Episodios

  • S206: Fraud and Safety: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You with Heidi Gassman

    S206: Fraud and Safety: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You with Heidi Gassman
    Oct 7 2025
    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the safety series with a focus on fraud prevention. Attorney Heidi Gassman, a specialist in trusts, estates, and fraud prevention, shares insights from 30 years of practice. The discussion covers how fraud starts, early red flags, and practical steps to protect yourself—especially in the blind and low-vision community.

    Topics include the post-2020 rise in scams, the difference between disability and incapacity, and the importance of trusted relationships. Heidi explains supported decision-making agreements, powers of attorney, and best practices for reviewing legal documents accessibly. Key takeaways: pause before acting, involve a trusted person, and never feel ashamed if targeted—report early to limit damage.

    Contact Info

    Guest:
    Heidi Gassman, Attorney at Law — Trusts, Estates, Fraud Prevention

    Aftersight:
    Email: contact@aftersight.org
    Phone: (303) 786-7777
    To reach Kim Wardlow directly: Ext. 4112
    Web: aftersight.org

    Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight

    Show Credits
    • Host — Kim Wardlow
    • Guest — Heidi Gassman
    • Producer — Jonathan Price
    • Editing & Post-Production — Aftersight Audio Team
    • A Production of Aftersight Originals
    Chapter Markers
    • 00:00 — Introduction and overview of the Safety Series
    • 01:05 — Heidi’s background and start in fraud prevention
    • 03:12 — Early signs of fraud and real-life examples
    • 07:00 — How fraudsters manipulate trust and persistence
    • 09:30 — Making yourself less of a target
    • 11:45 — Legal structures: Power of Attorney, Trusts, Guardianships
    • 14:20 — Supported decision-making agreements explained
    • 18:40 — Disability vs. incapacity: knowing the difference
    • 21:00 — When fraud comes from within families
    • 23:10 — Guidance for blind/low-vision individuals when signing
    • 25:25 — What to do if you suspect fraud
    • 27:40 — When to contact law enforcement
    • 30:00 — Resources for legal and financial support
    • 32:20 — You are not alone: act early and report
    • 34:30 — Final thoughts and Aftersight contact information
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • S205: Digital and Identity Safety with Brandon Kennelly

    S205: Digital and Identity Safety with Brandon Kennelly
    Sep 30 2025
    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the safety series with a focus on digital safety and identity protection. Guest Brandon Kennelly from Trenware, Aftersight’s managed service provider, breaks down practical strategies for protecting against phishing scams, spoofed websites, and identity theft. He explains why phishing attacks have risen dramatically, how blind and low-vision users may face unique risks with inaccessible attachments like PDFs, and why a layered defense approach is essential.
    The discussion covers accessible security tools such as Windows Defender and Malwarebytes, the importance of password managers and multi-factor authentication, safe practices for online shopping and banking, and precautions when using public Wi-Fi. Brandon also addresses smartphone security, risks with QR codes, voice-activated devices like Alexa, and what to do if your identity or data has been compromised.
    Listeners walk away with clear, actionable steps to safeguard their digital lives and keep personal information secure.

    Contact Info
    Guest: Brandon Kennelly, IT & Security Expert, Trenware
    Website: https://trenware.com
    Aftersight
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Website: www.aftersight.org
    Producer: Jonathan Price

    Show Credits
    Host: Kim Wardlow
    Guest: Brandon Kennelly (Trenware)
    Producer: Jonathan Price

    Chapter Markers
    00:02 — Welcome and Introduction
    02:16 — Defining Digital Safety
    04:34 — Unique Risks for Blind and Low-Vision Users
    06:59 — Spoofed Websites and Verification Tools
    08:33 — Practical Steps for Layered Protection
    10:55 — Password Managers and Multi-Factor Authentication
    12:52 — Risks of Reusing Passwords
    15:21 — Online Shopping and Banking Safety
    17:42 — Public Wi-Fi and VPN Use
    19:51 — Smartphone Security and QR Codes
    21:45 — Accessibility of Antivirus Software
    24:08 — Securing Voice-Activated Devices
    26:25 — Recognizing Identity Theft
    27:25 — Responding to a Breach
    29:01 — Final Tips and Takeaways
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • S204: Safe at Home: Smart Tools and Adaptations with Neva Fairchild

