Inform & Connect: An American Foundation for the Blind Podcast

Spring has sprung, and so has a new season for the AFB Possibilities Podcast. As we kick-off this season, we'll be focusing in on AFB's Award winning documentary film Possibilities, which presents an authentic portrayal of life today for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. The film was awarded this past weekend the Broader Vision Documentary Award at the Garden State Film Festival, and we're excited to share with you one of the featured voices in the film, New Jersey's own Krystal Allen. Recorded in 2024, AFB's own Melody Goodspeed joined Krystal for a conversation on the challenges people face when striving for independence, and the joys of shared experiences that blind people share across the world. Haling from Newark, New Jersey, Krystal is a leading community voice for people with vision loss and founded the nonprofit EyesLikeMine, which is rooted in the firm belief that “Vision loss doesn't break us, it builds…” She shares her own story and the work underway in North Jersey to breakdown misconceptions of blindness. A past fellow with AFB's Blind Leaders Development Program, she stresses the importance of mentoring and finding those pathways that open doors to independence. Formally the Inform & Connect podcast, the AFB Possibilities Podcast captures the real life experiences of people who are blind or have low vision and those working to make our world more inclusive and accessible. A production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), listeners can learn more about the work of AFB by visiting www.afb.org.  Be sure to like and subscribe to this podcast and consider supporting our work by making a tax-deductible gift to AFB. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode, your host Melody Goodspeed sits down with the audio description team for the AFB documentary film Possibilities (2024). She's joined by AD producer Roy Samuelson, AD writer Colleen Connor, AD QC specialist Serina Gilbert,AD performer Sautana Howery, and AD writer Bridget Melton. The team shares the unique approach they took toward creating open audio description for the film, as well as offer a behind-the-scenes look at the audio description craft and the work it takes to make compelling audio description. AFB Possibilities is a production of the American Foundation for the blind, a podcast that focuses on life, culture, and inclusion for people who are blind or have low vision. AFB Possibilities is produced and edited by Tony Stephens at the Pickle Factory in Baltimore, MD with digital media support by Kelly Gasque and Breanna Kerr. The theme music is by Zizo, compliments of ArtList.IO.. To learn more about AFB, or to help support our work, visit www.afb.org. Be sure to like and subscribe, and you can visit the podcast page at: https://afb.org/news-publications/media/afb-possibilities-podcast This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to the AFB Possibilities Podcast. In this first episode of the newly rebranded podcast from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), we wanted to share with you a special interview during this season of giving with AFB trustee Ted Francavilla and financial advisor Liz Updike. The AFB Possibilities Podcast is a production of the American Foundation for the blind. Previously the Inform and Connect Podcast, we take a deep dive into life, culture, and happenings for those experiencing blindness and low-vision. Melody Goodspeed is the host. And with her faithful guide dog Barney by her side, they travel the country, both literally and virtually, capturing the stories and experiences from the blind and low-vision community. Ted Francavilla has been an active member of the AFB Board of Trustees, shepherding AFB's finances over the years. A retired senior executive with JPMorgan Chase, he's been a passionate advocate for people who are blind or have low vision over the decades, and he recognizes the importance that donors play toward making nonprofit missions move forward. Elizabeth Updike has over 40 years in the business of financial planning and wealth management. Together, she and Ted share best practices and advice for those of retirement age on how they can give smartly and make their money last longer. Like this program? Please like and subscribe, and even consider making a donation to support our work expanding opportunity and creating a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. Visit www.afb.org to learn more. Check out the AFB Possibilities podcast page for past episodes and transcripts. Produced and edited by Tony Stephens at the Pickle Factory in Baltimore, Maryland. Digital media support from Kelly Gasque and Breanna Kerr. Questions or comments? Email us at communications@afb.org. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to another episode of the Inform & Connect Podcast, a production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). In this episode, AFB's Melody Goodspeed and Tony Stephens catch up with Spectrum's Petr Kucheryavyy, who provides a breakdown of what's new with SpectrumAccess and exciting news on the horizon for consumers of audio described content.  As the weather moves us more indoors, what better way to meet the changing seasons than curled up on the couch streaming the latest and greatest flics, or heading out to enjoy the rush of films that move into theaters during the final months of 2023. There's lots on the horizon around making media more accessible, and Petr shares what's in store for not just Spectrum subscribers, but anyone who enjoys accessing inclusive media through the SpectrumAccess app. So, before you press pause to cue up your own favorite streaming playlist, be sure to like and subscribe to the Inform & Connect podcast. Inform & Connect is made possible through the generous supporters of the American Foundation for the Blind. Since 1921, AFB has worked to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or have low vision. Consider making a gift today to AFB! Your contribution not only helps support this podcast, but all the exciting work our team does to bring the best in evidence-based research, advocacy, and programs intended to make our mission a reality. Go to www.afb.org to learn more about AFB. Transcripts of this podcast are also available on our podcast page for each episode. 

