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Inform & Connect: An American Foundation for the Blind Podcast

Inform & Connect: An American Foundation for the Blind Podcast

By American Foundation for the Blind

Inform & Connect, AFB’s ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant and interesting topics. Transcripts for each episode are available on our website.
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Inform & Connect Season 2: Victoria Claire, Singer-songwriter and Sculptor; and Thomas Reid, Podcaster and Audio Producer

Inform & Connect: An American Foundation for the Blind PodcastMay 06, 2021

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32:05
Inform & Connect S4, E6 - Petr Kucheryavyy Returns

Inform & Connect S4, E6 - Petr Kucheryavyy Returns

Welcome to another episode of the Inform & Connect Podcast, a production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). In this episode, AFB’s Melody Goodspeed and Tony Stephens catch up with Spectrum’s Petr Kucheryavyy, who provides a breakdown of what’s new with SpectrumAccess and exciting news on the horizon for consumers of audio described content. 


As the weather moves us more indoors, what better way to meet the changing seasons than curled up on the couch streaming the latest and greatest flics, or heading out to enjoy the rush of films that move into theaters during the final months of 2023. There’s lots on the horizon around making media more accessible, and Petr shares what’s in store for not just Spectrum subscribers, but anyone who enjoys accessing inclusive media through the SpectrumAccess app. So, before you press pause to cue up your own favorite streaming playlist, be sure to like and subscribe to the Inform & Connect podcast.


Inform & Connect is made possible through the generous supporters of the American Foundation for the Blind. Since 1921, AFB has worked to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or have low vision. Consider making a gift today to AFB! Your contribution not only helps support this podcast, but all the exciting work our team does to bring the best in evidence-based research, advocacy, and programs intended to make our mission a reality. Go to www.afb.org to learn more about AFB. Transcripts of this podcast are also available on our podcast page for each episode. 

Nov 13, 202348:36
Inform & Connect, season 4, Episode 5 -- An Interview with Andrew Leland

Inform & Connect, season 4, Episode 5 -- An Interview with Andrew Leland

https://www.andrewleland.orgIn this episode of the Inform & Connect podcast, Melody and Tony welcome Andrew Leland, author of the recently released book The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight, available through Penguin/Random House. Leland’s book, which is part memoir and part cultural breakdown of blindness throughout history, shares his experiences loosing his sight from Retinitis  Pigmentosa, commonly referred to as RP.


From the publisher: “A witty, winning, and revelatory personal narrative of the author’s transition from sightedness to blindness and his quest to learn about blindness as a rich culture all its own.” 


Andrew breaks down the driving themes throughout his book, and embarks on a discussion with Melody and Tony on the many shared experiences that others who are blind or low vision face each day.


Visit Andrew's website to learn more about the book and his other creative and informative projects.


Enjoy this episode? Be sure to like and subscribe from wherever you listen to podcasts. Inform and Connect is a production of The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Consider making a contribution today to help AFB create a world of no limits for people who are blind or have low vision.

Sep 28, 202351:43
Inform & Connect, Season 4, Episode 4 -- A conversation with Chef Jordan Thomas of the Twisted Tomato Pizzeria.
Aug 24, 202342:30
Inform & Connect Season 4 episode 3 -- A Conversation with AFB Trustee and Parent Innovator Victoria Watts

Inform & Connect Season 4 episode 3 -- A Conversation with AFB Trustee and Parent Innovator Victoria Watts

Welcome to the latest episode of the Inform & Connect podcast, a production of the American Foundation for the Blind. In this episode, we talk with new AFB Trustee Victoria Watts. Victoria is a mother of four children, her youngest a seven-year-old boy who is blind. Victoria shares her journey with her son, and the mission that followed to make the world more accessible one packaged good at a time. Listen to find out more about this maker’s mission to create a world of no limits not just for her son, but for all people who are blind or have low vision.

Jul 26, 202344:22
Inform & Connect Season 4, Episode 2 -- A Conversation with AFB President & CEO Eric Bridges
May 18, 202334:55
04/28/2023 Inform & Connect Season 4, Episode 1 - Timothy Breitenfeld, JPMorgan Chase Software Engineer and Accessibility Advocate

04/28/2023 Inform & Connect Season 4, Episode 1 - Timothy Breitenfeld, JPMorgan Chase Software Engineer and Accessibility Advocate

Welcome back to a new season of the Inform & Connect podcast. In this episode, AFB’s Melody Goodspeed speaks with Timothy Breitenfeldt, who is nearly completely blind. Timothy graduated with his Bachelors in Computer Science in 2019. He has been working at JPMorgan Chase for 2 years as a software engineer, and helps manage applications that support Outside Counsel for the legal department. Timothy is an advocate for digital accessibility, and has lead multiple workshops on how to develop accessible web applications.

