Ask the Coach (Ask the Sight Loss Coach) Podcast: A Monthly Empowerment Series on Navigating Life with Vision Loss
"Ask the Coach" (short for "Ask the Sight Loss Coach") is a heartfelt and empowering podcast in Donna J. Jodhan’s popular "Ask Donna" series. Drawing on her extensive experience as a sight loss coach, advocate, and individual living with vision loss, Donna guides listeners through the unique challenges and victories associated with navigating life with a visual impairment. With empathy, expertise, and practical insights, each episode of "Ask the Coach" serves as a supportive resource for individuals with sight loss, their families, and those dedicated to fostering a more inclusive society.
Listeners can expect each episode to cover topics like:
- Building Confidence and Resilience: Donna provides guidance on developing inner strength, self-advocacy, and resilience. Her coaching style combines motivational advice with actionable steps, helping listeners build confidence as they navigate the world with sight loss.
- Practical Life Skills: Episodes offer practical tips for daily life, from navigating unfamiliar environments to accessing digital resources. Donna explains techniques that can enhance independence, from organizing home spaces to using assistive technology effectively.
- Career and Education Strategies: As a successful advocate and professional, Donna shares her experiences and advice on pursuing education and career goals with a visual impairment. Topics include preparing for job interviews, requesting accommodations, and creating accessible study environments.
- Developing Independence: Donna offers her coaching expertise on maintaining independence through mobility training, adaptive techniques, and mastering essential life skills. Her advice empowers listeners to overcome challenges and feel at ease in their surroundings, whether they are at home, at work, or in public spaces.
- Emotional Wellness and Self-Care: Understanding the emotional journey that can accompany sight loss, Donna covers topics related to mental health and self-care. She shares strategies for managing stress, staying positive, and accessing resources for emotional support, making sure listeners feel connected and valued.
- Assistive Technology Insights: With the rapidly evolving field of assistive technology, Donna keeps listeners informed about helpful tools and resources. She reviews screen readers, voice-activated assistants, and specialized apps that simplify tasks and enhance independence.
- Interviews and Success Stories: Some episodes feature inspiring guests, including visually impaired professionals, accessibility advocates, and experts in rehabilitation and technology. These guests bring unique perspectives and stories of resilience, showing that sight loss need not define or limit one's potential.
- Support for Families and Friends: Recognizing that sight loss affects not only individuals but also their loved ones, Donna addresses ways families and friends can provide supportive, meaningful assistance. She shares insights on maintaining strong relationships, fostering understanding, and offering the right kind of help.
- Breaking Down Myths and Stereotypes: Donna challenges misconceptions around blindness, providing listeners with a positive, realistic understanding of living with sight loss. She discusses common stereotypes, encourages listeners to share their unique strengths, and highlights achievements of the visually impaired community.
- Setting and Achieving Personal Goals: Each episode encourages listeners to set personal goals—whether they relate to hobbies, work, or life skills. Donna helps listeners envision their future without limits, emphasizing the power of goal-setting and perseverance.
Whether you are adjusting to sight loss, supporting a loved one, or looking to create a more inclusive community, "Ask the Coach" offers practical, compassionate guidance every step of the way. Donna J. Jodhan’s rich expertise, combined with her approachable and understanding coaching style, makes each episode a source of encouragement, insight, and inspiration.
