Join host Kim Wardlow and guest Michael Sisneros, Aftersight's Community Outreach Specialist, for a festive episode dedicated to making your holiday decorations both safe and accessible for everyone, including those with low vision. Michael shares practical tips and personal stories on enhancing your holiday décor with tactile, olfactory, and audio elements to make the season memorable and inclusive. Whether it's adding scented pine cones, crafting textured ornaments, or arranging lights for...

In this holiday episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow welcomes guest Ted Tahquechi to discuss accessible travel tips for navigating the busy holiday season. Ted shares valuable advice on managing challenges for travelers with low vision or blindness, covering everything from navigating crowded airports to using technology for luggage tracking and communicating effectively with staff. With practical tips and thoughtful insights, this episode aims to help listeners...

Join Kim Wardlow, your host, along with the Aftersight team in the first episode of our 8-week holiday series, "Home for the Holidays." As we kick off the season, the team shares their unique holiday traditions, favorite songs and movies, and the cherished memories that bring warmth to the season. From nostalgic ornaments to the art of making tamales, you'll hear stories that highlight the diversity of holiday customs and the ways we each celebrate. This episode invites listeners to connect...

In this final episode of our emergency preparedness series, Navigating Life with Vision Loss host Kim Wardlow speaks with Monika Weber, Boulder County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, and Ryan Airey from the Office of Recovery and Resiliency. They cover essential steps for recovery post-evacuation and sheltering in place. The discussion offers practical tips for preparing go-bags, understanding your insurance, and accessing shelters, ensuring everyone, especially those with disabilities,...

In this conversation, Kim Wardlow and Monika Weber discuss the importance of emergency preparedness, focusing on evacuation planning, transportation options, and the need for a support system. They emphasize the significance of pre-planning for evacuations, especially in areas prone to wildfires and other disasters. The discussion also covers the importance of preparing for cold weather emergencies and the need for families to have clear communication and plans in place. Additionally, they...

In this episode, Kim Wardlow and Monika Weber discuss the critical topic of emergency preparedness. They explore the importance of being prepared for various disasters, the role of community support, and the necessity of understanding alert systems. Monika shares her journey into emergency management and highlights common hazards faced in the Boulder area, emphasizing the need for personal preparedness and actionable steps individuals can take to ensure their safety and that of their...

Episode Summary: In this episode of *Navigating Life with Vision Loss*, host Kim Wardlow and accessibility advocate Liz Bottner focus on how you can stay prepared during emergencies in public spaces. Liz shares practical tips for you, like using Aira, Be My Eyes, and local emergency alerts to stay informed and navigate unfamiliar situations. She also shares personal experiences, offering insights on how you can stay calm and flexible when things get stressful. Share your own emergency tips...

You know you have questions for us so why not ask them Give us a call at (720) 712-8856 or email us at [email protected]. In this conversation... Kim Wardlow and Liz Bottner discuss the critical aspects of emergency preparedness, particularly for individuals with low vision or disabilities. They emphasize the importance of having a well-organized emergency kit, the need for a support network, and strategies for interacting with emergency responders. The discussion also highlights the...

We know you have questions. We have answers. Give us a call at (720) 712-8856 In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow and fashion expert Trisha Waechtor discuss the importance of fashion as a form of self-expression and empowerment for women in the blind and low vision community. They explore how clothing choices can influence confidence, the significance of building a versatile wardrobe, and essential grooming and skincare tips. The conversation also covers...

Thank you for joining us on this journey. If you have questions for Kim or any of our guests, give us a call at (720) 712-8856. In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss... ...host Kim Wardlow and guest Tricia Waechter discuss the importance of men's fashion and grooming. They explore how dressing well can boost confidence, the significance of fit in clothing, and practical grooming tips for men, especially those with vision loss. The conversation emphasizes the psychological...

Thank you for listening to this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss. If you have any questions for Kim or any of our guests, please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at [email protected]. In today's episode, Tricia Waechter, founder of Blind Girl Designs, shares her journey from a career in the fashion industry to creating a fashion brand for individuals who are blind or low vision. She emphasizes the importance of fashion as a form of self-expression and the...

