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About the Book
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When Valerie Maidment was a baby, doctors diagnosed her with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes excess fluid to build in the brain. After the second surgery at age 9, she was declared healthy; she lived a happy, normal life, graduating from high school and college, having children, and buying and managing her own convenience store. Until one day, when everything changed.
Fluid began to build once again in Valerie’s brain, causing immense pressure that—due to misdiagnosis on the part of multiple doctors—caused her optic nerves to break down. By the time the doctors realized what was happening, it was too late; Valerie was legally blind. She had to re-learn how to do everything, from folding laundry to using a computer to walking up and down the stairs of her own home. Eventually, she was forced to sell her business, leaving her wondering if she would ever work again. Through tragedy and triumph, Valerie persisted, never losing hope or courage as she navigated a world that is largely unprepared to accommodate people with disabilities. Told with remarkable heart, humour, and wisdom, From Daylight to Dark is above all a story of perseverance against great odds, offering important insight into the need for accessibility in the workforce for all Canadians. |
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About the Author
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Advocacy and Story
Valerie D. Maidment is an advocate for the blind and visually impaired. After losing her vision in 2008, she was determined not to step back but to keep moving forward. She chose to continue working actively in her community, using her experiences to help others. As a member of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Valerie works to educate the public about the barriers faced by people with vision loss and to raise awareness about accessibility in everyday life. 🎧 Audiobook Now Available
Valerie’s inspiring book, From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World, is now available as an audiobook on major platforms — including Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and Amazon/Audible. This new format makes Valerie’s story accessible to even more readers and listeners, especially those within the blind and low-vision community. Narrated with clarity and care, the audiobook shares her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment in navigating a world that’s often not built with accessibility in mind. Listen today on your favourite platform What Readers Say
Her book has been praised by readers, professionals, and organizations for its honesty and impact in highlighting accessibility and resilience. It was also named a FriesenPress Staff Pick on December 6, 2024. In Her Own Life
In her free time, Valerie enjoys reading, knitting, riding the ATV with her husband, and learning new things. She lives in Lower Island Cove, Newfoundland, with her husband and sister-in-law. |
Bookstore
Available now!
The official book launch will be coming soon! Stay tuned for more info.
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Online Retailers
Online Retailers
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From Daylight to Dark can also be purchased from these fine retailers:
Judy's Convenience - Bay de Verde Tizzard's Quick Stop - Old Perlican Gasland - Old Perlican Tricon Pharmacy - Old Perlican Bursey's Kwikway - Lower Island Cove O'Flaherty's Foodtown - Burnt Point Burden's Superette - Small Point Victoria Irving - Victoria Hotel Harbour Grace - Harbour Grace (Also available through Old Perlican & Winterton Public Libraries) |
Author Book Signing - old perlican public library
CNIB Newfoundland & Labrador
Book Launch Event
On March 27th, CNIB Newfoundland and Labrador welcomed Valerie Maidment and her family into their building to celebrate the release of Valerie's debut novel, From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World.
Photos courtesy of CNIB Newfoundland & Labrador Group
Photos courtesy of CNIB Newfoundland & Labrador Group
Reviews
As a person living with sight loss, I felt a real connection to Valerie D. Maidment's story. From Daylight to Dark is more than just a personal memoir-it's a powerful, eye-opening account that speaks to the lived reality of many people navigating an inaccessible world.
Valerie's journey is both heartwarming and inspirational. She writes with honesty and grace, drawing readers into her experiences with employment, independence, and the many systemic barriers that people with sight loss face daily. Yet, despite the challenges she describes, this book is far from tragic. It is a testament to resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity.
One of the most striking aspects of this book is how clearly it highlights the ongoing inaccessibility of our society. Through her personal story, Valerie brings into sharp focus how much still needs to change-not only in the workplace but in society as a whole-to make it inclusive for everyone. Her story is a reminder that we must raise our voices and demand meaningful change. Accessibility is not a luxury; it is a right.
This book is an essential read for those who want to understand the realities of living with sight loss and the importance of building a truly inclusive society.
--Duane Morgan, CNIB Vice president, Atlantic Canada
This is a motivating and honest book. Valerie shares her challenges and openly discusses how she struggles with anxiety and depression. She confronted numerous obstacles and was forced to change many daily living habits that most of us take for granted. She was fearful, yet she chose to embrace change and improve the quality of her life. Valerie is an inspiration for her courage and determination.
--Sharon Doyle LeShane, LeShane Seaside Vitality
I thought this was a fantastic book; I am a blind person myself and it was nice to hear that there are other’s out there who have been through similar situations and difficult times. There was also a lot of really good advice given throughout the book.
--Kelly Picco, Program Lead, Community and Volunteer Engagement, CNIB Newfoundland and Labrador
An awesome inspiring story filled with determination from the beginning to the end. Everyone should have the opportunity to read the story. Attitudes would be enhanced and the material told in the story would give many people a more positive outlook on life. Very uplifting.
--Mick
Get Braille Version
Download the version that suits your reading style best — and experience Valerie’s story of resilience and advocacy in the way that’s most accessible for you.
Contact
Send a message, question, media enquiry, or book review directly to Valerie below!
