Shows
Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 214 - Breaking Barriers on the Green - Evan’s Sports JourneyThis week on the podcast we once again feature a youth-led episode, this time hosted by Evan, a 15-year old high school student. Even dives into his experiences playing golf and curling and is joined by his coaches where they break down the practical strategies he uses to navigate sports, the importance of clear communication, and how he advocates for himself. Hear a candid conversation about adapting techniques, team dynamics, and the real work of participating in sports when your approach might look a little different. This isn't about overcoming obstacles, it's about playing the game on your own...2025-07-2230 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 213 - Limitless On The Mat - Clement's Journey to Black BeltIn this episode of Limitless, co-host Clement dives into the nuts and bolts of his 10-year Aikido journey—from white belt to black belt. He talks through the practical challenges he faced finding a dojo open to teaching someone without sight and how he adapted traditional drills and techniques to fit his needs. Clement breaks down the three guiding principles that kept him on the mat—patience (learning at your own pace), perseverance (showing up even on tough days), and adaptability (modifying moves to work with your strengths). He also walks us through his recent trip to Japan, where he a...2025-07-081h 04Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 212 - Talking Fashion with Acacia and NikaIn this special stylish episode of the podcast, we hand over the podcast to some of our youth once again as Acacia and Nika talk about all things fashion, makeup, and accessories—from a blind and partially sighted perspective! Tune in as they spill the tea on navigating the fashion world when you can’t always see what’s in your closet. From choosing clothes that work with your mobility, to tackling the challenges of low contrast and depth perception, they’re keeping it real with personal stories and smart solutions. Whether you’re blind, partially sighted, or just want a new...2025-06-2429 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 211 - Little Steps, Big Impact - A Conversation About Early InterventionIn this episode of the podcast, we dive into the powerful impact of early intervention for children who are blind or partially sighted as Shawn welcomes Beverly, Team Lead for Early Intervention at Blind Beginnings to share how the program supports families and helps children build critical developmental skills that shape their independence and quality of life. Learn why sensory-rich experiences are essential for children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), and how activities tailored to each child’s needs can build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Beverly also explains how orientation and mobility training empowers young children to co...2025-06-1044 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 210 - Blinded By the Hype? AI and Accessibility Part 2Shawn welcomes back Kaia and Rob this episode to continue their discussion on the incredible ways artificial intelligence is transforming life for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Kaia shares how AI is helping her push creative boundaries in art and 3D modeling, and streamlining everyday tasks, from generating alt text to using video description tools like Seeing AI and PiccyBot. Rob dives into the practical side of AI integration, highlighting how wearable tech like Meta glasses is enhancing navigation and personal independence. Together, they explore the promise and potential of AI, discuss its current limitations, and imagine...2025-06-0348 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 209 - Seeing Limitless Possibility: A Conversation for National AccessAbility WeekThis week on the podcast, Shawn and Ishita welcome special guest Shawna Lawson for a timely conversation in honour of National AccessAbility Week, taking place this year from May 25 to June 1. Together, they explore the importance of this national initiative and the critical need for ongoing efforts toward disability inclusion in all areas of society. Shawna brings a unique dual perspective to the conversation, not only as President of the Blind Beginnings Board of Directors, but also as co-founder of Inclusive Experiences, a company that supports organizations in making their spaces and services more accessible. The discussion highlights a...2025-05-2042 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 208 - Blinded by the Hype? A Conversation About AI and AccessibilityIn 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...2025-04-3051 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 207 - Four Blind Friends Blinding Their Way Through JapanEver 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...2025-04-1556 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 206 - Breaking Barriers: An Interview with JinnieIn 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.
2025-04-0137 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 205 - "When Calls The Heart" and Inclusive CastingRecently, 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.
Make sure you catch W...2025-03-1844 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 204 - Watching Sports When You Are Blind or Partially SightedOn 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...2025-03-0426 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 203 - De-Mystifying MobilityIn 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.
2025-02-2059 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 202 - Low Vision or Partially Sighted?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...2025-02-0449 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 201 - Living in a Blind HouseholdIn 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...2025-01-211h 20Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 200 - It's Our 200th Episode!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’...2025-01-071h 06Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 199 - Brett The Blind KidBrett 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.
Show Notes:
The Blind...2024-12-2352 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 198 - Calling In vs Calling OutThis 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...2024-12-1054 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 197 - Navigating the Job MarketJob 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...2024-11-2648 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 196 - Parenting A Child Who Is Blind or Partially SightedIn 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.
