In this powerful and personal episode, Kim Wardlow sits down with longtime advocate Curtis Chong to discuss transportation equity and accessibility. Curtis shares his life story—growing up blind in Hawaii, learning programming in a pre-digital world, and his decades of advocacy work in technology and transportation. He breaks down the evolution of public transit and paratransit systems, and shines a light on how crucial accessible and affordable transportation is for employment, independence, and daily life.

From calling out discrimination at a Minnesota amusement park to being on the advisory committee for RTD in Denver, Curtis offers insights and strategies for effective advocacy—whether it’s using education, documentation, or the occasional hammer when necessary. This episode dives deep into how technology, policy, and mindset shape access to mobility for the blind and low-vision community.

⚠️ Stay tuned for a special Thursday release where Curtis returns to explore rural transportation and more practical tips for getting around safely and effectively.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro

00:57 – Meet Curtis Chong: From Hawaii to Advocacy

03:00 – Growing Up Blind in a Sighted Family

06:45 – Music, Perfect Pitch, and the Road to Tech

08:55 – First Jobs & Learning to Program Without Sight

11:45 – Entering Advocacy: Group Therapy, Bravery & Pushback

14:50 – From Rebellion to System Reform in Hawaii

17:30 – Work Ethic, Expectations & Education

20:40 – When to Use the Hammer in Advocacy

23:35 – The Amusement Park Protest & a 5-Year Win

25:50 – The Evolution of Transportation for the Blind

28:00 – Paratransit Limitations & Community Debates

30:00 – Access-A-Ride vs. Access On Demand

33:20 – Budget, Uber/Lyft & Smartphone Barriers

37:40 – Tech Dependence & the Cost of Access

40:00 – Silent Majority: Who Gets Left Behind

42:00 – Preview of Part 2: Rural Access & Tips