Explore every episode of the podcast Navigating Life with Vision Loss
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| NLVL 409: The Missing Piece of Vision Loss: What Happens After Diagnosis? | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:39:58 | |
What happens after someone receives a vision loss diagnosis and walks out of the doctor's office? For many, the greatest challenges are only beginning. In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow welcomes Johnjoe Farragher, President and CEO of Hadley, to explore the often-overlooked emotional side of vision loss. Drawing from his listening tour and conversations with healthcare professionals and community organizations, Johnjoe discusses the enormous gap between clinical care and the practical, emotional, and personal support people need afterward. Together, they explore grief, isolation, the importance of human connection, and how technology and AI can improve access without replacing genuine relationships. They also discuss how organizations can work together to reach people before they face a crisis. Vision loss changes more than eyesight, and finding support shouldn't be another challenge people have to face alone. Show Credits
Contact Information Website: www.hadleyhelps.org Phone: 1-800-323-4238 Email: info@hadleyhelps.org Phone support: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Central Time, according to Hadley's current homepage. Mailing Address: 700 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093. Vision Support for Older Adults Follow Hadley on Social Media Social links were traced from Hadley's website and its associated social profile directory. Additional Hadley Resources Hadley provides free access to practical learning resources, emotional support, peer connections, and technology training. Its resources are available online, through the Hadley Helps mobile app, by telephone, and through accessible mailed materials. Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Listen to more episodes of Navigating Life with Vision Loss and explore Aftersight's additional podcasts and accessible audio programming. Chapter Markers TIMESTAMP / CHAPTER Copy chapters 00:09 Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss 01:55 Hadley's 106-Year Mission and Its New Leadership 03:41 From Educational Technology to Vision Loss Advocacy 07:16 The Emotional Toll of Vision Loss 10:10 Geographic Barriers and Technology Challenges 12:03 Combining Digital Accessibility with Human Support 16:00 Reaching People Before a Crisis 19:08 Creating a Standard of Care Beyond Diagnosis 22:09 Building Partnerships Across Organizations 25:43 Can Technology Replace Human Connection? 29:22 Why Authentic Voices Still Matter 32:48 The Conversations the Vision Loss Community Needs 34:21 How Everyone Can Help Close the Support Gap 36:22 Accessing Hadley's Free Resources 37:46 Aftersight Programs and Closing Announcements | |||
| When Your Vision Changes: What Your Retina Is Telling You | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:48:20 | |
Our eyes can tell us a great deal about our overall health, but would we recognize the warning signs if something started to go wrong? On this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow welcomes Dr. Emily Cole, an ophthalmologist, vitreoretinal surgeon, and assistant professor at CU Anschutz, for an informative conversation about retinal health. Together, they explore common conditions such as retinal detachments, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and inherited retinal diseases, along with the symptoms that should prompt a visit to an eye specialist. Dr. Cole explains what patients can expect during retinal examinations, how treatments such as laser procedures, injections, and surgery work, and why communication between patients and their healthcare providers is so important. She also shares considerations for children, the role of family medical history, and how factors such as travel and altitude can influence recovery following retinal surgery. Whether you're managing a retinal condition, supporting someone experiencing vision loss, or simply wanting to better understand your eye health, this episode offers practical information to help you recognize changes, ask better questions, and make informed decisions about your care. Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Dr. Emily Cole, Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon, CU Anschutz Producer: Jonathan Price Podcast: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Network: Aftersight Contact Information Aftersight Website: https://aftersight.org Email: feedback@aftersight.org Dr. Emily Cole Organization: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Website: https://www.cuanschutz.edu | |||
| NLVL 407 Today Is Not Forever: Finding Hope Through Vision Loss | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:40:23 | |
Summary Vision loss can change more than how you see. It can affect your confidence, your routines, and your sense of who you are. Kim Wardlow welcomes Ricky Enger from Hadley for an honest conversation about grief, feeling overwhelmed, and rebuilding confidence one small step at a time. Instead of trying to learn everything at once, Ricky encourages starting with one thing that would make today a little easier. Pasted text They also explore Hadley’s free resources, finding connection with people who understand, and the importance of giving yourself room to adjust. For anyone feeling stuck, Ricky offers a reminder: “Today is not forever.”
Host: Kim Wardlow Contact Information Aftersight: aftersight.org Hadley: hadleyhelps.org | |||
| NLVL 406: Finding Support in the In-Between with Hadley | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:36:50 | |
Vision loss rarely happens all at once, and figuring out what comes next can feel overwhelming. Kim talks with Cristi Stearns, Katie O’Connor, and Jim “Mac” McHolland from Hadley about free resources for people adjusting to vision loss, including emotional support, peer connections, practical workshops, technology training, Braille, and support for family and friends. They also discuss why reaching out early matters and how Hadley can help people navigate the ongoing “in-between” as vision and circumstances continue to change. Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Navigating Life with Vision Loss is brought to you by Aftersight. Resources Learn more about Hadley and its free resources for people experiencing vision loss at HadleyHelps.org. Healthcare providers and organizations interested in connecting with Hadley can visit HadleyHelps.org/partner. For more information about Aftersight and our podcasts, visit Aftersight.org.
