Glider Spotlight: Meet Darren Duff!

In this monthly series, we put the spotlight on our Gliders community to celebrate individuals who inspire us. This month, we’re highlighting Darren Duff - musician, radio operator, Apple expert, and hamburger aficionado!

Tell us a bit about your background and upbringing

I was born with detached retinas and have been blind from birth. From a very young age, I started playing instruments — first guitar, and then drums at age 10. I've been a drummer now for over 36 years, with opportunities to play in Nashville and California, including five years touring with my band playing Christian and praise and worship music. For over 14 years, I've played drums in my local church.

But the instruments didn't stop there. I've played harmonica for 11 years, and during COVID I picked up the didgeridoo — a truly unique instrument that requires circular breathing, using the air in your cheeks to sustain the sound while refilling your lungs, so the music never stops. It's unlike anything else I've played.

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What type of work do you do — both volunteer and otherwise?

I've been with Apple for over seven years as a Product Zone Specialist at a local Apple Store here in Georgia. I also run an in-home music studio where I produce drum and harmonica tracks for various musical projects.

Outside of work, I've held a ham radio operator's General Class license since 2011 and regularly volunteer with my local ham radio community.

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If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you win a gold medal in?

I'm not really a sports guy, so this one stumped me — but maybe competitive hamburger eating? I think I could hold my own. 😄

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After people, photos, and pets, what's the first thing you'd rescue if your home were on fire?

Easy — my iPhone. I use it for almost everything I do. It's truly a game changer and an indispensable tool in my daily life.

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If you won the lottery but didn't tell anyone, how would your friends and family know?

I'd pay off everyone's houses — and buy one for anyone who didn't have one. I'd wipe out all their debt. And then I'd start checking off every place in the world I've always wanted to visit.

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What's the best thing you've crossed off your bucket list?

Last year, I attended a Dream Theater concert and got to meet their drummer, Mike Portnoy, backstage. I've followed his career for over 25 years — he's one of my biggest musical idols. That moment meant everything.

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What first got you interested in Glide?

Orientation and mobility has always been something I've held onto — I've made sure to keep my cane skills sharp. But I deeply miss the time in my life when I had a guide dog and the freedom and confidence it gave me to walk with my head held high. My current lifestyle doesn't fit having a dog right now, and that's where Glide comes in. I want to travel again with the fluidity and grace I once had, and I'm genuinely enthusiastic about what Glide could make possible.

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Anything else you'd like to share with the Gliders community?

Never stop reaching for your dreams and pursuing your goals. There is always a way — whether it's over, under, around, or straight through. Take every opportunity that comes your way, no matter how big or small. You never know where it might lead.

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