This is the second episode in our 16-week series on advocacy. In this episode, Kim Wardlow welcomes Melissa Fishburne, an Aftersight board member, to discuss her journey of self-advocacy and the importance of empowering oneself. Melissa shares her personal experiences growing up with low vision, the challenges she faced in embracing her identity, and how she ultimately became a strong advocate for herself and others.

Listeners will gain insights into self-confidence, finding the right resources, and overcoming misconceptions about advocacy. Melissa also highlights practical steps for advocating in the workplace and everyday life.

Chapter Markers:

00:02 - Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss

00:27 - Introduction to the Advocacy Series

02:54 - Melissa Fishburne’s Story: From Hiding Vision Loss to Embracing Advocacy

05:18 - Discovering Resources and Community Support

07:39 - Building Self-Confidence and Overcoming Fear

09:48 - Training and Certification for Advocacy

12:11 - Personal Experiences in Self-Advocacy

15:25 - Common Misconceptions About Advocacy

17:36 - The Importance of Educating Others

20:04 - Handling Pushback and Challenging Situations

22:30 - Self-Worth and the Role of Community Support

24:57 - Recognizing Toxic Environments in Advocacy

27:17 - Resources: Foundation Fighting Blindness and More

29:42 - Workplace Advocacy: Knowing Your Rights

32:14 - Closing Advice from Melissa

34:31 - Contact Information and Upcoming Episode Preview

Key Takeaways:

✅ Know Your Worth – Confidence and self-respect are essential for effective advocacy.

✅ Find the Right Resources – Organizations like the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Aftersight offer valuable support.

✅ Educate Others – Advocacy involves not just fighting for your own needs but also helping others understand accommodations and accessibility.

✅ Stand Firm – Facing pushback is part of the process, but knowing your rights can help you navigate challenges.

✅ Community is Key – Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.

Resources & Contact Information:

📌 Aftersight Advocacy Resources: www.aftersight.org

📌 Email Us: [email protected]

📌 Call Us: (303) 786-7777

📌 Follow Us on Social Media

📢 Other Aftersight Podcasts to Check Out:

🎙️ The Blind Chick – Top 10% worldwide podcast on blindness & empowerment

🎙️ Blind Level Tech – Accessible technology for blind and low-vision individuals

🎙️ Blindsight – Mental health & wellness in the blind community

Next Episode Preview:

Join us next week as we discuss advocating for yourself in an educational setting, whether you're a student or a parent of a student navigating accessibility in schools.

🎧 Tune in, share your thoughts, and keep advocating for yourself and others! #NavigatingLifeWithVisionLoss