https://www.andrewleland.orgIn this episode of the Inform & Connect podcast, Melody and Tony welcome Andrew Leland, author of the recently released book The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight, available through Penguin/Random House. Leland's book, which is part memoir and part cultural breakdown of blindness throughout history, shares his experiences loosing his sight from Retinitis  Pigmentosa, commonly referred to as RP. From the publisher: “A witty, winning, and revelatory personal narrative of the author's transition from sightedness to blindness and his quest to learn about blindness as a rich culture all its own.”  Andrew breaks down the driving themes throughout his book, and embarks on a discussion with Melody and Tony on the many shared experiences that others who are blind or low vision face each day. Visit Andrew's website to learn more about the book and his other creative and informative projects. Enjoy this episode? Be sure to like and subscribe from wherever you listen to podcasts. Inform and Connect is a production of The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Consider making a contribution today to help AFB create a world of no limits for people who are blind or have low vision.

In this episode of AFB's Inform & Connect, Melody and Tony talk with Jordan Thomas, who runs the Twisted Tomato pizzeria in Del Ray Beach, Florida. Jordan shares his experience of going blind after serving ten years as a fire fighter in northeast Pennsylvania, and how his plot twist of loosing his sight would eventually lead him to the sunshine state where he opened his family run pizzeria, bringing a slice of home with him and his family to the Florida Coast.  Find out how his pizzeria has become an anchor for the blind and low vision in the local community and how fifty-cents  of every pizza sold is donated to the American Foundation for the Blind. You can visit the Twisted Tomato website to learn more about what Jordan is cooking up in South Florida. You can learn more about the American Foundation for the blind by visiting our website, where you can also make a donation to support our work creating a world of no limits for people who are blind or have low vision. For questions about this podcast, email communications@afb.org. Visit the podcast page for past episodes and transcripts of the podcast.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Inform & Connect podcast, a production of the American Foundation for the Blind. In this episode, we talk with new AFB Trustee Victoria Watts. Victoria is a mother of four children, her youngest a seven-year-old boy who is blind. Victoria shares her journey with her son, and the mission that followed to make the world more accessible one packaged good at a time. Listen to find out more about this maker's mission to create a world of no limits not just for her son, but for all people who are blind or have low vision.

Welcome to another episode of the Inform & Connect podcast, a production of the American Foundation for the Blind. In this episode, our host Melody Goodspeed is joined by AFB's Tony Stephens as they have a sit-down conversation with AFB's new President & CEO Eric Bridges. Eric shares his personal experience with vision loss as a child, the paths in life that fostered leadership and his move to Washington, DC, and the pressing issues of our day around digital inclusion and accessibility. Subscribe now to the Inform & Connect podcast so as not to miss future episodes, and feel free to forward along any questions or comments to communications@afb.org. Learn more about the American Foundation for the blind by visiting www.afb.org.

