Episode 33: The Vivid World of Ruth Bieber

The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast

In this episode of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome podcast, Shaimond interviews Ruth Bieber, a retired social worker and artist living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). Bieber, who was diagnosed with legal blindness at age 6, shares her journey of losing central vision and later experiencing CBS. At 67, she reflects on her 25-year experience with CBS, during which she began seeing vivid, colorful hallucinations in her 40s. Embracing her CBS, Bieber relates her experiences to the energy fields known as chakras, influencing her art, theater work, and travels. She discusses how the syndrome's visual phenomena varied depending on her environment—from the rich colors in Calgary to the light-infused geometries of New York, and her art journey that evolved through these places. Bieber talks about her involvement in the arts, how she fosters creativity despite her vision loss, and the therapeutic power of art in giving voice to people with disabilities, as chronicled in her book 'Disability Theater from the Inside Out.' Through her narrative, she highlights how the arts can be a conduit for expressing the rich tapestry of experiences shaped by CBS and encourages listeners to connect with others in the artistic community.

Contact Ruth at [e-mail]

Buy Ruth's Book https://www.amazon.com/Disability-Theatre-Insideout-Ruth-Bieber/dp/184991947X

Check out some articles that Ruth Wrote in the Sage-ing Magazine:

Issue 40: Spring 2022, Page 22. BEYOND THE HORIZON - Ruth Bieber https://www.sageing.ca/sageing40.html

Issue 30: Fall 2019, Page 29. TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE: THE HEALING POWER OF THEATRE - Ruth Bieber https://www.sageing.ca/sageing30.html

Issue 15: Spring 2015, Page 39. UNDER THE ARGENTINE MOON: 'BLIND SPOT' RIDING IN PATAGONIA - Ruth Bieber https://www.sageing.ca/sageing15.html

Issue 8: Summer 2013, Page 38. The Right to Perform - Ruth Bieber https://www.sageing.ca/sageing8.html

For help with CBS call 704-389-0160

Contact me at [e-mail]

For the link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s U.S.-based weekly virtual CBS support group and caregivers support group email Dr. Cusick at [e-mail]

For the link to attend Pocklington Trust’s UK-based bi-weekly virtual CBS support group email Jonathan at [e-mail]

To register to attend the Canadian based CNIB Monthly CBS support group please use the registration link below or contact Lucia Ricardo at [e-mail] or 1-800-563-2642.

CNIB Support Group Registration

Donate