Episodes

  • S108: Family Advocacy

    S108: Family Advocacy
    Apr 22 2025
    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.

    🕰️ Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Welcome & Intro to the Advocacy Series
    01:20 – Meet Darran Zenger: Therapist and Advocate
    03:45 – Defining Family Advocacy in Context
    06:00 – Communication & Self-Advocacy Within the Family
    08:05 – Common Family Challenges and Emotional Struggles
    10:15 – Advocating for Inclusion in Everyday Life
    12:30 – Teaching Children Advocacy Through Lived Example
    14:35 – Balancing Support and Independence
    17:00 – Advocacy Through Layout, Routine & Environment
    19:00 – Empathy, Listening, and Perspective Shifts
    22:50 – Adapting to Progressive Vision Loss Over Time
    25:00 – Humor and Honesty in Self-Advocacy
    27:30 – Tools, Training, and Support for Families
    29:45 – Guide Dogs, Children, and Trust
    31:45 – Educating Without Exhaustion
    33:50 – Mental Health and the Need for Connection
    36:55 – Final Thoughts and Resources

    📬 Contact Information:
    📧 Email: contact@aftersight.org
    🌐 Website: www.aftersight.org
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    39 mins
  • S107b "We Arrived in the Middle of Nowhere!!!"

    S107b "We Arrived in the Middle of Nowhere!!!"
    Apr 17 2025
    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.

    ⏱️ Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Introduction by Jonathan Price
    01:32 – Curtis discusses rural transportation challenges
    04:00 – Hiring “biological interfaces” and creative problem-solving
    07:10 – Society’s dependence on visual information
    09:35 – Aging, low vision, and driving: the emotional transition
    11:55 – Issues with on-demand rides and guide dog discrimination
    14:23 – Uber’s optional guide dog registration and its limitations
    16:52 – Language barriers and the need for better communication with drivers
    19:15 – Strategies for being seen, assertiveness in locating your ride
    21:30 – Honking horns: the low-tech solution that works
    23:59 – Defining independence and managing assistance
    26:24 – Real advocacy at the local level: signals, sidewalks, and city hall
    28:49 – Building connections: post office relationships and civic engagement
    31:11 – Finding and offering value as a blind community member
    32:56 – Rethinking transit: big ideas for a better future
    35:23 – Wrapping up + Teaser for next week’s episode on family advocacy

    📞 Contact Info:
    Aftersight
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Website: aftersight.org
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    38 mins
  • S107 “Are We There Yet?”: The Road to Transportation Advocacy

    S107 “Are We There Yet?”: The Road to Transportation Advocacy
    Apr 15 2025
    In this powerful and personal episode, Kim Wardlow sits down with longtime advocate Curtis Chong to discuss transportation equity and accessibility. Curtis shares his life story—growing up blind in Hawaii, learning programming in a pre-digital world, and his decades of advocacy work in technology and transportation. He breaks down the evolution of public transit and paratransit systems, and shines a light on how crucial accessible and affordable transportation is for employment, independence, and daily life.
    From calling out discrimination at a Minnesota amusement park to being on the advisory committee for RTD in Denver, Curtis offers insights and strategies for effective advocacy—whether it’s using education, documentation, or the occasional hammer when necessary. This episode dives deep into how technology, policy, and mindset shape access to mobility for the blind and low-vision community.
    ⚠️ Stay tuned for a special Thursday release where Curtis returns to explore rural transportation and more practical tips for getting around safely and effectively.

    ⏱️ Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro
    00:57 – Meet Curtis Chong: From Hawaii to Advocacy
    03:00 – Growing Up Blind in a Sighted Family
    06:45 – Music, Perfect Pitch, and the Road to Tech
    08:55 – First Jobs & Learning to Program Without Sight
    11:45 – Entering Advocacy: Group Therapy, Bravery & Pushback
    14:50 – From Rebellion to System Reform in Hawaii
    17:30 – Work Ethic, Expectations & Education
    20:40 – When to Use the Hammer in Advocacy
    23:35 – The Amusement Park Protest & a 5-Year Win
    25:50 – The Evolution of Transportation for the Blind
    28:00 – Paratransit Limitations & Community Debates
    30:00 – Access-A-Ride vs. Access On Demand
    33:20 – Budget, Uber/Lyft & Smartphone Barriers
    37:40 – Tech Dependence & the Cost of Access
    40:00 – Silent Majority: Who Gets Left Behind
    42:00 – Preview of Part 2: Rural Access & Tips
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    43 mins
  • S106: Advocacy and Technology: Code, Courage, and Creating Accessibility

