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Steven interviews Evan Starnes who was born totally blind. Evan lives in the Denver, Colorado area, works for the non-profit organization 'Aftersight' and produces and hosts a technology podcast called Blind Level Tech. (And he doesn't mind being called Nerdy Evan). He had a white cane in his hand by the time that he was 3 years old. When you listen to the episode, you will likely think that Evan sounds like he was a scrappy kid with a good attitude. Fast forward a few years later, and he started working with Aftersight; which started out producing audio newspapers and magazines for the blind and low vision community - they eventually starting producing podcasts. Evan wants people to understand and not be afraid of the technology and bring knowledge to everybody's level without being overly complicated. (Plus they talk on his podcast about sandwiches) 

Blind Level Tech - Aftersight

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Erez is an amputee; right leg below the knee - by choice.  Instead of asking himself - Why me or Why did this happen; Erez found a beautiful gift wrapped up in some terrible circumstances. A former elite commando and survivor of three near-death experiences, including a car crash, a heart attack, and a life-changing medical decision to amputate his leg- Erez’s journey from survival to thriving is not just inspirational; it’s instructional. He experienced much pain, adversity and challenges - which eventually led him to his current profession in public speaking, workshops and coaching.

https://erezavramov.com/

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Steve and Chris talk with Emily and David. Emily Price is the Program Coordinator at CVS (Community Ventures Society) a non-profit organization in Port Moody, British Columbia. The mission of CVS is as follows (from their website): 'To open doors to opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families so that they live the life they choose. We are committed to enhancing the quality of our services through advocacy, innovation and collaboration. We strive to inspire the community to join us in creating positive social change.' 

David is a day program attendee of CVS. He is non-verbal, has cerebral palsy, and he uses AAC (augmentative communication device), which is an ipad with special picture keys and a keyboard that provides the voiceover for what David types into the device. We hope that you can take the time to listen to this episode and appreciate the work that both Emily and David do in the community. Home - Community Ventures Society

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Jeff Tiessen is a 45+ years double-arm amputee, Canadian Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder. He is the publisher of 'Thrive' magazine - Living Well with Limb Loss, an award winning journalist with over 1,000 published features to his credit, and multiple recipient of numerous disability related and sports awards. He's an educator, advocate and sought after public speaker. He also hosts a monthly podcast - 'Life and Limb', all about living well with limb loss, sharing lived experiences and practical advice. 

Life & Limb - A monthly podcast about Living Well with Limb Loss

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Kent was born with poor vision. He was active in sports as a young person, in spite of his vision issues. As time went on, his vision continually lessened. He had to change career paths a few times because of his vision. He was considered legally blind by the time he was in his 30's. He eventually started to work for the CNIB (Canadian Institute for the Blind) and started a peer support group. Once he went totally blind, he started up his own business which he still manages today. 'Magnify' supplies low vision equipment and serves the needs of anyone experiencing vision loss utilizing Kent's experience, knowledge, and expertise. Through empathy and understanding and by providing physical and education tools, the barriers of vision loss can be conquered.

Kent keeps active in Kelowna, British Columbia with Dragon Boating, Curling and Outdoor hiking. 

MagnifyMe! | We help you conquer the barriers of vision loss.

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Steve and Chris talk with Kari Krogh, PhD Psychology and the founder of Eco Wisdom. Kari's quote from meditation teacher, Tara Brach, has a special meaning for people with disabilities who experience social and systemic barriers (outside the personal body) that shape our experience of living with disability. Within the EcoWisdom Community where accessibility in forest bathing/ shinrin yoku is promoted, we find that nature reminds us that our disabled body/minds are simply a natural expression of biodiversity. As part of Kari’s journey of living with a fluctuating, complex chronic illness disability, she has become certified as a mindfulness meditation teacher, interfaith spiritual director and forest therapy guide. We hope that you enjoy this episode.

ecowisdom forest preserve

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Prior to having ostomy surgery, Janet spent more time in the hospital than out of it. Crohn’s disease had been ravaging her entire digestive system and had necessitated multiple bowel resections. It finally reached a point in 1996 when Janet was in her early twenties and 31 weeks pregnant that the doctors declared that she had reached a point where ostomy surgery was her only option, and it was imperative that they deliver her daughter immediately and give her a jejunostomy. (When you listen, Janet gives great medical explanations). Janet and Steve also discuss invisible disabilities, as well as illness and gender bias in the medical community.

She eventually turned to Ostomy Hamilton for support, a local non-profit group based out of her hometown. Both Janet and her partner Mike are proud to serve as co-presidents of Ostomy Hamilton and are pleased to be able to facilitate a safe space where new ostomates and their families can learn to better understand their ostomy and express their feelings, good or bad in a supportive environment.

About — Ostomy Hamilton     HOME - Ostomy Canada Society   Mrs. Janet Elaine Paquet | The Governor General of Canada

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Steve interviews former mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan, in an open discussion that gets quite candid. Sam talks about his former political life and his current life with his foundation: The Disability Foundation.  

Sam broke his neck in a 1978 skiing accident, aged 19. He found himself tetraplegic, unable to dress or feed himself, let alone continue playing active sports or making music. Or so it seemed at the time.

Over an intensive 20-year period, Sam built a succession of non-profit groups offering opportunities to people with physical disabilities in Vancouver and across Canada. As much as anything, he formed the groups because of his years of depression – to send a message of hope to people in despair.

Sam’s Story - Disability Foundation

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Chantal was born with no vision, grew up in Quebec, and moved to British Columbia as a child and she learned how to live with her disability. Chantal loves her involvement and responsibility as she engages with the CCB (Canadian Council of the Blind) BC/Yukon Division. The Canadian Council for the Blind (CCB) is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, or living with low vision through advocacy, support, and community engagement.  Email: [email protected] Toll-Free: 1 877-304-0968

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In this episode, the last guest on our show (Walter Lawrence from GF Strong), interviews Steve! Walt asks Steve some very intimate questions about Steve's recovery, outlook, goals and his future. Walt's experience as a mentor and counsellor at GF Strong, makes him a very curious and straightforward interviewer. Steve shows his vulnerability as he reflects on his life post his accident. We hope that you enjoy listening to this special episode during the holiday season.