Walter Ashby is the author of Impaired, But Empowered: A Memoir of Faith, Fortitude and Fortune. Legally blind due to a hereditary condition, Walter recounts in his inspiring book the many challenges and struggles he faced as a child, teenager, college student and later as a professional because of his impairment. He also writes about how the disability isolated him and often caused others to misjudge and underestimate him. The heart of Impaired, But Empowered however, is the story of how Walter was eventually able to achieve his dreams and excel both academically and professionally despite his impairment and numerous man-made impediments to his success.

Walter credits his accomplishments to a number of factors including:

  • The unending support of his father and his father’s emphasis on what Walter was able to do rather than on the ways he differed from other kids.
  • His 10th grade English teacher, who recognized Walter’s intellectual
    gifts, helped him understand the extent of those gifts and instilled
    in him a love of literature and writing.
  • His hard-earned self-confidence.
  • His fierce desire to achieve, to be independent and to
    realize a sense of dignity.
  • His ability to think creatively and problem-solve.
  • His strong religious faith.
 

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Walter is also a compelling public speaker with powerful messages of advice and encouragement for impaired individuals and their family members and for the teachers, administrators, counselors, and religious advisors who work with them. His messages also apply to impaired individuals’ current and prospective employers.

In addition, Walter speaks to businesses, associations, Chambers of Commerce and community organizations. Not only does he talk about overcoming obstacles and achieving success, but he also challenges his audience to rethink their assessment of impaired persons as employees. For example, he encourages them to realize that the person with the best ideas in their organization may not be the best golfer or the most engaged drinking buddy, and to recognize that people with disabilities are often outstanding problem solvers because they have had to solve problems every day as a result of their impairments.

Walter’s daughter, Beth Jones, who also has significant eyesight loss, often speaks with her father. She has a Ph.D in special education and contributed to the Epilogue in Impaired, But Empowered.

“Walter Ashby has written a compelling narrative about perseverance in the face of adversity.
He chronicles the joys and struggles of his life with realism and honesty as well as humor and wit.
This book is not only a great read (the account of Walter’s junior year in college is worth the price of the book), but it is a memoir that touches the heart and inspires the imagination.”

— Daniel Vestal, Distinguished University Professor of Baptist Leadership and Director of the Eula Mae and
John Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia