Donna W. Hill

Contributing Writer
Donna with black Lab Hunter in her lap - Rich Hill
Donna with black Lab Hunter in her lap - Rich Hill

Donna W. Hill is an author, singer/songwriter, recording artist, speaker and avid knitter in Pennsylvania's rural Endless Mountains. Her favorite topics range from issues facing blind Americans, breast cancer and healthcare to music, nature and success tips. She has three recordings and is currently finishing up her first novel.

In 2009, she wrote a series on America's Braille literacy crisis as well as one on healthcare for the online magazine American Chronicle. Her articles on the Harry Potter series were published by mugglenet.

Born blind from Retinitis Pigmentosa, Hill, who is 60, has a degree in English literature from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where she also studied economics. Between 1976-86, she produced radio programs on women's rights, the environment and folk music for the Radio Information Center for the Blind in Philadelphia. Her coverage of the Carter inauguration marked the first time that national press credentials were awarded to a blind journalist from a radio reading service.

Her music and special programs for schools have been honored by the US Submarine Veterans of WWII of Pennsylvania, the Fellowship of the USS Olympia, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Pennsylvania among others. In 1993, she received a grant from Lutheran Brotherhood to publish "Unopened Gifts," a guide to congregations seeking to become more welcoming to people with disabilities.

A 19-year breast cancer survivor who found both tumors herself, Donna promotes self-exam. She is also a volunteer publicist for the nonprofit Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind, which helps blind performers through scholarships, subsidies and networking.

Free MP3: for a free song from Donna's Christian CD "Harvest," contact Donna under Cabinet Posts/Head of Media Relations at: Performing Arts Division

To hear clips from her contemporary songwriter CD "The Last Straw" visit: CDBaby

Read Donna's articles on American Chronicle at: American Chronicle

Latest Articles

Equal Access to Education and the Web: a Continuing Battle
Americans with print disabilities are still excluded from much of the digital world. Technology isn't the problem. The mother of two blind kids speaks out.
Feb 26, 2012 - Donna W. Hill
Christina Sleeper of Sleepers Gourmet Foods: Growing Up Cooking
California baker and gourmet chef shares her life's journey in food. Her childhood experiences frame a path leading to a thriving business.
Jan 28, 2012 - Donna W. Hill
The Knitter's Gazebo: Fixing Dropped Stitches in Garter
Fixing dropped stitches is harder in garter stitch than in stockinette. Hill explains why and how to solve the problem.
Jan 27, 2012 - Donna W. Hill
Knitters' Gazebo: Fixing Dropped Stitches in Stockinette
Knitters who have gaped in horror after dropping a stitch will appreciate this clear explanation of how to undo the damage.
Jan 27, 2012 - Donna W. Hill
U.S. Federal Government Already Limits Web Access
Is internet access a civil right? Apparently not for all Americans. A federal worker explains how the U.S. is ensuring a "separate but not equal" policy.
Jan 19, 2012 - Donna W. Hill
The Knitter's Gazebo: Vertical Edging Makes the Squiggle Scarf
Learn how to knit fancy edgings as vertical sides on any pattern. The author shares her original Squiggle scarf pattern.
Dec 16, 2011 - Donna W. Hill
California Couple Starts Thriving Business During the Recession
Down and out Los Angeles family finds that the recession was the perfect time to start a business. Here's how they turned disaster into prosperity.
Dec 15, 2011 - Donna W. Hill
Sleepers Magic Gourmet Shares Chocolate Cake Recipe
Here's a free chocolate cake and frosting recipe with a twist from California baker/entrepreneur Christina Sleeper.
Dec 7, 2011 - Donna W. Hill
Pennsylvania Artist Pushes for Guide Dog Protection Law
Nationally recognized blind fiber artist Passle Helminski shares her decade-long quest to make dog attacks on service dogs illegal. HB165 passes the House.
Apr 19, 2011 - Donna W. Hill
Finale's Nicole Coady: A Discerning Palate & the Art of Dessert
Boston's Finale Desserterie & Bakery Pastry chef shares her journey from rural West Virginia kid to national trend-setter. Tips on tasting chocolate.
Apr 1, 2011 - Donna W. Hill