In this episode of The EKO Lens Podcast, we sit down with Ben, a Ghanaian Canadian living with retinitis pigmentosa, to discuss his journey toward acceptance, independence, and advocacy.

Ben shares how losing his vision reshaped his perspective on life, the importance of connecting with the blind and low vision community, and the ways assistive technology has transformed his daily experiences. From AI-powered devices to accessible apps, we explore how innovation is creating new opportunities for independence while also discussing the work that still needs to be done.

Together, we challenge common misconceptions about blindness, talk about the importance of inclusive design, and imagine future technologies that could make the world even more accessible. Whether you're part of the blind and low vision community, a technology innovator, or simply interested in creating a more inclusive world, this conversation offers valuable insights, practical ideas, and hope for what's possible.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, accessibility, community, and the future of assistive technology.

What happens when one of life's most devastating moments becomes the catalyst for a lifetime of advocacy?

In this inspiring episode of EKO Lens, Dr. Kenisha Coon-Santiago sits down with Alyas Omeed, a human rights advocate whose life changed forever after losing his sight at just seven years old in a grenade explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Rather than allowing tragedy to define him, Alyas transformed his experience into a mission of empowerment. Today, he works to advance accessibility, expand employment opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision, and champion disability rights around the world.

Together, we explore:

• Alyas's journey from childhood trauma to global advocacy
• The importance of accessibility as a human right
• Breaking stereotypes about blindness and disability
• Employment, inclusion, and creating opportunities
• Finding purpose through resilience and lived experience
• Why disability inclusion benefits everyone

This conversation is a powerful reminder that while blindness can change the course of a life, it never defines a person's potential.

Whether you're part of the blind and low vision community, a disability advocate, or someone passionate about creating a more inclusive world, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what's possible.

Dr. Kenisha Coon sits down with Dr. Jesse Bolinger, a legally blind individual living with hydrocephalus, to discuss the evolution of assistive technology, the power of community advocacy, and the future of accessibility innovation. From AI-powered tools to autonomous vehicles, this conversation explores how lived experience shapes technology, expands independence, and drives meaningful change for the blind and low vision community.

In this episode of the Eko Lens Podcast, host Dr. Kenisha Coon sits down with accessibility advocate and innovator Tom Babinszki to explore the intersection of technology, advocacy, and inclusive design for the blind community.

Tom shares his journey from growing up with limited awareness of the blind community to becoming a leading voice in tactile accessibility innovation. Together, they discuss the transformative impact of tactile maps, 3D printing, and accessible navigation tools in schools, museums, public spaces, and restrooms.

The conversation also dives into the urgent need for standardization in accessibility practices, the role of advocacy in systems change, and why accessibility must move beyond compliance toward dignity-centered design.

This episode is an inspiring look at how lived experience, innovation, and community leadership can help build a more equitable and accessible future for all.

In this episode of The Eko Lens, host Dr. Kenisha Coon welcomes Dana Barber, State Coordinator of Blind Services at the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Dana shares her powerful personal journey with retinitis pigmentosa, beginning with her diagnosis at just five years old and evolving into a lifelong commitment to supporting individuals with vision loss. Through honesty, humor, and insight, she reflects on how assistive technology opened doors to education, independence, and a meaningful career centered on advocacy and empowerment.

Throughout the conversation, Dana explores the life changing role of technology, from her early experiences learning computers to embracing newer innovations like Meta Glasses and other accessible tools. She also highlights the impact of programs like College Quest, designed to help students with vision loss confidently transition into college life and adulthood. Together, Dana and Kenisha discuss the importance of community, mental health, self acceptance, and the ongoing process of navigating disability with resilience and hope. This episode offers an inspiring and authentic look at the intersection of accessibility, leadership, and innovation.

In this powerful and inspiring episode, Kenisha sits down with Brandy Mims—also known as Unique, the DeafBlind Dancer—whose work is redefining what movement, expression, and communication can look like.

Brandy shares her journey navigating life with Usher syndrome, and how she has transformed challenges into creativity, connection, and purpose. Through dance, she has developed innovative ways of engaging with the world—using body awareness, counting, rhythm, and vibration to express herself and connect with others.

This conversation goes beyond movement. It’s about resilience, identity, and reimagining accessibility in ways that center lived experience. Brandy also speaks to the importance of representation and how she empowers others in the deafblind community to find their voice, their movement, and their space.

This is an episode about possibility about what happens when we stop defining people by limitations and start recognizing the brilliance in how they navigate the world.

In this episode of The Eko Lens Podcast, Kenisha sits down with Dr. Ana Mendez Zamora a blind MPH candidate at Johns Hopkins University and intern at Eko Vision Foundation, who shares her powerful journey from sudden vision loss due to cancer to becoming an advocate and innovator in accessibility.

Ana opens up about navigating life after blindness, the gaps in support for those newly adjusting, and how she turned her experience into purpose. We also explore the role of AI in assistive technology and what the future of accessibility should look like.

This conversation is a reminder that accessibility is about more than tools—it’s about dignity, independence, and real systems change.

In this episode of The Eko Lens Podcast, host Kenisha sits down with Julie Gritzmacher, Director of Patient Advocacy and Population Health Initiatives at Prevent Blindness, for a powerful conversation on advancing equity in eye care. Together, they explore the intersection of assistive technology, advocacy, and access for the blind and low vision community.

Julie shares her journey into advocacy work, highlighting how storytelling can drive meaningful systems change and influence policy. The episode dives into the innovative programs and resources offered by Prevent Blindness, ongoing national advocacy efforts, and the critical role of technology in supporting independence and quality of life.

This conversation also centers the importance of community, representation, and collective action in creating a more accessible and equitable future for individuals with vision impairments.

In this episode of Eko Lens, guest host Yorgos, Board Chair of Ekovison, interviews Kenisha, the Director of Community Engagement for the Ekovision Foundation. Kenisha shares her personal journey with vision loss, detailing her experiences with assistive technology, advocacy, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals in the blind and low vision community, emphasizing the need for accessible resources and the power of shared experiences.

In this episode of Eko Lens, host Kenisha speaks with Julie Oliver, vice president of programs at the Foundation for Blind Children. They discuss the intersection of assistive technology and community empowerment, focusing on the importance of accessibility, innovative educational tools, and the need for greater awareness and support for individuals with visual impairments. Julie shares her personal connection to the blind community and highlights various programs aimed at building confidence and independence among youth. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of education and resources in fostering a more inclusive society for those with disabilities.

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