Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast

Episode 217 - The Intersection of Autism and Blindness - Part 1

Dive into the fascinating world where visual impairment meets neurodiversity in this very important episode as Shawn welcomes Kaia and Nika, who share their personal experiences navigating the intersection of autism and visual impairment. Discover the hidden challenges, unique perspectives, and powerful insights of living with intersecting disabilities. From sensory overwhelm to accessing education and medical services, we break down and discuss the complexities of their respective lived experiences. Learn about the often-overlooked connections between neurodivergence and visual impairment, and challenge your understanding of disability, identity, and accommodation. Get ready for Part 1 of an honest and informative conversation that will expand your perspective and challenge your assumptions about what it means to experience the world differently and join us again next week for Part 2!

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 216 - Behind the Scenes at Pretty Blind with Jennie Bovard

It's a very special episode of Limitless this week as Shawn steps in to guest host for AT Banter to talk with the one and only Jennie Bovard, star of AMI’s new comedy series, Pretty Blind! Dive behind the scenes as Jennie shares hilarious stories from set, reveals how real-life moments from her lived experience inspired the show’s characters and situations, and the challenges, triumphs, and importance of authentic disability representation. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, advocacy, or just love a good podcast mashup, this episode is not to be missed!

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 215 - The Power of Disability Pride

What does it mean to be proud of your disability? Join Shawn and co-hosts Aman and Ishita as they dive deep into Disability Pride Month, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the strength, resilience, and unique perspectives of the disability community. They explore the history and significance of Disability Pride Month, share personal stories of acceptance and empowerment, and reflect on hopes for the future in terms of disability representation and pride. Whether you have a disability, love someone who does, or want to understand more about disability, this episode will inspire, educate, and challenge your perspective.

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 214 - Breaking Barriers on the Green - Evan’s Sports Journey

This week on the podcast we once again feature a youth-led episode, this time hosted by Evan, a 15-year old high school student. Even dives into his experiences playing golf and curling and is joined by his coaches where they break down the practical strategies he uses to navigate sports, the importance of clear communication, and how he advocates for himself. Hear a candid conversation about adapting techniques, team dynamics, and the real work of participating in sports when your approach might look a little different. This isn't about overcoming obstacles, it's about playing the game on your own terms.

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 213 - Limitless On The Mat - Clement's Journey to Black Belt

In this episode of Limitless, co-host Clement dives into the nuts and bolts of his 10-year Aikido journey—from white belt to black belt. He talks through the practical challenges he faced finding a dojo open to teaching someone without sight and how he adapted traditional drills and techniques to fit his needs. Clement breaks down the three guiding principles that kept him on the mat—patience (learning at your own pace), perseverance (showing up even on tough days), and adaptability (modifying moves to work with your strengths). He also walks us through his recent trip to Japan, where he and his sensei ran a joint demonstration for local students. You won't want to miss this episode for an open and honest conversation about commitment, technique, and building a practice that works for you, regardless of how you see the world.

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 212 - Talking Fashion with Acacia and Nika

In this special stylish episode of the podcast, we hand over the podcast to some of our youth once again as Acacia and Nika talk about all things fashion, makeup, and accessories—from a blind and partially sighted perspective!  Tune in as they spill the tea on navigating the fashion world when you can’t always see what’s in your closet. From choosing clothes that work with your mobility, to tackling the challenges of low contrast and depth perception, they’re keeping it real with personal stories and smart solutions. Whether you’re blind, partially sighted, or just want a new way to think about style, this episode is packed with insight, and advice. Fashion is for everyone—and Acacia and Nika are here to prove it.

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 211 - Little Steps, Big Impact - A Conversation About Early Intervention

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the powerful impact of early intervention for children who are blind or partially sighted as Shawn welcomes Beverly, Team Lead for Early Intervention at Blind Beginnings to share how the program supports families and helps children build critical developmental skills that shape their independence and quality of life. Learn why sensory-rich experiences are essential for children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), and how activities tailored to each child’s needs can build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Beverly also explains how orientation and mobility training empowers young children to confidently explore the world around them. Plus, get a sneak peek at our STEP (Safe Travel Education for Pre-Schoolers) program, a fun, hands-on initiative for kids aged 3–5 designed to foster sensory engagement, mobility skills, social skills, and networking opportunities for the 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 210 - Blinded By the Hype? AI and Accessibility Part 2

Shawn welcomes back Kaia and Rob this episode to continue their discussion on the incredible ways artificial intelligence is transforming life for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Kaia shares how AI is helping her push creative boundaries in art and 3D modeling, and streamlining everyday tasks, from generating alt text to using video description tools like Seeing AI and PiccyBot. Rob dives into the practical side of AI integration, highlighting how wearable tech like Meta glasses is enhancing navigation and personal independence. Together, they explore the promise and potential of AI, discuss its current limitations, and imagine a future where technology continues to break down barriers to accessibility.

Show Notes

Seeing AI
https://www.seeingai.com/

PiccyBot
https://www.piccybot.com/

Meta Glasses
https://www.meta.com/ca/

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 209 - Seeing Limitless Possibility: A Conversation for National AccessAbility Week

This week on the podcast, Shawn and Ishita welcome special guest Shawna Lawson for a timely conversation in honour of National AccessAbility Week, taking place this year from May 25 to June 1. Together, they explore the importance of this national initiative and the critical need for ongoing efforts toward disability inclusion in all areas of society. Shawna brings a unique dual perspective to the conversation, not only as President of the Blind Beginnings Board of Directors, but also as co-founder of Inclusive Experiences, a company that supports organizations in making their spaces and services more accessible. The discussion highlights a recent grant that’s enabling Blind Beginnings to expand its Blindness 101 awareness workshops across Canada, helping to educate the public and shift perceptions of blindness and disability. They also dive into the power of lived experience in facilitating workshops and how personal storytelling and real-world insight can spark meaningful change.

Show Notes:

https://www.inclusive-experiences.ca/

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 208 - Blinded by the Hype? A Conversation About AI and Accessibility

In this episode of the Limitless Podcast, Shawn welcomes Kaia, Rob and Jill to the podcast to explore how mainstream AI is being integrated into technology and affecting life for the blind and partially sighted community. Kaia, a Grade 11 student with low vision, shares how she uses powerful AI tools like Seeing AI, Grammarly, ChatGPT, and a host of other apps to make school and daily life more accessible. Jill, on the other hand, gives us a firsthand look at her experience using Meta AI glasses—cutting-edge technology that offers hands-free, real-time descriptions of the world around her. Finally, Rob, our Podcast Producer, joins the conversation to highlight how quickly AI is evolving and making its way into everyday devices. It's a thought provoking conversation about the growing prevalence of AI in both assistive technology and mainstream devices that you don't want to miss!