Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast

Episode 100 - Limitless Centennial Celebration

It seems like just yesterday that a group of Blind Beginnings alumni and staff met in a Zoom room on a warm spring night to record the inaugural episode of the Limitless Podcast. Now, 99 episodes later, yet another group has gathered to help celebrate this landmark episode with something very special. Clement and Ishita create and host a Jeopardy-style game show that tests the podcast knowledge of podcast “Superfans”, Kristy and Emily. Then, as a bonus, it’s a clash of the titans as Shawn and Nika face off to see who holds the crown of Limitless Trivia Queen! It’s a fun episode of looking back at the last 100 episodes and celebrating all our listeners who make the show possible! 

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 99 - Let’s Talk About The Visually Impaired Program at VCC

Vancouver Community College’s Visually Impaired Program offers courses for students who are blind and partially sighted that cover the latest in assistive technology. This week Shawn welcomes Monty, who is an instructor in the program along with co-host Jill who is a graduate of the program to talk about what the experience was like, the type of technology that is covered, and the importance and impact that assistive technology can have. 

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 98 - Let’s Talk About Our Moms

With Mother’s Day rapidly approaching on May 8th, Shawn gathers together with co-hosts Kolby, Ishita, and Leena to discuss how their Mothers impacted their own journeys through sight loss. It’s a very personal and open discussion about the challenges many Mothers face when they are dealing with a child who is blind and partially sighted as well as a love letter to all Mothers out there.

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 97 - Let’s Talk About Blind Beginnings Volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of many non profit organizations, and Blind Beginnings is no exception. Volunteer Appreciation Week takes place April 24-30 2022 and to help celebrate these unsung heroes, Shawn welcomes Blind Beginnings staff members Lia Dicicco and Rob Mineault to discuss the impact that volunteers have on the organization, from programs and special events to day to day operations.

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 96 - Let’s Talk About Teachers of the Visually Impaired

Shawn and co-host Kolby welcome Teacher of the Visually Impaired (otherwise known as a TVI) Sofeya to the show to discuss what being a TVI entails. Kolby has a particular connection with Sofeya since she was Sofeya’s student for many years and the two share their respective perspectives of the challenges and successes they faced during Kolby’s school career. It’s a fascinating inside look at what it’s like to navigate the educational system as a youth who is blind and partially sighted and the teachers that work with them.

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 95 - Let’s Talk About The Lori Sheppard Memorial Fund Bursary

This week Shawn, along with co-hosts Jinnie and Kaya welcome Jeff West, who is one of the founders of the Lori Sheppard Memorial Bursary. They discuss the life of Lori Sheppard, the origins of the Bursary, and some of the impact that it has had on previous recipients.

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 94 - Let’s Meet Shawna

This week Shawn and co-host Ishita talk with Shawna, who is an Occupational Therapist who also happens to be partially sighted. With Ishita being interested in possibly pursuing that career, they discuss not only the details of the job but also what it’s like for someone who is blind or partially sighted working in the field.

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 93 - Let’s Meet Brian

Shawn flies solo this week as she welcomes Brian Bushway and Thomas Izdebski from Acoustic Athletics. Using the technique of echolocation, Brian is not only an accomplished mountain biker who is blind, but has also taken his talent and applied it to Acoustic Athletics, where they train sighted and non-sighted athletes sensory awareness. It’s a fascinating conversation about echolocation, the senses and sports that you won’t want to miss!

Find out more about Acoustic Athletics
https://acousticathletics.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 92 - Let’s Talk About Babysitting

Babysitting can be a very important marker in many teenager’s lives, teaching valuable skills and a sense of responsibility. For teens who are blind or partially sighted, this is no different, and can carry with it the added feeling of trust and confidence in their own abilities. This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jill and Nika to discuss their own experiences and the importance babysitting can be for building confidence and skill sets.  

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 91 - Let’s Talk About International Women’s Day

It’s a very special episode this week as Limitless celebrates International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Jinnie takes over hosting duties and talks with Shawn and Director of Operations for Blind Beginnings Lia Dicicco about their own professional journeys into the nonprofit sector, what it’s like to lead as women, some of the challenges that still exist in the workforce, finding a home/work balance, and much more.

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!