Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast: Recent Episodes
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When you are blind or partially sighted, many people believe your options are limited. However, we believe the possibilities are limitless! Brought to you by Blind Beginnings, the Limitless podcast will inform, entertain, and provide insight and interviews on many diverse topics and with many interesting people. With every episode you will see that the opportunities for people who are blind or partially sighted are truly ... limitless!
What happens when a young man who is blind and non-verbal finally gains a reliable way to share his thoughts with the world? In this powerful episode of Limitless, Shawn speaks with Corinne, whose 22-year-old son Cody was born blind with bilateral anophthalmia and later diagnosed with autism. After years of communication approaches that did not work for him, along with professional assumptions that his cognitive abilities were limited, Cody began using a Braille-adapted letter board through the Speller method, revealing his intelligence, humour, patience, emotional insight, and passion for subjects such as chemistry. Corinne shares the emotional journey of watching her son’s world open up, the importance of understanding full-body apraxia and the inspiration that led their family to keep searching for a communication method that worked. This is a fascinating episode you won't want to miss!
Show NotesMore about the Speller Method
https://www.spellers.com/
Spellers Freedom Foundation
https://www.spellersfreedomfoundation.org/
'Spellers' Documentary on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0
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
In this episode of Limitless, Shawn speaks with Stacy Cervenka and Diane Debrovner, co-authors of the middle-grade novel Roxie in Color. The story follows Roxie, a 12-year-old sighted girl with blind parents, and explores real-life themes including blind parenting, guide dog access denials, common misconceptions about blindness, and more. Stacy and Diane discuss the lived experiences that helped shape the novel, including Stacy’s perspective as a blind parent, and why authentic representation of blindness in children’s literature matters for both blind and sighted young readers.
Show NotesRoxie In Color on Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/Roxie-Color-Diane-Debrovner/dp/1536246603
On this week's episode of Limitless, Shawn sits down with Rita Duarte from Portugal 4 All Senses to reflect on Shawn's recent trip to Portugal, where she learned to surf. Together, they explore what it took to create an inclusive surf camp — from adapted surfing with experienced volunteers to immersive cultural excursions in Sintra and Lisbon. They also discuss the trust it takes to step outside your comfort zone in a foreign country, what accessible tourism really looks like, and how to fully experience a destination's food, history, sounds, and culture while feeling safe and empowered. If you've ever wondered whether traveling abroad is possible for someone who is blind and low vision or hesitated to say yes to a new adventure, this episode is for you!
Show NotesPortugal 4 All Senses
https://portugal4allsenses.pt
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
This week, we’re celebrating six years of Limitless with a very special behind-the-scenes episode! Join host Shawn and members of the Limitless Committee that include Clement, John, Randi, Acacia, Jugaad, Russell, and producer Rob as they pull back the curtain on how the podcast and blog come together every month. You’ll hear how a “sourdough project of COVID” became a long-running show with 234 episodes and listeners in over 70 countries. The committee shares updated download stats, reacts to the surprising global reach of the podcast, and discusses ideas for future episodes. If you’ve ever wondered how topics are chosen and how youth and alumni shape the show, you won't want to miss this episode. A huge thank you to our audience that has made this six year anniversary possible. Thank you for listening!
Blind Beginning’s mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind and low vision 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!
This week Shawn sits down with Youth Leaders Kaia, Nolan, and Jugaad to introduce 3B Printing, a new youth-led initiative by Blind Beginnings that creates low-cost, custom 3D-printed braille signage. They share how the idea grew out of the Youth Leadership Program and into a full-fledged venture, why braille signage is essential for freedom, inclusion, and safety, and some of the funny (and frustrating) braille 'fails' they’ve encountered in the wild. You’ll hear how a team of blind and low vision high school and university students are handling design, production, marketing, and sales, all while proving that accessibility doesn’t have to be hard or expensive.
For more information on 3B Printing Services, visit: https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/3b-printing
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
This week Shawn is joined by returning guests and newly trained Blindness 101 facilitators Jennie Bovard and Kerry Kijewski to celebrate National Accessibility Week (May 31–June 6, 2026) and dive into Blind Beginnings’ exciting new initiative: taking the Blindness 101 workshop across Canada. If you’re part of a business, community group, school, medical office, cultural institution, or tourism organization anywhere in Canada and want your team to feel more confident, respectful, and inclusive when engaging with blind and low vision folks, this episode shows exactly why a Blindness 101 workshop is a powerful place to start.
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
In this continuation of the previous episode, Shawn is once again joined again by Clement and Kaia to explore what happens when sighted people actually simulate blindness through blindfold party games, 24‑hour YouTube challenges, team‑building trust exercises, sports like goalball, “dining in the dark,” and even professional O&M training. Together they unpack when blindfolds can be harmless fun or useful educational tools, and when they reinforce harmful stereotypes, emphasizing how intent, framing, and meaningful involvement of the blind community make all the difference in whether these simulations help or hurt understanding of blindness.
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.
Join us for Part 1 of a special 2-part episode as Shawn sits down with co-hosts Kaia and Clement to unpack the troubling trend of sighted people simulating blindness for pranks, clout, and clicks on social media. Drawing on their lived experiences as blind and low vision individuals, they break down popular “blind prank” formats, explore how these videos shape public perceptions, and discuss the emotional toll of seeing disability turned into a joke. The trio also dive into cosplay, Halloween costumes, school plays, and the legal and ethical implications of using white canes as props, offering concrete guidance on what respectful representation or education can look like and where the line is crossed.
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.
Get ready to travel this episode as Shawn sits down with Lynn Jensen who is a Registered Nurse, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, and newly published author of 'Best Kept Secrets for Travelers with Sight Loss'. Lynn shares how a simple request to jot down a few travel tips over Christmas break unexpectedly grew into a comprehensive guide for blind and low vision travelers. Drawing on decades of professional experience, Lynn offers a rich mix of practical strategies, personal stories, and confidence building advice when it comes to travel.
Show Notes
You can find Lynn’s book 'Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss' in multiple accessible formats at: www.blindtraveltips.com
Remember dodgeball day in gym class.? Now imagine playing it when you can’t see the balls flying at your face. In this episode of Limitless, Shawn and co-hosts Kaia and Nolan get real about the gym class experience for blind and low vision students. For a lot of youth, PE means getting sent to the weight room by yourself, standing on the sidelines flipping numbers for the scorekeeper, or pretending to know what's happening during a chaotic school basketball tournament. But Shawn, Kaia, and Nolan share how they survived the awkwardness and eventually traded in flying volleyballs for sports that actually worked for them. If you are a student dreading your next gym block, this conversation proves you don't have to repeatedly take a dodgeball to the face to be an athlete.
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.
In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Limitless, Shawn sits down with Tom and Julie, two blind and low vision youth who share their lives with very special “career-change” canines: Bambi and Potter (yes, that Potter).
They dive into what a “buddy dog” really is and how it’s different from a Guide Dog and why these dogs are perfect partners for kids and teens who aren’t quite ready (or old enough) for a Guide Dog. You’ll hear about tandem bike runs with Bambi, an 80‑pound snack-loving Potter, sibling “custody battles” over who gets the dog, and what it’s like to go from being nervous around dogs to not imagining life without one.
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.
This week Shawn welcomes entrepreneur and BrailleMasters founder Terry Hoddinott, whose frustration with inaccessible print sparked the creation of the cleverly low-tech “EmbossIt” Braille business card machine and a Braille business serving restaurants, governments, and organizations around the world. Terry and Shawn swap stories about the importance of braille and the challenges of braille production and then crank things up a notch with tales of riding 3200 km across Canada for cancer and what it's like scaling massive climbing walls as part of the Canadian Paraclimbing Team.
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.
This week is White Cane Week, and in this episode we are doing something special as Shawn is joined by co‑hosts Keisha and Jill for an open and honest conversation about Guide Dog access. Together, they explore the differences between Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, and Emotional Support Animals, what the law says versus what actually happens in real life, and how it truly feels to be denied access. Through candid personal stories and powerful advocacy, this episode shines a light on the everyday realities Guide Dog users face and why meaningful change is still needed.
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.
In this episode Shawn dives into the world of Minecraft with co‑hosts Kaia, Russell, and Clement to explore how a game that seems ultra-visual can actually be surprisingly accessible (and even educational) for blind and low vision players.
They discuss what Minecraft actually is and why everything being made of 1x1 meter cubes is a big accessibility win and how the Minecraft Access Mod and screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver make it possible to explore, build, and fight zombies without sight.
If you’ve ever thought video games “aren’t for people that are blind and low vision,” or you’ve got a child who keeps asking about Minecraft, this conversation might change your mind. It’s part geek-out, part guide, and full of creative possibilities.
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.
In honour of World Braille Day 2026, we’re excited to share a special co-release with our friends at the AT Banter Podcast. In this roundtable discussion, Shawn joins a panel of passionate braille advocates, including Jen Jesso and Riane LaPaire, to unpack the current state of braille literacy in Canada and why braille remains essential for access, independence, education, and employment.
Together they explore why braille is literacy, some of the gaps and systemic barriers and challenges still in place when it comes to access, and why awareness, advocacy, and enforcement of braille standards are critical. It's an honest, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately hopeful discussion about what needs to change and how we can all play a role in ensuring the blind and low vision community has equitable access to literacy.
It's an honest discussion about what needs to change and how we can all play a role in ensuring blind and partially sighted people have equitable access to literacy.
Show NotesNNELS
https://nnels.ca/
PRCVI
https://www.prcvi.org/
Braille Literacy Canada
http://www.blc-lbc.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.
This episode Shawn welcomes back co-host Jill to dive into the fast-growing world of blind soccer and Canada’s first-ever Women’s National Blind Soccer Team! Jill describes how she discovered blind soccer and joined the National Team and brings along the Head Coach, Matt Greenwood and her teammate Co-captain Ramya Amuthan to join the discussion. Learn what blind soccer actually looks and sounds like, the mental and physical demands of playing without sight, tracking the ball by sound, trusting teammates, and managing information overload. We also get a very special behind-the-scenes look at World Championships in India that took place in October! If you are a sports fan at all, or even just curious, you won't want to miss this one!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
It’s another very special crossover episode as Shawn sits down with the cast of the AT Banter podcast along with special guests Albert Ruel and Blind Beginnings youth alumni Alethea for a lively roundtable about the Glide—an AI-powered mobility device created by and for people who are blind.
You’ll hear firsthand reactions from a recent Demo Day, where hope, skepticism, and excitement all had a seat at the table. From comparing Glide to guide dogs and white canes, to debating how it might change daily travel, we share our honest insights, plenty of laughs, and hopes for what’s next.
