We were lucky to catch up with Matthew Cooper recently and have shared our conversation below.

Matthew, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

In my experience, blindness invites assumptions and misunderstandings quite often. Teachers assumed I would never have a job that required math proficiency, strangers doubt that I can cross a street on my own (even with my dog guide), and far too many begin speaking louder once they find out I cannot see. These range from humorous to potentially life altering. The most devastating to me is when parents give up on the dreams and expectations they had for their child once they lose their eyesight. Thank God my parents did not do this! I am convinced that giving up on a dream is far worse than losing eyesight.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am 30 years-old; I have been working as an electrical/software engineer for over 10 years; and I enjoy working out, recording and mixing music, and playing golf. Also, I am completely blind. Without the last statement I am just an average guy; with it, people call me a trail blazer and inspirational. In reality I am just living life the best way I know how. I’m not letting my lack of sight change how I envision my future. I get stronger and more determined each time someone says “you can’t.”

My Defending Vision project aims to encourage others to hold onto their biggest dreams despite challenges like blindness. This message applies to everyone as we all face hardships that threaten to stop us from reaching our goals. I hope that the podcast and future endeavors will reach a broad audience. Combining my own stories and conversations with great guests will provide encouragement, support, advice, and more.

Listeners will immediately notice that The Defending Vision Podcast is different. While the show is not solely about blindness, I want to “show” people what the world really sounds like. Many parts of the show are recorded in 3D. I’ll be teaching you things like how I cross a street, how a dog guide and handler work together, and beyond. Many will discover that they have been missing a world of information around them all of the time.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Journey is the right word. Personally I find that resilience is best demonstrated over the long haul. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor at three years-old and have been on various chemotherapies and other treatments most of my life since then. Anyone who has experienced the physical and mental affects of chemotherapy knows it takes a toll. For myself, resilience was doing homework while driving or flying to see specialists, doing schoolwork at home while my immune system was too compromised to attend school in person, and still excelling academically.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have been blessed with an amazing family, a great support system of friends, and 30 years full of achievements and incredible experiences. Many have said I should write a book about all of it. Perhaps one day my writing abilities will be up to the task. Today I want to reach people through sound (spoken and otherwise). I hope I can share at least some of the lessons I’ve learned. I’ve done my job if just one person defends their vision when others say they should let it go.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://defendingvision.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendingvision/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/defendingvision
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTosL5sMrHBPCIz7RO0nyw
• Other: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-defending-vision-podcast/id1723384002
  Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6dyD2luJXKOgPpJLopp9xl