Navigating Life with Vision Loss

Aftersight
Aftersight
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Weekly

"Navigating Life with Vision Loss" is an Aftersight original podcast. In this seasonal format 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.

  1. 3d ago

    S4:E01 When Vision Changes, Where Do I Even Start?

    Episode Summary  When your vision begins to change, one of the hardest questions can be the simplest: Where do I even start? In the opening episode of a new season of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow sits down with Empish Thomas and Pris Rogers from the APH Connect Center to talk about what comes next when vision loss enters your life.  Empish and Pris walk through the resources available through the APH Connect Center, including VisionAware, CareerConnect, FamilyConnect, and its Getting Started Guide. They discuss practical first steps such as understanding your diagnosis, connecting with vision rehabilitation, finding peer support, learning adaptive technology, and discovering ways to continue doing everyday tasks independently.  The conversation also gets into something deeper: the assumptions people make about blindness. Empish shares her own experience of losing her vision, finding rehabilitation on her own, developing a circle of support, and learning to advocate for herself. Pris emphasizes the importance of family and friends offering support without taking over, allowing a person experiencing vision loss to regain confidence and independence.  The message throughout the episode is practical and hopeful. Vision loss changes things, but it does not mean life is over. You do not have to figure everything out at once. Find good information, connect with people who understand, learn what resources are available, and take the next step one piece at a time.  Contact Information & Resources  APH Connect Center aphconnectcenter.org  Resources discussed through the Connect Center include:   VisionAware  CareerConnect  FamilyConnect  APH Getting Started Guide Aftersight aftersight.org The episode also mentions Hadley, Be My Eyes, the American Council of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and vision rehabilitation services. The recording directs listeners specifically to APHConnectCenter.org and Aftersight.org. Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Host: Kim Wardlow Guests: Empish Thomas and Pris Rogers Producer: Jonathan Price Operational Company: Aftersight (00:14) - — A New Season: Where Do I Even Start? (01:30) - — Meet Empish Thomas and Pris Rogers (03:29) - — What Is the APH Connect Center? (05:25) - — What People Need When Vision Begins Changing (08:12) - — The Getting Started Guide (10:08) - — Finding Resources in Your State (11:39) - — Helping Without Taking Over (16:56) - — Adaptive Tools and Everyday Independence (20:53) - — Finding Peer Support (21:27) - — Resources for Every Stage of Life (25:19) - — What Vision Rehabilitation Actually Looks Like (27:47) - — The Biggest Misconceptions About Blindness (32:56) - — Building Support and Becoming Your Own Advocate (37:51) - — Take It One Step at a Time (40:14) - — Where to Find Help

  2. May 26

    Sports 315: The Rope Team That Makes Mountains Possible

    1) Episode Summary  In this final episode of the sports series, host Kim Wardlow is joined by Kelly Liggett from No Barriers and Christine Holmberg, Executive Director of Foresight Adventure Guides, for a conversation about coaching, mentorship, support systems, and the power of trying something new with the right people beside you.  Kelly and Christine explore how coaches, guides, mentors, friends, and organizations help people with vision loss move past fear, limiting beliefs, and the lie that “I can’t do this.” The conversation highlights the importance of patience, choice, trust, kindness, encouragement, and practical step-by-step support.  Christine shares stories from Foresight Adventure Guides, including a young skier who began the day frustrated and unsure but, through patient support, ended up thriving on the slopes. Kelly shares how No Barriers helps people break goals into manageable steps and build confidence through community, risk-taking, and meaningful support.  The episode also looks at the importance of representation, adaptive recreation, access to equipment, organizational collaboration, and the role of community in helping blind and low-vision individuals experience sports and outdoor recreation. The conversation closes with a preview of the upcoming collaborative fundraising hike in Winter Park with Aftersight, No Barriers, and Foresight Adventure Guides.  2) Contact Info  Guests / Organizations Kelly Liggett No Barriers Website: No Barriers  Christine Holmberg Executive Director, Foresight Adventure Guides Website: Foresight Adventure Guides  Aftersight Website: Aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org  Producer Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight  3) Show Credits  Host: Kim Wardlow Guests: Kelly Liggett and Christine Holmberg Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Series: Sports Series Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight  (00:15) - — Welcome and final sports series episode introduction (01:19) - — Coaching, mentorship, and support in sports (02:02) - — Christine on how coaches inspire confidence (03:54) - — Kelly on breaking big goals into small steps (04:53) - — Mentorship beyond formal coaching (07:07) - — A young skier’s breakthrough with Foresight (10:05) - — Limiting beliefs and the power of guided experience (12:48) - — What good coaching looks like (15:27) - — Choice, trust, and knowing when to adjust (18:47) - — Helping people try without forcing the experience (21:55) - — Learning, expectations, and not needing to be great right away (24:08) - — Rope teams, support systems, and calculated risk (27:07) - — How peers and friends encourage courage (30:01) - — Asking for help without shame (32:37) - — Why representation matters in adaptive sports (33:30) - — Eric Weihenmayer and expanding what feels possible (37:36) - — How organizations create access and opportunity (40:42) - — Community building beyond one-time experiences (43:04) - — Gaps in adaptive recreation and accessible sports (45:57) - — Why organizations should collaborate, not compete (47:16) - — Save the date: collaborative Winter Park fundraising hike (49:26) - — Christine’s closing thoughts (50:08) - — Kelly’s closing thoughts (50:56) - — Closing message from Kim

