The Blind Chick

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street share their relaxing getaway to Colorado’s Hot Sulphur Springs, discussing the importance of self-care and rejuvenation. Special guest Tricia Waechter joins the conversation, sharing her journey with vision loss and how she built her company, Blind Girl Designs, after transitioning from a career in fashion. This episode is full of humor, heart, and inspiration, reminding us all to embrace life’s challenges. Don’t miss part two next week! #TheBlindChick #BlindGirlDesigns #SelfCare #VisionLoss #Resilience Takeaways Self-care is essential for mental and physical well-being. Hot springs can provide a unique and rejuvenating experience. Living with vision loss presents unexpected challenges. Transitioning to blindness can be a difficult journey. Building a business can be a way to reclaim independence. Community support is vital for those with disabilities. Self-accommodation is a common experience for those with vision loss. The fashion industry can be inclusive and adaptive. Embracing change can lead to new opportunities. Finding joy in small moments is important. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 02:23 The Importance of Self-Care 04:41 Living with Vision Loss 12:49 Transitioning to Blindness and New Beginnings 23:28 Building Blind Girl Designs

In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, hosts Penn and Moses Street dive into an inspiring conversation with Evan Schwabrock, who opens up about his journey of adapting to vision loss from Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Evan shares the real challenges he’s faced—both personally and from societal misconceptions about blindness—and how he’s pushed through to prove his capabilities. He also talks about his passion for fitness and empowerment through his initiative, Kane and Able Fitness, which is dedicated to helping the visually impaired community reach their fitness goals. You can learn more about his work at KaneAndAbleFitness.com. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Aftersight at (720) 712-8856 or email feedback@aftersight.org. Tune in to hear how physical fitness can fuel personal growth and help overcome life's obstacles. Takeaways Blindness can be an adventure if we embrace it. Vision loss is only a barrier if we let it be. Adapting to vision loss requires determination and support. Societal perceptions often underestimate the capabilities of the blind. Fitness can empower individuals with visual impairments. Kane and Able Fitness aims to provide accessible fitness resources. Overcoming challenges in fitness can translate to life skills. Movement should be enjoyable, not a punishment. Personal growth often starts with physical fitness. Everyone deserves to feel confident and capable, regardless of disability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Blindness 02:25 Evan's Diagnosis and Initial Challenges 07:33 Adapting to Vision Loss and Independent Living 12:09 Overcoming Societal Doubts and Misconceptions 17:00 Kane and Able Fitness: Empowering the Visually Impaired 23:00 The Broader Impact of Fitness on Life Goals

We know you have questions for Penn and Moses. Why not drop them the line and ask them those burning questions that you can't keep inside? Call us at 720-712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, Penn and Moses engage in a heartfelt conversation with Joel Schneider about the journey of training service dogs and the impact they have on individuals with disabilities. They discuss the unique experiences with guide dogs, the training processes involved, and the importance of community support in fostering a better understanding of service animals. The conversation emphasizes the humane treatment of all creatures and the need for more resources and awareness in the field of service dog training. If you would like to find out more about a soul dogs, you can visit their website at https://www.soul-dogs-inc.org/ Takeaways Blindness can be an adventure and a journey of strength. Guide dogs have unique personalities and relationships with their handlers. Soul Dogs operates as a job development program for individuals with disabilities. Training methods for dogs can vary widely, similar to different cuisines. Many guide dogs do not complete their training for various reasons. Humane treatment of all animals is a core value in service dog training. Community involvement is crucial for the success of service dog programs. There are significant costs and time commitments involved in obtaining a service dog. Support for service dog training can come from various community resources. Everyone can contribute to animal welfare by fostering or adopting dogs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 00:26 The Journey with Guide Dogs 05:13 Soul Dogs: Training and Career Development 10:16 The Process of Guide Dog Training 14:04 Challenges in Service Dog Training 18:45 Community Involvement and Support 22:30 The Importance of Humane Treatment 24:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Blind Chick. I know you have questions for Penn and Moses, so why not ask? Give us a call at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, hosts Penn and Moses Street engage with Joel Schneider, the executive director of Soul Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to training service dogs for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores the mission of Soul Dogs, the process of training service dogs, and the profound impact these animals have on the lives of their handlers. Schneider shares insights into the unique abilities of service dogs, the importance of temperament in training, and the distinction between service dogs and emotional support animals. The episode highlights the healing power of the human-animal bond and the transformative experiences of those involved with Soul Dogs. Takeaways Blindness can be an adventure and a journey of strength. Soul Dogs, Inc. was founded to support individuals with disabilities. The connection between animals and healing trauma is profound. Training service dogs involves understanding their temperament. Service dogs can be trained to detect medical conditions like seizures. The journey of training a service dog is both rewarding and challenging. Emotional support animals differ from service dogs in their roles. Community involvement is crucial for the success of nonprofits like Soul Dogs. Every dog has unique abilities that can be harnessed for support. The bond between humans and dogs is a source of joy and healing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 02:23 Meet Joel Schneider and Soul Dogs, Inc. 03:20 The Mission and Impact of Soul Dogs 12:41 The Journey of Training Service Dogs 18:24 Understanding the Unique Abilities of Service Dogs 21:10 The Difference Between Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals

We're so glad you're listening to The Blind Chick. If you have any questions for Penn or Moses, email them at feedback@aftersight.org or give them a call at (720) 712-8856. In this episode, Paula Kissinger is back for part 2 as she talks with Penn and Moses Street. They discuss their experiences with adaptive sports, including swimming, hiking, and working on a cattle ranch. They share tips for swimming in the ocean and hiking with a visual impairment. They also talk about how participating in sports has impacted their lives and provided them with valuable life skills. The episode concludes with a discussion on finding resources and services for adaptive sports. Takeaways There are adaptive ways to participate in various sports, such as swimming and hiking, even with a visual impairment. Participating in sports can teach valuable life skills, such as perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges. Sports can have a positive impact on career choices and relationships. It is important for parents to allow their children with disabilities to experience struggles and learn independence. There are many resources and services available for adaptive sports, and getting involved in a program can be a great experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Various Sports and Magic Tricks 01:48 Swimming and Echolocation 06:28 Swimming in the Ocean 09:44 Hiking with a Visual Impairment 12:37 Impact of Sports on Career and Relationships 18:50 Working on a Cattle Ranch 21:11 Takeaway: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Independence 21:39 Takeaway: Adaptive Sports for Everyone 22:06 Finding Resources and Services for Adaptive Sports25:23 Conclusion

Summary Paula Kissinger, a guest on The Blind Chick podcast, shares her story of how sports became her compass through vision loss. She grew up loving sports and found a sense of normalcy and community at a summer camp for kids with visual impairments. She discovered her love for judo at the camp and went on to compete in able-bodied competitions. Paula also talks about her passion for skiing and how she learned to ski at a young age. She now mentors young skiers and encourages them to overcome their fears. Takeaways Sports can be a compass for navigating vision loss and provide a sense of normalcy and community. Judo is an accessible sport for people with visual impairments due to its tactile nature. Skiing can be enjoyed by blind and low vision individuals with the help of guides and proper training. Parents should encourage their blind or low vision children to try sports and support their progress. Overcoming fear is an important part of participating in sports and achieving personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:20 Growing Up in Colorado and Moving to Philadelphia 03:40 Paula's Vision Diagnosis and Journey 06:03 Discovering Sports and Judo at Summer Camp 08:23 The Impact of Sports on Paula's Life 10:38 The Accessibility of Judo for People with Visual Impairments 13:29 Skiing with Guides and Overcoming Fears 16:20 Different Styles of Guiding in Skiing 19:11 Paula's Love for Skiing and Favorite Ski Areas 22:40 Paula's Role as a Mentor for Young Skiers 24:08 Encouraging Blind and Low Vision Children to Try Sports 25:52 Overcoming Fear in Sports and Achieving Personal Growth 26:23 Conclusion and Preview of Part 2

Summary The Blind Chick podcast is a platform for people with disabilities to share their stories. The hosts Penn and Moses Street interview individuals from all over the world, including para-Olympians, gamers, photographers, artists, writers, and activists. In this episode, they interview Ted Tahquechi, a blind art photographer, who creates 3D printable art that can be touched and experienced by people with visual impairments. They also interview Jacqueline and Alexa, the creators of the Dateability app, a dating app designed for disabled and chronically ill individuals. Lastly, they speak with Shawn Satterfield, the founder of the Shine Music Festival, which focuses on accessibility and inclusivity in live music events. Takeaways The Blind Chick podcast provides a platform for people with disabilities to share their stories. Ted Takuichi creates 3D printable art that can be experienced by people with visual impairments. The Dateability app is a dating app designed for disabled and chronically ill individuals. The Shine Music Festival focuses on accessibility and inclusivity in live music events. Chapters 00:00 Empowering Stories from Around the World 05:19 Creating Tactile Art for the Visually Impaired 10:47 Finding Love and Connection with the Dateability App 16:18 Promoting Accessibility and Inclusivity in Live Music Events Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. It was so much fun seeing you all at the Shine Festival, and we are so blessed to get to do this every week. If you have any questions for Penn and Moses, reach out to us at feedback@aftersight.org or give us a call at (720) 712-8856. Have a great week.

