Thank you for your comments gentlemen.

I also play a lot of Irish traditional music and Scottish folk. Once I hear a tune, I can jump in with little to no trouble. Perhaps taking up a new instrument will put a different face on things, allowing me to get some degree of reading proficiency while training my ear. I am blessed with a pretty sharp ear already, so I imagine if a blind person can become a piper, there is some hope for me yet!

The North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums offers lessons with the view of making performing members. Practices are held about 40 minutes away from me, so that might be a doable option as well.