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| NLVL 405: They Took My Sight, Not My Vision - Chris "The Blind Steppa" | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:34:04 | |
Episode Summary Christopher “The Official Blind Steppa” Felder joins Kim Wardlow to share the story of losing his sight after being shot during a robbery in 2012, on the same day he received his EMS badge and was preparing to begin a new career. Chris describes leaving the hospital unable to see, spending years searching for a different medical answer, and resisting the reality of blindness even while learning some of the skills he would eventually need. Nearly eight years into that journey, a simple moment with his son became a turning point. With no one available to take his son to basketball practice, Chris chose to pick up his cane, trust God, and get him there himself. That decision began a new chapter of independence, acceptance, faith, advocacy, and purpose. Chris speaks candidly about depression, a suicide attempt, loneliness, grief, parenting, and the reality that accepting blindness does not mean the difficult days disappear. He explains how podcasting became a form of therapy and eventually a way to encourage people around the world who are navigating blindness, disability, trauma, and mental-health struggles. The conversation also explores the importance of finding community, seeking therapy, connecting with other blind and low-vision people, and refusing to allow disability to erase identity or ambition. Today, Chris is building his work as a motivational speaker, podcaster, advocate, and entrepreneur while challenging others to keep moving forward, even when life looks nothing like the future they originally imagined. Content Note This episode contains candid discussion of gun violence, depression, suicidal thoughts and a suicide attempt, trauma, grief, and recovery. Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Contact Information Christopher “The Official Blind Steppa” Felder Website: officialblindsteppa.com Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Producer Jonathan Price | |||
| NLVL 404: You Don’t Have to “Accept” Vision Loss - Shawn Cheshire | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:46:41 | |
Episode Summary Vision loss is not simply a physical change. It can carry grief, fear, anger, depression, and the painful loss of independence. Those emotions do not follow a predictable timeline, and moving forward does not mean pretending they have disappeared. Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Army veteran, Paralympian, and adventurer Shawn Cheshire back to Navigating Life with Vision Loss. Shawn candidly shares how a brain injury at age 36 led to total blindness, the depression and fear that followed, and the moment she realized she needed to choose what kind of life she would build. Together, Kim and Shawn explore why grief can remain present years after vision loss, how sadness and gratitude can coexist, and why courage means moving forward while fear is still present. Shawn also discusses reclaiming activities she once believed were gone forever, learning to use a white cane, asking for help, setting boundaries, and giving yourself permission to heal without someone else’s deadline. This conversation offers no shallow promise that everything becomes easy. Instead, it offers something more honest: you can grieve what was lost while still creating a meaningful, adventurous, and deeply fulfilling life. Content note: This episode includes candid discussion of trauma, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Contact Information Shawn Cheshire
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| NLVL 403: Life After Sudden Sight Loss: One Step at a Time with Lynn Jensen | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:39:42 | |
Episode description At 27 years old, Lynn Jensen suddenly lost all her sight after an undiagnosed brain tumor led to emergency surgery. Her family was initially told she had only months to live. Lynn survived, but rebuilding her life required learning how to walk again, use a white cane, develop independent-living skills, and eventually trust the guide dog she never thought she wanted. Lynn joins Kim Wardlow to speak honestly about grief, rehabilitation, family support, peer connection, Braille, assistive technology, and the small accomplishments that restore confidence after vision loss. She also shares how her experience led to a 25-year career as a vision rehabilitation specialist and inspired her book, Best Kept Secrets for Travelers with Sight Loss. For Lynn, losing sight was devastating, but living with sight loss does not have to be. The path forward begins one step at a time. Learn more about Lynn and her accessible travel guide at blindtraveltips.com. Learn more about Aftersight’s programs, podcasts, and peer-support resources at aftersight.org. | |||
| S4:E02 - What Do I Do Now? Finding the Next Step After Vision Loss | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:43:05 | |
Navigating Life with Vision Loss Episode Title What Do I Do Now? Finding the Next Step After Vision Loss Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Episode Summary What happens when your vision is changing and your eye doctor tells you there is nothing more medically that can be done? That sentence can sound like the end of the road. But as Kim Wardlow and Melody Bettenhausen discuss in this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, it may simply mean it is time to begin asking a different question: What can I still do, and what tools can help me do it? Melody joins Kim to explain the role of low vision rehabilitation and the work of Ensight Skills Center. They explore how low vision optometrists and occupational therapists help people identify usable vision, establish personal goals, and develop practical strategies for everyday life. Sometimes those solutions involve technology or orientation and mobility training. Other times they are surprisingly simple: better lighting, magnification, high-contrast materials, bump dots, reorganizing a workspace, or learning a different way to accomplish a familiar task. Kim and Melody also discuss why rehabilitation should begin before someone reaches a crisis point, the importance of letting the person experiencing vision loss determine their own goals, and how family members can help without unintentionally taking away independence. They look at aging in place, progressive vision loss, transportation, support groups, emotional adjustment, family education, and the reality that two people with vision loss may experience the world very differently. The central message is clear: when your vision changes, there are still options. You do not have to figure them out alone. Contact Info Ensight Skills Center Headquarters: Phone: (970) 407-9999 Ensight provides low vision rehabilitation and related services, with programs and outreach extending beyond its Fort Collins headquarters. Aftersight Phone: (303) 786-7777 Producer Jonathan Price Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Guest organization: Ensight Skills Center | |||
| S4:E01 When Vision Changes, Where Do I Even Start? | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:42:00 | |
Episode Summary When your vision begins to change, one of the hardest questions can be the simplest: Where do I even start? In the opening episode of a new season of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow sits down with Empish Thomas and Pris Rogers from the APH Connect Center to talk about what comes next when vision loss enters your life. Empish and Pris walk through the resources available through the APH Connect Center, including VisionAware, CareerConnect, FamilyConnect, and its Getting Started Guide. They discuss practical first steps such as understanding your diagnosis, connecting with vision rehabilitation, finding peer support, learning adaptive technology, and discovering ways to continue doing everyday tasks independently. The conversation also gets into something deeper: the assumptions people make about blindness. Empish shares her own experience of losing her vision, finding rehabilitation on her own, developing a circle of support, and learning to advocate for herself. Pris emphasizes the importance of family and friends offering support without taking over, allowing a person experiencing vision loss to regain confidence and independence. The message throughout the episode is practical and hopeful. Vision loss changes things, but it does not mean life is over. You do not have to figure everything out at once. Find good information, connect with people who understand, learn what resources are available, and take the next step one piece at a time. Contact Information & Resources APH Connect Center Resources discussed through the Connect Center include:
