Shows
Basically BlindGetting Back to Normal... or NotDuring the pandemic, life was turned upside down for many. We had to find new ways to do everyday tasks like shopping, working, teaching, etc. Recently, there have been a number of shifts than nudge us closer to how things were in 2019, but many don't want some changes to go away. Avery shares why she hopes working from home, virtual events, and flexibility don't disappear.
2022-06-0236 minBasically BlindShe's High MaintenanceBeing a woman comes with its own challenges. Avery reflects on how women can be shamed about taking care of themselves with the term "high maintenance." You rarely hear men described that way, and society puts less pressure on men for how they look than women. Avery unpacks this phrase and reclaims what it says about someone.
2022-05-2627 minBasically BlindThe Friendship ClubNo one can do it alone. It is important to find a group of people who you can connect with and who support you through good and hard times. Avery reflects on the many groups she has sought out during her life including a peer support group in middle school called the Friendship Club.
2022-05-1919 minBasically BlindPivot...Pivot...Pivot!No, we're not talking about the iconic scene from Friends where Ross yells, "Pivot!" repeatedly in an effort to navigate moving a couch upstairs (watch here). Right now, many people are leaving their current jobs for new ones. Some are staying on the same career path, while others are taking the opportunity to set off on a new course. Avery shares how she successfully pivoted her career and her advice to others trying to do the same.Mentioned Resource: Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett & Dan Evans
2022-05-1240 minBasically BlindGeneral Wellness Checkspring is here, and change is in the air. Avery shares updates from her recent trip to the eye doctor and changes around health, career, and lifestyle.
2022-05-0533 minBasically BlindDemystifying DisabilityThis month Avery read Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau. She goes over the content, main themes, and tone of the book and shares what she learned, critiques, and her honest recommendation on whether to read or skip it.
2022-04-2826 minBasically BlindLearning from Each OtherLearning from each other and sharing lived experiences is one of the most powerful ways to influence people. On the heels of celebrating 6 years of marriage, Cam and Avery review what they've learned from each other.
2022-04-2136 minBasically BlindWhen Should You QuitQuitting can feel like a failure. It is hard to separate the fact that your current situation is no longer serving you vs. you just not being able to cut it. Avery talks through the mental process she works through when deciding if she should quit a job, relationship, or community group, and the intense internal struggle of knowing she has to let someone down to do what is best for her.
2022-04-1432 minBasically BlindLet's Go to the Movies!The experience of going to the movies is hard to beat. From the film itself to the popcorn and snacks, it just hits different. Streaming platforms often have audio descriptions available, but not all theaters offer this accommodation. Avery recently tried out using audio description technology at a movie theater for the first time and shares her experience and gives recommendations on how to avoid some of the issues she ran into.
2022-04-0722 minBasically BlindCODAThe Academy Award-winning movie CODA follows Ruby, a high school senior who is the only hearing member of her immediate family. The film explores isolation, fear of the unknown, and the need we all have to be understood. Avery invites Cam on the podcast to discuss how each of them could relate and the biggest takeaways.
2022-03-3140 minBasically BlindHow to Offer Help to a Person with a DisabilityPeople with disabilities can live independently, but like anyone else, every once in a while they may need help. But when should you help and how should you offer it? No one wants to risk offending others, but it can be so hard to watch someone struggle with a task. Avery provides guidance and personal examples on how to best navigate this.
2022-03-2536 minBasically BlindWhat's the Opposite of Belonging?Belonging is a term commonly used alongside Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Brene Brown has said, "The opposite of belong, from the research, is fitting in. Fitting in is assessing and acclimating: 'Here's what I should say, or be, here's what I shouldn't say and avoid talking about. That's fitting in. Belonging is belonging to yourself first." Avery reflects on the many ways she's tried to diminish having a disability to make others more comfortable over the years. Becoming confident about what makes you different doesn't happen overnight, but there is no reason someone can't start working toward it...
2022-03-1731 minBasically BlindThe Burden of Being the FirstIt is important for people to be trailblazers and break into spaces where someone with their identity hasn't had access to before, but there is a significant burden that falls on people who are the first. Avery talks about her own experiences with this and gives tips on how to be an ally.
2022-03-1031 minBasically BlindA Special Kind of LonelySociety is taking diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) more seriously than ever before. We've made huge strides, but there is a long way to go. There are still so many instances when people can feel like they don't belong. Avery reflects on how isolating it can feel to exist in spaces where you're the only person with a certain identity.
