Heard & Empowered

National Industries for the Blind

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. 2d ago

    Thriving With Rare Disease and Flair With Cassandra Mendez and Casey Greer

    Cassandra Mendez is a Senior Accessibility Specialist at JPMorgan Chase, where she works to create accessible digital experiences for customers with disabilities. She is the Co-host of the Rare with Flair podcast, where she and Casey Greer discuss disability, accessibility, and life with rare disease. As someone with low vision and Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome, Cassandra brings her lived experience and accessibility background to her work and advocacy. Casey Greer is the Virtual Program Coordinator for the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) and does social media marketing for the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network. She is the Co-host of the Rare with Flair podcast, where she shares stories and conversations about disability, rare disease, and visual impairment. As someone with low vision and Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome, Casey draws on her experiences to normalize disability and support others in the community. In this episode… Living with a rare disease means discovering new ways to tackle everyday challenges, advocating for yourself, and finding what helps you thrive. Along the way, these experiences can bring new perspectives, stronger relationships, and a deeper sense of self-acceptance. How can people turn those challenges into opportunities for growth?  Cassandra Mendez and Casey Greer believe that thriving with a disability comes from finding the right tools, building independence, and building a strong support system. As disability advocates and accessibility professionals, they share how adaptability, self-advocacy, and community have helped them navigate life with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome and low vision. Cassandra highlights the importance of being flexible and resourceful, while Casey emphasizes embracing accessibility tools and stepping outside your comfort zone. Together, they show how lived experience can become a powerful source of strength, connection, and hope.  In this episode of Heard & Empowered, Dean Thompson chats with Cassandra Mendez and Casey Greer, Co-hosts of the Rare with Flair podcast, about thriving with rare disease, disability, and vision loss. Cassandra and Casey talk about adapting to challenges, building resilience, and creating community through shared experiences. They also share advice on self-advocacy, game-changing accessibility tools, and embracing independence.

    Thriving With Rare Disease and Flair With Cassandra Mendez and Casey Greer

  2. Sep 24

    Creating Art Beyond Sight: Adapting to Vision Loss With Paul Castle

    Paul Castle is the Owner of Paul Castle Studio, where he creates whimsical artwork and children's books shaped by his perspective as a blind artist. An author, illustrator, content creator, and disability advocate, he uses adaptive tools to keep creating after losing more than 90% of his vision to retinitis pigmentosa. Paul also co-creates the Matthew and Paul YouTube channel, which has grown to more than 1.5 million subscribers and 1.2 billion views, expanding his storytelling and advocacy to a global audience. In this episode… Creativity often changes when life does. For artists experiencing vision loss, that can mean finding new ways to work, express ideas, and stay connected to what matters. What does it take to keep creating as vision changes? For blind artist and children's book author Paul Castle, the answer is adaptation, curiosity, and a willingness to keep experimenting. As his vision declined from retinitis pigmentosa, he adjusted his painting process, embraced digital illustration tools that offered brightness and zoom, and learned that accessibility can expand rather than limit creative possibilities. Paul also stresses the importance of community, mobility training, and reaching out to organizations that support people with vision loss, showing that independence often grows from using the resources already available. His experience offers a practical reminder that creativity is less about a specific method and more about finding a process that continues to work for you. In this episode of Heard & Empowered, Dean Thompson talks with Paul Castle, Owner of Paul Castle Studio, about creating art while adapting to progressive vision loss. Paul shares how he reshaped his creative process, used technology to stay independent, and built a career around art and storytelling. He also discusses community, accessible resources, and the value of continuing to create at any level of vision.

    Creating Art Beyond Sight: Adapting to Vision Loss With Paul Castle

  3. Sep 10

    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

  4. Aug 27

    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

  5. Aug 6

    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.

  6. Jul 30

    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

  7. Jul 9

    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

  8. Jun 5

    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
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About

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
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 - National Industries for the Blind, All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Heard & Empowered

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