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 220 - Kristin Smedley & The Thriving Blind Academy
In this episode, Shawn sits down with Kristin Smedley, founder of Thriving Blind Academy, author, and mother of two blind sons. Kristin shares her transformative journey from struggling with her sons' blindness to becoming a passionate advocate for the blindness community and her creation of the Thriving Blind Academy. She reveals her groundbreaking "THRIVER Formula" - a powerful approach to overcoming limitations and building confidence. Through personal stories, including her sons' achievements, Kristin challenges stereotypes and demonstrates how blindness can be a pathway to limitless possibilities.
Show NotesThriving Blind Academy
https://thrivingblindacademy.org/
"What I Can Be Is Up to Me"
https://thrivingblindacademy.org/childrensbook
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.
Content warning: Mature themes discussed.
In this episode, Shawn welcomes guests Keisha and Ellis and the three dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of sexual health and sex education for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Challenging the misconception that people with disabilities are non-sexual, this candid conversation explores the unique challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in learning about their bodies, relationships, and sexual well-being. They discuss the gaps in traditional sex education for blind and partially sighted students, thoughts about creating more inclusive and accessible sexual health resources and practical advice for parents, educators, and young people with visual impairments.
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.
This week Shawn, Nika, and Kaia continue their discussion of the intersection of autism and blindness, discussing topics such as the challenges of taking tests, the impact of assistive technology, and the difficulties of advocating for needs during times of overwhelm. From discussing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) to unpacking media representation, they continue this important discussion that offers insights into neurodiversity and disability through lived experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 NotesSeeing 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
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
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!
Ever dreamed of exploring Japan? How about doing it without sighted assistance? Get ready for an epic adventure on this episode as Shawn chats with an intrepid trio – Clement, Russell, and Aman – who didn't just dream of visiting Japan, they made it happen. Follow their journey through bustling Tokyo, vibrant Osaka, and Fukuoka and discover how Clement, (who is totally blind and fluent in Japanese), masterminded the logistics, and how Russell and Aman embraced the unknown. From tackling tricky touch screens to mastering Japan's complex public transport, hear their hilarious hurdles, breakthroughs, and the real-world travel strategies they used to explore with confidence. It’s a great story of friendship, self-advocacy, and proving that adventure truly has no limits!
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
In this special episode of the podcast, Shawn turns the mic onto one of the podcast's very own co-hosts, Jinnie to get to know her better. Jinnie shares her personal journey, including her experience with bilateral microplia, her long-standing involvement with Blind Beginnings, and her passion for creative writing. Jinnie gives her perspective on the challenges and nuances of accessing literature in desired formats, discusses the pros and cons of Braille and technology, and describes her experience speaking at an open mic night and her involvement in a current exhibit at the Vines Den Gallery Space in Vancouver.
Show Notes
Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture
https://kickstartdisability.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
Recently, two of our regular podcast co-hosts - Keisha and Jinnie - secured speaking roles on the Hallmark television series, “When Calls the Heart”. In this episode of the podcast, Shawn welcomes them along with the director of the episode, Siobhan Divine, to talk about the experience. From an inclusive casting process, accessible script, and on-set accommodations, they talk about the cast and crew’s collaborative effort to ensure an accessible experience before diving into the more general topic of the importance of casting actors with disabilities and authentic representation in film and TV.
Make sure you catch When Calls the Heart on the Hallmark Channel or on Amazon Prime —now with audio description available!
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.
On this special episode of the Limitless Podcast, we’re handing the mic over to our Youth! Acacia takes the lead in hosting a discussion with Ishita and Romina about the experience of watching sports as a blind or partially sighted fan. Together with Acacia, they share personal insights on using magnifiers, apps, and other tools to stay connected to the action and explore the thrill of live events. They also dive into the importance of clear, descriptive commentary and explore ideas for improving accessibility, from personalized commentators to better accommodations at live games. Tune in for an engaging, youth-led perspective on making sports more inclusive for all.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 NotesVideo 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.
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.
On this episode of the podcast, Shawn sits down with former Canadian goalball teammates Amy Burk and Whitney Bogart. Amy and Whitney, who both have albinism, discuss their Paralympic experiences, including their recent participation in the Paris Paralympics and share insights into balancing their athletic careers with parenthood, highlighting the support systems they relied on, such as family and friends. They also reflect on some of the challenges and other aspects of their athletic journeys, including the decision to retire and the transition to new career paths and the resilience and dedication required to excel in elite sports while managing family life.
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.
Shawn sits down for a conversation with Rob Mineault, Steve Barclay, and Ryan Fleury, hosts of the AT Banter Podcast. They discuss their 8 year run, how their podcast has evolved from a show about assistive technology into more of an advocacy and community based one, and what their hopes for the future of the show are.
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.
With the Paralympics starting this week (August 28, 2024 – September 8, 2024), we wanted to do something a little special, and are rebroadcasting some Paralympic content from a few years ago featuring our very own Shawn Marsolais discussing her experience going to the Paralympics in 2004 with her Tandem Cycling pilot, Lisa.
And for those wanting even more Paralympic content, the Paralympic YouTube Channel will include live coverage from all 22 Paralympic sports including the opening and closing ceremonies, multi-view streams where up to four streams can be viewed simultaneously. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/paralympics
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.
In this episode, Shawn welcomes a panel of blind and partially sighted youth that includes Clement, Ella, John, and Keisha, to discuss their experiences with vision loss and overprotective parents and how it impacted their attitudes later in life as well as strategies for navigating expectations or imposed limitations with their families.
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.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics starting this week, Olympic Fever is running through the Blind Beginnings office and got us revisiting this great episode from the archives! We had such a great time talking to judoka Paralympian Priscilla Gagné and her training partner Ali Briggs about their participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics that we couldn’t resist re-broadcasting for anyone who might have missed 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.
Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita back to the podcast to discuss challenges and barriers faced by some blind and partially sighted patients navigating the medical system, including their own lived experiences as well as the importance of accessible first aid training and challenging ableist assumptions that blind or partially sighted individuals cannot provide valuable assistance in emergency situations or benefit from this crucial training.
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.
In this episode of the podcast Shawn welcomes Ashley back to the show (she previously appeared on Episode 69 where she discussed her own lived experience as someone with Low Vision) to talk about her career as a job developer and employment coach. Ashley shares her own personal journey overcoming employment barriers as a person with Low Vision before diving into talking about various strategies for other job seekers including career exploration, goal setting, networking, and overcoming employer biases.
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.
Sometimes the best of intentions can backfire, especially when it comes to inclusivity and accessibility. This week Shawn welcomes disability advocate Amy Amantea to the show to discuss the notion of ‘performative allyship’ and ‘nothing about us without us’ when it comes to planning events designed for the disability community and share their own personal experiences of feeling excluded and frustrated during these events. They emphasize the need for more inclusive and accessible events and spaces while highlighting the value of connecting with the community and sharing both positive and negative experiences.
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.
In this episode, Shawn is joined by Limitless Producer Rob Mineault for a discussion into some of the basic etiquette techniques when interacting with someone who is blind or partially sighted. From how to approach someone and start a conversation to how to properly assist with “sighted guide”, the two cover some of the basics for those who may have never interacted with someone who is blind or partially sighted before.
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.
Youth who are leaving home for the first time to attend post secondary school find themselves in many new situations which can be challenging to navigate, not the least of which are social situations such as parties or other crowded events. In this episode, Shawn and Keisha welcome first year University student Acacia to the podcast to discuss strategies for ensuring safety and independence in various social situations as a youth who is blind or partially sighted.
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.
Blind or partially sighted individuals can sometimes feel excluded or experience a lack of belonging, whether it comes as a result of social situations with family or friends or larger, more generalized societal attitudes. In this episode Shawn welcomes Dougie and Keisha back to the show where they discuss their own experiences of feeling excluded and struggling to find belonging and how lack of accessibility, societal attitudes and misconceptions can lead to feelings of isolation and marginalization. They share their personal experiences of navigating high school, finding supportive friends, and embracing their authentic selves to find their own sense of belonging.
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.
For some individuals, sometimes not disclosing partial sight or blindness or not asking for help when it may be needed can be tempting. This week Shawn invites podcast regulars Ishita and Acacia back to the show to have an open and honest discussion about how they sometimes “mask their blindness”, some of the situations where they do it and explore the reasons why it can be tempting to do.
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.
For many youth, Summer Camp experiences are transformative and impactful in a multitude of different ways. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Clement, Alethea, and Nolan to discuss their past Camp experiences and favorite memories in order to highlight the importance that programs like this can have on youth who are blind or partially sighted.
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.
Youth who have multiple disabilities can have a unique set of challenges and barriers to overcome. This week Shawn sits down with Priya, a Blind Beginnings program youth who has Cerebral Palsy as well as blindness to talk about her lived experience and about some of the challenges that she has faced living with multiple disabilities.
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.
Sometimes when people mean to pay a compliment with the best intentions, it may actually come off as insulting. This week Shawn is joined by Nolan, Ishita, and Nika to discuss their own experiences with backhanded compliments along with their strategies on dealing with it when it happens.
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.
Artificial intelligence is everywhere in the news these days, and most people by now have had an opportunity to interact with Chat-GPT, a tool that lets users enter prompts to receive humanlike images, text or videos that are created by AI. This week Shawn is joined by tech enthusiasts Clement, Jugaad, and Nolan to talk about the different ways AI has improved accessibility in certain applications before experimenting and seeing just how much Chat-GPT can teach people about blindness. Chat-GPT says … you don’t want to miss this episode!
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.
Join Shawn and co-hosts Jinnie and Clement this week for a conversation about some of the fundamental differences between engaging with content in a Braille format versus audio. From personal preferences to the importance of Braille literacy, they touch on multiple aspects as well as the pros and cons of both formats.
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.
Pack those bags and get ready to hit the road! This week Shawn and co-hosts Keisha and Randi welcome Ted Tahequechi, a travel influencer, blogger, and photographer who also runs the website Blind Travels. They discuss his love of travel, how he adjusted after losing much of his vision in a car accident, and dive into travel tips and things to look for when traveling as someone who is blind or partially sighted.
Blind Travels
https://www.blindtravels.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.
This week we cap off our three part discussion about having sighted friends and acquaintances by inviting some of our high school aged youth to discuss what the experience of meeting new people in the high school environment is like. Shawn welcomes co-hosts Leena, Jugaad, and Nolan to provide insight and their own experiences being the only youth who are blind or partially sighted at their schools or, even, in their communities.
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.
This week Jinnie, Clement, and Shawn gather together once again to discuss the nuances of relationships with sighted friends in the second part of this fascinating conversation. They discuss the challenges of communicating needs to new friends while trying not to feel self conscious, how to handle people that are being too helpful or attentive, and much 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.
This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jinnie and Clement for an open and honest discussion about the nuances of having and maintaining friendships with people who are sighted. It’s a fascinating conversation full of insights about everything from accepting help, finding teachable moments, and even building new friendships that you won’t want to miss!
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.