This podcast is a production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), creating a world of no limits for people who are blind or have low vision. www.afb.org

Apr 28, 202330:37
Inform & Connect Season 3: Jim Stovall
Apr 14, 202234:45
Inform & Connect Season 3: Ishan Jha, CEO, VIP World Services

Inform & Connect Season 3: Ishan Jha, CEO, VIP World Services

Ishan is the founder and CEO of VIP World Services, where they design innovative accessible solutions for corporates to cater to the needs of Visually Impaired People (VIP). He is a Service Designer with 10+ years of experiences in multi-national companies, healthcare organizations, government bodies, and startups, leveraging professional, creative and analytical skills combining his Engineering background. He is primarily skilled with ensuring user engagement and retention for the business. 

Episode Transcript

Mar 21, 202229:01
Inform & Connect Season Three: Clarke Reynolds
Jan 28, 202231:27
Inform & Connect Season 3: Nefertiti Matos Olivares, Accessible Culture, Transit, and Tech Advocate

Inform & Connect Season 3: Nefertiti Matos Olivares, Accessible Culture, Transit, and Tech Advocate

Inform & Connect continues with Nefertiti Matos Olivares, a fervent advocate for accessible culture, transit, tech, and personal fitness.

Nefertiti currently works as an Assistive Technology Trainer for the New York Public Library’s Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, where she provides one-on-one technology coaching, creates programming, and facilitates group workshops on a range of tech topics for the blind and visually impaired community in both English and Spanish.

As a bilingual Latina-American, Nefertiti brings a wealth of cultural and social competency to her narrating, writing, and quality control work. She is passionate about audio description and is a fervent supporter of the arts, committed to bringing about an inclusive society in which culture is a shared space for all.

Episode Transcript

Dec 10, 202135:44
Inform & Connect Season 3: Ron Brooks

Inform & Connect Season 3: Ron Brooks

Ron Brooks is totally blind and a writer, speaker, entrepreneur and evangelist for the transformation of mobility for people with disabilities. In this episode, Ron discusses employment and transportation barriers, as well as his own entrepreneurial journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

A graduate of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University in Indianapolis, Ron has 28 years of planning, management and executive-level experience for both public transit agencies and private providers within the areas of accessible transit and paratransit.

In 2020, Ron founded Accessible Avenue, where he draws upon his life and industry experiences to provide accessibility-focused training and consulting services to agencies and organizations designing, developing and delivering products and services that support the movement of people within indoor and outdoor spaces and on all forms of public and retail ground transportation.

In addition to his work in the transportation and mobility industry, Ron is heavily involved in the blind/low vision and larger disability communities. Since 2019, he has served as a member of the Board of Directors for Ability360, one of the largest independent living centers in the country, and he is a past Board member for the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He is also an active member of the American Council of the Blind, serving as a long-time member of the ACB’s Transportation Committee.

Episode Transcript

Nov 19, 202135:23
Inform & Connect Season 3: Neva Fairchild, AFB National Aging and Vision Loss Specialist
Nov 04, 202147:07
Inform & Connect Season Three: Paul Schroeder, Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, American Printing House for the Blind
Oct 22, 202138:39
Inform & Connect Season Three: Carl Augusto, President Emeritus of AFB

Inform & Connect Season Three: Carl Augusto, President Emeritus of AFB

Season 3 of Inform & Connect kicks off with a conversation with Carl Augusto, President Emeritus of AFB.

Carl served as president and CEO of AFB for 25 years—one quarter of the organization’s 100-year history.

Under Carl’s leadership, AFB forged numerous strategic partnerships and alliances within the vision loss community and beyond to address critical issues and expand opportunities for people with vision loss, including broadening the organization's scope to influence corporate America to make its products and services accessible. He was the fifth chief executive of the American Foundation for the Blind since its founding in 1921.

In light of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Melody and Carl discuss his employment journey, from early in his career through his tenure at AFB. They also discuss public perceptions of blindness, along with Carl’s favorite baseball and musical acts, which he also occasionally shares on Facebook.

Episode Transcript

Oct 08, 202130:15
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Ron Brooks, Consultant, Accessible Avenue
Aug 13, 202130:42
Inform & Connect Season 2: Seda Bilginer and Amanda Sichon, Founders of ESAS

Inform & Connect Season 2: Seda Bilginer and Amanda Sichon, Founders of ESAS

Inform & Connect returns featuring a duo who share a drive for taking their love for their heritage and natural curiosity to make powerful and beautiful change in the world: ESAS Founders Amanda Sichon and Seda Bilgner.