Show Credits
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| Sports 315: The Rope Team That Makes Mountains Possible | 26 May 2026 | 00:51:23 | |
1) Episode Summary In this final episode of the sports series, host Kim Wardlow is joined by Kelly Liggett from No Barriers and Christine Holmberg, Executive Director of Foresight Adventure Guides, for a conversation about coaching, mentorship, support systems, and the power of trying something new with the right people beside you. Kelly and Christine explore how coaches, guides, mentors, friends, and organizations help people with vision loss move past fear, limiting beliefs, and the lie that “I can’t do this.” The conversation highlights the importance of patience, choice, trust, kindness, encouragement, and practical step-by-step support. Christine shares stories from Foresight Adventure Guides, including a young skier who began the day frustrated and unsure but, through patient support, ended up thriving on the slopes. Kelly shares how No Barriers helps people break goals into manageable steps and build confidence through community, risk-taking, and meaningful support. The episode also looks at the importance of representation, adaptive recreation, access to equipment, organizational collaboration, and the role of community in helping blind and low-vision individuals experience sports and outdoor recreation. The conversation closes with a preview of the upcoming collaborative fundraising hike in Winter Park with Aftersight, No Barriers, and Foresight Adventure Guides. 2) Contact Info Guests / Organizations Christine Holmberg Aftersight Producer 3) Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow
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| Sports 315: Feeling the Game with Erin Gaston of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment | 19 May 2026 | 00:30:33 | |
1) Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow talks with Erin Gaston, Director of Guest Experience at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, about how technology and accessibility are changing the live sports experience for blind and low-vision fans. Erin shares how her team supports guest experience across Ball Arena, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and the Paramount Theatre, including accessibility planning, guest relations, venue tours, sensory kits, assisted listening devices, captioning, and ongoing work toward digital wayfinding. A major focus of the conversation is OneCourt, a tactile broadcast device available at Denver Nuggets games. The device connects to live game data and allows blind or low-vision fans to feel the movement of the ball on the court through vibration and tactile feedback. Erin explains how Kroenke Sports & Entertainment brought OneCourt to Denver, how guests can access it, and how the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The conversation also highlights a bigger truth: accessibility is not just about compliance. It is about hospitality, dignity, and making sure more people can share in the joy, energy, and community of live sports. 2) Contact Info Guest: Venue Accessibility / Guest Relations: Aftersight: Producer: 3) Show Credits Navigating Life with Vision Loss is brought to you by Aftersight. Host: Kim Wardlow
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| Sports 313: Beyond the Comfort Zone: Trust, Grit, and Adaptive Sports | 12 May 2026 | 00:41:50 | |
1) Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow continues the sports series with Calli Roars and Terry Garrett for a conversation about adaptive recreation, guiding, trust, and what it takes to try new things safely. Calli brings the guide and recreation-provider perspective, while Terry shares his lived experience as a blind athlete who has participated in goalball, wrestling, martial arts, triathlon, CrossFit, climbing, cycling, swimming, and endurance sports. Together, they talk about how most sports can be adapted, but the level of support, safety planning, communication, and trust will vary depending on the activity. A major theme of the conversation is that trust is often the most important piece of adaptive equipment. Calli and Terry explain how that trust is built slowly through communication, practice, clear goals, and honest conversations when something is not working. They also discuss the difference between pushing past a comfort zone and ignoring safety, especially in activities like climbing, biking, and open-water swimming. The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to take the first step, try again if a first experience did not go well, advocate for themselves, and look for community through recreation, sports, and local adaptive opportunities. 2) Contact Info Guests: Organizations mentioned: Aftersight: Producer: 3) Show Credits Navigating Life with Vision Loss is brought to you by Aftersight. Host: Kim Wardlow
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| Sports 312: Climbing A Sports Legacy with Trevor Hahn | 05 May 2026 | 00:52:07 | |
1) Episode Summary Kim Wardlow welcomes Trevor Hahn for a conversation about the legacy and future of blind sports, with a strong focus on climbing, snowboarding, independence, and adaptive outdoor adventure. Trevor shares how growing up low vision shaped his relationship with sports, how losing the rest of his sight forced him to rethink identity and freedom, and how climbing helped him find his way back into adventure. The conversation moves through crack climbing in Moab, developing new climbing routes in South Dakota, learning from communities like Paradox Sports, and using communication systems and adaptive strategies to make climbing and snowboarding safer and more independent. Trevor also talks about the future he hopes to see: blind and low vision athletes being treated not as spectators or passengers, but as contributors, leaders, innovators, and full members of the outdoor community. 2) Contact Info Guest: Trevor Hahn Organizations Mentioned: Aftersight: Producer: 3) Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss
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| Sports 311: Move Where You Are: Accessible Fitness with Jared Ciner | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:47:00 | |
1. Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow welcomes Jared Ciner from Spirit Club for a grounded, encouraging conversation about accessible fitness, movement, and the importance of starting where you are. As part of Aftersight’s 16-week sports series, this conversation focuses less on becoming an elite athlete and more on the simple but powerful truth that every person can move in a way that supports their body, confidence, independence, and long-term health. Jared explains Spirit Club’s mission to create fitness opportunities where people of all abilities feel comfortable, supported, and capable. He and Kim talk about the barriers many people face when beginning exercise, especially those who are blind or have low vision, including lack of confidence, fear of the gym, unclear instruction, transportation challenges, and the need for adaptive support. A major theme of the episode is that movement should be functional, meaningful, and connected to real life. Jared shares practical examples of accessible fitness, such as using a chair to teach squats, tactile cues to guide stretching, and verbal descriptions that are clear without being overwhelming. He also explains why exercise is not just about muscles or weight loss, but about staying able to do the things that matter—getting out of a chair, playing with children or grandchildren, gardening, building friendships, staying mentally healthy, and remaining connected to community. The conversation also highlights the emotional and social side of fitness. Jared talks about how sports, group classes, adapted workouts, and community-based programs can help people build confidence, find friendships, and discover joy in movement. He shares examples from Spirit Club, including trainers and athletes with disabilities who are leading, competing, teaching, and helping others see what is possible. Kim closes the episode by encouraging listeners in the Denver metro area to consider joining Aftersight’s Cane’s Tales and Trails event at Cherry Creek State Park on May 30, in partnership with Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind. The episode ends with a simple but strong invitation: movement is broad, accessible, and worth trying. 2. Contact Info Guest / Organization: Aftersight: Event Mentioned: Producer Contact: 3. Show Credits Navigating Life with Vision Loss is brought to you by Aftersight. Hosted by Kim Wardlow. Thank you for listening to Navigating Life with Vision Loss, helping you navigate your life with vision loss.