  3. May 19

    Sports 315: Feeling the Game with Erin Gaston of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment

    1) Episode Summary  In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow talks with Erin Gaston, Director of Guest Experience at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, about how technology and accessibility are changing the live sports experience for blind and low-vision fans.  Erin shares how her team supports guest experience across Ball Arena, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and the Paramount Theatre, including accessibility planning, guest relations, venue tours, sensory kits, assisted listening devices, captioning, and ongoing work toward digital wayfinding.  A major focus of the conversation is OneCourt, a tactile broadcast device available at Denver Nuggets games. The device connects to live game data and allows blind or low-vision fans to feel the movement of the ball on the court through vibration and tactile feedback. Erin explains how Kroenke Sports & Entertainment brought OneCourt to Denver, how guests can access it, and how the response has been overwhelmingly positive.  The conversation also highlights a bigger truth: accessibility is not just about compliance. It is about hospitality, dignity, and making sure more people can share in the joy, energy, and community of live sports.  2) Contact Info  Guest: Erin Gaston Director of Guest Experience Kroenke Sports & Entertainment  Venue Accessibility / Guest Relations: Website: ballarena.com Email: guestrelations@teamkse.com Phone: 303-405-8548  Aftersight: Website: aftersight.org Phone: 720-712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org  Producer: Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight  3) Show Credits  Navigating Life with Vision Loss is brought to you by Aftersight.  Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Erin Gaston Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight  (00:00) - — Welcome to Sports and Technology (00:40) - — Meet Erin Gaston (00:56) - — What Guest Experience Means at KSE (03:13) - — Why Accessibility Became a Bigger Focus (05:01) - — Introducing OneCourt (05:56) - — How OneCourt Works for Nuggets Fans (08:14) - — Promoting OneCourt to the Community (09:09) - — Guest Response to the Devices (10:57) - — Future Sports Possibilities for OneCourt (13:22) - — Other Accessibility Features at Ball Arena (15:20) - — Accessible Security and Entry (16:41) - — Requesting OneCourt Devices (17:00) - — Assisted Listening and Digital Wayfinding (18:53) - — Accessibility Across KSE Venues (20:32) - — Historic Venue Challenges at the Paramount Theatre (22:21) - — Encouragement for Hesitant Fans (24:26) - — Finding Help During an Event (25:26) - — How to Give Feedback (26:17) - — The Future of Accessibility at KSE Venues (27:36) - — Ball Arena Tours (28:41) - — Final Thoughts from Erin (29:13) - — Aftersight Walk and Hike Announcement

  4. May 12

    Sports 313: Beyond the Comfort Zone: Trust, Grit, and Adaptive Sports

    1) Episode Summary  In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow continues the sports series with Calli Roars and Terry Garrett for a conversation about adaptive recreation, guiding, trust, and what it takes to try new things safely.  Calli brings the guide and recreation-provider perspective, while Terry shares his lived experience as a blind athlete who has participated in goalball, wrestling, martial arts, triathlon, CrossFit, climbing, cycling, swimming, and endurance sports. Together, they talk about how most sports can be adapted, but the level of support, safety planning, communication, and trust will vary depending on the activity.  A major theme of the conversation is that trust is often the most important piece of adaptive equipment. Calli and Terry explain how that trust is built slowly through communication, practice, clear goals, and honest conversations when something is not working. They also discuss the difference between pushing past a comfort zone and ignoring safety, especially in activities like climbing, biking, and open-water swimming.  The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to take the first step, try again if a first experience did not go well, advocate for themselves, and look for community through recreation, sports, and local adaptive opportunities.  2) Contact Info  Guests: Calli Roars Terry Garrett  Organizations mentioned: Adaptive Adventures Foresight Adventure Guides No Barriers  Aftersight: Website: Aftersight.org Listener questions/comments: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856  Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast and Program Producer at Aftersight  3) Show Credits  Navigating Life with Vision Loss is brought to you by Aftersight.  Host: Kim Wardlow Guests: Calli Roars and Terry Garrett Producer: Jonathan Price Aftersight: Bringing Print to Life  (00:11) - — Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss (01:10) - — Introducing Calli Roars and Terry Garrett (01:28) - — Calli’s background in adaptive sports (02:01) - — Terry’s journey as a blind athlete (03:05) - — Favorite sports and finding endurance activities (04:17) - — How Calli and Terry met through Adaptive Adventures (05:46) - — Can almost any sport be adapted? (06:09) - — CrossFit, movement, and learning through adaptation (08:40) - — Independent training versus guide-supported activities (10:02) - — Balancing adventure with safety (13:39) - — Trust as the most important piece of adaptive equipment (16:09) - — What makes a good guide-athlete match (18:26) - — Learning through feedback, communication, and repetition (21:06) - — Why trying again matters after a difficult first experience (22:30) - — Terry’s swimming breakthrough (25:48) - — Knowing how hard to push (28:26) - — Honest conversations between guide and athlete (29:25) - — Biking, discomfort, and trust in real time (31:47) - — Safety, preparedness, and knowing when to change plans (34:02) - — Race-day community and showing up as a team (37:20) - — Final encouragement from Calli (38:03) - — Final encouragement from Terry (40:13) - — Aftersight hike opportunities and closing message

