Living Blind

Living Blind

By Living BlindEducationSelf-Improvement
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Living Blind episodes

  • Musical Vision: A Brief History of Music and Blindness with Lucas Harris & Michelle McQuigge

    In May, 2023, the Toronto Chamber Choir presented its program “Musical Vision” about blind musicians and composers who did not let their visual disability prevent them from composing and performing great music. In this episode, Lucas Harris, Director of the Toronto Chamber Choir, and Michelle McQuigge, Concert Narrator, came on to talk with Naomi about how the concert came about, and some of the incredible things they learned during the research and preparation for the concert. The program included music from well known composers like Bach and Handel, both who had received “surgeries” from self-proclaimed eye surgeon John Taylor, as well as lesser known blind composers and musicians like Maria Theresia Von Paradis and Joachín Rodrigo. The concert took the audience through a historical “tour” of blind contributors to the musical canon, up to the modern period, and then featured a new piece by Toronto composer and pianist Michael Arnowitt. BALANCE was a proud partner on the concert, and is also proud to partner on the follow up fundraising concert on June 5, 2024.


    If you would like to weigh in on this topic, send us an email at [email protected].


    Follow BALANCE for Blind Adults on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.


    Follow Michelle McQuigge on Twitter, and Lucas Harris on his website.


    ⁠Donate⁠ to BALANCE


    Resources:

    Past Concerts: 2022–23: A Season of Musical Vision

    Musical Vision: A Brief History of Music & Blindness (Text only version (for screen readers)

    Musical Vision: A Brief History of Music & Blindness (Large Print Version)

    Musical Vision: A Brief History of Music & Blindness (Formatted Booklet with Images)

    Learn more about the TCC 2024 Fundraiser, featuring more from blind composers.

    42 min
  • What is the Canada Disability Benefit, and How Will Collaboration Change the Disability Landscape in this Country? with Len Baker

    The Canada Disability Benefit will come into

    effect in one year, and then it will take another year to produce it’s
    regulations. This is just one important fact we learn as we listen to one of it’s leading champions describe the CDB on this episode of Living Blind. Len Baker, President and CEO of March of Dimes Canada, worked with government and leaders of other national organizations serving people with disabilities, to ensure that the CDB, a long awaited income top-up, comes into effect and has
    the opportunity to make a much-needed difference in the lives of Canadians withdisabilities. In addition, Len and Naomi discuss the importance of collaboration in order to effect real change. Naomi has this to say about her interview with Len: “Speaking with Len Baker raised my awareness about the work he, March of Dimes, and other non-profit organizations are doing to support
    quality of life for Canadians with disabilities. It is important for Canadians to be aware not only of the services they can access themselves, but also the greater advocacy work that the very same organizations do at the legislative level. Len’s call to action for organizations across Canada to collaborate reminds us that we are better when we work together.


    If you would like to weigh in on this topic, send us an email at ⁠[email protected]⁠.


    Follow BALANCE for Blind Adults on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Twitter⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠.


    ⁠Donate⁠ to BALANCE

    46 min
  • Keep Calm and Carry On: Jason Romero on Resilience

    In this episode, Naomi talks with Jason Romero, author, athlete, inspirational speaker. Jason is an expert on Success & Resilience, who travels the world educating companies and classrooms about how they can achieve their dreams. Jason is the subject of a full-length documentary film, as well as a former attorney and CEO. The BBC, Today Show, Forbes, Runnersworld and NPR are just some of the media outlets that have reported on his accomplishments. Jason has been a national marathon champion, a Paralympian on Team USA and placed 4th at the Paralympic World Marathon Championships in 2015 in London. He holds more than 10 world records in extreme endurance sports including the 10-day run, 1,000 mile run and 6-day run. He is an IronMan triathlete, and an extreme endurance runner having completed some of the toughest ultramarathons in the world including the Badwater Ultramarathon (135 miles in Death Valley in July), Spartathlon (153 miles from Athens to Sparta) and the Leadville 100. Jason is best known for being the 1st and only blind person to run across America, and his run still ranks as one of the top 10 fastest foot crossings in history at 51.5 miles per day. Our Executive Producer heard Jason speak at the VisionServe Alliance CEO Summit in April, 2023, and found it so inspiring she decided to ask him immediately afterwards if he would agree to be a guest on the Living Blind Podcast. Listening to Jason, one feels that anything is possible as long as we try, and that any obstacle can be overcome, even the toughest ones.


