Navigating Life with Vision Loss

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. 1D AGO

    Sports 101: Beep Baseball Basics — How Beatball Works, Why It Matters, and How to Get Involved

    Episode Summary  Navigating Life with Vision Loss launches a new sports series—covering everything from beginner-friendly fitness routines to extreme sports—and kicks things off with beep baseball (often called “beepball”), an adaptive version of baseball designed for blind and low-vision athletes.  Guest Ethan Johnston shares his background (growing up as the only blind kid in a small Missouri town, originally from Ethiopia) and explains how sports and music became “therapy” for him. He walks listeners through how beep baseball works—key rule differences from traditional baseball, defensive positioning, the role of a sighted pitcher and spotters, why everyone wears blindfolds for fairness, and how outs/runs are determined.  The conversation also explores confidence-building for new players, practice drills, the physical intensity of the sport, travel and camaraderie, the season schedule (including tournaments and the “World Series” style championship), equipment costs, and concrete first steps for getting involved—either as a player or as a sighted volunteer (pitcher/spotter).  Contact Info  Getting involved (as shared in the episode):  Team listings + schedule: NBBA.org (as referenced in the conversation)To watch games: search YouTube/Facebook Live for “beep baseball” + your nearest team name (examples mentioned: “Gateway Archers”)Aftersight (show network): Email: feedback@aftersight.orgPhone: (720) 712-8856Producer credit: Produced by Jonathan Price (Aftersight)Show Credits Podcast: Navigating Life with Vision Loss (Aftersight Original)Host: Kim WardlowGuest: Ethan JohnstonProducer: Jonathan PriceChapter Markers 00:00 — Welcome + sports series kickoff02:23 — Ethan’s background + how he found beep baseball in Colorado04:48 — How the game works: two bases, zones, defense setup07:15 — Pitcher/batter on same team + strikes/innings + mercy-rule talk09:40 — Safety + beeping ball + why you don’t “throw to first”12:02 — Blindfolds + spotters + communication and lane integrity14:14 — How an out is made + close calls + volunteer officiating16:35 — Home run rules + highlight plays + rare catches/double plays19:00 — Building confidence for new players + running to the correct base21:20 — Practice drills + timing + why hitting in the air matters23:20 — Season timeline + training/conditioning routines25:45 — Travel, fundraising, and team camaraderie27:47 — Youth participation + age realities + lack of “minor league”30:12 — Equipment costs + durability (balls/bases)32:38 — How to join: NBBA.org + joining a nearby team even out-of-state34:48 — Longevity in the sport + older players still producing36:22 — Favorite positions + hardest skill (don’t listen to the ball)38:44 — Veteran mindset + unforgettable moments40:52 — How to attend/watch games + final thoughts43:09 — Aftersight show plug + closing remarks (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

    45 min
  2. S215: Your Safety Questions Answered

    12/09/2025

    S215: Your Safety Questions Answered

    Episode Summary In this wrap-up of the Safety Series, Kim Wardlow and a fellow Aftersight host answer listener questions about real-life safety challenges. Listeners share concerns about traveling alone, involving neighbors in a safety network, feeling secure in public spaces, avoiding online scams, and improving home safety on a budget. Kim and her guest offer practical, honest advice—emphasizing that independence looks different for everyone, small steps matter, and safety includes both tools and community. The episode closes with a reminder to support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day and to explore Aftersight’s other podcasts for more resources and encouragement. Contact Info Aftersight / Navigating Life with Vision Loss Website: https://www.aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day: https://www.coloradogives.org → Search Aftersight Other Aftersight Podcasts The Blind Chick Blindsight Blind Level Tech Code Orange Producer Credits Produced by Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight. Audio editing and production coordination also by Jonathan Price. Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guest Co-Host: Aftersight podcast host Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight Originals Chapter Markers 00:00 – Intro and purpose of the episode 00:25 – Safety Series recap 01:10 – Colorado Gives Day announcement 02:20 – Listener concerns about traveling alone 04:45 – Understanding independence and personal limits 08:15 – Building a supportive safety network 12:00 – How to connect with neighbors 14:15 – Safety while traveling with a cane 16:00 – Tools, instincts, and situational awareness 20:30 – Online scams and digital safety 24:30 – How to verify legitimacy and report fraud 28:40 – Budget-friendly home safety ideas 34:00 – Smart lights, clear paths, and tactile access 38:00 – Importance of safety in everyday life 39:15 – Aftersight podcast recommendations 40:10 – Closing message and encouragement

