Navigating Life with Vision Loss

Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow continues the sports series by diving into aquatic sports with Jillian Stringfellow and Will Rastetter from Envision Blind Sports. Together, they unpack how blind and low-vision athletes can participate in swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rowing with the right instruction, communication, and support. The conversation highlights a simple but powerful truth: aquatic sports are far more accessible than many people assume. Jillian and Will explain that most adaptations are not dramatic. They often come down to clearer verbal instruction, guided orientation, hands-on learning, and building trust step by step. The episode spends meaningful time on swimming, covering early teaching methods like breath control, bubble work, kicking, body positioning, lane orientation, and the use of tappers at the wall. Will also explains how swimmers grow from basic safety and comfort in the water to stronger stroke technique, confidence, and even school team participation. From there, the discussion moves into kayaking, canoeing, and rowing, where communication, rhythm, and individualized cues become key. Jillian shares how Envision uses partnerships and trained volunteers to help athletes safely try new experiences, while also helping families see what is truly possible. At its heart, this episode is about confidence. The encouragement is clear: try the sport, trust the process, and let the experience build belief. For many athletes, that first success in the water becomes a doorway into greater independence, community, and courage in the rest of life. Contact Info Guests / Organization Jillian Stringfellow, Program Director, Envision Blind Sports Will Rastetter, Swim Coach, Envision Blind Sports Website: EnvisionBlindSports.org General contact: envisionblindsports@gmail.com | (724) 967-4712 Jillian direct contact: jstringfellow@envisionblindsports.org Aftersight Website: Aftersight.org Podcast: Navigating Life with Vision Loss General contact: contact@aftersight.org | (303) 786-7777 Address: 1805 Hwy 42, Ste 220, Louisville, CO 80027 Producer Credits Jonathan Price, Podcast Producer, Aftersight jonathan@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Show Credits Host: Kim Wardlow Guests: Jillian Stringfellow and Will Rastetter Organization Featured: Envision Blind Sports Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 — Kim opens the aquatic sports episode 01:13 — What Envision Blind Sports does 04:54 — Common misconceptions about blind athletes in water sports 07:05 — “Fearless, Do More” in aquatic settings 10:00 — The biggest fears athletes and families face 12:03 — Encouraging athletes who do not see themselves as athletic 15:13 — How Will teaches brand-new swimmers 20:15 — Lane orientation, walls, turns, and tappers 23:51 — First steps for getting started in swimming 26:31 — Confidence that carries beyond the pool 29:37 — Kayaking and canoeing: instruction, cues, and safety 34:59 — Family involvement, trust, and growing independence 37:56 — Rowing basics and why it works so well 43:20 — Safety habits and confidence tips across sports 46:06 — The moments that remind them why this work matters 48:24 — How to connect with Envision Blind Sports 49:10 — Kim closes and previews next week’s martial arts episode

1) Episode Summary In this special Aftersight Original, Kim Wardlow shares the personal story behind her leadership and the road that led her to become Executive Director of Aftersight. She reflects on growing up in Lamar, Colorado, her early love for creativity, 4-H, cooking, service, travel, and the many work experiences that quietly prepared her for nonprofit leadership. Kim walks listeners through pivotal moments in her life—from studying abroad in Scotland and working internationally, to volunteering at what was then Radio Reading Service of the Rockies, to unexpectedly finding both her calling and her husband through the organization. She also shares how Aftersight has evolved over the years from volunteer-read programming into a wider community-centered organization offering podcasts, peer support, book club, white canes, and more. This episode is both a personal milestone and a mission-centered reflection. As Kim celebrates her 60th birthday and approaches 25 years with Aftersight, she invites listeners to see the deeper heart behind the organization: building community, increasing independence, and creating meaningful access for people who are blind, low vision, deafblind, or in need of alternatives to print. The episode closes with an invitation to support Aftersight’s work through her birthday giving campaign. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization: Kim Wardlow — Executive Director, Aftersight Aftersight website: aftersight.org Birthday campaign / donations: Visit the donate page at aftersight.org Aftersight: Aftersight Originals network featuring Navigating Life with Vision Loss, The Blind Chick, Blindsight, and Blind Level Tech Producer Credit: Jonathan Price — Podcast Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Special Aftersight Original Featuring Kim Wardlow Opening by Jonathan Price Produced by Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Jonathan’s welcome and special Aftersight introduction 00:53 — Kim introduces herself, Aftersight, and the reason for sharing her story 03:14 — Childhood in Lamar, creativity, 4-H, and early PBS dreams 05:38 — Learning leadership, service, and community values 08:03 — Solar panels, first jobs, and developing a strong work ethic 10:28 — College, Scotland, travel, and broadening her world 12:54 — Early professional life, proposal writing, and service work 15:14 — Volunteering with Radio Reading Service and working at GE Access 17:37 — Friendship, snowshoeing, travel, and a season of transition 20:02 — Layoff, September 2001, and joining Radio Reading Service 22:21 — Meeting Doug, discovering purpose, and seeing the bigger calling 24:43 — Outreach across Colorado, music, and the value of volunteers 27:04 — How Aftersight expanded into podcasts, groups, and broader services 29:29 — Leadership, rebrand, relocation, and adapting through COVID 31:44 — Community, connection, and why the work matters 34:07 — Life purpose, independence, and the mission behind Aftersight 36:31 — Kim’s birthday campaign and invitation to support Aftersight (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

1) Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the sports series with a conversation about team sports, adaptive recreation, and the deeper personal growth that comes through play. Guest Ashley Thomas, founder of Bridge to Sports, shares her own story of living with spina bifida, becoming a wheelchair user, discovering sport later in life, and eventually competing at a world-class level in kayaking. Ashley brings a powerful perspective to the conversation: sport is not just about competition. It is a tool for confidence, independence, resilience, teamwork, communication, and self-discovery. She shares an unforgettable story about doing her first 5K with her daughter, where poor planning turned into a lesson in humility, teamwork, and learning how to communicate needs clearly. The episode also explores the value of asking for help, how to approach a team environment when you feel like the “new person,” and why it is important to keep trying even when fear, discouragement, or past rejection make it tempting to stay small. Ashley also discusses adaptive team sports and activities that can work well for blind and low-vision athletes, including beep baseball, bocce, cycling, kayaking, and other adaptive options. The heart of the episode is simple and strong: it is never too late to play, never too late to try, and never too late to discover what you are capable of. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization Ashley Thomas Founder, Bridge to Sports Aftersight Aftersight Email: contact@aftersight.org Producer Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss Host: Kim Wardlow Guest: Ashley Thomas Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight 4) Chapter Markers 00:02 — Kim introduces the sports series and guest Ashley Thomas 01:21 — Ashley shares her background, disability, and love for sport 02:58 — Why sport can be adapted for everyone 05:45 — The deeper benefits of team sports beyond the game itself 07:21 — Ashley’s first race story and lessons in humility and teamwork 21:41 — Finding the sport you love versus the one you are best at 22:29 — How to ask for help and communicate your needs clearly 31:11 — Body positioning, posture, and practical sport readiness 34:45 — Beep baseball and what it teaches about blind athletic skill 37:23 — Blind soccer, hockey, and starting what does not yet exist 39:16 — Bocce as an adaptive team sport option 42:08 — Kayaking and other adaptive opportunities for blind athletes 43:13 — Ashley’s closing encouragement: just do it (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

1) Episode Summary In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the 16-week sports series with a deep dive into goalball—a fast-paced Paralympic sport designed specifically for blind and low-vision athletes. Kim is joined by Lisa Tarkowski, a six-time Paralympic medalist and multi-sport Paralympian (goalball and track & field), and EJ Whitney, a coach and strength/conditioning professional who has worked closely with U.S. goalball athletes. Together, they break down: How goalball started after World War II and evolved into a Paralympic sportHow the game is played (court layout, positions, rules, shot clock, eyeshades, ball with bells)Offensive and defensive strategies, including spin throws and sound-based deceptionWhat it takes to train and compete at the elite/Paralympic levelInjury prevention, recovery, and strength training for high-level goalball athletesHow beginners can get started recreationally through local clubs and demosWhy goalball is such a powerful sport for confidence, teamwork, communication, and skill developmentThe conversation also highlights how adaptive sports environments can become more inclusive through tactile cues, clear coaching communication, and accessible training spaces.  2) Contact Info Guest / Organization InfoLisa Tarkowski — Paralympic goalball athlete (Team USA / Paralympic goalball)EJ Whitney — Goalball coach / strength & conditioning support (Turnstone; Team USA goalball training context)Resource mentioned: USABA (U.S. Association of Blind Athletes) for goalball information, videos, and recreational pathways (referenced in episode/show notes)AftersightShow: Navigating Life with Vision Loss (Aftersight)Network: Aftersight Podcasts / Aftersight OriginalsProducer CreditsHost: Kim WardlowProducer: Jonathan Price 3) Show CreditsPodcast: Navigating Life with Vision LossEpisode Topic: Goalball, Paralympic competition, and accessible sports pathwaysHost: Kim WardlowGuests: Lisa Tarkowski and EJ WhitneyProducer: Jonathan PriceNetwork: Aftersight 4) Chapter Markers00:03 — Kim introduces the sports series and today’s focus on goalball02:13 — Lisa Tarkowski shares her background and how she got into goalball04:39 — Goalball basics: court layout, gameplay, and defensive objective07:08 — Throwing styles, velocity, movement, and offensive techniques09:33 — Listening, bells in the ball, and sound-based strategy11:59 — Positions explained: wings vs. center and physical demands14:23 — How defensive play has evolved (from standing to low-to-ground play)15:03 — What it feels like to compete at the Paralympics17:20 — Common misconceptions about goalball and Paralympic awareness18:41 — Offensive rules, shot clock, and penalty strategy21:01 — Beginner throws and first steps for learning the game23:25 — Lisa’s advice for new players and younger athletes starting out25:48 — Elite training, strength & conditioning, and injury prevention28:10 — Team dynamics, athlete traits, and what coaches look for30:21 — How to get started recreationally and finding local clubs32:47 — Goalball demos, community education, and team-building applications35:13 — Coaching athletes with vision loss and building accessible training spaces37:37 — Audience etiquette, game atmosphere, and final encouragement to try goalball