    If you would like to weigh in on this topic, send us an email at [email protected] or in the Living Blind Listeners Group on Facebook.


    Follow BALANCE for Blind Adults on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.


    Donate to BALANCE


    57 min
  • A Blind Lawyer with a Vision: Ben Fulton on Human Rights, Restorative Justice and More

    In this episode, Ben Fulton, a private solo practitioner in the GTA and Hamilton area, talks with Naomi about the human rights case he has been working on since law school based on his own personal experience; his interest in restorative justice, the value of mentorship, and his advice to other blind people who would like to become lawyers.

    His practice focuses primarily on human rights and minor criminal matters, where diversion is a practical solution. Ben Fulton employs a wholistic approach to the legal challenges faced by his clients. This approach goes beyond the singular legal issue that brought that person into contact with the legal system, and addresses the systemic issues at play in any given circumstance. He belongs to the Canadian Federation of The Blind (CFB) and focuses on advocacy for the most challenged members of society.

    His award winning report on David Lepofsky was published by the Parliamentary committee on Human Resources, Skills, Social Development, and the Status of Persons with a Disability.

    Get in touch with Ben: [email protected]

    Other Resources:

    • Ben’s website
    • Ben on LinkedIn
    • Ontario Bar Association Peer Support Network News

      • If you would like to weigh in on this topic, send us an email at [email protected] or in the Living Blind Listeners Group on Facebook.


      Follow BALANCE for Blind Adults on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.


      Donate to BALANCE

      37 min
    • Arts-based Career Building--A multi-faceted Life with Kim Kilpatrick

      In this episode of the Living Blind Podcast, Naomi sat down not once but twice with the amazing and accomplished Kim Kilpatrick. While many blind tech users in Canada know Kim as the co-founder and leader of the Get Together with Technology Program of the Canadian Council of the Blind, in fact, Kim has a rich and varied career path, starting with Music Therapy and moving through technology coaching all the way through to a writer and storytelling performance artist! She began her career as a music therapist working with people with dementia and in palliative care. She has served on many boards and committees including Braille Literacy Canada where she is currently the vice president. Kim shares all the fascinating little stories from a lifetime devoted to the welfare of others and the sharing of knowledge, and what shines through in this conversation is how much she has loved every aspect of her multiple career experiences. As Naomi says: “Kim’s natural ability to connect with people of all ages and abilities through the arts struck me as we talked. It is clear that this, along with her passion for technology and Braille, are what enables her to connect with others to inspire change.”


      Organizations with which Kim is affiliated:

      • MASC offers schools and communities arts experiences led by professional artists
      • Ottawa StoryTellers promotes the art of storytelling in Ottawa.
      • Radical Connections transforms healthcare with all kinds of artists.

        • Get in touch with Kim: [email protected]

        If you would like to weigh in on this topic, send us an email at [email protected] or in the Living Blind Listeners Group on Facebook.

        Follow BALANCE for Blind Adults on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.


        Donate to BALANCE

        1 hr
      • Man, It’s Alright!: A Conversation About Masculinity and Blindness with Paul Mack and Jeffrey Rainey

        In this first episode Season 4 of Living Blind, we delve just a little bit into the complex gender area of masculinity and how it intersects with the lived experience of blindness. Wikipedia defines “masculinity” as “a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with men and boys. Masculinity can be theoretically understood as socially constructed, and there is also evidence that some behaviors considered masculine are influenced by both cultural factors and biological factors. To what extent masculinity is biologically or socially influenced is subject to debate. It is distinct from the definition of the biological male sex, as anyone can exhibit masculine traits.” While our society (and many cultures) stereotypically emphasizes the attributes of strength, capability and the role of “provider” with being “manly”, it (our society, and many cultures of the world) also stereotypically associates disability (even in the use of the word) with weakness or frailty, and dependence or lack of capacity (hence often the use of the word “handicapped”). In this episode, Paul Mack, Life Coach, and Jeffrey Rainey, former podcast producer, two men of different ages who are blind, discuss what it has meant to them to grow up and become men, and how their masculinity, and the expectations that go with it, both external and internal, intersect with their experiences as men who live with sight loss. Yes, blindness exists in a sighted world where it is associated with a lack of capacity, but Paul argues that his blindness doesn’t keep him from being a reliable partner or parent. And Jeff points out the challenges inherent in important life experiences such as dating. The following is a link to a research article about the subject of Masculinity and Disability, available online.

