Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast

In this episode of the Limitless Podcast, Shawn welcomes Kaia, Rob and Jill to the podcast to explore how mainstream AI is being integrated into technology and affecting life for the blind and partially sighted community. Kaia, a Grade 11 student with low vision, shares how she uses powerful AI tools like Seeing AI, Grammarly, ChatGPT, and a host of other apps to make school and daily life more accessible. Jill, on the other hand, gives us a firsthand look at her experience using Meta AI glasses—cutting-edge technology that offers hands-free, real-time descriptions of the world around her. Finally, Ro...

Ever dreamed of exploring Japan? How about doing it without sighted assistance? Get ready for an epic adventure on this episode as Shawn chats with an intrepid trio – Clement, Russell, and Aman – who didn't just dream of visiting Japan, they made it happen. Follow their journey through bustling Tokyo, vibrant Osaka, and Fukuoka and discover how Clement, (who is totally blind and fluent in Japanese), masterminded the logistics, and how Russell and Aman embraced the unknown. From tackling tricky touch screens to mastering Japan's complex public transport, hear their hilarious hurdles, breakthroughs, and the real-world travel strategies they used to e...

In this special episode of the podcast, Shawn turns the mic onto one of the podcast's very own co-hosts, Jinnie to get to know her better. Jinnie shares her personal journey, including her experience with bilateral microplia, her long-standing involvement with Blind Beginnings, and her passion for creative writing. Jinnie gives her perspective on the challenges and nuances of accessing literature in desired formats, discusses the pros and cons of Braille and technology, and describes her experience speaking at an open mic night and her involvement in a current exhibit at the Vines Den Gallery Space in Vancouver.

Recently, two of our regular podcast co-hosts -  Keisha and Jinnie - secured speaking roles on the Hallmark television series, “When Calls the Heart”. In this episode of the podcast, Shawn welcomes them along with the director of the episode, Siobhan Divine, to talk about the experience. From an inclusive casting process, accessible script, and on-set accommodations, they talk about the cast and crew’s collaborative effort to ensure an accessible experience before diving into the more general topic of the importance of casting actors with disabilities and authentic representation in film and TV.

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On this special episode of the Limitless Podcast, we’re handing the mic over to our Youth! Acacia takes the lead in hosting a discussion with Ishita and Romina about the experience of watching sports as a blind or partially sighted fan. Together with Acacia, they share personal insights on using magnifiers, apps, and other tools to stay connected to the action and explore the thrill of live events. They also dive into the importance of clear, descriptive commentary and explore ideas for improving accessibility, from personalized commentators to better accommodations at live games. Tune in for an engaging, yo...

In this episode of Limitless, Shawn is joined by co-hosts Keisha, Jinnie, and Jill for an open and honest conversation about mobility as blind or partially sighted individuals. They share personal experiences, frustrations, and triumphs—from the challenges of learning new routes to the invaluable role of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training. Together, they dive into the complexities of mental mapping, the power of self-reliance, and the do’s and don’ts of offering assistance. Ever wondered how to help without overstepping? They’ve got advice for sighted individuals on how to provide respectful and meaningful support.

Join us for a fascinating and insightful conversation as Shawn invites a panel of guests to discuss language used to describe vision impairment within the blind and partially sighted community. Guests Randi, Ishita, Amy, and Dougie share their experiences and preferences for terms like "blind," "visually impaired," "partially sighted," and "low vision" and the importance of using inclusive language that resonates with individuals and the broader community.

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 fu...

In this episode Shawn dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Monty, who is completely blind and embraces what he calls “relentless self-reliance.” Together, they explore Monty’s lived experience and independence, sharing practical tips and ingenious strategies he’s developed over the years. From mastering online shopping to tackling complex home repairs, Monty’s resourceful approach to everyday challenges offers a unique perspective on creativity and resilience. You won’t want to miss this captivating look at how innovation and determination can overcome obstacles in unexpected ways.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or p...

We’ve hit a major milestone—our 200th episode! To mark this special occasion, we’re shaking things up and celebrating together. Host Shawn gathers a dynamic panel of co-hosts—Clement, John, Randi, Ishita, Nina, and Keisha—for a heartfelt and fun-filled discussion reflecting on the past four years of the podcast. Join us as we delve into the podcast’s journey, sharing personal stories, favorite memories, and the impact it has had on both our professional and personal lives. From moments of growth to unexpected lessons, we celebrate how this podcast has connected us and our loyal listeners. Whether you’...