Episode Summary Navigating Life with Vision Loss launches a new sports series—covering everything from beginner-friendly fitness routines to extreme sports—and kicks things off with beep baseball (often called “beepball”), an adaptive version of baseball designed for blind and low-vision athletes. Guest Ethan Johnston shares his background (growing up as the only blind kid in a small Missouri town, originally from Ethiopia) and explains how sports and music became “therapy” for him. He walks listeners through how beep baseball works—key rule differences from traditional baseball, defensive positioning, the role of a sighted pitcher and spotters, why everyone wears blindfolds for fairness, and how outs/runs are determined. The conversation also explores confidence-building for new players, practice drills, the physical intensity of the sport, travel and camaraderie, the season schedule (including tournaments and the “World Series” style championship), equipment costs, and concrete first steps for getting involved—either as a player or as a sighted volunteer (pitcher/spotter). Contact Info Getting involved (as shared in the episode): Team listings + schedule: NBBA.org (as referenced in the conversation)To watch games: search YouTube/Facebook Live for “beep baseball” + your nearest team name (examples mentioned: “Gateway Archers”)Aftersight (show network):Email: feedback@aftersight.orgPhone: (720) 712-8856Producer credit:Produced by Jonathan Price (Aftersight)Show CreditsPodcast: Navigating Life with Vision Loss (Aftersight Original)Host: Kim WardlowGuest: Ethan JohnstonProducer: Jonathan PriceChapter Markers00:00 — Welcome + sports series kickoff02:23 — Ethan’s background + how he found beep baseball in Colorado04:48 — How the game works: two bases, zones, defense setup07:15 — Pitcher/batter on same team + strikes/innings + mercy-rule talk09:40 — Safety + beeping ball + why you don’t “throw to first”12:02 — Blindfolds + spotters + communication and lane integrity14:14 — How an out is made + close calls + volunteer officiating16:35 — Home run rules + highlight plays + rare catches/double plays19:00 — Building confidence for new players + running to the correct base21:20 — Practice drills + timing + why hitting in the air matters23:20 — Season timeline + training/conditioning routines25:45 — Travel, fundraising, and team camaraderie27:47 — Youth participation + age realities + lack of “minor league”30:12 — Equipment costs + durability (balls/bases)32:38 — How to join: NBBA.org + joining a nearby team even out-of-state34:48 — Longevity in the sport + older players still producing36:22 — Favorite positions + hardest skill (don’t listen to the ball)38:44 — Veteran mindset + unforgettable moments40:52 — How to attend/watch games + final thoughts43:09 — Aftersight show plug + closing remarks (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

Kim is out this week, and Jonathan and Lauren take over the show to talk about the basics of skin and hair care. There is a lot of information in this episode, so if you need the resources, go check out our page www.aincolorado.org/resources. If you would like a transcription of the show, please click this link https://share.descript.com/view/GLiwONTpncn

Growing up we have all heard the words yes and no. However, we don't really understand the power of those words until they come full circle, and we start realizing the power in those two simple words. Cindy is an educator of nearly 30 years, and her experience from homeschooling to juvenile correctional facilities to private and public teaching and administration to now professorship gives her a unique authority to speak to the power of yes. We hope this show helps you navigate your life with vision loss. You can find a transcription of this show here https://share.descript.com/view/TXzUgrFNpMK

Billy has been on Aftersight with Penn Street and is now joining Kim with the NLVL crew. this month is all about emplyment, how to find jobs, train for them, your rights and many other things. Billy and Kim talk about some of the skills in finding a job that may come in handy like working with LinkedIn professionals to build your resume and make sure you know how to stand out from the crowd. Let us know what you think and lets us know how we can help you. www.nsite.org www.aincolorado.org

We are doing a special re-airing of the interview with Loraine Hutchison from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. We are discussing for the entire month of May the concepts of employment. Enjoy and let us know what you would like to hear.