    S204: Safe at Home: Smart Tools and Adaptations with Neva Fairchild
    Sep 23 2025
    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the Safety Series with a deep dive into home safety and smart tools. Guest Neva Fairchild, a nationally recognized advocate and expert in independent living skills, shares her journey from growing up with low vision to becoming a leader in accessibility at the American Foundation for the Blind and Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind.
    Neva highlights practical strategies for adapting the home environment: improving lighting, using color contrast, reducing clutter, and adopting labeling systems like Braille, ScriptTalk, and WayAround. She discusses the value of proactive safety—preventing falls before they happen, leveraging smart home speakers and smartphones for communication, and preparing for emergencies with go bags and labeled medications.
    The conversation also explores balancing independence with interdependence: how to ask for help specifically, how friends and family can support without overstepping, and how everyone can benefit from simple safety measures. Neva’s personal anecdotes—like biking as a child with low vision, mishaps with mislabeled medicine, and experiences with chemical safety—bring humor and urgency to the discussion.
    Listeners walk away with practical next steps and resources, including APH Connect Center, VisionAware, and 211, to make their homes safer, smarter, and more accessible.

    Contact Info
    Guest: Neva Fairchild Website: expertsonblindness.com
    (Phone number and contact form available on site)
    Aftersight
    Website: www.aftersight.org
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Producer: Jonathan Price

    Show Credits
    Host: Kim Wardlow
    Guest: Neva Fairchild
    Producer: Jonathan Price
    An Aftersight Original Podcast

    Chapter Markers
    00:02 — Welcome and Series Introduction
    01:40 — Neva’s Story: Growing Up with Low Vision
    04:50 — First Adaptations: From Cane to Home Safety
    06:55 — Lighting, Color Contrast, and Clutter Control
    08:15 — The Importance of Proactive Safety
    09:40 — Falls and the Hidden Dangers After Age 50
    11:20 — Smart Tools for Safety: Speakers, Smartphones, and More
    13:45 — Go Bags and Disaster Preparedness
    16:40 — Medication Labeling and Avoiding Prescription Errors
    20:50 — Safe Storage: Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals
    22:40 — Knowing Your Appliances and Fire Safety Basics
    25:50 — Setting Up New Tools Safely
    28:20 — Interdependence: How to Ask for Help (and Give It)
    31:20 — Food Safety and Everyday Oversights
    33:00 — Resources: APH Connect Center, VisionAware, and 211
    35:40 — Neva’s Current Work and Contact Info
    37:50 — Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview
    Más Menos
    39 m
  • S203 Boundaries = Safety: The Power of No with Amy Wilson

    S203 Boundaries = Safety: The Power of No with Amy Wilson
    Sep 16 2025
    Kim Wardlow welcomes safety guide and advocate Amy Wilson to unpack why boundaries are a core safety skill—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Amy reframes “self-defense” to start with psychological safety: dignity, clarity, and the right to say no without apology. Together they tackle common myths (“I’m not allowed to set boundaries”), how to spot when your limits are too loose or weaponized, and what to do when people don’t respect your “no.”
    Key takeaways: clarity is kindness, no is a complete sentence, and accountability is empowering—especially in a community where “instrumental aggression” (withholding help to force compliance) can show up. Amy shares practical reps for confidence (practice out loud, role-play with safe people, set one boundary first) and reminds listeners that seasons change—and so can your circle. Next week: home safety with smart tools and practical adaptations.