This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jinnie and Acacia to discuss the recent Netflix limited series adaptation of the book, “All The Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. They discuss the story, which centers around the character of Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind French girl in Paris after it is invaded by Nazi Germany as well as how blindness was portrayed within the story and translated from the book to screen. They also discuss the importance of disability representation in media and how this particular project is special since the role of Marie was played by Aria Mia Loberti, who is legally blind in real life.
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.
This week Shawn sits down with Scott Rees, who has retinitis pigmentosa and recently swam the Georgia Straight in order to raise money for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. They discuss how this epic 30 km open water fundraising swim came to be, what it was like to train, and what it was like on the day of the swim itself after 11 hours in the water.
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.
It’s the first episode of 2024, and this week Shawn and co-host Keisha welcome Danielle Main, President and Program Coordinator of Leash of Hope, an organization which trains rescue dogs to be service dogs to enable people with disabilities to enjoy more independent living. They discuss some of the benefits and challenges when it comes to using rescue dogs to be trained and what the training process is like.
Show NotesLeash of Hope
https://www.leashofhope.com/
Get your tickets for the Leash of Hope Annual Fundraiser!
https://www.leashofhope.com/event-details-registration/7th-annual-showcase-1
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.
Imposter Syndrome is the condition of being anxious or nervous and feeling like a “fraud” or a “phony” within a given community or job title. This week Shawn welcomes Acacia, Ishita, and Nina to talk about it in the context of being partially sighted and having this feeling of being stuck between the blind and sighted communities and not always feeling a part of either. From using mobility canes to asking for accommodations, they discuss their internal struggles with feeling like imposters as well as the reactions from others that can sometimes reinforce these feelings. It’s an open and frank discussion that you won’t want to miss!
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.
Looking for work when you are blind or partially sighted can feel daunting, overwhelming, and even a bit scary, especially the part where you have to interview for the job. This week Shawn welcomes co-host Keisha back to the show to discuss looking for work, specifically how to prepare for the job interview, things to consider and plan during your search, and so 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.
The Limitless Podcast goes international this week as Shawn welcomes Jugaad and Jinnie to the show for a fascinating discussion about life in India as a person who is blind or partially sighted. They discuss the cultural differences in how blindness is viewed as well as how day to day life as a blind or partially sighted person can differ from daily life in Canada.
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.
It is both Halloween and the last week of Blindness Awareness Month, so this week we’ve decided to do a bit of a monstrous mash-up of the two (kind of like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup)! It’s a full house on this episode as Shawn welcomes Jinnie, Acacia, Ishita, Jugaad, and Clement back for each to share what they would do if they each were “sighted for a day”. It’s a fascinating conversation that you won’t want to miss, and some of their answers may surprise you! Happy Halloween!
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.
In our continuing series of podcasts centered about learning about blindness for Blindness Awareness Month, this week Shawn welcomes Keisha back to the podcast to simulate certain scenarios that illustrate the best way to interact with someone who is blind or partially sighted.
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!
October 15th was White Cane Day. and this year to mark the occasion, we wanted to talk about white canes from a slightly different perspective. Join us as Shawn welcomes Acacia, Dougie, and Ishita to the show for a fascinating discussion about using a white cane later in life or choosing to use one even though you may have just enough vision to manage without one. Using their own lived experiences as examples, they discuss the advantages of this choice and how perceived attitudes can sometimes influence when that choice is made.
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!
When vision loss is discussed, most people think about all the negatives but rarely consider that there can be some positives as well. It is a transformative experience, which brings with it both positives and negatives. This week Shawn welcomes back Ishita and Jill to the podcast to shift perspectives and talk about some of the many positives that their blindness has brought into their lives as well as discussing dealing with the pressure that society puts on the disability community that they need to be “fixed”.
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!
As we enter into the first week of Blindness Awareness Month, we are breaking some stereotypes! People in the disability community are often placed in two categories – hero or helpless. They can be seen as a source of inspiration, or as someone who is going to require support. This week Shawn welcomes Ishita, Clement, Alexis, and Ella to the podcast to talk about reasons behind these stereotypes, their own experiences encountering these attitudes, how they feel about it, and what they want people in the able bodied community to know about blindness or partial sight.
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!
Over the summer Blind Beginnings held a five day camp for youth that allowed them to practice and learn independent living skills (such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, shopping, etc.) with a group of their peers. Dubbed the “Limitless Life Skills Camp”, it was a great success and many of the participants were able to develop and learn skills that they will carry with them into adulthood. This week Shawn welcomes co-host Keisha, who also helped facilitate the Camp, and two of the Camp’s participants, Ella and Tom, to talk about their respective experiences and the importance of independent living skills.
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!
The first year at University or any post-secondary institution can be a big adjustment for anyone, but for those students who also have to juggle moving away from home for the first time as well, it can be a major challenge. This week Shawn and co-host Jill welcome back Nina and Acacia, both of whom have moved away from home for the first time in order to attend University. From accessibility challenges to University cafeteria food, they discuss what the transition has been like as students who are blind or partially sighted.
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!
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants – often known as education assistants or EAs – support students by providing help to teachers and counsellors and help with teaching and other various tasks. But what’s it like for students, such as ones that are blind or partially sighted, to have an EA by their sides during the course of a regular school day? This week we answer that very question as Shawn welcomes Acacia, Jill, and Nolan to discuss their various experiences with EAs.
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!
This week Shawn welcomes Chantal Oakes and Ryan Fleury from The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) to discuss their organization and the importance of getting involved with advocacy organizations like theirs. They talk about what brought each of them to become involved with AEBC, some examples of the change they are fighting to bring about, and how important participation is to fulfill their mandate to ensure that everyone can equally participate in all aspects of society.
The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
https://www.blindcanadians.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!
This week Shawn is joined once again by Ishita, Clement, and Jinnie to continue their conversation about “common knowledge” facts that they may have only learned recently. You won’t want to miss this epic (and sometimes hilarious) conclusion to this great conversation!
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!
Incidental learning is defined as unintentional or unplanned learning that results from other activities. People can learn certain facts just through exposure or observation, even though it’s never taught. For those growing up blind or with partial sight, however, some facts that are seen as “common knowledge” may only be learned later in life. This week Shawn is joined by Ishita, Clement, and Jinnie to discuss some of this “common knowledge” and things that they may have only learned recently that “blew their minds”. From the color of pesto sauce to sunbeams, the list of topics was so big we had to break this one into two parts!
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!
In January of 2023, MrBeast, a popular and influential YouTuber, posted a video called “1,000 Blind People See For the First Time”. The video features highlights of him paying for cataract surgeries for a number of people and the impact the surgery had on their lives. While no one can argue the act was generous and provided information about cataract surgery, the video did garner some controversy in the Blindness community because of the way it portrayed blindness and the notion of “curing blindness”. This week Shawn is joined by Clement, Ishita, Nika, and Nina for a roundtable discussion about the video and subsequent controversy as well as their own thoughts and feelings about it.
MrBeast YouTube Video 1,000 Blind People See For The First Time https://youtu.be/TJ2ifmkGGus
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!
Having a guide dog can be an incredibly important part of daily life for many people, offering both companionship and independence wrapped up in one fuzzy package. But what happens when you are unfairly denied service because of your canine companion? This week Shawn welcomes back guide dog users Jinnie, Jill, and Nika to unpack the laws around Guide Dog access and share some personal experiences around being denied service and how they resolved or navigated these situations that happen more often than you may think.
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!
As anyone who has spent any time listening to the podcast is well aware, blindness is a gradient, and every person has their own acuity and level of vision. In this episode Shawn sits down with co-hosts Jinnie, Ishita, and Randi to compare and contrast their own lived experiences, from total blindness to low vision. From terminology and labels, to social situations and adaptations, they discuss how their experiences can vary wildly while also being very similar. It’s a frank and open discussion about vision that you don’t want to miss!
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!
Self advocacy is important, but finding the right moment to educate friends, family, and even strangers can be a challenge in day to day life. This week Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita to the podcast to discuss these “teachable moments” and what kind of factors go into the decision to educate others while avoiding awkward or challenging social situations.
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!
The sky is definitely NOT the limit this week as Shawn welcomes back co-host Keisha who has brought with her a very special guest! Sarah Kane is a physics major at the College of Arts and Sciences at Penn State and is headed to get her PhD in astrophysics at the University of Cambridge next fall as a Marshall Scholar - and she also just happens to have been born legally blind. She discusses what inspired her love of science, the attitudinal barriers she had to overcome to enter the astronomy field, some of the adaptations she uses on a regular basis including the process of sonification, the importance of STEM accessibility, advice to those interested in entering the science field, and much much more!
Intro to Sonification https://youtu.be/Gr8bz7-05as
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!
The Limitless Podcast goes international this week as Shawn welcomes co-host Clement and his very special guest Kaho to the show! Kaho grew up in Japan but came to Canada when she was 20 and has been living in Canada for the past 7 years. They discuss what it was like growing up blind in Japan, the cultural differences in how disability is viewed, what education and employment opportunities are like there, and how accessible major cities like Tokyo are.
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!
What happens when a group of people who are blind or partially sighted people go out in a group together? Find out as Shawn welcomes co-hosts Nika, Jill, and Ishita along with special guest Monty for a discussion you won’t want to miss! They discuss strategies used when everyone in a group is blind or partially sighted, and each share a few anecdotes of hilarious misadventures that have occurred during everything from trips to the mall to camping.
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!
This week Shawn welcomes co-host Jinnie back to the podcast after an extended absence to talk all about prosthetic eyes. They discuss common misconceptions, the fitting process, what it’s like caring for them, the ways that people tend to react to them, and much more! And of course no discussion about prosthetic eyes would be complete without a few funny stories thrown in for good measure. It’s a fascinating and honest conversation aimed to demystify prosthetic eyes that you won’t want to miss!
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!
Moving from a small town to a larger city is a big adjustment for any young person, but when you are blind or partially sighted, it can come with a whole other set of challenges. This week Shawn and co-hosts Acacia and Nina welcome Jill to the podcast to talk about her experiences moving from a small town in the Northern Interior of BC to Vancouver to attend University. From traffic noise to orientation and mobility, Jill tells us how she adjusted to city life and offers up some invaluable advice for anyone looking to do the same.
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!
It’s a special episode this week as Shawn and co-host and Blind Beginnings Programs Coordinator Keisha Anderson discuss making outings and events meaningful and inclusive for children who are blind or partially sighted. They discuss the methods that Blind Beginnings uses in their Community Discovery outings and share their own personal experiences growing up to shed light on the importance of providing inclusive opportunities that allow children who are blind or partially sighted to fully engage with the world around 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!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but how many words are worth making a concise and impactful description for those who can’t see it? This week Shawn is joined by Jill, Clement, and Nika to talk about their experiences and preferences when it comes to image description online, from social media and websites to messaging apps. They discuss what exactly “alt-text” is, how it works, and tips on how to craft effective image descriptions that are full of context and meaning before also discussing their feelings on the new trend of meeting participants describing their appearance for other attendees who may be blind or partially sighted. It’s an informative and fascinating insight into what descriptions can mean for the community that you won’t want to miss!
