ReVISION | Blind Low Vision NZ

 In this episode of ReVISION, host Sam Smith sits down with the remarkable Chantelle Griffiths — a world traveller, tactile tech innovator, and Winston Churchill Fellowship winner who’s redefining what it means to explore the world without sight. From navigating bustling cities to creating Braille-inspired puzzle books that make reading and play more accessible for everyone, Chantelle’s story is equal parts inspiring and ingenious. Join Sam and Chantelle as they dive into her adventures, her breakthroughs in tactile design, and the unshakable spirit that drives her to keep discovering the world — one touch at a time. 

After a visit to BLENNZ, which I finally figured out what that stood for in this episode, I met up with student Roman Parahi, who lost his sight at age 17, which sparked him on a journey to become a damn good rapper and advocate for the community. 

It's not too often that you meet someone on vacation during a Blind Citizens Association meeting, but I had the honour of exactly that this month. Matthew Horspool is his name, and luckily, he had time in his travels to chat with me about Braille, adaptive technology, and the very interesting strategies he uses to read texts - including something I had never considered - reading music. I loved this episode, hope you enjoy it too. 

In this episode, I talk with crime writer Vanda Symon about her current eyesight issues - and how central vision loss did not stop her from entering a fencing competition! Plus, we talk about writing books, and reminisce about meeting of the TV show The Traitors. I love this episode! 

I was lucky enough to attend the premiere of Able NZ's new web series Sight Unseen, which demonstrates the wonders of Audio Description to the world. I met the show's host Ari Kerssens and immediately connected over art, comedy, and life. I knew I had to get Ari on the show and hear some of his sound artistry. If you don't know what that is, don't worry - I didn't either. 

As a Dad with Low Vision, I constantly wonder whether I am stepping up to the mark in my kids' eyes. I decided to find out once and for all by chatting with my sons Charlie and Harry, and find out how life with a Low Vision parent affects them. 

In this episode, I chatted with David Shaaf, a brilliant Kiwi who makes a living as an editor and filmmaker who just happens to be legally blind. If you're looking for creative inspiration, David is the man to talk to. Have a listen to his great insights into filmmaking. 

In this episode Sam chats about all things Peanut Butter with Bruce "Pic" Picot, the man behind the world-famous Pic's Peanut Butter.  They recollect fond memories of their shared hometown of Nelson, Pic's eclectic history, and how vision loss lead to the iconic Peanut Butter World.

In this episode Sam sits down with journalist Paddy Gower to discuss their eyesight problems, Paddy very kindly takes us through his emotional journey and opens up like never before. This is an episode you will NOT want to miss.

In this episode, Sam chats with Jordan Langley, who works with the team to create the  Hāpai Access card - a wonderful accessibility card that helps remove access barriers to people all all walks of life.
Get YOUR card at https://www.hapaiaccesscard.org.nz/