    42 min
  3. S214: Building Your Safety Network with joe Strechay

    12/02/2025

    S214: Building Your Safety Network with joe Strechay

    1) Episode Summary In this final episode of the safety series, Kim Wardlow explores how to build a strong personal safety network with guest Joe Strechay. Joe explains that a safety network is more than an emergency contact—it’s a mix of trusted people who support day-to-day needs like transportation, home tasks, childcare, employment, and technology. Joe shares how his network evolved through college, cross-country moves, and international film work, emphasizing that each season of life requires different kinds of support. He highlights the importance of reciprocity, clear communication, and knowing when to let someone go if a relationship isn’t dependable. The discussion also covers practical tools like Be My Eyes, Aira, Seeing AI, and accessible travel apps, showing how technology can fill gaps when people aren’t available. Kim and Joe also point to community groups, neighbors, and even realtors as overlooked but valuable connectors. They close by encouraging listeners to step outside their comfort zone, build relationships intentionally, and stay engaged in community—because a strong safety network grows from showing up and supporting others. 2) Contact Info Guest – Joe Strechay Websites: stretcha.org, stretchaconsulting.org, stretcha.net Social: LinkedIn (Joe Strechay), Instagram (Joe Strechay / J Strechay), X/Twitter (Joe Strechay), Facebook (Joe Strechay) Aftersight Learn more at Aftersight.org Production Produced by Jonathan Price 3) Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Joe Strechay Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss — an Aftersight Original Podcast Producer: Jonathan Price Presented by Aftersight 4) Chapter Markers 00:01 – Wrapping up the safety series 02:18 – What a safety network really is 04:36 – College, vision loss, and early safety networks 06:56 – Keeping support relationships reciprocal 09:23 – Neighbors, hired drivers, and rural safety planning 15:55 – Rebuilding your network after a move 19:27 – Getting lost in Budapest 25:57 – When someone doesn’t belong in your network 27:30 – Tech tools that support your safety network 31:40 – Realtors and local pros as trusted connectors 33:31 – Backup plans and offline prep 35:35 – Get comfortable being uncomfortable 37:11 – Aftersight show roundup

    39 min
  4. S213: Safe to Be You: Parenting, Caregiving, and Blindness with Bethany Joy Boring

    11/25/2025

    S213: Safe to Be You: Parenting, Caregiving, and Blindness with Bethany Joy Boring

    1) Episode Summary Host Kim Wardlow continues the Navigating Life with Vision Loss safety series by exploring what “safety” really means in parenting and caregiving—far beyond outlet covers and baby gates. Guest Bethany Joy Boring, a blind single mom, speaker, author, and mental health coach, shares candid stories about raising three boys while navigating progressive vision loss and hearing loss. Together, Kim and Bethany unpack the balance between protecting kids and letting them grow, how blindness can actually deepen trust and connection within a family, and the emotional side of handing over the car keys—whether you’re a parent losing vision or an older adult facing new limitations. Bethany offers practical ideas for building emotional safety at home (“Do I see you? Do I hear you?”), communicating limits without shame, using technology (yes, including AI and AirTags) as a safety tool, and handling “safety oops” moments—like mistaking the cat’s paw for a ping-pong ball or the microwave crash that became a family legend. The conversation then shifts to caring for older adults who are losing vision, including radical acceptance, grief, and how to avoid turning safety into control. Bethany emphasizes creating a truly safe space for hard conversations, so both caregiver and loved one feel heard, valued, and part of the decisions being made. She closes with a powerful reminder: surviving is good, but thriving is different. Thriving is about what God is doing in and through your life so that others look at you and wonder, “What do they have that I don’t?” Kim wraps up with gratitude for listeners, a reminder about Colorado Gives Day, and a preview of next week’s episode on building your safety network. 2) Contact Info Guest – Bethany Joy Boring • Website: https://stepoutandthrive.com • Link hub: https://bethanybjoy.com Aftersight / Navigating Life with Vision Loss • Website: https://aftersight.org • Be a guest or share feedback: jonathan@aftersight.org • Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer Contact Jonathan Price Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Email: jonathan@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 3) Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss — an Aftersight Original Podcast Episode: Parenting, Caregiving, and Safety Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Bethany Joy Boring (speaker, mental health coach, author) Producer: Jonathan Price Production Support: The Aftersight Team Organization: Aftersight, a nonprofit serving the blind and low-vision community 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome, safety series overview, Colorado Gives Day, and introducing Bethany Joy Boring 02:22 – What “safety” really means: physical, emotional, logistical, and relational 04:37 – Blind mom ping-pong story and the accidental cat-claw grab 06:59 – “Did all three of them come from you?”: confronting judgment about blind parenting 09:27 – Raising kids who see people, not labels: conference stories and normalizing disability 11:50 – Blindness, single parenting, and modeling resilience through hard conversations 14:15 – Keys, cars, and independence: teaching a teen to drive while losing vision 16:40 – Being honest with kids about limits, code words, and joking about spiders 19:02 – The escape artist cat, AirTags, and using tech creatively for safety 21:27 – When partners or helpers “over-help”: advocating for independence with grace 23:51 – Supporting older adults losing vision: radical acceptance and shared reality 26:05 – You can’t change what you can’t name: making space for hard truths on both sides 28:30 – Aging, expectations, and not wanting to be a burden: listening before “fixing” 30:56 – Curiosity over assumptions: slowing down and creating a safe atmosphere for change 33:16 – “You protect what you value”: what Bethany’s kids have taught her about safety and worth ...

