Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast

Episode 220 - Kristin Smedley & The Thriving Blind Academy

In this episode, Shawn sits down with Kristin Smedley, founder of Thriving Blind Academy, author, and mother of two blind sons. Kristin shares her transformative journey from struggling with her sons' blindness to becoming a passionate advocate for the blindness community and her creation of the Thriving Blind Academy. She reveals her groundbreaking "THRIVER Formula" - a powerful approach to overcoming limitations and building confidence. Through personal stories, including her sons' achievements, Kristin challenges stereotypes and demonstrates how blindness can be a pathway to limitless possibilities. 

Thriving Blind Academy

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Content warning: Mature themes discussed.

In this episode, Shawn welcomes guests Keisha and Ellis and the three dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of sexual health and sex education for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Challenging the misconception that people with disabilities are non-sexual, this candid conversation explores the unique challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in learning about their bodies, relationships, and sexual well-being. They discuss the gaps in traditional sex education for blind and partially sighted students, thoughts about creating more inclusive and accessible sexual health resources and practical advice for parents, educators, and young people with visual impairments.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

This week Shawn, Nika, and Kaia continue their discussion of the intersection of autism and blindness, discussing topics such as the challenges of taking tests, the impact of assistive technology, and the difficulties of advocating for needs during times of overwhelm. From discussing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) to unpacking media representation, they continue this important discussion that offers insights into neurodiversity and disability through lived experience.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Dive into the fascinating world where visual impairment meets neurodiversity in this very important episode as Shawn welcomes Kaia and Nika, who share their personal experiences navigating the intersection of autism and visual impairment. Discover the hidden challenges, unique perspectives, and powerful insights of living with intersecting disabilities. From sensory overwhelm to accessing education and medical services, we break down and discuss the complexities of their respective lived experiences. Learn about the often-overlooked connections between neurodivergence and visual impairment, and challenge your understanding of disability, identity, and accommodation. Get ready for Part 1 of an honest and informative conversation that will expand your perspective and challenge your assumptions about what it means to experience the world differently and join us again next week for Part 2!

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

It's a very special episode of Limitless this week as Shawn steps in to guest host for AT Banter to talk with the one and only Jennie Bovard, star of AMI’s new comedy series, Pretty Blind! Dive behind the scenes as Jennie shares hilarious stories from set, reveals how real-life moments from her lived experience inspired the show’s characters and situations, and the challenges, triumphs, and importance of authentic disability representation. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, advocacy, or just love a good podcast mashup, this episode is not to be missed!

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

What does it mean to be proud of your disability? Join Shawn and co-hosts Aman and Ishita as they dive deep into Disability Pride Month, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the strength, resilience, and unique perspectives of the disability community. They explore the history and significance of Disability Pride Month, share personal stories of acceptance and empowerment, and reflect on hopes for the future in terms of disability representation and pride. Whether you have a disability, love someone who does, or want to understand more about disability, this episode will inspire, educate, and challenge your perspective.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

This week on the podcast we once again feature a youth-led episode, this time hosted by Evan, a 15-year old high school student. Even dives into his experiences playing golf and curling and is joined by his coaches where they break down the practical strategies he uses to navigate sports, the importance of clear communication, and how he advocates for himself. Hear a candid conversation about adapting techniques, team dynamics, and the real work of participating in sports when your approach might look a little different. This isn't about overcoming obstacles, it's about playing the game on your own terms.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

In this episode of Limitless, co-host Clement dives into the nuts and bolts of his 10-year Aikido journey—from white belt to black belt. He talks through the practical challenges he faced finding a dojo open to teaching someone without sight and how he adapted traditional drills and techniques to fit his needs. Clement breaks down the three guiding principles that kept him on the mat—patience (learning at your own pace), perseverance (showing up even on tough days), and adaptability (modifying moves to work with your strengths). He also walks us through his recent trip to Japan, where he and his sensei ran a joint demonstration for local students. You won't want to miss this episode for an open and honest conversation about commitment, technique, and building a practice that works for you, regardless of how you see the world.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

In this special stylish episode of the podcast, we hand over the podcast to some of our youth once again as Acacia and Nika talk about all things fashion, makeup, and accessories—from a blind and partially sighted perspective!  Tune in as they spill the tea on navigating the fashion world when you can’t always see what’s in your closet. From choosing clothes that work with your mobility, to tackling the challenges of low contrast and depth perception, they’re keeping it real with personal stories and smart solutions. Whether you’re blind, partially sighted, or just want a new way to think about style, this episode is packed with insight, and advice. Fashion is for everyone—and Acacia and Nika are here to prove it.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the powerful impact of early intervention for children who are blind or partially sighted as Shawn welcomes Beverly, Team Lead for Early Intervention at Blind Beginnings to share how the program supports families and helps children build critical developmental skills that shape their independence and quality of life. Learn why sensory-rich experiences are essential for children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), and how activities tailored to each child’s needs can build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Beverly also explains how orientation and mobility training empowers young children to confidently explore the world around them. Plus, get a sneak peek at our STEP (Safe Travel Education for Pre-Schoolers) program, a fun, hands-on initiative for kids aged 3–5 designed to foster sensory engagement, mobility skills, social skills, and networking opportunities for the parents.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.