• Ryan lost his sight due to a traumatic injury but maintained a positive outlook.
• Misty and Ryan met in a peer support group, finding connection through shared experiences.
• Family support played a crucial role in Ryan's adjustment to life without sight.
• Misty emphasizes the importance of boundaries in their relationship during tough times.
• Ryan's journey includes pursuing a career in massage therapy after losing his sight.
• The couple discusses the challenges of dating and building trust amidst their struggles.
• Misty shares her experience with PTSD and the importance of peer support in her healing.
• Ryan created bracelets with motivational messages to inspire others.
• The couple highlights the importance of seeking mental health resources and support.
• Resilience is defined as maintaining positivity and character through difficult times.

00:00 Journey of Resilience: Overcoming Adversity

01:20 Finding Connection: The Power of Peer Support

03:47 Life After Loss: Navigating Emotional Turmoil

10:27 Building Confidence: Rediscovering Abilities

11:55 Seeking Resources: The Struggle for Support

15:45 Shared Struggles: Mental Health and Relationships

23:52 Navigating Together: Supporting Each Other's Mental Health

29:42 Navigating Relationships with Disabilities

36:51 Mental Health and Seeking Help

40:27 Highs and Lows: Personal Reflections

47:43 Finding Joy in Everyday Activities

55:02 Understanding Resiliency

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 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

In this episode of Eyes and Lows, host Brittany McLemore welcomes Ashley Innes, a visually impaired entrepreneur, artist, and doctoral student. Ashley shares her journey with retinopathy of prematurity, her career aspirations, and her advocacy work for the blind community. She emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude, community, and faith in overcoming challenges. The conversation delves into Ashley's experiences with education, entrepreneurship, and her mission to inspire others through her work and faith.

Chapters:

[0:00] - Introduction to Ashley Innis, her diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity, and her background as an entrepreneur and doctoral student

[5:20] - Ashley's educational journey and how faith and creative expression became central to her identity

[11:10] - Building community with visual impairment and recent achievements including Mary Kay sales directorship

[17:15] - Advocacy work with the National Federation of the Blind and choosing entrepreneurship over traditional employment

[24:15] - Overcoming mental health challenges and proper etiquette when assisting people with visual impairments

[33:40] - Perspectives on disability, inspirational figures in Ashley's life, and words of wisdom for listeners

Contact:

Ashley Inniss

Facebook: Ashley Inniss

Instagram: safe_harbor_gallery

Resources:

National Federation of the Blind

For people with disabilities:

• Focus on capabilities rather than limitations

• Build community through shared interests and experiences

• Take personal responsibility for expressing your gifts and talents

• Consider joining advocacy organizations like the National Federation of the Blind

For sighted individuals interacting with visually impaired people:

• Always ask before offering assistance

• Don't assume incapacity or underestimate abilities

• Maintain respect for independence while being available to help

• Keep interactions in public spaces when first getting to know someone

For everyone:

• Practice gratitude and maintain a positive perspective

• Find outlets for self-expression like writing, music, or art

• Take personal responsibility for your joy instead of waiting for circumstances to change

• Focus on what you have rather than what you lack

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 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

In this episode of Eyes and Lows, host Brittany McLemore engages in a heartfelt conversation with Keith Bailey, exploring the complexities of mental health within the blind, low vision, and disability communities. Keith shares his personal journey with autism, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, offering insights into his experiences with family, education, and the healthcare system. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs of navigating life with these diagnoses, highlighting the importance of community, understanding, and advocacy. Join us for an inspiring episode that sheds light on resilience and the power of sharing one's story.

CHAPTERS:

[1:20] Reconnecting with Keith’s biological family

[6:20] Keith’s diagnosis journey

[10:20] Living with autism and how Keith’s diagnosis provided clarity on his past

[17:30] Coping mechanisms and school challenges

[22:15] Keith’s family connections to autism and advice for others

[33:20] Keith’s advocacy goals for adult autism services

[44:15] Experiences with the educational system

[51:30] Impact of Keith's time in treatment facilities

For parents of children with autism:

• Practice patience as early autism behaviors may present as other conditions

• Learn about how autism presents differently at various ages

• Find activities that engage children's hands when they get upset

• Provide items children can safely take apart to redirect behavior

For individuals with autism:

• Have patience with yourself as many things won't make sense until later in life

• Find activities to keep yourself occupied when feeling overwhelmed

• Use distractions to help manage sensory issues

For improving autism support:

• Develop transitional services for adults with autism

• Create opportunities for adults with autism to mentor younger people with autism

• Increase specialized teacher training for different types of learning needs

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 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

In this episode of "Eyes and Lows," we delve into the mental health challenges faced by the blind, low vision, and print impaired community. Janice Barrocas, founder of Adjusting to Vision Loss, LLC, shares her journey and insights into providing mental health counseling for adults dealing with vision loss. She discusses the emotional stages of adjusting to vision loss, the importance of empowerment, and the need for accessible mental health services. Janice also highlights the role of community support and the ongoing efforts to improve resources for the visually impaired.

Chapters

[01:03] Introduction to Janice Barrocas and her work in rehabilitation counseling

[02:50] Journey into specializing in rehabilitation counseling for the newly blind and identifying gaps in services

[06:08] Common emotional stages after vision loss diagnosis (shock, trauma, denial, withdrawal) and frustration with available services

[07:25] Client referral resources and accessibility of mental health services

[15:48] The importance of empowering clients to advocate for themselves with medical professionals

[20:22] Trust building and family dynamics in vision loss journey

[23:24] Addressing mental health stigma

[32:05] Community involvement and professional development

[39:05] Highs and lows of Janice's work, including founding a nonprofit

[43:27] Self-care practices and maintaining work-life balance for mental health

[49:03] Ways to connect with Janice Barrocas and final words of encouragement

Contact Janice Barrocas:

Email: [email protected]

Certifications: LPC, MS, CRC, NCC

Services: Individual mental health counseling for adults experiencing vision loss in Georgia and Colorado

Next Steps

For Mental Health Professionals:

• Consider getting specialized training in working with visually impaired clients

• List yourself as blind-allied on Psychology Today, if qualified

For Community Members:

• Subscribe to Janice's newsletter to stay informed about resources

• Share information about available services with those who might need them

For Those Experiencing Vision Loss:

• Don't hesitate to seek mental health support - you deserve it

• Ask specific questions when looking for a counselor about their experience with vision loss

• Consider joining peer support groups or book clubs for additional community connection

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

Hosted by Dr. BrittanyWalker, Eyes and Lows brings you authentic conversations exploring the landscape of vision loss, featuring personal stories from the blind and low vision community alongside expert insights and practical resources. Whether you're navigating vision loss, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to understand, Eyes and Lows is here to remind you, you are not alone. Join us as we break the silence and shine a light on the emotional side of vision loss. New episodes are coming soon and will drop every other Monday, wherever you get your podcasts.

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 seevp.org. To support our podcast and programs, donate here: https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/seevp/

• Credits
  • Host: Dr. Brittany Walker
  • Recorded and Engineered: Patrick Roy