Amanda Gene Nelson: A Disability Blogger Who Is Chasing Her Dreams (Interview)

Writing a Blog Has Introduced Me to So Many Amazing People!

My name is Rebecca and I am a young professional with a visual disability. My undergraduate degree is in English Education and I earned my Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2014. I am currently the solo pastor at a wonderful church in central Pennsylvania.

In October of 2018, I started my blog Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray in order to connect with readers and talk about the topics about which I am most passionate. Along the way, I have met so many amazing people. I’ve learned about public speaking from bestselling TEDx speakers, gotten an inside look at independent publishing and interviewed award winning poets. I’ve even had the chance to get to know the world’s first adaptive snowboarder!

Cover photo (1) — Amanda Gene is a blogger who is working to raise Disability Awareness

Amanda Gene: Freelance Writer & Disability Blogger

I am an extrovert and I love meeting new people. I also particularly love to meet other people with disabilities who are working hard to make their dreams a reality.

Having a disability is not easy, but I am inspired by the fact that Amanda Gene does not allow her disability to define her. Instead, she is working to redefine the way the world sees disability.

Amanda Gene is a freelance writer from Florida with a BA in Print Journalism and a minor in professional education. Amanda Gene uses her gift for words to raise awareness about disabilities. Amanda and I are both passionate about showing the world that people with disabilities can do anything able bodied people can do – we just do it a little differently.

I’ve been a fan of Amanda Gene’s blog for quite some time and I was so happy that she was willing to sit down and chat with me about her writing process, her pets, and what it is like to be a young woman with a disability in today’s world.

My Interview with Amanda Gene

Amanda Gene lies on the ground with her arm wrapped around Noodles. Noodles is a small black and white Boston Terrier. She holds a sign that says "Best Friends." — Amanda Gene and Noodles. Photo by Mrs. Karen

Rev. Rebecca: I’m a fan of your blog and I enjoy watching your videos on YouTube. How long have you been blogging?

Amanda Gene: I have been blogging for nine years. I started it as part of a class assignment when I was in college. Ever since then I could not stop writing! I started posting YouTube videos this year.

Rev. Rebecca: How old are you?

Amanda Gene: I am 30 years old, and my birthday is in March.

Rev. Rebecca: How old were you when you started blogging?

Amanda Gene: Gezz, I can not remember. I was probably in my early 20’s.

Rev. Rebecca: What inspired you to start blogging?

Amanda Gene: I started blogging as part of a class assignment. I now want to blog as part of my freelancing career.

Rev. Rebecca: Do you have any tips for new bloggers or for people who would like to start their own YouTube channel?

Amanda Gene: Keep trying and posting things to your blog and YouTube channel. Do not give up. Keep your ideas in a notebook for easy access.

Rev. Rebecca: What is the best part of blogging?

Amanda Gene: For me, I LOVE to educate people about low vision and other disabilities. I believe this helps the general public understand that with the right accommodations, people with disabilities can achieve anything.

Rev. Rebecca: What is the most challenging part about blogging?

Amanda Gene: For me, keeping the ideas coming in. I have a number of ways in which I beat writers block, such as taking a walk and taking time for myself.

Rev. Rebecca: Could you recommend one or two of your favorite bloggers? Who should I be following? What bloggers inspire you?

Amanda Gene: Two of my favorite bloggers are Glenn, who runs Well Eye Never, and Holly who runs Life of a Blind Girl. They are amazing writers and YouTubers. The people who inspire me the most are those who work hard and try their best.

Rev. Rebecca: I love animals. Would you please tell me about Noodles? What king of dog is he? Do you have any other pets?

Amanda Gene: Noodles, was my beloved Boston Terrier, who I had for sixteen years. She sadly had to be put to sleep in 2015, just a few days after my birthday. She leaves a lasting legacy. Click here to read more about Noodles Legacy. Noodles, successor is Duke. He just turned three this month. Happy National Puppy Day! has more information about Duke’s amazing rescue.

Rev. Rebecca: Could you please share a little bit about your disability? What unique challenges do you face in your own life?

Amanda Gene: I have low vision due to Nystagmus, Night Blindness and some other vision problems. I have mild Cerebral Palsy and I am Dyslexic. When it comes to my own challenges, I struggle seeing at night so I have a white cane to help me get around, I use a screen reader called ZoomText to access online and print materials, as well as help me write amazing blog posts. I use an Amazon Echo to help me with keeping myself organized and with my spelling. I can not drive so I have help from family and friends to drive me around.

Rev. Rebecca: What advice do you have for other people who have a disability?

Amanda Gene: Do not give up! Keep trying and do not be afraid to ask for help.

Rev. Rebecca: What are you working on right now that makes you the most excited? Do you have any projects or goals about which you are incredibly passionate?

Amanda Gene: For me being excited, I hope to have my own freelance and educational business up and running in six months to a year. I am passionate about telling the general public about different disabilities and that we can, with the right accommodations we can achieve anything.