Listen to Episode...2024-11-1238 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 195 - Encounters with Ableism Panel DiscussionIn 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.
Show Notes
Video Ve...2024-10-291h 00Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 194 - A Discussion About MicroaggressionsIn 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...2024-10-1555 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 193 - Balancing Family and SportOn 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...2024-10-0147 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 192 - Let’s Meet the AT Banter Podcast HostsShawn 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...2024-09-1739 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast*Special Rebroadcast** Episode 63 - Let's Talk About Paralympic Tandem CyclingWith 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...2024-08-271h 00Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 191 - A Discussion About Overprotective ParentsIn 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.
2024-08-061h 04Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast**Special Rebroadcast** Episode 23 - Let’s Meet Priscilla and AliWith 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...2024-07-2347 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 190 - Accessibility and the Medical SystemShawn 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...2024-07-0955 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 189 - Exploring Prospective CareersIn 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...2024-06-2651 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 188 - Nothing About Us Without UsSometimes 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...2024-06-1152 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 187 - Discussing Basic Blindness EtiquetteIn 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...2024-05-2838 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 186 - A Discussion About Personal SafetyYouth 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...2024-05-1436 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 185 - A Discussion About BelongingBlind 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...2024-04-3059 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 184 - Masking Our Vision LossFor 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...2024-04-1655 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 183 - Summer Camp MemoriesFor 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.2024-04-0248 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 182 - Living With Blindness and Cerebral PalsyYouth 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...2024-03-2623 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 181 - Backhanded ComplimentsSometimes 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.
2024-03-1943 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 180 - What Does Artificial Intelligence Know About Blindness?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...2024-03-1248 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 179 - Discussing Braille vs Audio ContentJoin 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.
2024-03-0551 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 178 - Blind Travels with Ted TahquechiPack 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...2024-02-2055 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 177 - A Discussion About Having Sighted Friends Part 3This 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...2024-02-0634 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 176 - A Discussion About Having Sighted Friends Part 2This 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...2024-01-301h 03Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 175 - A Discussion About Having Sighted Friends Part 1This 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...2024-01-231h 02Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 174 - A Discussion About “All The Light We Cannot See”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...2024-01-1648 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 173 - Scott Rees Swims The Georgia Straight for Canadian Guide Dogs for the BlindThis 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...2024-01-0938 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 172 - Let’s Meet Danielle and Leash of HopeIt’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.
Show Notes
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...2024-01-0249 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 171 - Let’s Talk About Imposter SyndromeImposter 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...2023-11-2154 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 170 - Let’s Talk About Job InterviewsLooking for work when you are blind or partially sighted can feel daunting, overwhelming, and even a bit scary, especially the part where you have to interview for the job. This week Shawn welcomes co-host Keisha back to the show to discuss looking for work, specifically how to prepare for the job interview, things to consider and plan during your search, and so 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. Vis...2023-11-1442 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 169 - Let’s Talk About Blindness in IndiaThe Limitless Podcast goes international this week as Shawn welcomes Jugaad and Jinnie to the show for a fascinating discussion about life in India as a person who is blind or partially sighted. They discuss the cultural differences in how blindness is viewed as well as how day to day life as a blind or partially sighted person can differ from daily life in Canada.
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. Vis...2023-11-0740 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 168 - Let’s Talk About If We Were Sighted For A DayIt is both Halloween and the last week of Blindness Awareness Month, so this week we’ve decided to do a bit of a monstrous mash-up of the two (kind of like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup)! It’s a full house on this episode as Shawn welcomes Jinnie, Acacia, Ishita, Jugaad, and Clement back for each to share what they would do if they each were “sighted for a day”. It’s a fascinating conversation that you won’t want to miss, and some of their answers may surprise you! Happy Halloween!
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire ch...2023-10-3145 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 167 - Let’s Talk About Interacting With Someone Who Is BlindIn our continuing series of podcasts centered about learning about blindness for Blindness Awareness Month, this week Shawn welcomes Keisha back to the podcast to simulate certain scenarios that illustrate the best way to interact with someone 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!