Brett Devloo (also known as the Blind Kid) joins Shawn this week and shares his journey of vision loss due to Leber's Hereditary Optical Neuropathy (LHON). He discusses his music career, which began post-vision loss, his love of skateboarding, and his clothing line, The Blind Kid. He also discusses his passion project of providing iPads to students who are blind or partially sighted and the importance of community engagement and giving back to the community. Brett also talks about his documentary project and future plans, including building an adaptive skate park in Canada.

The Blind...

This week Shawn welcomes co-host Ishita and disability advocate Amy Amantea to the show for a discussion that explores the differences between "calling out" (direct confrontation in public spaces) and "calling in" (a more private dialogue) when dealing with discrimination or ableism. The conversation highlights the importance of intent, context, and the potential impact on relationships. They also touch on the role of social media in calling out systemic issues, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and strategic approaches.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through di...

Job hunting is tough for anyone, but for individuals who are blind or partially sighted, it often comes with unique challenges. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Jill, a recent Master’s graduate in book publishing, to share her firsthand experiences navigating the job search. Jill opens up about the obstacles she faced, including a disheartening instance of discrimination during a job interview. She also offers valuable advice and tips for blind or partially sighted job seekers, urging employers to focus on potential rather than misconceptions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about workplace inclusivity or se...

In an earlier episode, we spoke with young people who are blind or partially sighted about their experiences growing up with protective parents. Now, we’re flipping the script! This time Shawn welcomes Kerri and Colene, two mothers who share their journeys of raising children with visual impairments. Together, they delve into the unique challenges of parenting with a “protective instinct” while fostering their children’s independence. They reflect on the delicate balance between protection and freedom and how they have both have tried to develop a tailored approach to support growth, resilience, and confidence.

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In honor of Blindness Awareness Month, Blind Beginnings hosted an impactful online panel discussion on October 8th titled “Encounters with Ableism.” This episode features the audio version of the event, where our youth alumni and regular podcast co-hosts share personal experiences of ableism they’ve faced and the strategies they used to overcome it. Moderated by Shawn Marsolais, the panel offers candid, thought-provoking insights into the realities of navigating a world not always designed with accessibility in mind. We found the discussion so powerful and meaningful that we’re bringing it to you in podcast form.  

Video Ve...

In this episode Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita to sit down and discuss the impact of microaggressions on individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Microaggressions are actions or behaviors that highlight the difference between the sighted and the blind or partially sighted communities, often perpetuating stereotypes. They discuss the intersectionality of elements such as culture or age and visual impairment, and share their personal experiences before turning the conversation towards the importance of setting boundaries, communicating needs, and finding genuine relationships.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted an...

On this episode of the podcast, Shawn sits down with former Canadian goalball teammates Amy Burk and Whitney Bogart. Amy and Whitney, who both have albinism, discuss their Paralympic experiences, including their recent participation in the Paris Paralympics and share insights into balancing their athletic careers with parenthood, highlighting the support systems they relied on, such as family and friends. They also reflect on some of the challenges and other aspects of their athletic journeys, including the decision to retire and the transition to new career paths and the resilience and dedication required to excel in elite sports while...

Shawn sits down for a conversation with Rob Mineault, Steve Barclay, and Ryan Fleury, hosts of the AT Banter Podcast. They discuss their 8 year run, how their podcast has evolved from a show about assistive technology into more of an advocacy and community based one, and what their hopes for the future of the show are. 

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...

With the Paralympics starting this week (August 28, 2024 – September 8, 2024), we wanted to do something a little special, and are rebroadcasting some Paralympic content from a few years ago featuring our very own Shawn Marsolais discussing her experience going to the Paralympics in 2004 with her Tandem Cycling pilot, Lisa.

And for those wanting even more Paralympic content, the Paralympic YouTube Channel will include live coverage from all 22 Paralympic sports including the opening and closing ceremonies, multi-view streams where up to four streams can be viewed simultaneously. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/paralympics

Blind Beginnings’ miss...

In this episode, Shawn welcomes a panel of blind and partially sighted youth that includes Clement, Ella, John, and Keisha, to discuss their experiences with vision loss and overprotective parents and how it impacted their attitudes later in life as well as strategies for navigating expectations or imposed limitations with their families.

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.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics starting this week, Olympic Fever is running through the Blind Beginnings office and got us revisiting this great episode from the archives! We had such a great time talking to judoka Paralympian Priscilla Gagné and her training partner Ali Briggs about their participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics that we couldn’t resist re-broadcasting for anyone who might have missed it! 

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 onl...

Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita back to the podcast to discuss challenges and barriers faced by some blind and partially sighted patients navigating the medical system, including their own lived experiences as well as the importance of accessible first aid training and challenging ableist assumptions that blind or partially sighted individuals cannot provide valuable assistance in emergency situations or benefit from this crucial training.

