The Blind Chick

Penn and Moses welcome David Redmond from Vision Ireland for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about accessibility in everyday life—from airports and public transit to the awkward magic of speed dating. David shares how he navigates disclosure on dating apps, why voice and character matter more than looks, and how Ireland’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act is already nudging banks, apps, and services toward better design. The trio contrasts EU momentum with current U.S. headwinds around the ADA, then zooms out: universal design lifts everyone, and today’s tech (including AI) is expanding what’s possible for blind and low-vision folks—yes, even flying and autonomous vehicles. Quick updates include Aftersight’s Code Orange launch and details for the Sept 13 Boulder hike. Contact Info Guest — David Redmond / Vision Ireland: vi.ie • Podcast: Talking Technology with VI Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org • (720) 712-8856 • aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Show Credits A production of Aftersight. Host: Penn Street • Co-Host: Moses Street Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland) Producer: Jonathan Price Chapter Markers 00:00 — Show open & welcome 00:35 — Producer update: Code Orange + Sept 13 hike 02:22 — Travel abroad: airports, transit, and accessibility 04:41 — Dating apps: to disclose or not? 06:58 — Speed dating made accessible 09:25 — When disclosure lands… or doesn’t 11:47 — First impressions, voices, and character 14:07 — What makes a voice attractive 16:31 — Ireland’s European Accessibility Act goes live 18:52 — U.S. ADA worries and cultural whiplash 21:12 — Global ripple effects & corporate compliance 23:21 — “Blind people can do anything” — new frontiers 25:40 — Public-service mindset: why shows like this matter 28:01 — CTAs: hike details, how to connect with Aftersight

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street welcome special guest David Redmond from Vision Ireland. David shares his personal story growing up with congenital glaucoma and other vision conditions in Cork, Ireland, and how his journey led him into the world of accessible technology and media. He opens up about the challenges of vision loss, the role of assistive technology like JAWS, ZoomText, and VoiceOver, and how his career path shifted from mainstream radio to producing podcasts and tech content for Vision Ireland. The conversation explores similarities and differences between Ireland and the United States when it comes to employment challenges, accessibility, and available resources for blind and low-vision individuals. David also highlights the mission of Vision Ireland as a one-stop shop for support, advocacy, and technology training, while sharing his own perspective on building community and friendships within the blind community. Listeners are reminded about Aftersight’s upcoming Accessible Hike in Boulder, Colorado on September 13th, and encouraged to register for a day of inclusion, support, and adventure in the mountains. Contact Info Guest: David Redmond, Vision Ireland Website: https://www.visionireland.ie Aftersight Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Website: https://aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland) Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro & banter with Penn, Moses, and Jonathan 02:01 — Aftersight Accessible Hike announcement (Sept. 13) 03:00 — Meet David Redmond: growing up in Cork, Ireland 04:15 — Navigating school with glaucoma and assistive tech 06:36 — Facing fears and preparing for possible vision loss 08:53 — Everyday independence vs. acting “more blind” in new settings 10:20 — From media studies to Vision Ireland 13:19 — Talking Technology: podcasts, newsletters, and advocacy 15:43 — Employment struggles and accessibility barriers 18:04 — Vision Ireland’s “one stop shop” of services 20:23 — Building friendships through camps and blind community events 22:42 — Differences between U.S. and Ireland’s blindness services 25:01 — Rebranding from NCBI to Vision Ireland 27:16 — Outro & preview of Part 2 with David Redmond

In this third and final part of Shawn Cheshire’s powerful conversation, she takes us deeper into her story of resilience, adventure, and relentless courage. From navigating hostile ignorance at a hotel to recounting her harrowing cross-country bike ride along the Continental Divide, Shawn shares how she transforms personal grief into legacy-building triumphs. She speaks candidly about shattering misconceptions of blindness, training for the Wonderland Trail, and her mission to expand possibilities for the blind and low-vision community. With raw honesty, humor, and fire, Shawn makes it clear—blindness isn’t a limitation, it’s a superpower. Contact Info Shawn Cheshire / Choosing to See Foundation: choosingtosee.org Film Website: blindasfuck.com Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price Show Credits Host: Penn & Moses Street Guest: Shawn Cheshire Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 – Intro & Content Warning 01:20 – Hotel confrontation & misconceptions of blindness 04:25 – Jonathan shares his biking trauma 06:49 – What kept Shawn on the bike through falls and setbacks 09:13 – Blindness as a superpower 11:34 – Film festivals & Sedona Dave connection 13:54 – Impact screenings & conversational advocacy 16:16 – Crossing the Grand Canyon solo 20:51 – Tour Divide: Canada to Mexico ride 23:09 – Lessons with guides & being called a pioneer 25:30 – Staying out of the black hole of grief 27:34 – Aftersight Hike reminder & closing