After working in the corporate beauty industry for a combination of over 25 years, Amanda and Seda set out to create a sustainable and all-natural farm to beauty manufacturing company. Inspired by their mutual love for science, agrotech (the application of modern technology to agriculture), wellness and innovation, they identified a need to create skincare and cosmetics that deliver superior benefits without compromising the health of the people who use them, the health of the people that make them, or Mother Nature.

Episode Transcript

Aug 05, 202128:56
Inform & Connect Season 2: Brian and Kerry Kijewski, Sibling Advocates for the Blindness Community
Jul 06, 202129:49
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Scott Tennant, CEO and Founder of Senergy Medical Group

Inform & Connect, Season 2: Scott Tennant, CEO and Founder of Senergy Medical Group

In this episode of Inform & Connect, Melody speaks with Scott Tennant, CEO and Founder of Senergy Medical Group, a holistic wellness company.

Scott is also a generous philanthropist, seeing philanthropy and giving back as a huge part of his life and work. His generosity and passion to raise awareness of critical issues and drive positive change is evident in his practice. He was the sole funder of the trailer for "A Daring Adventure,” which will eventually become an hour-length documentary film about Helen Keller, her life and times, and why she’s as relevant as ever today.

The conversation will center around Scott’s passion for helping others and what this project means to him as a partner of AFB.

Transcript

Jul 06, 202129:07
Inform & Connect Season 2: Sherry Pablo, AFB Blind Leaders Development Fellow
Jul 01, 202127:32
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Marty Shultz, Co-founder of ObjectiveEd
Jun 25, 202130:28
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Sara Minkara, Founder of Empowerment Through Integration and “Discovery in the Dark” Creator

Inform & Connect, Season 2: Sara Minkara, Founder of Empowerment Through Integration and “Discovery in the Dark” Creator

Melody's guest on this episode of Inform & Connect is Sara Minkara, founder and board member of Empowerment Through Integration and “Discovery in the Dark” series creator.

Leveraging all aspects of her identity—as a blind, Muslim, Arab-American woman—Sara uses blindfolds as a tool to encourage guests to embrace their own and others’ multiple identities, ultimately leading to true empowerment and inclusion. Sara has received multiple awards for her passionate advocacy, including Forbes’ 30 Under 30, the Echoing Green Fellowship, and the Clinton Global Initiative Outstanding Commitment Award.

“Sarah’s Discovery in the Dark series is innovative and unique and contains teachable, empathetic moments to anyone with an open mind,” Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist.

Transcript

Jun 17, 202129:02
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Sylvia Stinson-Perez, Director of the Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center
Jun 10, 202133:36
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Richard Hunter, Blind Athlete and Advocate

Inform & Connect, Season 2: Richard Hunter, Blind Athlete and Advocate

Richard Hunter is a four-time Boston Marathon finisher and has completed 22 marathons, three 50-mile endurance runs, and was the second visually impaired runner in the nation to complete a 100-mile run.  Richard was also the second visually impaired triathlete to complete Ironman in less than 12 hours, and the third to complete a Half-Ironman in under five hours.

Richard volunteers as the program coordinator for the USABA Marathon National Championships, held each December in Sacramento, CA. He was instrumental in the creation of United in Stride, an online database resource to unite volunteer sighted guides and blind runners across North America. In 2015, Richard was paired with Klinger, the first-ever certified running dog guide. Special honors include being selected as the 2014 National Road Runners Club of America’s Challenged Athlete Award recipient and the 2017 SRA Community Runner of the Year.

“Even though I’ve ran 23 marathons, three 50-milers, a 100-miler, and an Ironman, it all started with taking that first step,” Richard says.

“Richard’s passion as an athlete is a real testament that you can accomplish your dreams and create positive change through persistence and determination,” said Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist. “He takes it a step further by creating a pathway for connection through United in Stride as well as his other volunteer efforts.”

Read Transcript

Jun 03, 202131:41
Inform & Connect, Season 2: AFB Trustees Sarah Herrlinger and Christopher Patnoe

Inform & Connect, Season 2: AFB Trustees Sarah Herrlinger and Christopher Patnoe

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day (#GAAD)! We are excited to have Sarah Herrlinger of Apple and Christopher Patnoe of Google on Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind’s podcast. Both Sarah and Christopher sit on AFB’s Board of Trustees.