        If you would like to weigh in on this topic, send us an email at [email protected] or in the Living Blind Listeners Group on Facebook. We realize we have only just scratched the

        surface of this challenging and important subject.

        59 min
      • Throwback Thursday: A Listener chooses Her Favourite Episode!

        During our Because of BALANCE campaign, our Grand Prize

        included the opportunity to be a podcast episode curator, selecting a past
        episode to discuss “on air.” Our top fundraiser, Elizabeth Mohler joins us for
        a special Throwback Thursday episode. Elizabeth chose to discuss her favorite
        episode, "Mental Health Matters with Lisa Derencinovic," where Lisa
        delved into the crucial topics of mental health, overcoming stigma, and
        prioritizing self-care. With mental health always a major challenge for so many,
        we couldn’t think of a better way to complete our season and start the summer
        break. Our producer Jeffrey Rainey enjoyed chatting with Elizabeth, and her
        insights add a fresh perspective to this important conversation. It's the
        perfect way to wrap up the season on a high note! 

         

        Links:

         

        Elizabeth C. Mohler – Creating a Culture of Accessibility in

        the Sciences: https://elizabethmohler.ca/.

         

        All about her book: Creating a Culture of Accessibility

        in the Sciences.

         

        All about Lisa Derencinovic: https://www.healingcollective.ca/collective-members/lisa-derencinovic/

         

         

        What did you think

        of this episode? Get in touch with the podcast by joining our Listeners Facebook
        group, or by sending us
        an email at [email protected].

        Follow BALANCE For Blind Adults on Facebook,

        Twitter,

        Instagram,

        and

        Youtube.

         

        The show notes and transcription for this podcast can be

        found at
        BalanceFBA.org/Podcast.

         

        Donate to BALANCE: BalanceFBA.org

         

         

         

         

         

         

        1 hr 5 min
      • Stay Safe Out There, A Conversation about Self Defense And Violence Prevention

        In this episode, Alexis Fabricius introduces us to the world of self-defense tailored specifically for

        the visually impaired and individuals with vision loss. Join us as we cover a wealth of knowledge and techniques that will empower individuals to navigate their surroundings with confidence and safety. From specialized training methods to assistive technologies, we explore the innovative approaches that equip and empower the visually impaired community to defend themselves effectively. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and embark on a transformative journey of empowerment and self-defense mastery.

         

        Links:

         

        Study: Navigating violence and risk: A critical discourse

        analysis of blind women's portrayals of self-protective measures.

         

        Email Alexis at [email protected].

         

        What did you think of this episode? Get in touch with the podcast by joining our Listeners Facebook group, or by sending us an email at

        Follow BALANCE For Blind Adults on Facebook,

        Twitter,

        Instagram, and

        Youtube.

         

        The show notes and transcription for this podcast can be found at BalanceFBA.org/Podcast.

         

        Donate to BALANCE: BalanceFBA.org

         

         


        53 min
      • My Sports, Your Sports, Blind Sports - With OBSA President Glen Wade

        Ever

        wonder about getting more physically active or participating in a team sport?
        This episode aims to answer all your questions about sports participation for
        people who are blind.  Our guest is Glen Wade, President of the Ontario Blind Sports Association. Glen established his
        love of sports as a young boy, and it was at the Ontario School for the Blind
        (now W. Ross MacDonald School) where he was able to try out and compete in many
        sports such as hockey, baseball, football, wrestling and goalball. He would go
        on to pursue goalball professionally, representing Ontario 12 times at the
        national championships, and was named to the Canadian team 4 times with 2 trips
        to the Paralympics in 1984 and 1992.

        After several decades as an amateur athlete, he decided to

        turn his attention over to sports administration. He began assisting with
        events run by the Ontario Blind Sports Association (OBSA) in 2011, and was elected president in 2012. He attributes his success and quality of life largely to the lessons he has learned through sports, including drive,
        preparedness, persistence and leadership.

        In addition to explaining how the sport of goalball is

        played, and learning about his sporting career, Glen gives some helpful advice on
        how to make sports like baseball, hockey and running accessible for children
        and adults who are blind.

        Our guest host for this episode is Madeleine Sommerville.

        During her student occupational therapy placement at BALANCE, Madeleine was
        given the opportunity to conduct an interview on the topic of her choosing for
        the show. As a long-time soccer player and sports fan, she decided to bring these two passions together, and reached out to the Ontario Blind Sports
        Association, and before long she found herself sitting down with the President!
        Madeleine currently works as an Occupational Therapist in school-based
        rehabilitation services in Parry Sound Ontario.

