Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast

Episode 203 - De-Mystifying Mobility

In this episode of Limitless, Shawn is joined by co-hosts Keisha, Jinnie, and Jill for an open and honest conversation about mobility as blind or partially sighted individuals. They share personal experiences, frustrations, and triumphs—from the challenges of learning new routes to the invaluable role of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training. Together, they dive into the complexities of mental mapping, the power of self-reliance, and the do’s and don’ts of offering assistance. Ever wondered how to help without overstepping? They’ve got advice for sighted individuals on how to provide respectful and meaningful support.

Episode 202 - Low Vision or Partially Sighted?

Join us for a fascinating and insightful conversation as Shawn invites a panel of guests to discuss language used to describe vision impairment within the blind and partially sighted community. Guests Randi, Ishita, Amy, and Dougie share their experiences and preferences for terms like "blind," "visually impaired," "partially sighted," and "low vision" and the importance of using inclusive language that resonates with individuals and the broader community.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more

Episode 201 - Living in a Blind Household

In this episode Shawn dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Monty, who is completely blind and embraces what he calls “relentless self-reliance.” Together, they explore Monty’s lived experience and independence, sharing practical tips and ingenious strategies he’s developed over the years. From mastering online shopping to tackling complex home repairs, Monty’s resourceful approach to everyday challenges offers a unique perspective on creativity and resilience. You won’t want to miss this captivating look at how innovation and determination can overcome obstacles in unexpected ways.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Episode 200 - It's Our 200th Episode!

We’ve hit a major milestone—our 200th episode! To mark this special occasion, we’re shaking things up and celebrating together. Host Shawn gathers a dynamic panel of co-hosts—Clement, John, Randi, Ishita, Nina, and Keisha—for a heartfelt and fun-filled discussion reflecting on the past four years of the podcast. Join us as we delve into the podcast’s journey, sharing personal stories, favorite memories, and the impact it has had on both our professional and personal lives. From moments of growth to unexpected lessons, we celebrate how this podcast has connected us and our loyal listeners. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or you’re just tuning in, this episode is a heartfelt thank-you to our listeners and a celebration of all we’ve achieved together.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Episode 199 - Brett The Blind Kid

Brett Devloo (also known as the Blind Kid) joins Shawn this week and shares his journey of vision loss due to Leber's Hereditary Optical Neuropathy (LHON). He discusses his music career, which began post-vision loss, his love of skateboarding, and his clothing line, The Blind Kid. He also discusses his passion project of providing iPads to students who are blind or partially sighted and the importance of community engagement and giving back to the community. Brett also talks about his documentary project and future plans, including building an adaptive skate park in Canada.

Show Notes:

The Blind Kid Online:
https://www.theblindkidtbk.com/

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Episode 198 - Calling In vs Calling Out

This week Shawn welcomes co-host Ishita and disability advocate Amy Amantea to the show for a discussion that explores the differences between "calling out" (direct confrontation in public spaces) and "calling in" (a more private dialogue) when dealing with discrimination or ableism. The conversation highlights the importance of intent, context, and the potential impact on relationships. They also touch on the role of social media in calling out systemic issues, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and strategic approaches.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Episode 197 - Navigating the Job Market

Job hunting is tough for anyone, but for individuals who are blind or partially sighted, it often comes with unique challenges. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Jill, a recent Master’s graduate in book publishing, to share her firsthand experiences navigating the job search. Jill opens up about the obstacles she faced, including a disheartening instance of discrimination during a job interview. She also offers valuable advice and tips for blind or partially sighted job seekers, urging employers to focus on potential rather than misconceptions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about workplace inclusivity or seeking inspiration to overcome barriers in their own job hunt!

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Episode 196 - Parenting A Child Who Is Blind or Partially Sighted

In an earlier episode, we spoke with young people who are blind or partially sighted about their experiences growing up with protective parents. Now, we’re flipping the script! This time Shawn welcomes Kerri and Colene, two mothers who share their journeys of raising children with visual impairments. Together, they delve into the unique challenges of parenting with a “protective instinct” while fostering their children’s independence. They reflect on the delicate balance between protection and freedom and how they have both have tried to develop a tailored approach to support growth, resilience, and confidence.

Listen to Episode 191 - A Discussion About Overprotective Parents here:
https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/limitless-podcast/episode-191-a-discussion-about-overprotective-parents

 

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Episode 195 - Encounters with Ableism Panel Discussion

In honor of Blindness Awareness Month, Blind Beginnings hosted an impactful online panel discussion on October 8th titled “Encounters with Ableism.” This episode features the audio version of the event, where our youth alumni and regular podcast co-hosts share personal experiences of ableism they’ve faced and the strategies they used to overcome it. Moderated by Shawn Marsolais, the panel offers candid, thought-provoking insights into the realities of navigating a world not always designed with accessibility in mind. We found the discussion so powerful and meaningful that we’re bringing it to you in podcast form.  

Show Notes

Video Version of the Panel Discussion can be found here:
https://youtu.be/wdYjk40LpOU

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Episode 194 - A Discussion About Microaggressions

In this episode Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita to sit down and discuss the impact of microaggressions on individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Microaggressions are actions or behaviors that highlight the difference between the sighted and the blind or partially sighted communities, often perpetuating stereotypes. They discuss the intersectionality of elements such as culture or age and visual impairment, and share their personal experiences before turning the conversation towards the importance of setting boundaries, communicating needs, and finding genuine relationships.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.