In part two of this powerful conversation, Penn and Moses continue their interview with Shawn Cheshire. Shawn opens up about the devastating year that changed her life: a traumatic brain injury, sudden vision loss, and the painful custody battle that separated her from her child. She shares how therapy became a lifeline, the moment of brutal honesty she had with herself in a shower, and the resilience that carried her into adaptive sports and eventually the Paralympics. The discussion digs into stigma—both from the general public and within disability communities—and the surprising challenges Shawn faced as an elite blind athlete. With raw honesty and unfiltered courage, Shawn reflects on the choices that shaped her journey, the discipline forged through trauma, and the deep healing that comes from therapy and community. This is a conversation about pain, perseverance, and transformation. Shawn’s story reminds us that identity isn’t something we inherit—it’s something we choose and fight for. Contact Info Aftersight: aftersight.org | feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Show Credits Hosts: Penn & Moses Street Guest: Shawn Cheshire Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro & Hike Reminder 02:20 — Injury, Vision Loss & Custody Battle 04:44 — Returning to Work & Identity as a Paramedic 07:09 — Therapy, Night Terrors & Trauma 09:24 — The Shower Aha Moment 11:42 — Choices, Consequences & Growth 14:03 — Therapy as Practice, Not Stigma 16:25 — Trauma Defined & No Comparisons 18:46 — Discovering Cycling & Training Resilience 21:14 — Stigma & Bias in the Paralympics 23:34 — Accusations of “Not Really Blind” 25:26 — Embracing Identity & Handling Judgment 27:00 — Wrap-Up & Teaser for Part 3

In Part 1 of our bold and moving conversation with Shawn Cheshire, Penn and Moses explore her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood in South Texas to breaking barriers as one of the first women in her Army specialty, and later serving as an EMT and paramedic. Shawn shares with raw honesty about growing up without love or nurture, surviving abuse, and how the voice of her grandmother’s encouragement shaped her resilience. She recounts her military service as a helicopter armament systems mechanic, the challenges of proving herself in a male-dominated field, and her transition into emergency medical services. The episode builds toward the life-changing on-the-job brain injury that left her blind, as Shawn reflects on the events, traumas, and triumphs that shaped her into the unstoppable athlete and advocate she is today. This is a gripping start to a story you will not forget. Contact Info Guest: Shawn Cheshire — https://www.shawncheshire.org/ Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org/podcast Producer: Jonathan Price: Jonathan@aftersight.org Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Executive Producer: Aftersight Recorded for: The Blind Chick — An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 — Introduction & Content Warning 02:14 — Why "Blind AF" and the Power of Shawn’s Story 03:15 — Childhood in South Texas & Early Trauma 06:40 — Joining the Army at 17 to Escape 08:20 — Breaking Barriers as a Female Helicopter Armament Mechanic 11:23 — Injuries, Discharge, and Moving Forward 13:47 — Surviving Abuse & Planning an Escape 16:10 — The Grandmother’s Voice That Saved Her 18:32 — EMT Training and Leaving in the Middle of the Night 20:49 — Life as a Paramedic & Finding Purpose 22:53 — The Accident That Changed Everything 25:19 — Diagnosis, Vision Loss, and the Long Road of Recovery 27:15 — Closing & Preview of Part 2

