David Tatel’s ‘Vision’: A Judge’s Memoir of Blindness and Legal Success

In a recent interview on Double Tap, esteemed judge David Tatel discussed his compelling memoir, “Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice.” Over a conversation with hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Tatel delved into his distinguished career, his journey of accepting blindness, and the role of assistive technology in his life.

David Tatel’s career spans nearly three decades on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the nation’s second-highest court. Appointed by President Clinton to succeed Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Tatel has been instrumental in shaping landmark environmental and voting rights cases. Despite his extensive legal achievements, Tatel’s path was profoundly impacted by his struggle with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition diagnosed when he was just 15.

In “Vision,” Tatel recounts how he initially denied his blindness, fearing it might undermine his ambitions. This denial persisted through his early legal career, where he adopted various strategies to hide his deteriorating sight. It wasn’t until his mid-30s, when his vision significantly worsened, that he began to embrace assistive tools like Braille, readers, and later, a guide dog.

During the interview, Tatel reflected on the challenges and anxieties of concealing his condition. He shared how finally accepting his blindness brought immense relief and a newfound sense of independence. This acceptance, he hopes, serves as a beacon for others facing similar struggles, highlighting the importance of openness and self-acceptance.

A key theme in Tatel’s discussion was the transformative impact of technology. He praised the advancements that have made his professional life more manageable, such as text-to-speech technology and reliable devices like the iPhone and BrailleSense computer. These tools have significantly reduced his reliance on human readers, enabling him to independently access and process vast amounts of legal documents.

Despite technological advancements, Tatel acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly the inconsistency in enforcement of accessibility laws. He highlighted issues like the lack of beepers at pedestrian crossings and the occasional failures of assistive devices. However, he remains optimistic about the future, stressing the importance of continuous advocacy and enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Tatel’s candid conversation on Double Tap is a testament to his resilience and dedication. His memoir not only chronicles his legal triumphs but also serves as an inspirational guide for navigating life with blindness. As he continues to advocate for equal justice, Tatel’s story encourages us all to embrace our vulnerabilities and strive for inclusivity in every aspect of life.

For those interested in exploring his journey further, “Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice” is available in bookstores, on Amazon, and in an engaging Audible format. You can get straight to the bookstore by scanning the QR code above, and Double Tap listeners can use the code word VISION on this site to get 20% off the book.