Overview

From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World is a powerful memoir that chronicles Valerie D. Maidment’s journey through sudden vision loss, resilience, and transformation. Written with honesty and courage, the book sheds light on both the emotional and practical challenges of losing one’s sight—and the strength it takes to adapt, advocate, and navigate an often inaccessible world.

QUick facts

Title: From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World
Author: Valerie D. Maidment
Publisher: FriesenPress
Publication Date: November 4, 2024
Page Count: 120
Formats Available:
  • Paperback
  • Hardcover
  • eBook
  • Braille (available via the author's website)
  • Audiobook
Audiobook Details:
  • Recorded and produced by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
  • Distributed by Voices by INaudio
  • Release Date: September 15, 2025
ISBNs:
  • Paperback: 978-1-0383-0427-8
  • Hardcover: 978-1-0383-0428-5
  • eBook: 978-1-0383-0429-2
  • Audiobook: 979-8-318-46238-2

Who this book is for

From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World will resonate with:
  • Readers interested in memoirs of lived experience particularly stories that explore resilience, identity, and adaptation
  • People navigating vision loss or disability at any stage, who are seeking understanding, reflection, or representation
  • Family members, caregivers, and allies looking to better understand the lived realities of vision loss
  • Educators, employers, and workplace leaders interested in accessibility, inclusion, and removing barriers to employment
  • Libraries, community organizations, and advocacy groups focused on disability awareness and equitable access
  • Canadian workplaces and organizations seeking real-world perspectives on accessibility and employment

why this book matters

From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World offers an honest, firsthand look at sudden vision loss and its impact on identity, independence, and employment.

Through Valerie D. Maidment's lived experience, the book explores not only the emotional reality of losing one's sight, but the practical barriers that arise in workplaces and daily life. It highlights the resilience required to adapt — and the importance of advocacy in a world that is often not built with accessibility in mind.

By centring real experience rather than theory, From Daylight to Dark provides meaningful insight for readers and educators, employers, and organizations seeking to better understand disability, inclusion, and equitable access to work.

Reviews, Endorsements & Recognition

From Daylight to Dark has been recognized for its honest portrayal of vision loss, accessibility, and employment.
Endorsement from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind
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, Executive Director, CNIB Newfoundland and Labrador
Recognition and Highlights
  • Official book launch was hosted by the CNIB at 70 The Boulevard, St. John's, on March 27, 2025
  • Selected as a FriesenPress Staff Pick (December 2024)
  • Featured in a pre-launch interview with Gerri-Lynn Mackey on VOCM (link)
Reader Reviews
"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 North, Retired Teacher
"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 Vitality

Ordering & Availability

From Daylight to Dark: Finding Work in an Inaccessible World is available in multiple formats to support individual readers, bookstores, libraries, and organizations.
Book Details
  • Category: Memoir & Autobiography
  • Subjects: Disabilities; Health & Fitness; Vision
  • Length: 120 pages
  • Format: Black & White
  • Trim Size: ​6 x 9 inches
Physical Book
Paperback:
  • USD: $14.99
  • CAD: ~$20.50
  • ISBN: 978-1-03-830427-8
Hardcover:
  • USD: $29.99
  • CAD: ~$41.01
  • ISBN: 978-1-03-830428-5
​Book produced through FriesenPress.
Wholesale Availability: Available through Ingram
Consignment: Options available directly through the author
This edition is suitable for bookstores, libraries,  and bulk orders.
eBook
ISBN: 978-1-0383-0429-2
The eBook edition is available through major online retailers and standard digital distribution channels.
Audiobook
ISBN: 979-8-318-46238-2
Recorded and produced by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Distributed by Voices by INaudio.
Available through major audiobook retailers and library platforms, including OverDrive/Libby, hoopla, Bibliotheca and other institutional suppliers.
Braille Edition
A Braille edition is available directly through the author's website, supporting accessible reading formats for individuals and organizations.

contact & Inquiries

For ordering inquiries, consignment requests, bulk orders, events or accessibility-related questions, please visit:
From Daylight to Dark invites readers and organizations alike to reflect on accessibility, inclusion, and the lived experiences of those navigating an inaccessible world.