Penn and Moses sit down with Spirit Club founder Jared Ciner to unpack a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to fitness for the blind and low-vision community. Jared shares Michael’s step-by-step journey from “not for me” to thriving in group classes—proof that small wins compound. They discuss functional movement you can do anywhere (no fancy gear required), how partnerships with agencies like Aftersight expand access, and Spirit Club’s new Denver hub launching in-person programs by September. Jared also previews an NIH-supported expansion for brain-injury-friendly content and encourages “exercise snacks”—quick bursts that boost mood and momentum. Listeners get a discount with promo code AFTERSIGHT at checkout. Plus: details on Aftersight’s fully accessible Audio Trekkers Hike on September 13 in Boulder. Contact Info Spirit Club Website: spiritclub.com (virtual & in-person programs; certification coming soon) Promo code: AFTERSIGHT (discount at checkout) Aftersight Website: aftersight.org/hike (Audio Trekkers Hike info) • aftersight.org General inquiries / guests: feedback@aftersight.org • (720) 712-8856 Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Chapter Markers 00:00 — Cold open, Part 2 setup, Spirit Club promo + hike tease 02:21 — Michael’s story: from “nope” to group classes and front-desk greeter 04:44 — Trauma-informed, strengths-based coaching vs. drill-sergeant fitness 07:08 — Adaptive equipment? Start with bodyweight and real-life movements 09:30 — Breaking down “get up from the floor” into four learnable steps 11:56 — Garden squats, standing desks, and building everyday endurance 14:19 — Partnering with agencies; how orgs stream Spirit Club to members 16:41 — Advocacy: Spirit Club Foundation, funding access, pro certification 19:03 — Join the movement; Denver hub launches in-person by September 21:27 — “Everybody can move”: mood, support, and 100% progress stories 23:51 — Penn’s dance class win; connecting mental and physical health 26:12 — “Exercise snacks”: five-minute bursts that change your day 28:34 — Call-to-action: try Spirit Club, use AFTERSIGHT, and join the Sept 13 hike in Boulder

In this lively and heartfelt episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses recap their recent blindfolded cornhole tournament, sharing laughs, insights, and the importance of focus in blind navigation. Their conversation segues beautifully into the main interview with Jared Ciner, founder of Spirit Club, a fitness organization on a mission to make physical health accessible and inclusive for all people, regardless of ability. Jared shares the personal and professional journey that led him to create Spirit Club, a revolutionary platform that offers both live and on-demand fitness classes designed with accessibility at their core. He discusses the human right to fitness, building confidence through adaptive movement, and why taking up space—physically and socially—is an act of empowerment. Penn shares her own experiences with Spirit Club, explaining how it has not only helped her stay active but also helped her build confidence in moving freely as a person with vision loss. Jared also dives into Spirit Club’s group exercise experience, technology innovations, community impact, and the belief that fitness is not a privilege—it’s a right. 🔗 Contact Information: Guest: Jared Ciner Website: https://spirit-club.org Aftersight Contact: 📧 feedback@aftersight.org 📞 (720) 712-8856 🌐 https://aftersight.org 🎟️ Register for the September 13 Audio Trekkers Hike: https://aftersight.org/hike 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://aftersight.org/podcasts/the-blind-chick ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick + Cornhole recap 02:10 – Sound, focus, and how blind folks dominated the game 04:30 – Why blind folks listen better (and win more) 06:55 – Introducing Jared Ciner and Spirit Club 08:50 – Jared’s story: Psychology, fitness, and a missing link 11:15 – Building an accessible fitness platform from scratch 13:45 – What “inclusive fitness” actually looks like 16:20 – Online classes, group sessions, and on-demand options 18:30 – Penn’s personal story: building confidence through movement 21:00 – Creating authentic connection through live-class recording 22:45 – The mission: Fitness is a human right 24:30 – Taking up space, building confidence, and pushing back against shame 26:00 – Final thoughts + Promo for Spirit Club and Aftersight Hike

🔍 Episode Summary & Show Notes: In this empowering follow-up conversation, The Blind Chick welcomes back Neva Fairchild for Part 2 of her inspiring story. Neva, an advocate, educator, entrepreneur, and unapologetic braille and cane enthusiast, shares practical tools and wisdom for navigating life with vision loss. From mastering WayAround tags for labeling appliances and tracking repair history, to embracing the white cane as a tool of confidence, this episode dives deep into the intersection of tech, identity, and independence. Penn and Moses keep it real and lighthearted while tackling serious topics like shame, stigma, and self-worth — reminding us all that blindness is not a character flaw. Neva also shares insights about: Her business Experts on Blindness and work as an expert witness in legal cases Her late-in-life discovery of braille and passion for braille literacy Her advocacy for older adults who are newly blind and feel trapped in their homes The myth that using a cane makes you vulnerable — and why it actually empowers you to walk confidently Real-life humor about travel, crowds, and how blind folks get the best concert seats! This conversation will move you, challenge you, and most of all — encourage you to embrace the tools that bring freedom. 🎧 Don’t miss this bold, funny, and refreshingly honest episode. 🔖 Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro & Hike Announcement 01:23 — How WayAround Tags Work 03:57 — Appliance Tagging & Memory Tools 06:45 — Buying Tags & App Walkthrough 08:00 — Tech Neva Uses Every Day 09:15 — Experts on Blindness & Legal Education 10:35 — Braille Advocacy & Late Learners 13:00 — Fighting the Stigma of the White Cane 15:00 — Neva’s “Aha” Moment in the Woods 18:00 — Confidence vs. Vulnerability with the Cane 21:00 — Crowds, Airports & Humor 23:00 — Where to Find Neva & Final Thoughts 25:00 — Audio Trekkers Hike Info & Closing 🔗 Resources & Contact 📍 WayAround Website: https://www.wayaround.com 🔗 Neva Fairchild on LinkedIn – The only one by that name! 🗓️ Register for the Audio Trekkers Hike (Sept 17): aftersight.org/hike 📧 Feedback & Questions: feedback@aftersight.org 📞 Listener Line: 720-712-8856 🌐 Discover more Aftersight Originals: aftersight.org