2022-03-0339 minBasically BlindThe Hate U GiveThe Hate U Give follows Starr Carter, a black teenager who leads two separate lives. There is the version of herself for Garden Heights, the predominantly black neighborhood she calls home, and another version of herself that exists at the mostly white prep school she attends in an affluent suburb. After witnessing her childhood friend being killed by a police officer during a traffic stop, Starr's two worlds collide. She is forced to confront the privilege and prejudice of her classmates and has to reevaluate relationships with others and herself. Avery recaps the main plot points and themes around...
2022-02-2440 minBasically BlindRecommendations on Antiracist ResourcesIt is always important to educate yourself on the experiences of others and the privileges you have that others may not. This applies to any group that society presses. In honor of Black History Month, Avery shares some of her picks for books, movies, and TV shows. There are so many great resources out there, and this is just a sampler.BooksBetween the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi CoatesUncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel AchoHow to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. KendiWhite Fragility by Robin DiAngeloTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeThe V...
2022-02-1737 minBasically BlindBlind Dating, LiterallySure, dating can be fun, but as Olivia Rodrigo would say, "God, it's brutal out here." Add on a historically marginalized identity like having a disability, and the dating world can be an even trickier space to navigate. Avery opens up and reflects on her dating life and how being legally blind impacted it. She reminds people that even if society or "friends" say you should settle, you deserve to find your ideal partner just as much as anyone else.
2022-02-1049 minBasically BlindIt's Okay to Say NoSetting boundaries can be difficult for everyone, but it gets even trickier when you move through life with an identity that society views as having less power. The need to be liked and seen as capable seems even more important when you're in that position. Avery talks about how she's struggled with this and how leveraging the word "no" has changed things for her.
2022-02-0339 minBasically BlindThe Social Model of DisabilityThe Social Model of Disability is the belief that people with disabilities aren't at a disadvantage due to their disability but due to barriers created by society and environments. Avery speaks on this and refers to how this YouTube video cleverly shows how the Social Model of Disability works.
2022-01-2730 minBasically BlindHow to Find an Inclusive Company & ManagerJob hunting is exhausting. In a perfect world, all companies would value diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Unfortunately, that's not the case, and the burden of evaluating how inclusive a company is falls on the job seeker. Avery goes over tips on how to find a company and manager that values DEIA.
2022-01-2058 minBasically BlindHow Companies Can Recruit & Interview InclusivelyIt is one thing to include a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (DEIA) statement on your website, but for a company to truly be inclusive, they need to walk the walk. One of the first ways to show people your values is in the recruiting and interview process. Avery breaks down what improvements can be made in each step of the process. DEIA needs to be prioritized at the very beginning when the job description is being written to when the final hiring decision is being made.
2022-01-1345 minBasically BlindMaking & Achieving Your Goals for 2022Everyone is making resolutions this time of year, but few people stick to them. Avery shares why she prefers to make goals rather than resolutions, what she hopes to work on this year, how she identified what she wanted to focus on, and her tactics to successfully achieve these goals.
2022-01-0640 minBasically BlindLooking Back on 2021New Year's is always a time for reflection and setting goals. With 2022 around the corner, it is important to take in all the accomplishments and growth over the past year. Avery reflects on 2021 and the changes in her health, career, and personal life.
2021-12-3045 minBasically BlindThe Family StoneHappy Holidays! This time of year offers so many holiday movies to get you in a festive mood. Avery invites Cam on the podcast to discuss The Family Stone. The marketing for this movie made you think this was lighthearted when it is actually dealing with some heavy subjects. Avery and Cam reset the expectation and dive into some of the more cringe-worthy scenes around historically marginalized identities and the reoccurring themes of making assumptions and the need for control.
2021-12-2350 minBasically BlindThe Bright Side of BlindnessMoving through life with low vision has plenty of challenges, but it isn't all bad. Avery acknowledges this truth and shares some of the "perks" of being legally blind. Many of these positives are accommodations or services provided through the state but not all.
2021-12-1638 minBasically BlindBlind Privilege vs. AccommodationRecently there has been a surge of content online where people share how they have "blind privilege". Avery shares her thoughts on the trend and clarifies what privilege is. She also goes into the importance of understanding how accommodations are necessary for equity.
2021-12-0926 minBasically BlindHoliday Gift Guide: Avery & Andrea's Favorite ThingsIt's the holiday season, and that means gift-giving g. Avery is joined once again by Andrea and they offer up great gift ideas for really anyone on your list but highlight good and bad gifts for someone with a visual or hearing impairment. Keep in mind, everyone is different, and the key to giving a great gift is choosing something that specific person will love.