    S106: Advocacy and Technology: Code, Courage, and Creating Accessibility
    Apr 8 2025
    In this inspiring episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow sits down with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran turned accessibility advocate and self-taught software developer. After losing his vision due to a traumatic brain injury, Zach found himself navigating inaccessible educational systems and daily tools. Instead of settling for frustration, he became the solution—learning to code, developing award-winning apps like Xanagrams, and advocating for inclusive technology design.
    Zach shares his powerful journey, from grappling with depression to creating tech solutions that are accessible to all. He dives into the realities of software development, the barriers within big tech companies, and the potential for AI and machine learning to help or hinder accessibility. Whether you’re tech-savvy, tech-averse, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a must-listen on how to be an advocate, innovator, or even just a helpful tester in the ever-evolving world of accessible technology.

    Contact Information:
    Zach Tidwell Website: www.zachtidwell.net
    Podcast: Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell – Available on all major platforms
    Aftersight: www.aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856
    Email for Questions or Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Intro to the episode and advocacy series
    01:00 – Kim introduces Zach Tidwell and today’s topic
    02:22 – Zach’s military background and life-changing injury
    04:41 – Rebuilding life and finding purpose in tech
    07:04 – Inaccessible education and turning frustration into coding
    09:27 – Becoming part of the solution and coding as advocacy
    11:22 – Creating apps for everyone, from blindness to broader usability
    13:32 – How Zach taught himself to code and found accessible resources
    15:59 – Accessibility as a design choice, not an obstacle
    18:23 – Comparing Zach’s apps with mainstream tools like Echo
    20:32 – Missing the mark: When apps are only built for blind users
    22:40 – Why big companies often miss accessibility standards
    24:52 – Code frameworks: Apple’s Swift vs. Meta’s React Native
    27:06 – Systemic change through design choices
    29:29 – A sneak peek at Zach’s new educational app
    30:45 – AI and machine learning: Challenges and opportunities
    32:48 – Encouragement for tech-averse users to start learning
    34:57 – Zach’s personal testimony on technology’s life-changing power
    37:22 – How to report accessibility issues to developers
    40:32 – Group advocacy vs. individual advocacy
    41:39 – Resources for learning to code and getting started
    43:52 – Final advice and encouragement from Zach
    46:11 – Zach’s podcast and how to connect with him
    48:14 – Closing remarks and where to hear more of Zach’s story
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    50 mins
  • S105: The Law Is on Your Side: Advocating with Confidence

    S105: The Law Is on Your Side: Advocating with Confidence
    Apr 1 2025
    In this powerful episode, Navigating Life with Vision Loss dives into the vital world of legal advocacy for people who are blind or have low vision. Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Dr. Charles W. Powell II, a triple master’s graduate and founder of Divine Visions Consulting and Paralegal Services. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in 2012, Dr. Powell transformed personal adversity into professional purpose, providing legal resources and ADA advocacy to underserved communities.
    Together, they explore:
    The importance of knowing your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    Practical examples of accessibility challenges in workplaces, restaurants, schools, and digital content
    The power of self-advocacy and how to recognize when you’re entitled—not asking for favors, but demanding equality
    Technology’s double-edged sword: advancements in access, but high costs
    How to influence policy change and where to begin if you're new to advocacy
    The difference between a guide dog and emotional support animal under ADA
    And why blindness is a “diffability,” not a disability
    Dr. Powell shares personal stories that will inspire you to advocate more confidently for yourself and others, and reminds us that advocacy doesn’t always mean protests or courtrooms—sometimes, it starts with a conversation or a post on social media.