The conversation, led by AFB Major Gifts Specialist Melody Goodspeed, focuses on AFB’s centennial, technology and inclusion, testing products, and their role as AFB board members. They will also touch upon Teach Access, a collaboration among education, industry, and disability advocacy organizations to address the critical need to enhance students’ understanding of digital accessibility as they learn to design, develop, and build new technologies with the needs of people with disabilities in mind.

Transcript

May 20, 202133:43
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Brad and Bryan Manning, Founders, Two Blind Brothers
May 14, 202135:07
Inform & Connect Season 2: Victoria Claire, Singer-songwriter and Sculptor; and Thomas Reid, Podcaster and Audio Producer
May 06, 202132:05
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Sound Engineer Jeff Ross and Audio Mixer David Porcellino
Apr 26, 202130:11
Inform & Connect Season 2: Roy Samuelson, narrator; Stephen Letnes, composer
Apr 19, 202136:46
Inform & Connect Season 2: Gabby Mendonca, Student and Blindness Advocate
Apr 08, 202127:07
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Charter Communications’ John Sweet and Petr Kucheryavyy
Apr 01, 202129:04
Inform & Connect, Season 2: Helen Selsdon, AFB Archivist
Mar 25, 202130:56
Inform & Connect, Season 2, Episode 1: AFB Director of Research Dr. L Penny Rosenblum and TVI and Ph.D. Candidate Elizabeth Bolander
Jan 25, 202131:14
Inform & Connect, Episode 13: NaJor Productions’ Jeff Heck
Dec 17, 202029:38
Inform and Connect, Episode 12: Thomas Reid, Reid My Mind Podcaster

Inform and Connect, Episode 12: Thomas Reid, Reid My Mind Podcaster

Inform and Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind’s ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics, features special guest Thomas Reid, creator of the Reid My Mind podcast.

Thomas’s podcast contains stories and profiles of compelling people impacted by all degrees of blindness and disability. He also explores his own experiences in his unique way pairing his words with music and sound design. With this strong focus on audio, Reid My Mind is a platform for Thomas to share interviews, stories, opinions in all media formats.

Transcript

Dec 03, 202031:41
Inform & Connect Episode 11: Gena Harper, Sr. V.P.-Wealth Management and Sr. Investment Management Consultant at Morgan Stanley
Nov 18, 202029:27
Inform & Connect Episode 10: Becky Andrews, Resilient Solutions, Inc. Owner/Clinical Director

Inform & Connect Episode 10: Becky Andrews, Resilient Solutions, Inc. Owner/Clinical Director

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind’s ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics, returns July 8th featuring special guest Becky Andrews, owner and clinical director of Resilient Solutions, Inc.

Becky is an entrepreneur, licensed mental health counselor, runner, and a fierce advocate for blind women. She was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at age 18, and took on the challenge of learning to live life to its fullest. She is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities and has conducted numerous trainings to schools, corporations, and community meetings.

A transcript of this podcast is available on our website.

Nov 05, 202030:51
Inform & Connect Episode 9: Scott Hansen, Sr. Director, Guest Technology, Global Operations at Marriott International, Inc.

Inform & Connect Episode 9: Scott Hansen, Sr. Director, Guest Technology, Global Operations at Marriott International, Inc.

This week on Inform & Connect, Melody speaks with C. Scott Hansen, Sr. Director, Guest Technology, Global Operations Marriott International, Inc.

In our current times, we are moving back to the world of travel. We can all agree this looks very different from what we were used to. Scott not only has a vast amount of knowledge in the hospitality industry, but is a seasoned traveler that wants to collaborate with us all in this unchartered territory.

Transcript available on the AFB website. 



Oct 22, 202044:47
Inform & Connect, Special Edition Episode: Dr. L Penny Rosenblum, AFB Director of Research and Lead Author, Flatten Inaccessibility

Inform & Connect, Special Edition Episode: Dr. L Penny Rosenblum, AFB Director of Research and Lead Author, Flatten Inaccessibility

We have a special edition episode of Inform & Connect featuring the American Foundation for the Blind’s Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum.

Dr. Rosenblum will be discussing the Flatten Inaccessibility research report, the culmination of survey findings from 1,921 U.S. participants who are blind (65%) or have low vision (35%). The survey investigated the experiences of these participants during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine how they were affected in areas including access to transportation, healthcare, access to food and supplies, employment, education, and voting.

A transcript is available on our website.

Oct 20, 202041:40
Inform & Connect, Episode 8: Alexa Jovanovic, Designer and Founder, Aille Design

Inform & Connect, Episode 8: Alexa Jovanovic, Designer and Founder, Aille Design

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind’s ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, and interesting topics. Today's guest is Alexa Jovanovic, designer and founder of Aille Design.