2023-10-2442 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 166 - Let’s Talk About Choosing to Use A White CaneOctober 15th was White Cane Day. and this year to mark the occasion, we wanted to talk about white canes from a slightly different perspective. Join us as Shawn welcomes Acacia, Dougie, and Ishita to the show for a fascinating discussion about using a white cane later in life or choosing to use one even though you may have just enough vision to manage without one. Using their own lived experiences as examples, they discuss the advantages of this choice and how perceived attitudes can sometimes influence when that choice is made.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to in...2023-10-1751 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 165 - Let’s Talk About What We Gain By Being BlindWhen vision loss is discussed, most people think about all the negatives but rarely consider that there can be some positives as well. It is a transformative experience, which brings with it both positives and negatives. This week Shawn welcomes back Ishita and Jill to the podcast to shift perspectives and talk about some of the many positives that their blindness has brought into their lives as well as discussing dealing with the pressure that society puts on the disability community that they need to be “fixed”.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are bli...2023-10-1049 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 164 - Let’s Talk About Hero vs HelplessAs we enter into the first week of Blindness Awareness Month, we are breaking some stereotypes! People in the disability community are often placed in two categories – hero or helpless. They can be seen as a source of inspiration, or as someone who is going to require support. This week Shawn welcomes Ishita, Clement, Alexis, and Ella to the podcast to talk about reasons behind these stereotypes, their own experiences encountering these attitudes, how they feel about it, and what they want people in the able bodied community to know about blindness or partial sight.
Blind Beginnings’ missio...2023-10-0348 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 163 - Let’s Talk About Limitless Life Skills CampOver the summer Blind Beginnings held a five day camp for youth that allowed them to practice and learn independent living skills (such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, shopping, etc.) with a group of their peers. Dubbed the “Limitless Life Skills Camp”, it was a great success and many of the participants were able to develop and learn skills that they will carry with them into adulthood. This week Shawn welcomes co-host Keisha, who also helped facilitate the Camp, and two of the Camp’s participants, Ella and Tom, to talk about their respective experiences and the importance of independent living...2023-09-2632 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 162 - Let’s Talk About University LifeThe first year at University or any post-secondary institution can be a big adjustment for anyone, but for those students who also have to juggle moving away from home for the first time as well, it can be a major challenge. This week Shawn and co-host Jill welcome back Nina and Acacia, both of whom have moved away from home for the first time in order to attend University. From accessibility challenges to University cafeteria food, they discuss what the transition has been like as students who are blind or partially sighted.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to in...2023-09-1949 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 161 - Let’s Talk About Education AssistantsElementary and secondary school teacher assistants – often known as education assistants or EAs – support students by providing help to teachers and counsellors and help with teaching and other various tasks. But what’s it like for students, such as ones that are blind or partially sighted, to have an EA by their sides during the course of a regular school day? This week we answer that very question as Shawn welcomes Acacia, Jill, and Nolan to discuss their various experiences with EAs.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and thei...2023-09-1250 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 160 - Let’s Talk About The Importance of AdvocacyThis week Shawn welcomes Chantal Oakes and Ryan Fleury from The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) to discuss their organization and the importance of getting involved with advocacy organizations like theirs. They talk about what brought each of them to become involved with AEBC, some examples of the change they are fighting to bring about, and how important participation is to fulfill their mandate to ensure that everyone can equally participate in all aspects of society.
The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
https://www.blindcanadians.ca/
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to in...2023-09-0547 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 159 - Let’s Talk About Common Knowledge- Part 2This week Shawn is joined once again by Ishita, Clement, and Jinnie to continue their conversation about “common knowledge” facts that they may have only learned recently. You won’t want to miss this epic (and sometimes hilarious) conclusion to this great conversation!
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!
