In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow sits down with Darcy McLean, a Beyond Vision Skills Trainer at the Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD). Darcy shares her personal journey with low vision, the beginnings of her advocacy work, and how grassroots efforts have led to significant accessibility improvements at recreation centers and arts venues across the metro Denver area. Together, Kim and Darcy discuss how to start local advocacy efforts, overcome common challenges, build partnerships, and create change that benefits the broader community. This inspiring conversation emphasizes the importance of persistence, collaboration, and starting with activities you're passionate about.

Darcy also offers practical advice for listeners who want to advocate for more accessible recreational and community opportunities where they live—and how small actions can ripple outward to make a lasting difference.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss

00:26 – Introducing Guest Darcy McLean

02:32 – Gardening with Low Vision: Spring Planting Tips

04:55 – Darcy’s Advocacy Journey: College and Early Experiences

07:20 – First Lessons in Self-Advocacy: Philosophy Class Story

09:26 – What is Grassroots Advocacy?

11:29 – Building Change Through Passion for Activities

12:30 – The Thornton Rec Center Story: How Change Started

14:49 – Expanding to Community Presentations and Trainings

16:53 – Collaboration: The Key to Lasting Accessibility

18:11 – Making Yoga Classes Inclusive for Low Vision

20:36 – How to Start Advocacy at Your Local Rec Center

23:03 – Planning and Expanding RecConnect

25:30 – Expanding to Arts Venues Like the Arvada Center

27:32 – How Advocacy Benefits Everyone

29:54 – Long-Term Impact and the Power of Persistence

32:20 – How to Get Involved with RecConnect

33:59 – Preparing to Advocate: Tips and Obstacles

36:13 – The Power of Persistence in Advocacy

38:27 – Advocating for Hearing and Vision Accommodations

40:38 – How Accessibility Benefits Entire Communities

42:46 – Darcy’s Contact Information and Final Thoughts

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (720) 340-2088

General Aftersight Contact:

Email: [email protected]