         

        Links:

         

        Learn more about The Ontario Blind Sports Association by

        visiting their nicely designed  Website.

         

        Find Madeleine Sommerville on LinkedIn.

         

        Email Glen Wade at [email protected],

        OBSA program manager Richard Amelard at [email protected], and
        Executive Director Randa Gohary at [email protected].

         

         

        What did you think of this episode? Get in touch with

        the podcast by joining our Listeners Facebook
        group, or by sending us
        an email at [email protected].

        Follow BALANCE For Blind Adults on Facebook,

        Twitter,

        Instagram,

        and

        Youtube.

         

        The show notes and transcription for this podcast can be

        found at
        BalanceFBA.org/Podcast.

         

        Donate to BALANCE: BalanceFBA.org

         

         

         

         

        44 min
      • The Volunteer's Voluntell, with Martin, Greg and Myurika

        In light of April being National Volunteer month in North America, we decided to shine the spotlight on three of our wonderful volunteers here at Balance for our next instalment of Living Blind. Or, as we like to call it, The Volunteer’s Voluntell! Join Naomi Hazlett  as she sits down with Myurika Sithamparanathan, Martin Courcelles, and Greg Pickios. These three have very different responsibilities with the organization, with Myurika operating on the front lines with clients, and Martin serving behind the scenes with the board of directors. And Greg, well, has a foot in both camps.

         

        Greg Pickios has Worked for a number of years in a marketing capacity for the internet division of various media companies. He recently went back to college to earn a Diploma as a Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant, and currently works as an OTA and PTA. Volunteering with Balance has allowed him the opportunity to marry these two passions, and improve the lives of the blind and low vision clients he works with. Additionally, He serves as the transcriber of the Living Blind podcast, and we thank him very much for his continued hard work.

         

        Myurika Sithamparanathan immigrated to Canada when she was 10 years old, and is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto, with an honours bachelor of science degree. Her passion for helping people with various needs started from a young age, and she has volunteered at BALANCE for 2 years. In that time she has served as a tele-support counselor, a life skills assistant, the facilitator for Coffee Connections, and much more. Her passion for volunteering to help those in the

        community stems from the work her father did as a field staff in Sri Lanka, supporting displaced people and their families during the Civil war.

         

        Martin courcelles brings over 15 years of expertise in the

        realm of screen reading technology, and currently works at CIBC on the accessibility team as a User Experience Accessibility consultant. As a person with lived experience having to use access technology every day, Martin explains how to improve web properties and smartphone apps to ensure accessibility for all. He’s a subject matter expert at using JAWS, NVDA and Narrator on the PC, and Voiceover and Talkback on smartphones.

        He became a Balance client back in 1999, when he required orientation and mobility training around the city of Toronto. Wanting to give back to the community and to the organization that was there for him when he needed help, he has enjoyed his time volunteering as a member on our

        board of directors so much, he’s come back twice! In his downtime, Martin
        enjoys running, hiking, tandem cycling and other outdoor activities.

         

         

        Links:

         

        Follow Greg on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-pickios-62544315/

         

        Follow Myurika on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myurika-sithamparanathan-hbsc-a67034225/

         

        Send her an email: [email protected].

         

        Follow Martin on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-courcelles-57271915/

         

        And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martin.courcelles/

         

         

        IF you would like to volunteer at Balance, please visit https://www.balancefba.org/volunteer-at-balance/

         

        What did you think of The Volunteer’s Voluntell? Get in touch with the podcast by joining our Listeners Facebook

        group, or by sending us
        an email at [email protected].

        Follow Balance For Blind Adults on Facebook,

        Twitter,

        Instagram,

        and

        Youtube.

         

        The show notes and transcription for this podcast can be found at

        BalanceFBA.org/Podcast.

         

        Donate to BALANCE: BalanceFBA.org

         


         


        56 min

      About Living Blind

      From the publisher's feed

      Welcome to “Living Blind” (formerly Life In BALANCE), the official podcast of BALANCE for Blind Adults. This podcast explores the perspectives and lived experiences of people with sight loss, and delves into barriers, challenges, and real-life strategies for living life to the fullest. Each interview provides insights to inspire and inform. What is it like to live without sight in a sighted world? Come listen and learn!