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| Sports 310: Women in Motion: Blindness, Courage, and the Fight to Belong in Sports | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:12:36 | |
1) Episode Summary From there, the conversation digs into the real barriers—lack of inclusion in mainstream sports culture, limited development pathways, the cost of adaptive competition, and the ongoing struggle to find qualified guides and pilots who are treated like true teammates. The panel also explores how access begins young, why adaptive programs matter so much, and how blind kids need examples, mentors, and room to fail, grow, and discover what is possible. What makes this episode especially strong is that it does not stay theoretical. Shawn shares hard-earned perspective from elite-level competition. Penn speaks with clarity about discrimination, courage, and the need to keep moving even when fear is still present. Christine brings practical insight from years of building opportunities through Foresight and helping blind youth experience skiing, summer camps, and outdoor adventure. By the end, the message is simple and compelling: stop asking whether blind people can do something and start asking what they want to do—and then help build the path. 2) Contact Info Organizations / Events Mentioned Aftersight Contact Producer Credits 3) Show Credits | |||
| Sports 309: Track and Field with Lex Gillette | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:47:29 | |
1) Episode Summary 2) Contact Info 3) Show Credits | |||
| Sports 308: Who Says You Can't Ski When You're Blind? | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:39:43 | |
Episode Summary The episode walks through how Foresight’s programs work for both adults and youth, including guided ski days, youth learn-to-ski trips, and the structure of having both a guide and a shadow on the mountain. Christine explains how trust is built, how guides communicate with skiers, and why the experience is often transformational for people who thought vision loss meant the end of activities they once loved. The conversation also highlights the broader impact of adaptive recreation. From kids building confidence through skiing to adults reclaiming pieces of life they thought were gone, this episode is full of practical information and real hope. Christine also shares details about other adaptive ski programs in Colorado, the affordability of Foresight’s services, and the upcoming AfterSight and Foresight fundraising walk at Cherry Creek State Park on May 30. Contact Info Aftersight Producer Credits Show Credits
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| Sports 307: Loving Yourself Through Healthy Eating and Balanced Lifestyle | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:41:08 | |
1) Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow sits down with Mindy Keene for a grounded and encouraging conversation about health, wellness, and the small choices that build a stronger foundation for life. Rather than focusing only on sports performance, this episode pulls back and looks at the bigger picture: sleep, hydration, movement, nutrition, stress, self-talk, and the mental side of lasting change. Mindy shares her personal turning point after learning her lung function had dropped significantly, and how that moment forced her to take her health more seriously. She talks honestly about cutting back on sugar, learning to read labels, shifting her meals toward protein and vegetables, and starting with simple movement like walking. She also opens up about the emotional side of the journey, including stress, crying as release, using music to reset, and learning not to punish herself for being human. The conversation also touches on practical barriers that can come with vision loss, from navigating gym spaces to advocating for oneself with doctors. Throughout the episode, the heart of the message stays the same: start small, be realistic, love yourself, and build one healthy choice at a time. It is a warm, practical episode that reminds listeners that progress does not require perfection, only consistency and grace. 2) Contact Info Guest: Mindy Keene Aftersight Producer Credits: 3) Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss
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| Sports 306: Mountain Sports: Rock Climbing, Cycling, and Water Sports | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:48:46 | |
1) Episode Summary This episode continues the Navigating Life with Vision Loss sports series with a bold conversation on extreme sports. Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Shawn Cheshire, who shares her journey from vision loss after a traumatic brain injury to becoming a record-setting athlete in biathlon, cycling, hiking, and mountaineering. Together, they unpack misconceptions about blindness and risk, the role of fear in growth, and why communication, trust, and the right team matter more than special equipment in many outdoor pursuits. The conversation also explores rock climbing, water adventures, and mountaineering, while giving listeners practical encouragement to try something new, define failure differently, and take one meaningful step forward. The episode closes with Shawn’s reminder that the greatest barrier is often not disability, but access to people willing to do the adventure with you. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization Aftersight Producer Credits 3) Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss
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| Sports 305: Cane and Able: Building Strength, Confidence, and Independence | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:44:28 | |
1) Episode Summary Kim Wardlow welcomes Evan Schwabrock, founder of Cane and Able Fitness, for a practical and encouraging conversation about getting started with strength training and gym fitness as a blind or low-vision person. Evan shares his story of losing most of his vision due to Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, how his background in kinesiology and disability studies shaped his work, and why he created Cane and Able Fitness to challenge the idea that disability means inability. This episode focuses on real-world fitness basics rather than extreme performance. Evan breaks down the confidence, independence, and resilience that strength training can build, both inside and outside the gym. He offers encouragement for listeners who may have fallen off their goals, emphasizing that progress does not require perfection, only consistency, good systems, and sustainable habits. Kim and Evan also walk through common misconceptions about blind and low-vision people in gyms, the difference between working out at home versus in a gym environment, how often someone really needs to work out to make progress, and what to do on that first day walking into a gym. Evan gives clear, accessible advice on gym safety, interacting with staff, using spotters, building around foundational strength movements, and understanding when it is time to increase weight or difficulty. The conversation closes with myth-busting around fitness excuses, practical thoughts on working out with injuries or joint issues, and encouragement for listeners to stop waiting for the “perfect” time and simply begin in a way that works for them. It is a grounded, motivating episode for anyone wanting to get stronger, feel more capable, and approach fitness with vision loss in a way that is accessible and sustainable. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization Aftersight Producer 3) Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss 4) Chapter Markers 00:03 — Kim introduces the sports series and today’s focus on gym basics and strength training
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| Sports 304: Row, Paddle, Swim: Finding Freedom in the Water | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:50:12 | |
Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow continues the sports series by diving into aquatic sports with Jillian Stringfellow and Will Rastetter from Envision Blind Sports. Together, they unpack how blind and low-vision athletes can participate in swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rowing with the right instruction, communication, and support. The conversation highlights a simple but powerful truth: aquatic sports are far more accessible than many people assume. Jillian and Will explain that most adaptations are not dramatic. They often come down to clearer verbal instruction, guided orientation, hands-on learning, and building trust step by step. The episode spends meaningful time on swimming, covering early teaching methods like breath control, bubble work, kicking, body positioning, lane orientation, and the use of tappers at the wall. Will also explains how swimmers grow from basic safety and comfort in the water to stronger stroke technique, confidence, and even school team participation. From there, the discussion moves into kayaking, canoeing, and rowing, where communication, rhythm, and individualized cues become key. Jillian shares how Envision uses partnerships and trained volunteers to help athletes safely try new experiences, while also helping families see what is truly possible. At its heart, this episode is about confidence. The encouragement is clear: try the sport, trust the process, and let the experience build belief. For many athletes, that first success in the water becomes a doorway into greater independence, community, and courage in the rest of life. Contact Info Guests / Organization Aftersight Producer Credits Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Chapter Markers 00:00 — Kim opens the aquatic sports episode | |||
