Eyes and Lows

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Andrew Leland is a writer, audio producer, editor, and teacher whose work explores blindness, disability, culture, and the human experience. He is the author of The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight, a finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Memoir.

Andrew Leland on Blindness, Identity, and Building a Life Beyond Sight

• In this interview, Andrew Leland shares how night blindness in middle school eventually led to an RP diagnosis, and how that diagnosis felt abstract for years before becoming more immediate in daily life.
• He explains the turning point of moving to Massachusetts and committing to use a white cane consistently, which changed not just how he moved through the world, but how other people treated him.
• Andrew discusses the tension of being “too blind” or “not blind enough,” especially as someone with low vision who can do some things visually while needing blindness tools for others.
• He breaks down how asking for help is not always simple, and how blind people often have to decide case by case between independence and practical support.
• Andrew describes blindness as a social and cultural experience, not just a medical one, drawing on the social model of disability and the idea of blind culture.
• He talks about sight privilege and why accessibility can break down when people assume they should lead or manage access for disabled people without being asked. group.
• Andrew explains why compliance is not the same as good design, and why inclusive design works best when disabled people are consulted directly.
• He reflects on grief, pre-grief, and acceptance as his vision continues to change over time, while also staying active in blindness skills and tools.
• Andrew shares how his career moved from magazine editing to audio production to disability reporting, and why he now wants to keep working in underreported disability spaces.
• He offers advice for blind creators and job seekers: figure out what you need, then demand it, because employers cannot accommodate needs they do not understand.
• He closes by naming his current high point as returning to freelance writing and landing new assignments even after a difficult career transition.

Website:

andrewleland.org For Andrew’s contact details, writing, and professional inquiries, visit his website.

The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight by Andrew Leland.

Vocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

• Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/
  • Credits
    • Host: Brittany McLemore
    • Recording and Engineering: Patrick Roy

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Kim Charlson on accessibility, leadership, Braille, and the future of independent access

Kim Charlson, executive director of the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library, joins Eyes and Lows to trace how a career in accessible library services became a lifelong mission in advocacy, leadership, and innovation. She reflects on how technology, Braille, and policy have reshaped what independence can look like for blind, low-vision, deafblind, and print-disabled people.We discuss how access to information is about far more than reading books—it affects employment, education, community participation, and human rights. Kim also shares concrete examples of new tools and programs changing everyday life, from refreshable Braille and the Braille Bloom to library lending models and international book sharing

.Key topics

• Kim explains how an early interest in advocacy led her from the Oregon State Library to a master’s degree in library science and eventually to Perkins.
• She describes how library automation, computers, email, and modern assistive tech made library work more accessible over time.
• Kim shares what it meant to become one of the first totally blind people in the United States to earn a master’s in library science.
• She talks about building a leadership path through volunteer work, state and national blindness organizations, and learning to lead by collaborating rather than barging in.
• The conversation explores how independence changed for her over time, especially when she moved from Oregon to Massachusetts and had to rebuild her routines and support system.
• Kim emphasizes that Braille and audio are complementary tools, not replacements for one another, and explains why Braille remains essential for literacy, accuracy, and daily living.
• She highlights the role of National Library Service programs in providing free access to audiobooks, Braille, and refreshable Braille devices for eligible users.
• Kim introduces the Braille Bloom, an attachment that turns a Perkins Brailler into a Bluetooth keyboard for writing, email, forms, and classroom use.
• She outlines Perkins’ “library of things,” including assistive tech demos, kitchen tools, tactile models, and 3D-printed educational objects.
• Kim reflects on the Marrakesh Treaty as one of her biggest professional highs because it lets countries share accessible books and avoid duplicating production efforts.

