Heard & Empowered

National Industries for the Blind
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The Heard & Empowered podcast is where people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired find job inspiration, career opportunities, and a path to success. National Industries for the Blind knows that blindness is not a barrier to employment and career success. Listen now and unlock a world of opportunities with a podcast specifically tailored for people who are blind. Discover the untold stories, limitless career paths, and soul-stirring journeys of people across the United States who have charted their own career paths. Learn more at HeardAndEmpowered.org.

  1. 2 days ago

    Assistive Tech Breakthroughs for the Blind With Sam Seavey

    Sam Seavey is the Creator and Host of The Blind Life, a YouTube channel helping people with blindness and low vision live more independently through technology. With more than 85,000 subscribers and 1,000 videos, he shares assistive technology reviews, tutorials, and accessibility tips. Sam also serves as the Assistive Technology Program Manager at the Bluegrass Council of the Blind, providing training and support while drawing on more than 30 years of lived and professional experience with vision loss and adaptive technology. In this episode… Assistive technology is making everyday tasks more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. As new tools make it easier to read, navigate, and access visual information, which innovations are making the biggest difference? Assistive technology expert Sam Seavey says the answer starts with the task, not the diagnosis, because different challenges require different tools. AI-powered smart glasses are especially promising, offering real-time help with reading menus, identifying signs, navigating airports, and interpreting visual information. Sam also points to robotics and smarter mobility tools as the next wave of innovation, while stressing the importance of realistic expectations and choosing technology that fits an individual's needs. Ultimately, the best assistive technology is the kind that solves a practical problem and helps someone move through daily life with more confidence and independence. In this episode of Heard & Empowered, Dean Thompson talks with Sam Seavey, Creator and Host of The Blind Life, about breakthroughs in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. Sam explores AI smart glasses, task-based tech choices, and emerging robotics. He also shares how adaptability, continuous learning, and embracing vision loss can create new opportunities.

    Assistive Tech Breakthroughs for the Blind With Sam Seavey

  2. 27 Aug

    Building Independence as a Blind Professional With Everette Bacon

    Everette Bacon is the Chief of Blindness Initiatives at Aira, a visual interpreting service that helps blind and low-vision people access visual information. Drawing on more than 20 years in blindness rehabilitation, accessibility, and assistive technology, Everette leads service delivery and customer care. With a master's degree in Blindness Rehabilitation, he also serves as Second Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind and President of its Utah affiliate, bringing extensive experience in advocacy and leadership. In this episode… Building independence as a blind professional often starts with the right skills, technology, and support. As vision changes, new approaches can make work, travel, and everyday life more manageable. What helps blind and low-vision professionals build confidence and stay independent? Everette Bacon, an expert in blindness rehabilitation, assistive technology, and advocacy, believes the answer begins with strong blindness skills, access to the right tools, and confidence developed through experience. He emphasizes independent travel, effective screen-reader use, and spending time with other successful blind people who can offer practical examples and encouragement. Everette also recommends continually trying unfamiliar tasks, since learning new skills helps make challenging situations feel more manageable over time. Together, those habits create a foundation for greater independence, resilience, and professional opportunity. In this episode of Heard & Empowered, Dean Thompson talks with Everette Bacon, Chief of Blindness Initiatives at Aira, about building independence as a blind professional. Everette shares how blindness skills, assistive technology, and confidence support career success. He also discusses mentoring, accessible travel, community, and adapting to vision loss.

    Building Independence as a Blind Professional With Everette Bacon

  3. 30 Jul

    Overcoming Sudden Vision Loss and Building a Meaningful Life With Michael Phillips

    Michael Phillips is the Training Supervisor at Austin Lighthouse, an organization that provides employment, training, and support for people who are blind or visually impaired. He recruits and prepares candidates for vocational roles, adapting instruction to different learning styles and helping trainees build confidence and independence. Named Austin Lighthouse's 2026 Employee of the Year, Michael also received NIB's 2026 Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award. After losing his sight at 26 to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, he rebuilt his career and now helps others pursue meaningful work. In this episode… What helps someone move from uncertainty toward purpose and opportunity? The answer, according to workforce-training specialist Michael Phillips, is learning to adapt while seeking the right tools, mentors, and resources. After losing vision at age 26, he rebuilt independence through orientation and mobility instruction, assistive technology, and employment. Michael encourages people experiencing vision loss to practice new skills, communicate clearly, ask for help when needed, and break challenges into manageable steps. Confidence grows through action, and meaningful work can restore dignity, connection, and a sense of contribution. In this episode of Heard & Empowered, Dean Thompson talks with Michael Phillips, Training Supervisor at Austin Lighthouse, about rebuilding confidence and independence after vision loss. Michael explains the value of vocational training, mentorship, and adaptive problem-solving. He also discusses assistive technology, communication skills, and how meaningful employment can transform lives.

