In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses welcome Scott Garrison, a world traveler and founder of Blind Pilots, who joined Aftersight’s Audio Trekkers Hike all the way from Guatemala. Scott shares his journey from being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 19 to becoming an adventurer who refuses to let blindness limit his independence.

Scott recalls early hints of vision loss, his time as a 15-year-old exchange student in Australia, and his years of living abroad in Prague. He describes the challenges of returning years later with less vision, including resisting the white cane until a friend’s tough love changed his perspective.

The conversation turns to the creation of Blind Pilots—a program designed to make international travel accessible and empowering for blind and low-vision individuals. Scott explains how the program blends cultural immersion, local history, tactile activities, and well-trained sighted guides, all to ensure efficiency, independence, and memorable experiences. From luxury picnics on lava fields to adaptive skiing in Colorado, Blind Pilots aims to transform the way blind travelers explore the world.

This episode is equal parts adventurous, raw, and practical, showing how resilience, creativity, and community can turn vision loss into a gateway for new horizons.

Contact Info

Guest: Scott Garrison — Blind Pilots

Website: blindpilots.org

Aftersight: [email protected]

| (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org

Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Guest: Scott Garrison

Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Intro and welcome back

00:27 — Audio Trekkers Hike recap

02:43 — Scott’s diagnosis with RP

05:05 — Early signs and struggles in sports

06:24 — Travel bug ignited in Australia

08:47 — Life and independence in Prague

11:00 — Camino de Santiago and challenges with independence

13:19 — The cane debate and acceptance

17:21 — Adventures, mishaps, and humor

19:51 — The birth of Blind Pilots

22:08 — Designing accessible cultural adventures

24:31 — Integrating history, food, and tactile experiences

26:47 — Training guides and preparing safe trips

29:11 — Looking ahead with Blind Pilots