About Kim Charlson

• Executive director of the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library,
• Holds a master’s degree in library science.
• Blind library professional and longtime advocate for accessible information.
• Has spent more than four decades working in accessible library services.
• Helped advance the Marrakesh Treaty, which supports international sharing of accessible books
• Advocates for access to Braille, audiobooks, and assistive technology

Vocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

• Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/
  • Credits
    • Host: Brittany McLemore
    • Recording and Engineering: Patrick Roy

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Eyes and Lows with Dr. Ann Wagner

In this episode, Dr. Walker speaks with Dr. Ann Wagner, a board-certified clinical psychologist who spent 26 years working with veterans experiencing PTSD and trauma-related challenges. Dr. Wagner also shares her lived experience of blindness from retinitis pigmentosa, bringing together professional insight and personal perspective as she explores grief, anxiety, adjustment, resilience, and the emotional reality of vision loss.The conversation focuses on how people can adapt to blindness without denying the difficult parts, why grief is a natural part of vision loss, and how community, language, and compassionate support can make the adjustment process feel less isolating. Dr. Wagner also offers thoughtful insight into relationships, asking for help, and practicing self-compassion.

Key Topics

• Dr. Ann Wagner’s background as a clinical psychologist and her lived experience with retinitis pigmentosa
• Growing up in a family with blindness and learning independence through a supportive “figure it out” culture
• How family support, social expectations, and stigma can shape emotional adjustment
• Why narrative therapy and the social model of disability can be deeply validating
• The role of therapy, state services, and accommodations in supporting adjustment to vision loss
• Why grief is a central part of progressive vision loss, including grief for time, independence, identity, and imagined futures
• The Tuttle and Tuttle phases of adjustment and why acceptance cannot be rushed
• How helplessness and grief can point to core values, not just distress
• The importance of community, especially for people who feel isolated or are the only one they know with vision loss
• How naming relationship dilemmas can help couples balance support, independence, and “help by not helping”

About Dr. Ann Wagner

• Board-certified clinical psychologist
• 26 years working with veterans experiencing PTSD and trauma-related challenges
• Retired from the VA in 2023
• Currently focused on consulting and invited speaking
• Lives with blindness caused by retinitis pigmentosa
• Serves on the Mental Health Advisory Council for the Foundation Fighting Blindness
• Email:[email protected]

Vocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

• Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/
  • Credits
    • Host: Brittany McLemore
    • Recording and Engineering: Patrick Roy

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Morgan Simon, also known as

The Vision of Mo

shares how vision loss, chronic uveitis, military life, and content creation have shaped her identity and perspective. This conversation explores grief, acceptance, resilience, and the power of representation for blind and low-vision listeners. It also offers practical insight into accessibility tools, self-advocacy, and building a supportive relationship.

Key Topics

• Morgan explains how her content creation started during her husband’s boot camp as a way to pass time, then evolved into a platform for military spouse life and visual impairment advocacy.
• She shares how negative comments about her appearance motivated her to speak more openly about visual impairment and turn criticism into advocacy.
• Morgan talks about losing more vision in 2024 and the grieving process that followed before she reached a place of acceptance.
• She explains chronic uveitis, including how inflammation in the eye can flare up unexpectedly and require ongoing management.
• Morgan describes the 2024 health crisis that led to fluid, swelling, scar tissue, retinal detachment, and a surgery which improved her vision but did not restore it to normal.
• She reflects on returning home to Texas and feeling isolated because the people around her did not fully understand what she was experiencing.
• Morgan discusses grieving the life she expected to have, including driving regularly, working, and feeling confident in her identity.
• She shares how spirituality, therapy, and fact-checking negative thoughts have helped her manage anxiety and rebuild confidence.
• Morgan opens up about how vision loss affected her marriage and how her husband’s support helped her challenge feelings of being unworthy of love.
• She discusses learning to communicate her needs instead of isolating or minimizing her emotions.
• Morgan explains how military spouse life taught her independence through solo travel, adapting to change, and learning to trust herself.
• She addresses misconceptions about visual impairment, especially the belief that blind and low-vision people are not independent or always need assistance.
• Morgan highlights the importance of authentic representation for young visually impaired women who may not often see people like themselves in media.
• She shares accessibility tools and strategies that help her navigate paperwork, menus, daily tasks, and unfamiliar situations.