2023-08-221h 21Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 158 - Let’s Talk About Common Knowledge- Part 1Incidental learning is defined as unintentional or unplanned learning that results from other activities. People can learn certain facts just through exposure or observation, even though it’s never taught. For those growing up blind or with partial sight, however, some facts that are seen as “common knowledge” may only be learned later in life. This week Shawn is joined by Ishita, Clement, and Jinnie to discuss some of this “common knowledge” and things that they may have only learned recently that “blew their minds”. From the color of pesto sauce to sunbeams, the list of topics was so big we had to...2023-08-1552 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 157 - Let’s Talk About MrBeastIn January of 2023, MrBeast, a popular and influential YouTuber, posted a video called “1,000 Blind People See For the First Time”. The video features highlights of him paying for cataract surgeries for a number of people and the impact the surgery had on their lives. While no one can argue the act was generous and provided information about cataract surgery, the video did garner some controversy in the Blindness community because of the way it portrayed blindness and the notion of “curing blindness”. This week Shawn is joined by Clement, Ishita, Nika, and Nina for a roundtable discussion about the video an...2023-08-0135 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 156 - Let’s Talk About Guide Dog AccessHaving a guide dog can be an incredibly important part of daily life for many people, offering both companionship and independence wrapped up in one fuzzy package. But what happens when you are unfairly denied service because of your canine companion? This week Shawn welcomes back guide dog users Jinnie, Jill, and Nika to unpack the laws around Guide Dog access and share some personal experiences around being denied service and how they resolved or navigated these situations that happen more often than you may think.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are bli...2023-07-251h 00Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 155 - Let’s Talk About Blindness and Partial SightAs anyone who has spent any time listening to the podcast is well aware, blindness is a gradient, and every person has their own acuity and level of vision. In this episode Shawn sits down with co-hosts Jinnie, Ishita, and Randi to compare and contrast their own lived experiences, from total blindness to low vision. From terminology and labels, to social situations and adaptations, they discuss how their experiences can vary wildly while also being very similar. It’s a frank and open discussion about vision that you don’t want to miss!
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to ins...2023-07-181h 00Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 154 - Let’s Talk About Teachable MomentsSelf advocacy is important, but finding the right moment to educate friends, family, and even strangers can be a challenge in day to day life. This week Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita to the podcast to discuss these “teachable moments” and what kind of factors go into the decision to educate others while avoiding awkward or challenging social situations.
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 f...2023-07-1157 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 153 - Let’s Meet Sarah KaneThe sky is definitely NOT the limit this week as Shawn welcomes back co-host Keisha who has brought with her a very special guest! Sarah Kane is a physics major at the College of Arts and Sciences at Penn State and is headed to get her PhD in astrophysics at the University of Cambridge next fall as a Marshall Scholar - and she also just happens to have been born legally blind. She discusses what inspired her love of science, the attitudinal barriers she had to overcome to enter the astronomy field, some of the adaptations she uses on...2023-07-0442 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 152 - Let’s Talk About Living In JapanThe Limitless Podcast goes international this week as Shawn welcomes co-host Clement and his very special guest Kaho to the show! Kaho grew up in Japan but came to Canada when she was 20 and has been living in Canada for the past 7 years. They discuss what it was like growing up blind in Japan, the cultural differences in how disability is viewed, what education and employment opportunities are like there, and how accessible major cities like Tokyo are.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through div...2023-06-271h 02Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 151 - Let’s Talk About Going Out In a GroupWhat happens when a group of people who are blind or partially sighted people go out in a group together? Find out as Shawn welcomes co-hosts Nika, Jill, and Ishita along with special guest Monty for a discussion you won’t want to miss! They discuss strategies used when everyone in a group is blind or partially sighted, and each share a few anecdotes of hilarious misadventures that have occurred during everything from trips to the mall to camping.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families thro...2023-06-201h 03Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 150 - Let’s Talk About Prosthetic EyesThis week Shawn welcomes co-host Jinnie back to the podcast after an extended absence to talk all about prosthetic eyes. They discuss common misconceptions, the fitting process, what it’s like caring for them, the ways that people tend to react to them, and much more! And of course no discussion about prosthetic eyes would be complete without a few funny stories thrown in for good measure. It’s a fascinating and honest conversation aimed to demystify prosthetic eyes that you won’t want to miss!
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or...2023-06-1338 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 149 - Let’s Talk About Moving To The CityMoving from a small town to a larger city is a big adjustment for any young person, but when you are blind or partially sighted, it can come with a whole other set of challenges. This week Shawn and co-hosts Acacia and Nina welcome Jill to the podcast to talk about her experiences moving from a small town in the Northern Interior of BC to Vancouver to attend University. From traffic noise to orientation and mobility, Jill tells us how she adjusted to city life and offers up some invaluable advice for anyone looking to do the same.
