Episode Summary


Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner welcome the Herb family — Sarah, Stevie, and their 11-year-old daughter Maeve — founders of Unicorn Soda Design Studios, a company creating 3D-printed accessible games and educational tools for the blind and low-vision community. The family shares how Maeve’s blindness inspired a shift in their family’s path, from Stevie’s career as a professional chef to becoming a designer focused on accessibility.


Together, they discuss parenting approaches that promote autonomy, the creative process behind adaptive game design, and the importance of inclusive, sensory-rich learning materials. Maeve offers her perspective as both the inspiration and product tester behind Unicorn Soda’s designs, describing her favorite games like Lucky Ducks and the Braille Race Game. The family’s mission extends beyond fun — they aim to make Braille literacy and inclusive design more accessible for children and adults worldwide.


Listeners will also hear about the Herb family’s collaborations with teachers, their work with the National Federation of the Blind’s BELL program, and their plans for Maeve to eventually lead the business. This heartfelt and inventive episode showcases the intersection of family, design, and advocacy in action.


Contact Information


Guest Organization:

Unicorn Soda Design Studios

Website: unicornsodadesignstudios.com


Show Partner:

Penny Forward — Accessible financial education for the blind community

Website: www.pennyforward.com


Aftersight — Podcast Network Partner

Phone: (720) 712-8856

Email: feedback@aftersight.org


Producer: Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight



Show Credits


Hosts: Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner

Guests: Stevie, Sarah, and Maeve Herb

Audio Editing & Post-Production: Jonathan Price

Music: André Louis

Distribution Partner: Aftersight

Presented by: Penny Forward, a nonprofit providing accessible financial education

Sponsored by: Wells Fargo, Thrivent, and the NASDAQ Foundation

In partnership with: APH Connect Center, World Services for the Blind, and Computers for the Blind



Chapter Markers


00:00 — Intro: Meet the Herb Family

02:20 — Parenting and Early Learning with Maeve

09:00 — From Chef to Designer: The Birth of Unicorn Soda

13:50 — Games and Accessibility: Design That Clicks

18:30 — Education Tools and Braille Literacy

23:00 — The Sound of Play: Designing Sensory Games

27:20 — Lucky Ducks and Other Favorites

29:40 — Advice for Families and Blind Kids

32:10 — The Future of Unicorn Soda Design

34:20 — Wrap-Up and Partner Acknowledgments