2021-12-0242 minBasically BlindSuch a Fun Age by Kiley ReidIt is easy to recognize and condemn overt acts of racism, but subtle and persistent racism is just as damaging. In Such a Fun Age, the author shows the variety of ways people can experience and display racist behavior. Having read the book twice, Avery shares her main takeaways. The book demonstrates how intent doesn't matter as much as impact, how people will accept what reinforces their narrative and reject what doesn't, and how all people are flawed (even when they don't think they are).
2021-11-2542 minBasically BlindInclusive Brandsbrands that put a priority on diversity and inclusion stand out from the pack. More and more consumers are looking for companies that stand for something. Avery shares some of her favorite inclusive brands and why they resonate with her. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to brands that stand for something and don't alienate others.Brands mentioned:American EagleFenty BeautyHumanraceHausRare Beauty
2021-11-1835 minBasically BlindSo... When Are You Having Kids?Some people chose to have kids, and others don't. It is a very personal decision, and it can be an even more complicated decision if you have a disability. Avery has her husband and partner, Cameron, on the podcast to discuss having kids. They talk through the pressures of society, the pros, the cons, and the personal guilt you can battle if you have a disability and are thinking about having kids.
2021-11-1136 minBasically BlindDisability in Pop Culture & MediaRepresentation of minority groups is a problem at large. Avery has Andrea on this episode to discuss specifically how disability is portrayed in pop culture and media. They explore examples, what's wrong, what's good, and what stereotypes are being perpetuated.
2021-11-0441 minBasically BlindReacting to HushIn honor of Spooky Season, this month's installment of The More You Know Series takes a look at the movie Hush. In the film, a deaf and mute woman living in a secluded area falls prey to a serial killer. Avery invites Cam on the podcast to discuss reactions to the movie overall as well critiques on the depiction of disability and representation in Hollywood.
2021-10-2843 minBasically BlindWhat's Inspiration Porn?Avery breaks down what Inspiration Porn is, her personal experience with it, and what you can do to avoid it. The term was coined by disability advocate Stella Young and refers to the objectification of people with disabilities to inspire people without disabilities.Resources:Stella Young's TEDx TalkHow to Avoid "Inspiration Porn" - Forbes
2021-10-2136 minBasically BlindWould You Rather Be Blind or Deaf?At some point, you've probably asked yourself or friends would you rather be blind or deaf. It is a loaded question with a lot to consider. Avery invites Andrea Lambrecht back to the podcast to discuss. Find out what someone blind and someone with a hearing impairment have to say on the matter.
2021-10-1436 min
Blink CollectiveRed and White CanesJimmy and Roya talk to the inspiring Avery Berschauer about her career, her life as a blind person, the challenges of being blind, things that make her life easier or not and more...SOURCESTotal30Oasys for PresbyopiaAvery Berschauer: LinkedinBasically BlindAB InclusionCone Rod DystrophyDepartment of Social Services for the BlindCane ColorsAudible SubscriptionPublic Library AudiobooksPocket AppOrcam
2021-10-1153 minBasically BlindNetflix & Chill: The Magic of Audio DescriptionsWatching movies and TV is a huge part of pop culture. Meeting someone and finding out you have the same favorite show immediately helps you build rapport. However, “watching” something is a visual act. How does someone who is blind or visually impaired watch movies or television shows? Avery goes into utilizing audio descriptions on streaming platforms, what it was like before audio descriptions, what it is like after, and which streaming services stand out in this area.If you would like to enable audio descriptions on a platform or find titles with audio descriptions, use the reso...
2021-10-0736 minBasically BlindCrip Camp: A Disability RevolutionThis month's installment of The More You Know Series takes a look at Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution. Avery recaps and shares her reactions to this award-winning documentary. For those interested in watching the film, it can be found on Netflix.
2021-09-3047 minBasically BlindWould I Change Being Blind?People with disabilities are used to being questioned about potential cures or treatments that could improve their current condition. While the mindset of needing to "fix" someone is a key part of ableism, medical discoveries are made every day. Choosing to lessen a disability is a personal one. Avery shares her feelings on if she would want to no longer be blind.
2021-09-2338 minBasically BlindWhat is Ableism?We’re all familiar with racism and sexism, but what about ableism? Avery goes over the definition, how it shows up in society, and what can be done to combat it.