2023-06-0641 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 148 - Let’s Talk About Meaningful OutingsIt’s a special episode this week as Shawn and co-host and Blind Beginnings Programs Coordinator Keisha Anderson discuss making outings and events meaningful and inclusive for children who are blind or partially sighted. They discuss the methods that Blind Beginnings uses in their Community Discovery outings and share their own personal experiences growing up to shed light on the importance of providing inclusive opportunities that allow children who are blind or partially sighted to fully engage with the world around them.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and...2023-05-3050 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 147 - Let’s Talk About Image and Self DescriptionsThey say a picture is worth a thousand words, but how many words are worth making a concise and impactful description for those who can’t see it? This week Shawn is joined by Jill, Clement, and Nika to talk about their experiences and preferences when it comes to image description online, from social media and websites to messaging apps. They discuss what exactly “alt-text” is, how it works, and tips on how to craft effective image descriptions that are full of context and meaning before also discussing their feelings on the new trend of meeting participants describing their appear...2023-05-2350 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 146 - Let’s Meet Anthony FerraroIt’s an exciting episode this week as Shawn and co-host Keisha sit down with Anthony Ferraro, skateboarder, musician, aspiring Paralympian, social media influencer, and advocate, to talk about his story and his efforts to motivate and inspire people to push through the obstacles in life.
Anthony’s Website
https://asfvision.com/
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!2023-05-1653 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 145 - Let’s Talk About Youth Leadership Weekend 2023The Blind Beginnings Youth Leadership Weekend is an annual program that is the culmination of a series of virtual programs that brings youth ages 13 - 19 from all over the Province to Vancouver for the weekend to connect, learn, and grow through a series of activities and field trips around the city. In this special episode of the podcast, Shawn sits down with Blind Beginnings Programs Coordinator Keisha Anderson to discuss the Youth Leadership Weekend, its mandate and impact among the youth as they share some audio clips of the weekend in action.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to ins...2023-05-0339 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 144 - Let’s Talk About Beauty StandardsWhat do beauty standards mean to people in the blind or partially sighted community? How do you develop your own sense of fashion, style, and beauty when you are blind or partially sighted? This week Shawn and co-hosts Ishita and Nika explore these ideas and share their own personal experiences exploring fashion and beauty standards as women who are blind. It’s an open and honest conversation 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 pe...2023-04-1851 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 143 - Let’s Talk About Setting Up Your Home When You’re BlindShawn welcomes Jill and Keisha back to the podcast to dive into a fascinating discussion about decorating and setting up your home when you are blind or partially sighted. From favoured gadgets to dealing with roommates to developing your own decorating style, the trio discuss their own experiences and stories as well as offering up domestic decorating tips to veterans and novices alike.
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...2023-04-0455 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 142 - Youth Perspectives on Blindness: A Panel DiscussionIt’s a very special episode this week as Shawn welcomes Acacia, Keisha, and Nina to a panel style discussion aimed at breaking stereotypes of blindness and giving an overview of their journeys through blindness or partial sight in order to educate and empower. It’s an open and frank discussion from the youth perspective that you won’t want to miss and a valuable resource for those new to the blindness community either as an individual, family member, or loved one.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and thei...2023-03-2844 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 141 - Let’s Talk About Eye SurgeriesFor some people with vision loss, eye surgeries can be something that they have to deal with at multiple points in their lives. This week Shawn sits down with co-hosts Nika and Jill, both of whom have had Ocular Surgeries both recently and in the past, and talk about their experiences, from their initial emotions and nervousness at their respective procedures and how they prepared, to aftercare and dealing with the results.
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 su...2023-03-2156 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 140 - Let’s Meet ChadThis week Shawn sits down with journalist, advocate, and fellow podcaster Chad Bouton of the Hindsight is 20 / 200 podcast to talk about his podcast and its origins, as well his own journey growing up with Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Listen to Hindsight is 20/200:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chad-bouton
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!
2023-03-141h 05Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 139 - Let’s Talk About Looking BlindWhat does it mean to “look blind” and can being self conscious about it impact your actions or add pressure in certain social situations? This week Shawn welcomes Dougie and Keisha back to the podcast to discuss their own experiences with their other people’s reactions to their vision, the pressure they put on themselves and the impact both can have on confidence and self esteem, and much more. It’s a fascinating and honest discussion that you won’t want to miss!
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and...2023-03-0844 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 138 - Let’s Talk About Working In RetailWorking in retail or customer service can be challenging, but when you are blind or partially sighted it can also come with its own set of unique challenges to overcome. This week Shawn sits down with Acacia and Jill, both of which have experience working a variety of jobs in retail to share their experiences and talk about everything from initial concerns during the application and hiring process to how customers and co-workers reacted to their vision conditions and even advice for others who may be interested in working with the public.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to in...2023-02-2849 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 137 - Let’s Talk About HumourHumour may be the best medicine, but it can also be an effective tool to break down barriers and help build social bonds. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Ishita and Clement back to the podcast to discuss how each uses humour to defuse awkward situations, put others at ease, and to help strengthen relationships. They discuss everything from when and how humour is appropriate to sharing stories of when it has worked (and even a few cases when it didn’t).