    Overcoming Sudden Vision Loss and Building a Meaningful Life With Michael Phillips

  4. 9 Jul

    Building a Meaningful Career After Sight Loss With Israel Bolivar

    Israel Bolivar is a full-time sander at Vibrant Works, an organization dedicated to providing employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. He was named the 2025 Peter J. Salmon National Employee of the Year by National Industries for the Blind, recognizing his outstanding work on KC‑135 aircraft floorboards. Israel, who is totally blind and lost both of his hands at age six in Colombia, has overcome significant adversity and serves as an inspiration to others adjusting to vision loss. In this episode… Building a meaningful career after sight loss requires determination, adaptability, and the support of employers who recognize a person's abilities while accommodating for their disabilities. For Israel Bolivar, a full-time sander and aircraft factory worker at Vibrant Works, that journey has been shaped by resilience, independence, and an unwavering positive outlook. In this episode, Israel shares his powerful story of losing his sight and both hands at a young age after an accident in Colombia, immigrating to the United States, and learning to navigate life with confidence and purpose. He reflects on the challenges he faced after earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, including repeated job denials, and how those setbacks ultimately led him to San Antonio, where he found meaningful employment and a supportive work environment. Israel Bolivar, a dedicated member of the working blind community, discusses the importance of workplace accommodations, teamwork, and strong communication. He explains how Vibrant Works helped adapt tools and processes so he could succeed in his role, and he encourages others with disabilities not to fear rejection or setbacks. Through his story, Israel reminds listeners that sight loss is not the end of the road, but the beginning of a new journey filled with opportunity, growth, and purpose.

    Building a Meaningful Career After Sight Loss With Israel Bolivar

  5. 5 Jun

    Building a Life Without Limits With Jennifer Parrish of The Lighthouse of Houston

    Jennifer Parrish is manager of Business Services at The Lighthouse of Houston, a nonprofit that provides services, training, and employment opportunities for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. She oversees a wide range of contracts that provide services ranging from mailrooms, call centers, switchboard services, transcription, and document scanning. A longtime member of the blind community, Jennifer began her career in medical transcription, earned national recognition from NIB, and now leads teams while also hosting the podcast Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential. Her story reflects resilience, advocacy, humor, and a commitment to helping others build confidence and careers. In this episode… For many people, work is about more than a paycheck. It can be a path to independence, confidence, community, and the chance to prove what is possible when the right support and opportunities are in place. But what does it take to move from uncertainty into meaningful work and leadership? It takes training, persistence, and people willing to open doors. Jennifer Parrish offers firsthand insight as a leader, advocate, and podcast host in the blind community, sharing how employment can help people build both skills and self-belief. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of assistive technology, typing skills, mentorship, and connections with organizations that understand blindness and low vision. Taking chances on people also matters, especially when they are ready to grow beyond entry-level roles. Through her work and advocacy, the episode highlights how confidence is built through opportunity, resilience, and community. In this episode of Heard & Empowered, Dean Thompson talks with Jennifer Parrish, manager of Business Services at The Lighthouse of Houston, about meaningful work, leadership, and resilience in the blind community. Jennifer shares why accessible employment matters, how technology and training create independence, and what helped her step into management. She also touches on podcasting, advocacy, and navigating breast cancer.

    Building a Life Without Limits With Jennifer Parrish of The Lighthouse of Houston

  6. 25 Feb

    [Mission Driven Series] Transforming Federal Procurement for Broader Access and Impact With Larry Allen

