‘That blind woman’ inspires Kiwi kids
Wednesday, November 3rd 2010
Despite her blindness, Julie Woods' positive nature inspires students and teachers alike.
Dunedin-based Julie Woods is more than your ordinary woman. She went blind over a decade ago, but that does not stop her from inspiring Kiwi kids.
Julie’s nationwide project named after her famous truffle recipe, ‘Operation Truffle’, aims to visit the 119 Intermediate Schools around the country in order to demonstrate ‘Cooking Without Looking’.
The 44-year-old was blinded by inflammation of the retina due to an unknown virus 13 years ago. Back then, a big part of her drive for independence began in the kitchen.
“I was married with two young boys, so I had to get back in the kitchen,” Julie says.
“Cooking Without Looking is how I approached my blindness – by focusing on what I could do rather than what I couldn’t.”
As a result of this, Julie, who is also known as ‘that blind woman’, has become a professional inspirational speaker who is doing demonstrations and workshops for the sighted. She now presents her life story through a unique presentation of chocolate and inspiration.
Julie’s project ‘Operation Truffle’ was inspired by a visit to Papatoetoe Intermediate School in South Auckland last year. “The feedback I received from the kids was truly amazing. I was aiming to inspire kids, and was thrilled to see that they also inspired me.”
Her aim is that children take away two important things. “One is to start focusing on what they can do, rather than what they can’t. The other one is turning a ‘no-approach’ to a ‘why not-attitude’. It is all about getting students into a habit of engagement,” Julie says.
Students are not the only ones Julie is aiming to motivate and inspire. She has also spoken to women affected by the bush fires in Australia’s Yarra Valley, as well as to NZ Prime Minister, John Key, at Premier House.
Julie’s next demonstration will be held at Avalon Intermediate in Lower Hutt on 12 November.
To find out more about Julie’s ‘Cooking Without Looking’ demonstrations and book her inspiring demonstration for your school, please visit www.thatblindwoman.co.nz.
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