    Contact Info
    Guest/Org: Amy Wilson — Safety Positive Foundation — https://safetypositivefdn.org
    Community & Feedback (Aftersight): feedback@aftersight.org
    • (720) 712-8856 • https://aftersight.org
    Producer Credits: Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight

    Show Credits
    Host: Kim Wardlow
    Guest: Amy Wilson (Safety Positive Foundation)
    Series Theme: Safety (Week 3 — Boundaries)
    An Aftersight Original production

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 — Welcome & series setup: Safety and boundaries
    02:18 — Amy’s background & the shift to psychological safety
    04:37 — Biggest myth: “I’m not allowed to set boundaries”
    05:43 — Defining healthy vs. unhealthy boundaries
    08:09 — “Clarity is kindness” and why it matters
    10:28 — Too loose vs. too rigid (and weaponized) boundaries
    12:47 — Early pitfalls and the “Beetlejuice” pattern rule
    15:05 — Accountability, choice, and the duty of self-advocacy
    17:10 — Do blindness and vision loss change boundary work?
    19:21 — Techniques to say no (and practicing it)
    21:44 — When someone won’t respect your “no”
    23:48 — Instrumental aggression: recognizing coercion
    26:08 — First win using verbal self-advocacy
    28:23 — Hardest boundary defended and healing forward
    30:48 — First step this week: pick one boundary
    33:10 — Rebuilding confidence & relationships after change
    35:26 — Safety Positive Foundation resources & closing
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • S202 Head Up, Cane Out: Staying Safe in Your World

    S202 Head Up, Cane Out: Staying Safe in Your World
    Sep 9 2025
    In this week’s episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the Fall safety series with a conversation on personal and community safety. Guest Jim Pilkington, longtime accessibility advocate and One Touch Self-Defense instructor, shares his journey with retinitis pigmentosa and how he turned his lived experience into action by teaching self-defense for individuals with blindness and low vision.
    Jim explores the power of situational awareness, practical self-defense training, and how body language can deter threats in public spaces. He also highlights the importance of advocacy within local communities—from contacting traffic engineers about crosswalk signals to serving on volunteer boards—to influence safer design. Practical tech tools like compass apps and bone-conduction headphones are discussed as everyday safety aids.
    The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to take one small step this week—whether that’s reaching out to a local group, joining a class, or introducing themselves to neighbors—as each step contributes to personal confidence and a safer community.

    Contact Info
    Guest: Jim Pilkington — Assistive Technology Specialist & One Touch Self-Defense Instructor (Thornton, CO)
    For self-defense classes in Thornton: Contact Becky Post, City of Thornton Parks & Recreation
    Aftersight Contact: (720) 712-8856 | feedback@aftersight.org
    Produced by Jonathan Price, Aftersight

    Show Credits
    Host: Kim Wardlow
    Guest: Jim Pilkington
    Producer: Jonathan Price
    An Aftersight Original Podcast

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 — Welcome & Series Intro
    02:25 — One Touch Self-Defense in Thornton
    05:07 — Jim’s Journey with RP & Self-Defense
    09:30 — Building Community Safety Connections
    13:58 — Advocating with City Officials & Engineers
    16:21 — Situational Awareness & Body Language
    19:58 — Apps, Compass, and Bone-Conduction Tech
    23:35 — Using Compass for Complex Travel
    25:56 — RTD Stop Announcements & Advocacy Wins
    28:22 — Actions to Take This Week
    30:48 — Contact Info & Next Week’s Guest
    Más Menos
    32 m
  • S201: Personal Safety At Home and in Public with Marty Sobo

    S201: Personal Safety At Home and in Public with Marty Sobo
    Sep 2 2025
    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow launches the show’s new 16-week safety series with a conversation on personal safety at home and in public. Guest Marty Sobo, longtime accessibility advocate and host of Aftersight’s new podcast Code Orange, shares practical, real-world strategies for staying safe—whether you’re navigating daily life, traveling, or facing emergencies. Marty draws on his unique background as a former firefighter, technologist, and blind professional to offer actionable tips for home safety, traveling with confidence, and building a personal preparedness plan. The discussion also introduces Code Orange, which focuses on disability-inclusive emergency preparedness, and explores why preparation can reduce fear in unexpected situations.

