A book, “Unsung and Unstoppable,” edited by Janine Shea, currently being marketed on the Internet, profiles about 50 people with disabilities who volunteer as tour guides for an organization calling itself Big Apple Greeter. Ken Stewart has been with the organization since its start in 1992, and was honored as its Volunteer of the Year once. Here is the entry from “Unsung and Unstoppable” about Ken.
Experience: Exploring the Sights through Other Senses
Ken Stewart was born with macular degeneration (lack of central vision). Over the years, he has experienced additional vision loss, but that hasn’t stopped him from working as a greeter for Big Apple Greeter and being a prolific writer and advocate.
Ken is one of 50 Big Apple Greeter volunteers with disabilities who love to explore their favorite parts of New York City with visitors. The organization launched its Access program in 1993 to encourage travelers with disabilities to see how accessible New York City can be. Ken chooses to take other blind or low-vision people to the Times Square neighborhood so they can hear many languages. He also takes visitors to the Staten Island Ferry for the squeak of the sea gulls and the clang of the bell buoys. But his favorite neighborhood of all is the subway system. “Subways and trains are in my blood, since my parents met as employees of the New York Central Railroad,” says Ken.
Educating people about disabilities is important to Ken. He has been a contributing author to “Insights into Low Vision” and has written articles for various periodicals on many disability-related subjects. In addition, he is an advocate for transportation accessibility. He strongly believes that a disability is only a minor part of who someone is.
In 2004, when the Olympics were in Athens, the Olympic torch was carried around the world. When it came through New York City, Big Apple Greeter nominated Ken and he was chosen as one of the New Yorkers to carry the Olympic torch up Sixth Avenue. A feat for anyone to proud of.