  5. May 5

    Sports 312: Climbing A Sports Legacy with Trevor Hahn

    1) Episode Summary  Kim Wardlow welcomes Trevor Hahn for a conversation about the legacy and future of blind sports, with a strong focus on climbing, snowboarding, independence, and adaptive outdoor adventure. Trevor shares how growing up low vision shaped his relationship with sports, how losing the rest of his sight forced him to rethink identity and freedom, and how climbing helped him find his way back into adventure.  The conversation moves through crack climbing in Moab, developing new climbing routes in South Dakota, learning from communities like Paradox Sports, and using communication systems and adaptive strategies to make climbing and snowboarding safer and more independent. Trevor also talks about the future he hopes to see: blind and low vision athletes being treated not as spectators or passengers, but as contributors, leaders, innovators, and full members of the outdoor community.  2) Contact Info  Guest: Trevor Hahn Contact information not provided in the transcript.  Organizations Mentioned: Paradox Sports Mountain Project Adaptive Climbers Festival  Aftersight: Website: aftersight.org General contact: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856  Producer: Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight jonathan@aftersight.org (720) 712-8856  3) Show Credits  Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Trevor Hahn Producer: Jonathan Price Presented by: Aftersight  (00:02) - — Welcome, YouTube reminder, and episode setup (01:15) - — Meet Trevor Hahn (02:12) - — Low vision, sports, and early barriers (04:42) - — Losing independence and finding a path back (07:03) - — Climbing in Moab (10:43) - — Developing new climbing routes in South Dakota (14:33) - — Sharing routes through Mountain Project (16:41) - — Independence, leadership, and adaptive climbing communities (17:19) - — Getting to the climb and finding allies (22:08) - — Starting with Paradox Sports and community climbing nights (24:26) - — Snowboarding adaptations and guide communication (31:37) - — Technology and independence for blind athletes (35:34) - — Future tech wish list and adaptive gear ideas (39:18) - — Finding adaptive climbing communities (44:29) - — The future of blind and low vision climbing (48:34) - — Final encouragement and next steps (50:34) - — Closing thoughts and thanks

