• S102: Self Advocacy with Melissa Fishburn

  • Mar 11 2025
  • Length: 35 mins
  • Podcast

S102: Self Advocacy with Melissa Fishburn

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  • Summary

  • 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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