| Kim Wardlow: The Journey Behind Aftersight | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:37:14 | |
1) Episode Summary In this special Aftersight Original, Kim Wardlow shares the personal story behind her leadership and the road that led her to become Executive Director of Aftersight. She reflects on growing up in Lamar, Colorado, her early love for creativity, 4-H, cooking, service, travel, and the many work experiences that quietly prepared her for nonprofit leadership. Kim walks listeners through pivotal moments in her life—from studying abroad in Scotland and working internationally, to volunteering at what was then Radio Reading Service of the Rockies, to unexpectedly finding both her calling and her husband through the organization. She also shares how Aftersight has evolved over the years from volunteer-read programming into a wider community-centered organization offering podcasts, peer support, book club, white canes, and more. This episode is both a personal milestone and a mission-centered reflection. As Kim celebrates her 60th birthday and approaches 25 years with Aftersight, she invites listeners to see the deeper heart behind the organization: building community, increasing independence, and creating meaningful access for people who are blind, low vision, deafblind, or in need of alternatives to print. The episode closes with an invitation to support Aftersight’s work through her birthday giving campaign. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization: Aftersight: Producer Credit: 3) Show Credits Special Aftersight Original 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Jonathan’s welcome and special Aftersight introduction
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| Sports 303: The Power of Team Sports | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:45:23 | |
1) Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the sports series with a conversation about team sports, adaptive recreation, and the deeper personal growth that comes through play. Guest Ashley Thomas, founder of Bridge to Sports, shares her own story of living with spina bifida, becoming a wheelchair user, discovering sport later in life, and eventually competing at a world-class level in kayaking. Ashley brings a powerful perspective to the conversation: sport is not just about competition. It is a tool for confidence, independence, resilience, teamwork, communication, and self-discovery. She shares an unforgettable story about doing her first 5K with her daughter, where poor planning turned into a lesson in humility, teamwork, and learning how to communicate needs clearly. The episode also explores the value of asking for help, how to approach a team environment when you feel like the “new person,” and why it is important to keep trying even when fear, discouragement, or past rejection make it tempting to stay small. Ashley also discusses adaptive team sports and activities that can work well for blind and low-vision athletes, including beep baseball, bocce, cycling, kayaking, and other adaptive options. The heart of the episode is simple and strong: it is never too late to play, never too late to try, and never too late to discover what you are capable of. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization
3) Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss 4) Chapter Markers 00:02 — Kim introduces the sports series and guest Ashley Thomas
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| Sports 302: No Sight, All Skill: Goalball and the Paralympic Grind with Lisa Tarkowski & EJ Whitney | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:39:54 | |
1) Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the 16-week sports series with a deep dive into goalball—a fast-paced Paralympic sport designed specifically for blind and low-vision athletes. Kim is joined by Lisa Tarkowski, a six-time Paralympic medalist and multi-sport Paralympian (goalball and track & field), and EJ Whitney, a coach and strength/conditioning professional who has worked closely with U.S. goalball athletes. Together, they break down:
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| Sports 301: Beep Baseball Basics — How Beatball Works, Why It Matters, and How to Get Involved | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:44:43 | |
Episode Summary Navigating Life with Vision Loss launches a new sports series—covering everything from beginner-friendly fitness routines to extreme sports—and kicks things off with beep baseball (often called “beepball”), an adaptive version of baseball designed for blind and low-vision athletes. Guest Ethan Johnston shares his background (growing up as the only blind kid in a small Missouri town, originally from Ethiopia) and explains how sports and music became “therapy” for him. He walks listeners through how beep baseball works—key rule differences from traditional baseball, defensive positioning, the role of a sighted pitcher and spotters, why everyone wears blindfolds for fairness, and how outs/runs are determined. The conversation also explores confidence-building for new players, practice drills, the physical intensity of the sport, travel and camaraderie, the season schedule (including tournaments and the “World Series” style championship), equipment costs, and concrete first steps for getting involved—either as a player or as a sighted volunteer (pitcher/spotter). Contact Info Getting involved (as shared in the episode):
Producer credit:
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| S215: Your Safety Questions Answered | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:41:08 | |
Episode Summary In this wrap-up of the Safety Series, Kim Wardlow and a fellow Aftersight host answer listener questions about real-life safety challenges. Listeners share concerns about traveling alone, involving neighbors in a safety network, feeling secure in public spaces, avoiding online scams, and improving home safety on a budget. Kim and her guest offer practical, honest advice—emphasizing that independence looks different for everyone, small steps matter, and safety includes both tools and community. The episode closes with a reminder to support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day and to explore Aftersight’s other podcasts for more resources and encouragement.
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| S214: Building Your Safety Network with joe Strechay | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:38:46 | |
1) Episode Summary In this final episode of the safety series, Kim Wardlow explores how to build a strong personal safety network with guest Joe Strechay. Joe explains that a safety network is more than an emergency contact—it’s a mix of trusted people who support day-to-day needs like transportation, home tasks, childcare, employment, and technology. Joe shares how his network evolved through college, cross-country moves, and international film work, emphasizing that each season of life requires different kinds of support. He highlights the importance of reciprocity, clear communication, and knowing when to let someone go if a relationship isn’t dependable. The discussion also covers practical tools like Be My Eyes, Aira, Seeing AI, and accessible travel apps, showing how technology can fill gaps when people aren’t available. Kim and Joe also point to community groups, neighbors, and even realtors as overlooked but valuable connectors. They close by encouraging listeners to step outside their comfort zone, build relationships intentionally, and stay engaged in community—because a strong safety network grows from showing up and supporting others.
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| S213: Safe to Be You: Parenting, Caregiving, and Blindness with Bethany Joy Boring | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:44:23 | |
1) Episode Summary Host Kim Wardlow continues the Navigating Life with Vision Loss safety series by exploring what “safety” really means in parenting and caregiving—far beyond outlet covers and baby gates. Guest Bethany Joy Boring, a blind single mom, speaker, author, and mental health coach, shares candid stories about raising three boys while navigating progressive vision loss and hearing loss. Together, Kim and Bethany unpack the balance between protecting kids and letting them grow, how blindness can actually deepen trust and connection within a family, and the emotional side of handing over the car keys—whether you’re a parent losing vision or an older adult facing new limitations. Bethany offers practical ideas for building emotional safety at home (“Do I see you? Do I hear you?”), communicating limits without shame, using technology (yes, including AI and AirTags) as a safety tool, and handling “safety oops” moments—like mistaking the cat’s paw for a ping-pong ball or the microwave crash that became a family legend. The conversation then shifts to caring for older adults who are losing vision, including radical acceptance, grief, and how to avoid turning safety into control. Bethany emphasizes creating a truly safe space for hard conversations, so both caregiver and loved one feel heard, valued, and part of the decisions being made. She closes with a powerful reminder: surviving is good, but thriving is different. Thriving is about what God is doing in and through your life so that others look at you and wonder, “What do they have that I don’t?” Kim wraps up with gratitude for listeners, a reminder about Colorado Gives Day, and a preview of next week’s episode on building your safety network.