    Larry Allen is the Associate Administrator for the Office of Government-wide Policy at the General Services Administration (GSA), a federal agency that provides centralized procurement, real estate, and technology services and shapes government-wide acquisition policy. In his role at GSA, he leads efforts to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and innovation. With over 30 years of federal procurement experience, Larry led Allen Federal Business Partners and served as President of the Coalition for Government Procurement, helping organizations navigate federal contracting and compliance.  In this episode… Transforming federal procurement to be more inclusive, efficient, and mission-driven requires both deep expertise and a clear commitment to public service. In this episode, Larry Allen, Associate Administrator for the Office of Government-wide Policy at the General Services Administration, joins host Soraya Correa to explore how federal acquisition can be a powerful tool for broader access, innovation, and impact. Larry shares insights from his more than 30 years in federal procurement, including his long-standing connection to the AbilityOne Program and his belief that procurement is not just about buying goods and services, but about enabling mission outcomes and creating meaningful employment opportunities. He discusses ongoing efforts to demystify government acquisition, lower barriers to entry for nonprofits and businesses, and modernize systems through regulatory reform, cultural change, and emerging technologies like AI. Throughout the conversation, Larry emphasizes the importance of trust, education, and leadership — particularly the need for senior leaders to support acquisition professionals as they take informed risks and embrace new approaches. Together, Larry and Soraya reflect on how thoughtful policy, collaboration with industry, and a focus on service and solutions can reshape federal procurement into a more accessible and impactful system for agencies, nonprofits, and the people they serve.

    [Mission Driven Series] Transforming Federal Procurement for Broader Access and Impact With Larry Allen

  7. 22 Jan

    Building Accessible Career Pathways for People With Disabilities With Kevin Webb

    Kevin Webb is Head of Sustainability and Social Impact for Mitsubishi Electric in the Americas and Executive Director of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. He leads the foundation's mission to empower young people with disabilities through corporate philanthropy, celebrating its 35th anniversary and supporting initiatives across 45 states. With a background in international relations and public administration, Kevin focuses on building inclusive communities and expanding access to technology and trade careers for young people. In this episode… Creating accessible career pathways for people with disabilities depends on intentional collaboration among educators, employers, and advocates who are committed to inclusive opportunities. For Kevin Webb, this work is both a professional mission and a deeply personal commitment rooted in community, dignity, and long-term impact. In this episode, Kevin shares his journey into sustainability and social impact leadership at Mitsubishi Electric in the Americas and as Executive Director of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. He explains how the foundation focuses on empowering young people with disabilities through access to technology, workforce training, and employer readiness, particularly in high-demand IT and technical careers. Kevin Webb, a leader in corporate philanthropy and social sustainability, reflects on how partnerships with organizations are transforming lives by connecting training, credentials, and inclusive employers. He emphasizes that true success is measured not just by programs or numbers served, but by individuals gaining confidence, independence, and meaningful careers.

    Building Accessible Career Pathways for People With Disabilities With Kevin Webb

  8. 8 Jan

    Navigating Career Transitions and Resilience in the Face of Vision Loss With Joannah Harris

    Joannah Harris is a digital accessibility specialist working with Level Access and Dell, where she helps ensure technology and online platforms are usable for people with disabilities. With a background that includes a master's degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University and experience teaching high school math while visually impaired, Joannah has overcome significant personal and professional challenges to excel in her field. She leverages her expertise in computer science, mathematics, and assistive technology to break down digital barriers, and her journey highlights the importance of resilience, networking, and adaptability in the modern workforce. In this episode… Reclaiming professional ambitions and personal independence after a significant loss of vision is challenging, especially since it requires redefining one's career and purpose. For Joannah Harris, a data science professional and former high school teacher, this transformation was both challenging and empowering. In this episode, Joannah shares her inspiring story of resilience and career reinvention. She highlights the importance of mentorship and vocational coaching, which helped her navigate the job market and refine her skills. Joannah also discusses how her professional journey shifted from teaching to pursuing a master's degree in applied and computational mathematics, and ultimately embracing opportunities in digital accessibility. Joannah Harris, a dedicated advocate for accessibility and technology, reflects on her path to landing a fulfilling role in digital accessibility. She emphasizes how strategic networking, continuous learning, and the support of professional communities empowered her to overcome challenges and thrive in her new career.

    Navigating Career Transitions and Resilience in the Face of Vision Loss With Joannah Harris
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The Heard & Empowered podcast is where people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired find job inspiration, career opportunities, and a path to success. National Industries for the Blind knows that blindness is not a barrier to employment and career success. Listen now and unlock a world of opportunities with a podcast specifically tailored for people who are blind. Discover the untold stories, limitless career paths, and soul-stirring journeys of people across the United States who have charted their own career paths. Learn more at HeardAndEmpowered.org.

Information

  • Creator
    National Industries for the Blind
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 - National Industries for the Blind, All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Heard & Empowered