Search for @thevisionofmo on Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok

Vocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

• Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/
  • Credits
    • Host: Brittany McLemore
    • Recording and Engineering: Patrick Roy

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Nick Mendler on building Eyespy.org for the blind and low-vision community

Nick Mendler, founder and president of the Eyespy Foundation, joins the show to share how a retinitis pigmentosa diagnosis at 16 shaped his life and inspired him to build a resource hub for the blind and low-vision community. This conversation covers diagnosis, mental health, accessibility, AI, and the long-term vision for Eyespy as a navigator for people who need support.

In this episode

• Nick shares how his retinitis pigmentosa diagnosis at 16 left him with a pamphlet and a follow up appointment, but little real guidance.
• He explains the family history behind his vision loss, including a great grandfather who described his sight as “shotgun vision.”
• Brittany and Nick discuss the emotional impact of vision loss, especially the uncertainty, anxiety, and identity shifts that can come with it.
• Nick talks about the role of therapy and why mental health support matters not only for newly diagnosed people, but also for advocates, family members, and professionals.
• He describes the three groups iSpy serves: the affected community, advocates like family and coworkers, and academics such as doctors, therapists, and mobility specialists.
• Nick explains why iSpy is built around curation and navigation, helping people find the right resource instead of forcing them to sift through fragmented information.
• The conversation covers accessibility as both a technology issue and a people issue, with Nick stressing universal design and building from the beginning.
• Nick shares his view on AI as a helpful tool with real promise, but one that still needs human oversight and caution around privacy and hallucinations.
• He outlines iSpy’s growth plans, including city by city navigation models, local support, and eventually dedicated navigators in major metro areas.
• Nick explains that his long term goal is for iSpy to outlive him and serve future generations as a trusted guide for life after diagnosis.

Eyespy / Nick Mendler

• Eyepy.org:https://eyespy.org
• Eyepy Foundation:https://eyespyfoundation.org

Event mentioned

• Fashion Pawty:https://thefashionpawty.com

Vocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

• Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/
  • Credits
    • Host: Brittany McLemore
    • Recording and Engineering: Patrick Roy

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

From Corporate Career to Creative Inspiration: The Reinvention of Tarris Marie

Discover the inspiring journey of Tarris Marie, a woman who transformed her life after her diagnosis of Stargardt's disease, shifting from a successful corporate career to becoming a published author and motivational speaker. Learn how faith, resilience, and a desire to inspire others drove her through loss, reinvention, and the celebration of her gifts.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction: Turning moments into stories of resilience
• 02:17 - Transition from corporate professional to author and artist
• 04:40 - Defining success: from accolades to serving others
• 06:07 - The impact of vision loss and redefining purpose
• 08:55 - Understanding Stargardt’s disease and diagnosis experience
• 11:22 - How vision loss shaped her relationships and work life
• 16:24 - A pivotal moment during a presentation that confirmed her diagnosis
• 18:47 - Walking away from a corporate career: emotional reflections
• 21:10 - The low point: battling depression and anxiety post-diagnosis
• 23:28 - Leaning on faith and spirituality during transitions
• 25:46 - Rediscovering writing from childhood to present day
• 28:38 - Writing as therapy, purpose, and creative outlet
• 34:17 - Surprising realizations and achievements in her reinvention
• 35:44 - Learning to adapt: tools and technology that enabled independence
• 39:26 - Heightened senses: embracing the full experience of life and perception
• 44:08 - Representation and community support for Black women with disabilities
• 45:34 - The importance of open conversations about disability and community efforts
• 47:28 - Using voice and platform to reshape culture and break stereotypes
• 50:13 - Unique and surprising facts about her journey and resilience
• 52:54 - Highs and lows: celebrating victories and overcoming struggles
• 54:20 - Words of encouragement for those facing vision loss and self-doubt
• 56:45 - Upcoming books and how to stay connected with Tarris Marie's work
• Resources & Links:
  • Blaque Pearle by Tarris Marie: www.amazon.com/dp/B09V5G84L7
  • Empress Creed by Tarris Marie: www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXYZ1234
  • Pre-order: Black Juliet (Available on Audible): www.audible.com/pd/Black-Julyet
  • Tarris Marie on Instagram: instagram.com/Tarrismarie
  • Tarris Marie on Facebook: facebook.com/Tarrismarieauthor
  • Tarris Marie's Official Website: Tarrismarie.com

