Navigating Life with Vision Loss

By: Aftersight
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  • Summary

  • "Navigating Life with Vision Loss" is an AINC original podcast. In this weekly podcast, we answer your questions on a variety of topics surrounding vision loss. Need to know what to do in standing up for yourself? Wondering how to find a counselor or therapist? Do you need to know how to fill out patient forms in a crowded doctor's office? This show is for you. We're giving a voice to the challenges faced by people with blindness or vision loss. We're here as a resource for you, your family, and your friends. This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.
    2022
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Episodes
  • S102: Self Advocacy with Melissa Fishburn

    S102: Self Advocacy with Melissa Fishburn
    Mar 11 2025
    This is the second episode in our 16-week series on advocacy. In this episode, Kim Wardlow welcomes Melissa Fishburne, an Aftersight board member, to discuss her journey of self-advocacy and the importance of empowering oneself. Melissa shares her personal experiences growing up with low vision, the challenges she faced in embracing her identity, and how she ultimately became a strong advocate for herself and others.
    Listeners will gain insights into self-confidence, finding the right resources, and overcoming misconceptions about advocacy. Melissa also highlights practical steps for advocating in the workplace and everyday life.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:02 - Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss
    00:27 - Introduction to the Advocacy Series
    02:54 - Melissa Fishburne’s Story: From Hiding Vision Loss to Embracing Advocacy
    05:18 - Discovering Resources and Community Support
    07:39 - Building Self-Confidence and Overcoming Fear
    09:48 - Training and Certification for Advocacy
    12:11 - Personal Experiences in Self-Advocacy
    15:25 - Common Misconceptions About Advocacy
    17:36 - The Importance of Educating Others
    20:04 - Handling Pushback and Challenging Situations
    22:30 - Self-Worth and the Role of Community Support
    24:57 - Recognizing Toxic Environments in Advocacy
    27:17 - Resources: Foundation Fighting Blindness and More
    29:42 - Workplace Advocacy: Knowing Your Rights
    32:14 - Closing Advice from Melissa
    34:31 - Contact Information and Upcoming Episode Preview

    Key Takeaways:
    ✅ Know Your Worth – Confidence and self-respect are essential for effective advocacy.
    ✅ Find the Right Resources – Organizations like the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Aftersight offer valuable support.
    ✅ Educate Others – Advocacy involves not just fighting for your own needs but also helping others understand accommodations and accessibility.
    ✅ Stand Firm – Facing pushback is part of the process, but knowing your rights can help you navigate challenges.
    ✅ Community is Key – Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.

    Resources & Contact Information:
    📌 Aftersight Advocacy Resources: www.aftersight.org
    📌 Email Us: contact@aftersight.org
    📌 Call Us: (303) 786-7777
    📌 Follow Us on Social Media

    📢 Other Aftersight Podcasts to Check Out:
    🎙️ The Blind Chick – Top 10% worldwide podcast on blindness & empowerment
    🎙️ Blind Level Tech – Accessible technology for blind and low-vision individuals
    🎙️ Blindsight – Mental health & wellness in the blind community

    Next Episode Preview:
    Join us next week as we discuss advocating for yourself in an educational setting, whether you're a student or a parent of a student navigating accessibility in schools.

    🎧 Tune in, share your thoughts, and keep advocating for yourself and others! #NavigatingLifeWithVisionLoss
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    35 mins
  • S101 Advocacy 101 with Angela Winfield

    S101 Advocacy 101 with Angela Winfield
    Mar 4 2025
    In the kickoff to the new 16-week season on advocacy, Navigating Life with Vision Loss welcomes Angela Winfield, an attorney and nationally recognized disability rights advocate. Angela shares her personal journey from being a shy child with low vision to becoming an empowered advocate, passing the bar, and influencing accessibility policies. This episode explores the fundamentals of advocacy, how individuals can find their advocacy style, and why no cape is required to be an effective advocate.

