The Blind Chick

Daniel was born in Mexico and came to the US when he was six years old. His family moved straight to KS city, where he was EVENTUALLY diagnosed with a form of Retinitis Pigmentosa. But Daniel struggled - at the time he didn’t speak English and he wasn’t getting the resources he needed to thrive. So, at age seven his family moved again, this time to Estes Park. Daniel still struggled, but in Colorado his life changed. Daniel was given the tools and he put in the work. He wasn’t stopped by doubting teachers, debilitating migraines, or by the 2013 flood (when he lived in Estes Park!). And now, Daniel has started his own business and shares his story on social media. Join Penn and Daniel today! Seeinghands.massagetherapy.com https://twitter.com/danielsworldtv https://www.tiktok.com/@danielsworldtv?lang=en Call: 970 599 0834 Penn@aincolorado.org

This week Penn opens up. She realized that the people that she interviews have shown that bravery - so she decided it was her turn. Some of the guests on Aftersight are born with conditions that cause vision loss, others - like Penn - experience something that forever changes them… like a rattlesnake bite. Penn was a healthy, strong tomboy when she was bitten twice, and the treatment caused a rare reaction that almost killed her. Her body attacked itself, viciously. The result was so bad that she was treated in a burn unit and had to be put into an induced coma. When she came out, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome had damaged much of her body - including her eyes. But - true to the name of the podcast - Penn has really lived AFTER sight. It hasn’t always been easy, in fact, she admits that sometimes it’s been overwhelming and miserable. But she keeps trying and keeps finding strength within. https://aincolorado.org/ https://nobarriersusa.org/

Michelle has put the work in. At birth, her parents were told she would never be able to walk - but today she’s able to do that, and so much more. She skis, rafts, boats, rides a horse... Michelle talks with Penn about the barriers that she faced starting at a very young age. She talks about how hard it was to have her disabilities recognized, how overwhelming it was to be diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, and about the catharsis that came with her diagnosis. She explores her growth and her and how she came to love herself. That love helped her to heal and to grow. And now that she’s accepted who she is, she has moved to help others who are struggling. Michelle tutors and has mentored. She’s a monumental person! Join Penn and Michelle today on Aftersight!

On a special episode, Penn and Evan (Aftersight’s Audio Production Technician) go to Vail and ski with Foresight Ski Guides. ?Foresight Ski Guides, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to making challenging recreational opportunities through snow sports both affordable and accessible to visually impaired and blind skiers. Penn and Evan collected the thoughts of the other skiers and guides who joined them on the trip. Hear all about it! https://www.foresightskiguides.org/

Melissa was featured in a short movie, “From my Window,” which is about how she wanted to live life out in the world and not just live through what she could see through her window. She made a commitment to hike a mountain - but she had no idea how she was going to do it. Like the rest of us, Melissa faced a number of barriers in 2020, but she didn’t let the pandemic or cerebral palsy stand in her way. On this episode of Afterisght, Melissa and Penn talk about how Melissa didn’t always feel like a “light,” and about how life was a struggle. But Melissa moved past that, and she turned things around for herself. She wants to go back at those who doubted her and say, “Look at me now!” And, when people see her, they are inspired. Join Penn and Melissa on Aftersight! On this episode of Afterisght, Melissa and Penn talk about how Melissa didn’t always feel like a “light,” and about how life was a struggle. But Melissa moved past that, and she turned things around for herself. She wants to go back at those who doubted her and say, “Look at me now!”

Tricia is an adventurous spirit, and she was also a passionate educator for youth with special needs. However, her Retinitis Pigmentosa affected her vision enough that she needed reasonable accommodations to keep working. When her school refused, she fought back, and she became her own champion. Now, Tricia continues to do the things she loves - go on cruises, hike, snowshoe, ski, and so much more. Each activity is its own adventure for her, and when she experiences barriers she breaks through them. Penn and Tricia’s mentions: https://ensightskills.org/ https://dvr.colorado.gov/ https://www.fightingblindness.org/ https://Aincolorado.org https://www.ohsu.edu/casey-eye-institute

Foresight offers transformational experiences in the mountains. In the winter, they offer skiing that is really led by the skier and supported by the guide - not the other way around. In the summer, they offer paddleboarding, rock climbing, and a lot of other activities. Experiences are almost “concierge” where for a nominal tax deductible donation, Foresight will provide lift tickets, equipment rental, transportation and discounted lodging assistance, and a trained volunteer guide and shadow for your ski trip. Experience are open to both youth and adults. Christine talks about what an experience with Foresight is like, what it takes to find them, and the reactions of people who've taken part. https://www.foresightskiguides.org/ info@foresightskiguides.org 303-506-3859

Trevor is an activist, artist, and outdoor enthusiast - oh, and he’s also a new dad! He talks about finding peace in ice climbing and about how rock climbing led him to sculpture to make “art through touch.” Trevor also talks about his travels, particularly to Nepal shortly after he lost his remaining vision. There, he helped at a center for children with disabilities and climbed to 17,775 feet. This was a momentous first for him, and a kickoff to “doing cool things,” as he put it. He also candidly talks through his diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, his treatment, and his subsequent vision loss. And, he talks about his realization that he could still be active and creative. Join Penn and Trevoy today on Aftersight! Find Trevor and his art on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorHahnsArtThroughTouch/photos

Born to a mother who is also blind, Peggy Chong has been blind her whole life, and she has been active in the community ever since she can remember. She’s an astounding person and a published author who brings life to women and men in history who were blind. It all started when she was asked to clean out some files at the Home for the Blind in Minnesota when it closed. Instead of tossing all of the records directly into the trash, she stopped to read some of them. Then she stumbled across the story of a blind congressman. That spark lit a passion to learn and share the stories of other blind individuals. Married with a love of genealogy, she turned to writing and sharing stories. Join Penn and Peggy on Aftersight! Join her mailing list by contacting Peggy at: theblindhistorylady@gmail.com She is self published on Smashwords.com - search for Peggy Chong or the Blind History Lady Find her book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Don-Mahoney-Television-Peggy-Chong/dp/1098082958/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peggy+chong&qid=1644438458&sr=8-1

Nick was born 90 days too early back in 1942, so early that the doctors told his mother to “pick a name so they could bury him.” But, with the help of an incubator, Nick survived - even if the process took most of his vision. He has been leading an incredible life ever since. As an advocate for people with disabilities, he spoke truth to power… and was fired and blackballed for his effort. He has been a broadcaster, a reporter, bureau chief, photographer, student, teacher, and so much more. Nick is an astounding and endearing person who shares his life and his work. Join Nick and Penn on Aftersight today! You can find Nick at tactiletraveler@gmail.com -or- (970) 945-8936 Listen to the Tactile Traveler wherever you find podcasts!