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!
It’s an exciting episode this week as Shawn and co-host Keisha sit down with Anthony Ferraro, skateboarder, musician, aspiring Paralympian, social media influencer, and advocate, to talk about his story and his efforts to motivate and inspire people to push through the obstacles in life.
Anthony’s Website
https://asfvision.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!
The Blind Beginnings Youth Leadership Weekend is an annual program that is the culmination of a series of virtual programs that brings youth ages 13 - 19 from all over the Province to Vancouver for the weekend to connect, learn, and grow through a series of activities and field trips around the city. In this special episode of the podcast, Shawn sits down with Blind Beginnings Programs Coordinator Keisha Anderson to discuss the Youth Leadership Weekend, its mandate and impact among the youth as they share some audio clips of the weekend in action.
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!
What do beauty standards mean to people in the blind or partially sighted community? How do you develop your own sense of fashion, style, and beauty when you are blind or partially sighted? This week Shawn and co-hosts Ishita and Nika explore these ideas and share their own personal experiences exploring fashion and beauty standards as women who are blind. It’s an open and honest conversation that you won’t want to miss!
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!
Shawn welcomes Jill and Keisha back to the podcast to dive into a fascinating discussion about decorating and setting up your home when you are blind or partially sighted. From favoured gadgets to dealing with roommates to developing your own decorating style, the trio discuss their own experiences and stories as well as offering up domestic decorating tips to veterans and novices alike.
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!
It’s a very special episode this week as Shawn welcomes Acacia, Keisha, and Nina to a panel style discussion aimed at breaking stereotypes of blindness and giving an overview of their journeys through blindness or partial sight in order to educate and empower. It’s an open and frank discussion from the youth perspective that you won’t want to miss and a valuable resource for those new to the blindness community either as an individual, family member, or loved one.
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!
For some people with vision loss, eye surgeries can be something that they have to deal with at multiple points in their lives. This week Shawn sits down with co-hosts Nika and Jill, both of whom have had Ocular Surgeries both recently and in the past, and talk about their experiences, from their initial emotions and nervousness at their respective procedures and how they prepared, to aftercare and dealing with the results.
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!
This week Shawn sits down with journalist, advocate, and fellow podcaster Chad Bouton of the Hindsight is 20 / 200 podcast to talk about his podcast and its origins, as well his own journey growing up with Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Listen to Hindsight is 20/200:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chad-bouton
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!
What does it mean to “look blind” and can being self conscious about it impact your actions or add pressure in certain social situations? This week Shawn welcomes Dougie and Keisha back to the podcast to discuss their own experiences with their other people’s reactions to their vision, the pressure they put on themselves and the impact both can have on confidence and self esteem, and much more. It’s a fascinating and honest discussion that you won’t want to miss!
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!
Working in retail or customer service can be challenging, but when you are blind or partially sighted it can also come with its own set of unique challenges to overcome. This week Shawn sits down with Acacia and Jill, both of which have experience working a variety of jobs in retail to share their experiences and talk about everything from initial concerns during the application and hiring process to how customers and co-workers reacted to their vision conditions and even advice for others who may be interested in working with the public.
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!
Humour may be the best medicine, but it can also be an effective tool to break down barriers and help build social bonds. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Ishita and Clement back to the podcast to discuss how each uses humour to defuse awkward situations, put others at ease, and to help strengthen relationships. They discuss everything from when and how humour is appropriate to sharing stories of when it has worked (and even a few cases when it didn’t).
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!
It’s that time of year again, when love is in the air and flower shop employees and chocolatiers feel overwhelmed .. Valentine’s Day! We are helping celebrate again this year by talking all about dating and some of its challenges when you are blind or partially sighted. Shawn is joined by Nika and special guest Mark, both of whom are actively dating, to have an open and honest conversation and to take a deep dive into what it’s like these days to be looking for love.
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!
It’s a very special episode this week as Shawn welcomes JJ Hunt and Christine Malec, creators of the innovative and fascinating podcast, Talk Description to Me which discusses current events, and topical issues through the lens of audio description. They discuss the show’s origins and its unique premise as well as the importance of applying the idea of audio description to more than just shows and movies. It’s a fascinating discussion, and if you have ever wondered how lightning might be described to someone who has never seen it, you definitely won’t want to miss this episode!
Talk Description to Me On The Webhttps://talkdescriptiontome.buzzsprout.com/On Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2j3VfcqoyUTtCsrJfZQEqdOn Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-description-to-me/id1524083725
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!
White Cane Week begins on the first full week of February, and in honor of this we have once again gathered together a group of Blind Beginnings youth to answer your questions in our ever-popular “Ask A Blind Beginnings Youth” series! Shawn is joined by co-hosts Nina, Alethea, and Nolan to answer a series of listener questions. If you’ve ever wondered how hard it is to learn braille or how blind people can identify different types of money, you won’t want to miss this episode!
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!
It’s the first month of a new year and for many people who have fitness related goals as part of their new year’s resolutions, that means starting to attend a new gym. This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Nolan and Aly and special guest Gail to talk about their experiences attending new gyms as blind or partially sighted patrons. They discuss some of the ways in which gyms can be welcoming as well as some of the barriers they can sometimes experience and the way they overcome 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!
This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Ishita, Nolan, and Ali as they share a series of hilarious vision-related embarrassing moments they have all experienced in their past (and for some, not too distant past). It’s an episode full of laughter and fun and a reminder that these types of moments can happen to us all!
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!
This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jinnie and Ishita to discuss their experiences with giving presentations to schools. From what it was like explaining their vision conditions to their peers and the impact it had on them socially, to the importance of education and awareness, they discuss both the pros and cons of a variety of different presentation methods when it comes to changing the general public’s awareness of blindness.
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!
It’s a new year and in this inaugural episode of 2023, we have put together a very special episode! Blind Beginnings has been growing its staff over the past few months and this week Shawn sits down with the whole team to introduce each, their roles, and talk about what brought them to the organization before revealing their list of New Year’s resolutions and trying to guess which one belongs to which staff member. If you ever wondered about the people working hard behind the scenes of Blind Beginnings, you won't want to miss this episode!
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!
This week Shawn welcomes Adam Wilton, Jen Jesso, and Daphne Hitchcock, the team behind Braille Bites, a series of videos and resource guides designed to support blind and partially sighted learners. They discuss how the videos are produced, how they come up with the various activities, and the significance and impact of the activities centred around touch for blind and partially sighted children.
Braille Biteshttps://www.prcvi.org/resources/braille-bites/
World Braille Dayshttps://nnels.ca/world-braille-days-wbd-2023
PRCVIhttps://www.prcvi.org/
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!
At the Limitless Podcast, we like to talk to individuals in the blind or partially sighted community that are doing unique and interesting things. But what happens when our own co-hosts fall into this category? The answer, of course, is to release a special episode where we talk to our own co-hosts and learn about some of the amazing things they are currently doing in their own lives. This week Shawn talks with Jill and Clement, two of our regular co-hosts, and learns more about what keeps them busy outside of contributing to the podcast as well as their very exciting recent achievements!
Harnessing Connectionshttps://harnessingconnections.wordpress.com/
Blind Files Podcast: Albeism in Sportshttps://soundcloud.com/user-918599640/blind-files-podcast-abelism-in-sport
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!
Shawn and co-host Clement are excited to welcome brother and sister duo Brian and Kerry Kijewski to the podcast this week to talk about their advocacy related weekly radio show, Outlook, which airs on Radio Western. They also discuss their experiences growing up as blind and partially sighted siblings, their early experiences with podcasting, and how hosting and some of the sibling-related challenges they face creating a weekly radio program.
Outlook on Radio Westernhttps://radiowestern.ca/program/outlook
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!
December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and to help celebrate, Shawn welcomes advocate Amy Amantea to the show to discuss the importance of the day as well as advocacy, allyship, “nothing about us without us”, and how attitudinal barriers and various forms of ableism continue to impact people with disabilities on a daily basis.
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!
We’re heading into the kitchen for this episode of the podcast as Shawn welcomes co-hosts Keisha and Kolby to the show to discuss their experiences in the kitchen, from experiences of shopping for groceries to the struggles of inaccessible appliances. It’s an episode full of learning that you’ll also be hungry by then end of, so you don’t want to miss 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!
This week Shawn and co-host Keisha welcome Dan Mancina, one of the pioneers in blind skateboarding to the show. They discuss how he got into the sport, how he has adapted it, and his efforts to build the world’s first adaptive skatepark.
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!
Synesthesia is the term for when you experience one of your senses through another. For example, you might hear the name "Alex" and see green, and people who have this ability are called synesthetes. This week Shawn welcomes Jugaad, Keisha, Jinnie, and Monty to the show, all of whom are synesthetes. They discuss the various different types of synesthesia, how it manifests for them and describe what it’s like and the various ways it impacts their daily lives. If you’ve never heard of synesthesia or ever wondered what colour Tuesday is, you won’t want to miss this fascinating episode!
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!
It’s a very spooktacular episode this week as Shawn welcomes Nika, Nolan, and Leena to the show to discuss Halloween, from their favourite memories and how this spooky holiday may or may not have been adapted to how they currently celebrate and plans for this year!
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!
This week Shawn and co-host Keisha welcome Mark Bentz, entrepreneur, business owner, and member of the blindness community to the show to talk about employment and the benefits of inclusive hiring practices for businesses and discuss some of the qualities that can make an employee who is blind or partially sighted a huge asset to any company.
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!
Our Blindness Awareness Month content continues this week as Shawn is joined by co-host Acacia as they welcome Adam to the show to discuss Albinism. They discuss its definition, de-bunk various myths, and share stories about what it’s like living with Albinism.
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!
While inclusion is something that is incredibly important most of the time, when done without consulting the person who is being included, it can go wrong and backfire. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Ishita, Jinnie, and Clement to discuss this, compare experiences, and talk about how inclusion can be handled in a way that doesn’t result in awkward situations or, ironically, enhanced feelings of exclusion.
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!
It’s Blindness Awareness Month and Shawn and co-host Keisha are kicking off the month by welcoming former Seeing Eye Guide Dog trainer Sarah to the show for a fascinating deep dive into what the process of what training is like. From puppy-hood to handing off the dog to its new handler and owner, we talk about what makes a successful guide dog candidate, some of the challenges of training, and much much more! If you're a dog lover or curious to learn more about the scope of work and care that goes into training each individual dog, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!
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!
You might be surprised at how often those who are blind or partially sighted get approached by people in public and are told that they are brave, just for going about the normal activities of their day. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Nika and Keisha to the show to discuss this common occurrence and to have an open and honest conversation about how it makes them feel, how it can play into common misconceptions about what it’s like to be blind or partially sighted, and some of the things that they do that does take bravery.
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!