    Angela breaks down:
    The definition and importance of advocacy
    The three key styles of advocacy: disruptors, table-builders, and quiet influencers
    How to develop advocacy skills (communication, self-awareness, strategy)
    The role of empathy in advocacy
    Legal foundations: ADA, Air Carrier Access Act, Fair Housing Act
    Everyday self-advocacy tips and how to handle difficult situations (e.g., public accommodations, Uber guide dog refusals)
    Her personal "aha moment" of independence while studying abroad
    Angela’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and breaking barriers, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating life with vision loss or looking to become a stronger advocate.

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 – Intro to the New Advocacy Series
    00:27 – Welcome Back! New Format for 2025
    01:30 – Guest Introduction: Angela Winfield
    02:53 – Angela’s Personal Journey into Advocacy
    07:27 – Angela’s "Aha Moment" in the Airport
    09:29 – Defining Advocacy & Its Importance
    11:47 – The Three Styles of Advocacy
    16:33 – Building Advocacy Skills: Communication & Empathy
    23:21 – The Role of Empathy in Advocacy
    27:47 – Key Laws & Regulations for Blind Advocates
    32:24 – Steps to Start an Advocacy Effort
    34:39 – Navigating Everyday Advocacy Situations
    36:48 – Challenges Blind Advocates Face & Overcoming Stereotypes
    42:19 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Involved
    45:30 – Where to Find Angela & Closing Remarks

    Connect with Angela Winfield
    Website: AngelaWinfield.com
    LinkedIn: Angela Winfield

    Upcoming Episode
    Next week, the advocacy series continues with a deep dive into self-empowerment and personal advocacy strategies. Learn how to confidently advocate for yourself in various situations and strengthen your voice!

    🔔 Subscribe to Navigating Life with Vision Loss and check out our other Aftersight podcasts:
    Blindsight (Mental Health & Blindness)
    Blind Level Tech (Accessible Technology)
    The Blind Chick (Blind Culture & Community)
    📢 Share this episode with friends and leave a review to support the show!
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    45 mins
  • New look for NLVL 2025

    New look for NLVL 2025
    Dec 31 2024
    Episode Title: Looking Ahead to 2025
    Host: Kim Wardlow
    Guest: Jonathan Price

    Episode Overview:
    In this special New Year’s episode, host Kim Wardlow is joined by Aftersight Podcast Producer Jonathan Price to discuss exciting changes coming to Navigating Life with Vision Loss and updates on Aftersight's other podcasts. Jonathan shares insights into NLVL’s new seasonal format, the topics for the Spring and Fall 2025 seasons, and how listeners can contribute questions and guest suggestions. They also highlight Aftersight’s other podcasts (Blind Level Tech, The Blind Chick, and Blindsight) and tease collaborations, live events, and outreach plans for 2025.

    Key Highlights:
    Seasonal Format for NLVL: Starting March 2025, NLVL will adopt a seasonal structure with two 16-episode seasons per year, focusing on advocacy in Spring and safety in Fall.
    Call for Listener Input: Encouragement for listeners to submit questions, topic ideas, and guest suggestions.
    Other Aftersight Podcasts: Updates on Blind Level Tech, The Blind Chick, and Blindsight, including their unique focuses and growing global recognition.
    Upcoming Initiatives: Plans for live events, conference appearances, expanded social media presence, and community outreach sessions in 2025.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:29 – Introduction and holiday reflections with Jonathan Price.
    04:46 – Overview of changes to Navigating Life with Vision Loss.
    07:39 – Details on the new seasonal format and Spring 2025 advocacy focus.
    13:22 – Highlights from Aftersight’s other podcasts.
    20:09 – Community outreach plans and feedback opportunities.
    23:06 – Closing thoughts on upcoming programming and a Happy New Year.
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    25 mins

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Profile Image for Matthew Kissane

Very informative-- a life changer

First of all, the host is so genuine. She really knows her subjects. The topics are life-saving for people who have lost their vision or are losing their vision. I strongly recommend this podcast for those who need to navigate to world after vision loss.

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