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their...2023-02-2146 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 136 - Let’s Talk About Dating Part 3It’s that time of year again, when love is in the air and flower shop employees and chocolatiers feel overwhelmed .. Valentine’s Day! We are helping celebrate again this year by talking all about dating and some of its challenges when you are blind or partially sighted. Shawn is joined by Nika and special guest Mark, both of whom are actively dating, to have an open and honest conversation and to take a deep dive into what it’s like these days to be looking for love.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are b...2023-02-1452 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 135 - Talk Description to MeIt’s a very special episode this week as Shawn welcomes JJ Hunt and Christine Malec, creators of the innovative and fascinating podcast, Talk Description to Me which discusses current events, and topical issues through the lens of audio description. They discuss the show’s origins and its unique premise as well as the importance of applying the idea of audio description to more than just shows and movies. It’s a fascinating discussion, and if you have ever wondered how lightning might be described to someone who has never seen it, you definitely won’t want to miss this epi...2023-02-0748 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 134 - Ask A.B.B.Y. Volume 5White Cane Week begins on the first full week of February, and in honor of this we have once again gathered together a group of Blind Beginnings youth to answer your questions in our ever-popular “Ask A Blind Beginnings Youth” series! Shawn is joined by co-hosts Nina, Alethea, and Nolan to answer a series of listener questions. If you’ve ever wondered how hard it is to learn braille or how blind people can identify different types of money, you won’t want to miss this episode!
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind...2023-01-3145 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 133 - Let’s Talk About Going to the GymIt’s the first month of a new year and for many people who have fitness related goals as part of their new year’s resolutions, that means starting to attend a new gym. This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Nolan and Aly and special guest Gail to talk about their experiences attending new gyms as blind or partially sighted patrons. They discuss some of the ways in which gyms can be welcoming as well as some of the barriers they can sometimes experience and the way they overcome them.
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire childr...2023-01-2439 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 132 - Let’s Talk About Embarrassing MomentsThis week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Ishita, Nolan, and Ali as they share a series of hilarious vision-related embarrassing moments they have all experienced in their past (and for some, not too distant past). It’s an episode full of laughter and fun and a reminder that these types of moments can happen to us all!
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...2023-01-1753 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 131 - Let’s Talk About PresentationsThis week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jinnie and Ishita to discuss their experiences with giving presentations to schools. From what it was like explaining their vision conditions to their peers and the impact it had on them socially, to the importance of education and awareness, they discuss both the pros and cons of a variety of different presentation methods when it comes to changing the general public’s awareness of blindness.
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 supp...2023-01-1056 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 130 - Let’s Meet The Blind Beginnings Staff 2023It’s a new year and in this inaugural episode of 2023, we have put together a very special episode! Blind Beginnings has been growing its staff over the past few months and this week Shawn sits down with the whole team to introduce each, their roles, and talk about what brought them to the organization before revealing their list of New Year’s resolutions and trying to guess which one belongs to which staff member. If you ever wondered about the people working hard behind the scenes of Blind Beginnings, you won't want to miss this episode!
Bl...2023-01-0353 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 129 - Let’s Talk About Braille BitesThis week Shawn welcomes Adam Wilton, Jen Jesso, and Daphne Hitchcock, the team behind Braille Bites, a series of videos and resource guides designed to support blind and partially sighted learners. They discuss how the videos are produced, how they come up with the various activities, and the significance and impact of the activities centred around touch for blind and partially sighted children.
Braille Bites
https://www.prcvi.org/resources/braille-bites/
World Braille Days
https://nnels.ca/world-braille-days-wbd-2023
PRCVI
https://www.prcvi.org/
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to ins...2022-12-2036 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 128 - Let’s Meet The Co-Hosts: Jill and ClementAt the Limitless Podcast, we like to talk to individuals in the blind or partially sighted community that are doing unique and interesting things. But what happens when our own co-hosts fall into this category? The answer, of course, is to release a special episode where we talk to our own co-hosts and learn about some of the amazing things they are currently doing in their own lives. This week Shawn talks with Jill and Clement, two of our regular co-hosts, and learns more about what keeps them busy outside of contributing to the podcast as well as their...2022-12-131h 06Limitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 127 - Let’s Meet Brian and KerryShawn and co-host Clement are excited to welcome brother and sister duo Brian and Kerry Kijewski to the podcast this week to talk about their advocacy related weekly radio show, Outlook, which airs on Radio Western. They also discuss their experiences growing up as blind and partially sighted siblings, their early experiences with podcasting, and how hosting and some of the sibling-related challenges they face creating a weekly radio program.