    45 min
  5. S212: Um... You Forgot Your Passport: Traveling safely with Sue Slater

    11/18/2025

    S212: Um... You Forgot Your Passport: Traveling safely with Sue Slater

    Episode Summary This episode explores the essentials of safe and confident solo travel for individuals who are blind or living with low vision. Host Kim Wardlow welcomes back seasoned traveler and travel advisor Sue Slater, who brings more than 40 years of firsthand experience traveling independently around the world. Kim and Sue break down domestic and international travel safety, including airport navigation, researching safe neighborhoods, using rideshare responsibly, preparing for currency differences, avoiding scams and pickpockets, and keeping your passport, cards, and devices secure. Sue also highlights essential apps—including Aira, Be My Eyes, Google Translate, CityMapper, Ally, and XE Currency—and walks through realistic scenarios, from navigating New Orleans solo to handling unexpected passport emergencies abroad. Listeners will learn how to plan ahead, assess risks, stay connected with loved ones during travel, travel with a guide dog, and build confidence through preparation. Sue closes with actionable guidance: research everything, book ahead, use vetted companies, and travel on your own terms—because “the world is your oyster” when you’re prepared. Contact Info Guest – Sue Slater • Email: cruzaway2001@yahoo.com • Phone: 314-541-8400 • Additional resource: Rising Star Kulach (inclusive travel organization; contact Sue for details) Aftersight (Feedback & Questions) • Email: feedback@aftersight.org • Phone: 720-712-8856 Produced by Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Sue Slater Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro & episode overview 01:20 — Meet Sue Slater 03:10 — Domestic solo travel basics 06:45 — Airport navigation & accessible tools 09:05 — Researching hotels and neighborhood safety 11:30 — Using Lyft/Uber safely when traveling alone 13:30 — International travel: currency & language prep 16:00 — Phone access, SIM cards & connectivity challenges 18:45 — Booking tours and transportation in advance 21:10 — Travel insurance essentials 23:00 — Protecting passports, cards & preventing theft 27:00 — Sue’s solo travel stories: New Orleans 29:30 — Sue’s solo travel stories: Dubai 31:20 — Emergencies abroad & contacting the embassy 33:00 — Staying connected with loved ones 35:00 — Traveling with a guide dog internationally 37:00 — Best apps for blind and low-vision travelers 40:15 — Final advice for new solo travelers 42:20 — How to contact Sue & inclusive travel groups 43:20 — Outro & listener questions

    45 min
  6. S211: Love, Trust, and Turkey: Relationship Safety Without the Side-Dish Drama

    11/11/2025

    S211: Love, Trust, and Turkey: Relationship Safety Without the Side-Dish Drama

    Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the Safety Series by exploring how emotional, physical, and spiritual safety impact relationships. Joined by Bill Lundgren, host of Blindsight and longtime mental health advocate, the discussion dives deep into what it means to make wise relationship choices—from family and workplace connections to romantic and community relationships. Listeners will learn how to: Identify the difference between safe and unsafe relationships. Recognize subtle signs of emotional or spiritual harm. Build boundaries rooted in self-respect and self-love. Cultivate supportive mentors and healthy allies. Balance independence with interdependence in romantic and social contexts. Bill also leads a reflective exercise on embracing yourself and trusting your instincts, reminding listeners that self-love is the first form of safety. The episode closes with encouragement to build a “circle of light”—a community of people who see, support, and respect you for who you are. Contact Info For questions or comments, email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Website: www.aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight jonathan@aftersight.org Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Bill Lundgren Producer: Jonathan Price Navigating Life with Vision Loss is an Aftersight Original Podcast, created to inform, empower, and connect the blind and low vision community. Chapter Markers 00:00 — Welcome and Series Recap 02:17 — Defining Safety in Relationships 05:27 — The Importance of Self-Love 07:13 — Trusting Instincts and Inner Wisdom 08:23 — Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety 12:50 — Family and Sibling Dynamics 17:14 — Finding Safe Support Beyond Family 19:32 — Safety and Mentorship in the Workplace 26:15 — Building Trust and Setting Boundaries 28:34 — Safety in Romantic Relationships 33:47 — Maintaining Independence and Balance 36:08 — Respect and Equality in Relationships 40:40 — Family Rules and Couples Communication 43:34 — Healthy Communication and Growth 48:16 — Closing Thoughts and Colorado Gives Day Message