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| S212: Um... You Forgot Your Passport: Traveling safely with Sue Slater | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:44:03 | |
Episode Summary This episode explores the essentials of safe and confident solo travel for individuals who are blind or living with low vision. Host Kim Wardlow welcomes back seasoned traveler and travel advisor Sue Slater, who brings more than 40 years of firsthand experience traveling independently around the world. Kim and Sue break down domestic and international travel safety, including airport navigation, researching safe neighborhoods, using rideshare responsibly, preparing for currency differences, avoiding scams and pickpockets, and keeping your passport, cards, and devices secure. Sue also highlights essential apps—including Aira, Be My Eyes, Google Translate, CityMapper, Ally, and XE Currency—and walks through realistic scenarios, from navigating New Orleans solo to handling unexpected passport emergencies abroad. Listeners will learn how to plan ahead, assess risks, stay connected with loved ones during travel, travel with a guide dog, and build confidence through preparation. Sue closes with actionable guidance: research everything, book ahead, use vetted companies, and travel on your own terms—because “the world is your oyster” when you’re prepared.
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| S211: Love, Trust, and Turkey: Relationship Safety Without the Side-Dish Drama | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:48:51 | |
Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the Safety Series by exploring how emotional, physical, and spiritual safety impact relationships. Joined by Bill Lundgren, host of Blindsight and longtime mental health advocate, the discussion dives deep into what it means to make wise relationship choices—from family and workplace connections to romantic and community relationships.
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| S210: Staying Safe and Confident in Healthcare Settings | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:35:34 | |
In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow welcomes Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer at AccessiBe, National Ambassador for the National Federation of the Blind’s Braille Literacy Campaign, and author of Thunder Dog and Live Like a Guide Dog. The conversation explores safety and self-advocacy in healthcare settings for people who are blind or have low vision. Michael shares personal stories, including a recent hospital experience that highlights gaps in staff understanding of blindness, and offers strategies for educating providers, asserting one’s needs, and ensuring safety in medical environments. He emphasizes the importance of confidence, self-advocacy, and continuous education—both for blind individuals and for medical professionals. Michael also discusses accessible technology in healthcare, from Kaiser Permanente’s app and medication labeling systems to tools like Envision labels and Braille organization strategies. He stresses that blindness itself is not the problem—societal attitudes and lack of awareness are. The episode closes with practical advice: ask questions, advocate for confidentiality, and remember that learning blindness skills through organizations like the Colorado Center for the Blind and NFB can empower independence and safety.
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| S209: Safety in Dating with Anneliese Knop and Laura Millar | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:45:50 | |
Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Annaliese Knop, mental health professional, and Laura Millar, public health expert—co-founders of the Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)—for a deep, empowering discussion about safe online dating, boundaries, consent, and healthy connections in the blind and low-vision community. They unpack the “Be Nice and Educate” mindset often taught to blind individuals, showing how it can unintentionally suppress autonomy. Annaliese and Laura explain the FRIES model of consent (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific) and offer concrete tools to identify red flags, build confidence in saying “no,” and create emotionally and physically safe dating experiences. The episode also explores reactive independence vs. interdependence, how internalized ableism can affect relationships, and how to reframe blindness as strength rather than limitation. Through humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, this conversation encourages listeners to embrace joy, agency, and dignity in dating—online and offline.
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| S208: Scams and Safeguards: Protecting Yourself from Fraud with Desiree Farley | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:32:54 | |
Kim Wardlow talks with Desiree Farley, Community Protection Specialist at the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, about recognizing and recovering from scams and fraud. They cover tech-support pop-ups, account takeovers, spoofed calls and AI voice mimicry, contractor and door-to-door schemes, safe public Wi-Fi use, device updates, credit freezes, and why reporting matters. Practical safeguards include family “safe words,” letting unknown calls go to voicemail, verifying businesses, and contacting banks first after any loss. Resources noted: local DA offices, Colorado AG, FTC, BBB, and AARP peer support. 2) Contact Info Guest: Desiree Farley, Community Protection Specialist, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org • (720) 712-8856 • aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Desiree Farley Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Welcome and safety season setup 02:21 — What a Community Protection Specialist does 04:43 — Why victims should report scams 06:57 — Community alerts and EBT scam example 09:23 — Tech-support pop-ups and remote-access traps 11:22 — Spotting fake websites and resisting urgency 13:43 — Spoofed calls, AI voices, and family safe words 16:02 — Keep devices updated and know support limits 18:29 — Public Wi-Fi risks and library computers 20:57 — Contractor and door-to-door fraud basics 22:59 — Vetting businesses: SOS, BBB, complaints 25:20 — First moves after a loss: call your bank 25:39 — Red flags: crypto ATMs and payment demands 28:05 — Credit freezes vs fraud alerts 30:22 — Resources: DA, AG, FTC, BBB, AARP; speaking invites | |||
| S207: Safety in Your Finances with Penny Forward | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:40:28 | |
In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the safety series with a deep dive into financial safety and independence. Joining her are Chris Peterson, Founder and CEO of Penny Forward, and Liz Botner, Board Member, Financial Educator, and Accessibility Advocate. Together, they explore how education and confidence can empower individuals who are blind or have low vision to take control of their finances. Listeners learn how to recognize and prevent financial fraud, the importance of monitoring financial activity, and practical strategies for maintaining independence even with trusted helpers. Chris and Liz share common scams targeting seniors and people with disabilities, early warning signs of financial abuse by trusted individuals, and steps to reclaim financial autonomy. They also discuss accessible financial tools and apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget), Empower, and Excel, plus services Penny Forward offers—from online financial courses to one-on-one counseling and benefits planning. The conversation closes with an encouragement to speak up when something feels wrong and to pursue financial literacy as a form of empowerment and protection.
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| S206: Fraud and Safety: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You with Heidi Gassman | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:36:40 | |
In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the safety series with a focus on fraud prevention. Attorney Heidi Gassman, a specialist in trusts, estates, and fraud prevention, shares insights from 30 years of practice. The discussion covers how fraud starts, early red flags, and practical steps to protect yourself—especially in the blind and low-vision community.