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...

In this episode of the podcast Shawn welcomes Ashley back to the show (she previously appeared on Episode 69 where she discussed her own lived experience as someone with Low Vision) to talk about her career as a job developer and employment coach. Ashley shares her own personal journey overcoming employment barriers as a person with Low Vision before diving into talking about various strategies for other job seekers including career exploration, goal setting, networking, and overcoming employer biases.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their fa...

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 ch...

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 op...

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 pr...

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...

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 cre...

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.

Youth who have multiple disabilities can have a unique set of challenges and barriers to overcome. This week Shawn sits down with Priya, a Blind Beginnings program youth who has Cerebral Palsy as well as blindness to talk about her lived experience and about some of the challenges that she has faced living with multiple disabilities.

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 ou...

Sometimes when people mean to pay a compliment with the best intentions, it may actually come off as insulting. This week Shawn is joined by Nolan, Ishita, and Nika to discuss their own experiences with backhanded compliments along with their strategies on dealing with it when it happens. 

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.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere in the news these days, and most people by now have had an opportunity to interact with Chat-GPT, a tool that lets users enter prompts to receive humanlike images, text or videos that are created by AI. This week Shawn is joined by tech enthusiasts Clement, Jugaad, and Nolan to talk about the different ways AI has improved accessibility in certain applications before experimenting and seeing just how much Chat-GPT can teach people about blindness. Chat-GPT says … you don’t want to miss this episode!

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth...

Join Shawn and co-hosts Jinnie and Clement this week for a conversation about some of the fundamental differences between engaging with content in a Braille format versus audio. From personal preferences to the importance of Braille literacy, they touch on multiple aspects as well as the pros and cons of both formats.

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.

Pack those bags and get ready to hit the road! This week Shawn and co-hosts Keisha and Randi welcome Ted Tahequechi, a travel influencer, blogger, and photographer who also runs the website Blind Travels. They discuss his love of travel, how he adjusted after losing much of his vision in a car accident, and dive into travel tips and things to look for when traveling as someone who is blind or partially sighted. 

Blind Travels
https://www.blindtravels.com/

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and...

This week we cap off our three part discussion about having sighted friends and acquaintances by inviting some of our high school aged youth to discuss what the experience of meeting new people in the high school environment is like. Shawn welcomes co-hosts Leena, Jugaad, and Nolan to provide insight and their own experiences being the only youth who are blind or partially sighted at their schools or, even, in their communities. 

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 sup...

This week Jinnie, Clement, and Shawn gather together once again to discuss the nuances of relationships with sighted friends in the second part of this fascinating conversation. They discuss the challenges of communicating needs to new friends while trying not to feel self conscious, how to handle people that are being too helpful or attentive, and much much more!

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...

This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jinnie and Clement for an open and honest discussion about the nuances of having and maintaining friendships with people who are sighted. It’s a fascinating conversation full of insights about everything from accepting help, finding teachable moments, and even building new friendships that you won’t want to miss!

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 o...

This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jinnie and Acacia to discuss the recent Netflix limited series adaptation of the book, “All The Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.  They discuss the story, which centers around the character of Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind French girl in Paris after it is invaded by Nazi Germany as well as how blindness was portrayed within the story and translated from the book to screen. They also discuss the importance of disability representation in media and how this particular project is special since the role of Marie was played by Aria Mia Lober...

This week Shawn sits down with Scott Rees, who has retinitis pigmentosa and recently swam the Georgia Straight in order to raise money for  Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. They discuss how this epic 30 km  open water fundraising swim came to be, what it was like to train, and what it was like on the day of the swim itself after 11 hours in the water. 

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...

It’s the first episode of 2024, and this week Shawn and co-host Keisha welcome Danielle Main, President and Program Coordinator of Leash of Hope, an organization which trains rescue dogs to be service dogs to enable people with disabilities to enjoy more independent living. They discuss some of the benefits and challenges when it comes to using rescue dogs to be trained and what the training process is like. 

Leash of Hope
https://www.leashofhope.com/
Get your tickets for the Leash of Hope Annual Fundraiser!
https://www.leashofhope.com/event-details-registration/7th-annual-showcase-1
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Imposter Syndrome is the condition of being anxious or nervous and feeling like a “fraud” or a “phony” within a given community or job title. This week Shawn welcomes Acacia, Ishita, and Nina to talk about it in the context of being partially sighted and having this feeling of being stuck between the blind and sighted communities and not always feeling a part of either. From using mobility canes to asking for accommodations, they discuss their internal struggles with feeling like imposters as well as the reactions from others that can sometimes reinforce these feelings. It’s an open and frank...