  Connect with Tarris Marie:

  • Instagram: instagram.com/Tarrismarie
  • Facebook: facebook.com/Tarrismarieauthor
  • YouTube: youtube.com/Tarrismarie

  Vocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

  • Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/
    • Credits
      • Host: Brittany McLemore
      • Producer: Patrick Roy

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this episode of Eyes and Lows, we dive into the dynamic world of Lachi, a powerhouse in the music and advocacy scene. Based in New York City, Lachi is not just a recording artist and songwriter, but also a touring performer, record producer, media personality, author, and a passionate advocate for disability culture. Her journey is a testament to living boldly and using her diverse talents to inspire change.

In This Episode

• Lachi’s Early Life:Discover how her musical journey began and the influences that shaped her path.
• Diagnosis and Acceptance:Learn about her experience with being legally blind and neurodivergent, and how she embraced these aspects of her identity.
• Glam Canes and Identity:Explore the significance of her glam canes in expressing her identity and fostering visibility.
• Art and Advocacy:Understand how Lachi blends her artistic pursuits with advocacy to create community and drive change.
• Future Projects:Get a sneak peek into her upcoming projects, including a children's album promoting disability pride.
• Advice and Reflections:Hear Lachi's insights on mental health, community support, and embracing your true self.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introduction to Lachi and the theme of authenticity
• 02:21 - Lachi’s background and early influences
• 06:03 - Navigating her diagnosis and embracing identity
• 08:04 - The cultural impact of glam canes
• 12:43 - Advocacy in the music industry
• 20:39 - Creating allies and systemic change
• 31:07 - Challenging misconceptions about disability
• 40:51 - Inspiration behind her book, I Identify as Blind
• 48:55 - Upcoming projects and advice for listeners

Resources & Links

• I Identify as Blind (book): www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSP7LJVE
• Lachi’s official website: www.lachimusic.com
• Ramped organization: www.ramped.org

Connect with Lachi:

• Twitter: www.twitter.com/lachimusic
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lach

Vocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

• Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/
  • Credits
    • Host: Brittany McLemore
    • Recording and Engineering: Patrick Roy

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this episode of Eyes and Lows, Janet LaBreck shares her journey navigating blindness and advocating for disability rights. She reflects on her impactful work within a transformative administration, contributing to significant policy changes.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 00:45 - Background and diagnosis
• 02:08 - School challenges
• 03:58 - Medical systems
• 05:44 - Vision loss adaptation
• 07:33 - Mobility training
• 09:01 - Living with RP
• 12:48 - Overcoming prognoses
• 14:14 - Independence
• 16:38 - Educational inclusivity
• 18:36 - Academic focus
• 22:22 - High school transition
• 24:45 - Social acceptance
• 27:34 - Resilience and advocacy
• 30:27 - Policy reform
• 33:20 - Disability policy roles
• 36:13 - Vocational experiences
• 39:23 - Community building
• 45:08 - Trust and empowerment
• 47:01 - Mobility tools
• 48:58 - Resilience strategies
• 50:19 - Educating others
• 54:08 - Training guides
• 55:36 - Humor in life
• 58:56 - Policy advocacy
• 62:07 - Global initiatives
• 64:56 - Policy updates
• 66:48 - Government contributions
• 70:04 - Consulting work
• 72:32 - Advice for young people
• 74:23 - Community and self-advocacy
• 77:38 - Contact information