Topics include the post-2020 rise in scams, the difference between disability and incapacity, and the importance of trusted relationships. Heidi explains supported decision-making agreements, powers of attorney, and best practices for reviewing legal documents accessibly. Key takeaways: pause before acting, involve a trusted person, and never feel ashamed if targeted—report early to limit damage. Contact Info Guest: Aftersight: Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight Show Credits
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| S205: Digital and Identity Safety with Brandon Kennelly | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:30:35 | |
In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the safety series with a focus on digital safety and identity protection. Guest Brandon Kennelly from Trenware, Aftersight’s managed service provider, breaks down practical strategies for protecting against phishing scams, spoofed websites, and identity theft. He explains why phishing attacks have risen dramatically, how blind and low-vision users may face unique risks with inaccessible attachments like PDFs, and why a layered defense approach is essential. The discussion covers accessible security tools such as Windows Defender and Malwarebytes, the importance of password managers and multi-factor authentication, safe practices for online shopping and banking, and precautions when using public Wi-Fi. Brandon also addresses smartphone security, risks with QR codes, voice-activated devices like Alexa, and what to do if your identity or data has been compromised. Listeners walk away with clear, actionable steps to safeguard their digital lives and keep personal information secure.
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| S204: Safe at Home: Smart Tools and Adaptations with Neva Fairchild | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:39:29 | |
In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the Safety Series with a deep dive into home safety and smart tools. Guest Neva Fairchild, a nationally recognized advocate and expert in independent living skills, shares her journey from growing up with low vision to becoming a leader in accessibility at the American Foundation for the Blind and Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind. Neva highlights practical strategies for adapting the home environment: improving lighting, using color contrast, reducing clutter, and adopting labeling systems like Braille, ScriptTalk, and WayAround. She discusses the value of proactive safety—preventing falls before they happen, leveraging smart home speakers and smartphones for communication, and preparing for emergencies with go bags and labeled medications. The conversation also explores balancing independence with interdependence: how to ask for help specifically, how friends and family can support without overstepping, and how everyone can benefit from simple safety measures. Neva’s personal anecdotes—like biking as a child with low vision, mishaps with mislabeled medicine, and experiences with chemical safety—bring humor and urgency to the discussion. Listeners walk away with practical next steps and resources, including APH Connect Center, VisionAware, and 211, to make their homes safer, smarter, and more accessible.
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| S203 Boundaries = Safety: The Power of No with Amy Wilson | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:38:17 | |
Kim Wardlow welcomes safety guide and advocate Amy Wilson to unpack why boundaries are a core safety skill—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Amy reframes “self-defense” to start with psychological safety: dignity, clarity, and the right to say no without apology. Together they tackle common myths (“I’m not allowed to set boundaries”), how to spot when your limits are too loose or weaponized, and what to do when people don’t respect your “no.” Key takeaways: clarity is kindness, no is a complete sentence, and accountability is empowering—especially in a community where “instrumental aggression” (withholding help to force compliance) can show up. Amy shares practical reps for confidence (practice out loud, role-play with safe people, set one boundary first) and reminds listeners that seasons change—and so can your circle. Next week: home safety with smart tools and practical adaptations.
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| S202 Head Up, Cane Out: Staying Safe in Your World | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:32:11 | |
In this week’s episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the Fall safety series with a conversation on personal and community safety. Guest Jim Pilkington, longtime accessibility advocate and One Touch Self-Defense instructor, shares his journey with retinitis pigmentosa and how he turned his lived experience into action by teaching self-defense for individuals with blindness and low vision. Jim explores the power of situational awareness, practical self-defense training, and how body language can deter threats in public spaces. He also highlights the importance of advocacy within local communities—from contacting traffic engineers about crosswalk signals to serving on volunteer boards—to influence safer design. Practical tech tools like compass apps and bone-conduction headphones are discussed as everyday safety aids. The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to take one small step this week—whether that’s reaching out to a local group, joining a class, or introducing themselves to neighbors—as each step contributes to personal confidence and a safer community.
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| S201: Personal Safety At Home and in Public with Marty Sobo | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:32:23 | |
In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow launches the show’s new 16-week safety series with a conversation on personal safety at home and in public. Guest Marty Sobo, longtime accessibility advocate and host of Aftersight’s new podcast Code Orange, shares practical, real-world strategies for staying safe—whether you’re navigating daily life, traveling, or facing emergencies. Marty draws on his unique background as a former firefighter, technologist, and blind professional to offer actionable tips for home safety, traveling with confidence, and building a personal preparedness plan. The discussion also introduces Code Orange, which focuses on disability-inclusive emergency preparedness, and explores why preparation can reduce fear in unexpected situations.
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| S116: The Future of Advocacy | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:47:41 | |
In this powerful finale of our 16-week advocacy series, Dr. Charles Powell returns to reflect on where advocacy stands today and what needs to shift to create lasting change. He dives into enforcing disability rights laws, expanding digital accessibility, challenging employment discrimination, and calling both blind and sighted individuals to action. This is more than a conversation—it’s a movement. Dr. Powell encourages listeners to speak up, show up, and lead the next generation into a more inclusive world.
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| S115: Advocacy in Healthcare | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:35:42 | |
In this heartfelt episode, Kim Wardlow is joined by longtime advocate and educator Melissa Green, who shares her deeply personal healthcare journey as a blind individual navigating a system often unprepared for true accessibility. Melissa talks candidly about a life-threatening overdose due to a pharmacist’s error, fighting stigma in hospitals, and how she advocates for herself and others in medical spaces. From Script Talk and accessible pharmacy tools to setting expectations with caregivers and doctors, Melissa’s wisdom is practical, passionate, and born from experience. Listeners will walk away with strategies for advocating in healthcare settings, understanding their rights, building a support team, and utilizing assistive technology. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned pro, this conversation will inspire courage and reinforce the value of persistence, education, and self-worth.
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| Youth Advocacy: Empowering the Next Generation | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:54:22 | |
In this inspiring and deeply informative episode, Dr. Charles Powell returns to Navigating Life with Vision Loss to tackle a powerful topic: Youth Advocacy. He and Kim discuss the urgent need to equip blind and low-vision youth—and their families—with the tools to advocate for themselves. From navigating inaccessible classroom materials to asserting their rights in higher education and the workforce, Dr. Powell brings clarity, urgency, and hope to the conversation. He shares real-world experiences, practical strategies for families and educators, and the importance of knowing laws like the ADA and IDEA. Dr. Powell also emphasizes that advocacy is a learned skill, best taught early and modeled by parents, mentors, and communities. Listeners will walk away encouraged to build bold futures, educate others, and create real change—not just for one child, but for the community at large.