    📌 Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss
    00:27 – Introduction to Advocacy Series and Dr. Powell
    02:52 – Why Legal Advocacy Matters
    05:09 – Dr. Powell’s Unexpected Journey to Law and Justice
    07:27 – Founding Divine Visions and Serving Underserved Communities
    09:55 – Educating Professors and Institutions through Advocacy
    12:18 – Understanding Legal Advocacy and Knowing Your Rights
    14:43 – Workplace Discrimination and Real Stories
    17:13 – Employers Who Get It Right
    19:34 – Equal Access to Technology: Opportunities and Limitations
    22:01 – Meta Glasses and Unexpected Accessibility
    24:24 – How Companies Can Listen and Respond to Advocacy
    26:51 – Social Advocacy: From Lawn Mowers to Menus
    29:12 – Guide Dogs, ADA, and Public Confusion
    31:33 – Misuse of Service Animal Rules
    33:55 – Pride in Presentation and Daily Advocacy
    36:26 – Influencing Policy: From Local Change to National Reform
    38:48 – Stories from the Past: Generational Resilience
    41:10 – Real-World Impact of Persistent Advocacy
    43:38 – Where to Start: Resources and Practical Steps
    46:01 – Final Thoughts: “Blind, Not Broken”

    📬 Contact Information:
    Dr. Charles W. Powell II
    Founder, Divine Visions Consulting and Paralegal Services
    📧 Email: drcharleswpowell@gmail.com
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    51 mins
  • S104: Blinded by the Write: Tackling Jobs, Jaws, and Jock Talk with Dominic Petrillo

    S104: Blinded by the Write: Tackling Jobs, Jaws, and Jock Talk with Dominic Petrillo
    Mar 25 2025
    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow is joined by Dominick Petrillo, a blind sports writer and advocate who has contributed to Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, Rotoballer, and covers the Philadelphia Eagles. Dominick shares his journey of breaking into the competitive world of sports writing, the barriers he has faced as a blind journalist, and how he continues to advocate for accessibility in the workplace.
    This episode explores employment challenges for blind professionals, strategies for self-advocacy, accessibility in digital spaces, and tips for jobseekers with vision loss. Whether you're entering the workforce or advancing in your career, this conversation provides valuable insights into workplace advocacy.

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 – Introduction to Navigating Life with Vision Loss
    00:28 – Welcome to the Advocacy Series: Workplace & Career Challenges
    01:50 – Meet Dominick Petrillo: Blind sports writer and accessibility advocate
    03:30 – Breaking into the sports writing industry as a blind journalist
    05:10 – Networking and making connections in the media world
    07:20 – The biggest workplace barriers for blind professionals
    09:40 – Challenges in accessibility: Researching and publishing articles
    12:00 – Advocating for website accessibility and industry resistance
    15:10 – Strategies for advocating with employers and hiring managers
    18:50 – Discrimination in hiring: Personal experiences
    22:40 – Advice for jobseekers on when to disclose blindness
    26:00 – Tools and technology: How Dominick sets up his workspace
    30:20 – Mental resilience: Dealing with rejection in the job search
    32:50 – What employers should know about hiring blind professionals
    35:00 – Resources for jobseekers with vision loss
    36:00 – Closing thoughts and what’s next in the Advocacy Series

    Guest Information
    Dominick Petrillo
    Twitter (X): @EnvisionFF
    LinkedIn: Dominick Petrillo
    Email: dominicpetrillo@gmail.com

    Resources Mentioned
    American Council of the Blind (ACB) – www.acb.org
    American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) – www.afb.org
    National Federation of the Blind (NFB) – www.nfb.org
    AFB Job Listings – Employers actively seeking blind professionals

    Connect with AfterSight
    Website: AfterSight.org
    Email: contact@aftersight.org
    Phone: 303-786-7777
    Social Media: Follow AfterSight on all platforms for updates!

    Join Us Next Episode!
    Next week, we continue our Advocacy Series with a discussion on legal advocacy and fighting for equal rights. We’ll explore disability laws, employment rights, and policy changes that impact the blind community. Don’t miss it!
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    37 mins
  • S103 Advocacy Through Education

    S103 Advocacy Through Education
    Mar 18 2025
    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow welcomes Dr. L Penny Rosenblum, a nationally recognized expert in blindness education and advocacy. With over 30 years of experience in research, teaching, and program development, Penny shares her insights on how students, families, and educators can advocate for accessible education.
    She discusses the impact of the pandemic on blind and low-vision students, the role of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and practical steps for self-advocacy in schools. The conversation also covers key laws affecting students with disabilities and strategies for parents to ensure their children receive appropriate educational support.
    Penny shares personal stories, including her own experience growing up with low vision, and offers valuable advice on navigating accessibility challenges in the education system.

