where everyone belongs.
Want the book club discussion guide?
I wrote Don’t Ask the Blind Guy for Directions because when I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in college, I felt like my future had vanished. I spent years hiding my disability, searching the world for purpose, connection, and acceptance. What I needed back then wasn’t just encouragement—it was a real story from someone who had been through it. This book is the story I wish I had: the fear, the isolation, the breakthroughs, and ultimately, the journey to embracing who I am and helping others do the same.
Here’s What Readers Are Saying:
“A compelling narrative: what finally matters in life is grit not ability nor disability. A must read for everyone, as all of us go through adversity. Truly unputdownable reading.”
—Thulasiraj Ravilla, Executive Director, Aravind Eye Care System
“Life’s great promise is about removing obstacles and John’s story is a remarkable blueprint for everyone.”
—Chris Heivly, Mapquest Cofounder and Author of Build the Fort
“John Samuel’s grit and energy is contagious, and this book will leave you feeling inspired, energized, and smiling.”
—Lindsay Wrege, Co-Founder and CEO, 321 Coffee
“John’s story is raw and personal… from uncomfortable lows to exuberant highs. In the end, there is a great lesson contained in these pages and one that is easily relatable to sighted and non-sighted audiences alike.”
—Jason Menzo, CEO of Foundation Fighting Blindness
“Like John, I hid my vision loss because I felt it was a vulnerability and not a strength. This amazing book has captured my life experience with vision loss even though it is John’s own life experience. Thank you, John, for writing this book.”
—Jeff Wissel, Chief Accessibility Officer, Disability:IN
“Through John’s eyes you see the many ways those with visual disabilities are excluded and even shamed. May readers see the world in a new light and make the changes needed for greater inclusion.”
—Dr. Liesl Riddle, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, George Washington University
“This book will resonate with anyone who has had to overcome significant life challenges and ultimately found success. John Samuel not only embraced his circumstance to become a champion for disability inclusion and accessibility, but he does even more — inspire us to be kinder humans, better leaders, and work toward a more equitable society.”
—Donald Thompson, author of Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success and CEO of The Diversity Movement
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