September 10, 2022 was the 5th Anniversary of “Do The Grind Blind” when nine youth who are blind or partially sighted, each with a sighted guide, challenged themselves to reach the top of Grouse Mountain via the infamous hiking trail known as the Grouse Grind. To celebrate this special anniversary, Shawn Marsolais, our founder and Director of Programs and Community Engagement gathered together a group of the original hikers and sighted guides (along with a few new faces) and climbed it once again. For this very special episode Shawn welcomes Randi, John, Russell and Sean (aka Terrence) along with podcast producer and Blind Beginnings Communications Coordinator Rob Mineault to revisit and discuss the original Do The Grind Blind as well as the recent reunion hike.
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!
Asking for help from family members, friends, or even strangers can be something that many people who are blind or partially sighted can struggle with on occasion. This week on the podcast Shawn is joined by co-hosts Keisha, Jinnie, and Nika for a very open and honest conversation about the act of asking for help and how it can impact everything from perceived social expectations of people who are blind or partially sighted to self esteem and even confidence. It’s a fascinating discussion that you won’t want to miss!
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!
It’s back to school this week for many students, and to mark the occasion Shawn and co-hosts Nolan, Ishita and Jugaad discuss what it's like to join clubs and extracurricular activities when you are blind or partially sighted. From Chess Club to Student Council, they discuss some of the barriers and adaptations that they experienced and the importance of extracurricular activities to be inclusive to all students.
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!
Sending a child who is blind or partially sighted to school for the first time can be a stressful and daunting experience for parents, full of uncertainty and anxiety. This week Shawn is joined by Shawna and Maria, both parents of children who are blind to discuss some of the ways to prepare for this important transition into the school system as well as how to work with educational professionals to try to ensure the best possible experience for both students and 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!
Summertime is the time for Camps, and Camp Hornby (which we featured in our last episode) isn’t the only camp that Blind Beginnings ran over the summer. On October 16, 2022, Blind Beginnings is hosting a Fashion Show featuring blind or partially sighted youth models and in preparation, we held a Fashion Camp that was designed to bring the models participating in this special event together to meet, bond, and learn about modelling and fashion. In this episode we reunite Fashion Campers Nika, Acacia, Nolan, and Ali to talk about their experiences at the camp, what their favourite parts were, and what made them choose to become involved in the Limitless Beauty Fashion Show.
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!
It’s another very special episode this week as we celebrate one of the most popular and long standing Blind Beginnings programs, Camp Hornby! For the first time in almost three years Blind Beginnings hosted this overnight camp for youth who are blind and partially sighted and their families, running from July 17 - 21 2022 at the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre. Shawn is joined by podcast producer Rob Mineault to talk about Camp Hornby, from its origins and the many different activities held to the impact that it has on the families that attend, complete with clips that we recorded from this year’s Camp!
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!
Disclosing your disability can be a very complicated topic to navigate, with a variety of pros and cons on when to disclose. This week on the podcast, Shawn and co-hosts Ishita, Clement, and Kolby discuss their own personal experiences in everything from personal relationships to job interviews and how they have developed their own personal guidelines on when and how to disclose. It’s an open and honest conversation that anyone who has ever faced this dilemma won’t want to miss.
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!
It’s a very special episode this week as Shawn and co-host Ishita welcome Brad McCannell, Vice President of Access and Inclusion at the Rick Hansen Foundation to talk about the concept of Universal Design and its vital importance in working to build a more accessible society. They discuss definitions, the way that it is currently implemented in the build environment, some of the hurdles faced, what needs to be done in order to remove the many accessibility barriers that people with disabilities currently face, and how it can benefit everyone in the long run.
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!
What’s it like trying to learn another language when you are blind or partially sighted? This week Shawn and co-hosts Randi, Jinnie, and Clement discuss their own experiences learning other languages and talk about some of the common challenges and hurdles within school systems when it comes to accessing language learning materials and resources as well as the benefits and opportunities that learning other languages can bring.
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!
With the summer holidays in full swing and many people traveling again, the podcast is going international this week! Shawn and co-host Alethea talk with guests Aly and Nicholas, both of whom spent parts of their lives growing up in Mexico and Bermuda, respectively. They discuss some of the key differences between Canada and other countries in terms of services and resources available, mobility, transit and accessibility options, and even some of the cultural differences on how disability is viewed.
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!
It’s an out-of-this-world episode this week as Shawn and co-hosts Jill, Jugaad, and Nolan welcome Dan Oates, coordinator of Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS) to the show to discuss this long running program which provides youth who are blind or partially sighted all over the world with the opportunity to attend a week long camp at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. They discuss the origins of the program, what kind of activities take place at the camp, and the various sources of funding and scholarships available.
SCIVIS Website http://www.scivis.org/
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!
In this episode, Shawn and co-host Clement welcome Brandon Cole, descriptive video voice talent and video game accessibility consultant, to talk about the work that he does to make popular media and games more accessible. You won’t want to miss this fascinating inside look of how some developers and studios are working to help make movies and video games a more inclusive experience.
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!
This week Shawn welcomes Melissa Hope and Rhys Lloyd from Descriptive Video Works, one of the leading providers of audio descriptive services, to the show to discuss their roles within the company, what audio description does, how the entire process works, and how they engage with the blind and partially sighted community in order to improve their services.
Descriptive Video Works https://www.descriptivevideoworks.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!
It’s a VERY exciting episode this week as Shawn and first-time co-host Acacia welcome Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Northeastern University, Dr. Mona Minkara to the show to discuss her documentary travel series, “Planes, Trains, and Canes”. She describes the origin of the series as a Holman Prize Winning entry and what it was like traveling to and navigating 5 different countries using only public transit as a traveler who is blind. It's a fascinating and exciting discussion of international adventure and accessibility that you don’t want to miss!
Watch Planes, Trains, and Canes https://planestrainsandcanes.com/
Mona Minkara Online https://monaminkara.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!
Blind Beginnings has announced that it will be hosting a fashion show on October 16 in Vancouver, and has been designed to coincide with Fashion Week 2022. This week Shawn and co-host Nika, who is volunteering on the Fashion Show Committee, welcome Randi and Kolby to discuss the event and what it’s like participating in a Fashion Show when you are blind or partially sighted.
For more information on the Limitless Beauty, visit https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/limitless-beauty-the-blind-beginnings-fashion-show/
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!
You’ve got questions and we have answers! We’ve been compiling some questions that our listeners have been submitting, so it’s time once again for another edition of our favorite episode series - Ask A Blind Beginning Youth! In this 4th volume, Shawn welcomes co-hosts Keisha, Kolby, and Nika to answer listener questions about a variety of topics around blindness. If you have questions for any of our co-hosts, don’t forget that you can submit your question to limitless@blindbeginnings.ca and you just might hear your question featured in a future episode!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
The Paralympics are right around the corner, which means that Paralympic fever is beginning to build here at the podcast! Shawn and co-hosts Nika and Ishita welcome Courtney Knight, a 4-time Paralympian (1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens and 2010 Vancouver) who competed in not only the Summer Paralympic Games, but the Winter as well! They discuss the process of becoming a Paralympian, what training was like and the kind of sacrifices that she had to make in order to compete.
This week Shawn and co-host Jinnie welcome Rob Sleath, chair of Access for Sight-Impaired Consumers group (ASIC) and member of the User Advisory Committee for Translink to the show. They talk about Translink's new initiative to bring accessible signage to bus stops all around the Lower Mainland as well as the importance of having properly trained bus drivers that understand the experience of navigating the transit system as riders who are blind or partially sighted and other advocacy projects that Rob is involved in.
Access for Sight-Impaired Consumers https://asicbc.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!
It’s the second part in our conversation all about what it’s like to date when you are blind or partially sighted. This time around Shawn welcomes Grant and Richard to the podcast in order to get the male perspective on dating and have an open and frank discussion on everything from attraction to how to stay safe during the early stages of dating. Due to the mature subject matter on this week’s episode, listener discretion for younger listeners is advised.
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!
The first full week of February is White Cane Week, and to help celebrate this very special week designed to highlight the lived experiences of people who are blind or partially sighted, Shawn welcomes Nika, Jinnie, and special guest Monty to the podcast to pay tribute to everybody’s favorite mobility aid! They share some insight on the importance of this simple yet incredibly useful “blind stick” before swapping some of their favorite humorous white cane stories. It’s an episode full of information and laughter that you won’t want to miss!
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!
This week we go international as Shawn and co-host Keisha welcome Italian foreign exchange student Sara to the show to talk about what it’s like to travel and live in a different country when you are blind or partially sighted, discussing everything from navigating cultural differences to overcoming their own fears and misgivings. From insects to toilets to insects inside toilets, this episode has it all!
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!
This week Shawn welcomes Karen from CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access) and Pikora from NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service) to the podcast to talk about their respective organizations, the services they provide, and how people who require materials in alternate formats can access them.
CELA https://celalibrary.ca NNELS https://nnels.ca CELA Kids and Teens Page https://celalibrary.ca/services/kids-and-teens
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!
The beginning of a new year also means the start of a new semester at Universities all over the country, and this week Shawn welcomes Jinnie back to the show to discuss what campus life is like as a student who is blind. They discuss the resources that are in place for students with disabilities, the accommodations and adaptations that can also help, and give us an idea of what the process is like to navigate for those youth that will be looking to attend post secondary in the near future.
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!
January 4th was Louis Braille’s birthday and also World Braille Day, with the entire month of January being devoted to recognizing the importance of braille literacy with Braille Literacy Awareness Month. In honor of that, this week Shawn is joined by co-host Nika and special guest Maria, who is a parent to a 9 year old braille reader, to once again talk about braille and its importance, as well as taking a look at some surprising places that braille is starting to turn up.
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!
In last week’s episode we talked with Lily about her experience going to school at the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind in Ontario. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Clement, Nika, and Ishita for a roundtable discussion about the pros and cons of integrated and segregated education systems, and how the experiences can impact the students within each.
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!
For students in BC, integration into the mainstream school system is commonplace, with the last school for the blind closing its doors years ago. So just what is it like going to school for the blind? This week we try to answer that question as Shawn and co-host Clement welcome Lily to the show, who attended the W. Ross MacDonald School for the Blind in Ontario.
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!
This week Shawn welcomes Amy Amantea, artist, advocate and accessibility consultant to the show in order to talk about the importance and challenges of inclusion in the workplace. From hiring practices to assistive technology, Amy provides insight and suggestions for any employer who is looking to create an inclusive workplace culture.
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!
This week on Limitless we’re hitting the gym as Shawn and co-host John welcomes Jessica Bailey to the podcast! Jessica is Miss World British Columbia 2021, Miss Supranational Canada 2021, and a personal trainer who has also started an initiative to make visits to the gym more accessible for the blind and partially sighted community.
Follow The Accessible Movement on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theaccessiblemovement
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!