  6. Apr 28

    Sports 311: Move Where You Are: Accessible Fitness with Jared Ciner

    1. Episode Summary  In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow welcomes Jared Ciner from Spirit Club for a grounded, encouraging conversation about accessible fitness, movement, and the importance of starting where you are. As part of Aftersight’s 16-week sports series, this conversation focuses less on becoming an elite athlete and more on the simple but powerful truth that every person can move in a way that supports their body, confidence, independence, and long-term health.  Jared explains Spirit Club’s mission to create fitness opportunities where people of all abilities feel comfortable, supported, and capable. He and Kim talk about the barriers many people face when beginning exercise, especially those who are blind or have low vision, including lack of confidence, fear of the gym, unclear instruction, transportation challenges, and the need for adaptive support.  A major theme of the episode is that movement should be functional, meaningful, and connected to real life. Jared shares practical examples of accessible fitness, such as using a chair to teach squats, tactile cues to guide stretching, and verbal descriptions that are clear without being overwhelming. He also explains why exercise is not just about muscles or weight loss, but about staying able to do the things that matter—getting out of a chair, playing with children or grandchildren, gardening, building friendships, staying mentally healthy, and remaining connected to community.  The conversation also highlights the emotional and social side of fitness. Jared talks about how sports, group classes, adapted workouts, and community-based programs can help people build confidence, find friendships, and discover joy in movement. He shares examples from Spirit Club, including trainers and athletes with disabilities who are leading, competing, teaching, and helping others see what is possible.  Kim closes the episode by encouraging listeners in the Denver metro area to consider joining Aftersight’s Cane’s Tales and Trails event at Cherry Creek State Park on May 30, in partnership with Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind. The episode ends with a simple but strong invitation: movement is broad, accessible, and worth trying.  2. Contact Info  Guest / Organization: Jared Ciner Spirit Club Website: spiritclub.com  Aftersight: Website: aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org  Event Mentioned: Cane’s Tales and Trails May 30 at Cherry Creek State Park Presented by Aftersight in partnership with Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind Registration and donation information: aftersight.org  Producer Contact: Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight jonathan@aftersight.org  3. Show Credits  Navigating Life with Vision Loss is brought to you by Aftersight.  Hosted by Kim Wardlow. Guest: Jared Ciner from Spirit Club. Produced by Jonathan Price.  Thank you for listening to Navigating Life with Vision Loss, helping you navigate your life with vision loss.  (00:02) - — Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss (01:32) - — What Spirit Club Is All About (02:19) - — Why Movement Matters (06:20) - — Movement, Sports, and Social Connection (06:47) - — Barriers to Getting Started (09:56) - — What Accessible Fitness Can Look Like (10:57) - — Physical Access, Clear Instruction, and Motivation (15:44) - — Tactile Cues and Chair-Based Movement (19:12) - — Form, Safety, and Real-Life Function (22:26) - — Standing Strength and Everyday Movement (24:19) - — Making Fitness Fun and Sustainable (27:20) - — Moving Beyond Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Labels (31:49) - — Local Clubs, Community Spaces, and Online Options (32:38) - — Why Community-Based Fitness Matters (37:28) - — From Recreation to Competitive Goals (38:30) - — Athletes and Trainers with Disabilities Leading the Way (41:39) - — Encouragement for Anyone Starting Over (44:49) - — How to Find Spirit Club (45:05) - — Cane’s Tales and Trails and Closing Encouragement

  7. Apr 21

    Sports 310: Women in Motion: Blindness, Courage, and the Fight to Belong in Sports

    1) Episode SummaryIn this powerful panel conversation, Kim Wardlow brings together Shawn Cheshire, Penn Street, and Christine Holmberg for an honest discussion about women in sports, blindness, access, fear, courage, and what it really takes to create opportunity. The episode starts with a clear challenge: blind women in sports should not be treated like a separate afterthought, but as athletes worthy of equal respect, visibility, and opportunity.  From there, the conversation digs into the real barriers—lack of inclusion in mainstream sports culture, limited development pathways, the cost of adaptive competition, and the ongoing struggle to find qualified guides and pilots who are treated like true teammates. The panel also explores how access begins young, why adaptive programs matter so much, and how blind kids need examples, mentors, and room to fail, grow, and discover what is possible.  What makes this episode especially strong is that it does not stay theoretical. Shawn shares hard-earned perspective from elite-level competition. Penn speaks with clarity about discrimination, courage, and the need to keep moving even when fear is still present. Christine brings practical insight from years of building opportunities through Foresight and helping blind youth experience skiing, summer camps, and outdoor adventure. By the end, the message is simple and compelling: stop asking whether blind people can do something and start asking what they want to do—and then help build the path.  2) Contact Info Guests / Organizations Shawn Cheshire — Paralympian, extreme endurance athlete, and co-founder of Choosing to See Penn Street — Host of The Blind Chick and Aftersight personality Christine Holmberg — Executive Director, Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind Organizations / Events Mentioned Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind — summer youth camps in Vail Valley, June 22–24 and July 13–15 Aftersight + Foresight fundraiser walk — May 30 at Cherry Creek Reservoir Aftersight annual hike with No Barriers USA — September 12 at Winter Park  Aftersight Contact feedback@aftersight.org (720) 712-8856 Producer Credits Produced by Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight 3) Show CreditsShow: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Host: Kim Wardlow Guests: Shawn Cheshire, Penn Street, Christine Holmberg Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight

  8. Apr 14

    Sports 309: Track and Field with Lex Gillette

    1) Episode Summary In this episode, Kim Wardlow welcomes Paralympian Lex Gillette for a clear and highly practical conversation on how track and field works for blind and low-vision athletes. They break down the difference between track and field events, explain T11, T12, and T13 classifications, and walk listeners through the real mechanics of accessibility in the sport: blindfold rules, guide runners, tethers, verbal cueing, and the trust it takes to compete at a high level. The conversation also gives a vivid picture of what it feels like to be in the blocks, on the runway, and in motion, while reinforcing a bigger message that movement, competition, and courage are not off-limits because of vision loss.  2) Contact Info Guest / Featured Voice: Lex Gillette — Team USA Paralympic athlete and long jumper.  Aftersight feedback / questions: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856  Producer: Jonathan Price Host: Kim Wardlow  3) Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Lex Gillette Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight

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About

"Navigating Life with Vision Loss" is an Aftersight original podcast. In this seasonal format 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.

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