    50 min
  7. S210: Staying Safe and Confident in Healthcare Settings

    11/04/2025

    S210: Staying Safe and Confident in Healthcare Settings

    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow welcomes Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer at AccessiBe, National Ambassador for the National Federation of the Blind’s Braille Literacy Campaign, and author of Thunder Dog and Live Like a Guide Dog. The conversation explores safety and self-advocacy in healthcare settings for people who are blind or have low vision. Michael shares personal stories, including a recent hospital experience that highlights gaps in staff understanding of blindness, and offers strategies for educating providers, asserting one’s needs, and ensuring safety in medical environments. He emphasizes the importance of confidence, self-advocacy, and continuous education—both for blind individuals and for medical professionals. Michael also discusses accessible technology in healthcare, from Kaiser Permanente’s app and medication labeling systems to tools like Envision labels and Braille organization strategies. He stresses that blindness itself is not the problem—societal attitudes and lack of awareness are. The episode closes with practical advice: ask questions, advocate for confidentiality, and remember that learning blindness skills through organizations like the Colorado Center for the Blind and NFB can empower independence and safety. Contact Info Guest: Michael Hingson Chief Vision Officer, AccessiBe Email: speaker@michaelhingson.com Website: www.michaelhingson.com Books: Thunder Dog, Live Like a Guide Dog, Running with Roselle Aftersight Contact: Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Website: www.aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Michael Hingson Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro: Navigating Life with Vision Loss 00:25 — Meet Guest Michael Hingson 02:53 — Understanding Barriers in Healthcare Settings 07:30 — Advocating for Yourself in Medical Situations 09:53 — Dealing with Misunderstanding and Bias 11:57 — The Art of Self-Advocacy Without Conflict 13:32 — Communicating with New Providers 15:54 — Knowing and Defending Your Rights 19:06 — Accessible Health Tech and Kaiser Permanente 21:31 — Labeling Medication and Accessibility Tools 23:24 — Adapting to Vision Loss Later in Life 26:38 — Blindness as Perception, Not Limitation 28:50 — Changing Medical Education on Disability Awareness 31:15 — The Importance of Inclusion and Communication 31:32 — Final Advice: Confidence, Questions, and Community 33:19 — Closing and Resources

    36 min
  8. S209: Safety in Dating with Anneliese Knop and Laura Millar

    10/28/2025

    S209: Safety in Dating with Anneliese Knop and Laura Millar

    Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Annaliese Knop, mental health professional, and Laura Millar, public health expert—co-founders of the Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)—for a deep, empowering discussion about safe online dating, boundaries, consent, and healthy connections in the blind and low-vision community. They unpack the “Be Nice and Educate” mindset often taught to blind individuals, showing how it can unintentionally suppress autonomy. Annaliese and Laura explain the FRIES model of consent (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific) and offer concrete tools to identify red flags, build confidence in saying “no,” and create emotionally and physically safe dating experiences. The episode also explores reactive independence vs. interdependence, how internalized ableism can affect relationships, and how to reframe blindness as strength rather than limitation. Through humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, this conversation encourages listeners to embrace joy, agency, and dignity in dating—online and offline. Contact Info Guests & Organization Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN) Website & Facebook: Search “Blind Sexuality Access Network” Aftersight Contact 📞 (720) 712-8856 ✉️ feedback@aftersight.org 🌐 aftersight.org Producer Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guests: Annaliese Knop & Laura Millar Production: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 — Introduction 00:26 — Safe Online Dating Overview 01:00 — Origins of the Blind Sexuality Access Network 02:45 — Combining Sex Positivity and Blind Positivity 05:00 — Personal Journeys and Motivation 07:35 — The “Be Nice and Educate” Problem 10:00 — Trauma, Boundaries, and Consent Culture 12:15 — The 5C Framework for Responding to Harm 14:40 — The FRIES Model of Consent 17:05 — Empowerment in Online Dating 19:27 — Learning to Say “No” with Support 21:50 — Red and Green Flags in Online Profiles 26:14 — Trusting Gut Feelings (Interoception) 28:39 — Disclosure and Internalized Ableism 31:02 — First Date Safety Strategies 35:19 — Communicating Access Needs 37:39 — Independence vs. Interdependence 41:53 — Reactive Independence and Toxic Perfectionism 43:53 — Closing Advice and BSAN Invitation

    47 min
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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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