Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast limitlessbb

Sometimes the best of intentions can backfire, especially when it comes to inclusivity and accessibility. This week Shawn welcomes disability advocate Amy Amantea to the show to discuss the notion of ‘performative allyship’ and ‘nothing about us without us’ when it comes to planning events designed for the disability community and share their own personal experiences of feeling excluded and frustrated during these events. They emphasize the need for more inclusive and accessible events and spaces while highlighting the value of connecting with the community and sharing both positive and negative experiences.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

In this episode, Shawn is joined by Limitless Producer Rob Mineault for a discussion into some of the basic etiquette techniques when interacting with someone who is blind or partially sighted. From how to approach someone and start a conversation to how to properly assist with “sighted guide”, the two cover some of the basics for those who may have never interacted with someone who is blind or partially sighted before.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Youth who are leaving home for the first time to attend post secondary school find themselves in many new situations which can be challenging to navigate, not the least of which are social situations such as parties or other crowded events. In this episode, Shawn and Keisha welcome first year University student Acacia to the podcast to discuss strategies for ensuring safety and independence in various social situations as a youth who is blind or partially sighted.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Blind or partially sighted individuals can sometimes feel excluded or experience a lack of belonging, whether it comes as a result of social situations with family or friends or larger, more generalized societal attitudes. In this episode Shawn welcomes Dougie, Keisha, and Clement back to the show where they discuss their own experiences of feeling excluded and struggling to find belonging and how lack of accessibility, societal attitudes and misconceptions can lead to feelings of isolation and marginalization. They share their personal experiences of navigating high school, finding supportive friends, and embracing their authentic selves to find their own sense of belonging. 
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

For some individuals, sometimes not disclosing partial sight or blindness or not asking for help when it may be needed can be tempting. This week Shawn invites podcast regulars Ishita and Acacia back to the show to have an open and honest discussion about how they sometimes “mask their blindness”, some of the situations where they do it and explore the reasons why it can be tempting to do.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

For many youth, Summer Camp experiences are transformative and impactful in a multitude of different ways. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Clement, Alethea, and Nolan to discuss their past Camp experiences and favorite memories in order to highlight the importance that programs like this can have on youth who are blind or partially sighted.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.