Summary In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, hosts Penn and Moses interview Marty Sobo, a podcaster and tech guru who is a strong advocate for accessibility in the tech world. Marty shares his personal journey of losing his sight 10 years ago and how it changed his life. He discusses the challenges faced by blind individuals in learning and using technology, as well as the importance of advocating for oneself and the blind community. The conversation also touches on the need for better resources and support for those who receive a vision loss diagnosis. Takeaways Losing one's vision can be a life-altering experience, requiring individuals to learn new skills and adapt to a world that heavily relies on technology. Blind individuals often face challenges in accessing and using technology, and there is a need for better resources and support to help them navigate the digital world. Advocacy plays a crucial role in empowering blind individuals to ask for help, seek resources, and educate others about their needs and experiences. Receiving a vision loss diagnosis can be overwhelming, and there is a need for improved support systems to guide individuals through the process and connect them with relevant resources. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:19 Marty's Journey and Diagnosis 03:09 The Challenges of Accessing and Using Technology 07:00 The Emotional Journey and the Power of Advocacy 15:58 Unmuting Yourself and the Blind Community 21:32 Unmuting Your Potential: Asking Questions and Advocating for Yourself 24:22 Improving Support Systems for Vision Loss Diagnoses 27:08 Closing Remarks and Call to Kindness Thank you for listening to The Blind Chick. If you have questions, please email us at feedback@aftersight.org or call us at (720) 712-8856.

Summary In this episode, Penn and Moses interviews Dominic Petrello, a writer and advocate for the blind community. They discuss Dominic's upcoming kidney transplant, his journey with diabetes, and the challenges faced by blind individuals in sports journalism. Dominic shares his perspective on the misconceptions about blindness and the need for society to value individuals based on their abilities rather than their disabilities. He also talks about his aspirations to become a full-time sports writer and his desire to help others through his words. Takeaways Blind individuals face misconceptions and stereotypes, but they should not let them define their abilities or limit their aspirations. Society needs to value individuals based on their abilities rather than their disabilities. Blindness can enhance other senses, such as hearing and smell, and individuals should embrace and utilize these heightened senses. Mentorship and support from others can play a crucial role in overcoming challenges and achieving success. Dominic aspires to become a full-time sports writer and hopes to make a difference in the world through his words. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:55 Dominic's Kidney Transplant Journey 02:15 Living with Diabetes and Other Health Challenges 03:09 Discussing the Documentary 'Hoop Dreams' 04:33 Making Sports Journalism More Accessible for the Blind 05:52 Challenging Misconceptions about Blindness 07:18 The Importance of Empathy and Understanding 08:17 Navigating Relationships and Dating as a Blind Individual 09:41 The Deeper Sense of Perception in the Blind Community 10:59 The Desire for a More Inclusive Society 12:24 Utilizing Enhanced Senses and Cognitive Abilities 13:47 The Challenges and Benefits of Heightened Sense of Smell 15:11 Living with a Partner with a Good Sense of Smell 16:08 Connecting with Dominic and Seeking Mentorship 18:59 Dominic's Aspirations as a Writer and Mentor 21:20 Defining Success as a Sports Writer 23:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Thank you for listening to The Blind Chick. Give us a call at (720) 712-8856 if you have any questions for our hosts. Have a great week!

Summary In this episode, Penn and Moses interviews Dominic Petrillo, a blind sportswriter, about his journey and experiences in the sports industry. Dominic shares his passion for sports and how he became a sportswriter after losing his vision. He also discusses the challenges he faces as a blind journalist and advocate for accessibility in the field. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health in the sports world and the power of sharing personal stories to inspire and help others. Takeaways Blindness does not limit one's passion for sports and the ability to work in the sports industry. Sharing personal stories of struggles and mental health challenges in the sports world can inspire and help others. Advocacy for accessibility in the sports industry is crucial to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The blind community pioneers accessibility solutions that benefit everyone. Building connections and relationships with industry professionals can open doors and create opportunities for growth and collaboration. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Shine Festival 03:18 Guest Introduction: Dominic Petrillo 09:03 Growing Up in Philadelphia and Love for Sports 13:23 Losing Vision and Finding Purpose in Sports Writing 16:47 Writing Process and Advocacy for Accessibility 20:29 Challenges and Progress in Accessibility 25:16 Milestones and Connections in the Sports Industry 26:13 Upcoming Events and Conclusion Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick if you have any questions for Penn or Moses please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can visit us at feedback@aftersight.org