Summary In this episode, Kim Wardlow interviews Kim Owens, a mother of a blind child and an advocate for parents of blind children. They discuss Kim's journey with her son's vision loss, the challenges they faced in the education system, and the importance of advocacy and acceptance. Kim shares her experiences with navigating the public school system, finding support and resources, and encouraging her son to pursue his passions. They also touch on the topic of sports and the importance of...

Summary In this episode, host Kim Wardlow continues her conversation with Melissa Cermak from MSU Denver about the process for students with vision loss as they transition into college. They discuss the importance of proactive communication with the accessibility office, the accommodation eligibility appointment, and the need for documentation. They also explore the various tools and technologies available to students with vision loss, such as screen readers, magnification, and braille....

Summary In this conversation, Kim Wardlow interviews Melissa Cermak from the Access Center at Metropolitan State University Denver. They discuss the services provided by the Access Center for students with disabilities, with a focus on students who are blind or have low vision. They also talk about the challenges students face when transitioning from high school to college and the importance of self-advocacy. Melissa provides practical advice for students and parents, including early...

Summary In this episode, host Kim Wardlow discusses the topic of education and preparing for school with Cindy Price, an educator with extensive experience in K-12 teaching and administration. They cover the challenges faced by students at the start of the school year, such as finding classrooms, lockers, and navigating schedules. They also discuss the importance of early identification of vision issues and brain processing issues that may affect learning. They emphasize the need for clear...

Summary In this episode, host Kim Wardlow interviews Ethan Johnson, a co-host of Game Changers and a skilled player in Beatball. They discuss adaptive sports and the benefits they provide for individuals with vision loss. Ethan shares his personal story of losing his vision and how adaptive sports have played a therapeutic role in his life. They also talk about the importance of advocacy and finding accessible sports facilities. The conversation concludes with a discussion about inclusive...

Summary Shawn Satterfield, the founder of Shine Music Festival, discusses the importance of creating fully accessible music festivals. She explains that while many events meet the minimal requirements for accessibility, they often only consider physical mobility and overlook other disabilities. Shawn shares her personal experience of feeling excluded from ADA sections at concerts and highlights the need for a better approach to accessibility. She emphasizes the importance of creating...

Summary In this episode, Penn Street, the outreach and development coordinator at Navigating Life with Vision Loss, joins host Kim Wardlow to discuss exploring accessibility in the outdoors. Penn shares her love for outdoor activities such as skiing, paddleboarding, camping, and hiking. She emphasizes the importance of having a buddy and using communication tools like Bluetooth headsets or tethers to make outdoor activities accessible. Penn also talks about the Aftersight Audio Trekker's...

Summary In this conversation, Kim Wardlow interviews Denny Moyer, CEO of the Insight Skills Center and the Curtis Strong Center, about adapting to vision loss. They discuss the initial steps someone should take when newly diagnosed with a condition that will result in vision loss, such as making contact with a rehabilitation center and joining support groups. They also explore various resources available for individuals with vision loss, including community resources, transportation...

Summary In this episode, host Kim Wardlow continues her conversation with Rebecca Shields about understanding and coping with early stages of vision loss. They discuss the importance of orientation and mobility training for individuals with vision loss, starting from a young age. They also touch on the decision to use a guide dog and the need for proper training. They explore the different training options available for children, adults, and older adults, including schools for the blind and...

Summary Rebecca Shields, a professional with personal experience of vision loss, shares insights on adapting to vision loss, signs of vision loss, emotional reactions, and seeking help. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support and finding legitimate and qualified services. The conversation also touches on the upcoming topics of orientation and mobility, guide dogs, and technology for daily living aids. Takeaways Adapting to vision loss involves seeking support and...

Summary In this conversation, Kim Wardlow and Angie Flynn discuss the use of medications, vitamins, supplements, and community support in managing mental health issues. They emphasize the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any medication or supplement. Angie explains the four major categories of medications used for mental health issues: antidepressants, antianxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and anti-psychotics. She also discusses the potential side...

Summary In this episode, host Kim Wardlow interviews Charlie Kramer, a life coach and advocate for people with disabilities, about depression and how to navigate life with this mental health condition. They discuss the definition of depression, myths and misconceptions surrounding it, contributing factors, coping mechanisms, breaking the stigma, and supporting loved ones with depression. Charlie emphasizes the importance of accepting and integrating depression as part of one's life, rather...