Here is the final episode for the month concerning housing. James is back, and this time we're talking about how to not only keep your home safe but how to arrange things, so you are well taken care of and safe. James moves throughout the house talking about all things from the kitchen to the bathrooms, hallways and everything in between. Please join us next month and we launch into our newest journey, Employment. Have a wonderful week and if you would like to ask a specific question for Kim, email us at www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/ For a transcription of this show please click on this link. https://vportal.aincolorado.org/wl/?id=h9YuVsfow0VHjPy0ULbuHXWemFekdxrR

For a transcript of this show, please visit the link below. https://vportal.aincolorado.org/wl/?id=BcmMrrWiEBjK3u6os0OilNor2ANi25kB In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow interviews James Daigle of Loveland Handy Guy to discuss home repair and maintenance. They discuss what people should consider when moving into a new house or apartment, such as checking the safety features, like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and making sure the windows and doors are secure. They also discuss the importance of having someone who is knowledgeable about home repair to help with any maintenance issues. For a transcript of this show, please visit the link below. www.lovelandhandyguy.com www.aincolorado.com/podcast-guest/ https://aincolorado.org/concert-in-the-dark/ https://aincolorado.org/white-cane-project/

This is a great episode with Candy Christen and Kim as they go deep into the rental markets and talk about how to apply, advocacy and many other things. If you have any questions about housing, please drop us a line at www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

As we move into and brand new month it's time to stsrt talking housing and real estate. This time of year is traditionally known as the time to be a seller in the market. Kim is joined by real estate experts Mark and Holly Mais. They work to answer your questions about real estate and how to go about the process of finding a realtor and going through the processes of buying and selling a home. Mark and holly will be back later in the month, so if you have any questions for them or Kim, please send your questions to www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

We're back this week with Jessica from Benefits in Action. Jessica gives a brief history of the non-profit and a great overview of many of their services. If you want to know more about their other services, please visit benefitsinaction.org. www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

As we move into the second half of this month, we shift toward benefits for those with vision loss. Jessica, of Benefits In Action, joins Kim as they discuss SSI and SSDI. If you would like to learn more about who and what Benefits in Action does, visit them here https://www.benefitsinaction.org/. Enjoy your week! Watch for the name change coming in April for this show. The new name will be "Navigating Life with Vision Loss" aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/ aincolorado.org/resources/

We are talking all things savings today. Chris is back with some great money saving tips and tricks for you to put into place today. Visit Chris and his team at Pennyforward.com and use the discount code AINCO2023 to take 25% off your first month of services. www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/ www.aincolorado.org/resources

Welcome to March Madness! In this new month, we are talking about all things money and finances. From personal budgets, to saving, to social security to medicaid and everything in between. Kicking off this month, Kim is joined by Chris Peterson, president and CEO of Penny forward. So sit back and relax and enjoy the show!

Kim is joined by Jim Pilkington of Denver Vocational Rehabilitation. They talk about quite a few things, including cane travel and indoor GPS. There is a lot of information about transportation this month. Kim also addresses some concerns that our listeners have experienced with relation to RTD, so make sure you listen to the whole episode as to how to reach RTD with questions about Uber and Lyft. Thanks for listening, and join us in March as we dive into financial planning and resources for those who are low-vision and blind. RTD Access on Demand Program (Make sure you reference this program) Phone: (303) 299-6000 Email: customercare@rtd-denver.com www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest www.aincolorado.org/resources

Kim is joined, this week, by Teague Kirkpatrick. Teague has been working in the transportation industry for many years and has an interesting take on what transportation means for those who are disabled, especially when it comes to tech and joining companies. www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Kim is joined by Angel, who discusses all the ways to access transportation and how to schedule your rides to and from specific locations. RTD, Lyft, Uber and more are all discussed in this episode of Topic of The Month. https://bouldercounty.gov/transportation/multimodal/mobilityforall/mobility-and-access-for-all-ages-and-abilities/ www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/ www.aincolorado.org/resources