2021-09-1643 minBasically BlindYou Have to Love What You DoLove what you do. It seems so simple, so why does it seem so hard at times? Everyone strives to be passionate about their work, but Avery makes the case for why it is even more important for members of marginalized communities to find work they love.
2021-09-0938 minBasically BlindSorry I Don't Fit in Your BoxAvery reflects on the frustration of people not seeing her being "blind enough". Many people have an image of what someone with a disability looks and acts like, and if you don't fit in that box, you aren't really a disabled person. In a world full of shades of grey, why do people still try to put others in such black and white categories?
2021-09-0236 minBasically BlindMindset by Carol DweckThe first installment of The More You Know series focuses on the book Mindset by Carol Dweck. Currently a psychology professor at Stanford University, Dweck’s book lays out how a person’s mindset can stand in the way of reaching their full potential. Avery summarizes the main points of the book, offers her critiques, and connects how mindset relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
2021-08-2643 minBasically BlindHot Mess ExpressAvery gives an update on her physical and mental health. She shares how recent and persisting diagnoses are impacting her life and how she views herself.
2021-08-1938 minBasically BlindImposter Syndrome & Stereotype ThreatAnyone can fall victim to imposter syndrome, but studies show that minorities and people with disabilities are even more prone to it. On top of this, people in historically marginalized groups often fight against stereotype threat. Avery defines each of these terms and gives examples of how both of these concepts are detrimental.
2021-08-1232 minBasically BlindExercising with a Visual ImpairmentExercise is important not just for physical health but mental health as well. However, when you are blind or visually impaired finding ways to stay active can be a little tricky. Avery explains what has and hasn't worked for her, and what she is trying to do now.
2021-08-0539 minBasically BlindI'm Not Rude Just BlindIf people don't realize someone is blind, there can be a lot of wrong assumptions made on why they do things the way they do. Avery shares a list of things that she does or doesn't do because of low vision that could be seen as rude. She also goes into how other invisible disabilities can compile to make some things even harder.
2021-07-2942 minBasically BlindLife with a Hearing ImpairmentExperiences vary a lot when it comes to living with a disability. Avery sits down with her long-time friend Andrea to learn about life with a hearing impairment. Andrea shares how it has impacted her personally and professionally, and she explains how it took a long time for her to identify as having a disability.
2021-07-2238 minBasically BlindTake Care of YourselfAvery shares the importance of wellness in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility space and how feeling alienated can have both mental and physical consequences. She goes over her personal struggles with taking care of herself and tips anyone can use to boost wellness.
2021-07-1531 minBasically BlindThe Great ResignationAn unprecedented amount of people are planning to quit their jobs and/or pivot their careers, and it has been dubbed The Great Resignation. Avery touches on reasons why this is happening and DEIA principles that may be contributing.
2021-07-0829 minBasically BlindPerson-First vs. Identity-First LanguageKnowing how you should address a person with a disability can be tricky. Is it better to say a blind person or a person who is blind? The answer: It depends. Some communities have preferences on identity-first vs. person-first language, and it can differ from person to person. Avery discusses this topic and gives her personal preference.
2021-07-0125 minBasically BlindNavigating the Workplace with a DisabilityPeople with disabilities statistically have a much harder time finding and maintaining full-time employment. Ableism in the workplace is one of the biggest reasons for this. Avery opens up about her own experiences and challenges in building a career.
2021-06-2450 minBasically BlindGetting Around While Blind/Visually ImpairedBeing able to move around the world independently can be tricky when you're blind or visually impaired. Avery shares how she is able to navigate Seattle and the extra steps involved in getting around and being able to live a full life.
2021-06-1739 minBasically BlindRemote Work & People with DisabilitiesMore and more companies are wanting workers to return to the office, but many employees aren't ready to give up working from home. For years, people with disabilities have advocated for working remotely to be an accommodation but were denied. Avery discusses how transportation, environment, and flexibility are huge factors for everyone but especially people with disabilities
2021-06-1029 minBasically BlindThe Oppression OlympicsOppression Olympics is a phrase that has grown in popularity and is even used in Netflix shows. Avery digs into its meaning, why it is counterproductive, and why it is impractical to compare one person's experience to another's.
2021-06-0329 minBasically BlindGetting an EducationA good education can set you up for success, but it harder for some to get a quality education, including those with disabilities. Avery shares accommodations she received at different levels of vision loss. She shares pitfalls as well as successes and the importance of advocating for what you need and taking advantage of programs and services.