The company works alongside a diverse team of fashion lovers from blind, visually impaired and sighted communities, creating fashion-forward products that empower and celebrate inclusivity. The intricate beading describes clothing characteristics, such as color, textiles, wash instructions, and fit.

Transcript: https://www.afb.org/inform-connect-episode08-alexa-jovanovic

Oct 08, 202024:32
Inform and Connect, Episode 7: Catherine Harrison, Professional Commercial Print and Fitness Model

Inform and Connect, Episode 7: Catherine Harrison, Professional Commercial Print and Fitness Model

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind’s ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics. Today, Melody's guest is Catherine Harrison, a professional commercial print and fitness model.

Catherine was a Registered Nurse prior to her sight loss. She was diagnosed in 1995 with retinitis pigmentosa, only weeks after returning from serving for two years on the mission field in Nigeria. When her eyesight worsened to the degree she could no longer be effective in nursing, she forged a new career path that has blossomed. She has been a national public speaker and article writer for several magazines, sharing her story of learning to walk with strength and faith behind a white cane. Her mission is not only to successfully work as a model who happens to have a visual impairment, but to empower women of all ages to step into their strength, regardless of their circumstances, with poise and courage.

Transcript: https://www.afb.org/inform-connect-episode07-catherine-harrison

Oct 01, 202021:27
Inform & Connect Episode 6: Libby Thaw, The Checkered Eye Project

Inform & Connect Episode 6: Libby Thaw, The Checkered Eye Project

Inform & Connect, AFB’s ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics. This week, Melody Goodspeed speaks with guest Libby Thaw, founder of the Checkered Eye Project.

Audiences will learn firsthand of the creation and mission of the internationally recognized Checkered Eye Project, a small business that provides wearable badges that indicate to others that the wearer is partially blind or low vision. Libby will walk us through her story, how the project has made positive changes and how it has been adopted in several countries to advocate and educate the community on blindness in its many forms.

Podcast Transcript: https://www.afb.org/inform-connect-episode05-libby-thaw

Sep 24, 202020:54
Inform & Connect Episode 5: Jasmine Glass, founder of Spktrm Beauty

Inform & Connect Episode 5: Jasmine Glass, founder of Spktrm Beauty

In this episode of Inform & Connect, Melody speaks with guest Jasmine Glass, founder of Spktrm Beauty.

Listeners will learn firsthand of the creation of the world's first beauty brand to ban model re-touching entirely. With this focus on natural beauty, Jasmine will share the story behind her desire to help reshape the industry by making it more inclusive and transparent. Spktrm Beauty has been featured in Teen Vogue, Refinery29, Glamour, Allure, Bustle, and more.

(Episode Note: A complete transcript can be found on the American Foundation for the Blind website.)

Sep 17, 202022:26
Inform & Connect Episode 4: Juan Alcazar, Filmmaker
Sep 03, 202020:05
Inform & Connect Episode 3: Steph McCoy Bold Blind Beauty

Inform & Connect Episode 3: Steph McCoy Bold Blind Beauty

Episode Transcript

The third episode of the American Foundation for the Blind’s (AFB) Inform & Connect series focuses on the journey of the creator of digital lifestyle magazine Bold Blind Beauty, Stephanae “Steph” McCoy.

This week’s special guests are Bold Blind Beauty Founder Steph McCoy and Nasreen Bhutta, the magazine’s Chief Communications Officer. Audiences will learn of the mission of Bold Blind Beauty, the “2020 A Year Of Vision” campaign, and the voice of “Abby,” the magazine’s fashion icon extraordinaire.

After promising career at one of the Big Four accounting firms, Steph felt like something was still missing. As kindness, compassion, and a deep desire for social justice are central to who she is as a person, Steph founded Bold Blind Beauty out of a yearning for personal empowerment that she wanted to share with others. This epiphany sparked her passion for becoming a full-time abilities crusader-advocate.

“The one thing sight loss has taught me is perception is much more profound than seeing,” Steph said. “I may have lost my sight, but my clarity has increased exponentially, and for this I am grateful.”

“Meeting Steph was exactly what I needed in my own struggles of dealing with sight loss,” said Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist. “Steph has taken Bold Blind Beauty to places of power and inclusion through focusing on the whole person, inside and out.”


Aug 27, 202020:42
Inform & Connect Episode 2: Dave Steele, The Blind Poet
Aug 20, 202020:20
Inform & Connect Episode 1: Roy Samuelson, Audio Description Narrator
Jun 15, 202021:22