Welcome back to a new season of the Inform & Connect podcast. In this episode, AFB's Melody Goodspeed speaks with Timothy Breitenfeldt, who is nearly completely blind. Timothy graduated with his Bachelors in Computer Science in 2019. He has been working at JPMorgan Chase for 2 years as a software engineer, and helps manage applications that support Outside Counsel for the legal department. Timothy is an advocate for digital accessibility, and has lead multiple workshops on how to develop accessible web applications. This podcast is a production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), creating a world of no limits for people who are blind or have low vision. www.afb.org

Jim Stovall has been a National Olympic weightlifting champion, a successful investment broker, president of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network, and a highly sought-after author and platform speaker. He is the author of more than 50 books, including the bestseller, The Ultimate Gift, also a major motion picture from 20th Century Fox starring James Garner and Abigail Breslin. Five of his other novels have also been made into movies with two more in production. Episode Transcript

Ishan is the founder and CEO of VIP World Services, where they design innovative accessible solutions for corporates to cater to the needs of Visually Impaired People (VIP). He is a Service Designer with 10+ years of experiences in multi-national companies, healthcare organizations, government bodies, and startups, leveraging professional, creative and analytical skills combining his Engineering background. He is primarily skilled with ensuring user engagement and retention for the business. Episode Transcript

This episode of Inform & Connect features Clarke Reynolds, a UK-based visual artist who uses sound and touch to bring his art to life for people who are blind or visually impaired. Clarke knew from a young age that his calling was to be an artist. At age four, he started losing sight in his right eye, and hospital treatments did little to help. He turned to art – a solitary hobby that became his passion. He earned a diploma in art and design, as well as a BA honors degree in model-making, and created art as much as he could while working as a dental model-maker. Episode Transcript

Inform & Connect continues with Nefertiti Matos Olivares, a fervent advocate for accessible culture, transit, tech, and personal fitness. Nefertiti currently works as an Assistive Technology Trainer for the New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, where she provides one-on-one technology coaching, creates programming, and facilitates group workshops on a range of tech topics for the blind and visually impaired community in both English and Spanish. As a bilingual Latina-American, Nefertiti brings a wealth of cultural and social competency to her narrating, writing, and quality control work. She is passionate about audio description and is a fervent supporter of the arts, committed to bringing about an inclusive society in which culture is a shared space for all. Episode Transcript

Ron Brooks is totally blind and a writer, speaker, entrepreneur and evangelist for the transformation of mobility for people with disabilities. In this episode, Ron discusses employment and transportation barriers, as well as his own entrepreneurial journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. A graduate of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University in Indianapolis, Ron has 28 years of planning, management and executive-level experience for both public transit agencies and private providers within the areas of accessible transit and paratransit. In 2020, Ron founded Accessible Avenue, where he draws upon his life and industry experiences to provide accessibility-focused training and consulting services to agencies and organizations designing, developing and delivering products and services that support the movement of people within indoor and outdoor spaces and on all forms of public and retail ground transportation. In addition to his work in the transportation and mobility industry, Ron is heavily involved in the blind/low vision and larger disability communities. Since 2019, he has served as a member of the Board of Directors for Ability360, one of the largest independent living centers in the country, and he is a past Board member for the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He is also an active member of the American Council of the Blind, serving as a long-time member of the ACB's Transportation Committee. Episode Transcript

Neva has over 20 years of professional experience in the field of vision loss and a lifetime of experience living with low vision. She was diagnosed at an early age with Cone Rod Degeneration, a rare genetic eye condition. Neva is a vital part of AFB's Aging Initiative team, which involves the research and public policy needs of people experiencing vision loss later in life. She currently oversees the Blind Leaders Development Program. Prior to joining AFB, Neva was a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Employment Assistance Specialist with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, and a Vocational Evaluator with the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind. She serves in numerous leadership roles, ranging from international to local in scope, with organizations such as the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the National Rehabilitation Association. In this episode, Neva discusses employment, leadership, and favorite books, among other topics. Episode Transcript

Season 3 of Inform & Connect continues with Paul Schroeder, Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, American Printing House for the Blind. In his role, Paul serves as a key advisor on matters pertaining to all government activities at APH, including educating U.S. Congress members by raising awareness of the unique learning needs of people who are blind or visually impaired and the products and services they need. Paul has more than 30 years of experience and leadership in the field of blindness and visual impairment. He spent over 20 years with AFB, as vice president of programs and policy. Episode Transcript

