In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Speaking With Gravity welcomes Dr. Ebony Collins, a faith-driven advocate and survivor of low vision due to long COVID. Together with hosts Joshua Williams, Hannah Williams, and Terrence Dawkins, Dr. Collins shares her eye-opening story of sudden visual impairment, mental health struggles, and spiritual resilience.
👁️🗨️ Learn how a COVID-related vision loss diagnosis reshaped her identity, tested her faith, and forced her to redefine her professional and personal life. This episode dives into:
The overlooked connection between disability and mental health
How sensory decline impacts daily life, identity, and employment
The role of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in workplace accommodations
Why community, faith, and advocacy are crucial in healing
Challenges within the Black community around disability awareness and participation in case studies
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating life after disability, health advocates, Christians seeking inspiration, and professionals in mental health and disability services.
🔎 Perfect for audiences interested in:
#MentalHealthAwareness #DisabilityAdvocacy #LowVision #FaithAndHealing #COVIDLongHaulers #BlackMentalHealth #ADA #RehabilitationCounseling #InspirationalStories
👉 Listen, learn, and be inspired to build a more inclusive, compassionate, and informed community.
📲 Follow us @SpeakingWithGravity on IG, Facebook, TikTok, and visit www.drebonymichelle.com to support Dr. Collins’ advocacy work.
00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome
Meet Dr. Ebony Michelle Collins and the hosts of Speaking With Gravity.
03:14 – Dr. Collins’ Background & Credentials
From sociology to Christian counseling—her path to advocacy.
06:50 – Living with Low Vision: What It’s Like Day-to-Day
Dr. Collins explains how her vision loss impacts daily functioning.
09:30 – COVID-19 & the Onset of Vision Loss
How COVID and the vaccine triggered her unexpected diagnosis.
13:58 – First Surgery & Emotional Toll
Facing retinal detachment just days after diagnosis—and the mental shock.
18:05 – Mental Health Struggles & Coping with Faith
Why spiritual grounding became her lifeline.
22:47 – Workplace Accommodations & ADA
The difference the Americans with Disabilities Act made in her career.
27:55 – Disability in the Black Community
Why Black and Brown communities must engage in research and seek support.
32:40 – Navigating Independence After Disability
From driving to planning travel—how everything changed.
37:02 – Rehabilitation & Redefining Identity
Adjusting professionally and personally after disability.
41:18 – Advocacy Work & Creating Awareness
Her new mission: amplify low vision issues, especially in underserved communities.
45:20 – Spiritual Purpose & Resilience
How obedience to God helped her step into her next calling.
50:11 – Call to Action: Support, Awareness & Inclusion