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. 6D AGO

    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 (01:00) - — Meet Erin Gaston (01:16) - — What Guest Experience Means at KSE (03:33) - — Why Accessibility Became a Bigger Focus (05:21) - — Introducing OneCourt (06:16) - — How OneCourt Works for Nuggets Fans (08:34) - — Promoting OneCourt to the Community (09:29) - — Guest Response to the Devices (11:17) - — Future Sports Possibilities for OneCourt (13:42) - — Other Accessibility Features at Ball Arena (15:40) - — Accessible Security and Entry (17:01) - — Requesting OneCourt Devices (17:20) - — Assisted Listening and Digital Wayfinding (19:13) - — Accessibility Across KSE Venues (20:52) - — Historic Venue Challenges at the Paramount Theatre (22:41) - — Encouragement for Hesitant Fans (24:46) - — Finding Help During an Event (25:46) - — How to Give Feedback (26:37) - — The Future of Accessibility at KSE Venues (27:56) - — Ball Arena Tours (29:01) - — Final Thoughts from Erin (29:33) - — Aftersight Walk and Hike Announcement

    31 min

  2. 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 (01:30) - — Introducing Calli Roars and Terry Garrett (01:48) - — Calli’s background in adaptive sports (02:21) - — Terry’s journey as a blind athlete (03:25) - — Favorite sports and finding endurance activities (04:37) - — How Calli and Terry met through Adaptive Adventures (06:06) - — Can almost any sport be adapted? (06:29) - — CrossFit, movement, and learning through adaptation (09:00) - — Independent training versus guide-supported activities (10:22) - — Balancing adventure with safety (13:59) - — Trust as the most important piece of adaptive equipment (16:29) - — What makes a good guide-athlete match (18:46) - — Learning through feedback, communication, and repetition (21:26) - — Why trying again matters after a difficult first experience (22:50) - — Terry’s swimming breakthrough (26:08) - — Knowing how hard to push (28:46) - — Honest conversations between guide and athlete (29:45) - — Biking, discomfort, and trust in real time (32:07) - — Safety, preparedness, and knowing when to change plans (34:22) - — Race-day community and showing up as a team (37:40) - — Final encouragement from Calli (38:23) - — Final encouragement from Terry (40:33) - — Aftersight hike opportunities and closing message

    43 min

  3. 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 (01:35) - — Meet Trevor Hahn (02:32) - — Low vision, sports, and early barriers (05:02) - — Losing independence and finding a path back (07:23) - — Climbing in Moab (11:03) - — Developing new climbing routes in South Dakota (14:53) - — Sharing routes through Mountain Project (17:01) - — Independence, leadership, and adaptive climbing communities (17:39) - — Getting to the climb and finding allies (22:28) - — Starting with Paradox Sports and community climbing nights (24:46) - — Snowboarding adaptations and guide communication (31:57) - — Technology and independence for blind athletes (35:54) - — Future tech wish list and adaptive gear ideas (39:38) - — Finding adaptive climbing communities (44:49) - — The future of blind and low vision climbing (48:54) - — Final encouragement and next steps (50:54) - — Closing thoughts and thanks

    53 min

  4. 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 (01:52) - — What Spirit Club Is All About (02:39) - — Why Movement Matters (06:40) - — Movement, Sports, and Social Connection (07:07) - — Barriers to Getting Started (10:16) - — What Accessible Fitness Can Look Like (11:17) - — Physical Access, Clear Instruction, and Motivation (16:04) - — Tactile Cues and Chair-Based Movement (19:32) - — Form, Safety, and Real-Life Function (22:46) - — Standing Strength and Everyday Movement (24:39) - — Making Fitness Fun and Sustainable (27:40) - — Moving Beyond Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Labels (32:09) - — Local Clubs, Community Spaces, and Online Options (32:58) - — Why Community-Based Fitness Matters (37:48) - — From Recreation to Competitive Goals (38:50) - — Athletes and Trainers with Disabilities Leading the Way (41:59) - — Encouragement for Anyone Starting Over (45:09) - — How to Find Spirit Club (45:25) - — Cane’s Tales and Trails and Closing Encouragement

    48 min

  5. 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

    1h 13m

  6. 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

    48 min

  7. APR 7

    Sports 308: Who Says You Can't Ski When You're Blind?