Season 3 of Inform & Connect kicks off with a conversation with Carl Augusto, President Emeritus of AFB. Carl served as president and CEO of AFB for 25 years—one quarter of the organization's 100-year history. Under Carl's leadership, AFB forged numerous strategic partnerships and alliances within the vision loss community and beyond to address critical issues and expand opportunities for people with vision loss, including broadening the organization's scope to influence corporate America to make its products and services accessible. He was the fifth chief executive of the American Foundation for the Blind since its founding in 1921. In light of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Melody and Carl discuss his employment journey, from early in his career through his tenure at AFB. They also discuss public perceptions of blindness, along with Carl's favorite baseball and musical acts, which he also occasionally shares on Facebook. Episode Transcript

In this episode of Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community, Melody speaks with Ron Brooks. Episode Transcript

Inform & Connect returns featuring a duo who share a drive for taking their love for their heritage and natural curiosity to make powerful and beautiful change in the world: ESAS Founders Amanda Sichon and Seda Bilgner. After working in the corporate beauty industry for a combination of over 25 years, Amanda and Seda set out to create a sustainable and all-natural farm to beauty manufacturing company. Inspired by their mutual love for science, agrotech (the application of modern technology to agriculture), wellness and innovation, they identified a need to create skincare and cosmetics that deliver superior benefits without compromising the health of the people who use them, the health of the people that make them, or Mother Nature. Episode Transcript

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's live group conversation and podcast created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics, returns with an episode featuring siblings Brian and Kerry Kijewski. Brian and Kerry are both blind – they were both born with Senior-Løken syndrome, a rare syndrome that affects the kidneys and eyes, and they have both had kidney transplants. Both Brian and Kerry have gotten more involved in advocacy and activism over the last several years, and discovered the Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB), where they found support and camaraderie from others, learning the ropes of advocating for themselves and others. Transcript

In this episode of Inform & Connect, Melody speaks with Scott Tennant, CEO and Founder of Senergy Medical Group, a holistic wellness company. Scott is also a generous philanthropist, seeing philanthropy and giving back as a huge part of his life and work. His generosity and passion to raise awareness of critical issues and drive positive change is evident in his practice. He was the sole funder of the trailer for "A Daring Adventure,” which will eventually become an hour-length documentary film about Helen Keller, her life and times, and why she's as relevant as ever today. The conversation will center around Scott's passion for helping others and what this project means to him as a partner of AFB. Transcript

In this episode of Inform & Connect, Melody speaks with Sherry Pablo who recently graduated from the inaugural cohort of the AFB Blind Leaders Development Program. Transcript

This episode of Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's podcast, features Marty Schultz, cofounder and president of ObjectiveEd, an education technology company that provides digital curricula for children with disabilities. Full transcript available on our website.

Melody's guest on this episode of Inform & Connect is Sara Minkara, founder and board member of Empowerment Through Integration and “Discovery in the Dark” series creator. Leveraging all aspects of her identity—as a blind, Muslim, Arab-American woman—Sara uses blindfolds as a tool to encourage guests to embrace their own and others' multiple identities, ultimately leading to true empowerment and inclusion. Sara has received multiple awards for her passionate advocacy, including Forbes' 30 Under 30, the Echoing Green Fellowship, and the Clinton Global Initiative Outstanding Commitment Award. “Sarah's Discovery in the Dark series is innovative and unique and contains teachable, empathetic moments to anyone with an open mind,” Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist. Transcript

This episode of Inform & Connect features Sylvia Stinson-Perez, director of the Vision Specialist graduate certificate program and the Independent Living Services at the Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC) at the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University. The conversation will center around the issues the blindness and aging in our communities and across the country currently face. “Less than five percent of the aging population that are losing their vision utilize rehabilitative services,” Sylvia says. “They simply do not know such services exist – something we'd like to remedy.” “It is my hope that this conversation raises awareness to people and their families that are facing vision loss,” said Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist. “Sylvia's passion for reaching those in need is powerful and a subject we must explore.” Transcript