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| State and Local Advocacy: Part 2 – Testimony, Lawmaking, and Turning the Tide | 27 May 2025 | 00:39:56 | |
In this empowering second part of our conversation with Julie Reiskin, we dive deep into how advocacy becomes action—especially at the state and local levels. Julie walks listeners through the journey of how a bill becomes law in Colorado, explains the importance of testimony (and how to give it), and shares practical ways to engage even if public speaking feels intimidating. We also hear the inspiring story of Cindy Vaughn, a deafblind advocate who mobilized her community and catalyzed lasting legislative change around SSP funding. Julie and Kim explore what it means to “keep people afloat, make waves, and ultimately turn the tide”—a compelling framework for sustainable advocacy and social change. Julie also discusses upcoming trainings from CCDC, and how listeners can plug in, from action alerts to legislator meetings. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned voice, this episode is a powerful reminder that change begins with showing up—and that a small group of committed people truly can change the world.
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| S112 State and Local Advocacy: Making Your Voice Heard | 20 May 2025 | 00:26:39 | |
In this powerful episode, host Kim Wardlow speaks with Julie Reiskin from the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition to explore the practical steps and critical importance of state and local advocacy. Julie shares her personal journey into disability rights after being diagnosed with MS, and the impact of healthcare inequities that led her to become a lifelong advocate. The conversation dives into understanding systems advocacy, how policies and laws differ, and how listeners can take tangible steps toward influencing change—whether it's by testifying at a city council meeting or signing onto a petition. Julie emphasizes the power of working collectively and offers tips for getting involved, including using accessible bill trackers, attending trainings, and joining trusted organizations like CCDC or NFB. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to deepen your involvement, this episode provides a clear path toward making your voice heard. 📌 Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss 00:25 – Meet Julie Reiskin: A lifetime of advocacy 02:39 – Healthcare, MS diagnosis, and economic injustice 05:05 – How disability can affect employment and dignity 07:28 – What is CCDC and “cross-disability” advocacy? 09:52 – What advocacy really means at a systems level 12:18 – What is a policy? (And why it matters) 14:43 – Steps to begin advocating at a state or local level 16:52 – Real-world example: Transportation policies and Access-a-Ride 18:58 – Understanding who holds power and how to persuade 19:53 – “You’d be a great advocate if…” 21:54 – Local vs. state vs. federal change: What’s easiest? 24:15 – Where to find training, tools, and accessible bill trackers 26:00 – Outro: Part 2 coming next week!
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| S111 Art as Advocacy: Making Visual Spaces Accessible with ted Tahquechi | 13 May 2025 | 00:43:21 | |
In this powerful episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow sits down with acclaimed blind photographer and accessibility advocate Ted Tahquechi. Ted shares his compelling journey from a career in video game design to losing his sight after a traumatic car accident, and how he reinvented his artistic voice through photography and tactile art. Listeners will discover how Ted’s innovative work—like his Bodyscapes project—uses 3D printing, audio descriptions, and Braille to make visual art fully accessible. He unpacks the challenges blind artists face in academic and gallery spaces, explains how storytelling enhances advocacy, and offers honest insights on whether formal art education is necessary for those with vision loss. Ted also emphasizes the importance of allyship, from writing meaningful alt text to supporting organizations and local galleries that uplift blind and low-vision creators. His story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of inclusive art.
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| S110: Social media and understanding your rights | 06 May 2025 | 00:58:00 | |
In this episode, Kim Wardlow is joined by Evan Starnes to explore how social media can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy, community building, and change—particularly in the blind and low vision community. Evan shares his journey from discovering digital advocacy on Twitter to becoming an influential voice in accessible tech. They dive into platform-by-platform comparisons, discuss the pros and cons of real-time posting, and offer best practices for accessible content creation. From hashtags and alt text to dealing with misinformation and going viral for the right reasons, this episode is packed with practical tips and thoughtful insights for anyone hoping to use social media as a force for good.
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| S109: Persistence and Progress: Creating Accessible Spaces with Darcy McLean | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:44:36 | |
In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow sits down with Darcy McLean, a Beyond Vision Skills Trainer at the Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD). Darcy shares her personal journey with low vision, the beginnings of her advocacy work, and how grassroots efforts have led to significant accessibility improvements at recreation centers and arts venues across the metro Denver area. Together, Kim and Darcy discuss how to start local advocacy efforts, overcome common challenges, build partnerships, and create change that benefits the broader community. This inspiring conversation emphasizes the importance of persistence, collaboration, and starting with activities you're passionate about. Darcy also offers practical advice for listeners who want to advocate for more accessible recreational and community opportunities where they live—and how small actions can ripple outward to make a lasting difference.
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| S108: Family Advocacy | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:39:12 | |
In this heartfelt and informative episode, Kim Wardlow welcomes therapist and advocate Darran Zenger to explore the dynamics of family advocacy in the blind and low-vision community. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience living with Usher Syndrome, Darran dives into what it means to advocate for and within your family. From setting expectations and communicating evolving needs to building support systems and navigating shifting family roles, Darran offers practical strategies and emotional wisdom. The conversation also explores the emotional side of disability, the importance of peer connection, and the value of mental health support for both individuals and families.
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| S107b "We Arrived in the Middle of Nowhere!!!" | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:38:30 | |
In this powerful follow-up to our transportation mini-series, Curtis Chong joins host Kim Wardlow to unpack the complexities of transportation access for individuals who are blind or have low vision—especially in rural communities. From building meaningful relationships to hiring “biological interfaces” (aka friends and human assistants), Curtis breaks down practical solutions with insight, wit, and experience. He also addresses persistent issues in rideshare discrimination—particularly for guide dog users—and the limits of current advocacy within companies like Uber and Lyft. Curtis doesn’t just talk policy—he brings it down to the local level, offering actionable advice for anyone who wants to advocate in their town, build relationships with local officials, and contribute as a valued member of their community. This is an unmissable episode for anyone navigating transportation with vision loss, as well as allies, policymakers, and public transit advocates who want to create a more inclusive world.
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