Moving out on your own for the very first time can be one of the most exhilarating and at the same time terrifying experiences of anyone’s life. But what is it like for youth who are blind or partially sighted? This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Nika, Ella, Jill, and Randi for a round table discussion of what the experience is like and some advice for those that might be looking to move out on their own for the first time.
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!
Quite often children and youth who are blind or partially sighted can feel isolated and not know any other peers that might share their condition. This week Shawn welcomes back co-hosts Nika, John, and Kolby to discuss the importance of meeting peers that are blind or partially sighted for the first time and the impact that it can have, as well as many of their own personal experiences.
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!
This week Shawn and co-hosts Ishita and Nika sit down and talk to Lynn Langille, long time Vision Teacher and coordinator for the Children’s Low Vision Project of BC. They discuss the Project and its mandate to provide comprehensive low vision assessment to school-age children all over the province, how COVID impacted it, and plans for the coming year.
Children’s Low Vision Project of BC http://www.clvp-bc.com/
Backcountry skiing is a type of ski excursion that involves being guided through areas that are more remote than conventional ski tours and has been growing in popularity in the past few years. This week Shawn and co-host Kiesha welcome Tyson Rettie, founder of Braille Mountain Initiative, a new non-profit organization that aims to inspire those that are blind and partially sighted to get involved in Backcountry Mountain Sports.
For more information about Braille Mountain Initiative, visit them online at https://www.braillemountaininitiative.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!
Getting a guide dog is a significant event in any individual’s life, signaling a new independence and new host of mobility options. But the process itself can be more involved and complicated than you may think. This week Shawn is joined by Jinnie, who very recently went through this process in order to get her new guide dog, to talk about each part in detail and shed some light on what the experience is like.
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!
Fireworks have been a traditional form of celebration and entertainment all around the world for centuries, but have you ever considered how you might describe a firework display to a person who is blind or partially sighted? Shawn welcomes Colin van Uchelen to the show this week to talk about that very topic, along with his accessible exhibition about pyrotechnical arts called “Project Fire Flower”. Colin and Shawn discuss how and why he came up with the idea of creating an accessible art project like this and talk about what is in store for people who attend the show.
Colin's "Project Fire Flower" exhibition is taking place at the Grunt Gallery at 116-350 E 2nd Ave, Vancouver.
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!
It’s the last week of Blindness Awareness Month, and we have saved one of our best topics for last. The question of whether people who are blind or partially sighted would undergo a procedure in order to “cure” their blindness is one that is very personal, somewhat controversial, and not as black and white as some might think. This week co-hosts Clement, Nika, and Kolby join Shawn for a round table discussion about this question, and their answers may surprise you!
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!
Did you know there is a statistic that indicates that anywhere from 75 - 80% of people who are blind are also unemployed? This week Shawn and her co-host Keisha welcome Megan (who has started her own business) onto the podcast to have an open and honest discussion about the very real struggles of job searching when you are blind or partially sighted.
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!
How do sighted people respond when meeting someone who is blind for the first time? For some, it might be a bit of discomfort at feeling unsure of what to do or say. This week as part of our ongoing Blindness Awareness Month content, Shawn has invited some special guests to the podcast to have an open and honest conversation about their own experiences with encountering blindness for the first time. Ryan, Linda, Rob, and Emily join Shawn to discuss what the process is like for both people who are sighted and people who are blind.
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!
It's the first week of Blindness Awareness Month, and we are kicking things off with a very open and frank discussion about what it's like to live "between worlds" of total blindness and sight, in the grey area of low vision. Shawn and co-host Nika welcome Ashley, who shares Nika's eye condition (Peters anomaly), to the show to discuss some of the unique aspects of being partially sighted.
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!
On September 18th, 2021, Blind Beginnings hosted a special screening of a new documentary by Candice Macalino and Jaeger Mah that features the story of our very own Shawn Marsolais and the founding of the organization. This week on the podcast our producer Rob takes over hosting duties and welcomes the filmmakers, Shawn, and Jinnie to talk about how and why the project came to be, the making of the documentary, the challenges of shooting during COVID, and what it was like seeing the finished product in a theatre with an audience.
Blind Beginnings will be hosting a Virtual Screening of the documentary on October 14, 2021 at 7PM PST. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
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!
The concept of beauty and what attracts people to others is highly subjective, and the same is true for those who are blind or partially sighted. This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts John, Nika, and Kolby to have a round table discussion about how they each view beauty and attraction, talking about everything from self-image and fashion to what they each find attractive in other people. If you ever wanted to know what “the elbow test” is, then this open and honest conversation is for you!
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!
With a federal election coming on September 20th, we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about what it’s like to cast your vote when you are blind or partially sighted. Shawn and co-hosts Nika and Kolby welcome back Betty Nobel to the podcast where she talks about the work she does producing braille for Elections Canada, and what adaptations are in place for voters who are blind or partially sighted. For those who have never voted before and don’t know what to expect, this is the episode for you -- and just in time for you to get out there and make your voice heard on September 20th!
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!
It’s the first full week of September and time to dust off those backpacks and head back to the classroom! The start of the school year means big adjustments for everyone, from children going to classes for the very first time all the way to parents who have to adjust their schedules accordingly as well. This week Shawn welcomes Keisha, Randi, and Ella, all of whom are headed back to school this week, to discuss what it’s like to be headed to in-person classes again. They talk about everything from Guide Dog etiquette and the challenges of navigating COVID-19 measures as a student who is blind or partially sighted to the adjustments of schedules and pressures of a new year of post-secondary education after years of being out of school. It’s a full course load of subjects in this episode that you won’t want to skip!
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!
With the Paralympics still in full swing, we wanted to keep talking about sports, so this week Shawn and co-host Jinnie welcome Brian Cowie, the President of BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association to the show. They discuss all the different sports the BC Blind Sports offers, the importance of adapted sports, and even Brian’s own athletic career.
BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association https://bcblindsports.bc.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!
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics start August 24, so this week we are talking with two Paralympians who just happen to be our own Shawn Marsolais and her Tandem Cycling pilot, Lisa. Join Nika as she takes over hosting duties to interview Shawn and Lisa and find out about their experiences at the 2004 Athens Paralympics as competitors in Tandem Cycling. They discuss everything from the relationship and bond that forms between pilot and athlete as well as what their training regiment was like, what it was like competing at an elite level and even what the Canadian Paralympic Team swag was like!
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!
Audio description is an extremely valuable way for people who are blind or partially sighted to be able to access many TV shows, movies, and other programming. But apart from just pure entertainment, audio description can also offer up some very important lessons and learning moments for children who are blind or partially sighted. This week Shawn and co-host Kolby welcome Maria, who is the parent of a daughter who is blind, to discuss what kind of developmental impact audio description can have on young children.
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!
This week we’re talking about friends -- and no, we don’t mean that TV show with Jennifer Aniston. That discussion over at the Central Perk will have to wait because this episode is a full house (no, not THAT full house) as Shawn welcomes Ishita and her friend Jaslene as well as John and his friend Michael to the show to discuss the dynamics of friendship when one friend is sighted and the other is blind or partially sighted. It’s an open and frank conversation that is also filled with laughter and wonderful stories of the power of friendship that you and your BFFs won’t want to miss!
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!
What kind of hobbies do you think people who are blind or partially sighted might be interested in and take part in on a regular basis? The answers might surprise you as Shawn welcomes a panel of co-hosts including Clement, Ishita, John and Nika to discuss some of the many hobbies that they enjoy, which include watching anime, sports, video gaming, 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!
Shawn and co-hosts Nika and Clement continue their discussion of ableism from last week and talk about their own personal experiences with it. They discuss their internalized ableism and how it can affect their own behaviors, as well as concepts such as “inspiration porn” and how it can be damaging to how disability is viewed in the mainstream.
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!
This week we are excited to present the first part of a two-part special episode on ableism. Join Shawn and co-hosts Nika and Clement as they have an open and frank conversation about ableism, defining it and sharing personal experiences which detail the implications and impact that it can have in the lives of people with disabilities.
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!
This week Shawn and co-host Jinnie are excited to welcome Anu Pala, certified life coach and trainer, to the podcast in order to talk all about skincare and make-up. They discuss some of the challenges of using makeup when you are blind or partially sighted as well as sharing starter tips and the importance of self image and confidence that comes with self-care.
A-Nu Vision https://www.a-nuvision.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!
This week we’re making things up as we go, flying by the seat of our pants and talking all about the challenging and very fun art of improv! Shawn and co-hosts Leena and Ishita welcome Dougie, a Blind Beginnings volunteer, actor, and improv comedian to the podcast. They discuss how he got into acting and improv, what it’s like performing and teaching over Zoom during COVID, and what some of the challenges he faced breaking into both.
Dougie Cane Comedy on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqWBQjDdEhqxOLyfbiUVmrQ
Blind Beginnings Virtual Camp 2021 https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/virtual-camp-2021/
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!
This week Shawn and co-host Kolby are very excited to welcome Steph Kirkland, the Executive Director of VocalEye to the podcast. VocalEye is the first live descriptive arts service for the blind in Canada and they discuss how the process works, the challenges of live description and what it means to be providing greater access to the live theater and the Arts for the Blind community.
VocalEye http://www.vocaleye.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!
This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jinnie, Nika, and John to discuss the topic of gender. They discuss everything from how to navigate the issue of gender in social settings when you are blind or partially sighted to how gender roles are formed, how they have started to change over the years and how disability can impact those roles. It’s an open and honest discussion about a fascinating and very important topic that you won’t want to miss!
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!
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year already! This week Shawn is joined by Nika, Kolby, Ishita and Rob to look back at the entire year’s worth of episodes and discuss some of their favorites! Come join us and see which episodes were favorites to record, the most impactful to listen to, and even the most nerve-wracking to be a part of! It’s a celebration of the Limitless Podcast and a peek behind the scenes you don’t want to miss!
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!
Being able to advocate about your needs can be challenging for anybody, but especially draining for those in the blind or partially sighted community. This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Nika, Kolby, and Clement to discuss some of their own experiences self-advocating, some of the challenges faced, as well as the importance of knowing when and how to speak up about your needs.
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!
June is Deafblind Awareness Month and to kick it off, Shawn and co-host Kolby welcome Dr. Linda Mamer to talk about deafblindness. Dr. Mamer is a Deafblind Consultant for the Provincial Outreach Program for Deafblindness and she gives us an overview of the many aspects and gradients of deafblindness as well as helping understand the different deafblind communication and teaching methods. We also learn all about ‘yarn bombing’ and how this tactile art is being used to help raise awareness for deafblindness all over the world during the month of June.
Canadian Deafblind Association https://www.cdbanational.com/
More information on Deafblind Awareness Month https://www.cdbanational.com/deafblind-awareness-month/
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!
