Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast

This week, we’re celebrating six years of Limitless with a very special behind-the-scenes episode! Join host Shawn and members of the Limitless Committee that include Clement, John, Randi, Acacia, Jugaad, Russell, and producer Rob as they pull back the curtain on how the podcast and blog come together every month. You’ll hear how a “sourdough project of COVID” became a long-running show with 234 episodes and listeners in over 70 countries. The committee shares updated download stats, reacts to the surprising global reach of the podcast, and discusses ideas for future episodes. If you’ve ever wondered how topics are chosen and how youth and alumni shape the show, you won't want to miss this episode. A huge thank you to our audience that has made this six year anniversary possible. Thank you for listening! Blind Beginning’s mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind and low vision and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more!

This week Shawn is joined by returning guests and newly trained Blindness 101 facilitators Jennie Bovard and Kerry Kijewski to celebrate National Accessibility Week (May 31–June 6, 2026) and dive into Blind Beginnings’ exciting new initiative: taking the Blindness 101 workshop across Canada. If you’re part of a business, community group, school, medical office, cultural institution, or tourism organization anywhere in Canada and want your team to feel more confident, respectful, and inclusive when engaging with blind and low vision folks, this episode shows exactly why a Blindness 101 workshop is a powerful place to start. Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more

Episode 220 - Kristin Smedley & The Thriving Blind Academy In this episode, Shawn sits down with Kristin Smedley, founder of Thriving Blind Academy, author, and mother of two blind sons. Kristin shares her transformative journey from struggling with her sons' blindness to becoming a passionate advocate for the blindness community and her creation of the Thriving Blind Academy. She reveals her groundbreaking "THRIVER Formula" - a powerful approach to overcoming limitations and building confidence. Through personal stories, including her sons' achievements, Kristin challenges stereotypes and demonstrates how blindness can be a pathway to limitless possibilities. Show Notes Thriving Blind Academyhttps://thrivingblindacademy.org/"What I Can Be Is Up to Me"https://thrivingblindacademy.org/childrensbook Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

This week Shawn, Nika, and Kaia continue their discussion of the intersection of autism and blindness, discussing topics such as the challenges of taking tests, the impact of assistive technology, and the difficulties of advocating for needs during times of overwhelm. From discussing Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) to unpacking media representation, they continue this important discussion that offers insights into neurodiversity and disability through lived experience. Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

It's a very special episode of Limitless this week as Shawn steps in to guest host for AT Banter to talk with the one and only Jennie Bovard, star of AMI’s new comedy series, Pretty Blind! Dive behind the scenes as Jennie shares hilarious stories from set, reveals how real-life moments from her lived experience inspired the show’s characters and situations, and the challenges, triumphs, and importance of authentic disability representation. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, advocacy, or just love a good podcast mashup, this episode is not to be missed! Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

This week on the podcast we once again feature a youth-led episode, this time hosted by Evan, a 15-year old high school student. Even dives into his experiences playing golf and curling and is joined by his coaches where they break down the practical strategies he uses to navigate sports, the importance of clear communication, and how he advocates for himself. Hear a candid conversation about adapting techniques, team dynamics, and the real work of participating in sports when your approach might look a little different. This isn't about overcoming obstacles, it's about playing the game on your own terms. Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

In this special stylish episode of the podcast, we hand over the podcast to some of our youth once again as Acacia and Nika talk about all things fashion, makeup, and accessories—from a blind and partially sighted perspective! Tune in as they spill the tea on navigating the fashion world when you can’t always see what’s in your closet. From choosing clothes that work with your mobility, to tackling the challenges of low contrast and depth perception, they’re keeping it real with personal stories and smart solutions. Whether you’re blind, partially sighted, or just want a new way to think about style, this episode is packed with insight, and advice. Fashion is for everyone—and Acacia and Nika are here to prove it. Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

Shawn welcomes back Kaia and Rob this episode to continue their discussion on the incredible ways artificial intelligence is transforming life for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Kaia shares how AI is helping her push creative boundaries in art and 3D modeling, and streamlining everyday tasks, from generating alt text to using video description tools like Seeing AI and PiccyBot. Rob dives into the practical side of AI integration, highlighting how wearable tech like Meta glasses is enhancing navigation and personal independence. Together, they explore the promise and potential of AI, discuss its current limitations, and imagine a future where technology continues to break down barriers to accessibility. Show Notes Seeing AIhttps://www.seeingai.com/ PiccyBothttps://www.piccybot.com/ Meta Glasseshttps://www.meta.com/ca/ Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more