About the Book

Valerie D. Maidment is a member of and advocate for the sight loss community. She will be holding a Book signing at the Old Perlican Public Library on May 27th, 2025, from 6PM to 7PM.
Valerie D. Maidment is a member of and advocate for the sight loss community.
She will be holding a Book signing at the Old Perlican Public Library on May 27th, 2025, from 6PM to 7PM.
​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.

About the Author

​Valerie D. Maidment is an advocate for the blind/visually impaired. After losing her vision in 2008, she was determined to continue to work actively in her community.

​A member of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Valerie aims to educate the public about the barriers faced by people with vision loss.

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.

WHere to Purchase

Discover From Daylight to Dark.
​Purchase now at these online stores:
Purchase as an Ebook
Kindle  |   Kobo   |    Apple

From Daylight to Dark can also be purchased from any of these fine retailers in the Trinity-Conception area:
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

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

Reviews

Named a FriesenPress Staff Pick - December 6th, 2024
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
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

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Contact

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