Richard Hunter is a four-time Boston Marathon finisher and has completed 22 marathons, three 50-mile endurance runs, and was the second visually impaired runner in the nation to complete a 100-mile run. Richard was also the second visually impaired triathlete to complete Ironman in less than 12 hours, and the third to complete a Half-Ironman in under five hours. Richard volunteers as the program coordinator for the USABA Marathon National Championships, held each December in Sacramento, CA. He was instrumental in the creation of United in Stride, an online database resource to unite volunteer sighted guides and blind runners across North America. In 2015, Richard was paired with Klinger, the first-ever certified running dog guide. Special honors include being selected as the 2014 National Road Runners Club of America's Challenged Athlete Award recipient and the 2017 SRA Community Runner of the Year. “Even though I've ran 23 marathons, three 50-milers, a 100-miler, and an Ironman, it all started with taking that first step,” Richard says. “Richard's passion as an athlete is a real testament that you can accomplish your dreams and create positive change through persistence and determination,” said Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist. “He takes it a step further by creating a pathway for connection through United in Stride as well as his other volunteer efforts.” Read Transcript

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day (#GAAD)! We are excited to have Sarah Herrlinger of Apple and Christopher Patnoe of Google on Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's podcast. Both Sarah and Christopher sit on AFB's Board of Trustees. The conversation, led by AFB Major Gifts Specialist Melody Goodspeed, focuses on AFB's centennial, technology and inclusion, testing products, and their role as AFB board members. They will also touch upon Teach Access, a collaboration among education, industry, and disability advocacy organizations to address the critical need to enhance students' understanding of digital accessibility as they learn to design, develop, and build new technologies with the needs of people with disabilities in mind. Transcript

At the age of seven, brothers Bradford and Bryan Manning were told they would go blind. Instead of letting their diagnosis set them back, it became their mission to help others. In May 2016, they launched a clothing brand, Two Blind Brothers, which makes ultra-soft clothing and donates 100% of the profits to research to cure blindness. Their "Trust” campaign, in which visitors are encouraged to “shop blind,” quickly went viral and became a positive force in advocacy for the blind community. “Trust is something we all need in our lives, both personally and professionally,” said Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist, “Our community relies on trust in our everyday lives. I truly admire and respect how the Two Blind Brothers continue to bring this to our community.” Transcript

This Inform & Connect episode features a duo who share a true passion for music and advocacy in the blindness community: Victoria Claire, professional artist in contemporary sculpture as well as published singer/songwriter; and Thomas Reid, creator and producer of the Reid My Mind podcast. Transcript

This episode of Inform & Connect—the American Foundation for the Blind's ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics—features a duo who work in the technical aspects of sound creation in film and television: Jeff Ross, Sound Engineer; and David Porcellino, Audio Mixer. Transcript

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics, is back with a duo who share a true passion for quality audio description work in film and television: Roy Samuelson, audio description narrator; and Stephen Letnes, composer. Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist, will guide the conversation about the importance and inclusional relevance of audio description. The group will discuss, among other topics, Kevin's Way - Roy's current initiative to develop a new measure of excellence and quality assurance for blind audiences via world-class audio description services. “The duo of Roy and Stephen truly takes inclusion to a new level,” Melody said. “It is very fitting that we end the inaugural season of Inform and Connect with the story of working together to make systemic change a reality.” Transcript

In this episode of Inform & Connect, Melody Goodspeed chats with Gabby Mendonca, blindness advocate and student. Gabby is a senior at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, studying communications in digital media. Growing up, she didn't have anyone in the blind community to look up too for guidance. With this in mind, she started her own YouTube channel to connect with others like her—blind individuals needing to know they are not alone. Gabby thrives on sharing her journey as a college student, navigating her passion alongside her sighted peers. Transcript

This episode of Inform & Connect features a duo who share a true passion for bringing accessible entertainment to the blind and visually impaired community as well as the hearing impaired community through iOS devices. John Sweet and Petr Kucheryavyy of Charter Communications will discuss their work on Spectrum Access, a free app designed to provide entertainment access to persons with vision or hearing impairments. The app enhances the in-home entertainment experience by enabling customers to play audio description or closed captioning directly from their phone or tablet. Read the Transcript

This episode of Inform & Connect will feature Helen Selsdon, who manages the Helen Keller Archive and serves as a grant writer and spokesperson for AFB's historical collections. Helen will discuss the enormous project that was the digitization of the Helen Keller Archival Collection – the world's largest repository of letters, speeches, press clippings, scrapbooks, photographs, architectural drawings, artifacts and audio-video materials relating to Helen Keller. Full Transcript