2021-05-2745 minBasically BlindPlanning Accessible EventsAs things open back up, in-person events will become more frequent again. Many events may be hybrid and include both in-person and virtual components. Avery shares tips for planning accessible events whether they are in-person or virtual.
2021-05-2034 minBasically BlindHow Blind People Get DressedFashion is something considered highly visual, so how do blind or low vision people put matching/coordinating outfits together? Avery goes through shopping, picking outfits, and keeping things organized (even in the wash).
2021-05-1333 minBasically BlindWhat's Privilege?Privilege - it used to be viewed as something only a few had, but with how it is used today, we all have it in some way. Avery talks about the different kinds of privilege and how to use it for good.
2021-05-0629 minBasically BlindCome to the Eye Doctor with MeWhen you have an eye condition, going to the eye doctor is a different experience. Avery walks you through her most recent appointment and the expectations you do or don't have if you have a degenerative condition.
2021-04-2925 minBasically BlindCan Do AttitudeAs much as it is important to bring attention to things that are hard for people with disabilities, it is also vital to highlight their strengths. Avery shares strengths she has as a visually impaired person. Some make perfect sense and she shares the rationale behind them, and others are a complete surprise, even to her. It proves you should never underestimate someone's abilities.
2021-04-2244 minBasically BlindVIP TravelAnd by VIP, we're talking about visually impaired people (who also happen to be very important). Avery brings on her husband Cam to talk about their experiences traveling together. They cover activities and locations that have both worked and not worked well for them.
2021-04-1553 minBasically BlindVisible vs. Invisible Disability and Ableist LanguageAvery discusses the differences between visible and invisible disability. She also highlights the importance of refraining from the use of ableist language.
2021-04-0832 minBasically BlindFaking It - An Effort to AssimilateAvery shares the different ways she sometimes acts as though her vision is better than it is to avoid sticking out and to make others more comfortable. This episode builds off last week's episode on Spoon Theory by giving firm examples around the extra effort put forth to assimilate.
2021-04-0154 minBasically BlindExploring Spoon TheoryAvery breaks down Spoon Theory, a technique commonly used to demonstrate how people with chronic illness or a disability use their energy differently than able-bodied people.
2021-03-2527 minBasically BlindPop Culture Moment: Reacting to The BachelorAvery shares her overall feelings on The Bachelor franchise, this past season, and casting with more representation.
2021-03-1823 minBasically BlindLove is Blind - Meet CamAvery interviews her husband Cam to get his perspective on what it is like to live with someone with a visual impairment. They also discuss first impressions, how low vision impacted dating, and how it impacts their marriage.
2021-03-1146 minBasically BlindZoom, Zoom, Zoom!No, we're not talking about the song "Supernova Girl" from Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century. (Great song though.) We are talking about how to make virtual meeting platforms more accessible for people with disabilities, specifically those with low hearing and vision.
2021-03-0421 minBasically BlindMicroaggressions - Death by a Thousand PapercutsMicroaggressions are statements or behaviors that, intentionally or not, communicate a negative message or prejudice about a marginalized group. Hear examples and learn how to react if one is used against you, how to be an ally as a bystander, and what to do if you are confronted about using a microaggression.
2021-02-2538 minBasically BlindGet Ready with Me - Morning RoutineBeing visually impaired means you have to do things a little differently, including getting ready in the morning. Avery walks through her morning routine and highlights how and why she does things the way she does.
2021-02-1834 minBasically BlindThe Danger of Limiting the Meaning of DiversityDiversity encompasses many different communities. Making assumptions around diversity or leaving out groups from the conversation can have serious consequences.
2021-02-1128 minBasically BlindCane & AbleAvery shares how you can tell a lot about a person by their cane as well as her experiences before and after getting one herself.
2021-02-0420 minBasically BlindDiversity vs. Equity vs. InclusionAvery shares the fundamentals by defining what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean and how they can impact an organization.
2021-01-2832 minBasically BlindThe Girl Behind the Excessively Dark SunglassesAvery shares more about her background and life experiences so people know her for her and not just her visual impairment.
2021-01-211h 00Basically BlindThe DiagnosisAvery shares how she lost Princess Diana and her 20/20 vision in the same year and the long journey to a diagnosis.
2021-01-1444 minBasically BlindWelcome to Basically BlindAn introduction to the host, the reasons for creating the podcast, and what to expect.
2021-01-0920 min