Judge David Tatel Redefines Judicial Vision

For nearly 30 years, Judge David Tatel served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, often considered the second most important court in the nation. Tatel accomplished this while dealing with progressive vision loss, eventually becoming completely blind.

Judge Tatel's author of the memoir, "Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice," offers us a very intimate look at an extraordinary judicial career and personal journey. Our conversation explores Tatel's path from civil rights lawyer to respected jurist, his initial resistance to acknowledging his blindness, and how writing his memoir ultimately freed him to discuss his experiences more openly.

An important part of Tatel's journey involves Vixen, his guide dog, who not only assisted him practically but also helped him become more comfortable discussing his blindness openly.

Tatel reflects on the evolution of disability rights and the transformative impact of technology on his work and independence. He also expresses deep concern about the increasing politicization of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, and its implications for democracy. Tatel's story is not just about overcoming personal obstacles, but also a thoughtful examination of the changing landscape of civil rights, the role of the judiciary, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America.