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's live group conversation and podcast created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics, returns December 9th. The episode will feature special guests Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum, AFB Director of Research; and Elizabeth: Bolander, teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) and Ph.D. candidate at New Mexico State University. Dr. Rosenblum and Ms. Bolander will be discussing "Mainstream and Assistive Technology Use in the Workplace,” sharing information from nine focus groups held in October and November. They will also cover how those with visual impairments can better position themselves to obtain and maintain employment, along with how the focus group findings provide valuable information to tech companies, employers, IT professionals, and those involved in hiring. Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist, will guide the conversation. A complete transcript is available on our website.

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics, returns with guest Jeff Heck, owner of NaJor Productions. Jeff founded NaJor Productions in 1996 as an outlet for his passion for being behind the camera and writing. Most of the company's clients hail from the corporate and educational sectors. Jeff has been involved in writing, filming, editing, and the distribution of over 600 titles. A transcript of this episode is available on our website.

Inform and Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics, features special guest Thomas Reid, creator of the Reid My Mind podcast. Thomas's podcast contains stories and profiles of compelling people impacted by all degrees of blindness and disability. He also explores his own experiences in his unique way pairing his words with music and sound design. With this strong focus on audio, Reid My Mind is a platform for Thomas to share interviews, stories, opinions in all media formats. Transcript

In this episode of AFB's Inform & Connect podcast, Melody speaks with Gena Harper, Senior Vice President, Investing with Impact Director, Senior Investment Management Consultant at Morgan Stanley. Gena will share the story of her personal and professional journey, and setting the example of a life lived with no limits. Having joined AFB's board of trustees in January 2020, she will also discuss what AFB's mission means to her and why the work the organization does is as important as ever. A transcript is available on our website.

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics, returns July 8th featuring special guest Becky Andrews, owner and clinical director of Resilient Solutions, Inc. Becky is an entrepreneur, licensed mental health counselor, runner, and a fierce advocate for blind women. She was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at age 18, and took on the challenge of learning to live life to its fullest. She is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities and has conducted numerous trainings to schools, corporations, and community meetings. A transcript of this podcast is available on our website.

This week on Inform & Connect, Melody speaks with C. Scott Hansen, Sr. Director, Guest Technology, Global Operations Marriott International, Inc. In our current times, we are moving back to the world of travel. We can all agree this looks very different from what we were used to. Scott not only has a vast amount of knowledge in the hospitality industry, but is a seasoned traveler that wants to collaborate with us all in this unchartered territory. Transcript available on the AFB website.

We have a special edition episode of Inform & Connect featuring the American Foundation for the Blind's Director of Research Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum. Dr. Rosenblum will be discussing the Flatten Inaccessibility research report, the culmination of survey findings from 1,921 U.S. participants who are blind (65%) or have low vision (35%). The survey investigated the experiences of these participants during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine how they were affected in areas including access to transportation, healthcare, access to food and supplies, employment, education, and voting. A transcript is available on our website.

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, and interesting topics. Today's guest is Alexa Jovanovic, designer and founder of Aille Design. The company works alongside a diverse team of fashion lovers from blind, visually impaired and sighted communities, creating fashion-forward products that empower and celebrate inclusivity. The intricate beading describes clothing characteristics, such as color, textiles, wash instructions, and fit. Transcript: https://www.afb.org/inform-connect-episode08-alexa-jovanovic

Inform & Connect, the American Foundation for the Blind's ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics. Today, Melody's guest is Catherine Harrison, a professional commercial print and fitness model. Catherine was a Registered Nurse prior to her sight loss. She was diagnosed in 1995 with retinitis pigmentosa, only weeks after returning from serving for two years on the mission field in Nigeria. When her eyesight worsened to the degree she could no longer be effective in nursing, she forged a new career path that has blossomed. She has been a national public speaker and article writer for several magazines, sharing her story of learning to walk with strength and faith behind a white cane. Her mission is not only to successfully work as a model who happens to have a visual impairment, but to empower women of all ages to step into their strength, regardless of their circumstances, with poise and courage. Transcript: https://www.afb.org/inform-connect-episode07-catherine-harrison