    Episode Summary Kim Wardlow sits down with Christine Holmberg, Executive Director of Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind, for a conversation about skiing, confidence, freedom, and what becomes possible when blind and low-vision individuals are given the right support on the mountain. Christine shares how Foresight grew from a ski-specific program into a broader adventure organization, while still staying deeply committed to guided skiing and snowboarding at Vail and Beaver Creek.  The episode walks through how Foresight’s programs work for both adults and youth, including guided ski days, youth learn-to-ski trips, and the structure of having both a guide and a shadow on the mountain. Christine explains how trust is built, how guides communicate with skiers, and why the experience is often transformational for people who thought vision loss meant the end of activities they once loved.  The conversation also highlights the broader impact of adaptive recreation. From kids building confidence through skiing to adults reclaiming pieces of life they thought were gone, this episode is full of practical information and real hope. Christine also shares details about other adaptive ski programs in Colorado, the affordability of Foresight’s services, and the upcoming AfterSight and Foresight fundraising walk at Cherry Creek State Park on May 30.  Contact Info Guest / Organization Christine Holmberg Executive Director, Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind Website: foresightskiguides.org Alternate Website: foresightadventureguidesfortheblind.org Phone: 303-506-3859 Email: Christine@ForesightSkiGuides.org  Aftersight Aftersight Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Producer Credits Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Christine Holmberg Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight (00:00) - — Welcome to the sports series and guest introduction (01:52) - — How Foresight began and why the organization expanded (05:58) - — How guided skiing works at Vail and Beaver Creek (09:17) - — Youth programs, school partnerships, and future skiers (11:29) - — Guide and shadow roles on the mountain (13:28) - — Headsets, verbal cues, and safety communication (15:13) - — Fear, confidence, and skiing after vision loss (19:39) - — Building trust and assessing a skier’s ability (21:15) - — Freedom, speed, and the confidence skiing can build (25:27) - — Other adaptive ski programs across Colorado (28:31) - — Cost, affordability, and financial assistance options (30:50) - — Travel access for out-of-state skiers (33:15) - — Family ski trips, long-term growth, and Paralympic dreams (35:17) - — AfterSight and Foresight’s May 30 fundraising walk (38:37) - — How to contact Foresight (39:34) - — Closing encouragement and series wrap-up

    40 min

  8. MAR 31

    Sports 307: Loving Yourself Through Healthy Eating and Balanced Lifestyle

    1) Episode Summary  In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow sits down with Mindy Keene for a grounded and encouraging conversation about health, wellness, and the small choices that build a stronger foundation for life. Rather than focusing only on sports performance, this episode pulls back and looks at the bigger picture: sleep, hydration, movement, nutrition, stress, self-talk, and the mental side of lasting change.  Mindy shares her personal turning point after learning her lung function had dropped significantly, and how that moment forced her to take her health more seriously. She talks honestly about cutting back on sugar, learning to read labels, shifting her meals toward protein and vegetables, and starting with simple movement like walking. She also opens up about the emotional side of the journey, including stress, crying as release, using music to reset, and learning not to punish herself for being human.  The conversation also touches on practical barriers that can come with vision loss, from navigating gym spaces to advocating for oneself with doctors. Throughout the episode, the heart of the message stays the same: start small, be realistic, love yourself, and build one healthy choice at a time. It is a warm, practical episode that reminds listeners that progress does not require perfection, only consistency and grace.  2) Contact Info  Guest: Mindy Keene Guest / Organization Contact: Not provided in the transcript.  Aftersight Website: Aftersight Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856  Producer Credits: Host: Kim Wardlow Producer: Jonathan Price  3) Show Credits  Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Mindy Keene Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight  (00:00) - Chapter 1 (00:20) - — Welcome to the sports series and why wellness comes first (01:30) - — Important note: this episode is encouragement, not medical advice (02:08) - — What wellness means right now (02:47) - — Mindy’s wake-up call: lung function, the scale, and needing change (04:59) - — First steps: cutting sugar, moving more, and reading labels (07:25) - — Sleep, white noise, boring books, and learning to rest (09:10) - — When the mind will not slow down: music as therapy (10:41) - — Healthy movement starts with walking (11:46) - — Motivation on tired days and using hype music to get moving (13:29) - — Food changes, loving yourself, and realistic goals (14:40) - — Grocery shopping, label reading, and learning cleaner options (16:46) - — Making healthier meals practical for the whole family (18:15) - — Avoiding “junk” ingredients and keeping food simple (19:24) - — Stress, overwhelm, and letting emotions out in healthy ways (22:42) - — Vision loss barriers, gym anxiety, and self-advocacy with doctors (25:51) - — Support systems, social media, and learning from others (29:52) - — Mindset, cravings, and giving yourself grace (30:47) - — Water, motivation, and measuring progress without shame (34:27) - — Where to start: drink more water and make one small change (37:03) - — The biggest takeaway: love yourself and build small goals (38:45) - — Audio darts, marriage, and discovering new confidence (40:05) - — Final encouragement and Kim’s closing challenge to listeners

    42 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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