Outlook on Radio Western
https://radiowestern.ca/program/outlook
Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and...2022-12-0655 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 126 - Let’s Talk About International Day of Persons With DisabilitiesDecember 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and to help celebrate, Shawn welcomes advocate Amy Amantea to the show to discuss the importance of the day as well as advocacy, allyship, “nothing about us without us”, and how attitudinal barriers and various forms of ableism continue to impact people with disabilities on a daily basis.
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 mor2022-11-2959 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 125 - Let’s Talk About CookingWe’re heading into the kitchen for this episode of the podcast as Shawn welcomes co-hosts Keisha and Kolby to the show to discuss their experiences in the kitchen, from experiences of shopping for groceries to the struggles of inaccessible appliances. It’s an episode full of learning that you’ll also be hungry by then end of, so you don’t want to miss 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. Vis...2022-11-2252 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 124 - Let’s Meet DanThis week Shawn and co-host Keisha welcome Dan Mancina, one of the pioneers in blind skateboarding to the show. They discuss how he got into the sport, how he has adapted it, and his efforts to build the world’s first adaptive skatepark.
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!
2022-11-1537 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 123 - Let’s Talk About SynesthesiaSynesthesia is the term for when you experience one of your senses through another. For example, you might hear the name "Alex" and see green, and people who have this ability are called synesthetes. This week Shawn welcomes Jugaad, Keisha, Jinnie, and Monty to the show, all of whom are synesthetes. They discuss the various different types of synesthesia, how it manifests for them and describe what it’s like and the various ways it impacts their daily lives. If you’ve never heard of synesthesia or ever wondered what colour Tuesday is, you won’t want to miss this f...2022-11-0854 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 122 - Let’s Talk About HalloweenIt’s a very spooktacular episode this week as Shawn welcomes Nika, Nolan, and Leena to the show to discuss Halloween, from their favourite memories and how this spooky holiday may or may not have been adapted to how they currently celebrate and plans for this year!
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!
2022-10-3041 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 121 - Let’s Talk About Why People Who Are Blind Are Great EmployeesThis week Shawn and co-host Keisha welcome Mark Bentz, entrepreneur, business owner, and member of the blindness community to the show to talk about employment and the benefits of inclusive hiring practices for businesses and discuss some of the qualities that can make an employee who is blind or partially sighted a huge asset to any company.
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 fi...2022-10-2556 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 120 - Let’s Talk About AlbinismOur Blindness Awareness Month content continues this week as Shawn is joined by co-host Acacia as they welcome Adam to the show to discuss Albinism. They discuss its definition, de-bunk various myths, and share stories about what it’s like living with Albinism.
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!
2022-10-1837 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 119 - Let’s Talk About Forced InclusionWhile inclusion is something that is incredibly important most of the time, when done without consulting the person who is being included, it can go wrong and backfire. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Ishita, Jinnie, and Clement to discuss this, compare experiences, and talk about how inclusion can be handled in a way that doesn’t result in awkward situations or, ironically, enhanced feelings of exclusion.
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...2022-10-1155 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 118 - Let’s Talk About Guide Dog TrainingIt’s Blindness Awareness Month and Shawn and co-host Keisha are kicking off the month by welcoming former Seeing Eye Guide Dog trainer Sarah to the show for a fascinating deep dive into what the process of what training is like. From puppy-hood to handing off the dog to its new handler and owner, we talk about what makes a successful guide dog candidate, some of the challenges of training, and much much more! If you're a dog lover or curious to learn more about the scope of work and care that goes into training each individual dog, this is...2022-10-0455 minLimitless: Blind Beginnings PodcastEpisode 117 - Let’s Talk About Being BraveYou might be surprised at how often those who are blind or partially sighted get approached by people in public and are told that they are brave, just for going about the normal activities of their day. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Nika and Keisha to the show to discuss this common occurrence and to have an open and honest conversation about how it makes them feel, how it can play into common misconceptions about what it’s like to be blind or partially sighted, and some of the things that they do that does take bravery.
Blin...2022-09-2746 min