This week Shawn and co-host Ishita welcome back Jugaad, one of our youth from last week’s Culture and Disability episode, to discuss his passion for his favorite sport, Cricket! While Cricket may not have much of a presence here in Canada, it’s huge in other countries around the world and if you were ever curious about how it’s played, it’s cultural impact in India, and even how it is adapted for players who are blind or partially sighted, you don’t want to miss this episode!
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!
May 21 is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, and in the spirit of embracing and sharing about different cultures, Shawn welcomes Nika, Jinnie, Jugaad, Clement, and Ishita as co-hosts to discuss their own lived experiences navigating disability from within other cultures.
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!
This past week saw us celebrate Mother’s Day, so we wanted to do something special to honor Moms in this episode of the podcast. As a Mom herself, Shawn takes the week off as host, turns the show over to Ishita and Jill, and takes a seat in the guest chair. Shawn and special guest Lovette describe their experiences of becoming Moms through the lens of being blind, some of the hurdles they faced, adaptations they needed to make, and the joys that motherhood brings.
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!
Mental Health Awareness Week is May 3 - 9, 2021 and this year it’s more important than ever to take some time and reflect on the importance of mental health. Over 40% of Canadians have reported that their mental health has deteriorated since the pandemic began, and the feelings of uncertainty, stress, and anxiety felt can be overwhelming. This week Shawn welcomes Nika back to the podcast to talk about the importance of promoting mental health and overcoming the stigma that some people still feel about discussing it openly, sharing personal stories about various struggles as well as offering some strategies on coping and maintaining good mental health.
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!
On a Sunday afternoon in October of 2015, Blind Beginnings youth, volunteers, and parents gathered together in the Metrotown Mall in Burnaby, British Columbia. What came next was the result of over a year of careful planning and a LOT of practice. This week, in honor of International Dance Day on April 29th, Shawn, Randi, Nika, and Jinnie revisit the Blind Beginnings Flash Mob and take us through how the idea came to be, what kind of planning was involved to pull it off, and the lasting impact it had on its participants.
Flash Mob 2015 (Described Version) Blind Beginnings Flash Mob with Descriptive Video - YouTube
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!
April 18 - 24 is National Volunteer Week and we are helping celebrate by talking all about the many benefits that Volunteering can have (well, aside from the awesomeness of helping an organization accomplish its given mission) -- from building new skills to paving the way for the possibility of future job opportunities. Shawn is joined by Clement and Ishita, both of whom have had Volunteer positions that have resulted in paid opportunities, to discuss what the volunteering experience was like, how it built confidence, and why it can be such an important and empowering experience for youth.
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!
This week on the show, we’re navigating the very complex topic of Orientation and Mobility. Anyone who has ever had to go through this type of training knows that Orientation, or being able to conceptualize the space around you without being able to see it, is key. Yet for some people, it is much more challenging than for others. Shawn and co-host Jinnie welcome Patricia, who struggles with orientation, and Kim, who is a Orientation and Mobility Specialist to explore and discuss why this is. From mental mapping and spatial awareness to Orientation concepts and how they develop, this episode is a fascinating look into how different people are able to process and navigate information in very different 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!
This week on the podcast we’ve snared some great guests and there may be repercussions! If you guessed that our topic is drumming based on those incredibly bad puns, you’d be absolutely correct! This week Shawn and co-host Seerat are joined by Gary and Alethea, both experienced drummers who are blind or partially sighted and they discuss what made them pick up drumsticks in the first place, some of the challenges they face, and what they love about being percussionists. Take it from us, you just can’t beat this episode!
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!
This week Shawn is joined by co-host Nika, who has had a passion for dance since an early age, and she shares her journey of trying to find a Dance Studio that was right for her. The two are joined by Sue, Nika’s ballet instructor, and Haley, a fellow dance student who acted as a sighted volunteer to talk about their respective experiences, how lessons were able to be adapted, and the powerful impact it had in all their lives.
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!
Making the transition into University can be challenging in a multitude of ways for any student, but students who are blind or partially sighted can face a specific set of obstacles that can impact their studies. This week Shawn is joined by Jill and Ishita, both of whom are also students at Simon Fraser University, and their Accessibility Aid, Megan. They discuss some of the adaptations and services provided by SFU’s Centre for Accessible Learning and how Megan has helped both adapt materials in order to make them more accessible.
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!
The show is going downhill fast this week - but in a good way! Shawn and her co-host Dani welcome Canadian Paralympic Alpine skier Mac Marcoux to the show. With Dani also being a skier, she and Mac share their experiences in skiing and training with visual impairments and some of the adaptations they use and challenges they face.
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!
Jinnie joins Shawn as co-host this week and both are absolutely thrilled to welcome author Amanda Leduc to the podcast, where she talks about her latest book, “The Centaur’s Wife”, a dystopian novel which deals with the theme of disability. They discuss how disability is represented in fiction and fairy tales, person-first language, Amanda’s own experiences as an author with a disability, and much more!
The Centaur's Wife on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/Centaurs-Wife-Amanda-Leduc/dp/0735272859
Find Amanda Online https://amandaleduc.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!
This week is another special episode of the show as we feature a recording from a recent session of one of Blind Beginnings’ popular programs, Exploring Work Wednesday. Shawn sits down and talks with Tamara, who explains her job as TransLink Coordinator and Access Transit Planner and describes her employment journey with Translink, but also discusses her other, very important job as well: mother to an almost 2-year old!
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!
This week Shawn and co-host Ishita welcome Jennie Bovard to the show. Jennie has a new podcast on AMI called “Low Vision Moments” which is part comedy and part advocacy and she gives us a taste of some of the topics that she discusses on the show as well as talking how it came about, the importance of educating people about what it’s like to be blind or partially sighted, and much more!
Low Vision Moments https://www.ami.ca/low-vision-moments/recent_episodes
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!
This week Shawn welcomes a small group of parents, all of whom have children who are blind or partially sighted, to the podcast. Candice, Jaeger and Maria all have participated in Parent Support Groups offered by Blind Beginnings, and in this episode they open up about their respective experiences - from their initial reactions to learning their child’s vision diagnosis, to the importance of building support networks and meeting other parents in similar situations.
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!
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and to commemorate everybody’s favorite “day of love”, we thought we would talk about a subject that almost everyone is passionate about: dating! Love it or hate it, dating is something that everybody has done at some point, but when you are blind or partially sighted, it presents its own unique set of challenges and situations. Join us for this very special episode as Shawn and her co-hosts Keisha and Kaya discuss their own dating experiences and talk about what it’s like in the dating realm being blind or partially sighted when your potential partner is not.
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!
White Cane Week is February 7 - February 14, and in honor of this we welcome Bill Conway, BC-Yukon Director of the Canadian Council of the Blind, who explains the origins and purpose of White Cane Week, the CCB, and covers some of the different events that are happening for this year’s celebration.
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!
We are so excited this week to welcome the very talented musician and producer, Joey Stuckey, all the way from Macon, Georgia! Joey joins Shawn and co-hosts Nika and Ishita to tell his story of how he lost his sight and what it was like to build a career in music performance and production. We talk about accessibility in music, how COVID has affected his touring and his production methods, and much much more -- including how he filmed an action packed music video for his song, “Blind Man Drivin’”!
Watch the audio described version of the Music Video Joey mentions in the interview! Joey Stuckey - "Blind Man Drivin'" Official Music Video (with Narration) - YouTube
Find Joey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeyStuckeyMusic
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!
This week Shawn welcomes two of the Blind Beginnings staff to the podcast to talk about some of the different types of programs that the organization is offering in the first half of 2021. Rob Mineault, the Communication Coordinator, and Emily Burkholder, the Program and Volunteer Coordinator, join Shawn to discuss the kinds of programs Blind Beginnings has offered over the years and what lies in store over the next few months.
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!
What’s the better operating system for Smartphones, iOS or Android? Whether this question brings up an instant opinion or makes you scratch your head, this show is for you! This week we are getting a little geeky as Shawn and her co-hosts Clement, Ishita, John, and Nika discuss smartphone technology and accessibility and how their own experiences shaped their respective preferences.
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!
Not only are we excited that this is our very first episode of 2021, but we are also releasing it in honor of Louis Braille’s birthday, otherwise known as World Braille Day! Join Shawn and co-host Jinnie as they welcome Jill and Patricia to the podcast to discuss the importance of Braille Literacy as well their respective introductions to Braille and how that impacted its continued importance in their daily lives. Happy Birthday Louis!!
You can find part 1 of this extended discussion of Braille at https://limitlessbb.podbean.com/e/episode-22-let-s-talk-about-braille-part-1/
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
It’s the last episode of 2020! As we prepare to move into a new year full of hope and promise, we thought it was fitting to end with one of our favorite types of episodes -- our Ask A Blind Beginnings Youth, where several of our co-hosts answer questions from the public about what it’s like to be blind or partially sighted. This episode, however, is extra special -- we are taking questions live from Ms. Cote’s Grade 2 / 3 class during the episode!
A huge thank you to all our listeners and supporters of the past 28 episodes! We can’t wait to share plenty more podcast episodes in the New Year!
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
This week the bells are jing-jing jingling and the halls are being decked for this very special episode all about the Holiday Season! Join Shawn, Nika, Kolby, and Seerat as they reminisce about past Holiday seasons, discuss how their respective families celebrate, and more Holiday content than you can fit in a one-horse open sleigh!
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
Nika joins Shawn this week as co-host as the pair welcome local actress, artist, advocate, and podcaster Amy Amantea to the show to discuss her many projects, including a new podcast on AMI called “Accessing Art with Amy”.
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
Get ready to lace up the skates and strap on those skis, this week Shawn and co-hosts John and Keisha are talking all about Winter Sports! If you’ve ever been curious to hear how sports such as cross country skiing, alpine skiing, and hockey have been adapted for people who are blind or partially sighted, then this is the show for you! See you at the bottom of the hill!
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
This week we have put together a very special Giving Tuesday edition of the podcast. Giving Tuesday is a day celebrated as a global day of giving and a worldwide celebration of generosity, and is considered to be the opening day of the giving season. Blind Beginnings participates in Giving Tuesday every year, but this year we wanted to also give back and thank all our donors and supporters by telling some stories about the impact their contributions have on the youth we serve. Nika, Jinnie, Kolby, and Seerat join Shawn in this episode to share their experiences with Blind Beginnings and the impact that the programs that they participated in had. Thank you to all our supporters over the years -- this is for you.
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
This week Shawn flies solo and welcomes Ryan Fleury, Rob Mineault, and Sarah Mennell to discuss Ryan’s audio-described music video, “Make a Difference”. Ryan wrote and performed the song, Rob produced and edited the video, and Sarah wrote the audio description track, all combining into something unique and special. Shawn discusses the song’s origins with them, how it came to be an audio described music video, the challenges faced, and the growing popularity and importance of audio description.
