I'm Albino, Legally Blind, and a Meteorologist

I'm Albino, Legally Blind, and a Meteorologist

I'm Albino, Legally Blind, and a

Meteorologist

by Sam Herron

Reprinted from Insight a publication of the

National Federation of the Blind of South Dakota.

My name is Sam Herron. I work as a meteorologist

with the National Weather Service in Rapid City, and I am legally blind. Before I tell you

about my current job, I'll give some background information. My eye condition is the

result of albinism, specifically oculocutaneous albinism. This is a genetic condition in

which the body is unable to produce the usual amounts of melanin, or pigmentation.

Albinism is typically linked to fair skin, very light hair, and poor vision. Due to the

lack of pigmentation, the eyes do not develop normally before birth and during infancy. My

vision is stable around 20/200 with glasses and I am very light sensitive. I also have a

condition called Nystagmus, which is irregular eye movement.

While growing up I attended public school and

used large type books when available. However, I was not happy dragging around the large

books, and the pictures in the large print versions were not very good. Most of the time I

used a magnifying glass to read books and papers. I would sit close to the board, but

often had to borrow a classmate's notes or ask for the teacher's notes. I became a very

good listener and was forced to memorize a lot of information to keep up with classroom

activities.

When I was in 6th grade we studied weather. I

knew at that time that I wanted to become a meteorologist. I had always loved weather as a

child—the sound of a thunderstorm, the feeling of the wind, and even the simple

beauty of a sunny day. I enjoyed using maps and making measurements.

After high school, I attended the University of

North Carolina at Ashville. I continued to use regular texts with a magnifying glass. I

graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in meteorology in the spring of 1993 and was

immediately hired with the National Weather Service. After a few moves around the country,

I came to Rapid City late in 1995.

My job is visually demanding. As a weather

observer, I have had to observe cloud types, precipitation, and other elements; read

various instruments, and use a computer to enter these reports. When reading instruments I

am able to use a magnifying glass. Most computer programs that we use have some

flexibility in the size and colors for display. This is important, because I spend about

90 percent of my work time in front of a computer!

I spend a lot of time collecting and processing

data. We receive reports from many volunteer observers around western South Dakota and

northeast Wyoming. I quality control these observations to ensure correct data and formats

of the reports. Also, I monitor automated observing stations around the area, such as the

Rapid City airport station, to make sure that the sensors are reporting properly.

A fun way in which we gather data is with weather

balloons released twice each day. After preparing a battery-powered instrument which is

about the size of a shoe box, I attach it to a large hydrogen-filled balloon and release

it outside our office. The balloon is about 4 feet wide and 6 feet tall. As the balloon

goes up through the atmosphere, reports of pressure, temperature, and humidity are relayed

back to our computer. After the release, I quality control the data and make sure that the

information is distributed. The data goes to Washington, D.C., where powerful super

computers generate forecast information.

Another big part of the job is analyzing maps and

computer output to make forecasts. Regardless of what may be heard from some television

personalities, we all use the same computer information, and our performance is very much

based on the performance of the computer predictions. Differences in forecasts can occur

due to the various levels of forecaster experience and knowledge.

The main mission of the National Weather Service

is to issue warnings of severe or life-threatening weather conditions. Severe thunderstorm

and tornado warnings are often issued based on radar information. We often record severe

events and then study them afterwards, so that we can better recognize the types of storms

that produce severe weather. The radar displays that we use are very detailed. However,

computer technology allows zooming in on areas of interest and use of high contrast colors

to assist with interpretation.

My work involves some direct contact with people.

I have given talks about weather safety, such as what to do during a thunderstorm. Also, I

enjoy providing weather information for people with travel plans or to those who just want

a more detailed explanation about weather conditions.

I have not requested or felt the need for major

modifications in my office. I do ask for simple things like having computers set up so

that I can sit close to the screens comfortably. I also request the cooperation of

co-workers to have the lighting set to proper levels. I benefit from my ability to work

well with others and ask for help when needed. I believe that my ability to memorize and

having enthusiasm for what I do have been the biggest factors in my success and

satisfaction with my job as a meteorologist.