Resources & Links:

• Synergy Consulting Partners: http://jl-scp-vr.com
• U.S. Department of Education - Rehabilitation Services Administration: https://rsa.ed.gov
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - 1990: https://www.ada.gov

Connect with Janet LaBreck:

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetlabreck
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/janetlabreck

Vocal Point: Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/

• Credits
  • Host: Dr, Brittany McLemore
  • Recording and Engineering: Patrick Roy

Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this inspiring episode of "Eyes and Lows," we sit down with Aracely Rosillo, a certified vision rehabilitation therapist and member of the blind community, to explore her journey, insights, and resources that empower independence. Whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers practical advice, community-building tips, and a powerful testament to resilience

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction to Aracely and her connection to the blindness community
• (02:10) - Understanding the role of vision rehabilitation therapists
• (04:35) - Exploring mental health and mental resilience in the context of blindness
• (06:07) - Challenging stereotypes: How to handle misconceptions in public
• (08:47) - Top assistive technology tools: Seeing AI, Be My Eyes, Aira
• (12:20) - The evolution of Aracely’s personal journey and adjustment to blindness
• (15:50) - Funny or awkward stories about social interactions and public reactions
• (19:29) - Cultural background and the impact of family dynamics
• (25:50) - Supporting children and youth with visual impairments

Resources & Links:

• Seeing AI — Microsoft’s AI tool for visually impaired
• Be My Eyes — Live volunteer assistance app
• Aira — On-demand visual support service
• United in Stride — Connecting blind and sighted individuals for activities
• Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency — Support for employment and independence
• National Federation of the Blind — Advocacy and support organization
• American Council of the Blind — Resources and community for blind individuals
• VIBS — Visually Impaired Blindness Society of Georgia
• Chelsea Nguyen Travel Planning — Accessibility-focused travel planning (hypothetical)

Connect with Aracely Rosillo:

• Email: [email protected]

Vocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/

• Credits
  • Host: Iisha Hillman
  • Recording and Engineering: Patrick Roy

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In this episode of Eyes and Lows, host Brittany McLemore speaks with Neisha Aireal, a low vision advocate and content creator. Neisha shares her journey of resilience, navigating life with low vision, and the importance of education and advocacy. They discuss the challenges of social media perceptions, the significance of accessibility tools, and the need for community support. Neisha emphasizes the importance of mental health and finding joy in life despite challenges, while also encouraging others to pursue their passions and start their journeys in content creation.

Takeaways

• Neisha started content creation during COVID on TikTok.
• Going viral helped Neisha embrace her low vision perspective.
• Education is crucial in combating ignorance about disabilities.
• Neisha's condition is called optic nerve hypoplasia.
• She experienced a lack of resources in early education.
• Advocacy is about sharing experiences and educating others.
• Mental health is important for those with disabilities.
• Finding community is essential for support and encouragement.
• Starting is the key to success in content creation.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Resilience and Advocacy

03:01Neisha's Journey into Content Creation

06:00Understanding Low Vision and Its Impact

09:05Navigating School and Resources

12:13Social Interactions and Friendships

15:08Stereotypes and Misconceptions

17:56Accessibility Tools and Technology

21:04Advocacy Through Transparency Tuesdays

24:13Mental Health and Isolation

27:00Finding Community and Support

30:11Personal Interests and Hobbies

33:00Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

36:00Goals and Aspirations for the Future

39:06Advice for Aspiring Content Creators

Contact Neisha Aireal:

https://www.instagram.com/neisha_aireal

www.tiktok.com/@neisha_aireal

https://www.youtube.com/@Neisha_Aireal

Vocal Point (Home of the Georgia Radio Reading Service) is a 501c3 organization that exists to improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty with the printed word.

Learn more at Vocal Point at Seevp.org To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/

• Credits
  • Host: Brittany McLemore
  • Recording and Engineering: Patrick Roy