In this powerful episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses sit down with Neva Fairchild—a fierce advocate, rehabilitation counselor, and accessibility expert. Neva shares her extraordinary journey from a childhood of partial sight, misdiagnosis, and bullying to embracing blindness at 30 and diving into advocacy and innovation. The trio explores Neva's late introduction to the white cane and Braille, her evolving career in vision rehabilitation, and her pivotal role in supporting accessible technologies like WayAround. Through emotional honesty and humor, Neva opens up about stigma, independence, and the power of learning to navigate life on your own terms. Don’t miss the inspiring insights, practical tools, and bold truths in this episode. Also: Be sure to check out Neva’s tech-focused episode on Blind Level Tech, and mark your calendars for Aftersight’s upcoming hike on September 13! Register now at aftersight.org/hike. ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome & Reflections from Helen Keller’s Birthplace 02:19 – Dystopian Society Analogy: A Sighted Person’s Insight 03:30 – Introducing Neva Fairchild 04:41 – Accessibility Gaps in the U.S. vs. Abroad 06:55 – Neva’s Early Life and Vision Diagnosis 09:26 – Education, Missed Blindness Skills, and a Military Family Childhood 11:41 – Braille, Cane Travel, and Losing Sight in Her 30s 13:54 – Misconceptions and Delayed Discovery of Blindness Tools 16:10 – College, Social Dynamics, and Career Aspirations 18:25 – How Neva Got Involved with WayAround 20:48 – WayAround vs. PenFriend: Accessible Labeling Then and Now 23:06 – WayAround Tags: How They Work and What They Can Do 25:28 – Using WayAround in Public Spaces & Orientation Features 27:50 – Outro: More to Come + Hike Reminder

In this thought-provoking and unexpectedly fun continuation, The Blind Chick welcomes back author, tech blogger, and blind speedcubing pioneer Paul Martz for Part 2 of a conversation that bends the mind as much as the Rubik’s Cube does. Paul, Penn, and Moses unpack how blind speedcubing works, why accessibility gaps in tech still exist (and what we can learn from curb cuts), and how Paul’s book Solve It is breaking down barriers for blind cubers everywhere. Paul shares how he hacks tactile cubes, connects with a small but growing blind cubing community worldwide, and compares speedcubing to the artistry of musicianship. He also dives into his punk rock days in the 1980s—bands, bar gigs, and brushes with musical legends—proving the life of a blind innovator can be as unpredictable as a scrambled cube. Finally, the team reminds listeners that everyone has a part to play in pushing accessibility forward—one request to Bard at a time. It’s witty, inspiring, and might just convince you to dust off your old Rubik’s Cube, make it tactile, and get your brain moving again—whether you’re blind, sighted, or somewhere in between. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 — Welcome Back + Summer Vibes 00:40 — Blind Speedcubing: Why It Matters 01:50 — ADA, Curb Cuts & Digital Accessibility 04:00 — AppleViz, Blogging & Making the Impossible Possible 07:00 — Tactile Cubes: DIY or Buy? 09:15 — Writing Solve It: No Pictures Needed 11:30 — Requesting Bard & Bookshare Access 13:00 — Speedcubing Records & Community 16:00 — Rubik’s Cube as Brain Exercise 18:00 — Paul’s Punk Rock Past 22:00 — Brushes with Fame & Hotel Stories 25:00 — Final Words: Pay It Forward 📚 Get Paul’s Book Title: Solve It: The Only Speed Solving Guide for Blind Cubers Find It: Search “Solve It Paul Martz” or visit PaulMartz.com Where to Request: NLS Bard, Bookshare, RNIB (UK), Sela (Canada) 📞 Stay Connected Aftersight: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org