Outlook On-Air

Jill Thomas from Walnut Media rejoins us for another conversation with our host, Dennis Nelson. After revisiting highlights from their previous interview, Dennis takes a deeper dive into his life story, from being adopted and living with congenital blindness to the places he’s called home, the jobs he’s held, and the experiences that shaped his career in radio.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Blaskovich, Outlook Enrichment's Volunteer of the Year and a member of Outlook Nebraska's Board of Directors, to hear how he became involved through the Stanley M. Truhlsen Jr. Blind Golfers Clinic and why the experience has been so rewarding for him.

Steve shares how he helps blind or visually impaired golfers by teaching them to rely on their other senses throughout the game. He also reflects on helping participants prepare for Tee It Up Fore Sight, in which four blind golfers showcased the skills they developed over months of practice.

In this episode of Outlook On‑Air, we’re joined by Stacy Cervenka, Director of the Iowa Department for the Blind and coauthor of the new middle‑grade novel Roxie in Color.

On this episode of Outlook On-Air, Nina Rongisch, Executive Director of Outlook Enrichment, joins us to share more about our mission and Tee It Up Fore Sight, our annual golf tournament happening June 3, 2026. She dives into what makes this year’s event so special, including the return of our youth summer camp, Outlook Explorers, and its impact on youth with vision loss.

On this episode of Outlook On-Air, we wrap up a few loose ends before welcoming Jane, an Outlook Enrichment client, to the conversation. She shares her experience of losing her vision rapidly in 2022 due to Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a genetic condition passed through the maternal line.

Jane walks us through what her vision looks like today and how she got connected with Outlook Enrichment for support and resources along the way. She also reflects on how her vision loss temporarily put her hobbies on hold, and how she’s since found new ways to adapt and regain independence, from using her cane and smartphone to exploring tools like Meta glasses and navigating grocery shopping.

In this episode, Alex France shares his journey with retinitis pigmentosa and how he’s adapted as his vision has changed, including his decision to apply for a "running guide dog."

Now partnered with Marina, Alex shares how she’s become an important part of his day-to-day life. He also discusses the responsibilities of being a guide dog handler, the application process, and how guide dogs differ from using a white cane.

Plus, Janis Compton returns to answer a listener’s question.

In this episode, we’re joined by Adaptive Technology Trainer, Isaac Grelk, and Technology Specialist, Mickie Saltzman. They share their personal stories with vision loss and reflect on their experiences supporting the blind and visually impaired community.

Together, they explore recent advancements in accessibility and adaptive technology, highlighting tools that are empowering individuals to live more independently.