Inform & Connect, AFB's ongoing series created to foster togetherness and camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics. This week, Melody Goodspeed speaks with guest Libby Thaw, founder of the Checkered Eye Project. Audiences will learn firsthand of the creation and mission of the internationally recognized Checkered Eye Project, a small business that provides wearable badges that indicate to others that the wearer is partially blind or low vision. Libby will walk us through her story, how the project has made positive changes and how it has been adopted in several countries to advocate and educate the community on blindness in its many forms. Podcast Transcript: https://www.afb.org/inform-connect-episode05-libby-thaw

In this episode of Inform & Connect, Melody speaks with guest Jasmine Glass, founder of Spktrm Beauty. Listeners will learn firsthand of the creation of the world's first beauty brand to ban model re-touching entirely. With this focus on natural beauty, Jasmine will share the story behind her desire to help reshape the industry by making it more inclusive and transparent. Spktrm Beauty has been featured in Teen Vogue, Refinery29, Glamour, Allure, Bustle, and more. (Episode Note: A complete transcript can be found on the American Foundation for the Blind website.)

On Episode 4 of AFB's Inform & Connect, Melody interviews filmmaker, Juan Alcazar. Juan has been making films and videos for a few years now. He graduated with a BA in Cinema from San Francisco State University. He has screen a number of his films at a few festivals and now is showing his work on his YouTube channel. A complete transcript of their conversation can be found on the AFB website. https://www.afb.org/news-publications/publications/inform-and-connect-podcast/inform-connect-episode04-juan-alcazar

Episode Transcript The third episode of the American Foundation for the Blind's (AFB) Inform & Connect series focuses on the journey of the creator of digital lifestyle magazine Bold Blind Beauty, Stephanae “Steph” McCoy. This week's special guests are Bold Blind Beauty Founder Steph McCoy and Nasreen Bhutta, the magazine's Chief Communications Officer. Audiences will learn of the mission of Bold Blind Beauty, the “2020 A Year Of Vision” campaign, and the voice of “Abby,” the magazine's fashion icon extraordinaire. After promising career at one of the Big Four accounting firms, Steph felt like something was still missing. As kindness, compassion, and a deep desire for social justice are central to who she is as a person, Steph founded Bold Blind Beauty out of a yearning for personal empowerment that she wanted to share with others. This epiphany sparked her passion for becoming a full-time abilities crusader-advocate. “The one thing sight loss has taught me is perception is much more profound than seeing,” Steph said. “I may have lost my sight, but my clarity has increased exponentially, and for this I am grateful.” “Meeting Steph was exactly what I needed in my own struggles of dealing with sight loss,” said Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist. “Steph has taken Bold Blind Beauty to places of power and inclusion through focusing on the whole person, inside and out.”

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is pleased to announce the second episode of its Inform and Connect series focusing on the journey of Dave Steele, the Blind Poet, and how he took his fight with RP to create an expressive art form of captivating poetry. “Originally scheduled to emcee our Helen Keller Achievement Awards, I got to meet Dave personally when he visited our AFB office in Arlington,” said Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist. “I was immediately moved to a place of peace and wonder as he recited his poetry from his heart. This will be a moving and engaging experience – participants should come ready to be moved by Dave's art. He is a calming and engaging presence, teaching us all that we can find hope and wonder, even through the darkest of times.” Inform and Connect was created with the idea of fostering camaraderie within the blindness community through informal storytelling and learning about relevant, interesting topics. This week's guest will feature the Blind Poet Dave Steele as he walks us through his personal story, his journey to healing, and how he reaches others through his poetry reading and advocacy. Episode Transcript.

Roy Samuelson has narrated audio description for over 500 films and shows, including NCIS, Star Trek: Picard, SONY's Spider-Man: Far From Home and Bloodshot, and Universal's 1917, to name just a few. He brings his decades of experience, training, and resources to this art form. He is passionate in informing, inspiring, and aligning with organizations who recognize the quality and excellence of this work. Note: A complete transcript of this recording can be found on the American Foundation for the Blind website: https://www.afb.org/blog/entry/inform-connect-episode01-roy-samuelson