    Contact Info
    Guest: Marty Sobo — Host of Code Orange and accessibility advocate
    Aftersight Contact: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856
    Producer: Jonathan Price

    Show Credits
    Host: Kim Wardlow
    Guest: Marty Sobo
    Producer: Jonathan Price
    An Aftersight Original Podcast

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 — Introduction to the safety series
    01:15 — Marty’s background in firefighting & technology
    05:55 — Journey into accessibility and advocacy
    07:25 — Lessons from California wildfires
    09:54 — Preparing your home for emergencies
    12:21 — Low-tech and tech-based home safety tools
    14:47 — Traveling safely with vision loss
    17:08 — Requesting help when out in public
    19:30 — Using Aira, FaceTime, and building a safety network
    21:51 — A real-life drop-off gone wrong
    24:10 — How Code Orange began
    26:31 — The value of preparedness in emergencies
    28:58 — Practical safety actions to take today
    31:18 — Closing and listener contact info
    Más Menos
    32 m
  • S116: The Future of Advocacy

    S116: The Future of Advocacy
    Jun 17 2025
    In this powerful finale of our 16-week advocacy series, Dr. Charles Powell returns to reflect on where advocacy stands today and what needs to shift to create lasting change. He dives into enforcing disability rights laws, expanding digital accessibility, challenging employment discrimination, and calling both blind and sighted individuals to action. This is more than a conversation—it’s a movement. Dr. Powell encourages listeners to speak up, show up, and lead the next generation into a more inclusive world.

    ⏱️ Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Welcome & Series Recap
    02:00 – Current State of Advocacy
    05:00 – Digital Accessibility & Update Pitfalls
    08:00 – Employment Barriers & Breaking Stereotypes
    10:30 – Reframing the Language of Blindness
    12:00 – Leadership Representation & Higher Education
    17:00 – Real-Time Advocacy & Taking Action
    20:00 – Advocacy Is for Everyone: Allies Welcome
    22:30 – Universal Accessibility Benefits Everyone
    25:00 – Creating Your Own Opportunities
    30:00 – Looking to the Future: The Next Generation
    34:00 – Final Thoughts & Contact Information

    🔗 Resources & Contact Info:
    Dr. Charles Powell
    Email: drcharleswpowell@gmail.com
    Facebook: Blind But Not Broken
    Organization: Divine Vision Consulting & Paralegal Services

    Explore Other Aftersight Podcasts:
    The Blind Chick
    Blindsight
    Blind Level Tech
    Más Menos
    48 m
  • S115: Advocacy in Healthcare

    S115: Advocacy in Healthcare
    Jun 10 2025
    In this heartfelt episode, Kim Wardlow is joined by longtime advocate and educator Melissa Green, who shares her deeply personal healthcare journey as a blind individual navigating a system often unprepared for true accessibility. Melissa talks candidly about a life-threatening overdose due to a pharmacist’s error, fighting stigma in hospitals, and how she advocates for herself and others in medical spaces. From Script Talk and accessible pharmacy tools to setting expectations with caregivers and doctors, Melissa’s wisdom is practical, passionate, and born from experience.
    Listeners will walk away with strategies for advocating in healthcare settings, understanding their rights, building a support team, and utilizing assistive technology. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned pro, this conversation will inspire courage and reinforce the value of persistence, education, and self-worth.

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 – Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss
    00:25 – Intro to Melissa Green & Today’s Topic
    01:35 – Melissa’s Background and NFB Involvement
    02:48 – A Life-Threatening Overdose & Systemic Failures
    07:17 – What is Script Talk and How It Can Help
    09:19 – Advocating for Yourself in Medical Settings
    11:47 – Navigating Medical Assumptions & Caregiver Support
    16:29 – The Role of Caregivers and Communication
    18:36 – Educating Doctors and Dealing with Multiple Providers
    21:00 – Building “Team You” – Creating a Support System
    23:07 – Legal Complaints, Litigation, and ADA Questions
    25:31 – Innovations: Script Talk, Accessible Pharmacy, & Health Fairs
    28:34 – Assistive Tech Tools: Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, and More
    30:56 – In-Home Care Support and Local Programs
    33:22 – Final Advice for Healthcare Advocacy
    Más Menos
    36 m