"Make A Difference" Audio Described Video https://youtu.be/fHr-i-vtOqk
White Cane Records www.whitecanerecords.com
Descriptive Video Works https://www.descriptivevideoworks.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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
This week Shawn and co-host Randi welcome Paralympic judoka Priscilla Gangé and her training partner Ali Briggs. We discuss topics such as how Paralympic Judo is adapted from its Olympic counterpart, what the training regiment is like preparing for competitive sport, and what it was like for the pair to go to the Rio Paralympics in 2016.
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
We are so excited this week to welcome Adam Wilton from the Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired to talk all things Braille with Shawn and this week’s co-host, Jinnie! They discuss everything from what Braille is and where people tend to find it in public spaces to how it’s being taught in schools and why Braille literacy is so vitally important.
Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired https://prcvi.org/
Hadley Online Braille Courses https://hadley.edu/workshops/braille
If you’re interested in submitting a question for our next episode of ASK A.B.B.Y, email us at limitless@blindbeginnings.ca with your question and we could feature it on our next installment!
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
After 20 episodes, we thought it was about time the show went to the dogs -- Guide dogs, that is. Jill and Nika, who are both considering getting their first Guide dog, join Shawn and co-host Kolby this week to ask a wide variety of questions about what the training process and day to day life is like with a Guide dog. Some of the topics and questions might surprise you, so don’t miss this one!
If you’re interested in submitting a question for our next episode of ASK A.B.B.Y, email us at limitless@blindbeginnings.ca with your question and we could feature it on our next installment!
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
With so many people stuck at home these days, maintaining physical health and developing a workout from home is more important than ever. That’s why we’re so excited this week to meet Tyler Merren, a blind Personal Trainer, Paralympic athlete, and motivational speaker who is working on developing a new app and website that provides fitness instruction in an accessible audio format.
Tyler’s ReVision Training Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/492112998046718/
ReVision Fitness App https://www.revisionfitnessapp.com/
If you’re interested in submitting a question for our next episode of ASK A.B.B.Y, email us at limitless@blindbeginnings.ca with your question and we could feature it on our next installment!
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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
October is Blindness Awareness Month, so we thought in light of that, it would be fitting to record yet another edition of our Ask A.B.B.Y. feature where the Blind Beginnings youth answer your questions about blindness. This week Jinnie, Keisha, and Clement join Shawn to answer the latest set of questions from you, our listeners! Thanks to all those who submitted questions, and make sure to keep them coming!
If you’re interested in submitting a question for our next episode of ASK A.B.B.Y, email us at limitless@blindbeginnings.ca with your question and we could feature it on our next installment!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
Our very special Thanksgiving episode! It’s a full house this week as we talk with Jill, John, Kolby and their respective siblings about what it was like growing up beside someone dealing with blindness or partial sight. It’s all about the importance of family with some side dishes of laughter and community - you don’t want to miss this one! Happy Thanksgiving!
If you’re interested in submitting a question for our next episode of ASK A.B.B.Y, email us at limitless@blindbeginnings.ca with your question and we could feature it on our next installment!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
This episode is sponsored by Taiga Building Products, one of our Corporate Sponsors of our 2020 Harvesting Hope Online Gala. Find them online at https://www.taigabuilding.com/
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
This week we continue our conversation from last episode about the differences between being blind or partially sighted from birth versus changes over time. We discuss various experiences of how it impacted everything from daily life skills to making friends and even pose a hypothetical question of whether or not we’d restore our respective vision conditions if we could. The answers may surprise you!
If you’re interested in submitting a question for our next episode of ASK A.B.B.Y, email us at limitless@blindbeginnings.ca with your question and we could feature it on our next installment!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
This episode is sponsored by PCI Developments, one of our Corporate Sponsors of our 2020 Harvesting Hope Online Gala. Find them online at https://www.pci-group.com/
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
This week we have gathered together a collection of co-hosts and guests including Nika, Jill, Randi, and Brodie in order to have an epic conversation that went so long that we had to break it into two parts! Check out this first part of our open and honest conversation about the differences between being blind or partially sighted from birth versus changes later in life.
If you’re interested in submitting a question for our next episode of ASK A.B.B.Y, email us at limitless@blindbeginnings.ca with your question and we could feature it on our next installment!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
This week we’re super excited to introduce a feature that we will be revisiting from time to time here on the podcast. It’s a little something we are calling Ask A Blind Beginnings Youth! We have gathered a collection of our youth to answer questions about Blindness and Low Vision that we’ve received. It’s a frank and open discussion of a wide range of topics, from questions of fashion to escalator navigation. If you have ever been curious at all about being blind or partially sighted but were afraid to ask, you don’t want to miss this episode!
If you’re interested in submitting a question for our next episode of ASK A.B.B.Y, email us at limitless@blindbeginnings.ca with your question and we could feature it on our next installment!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
It’s a very special episode this week as we take a break from our normal format and offer our listeners a glimpse into one of our online programs, Exploring Work Wednesdays. This program offers up an interview style discussion about careers with adults that are blind or partially sighted. In this particular session we meet Mark, who is a Registered Massage Therapist and owns his own business, and his sister Lisa, a Psychiatric Social Worker. It's a frank and open conversation about what it’s like entering into the workplace as someone who is blind or partially sighted that you won’t want to miss!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
Episode 13 - Let’s Talk About Youth Leadership
The Blind Beginnings Youth Leadership Program has been one of the most popular and important programs at Blind Beginnings since 2010, and this week Jinnie and Nika join Shawn as co-hosts to talk all about the important skills that it helps build in the youth that attend. Bridget, who will be attending the program this year for the first time, joins the conversation as well and discusses what aspects she’s looking forward to and what skills she’s excited about building.
Youth Online Youth Leadership Training Program 2020
https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/fall-programs-2020/#leadership
Blind Beginnings Flash Mob
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCPkSlIF2wg
Do The Grind Blind Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9625wF4tQLk
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
It’s that time of the year again when students all over the country begin to prepare to head back to school; however, with COVID, that means that this year is very different than most. This week Nika and Kolby join Shawn as co-hosts and welcome Jill, Ella, and Aman to the show to discuss what it’s like to be going back to High School or University this year and the anxiety, concerns, and challenges that they are facing as both students as well as students who are blind or partially sighted.
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
How do people who are blind or partially sighted learn, access, and perform music? It’s a question that gets asked a lot, and this week Nika and Randi join Shawn and special guest Lori (who also happens to be Randi’s Mom) to discuss this and share stories of what it was like to grow up taking music lessons.
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
This week Jinnie joins Shawn as co-host to interview the President of the Board of Directors, Betty Nobel where they discuss her childhood, growing up blind, her career path and what drew her to the Blind Beginnings organization. It's an interview that spans decades and you one you don't want to miss!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
Shawn is joined on the show this week by two co-hosts who also happen to be working for Blind Beginnings this summer as Program Assistants -- Clement and Kolby! Together they discuss the social distanced hiking program currently running through the month of August and the importance of being able to get back out into nature as well as a rundown of how the hikes have gone this summer so far. And, while talking about the Great Outdoors, even manage to sneak in a discussion of favorite camp stories from years past!
Summer 2020 Blind Beginnings Hiking Program -- Sign up now!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
This week Owen joins Shawn for co-host duties and the two welcome Sky Mundell, an Assistive Technology trainer at the Pacific Training Centre for the Blind, located in Victoria, BC. They discuss everything from Sky’s piano playing abilities and his performance in Vegas, to his favorite pieces of Assistive Technology to how he got started in the industry, with a lot of tech talk in between. If technology is something that excites you, then this is the episode for you!
Pacific Training Centre for the Blind
Blind Beginning’s 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!
This week we’ve got a huge show as Randi joins as co-host and brings the topic of how blindness is represented in various TV shows and movies over the years to a guest panel that includes Nika, Keisha, and Shawn. The panel discusses some of the hits and misses, what stereotypes are common (and annoying), and how representation has improved more recently. It’s our longest episode yet, but also the most thought-provoking and if you’re looking for some movie suggestions or want to know the answer to the burning question of whether or not Randi met Jason Momoa on the set of See, you won’t want to miss this episode!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
Ever wonder where Pouce Coupe is? Or how to spell it? Have you ever spent an evening thinking about what the difference between a violin and a fiddle is? Well these answers and many moreget answered this week as Jinnie and Shawn welcome Nolan to the show, one of our young members who came to Blind Beginnings during the shift to online programming as the result of COVID. They talk to him about his YouTube channel, his eye condition, his favorite Blind Beginnings programs, life in a small town, and much more!
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
The excitement levels are high this week as Shawn and co-host Kolby welcome International singing sensation Jugpreet Singh Bajwa aka 'Juggy Jag' to the podcast! They discuss everything from his first public performance at 6 years old, to how his vision has impacted his music and even manage to convince him to sing a little! You don’t want to miss this one!
Find Jugpreet Bajwa Online
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JugpreetBajwaOfficial/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/jagbajwa
Twitter @JuggyJag
Blind Beginning’s 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!
Music by https://www.fesliyanstudios.com
If you are under the impression that there will be “no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations” on this week’s episode, you have got the wrong show! This week Jinnie joins Shawn as co-host and they welcome Keisha and Clement to the show to discuss all things Harry Potter! As it turns out, Jinnie has never read the books, and Keisha and Clement are on hand to tell her just what the big deal is all about. If you’re new to the Potterverse or an avid Potterhead, this is a show you won’t want to miss!
For anyone interested in joining us for our Blind Beginnings Harry Potter Book Club which meets every Monday for the course of the summer, you can find more information at https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/summer-programs-2020/#harry
Blind Beginning’s 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!
This week Shawn is joined by co-host Nika and longtime Youth Mentor Jill Sloane, where they discuss Jill’s upcoming Independent Living Skills Workshop and what she will be covering, as well as their own experiences and challenges with everyday tasks, such as cooking and laundry. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook the perfect egg in the microwave, this is the show for you!
For anyone interested in attending any of Jill’s Independent Living Skills Workshops throughout July and August, more information can be found at https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/summer-programs-2020/#ils. Please note that the Registration deadline is July 9th, 2020.
Blind Beginning’s 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 2 has us breaking a sweat as Shawn and her co-host Randi welcome Whitley Point to the podcast. Whitley is a Yoga and Fitness Instructor and works with our Active Beginnings Program, designing and running described fitness workouts. We discuss Whitley’s vision condition, what made her decide on becoming a Yoga and Fitness instructor, how COVID-19 has affected her and the challenges of online workout classes.
For anyone interested in attending any of Whitley’s virtual fitness classes as part of the Blind Beginnings Active Beginnings Program, more information is available at https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/connecting-through-covid-19/
Blind Beginning’s 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!
This is it! Our very first episode of the Limitless Podcast! Join host Shawn Marsolais, Executive Director and Founder of Blind Beginnings, along with a bevy of co-hosts including Randi, Owen, Clement, Kolby, and Nika as they discuss their experiences with blindness or partial sightedness, how they hope that the podcast can be used to empower and inform others, and what future episodes may contain.
Blind Beginning’s 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!