    Episode Highlights & Chapter Markers:
    00:02 – Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss
    00:27 – Introduction to Penny Rosenblum & today’s topic: Advocacy in Education
    02:23 – Penny’s background: Living through every phase of blind education
    04:04 – Early experiences with advocacy & learning to stand firm
    05:46 – The pandemic’s impact on blind students & education accessibility
    08:51 – Challenges of virtual learning & accessibility solutions
    11:41 – Education in 2025: Current challenges & improvements
    13:08 – Advice for parents navigating districts with limited support
    19:36 – When to consider specialized schools for blind students
    23:09 – Teaching students self-advocacy skills from a young age
    26:52 – Key laws impacting blind students, including IDEA and IEP rights
    35:46 – The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) and its importance
    38:32 – Advocating effectively: Keeping records, finding allies, and solving problems
    42:06 – Stories of successful advocacy & self-advocacy strategies
    46:10 – Closing thoughts: Encouraging independence and problem-solving

    Connect with Us:
    📧 Email: jonathan@aftersight.org
    📞 Call/Text: (720) 712-8856
    🌐 Website: Aftersight.org

    💬 Share Your Thoughts!
    Have feedback or questions? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us and share your thoughts on this episode.
    🎧 Next Week’s Episode: Advocating in the Workplace with Dominic Petrillo – A sports writer navigating accessibility in his career. Don’t miss it!
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    48 mins
  • S102: Self Advocacy with Melissa Fishburn

    S102: Self Advocacy with Melissa Fishburn
    Mar 11 2025
    This is the second episode in our 16-week series on advocacy. In this episode, Kim Wardlow welcomes Melissa Fishburne, an Aftersight board member, to discuss her journey of self-advocacy and the importance of empowering oneself. Melissa shares her personal experiences growing up with low vision, the challenges she faced in embracing her identity, and how she ultimately became a strong advocate for herself and others.
    Listeners will gain insights into self-confidence, finding the right resources, and overcoming misconceptions about advocacy. Melissa also highlights practical steps for advocating in the workplace and everyday life.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:02 - Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss
    00:27 - Introduction to the Advocacy Series
    02:54 - Melissa Fishburne’s Story: From Hiding Vision Loss to Embracing Advocacy
    05:18 - Discovering Resources and Community Support
    07:39 - Building Self-Confidence and Overcoming Fear
    09:48 - Training and Certification for Advocacy
    12:11 - Personal Experiences in Self-Advocacy
    15:25 - Common Misconceptions About Advocacy
    17:36 - The Importance of Educating Others
    20:04 - Handling Pushback and Challenging Situations
    22:30 - Self-Worth and the Role of Community Support
    24:57 - Recognizing Toxic Environments in Advocacy
    27:17 - Resources: Foundation Fighting Blindness and More
    29:42 - Workplace Advocacy: Knowing Your Rights
    32:14 - Closing Advice from Melissa
    34:31 - Contact Information and Upcoming Episode Preview

    Key Takeaways:
    ✅ Know Your Worth – Confidence and self-respect are essential for effective advocacy.
    ✅ Find the Right Resources – Organizations like the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Aftersight offer valuable support.
    ✅ Educate Others – Advocacy involves not just fighting for your own needs but also helping others understand accommodations and accessibility.
    ✅ Stand Firm – Facing pushback is part of the process, but knowing your rights can help you navigate challenges.
    ✅ Community is Key – Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.

    Resources & Contact Information:
    📌 Aftersight Advocacy Resources: www.aftersight.org
    📌 Email Us: contact@aftersight.org
    📌 Call Us: (303) 786-7777
    📌 Follow Us on Social Media

    📢 Other Aftersight Podcasts to Check Out:
    🎙️ The Blind Chick – Top 10% worldwide podcast on blindness & empowerment
    🎙️ Blind Level Tech – Accessible technology for blind and low-vision individuals
    🎙️ Blindsight – Mental health & wellness in the blind community

    Next Episode Preview:
    Join us next week as we discuss advocating for yourself in an educational setting, whether you're a student or a parent of a student navigating accessibility in schools.

    🎧 Tune in, share your thoughts, and keep advocating for yourself and others! #NavigatingLifeWithVisionLoss
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    35 mins
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