Artwork courtesy of Miles Scharfenberg
Thank you to Miles Scharfenberg for the use of his painting titled “There is a Crack in Everything: That’s how the Light Gets In.” for our podcast graphic. Click here to learn more about Miles and his artistic process.
Welcome to the “Through Our Eyes” podcast brought to you by the Pediatric Retinal Research Foundation. We are a community of visually impaired young adults talking about what it’s like to navigate high school, college, career, and beyond. We share our experiences and cover a wide range of topics providing you with actionable tips and strategies that you can implement into your own life.
The purpose of this podcast is for the Visually Impaired Young Adult (VIYA) community to have an open and accessible forum to share their physical, emotional, and educational challenges and to collectively become active and successful contributors to society.
Find us on Discord, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and let us know if you have any questions or have a topic you would like us to cover.
Click here if you would like to receive an email each time we publish a new episode.
In this insightful episode, hosts Luisa and Brianna are joined by special guest Shelby Craig to explore the world of accessible gaming. Together, they delve into the challenges and triumphs of navigating video games for individuals with visual impairments.
Read MoreThis episode features Heather Hutchison, a blind social media influencer, musician, and author. Heather shares her journey of navigating life as a blind individual, her experiences in the music industry, and her advocacy work.
She discusses her background in music, starting with piano lessons at a young age and eventually releasing albums and singles. Heather explains how she learned to play music by ear rather than reading Braille sheet music, finding it more intuitive to memorize music through listening.
Throughout the conversation, Heather reflects on her experiences with schooling, her supportive family, and her career in music. She highlights the importance of representation and accessibility in the music industry and shares advice for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the value of practice, performance, and networking.
Overall, the episode provides insight into Heather's personal journey as a blind musician and advocate, offering inspiration and encouragement for listeners interested in pursuing their passions despite challenges.
Read MoreIn this episode, Brey chats with Heather Wolf. Heather shares her personal experiences living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and deafness. She discusses her journey of being diagnosed with RP in college and the challenges she faced due to progressive vision and hearing loss.
Heather explains her college experience and the accommodations she received. Despite facing social challenges due to her disabilities, Heather pursued a major in special education but later reconsidered due to the increasing difficulties. Heather also shares her experience learning Braille.
Overall, the episode highlights Heather's journey living with multiple disabilities, the importance of accessibility and support services, and her ongoing efforts to adapt and thrive despite the challenges she faces.
Read MoreCharlie Kramer, a 30-year-old living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), shares his experiences growing up with a family history of RP and how it shaped his perspective.
Read MoreWelcome to season 2! In this episode, Bri gives a life update and fills you in on everything coming up in season 2 of the podcast and some news and events with the PRRF!
Read MoreThis episode is the conclusion of the conversation with Anastasia and Gia! These two extraordinary young women talk more about their daily life, training regimen, and how their long distance friendship keeps them going day to day.
Read MoreThis episode dives into the extraordinary journey of two remarkable Paralympic gold medalists, Anastasia & Gia. We uncover the awe-inspiring stories that have defined their lives and their beautiful friendship as fellow blind swimmers.
Read MoreWelcome to part 3 of the conversation with Dr. Kimberly Drenser! This episode dives into CTR27, the basis for the idea behind Caeregen Therapeutics, the history of the company and the work they've done to create medical solutions for retinal diseases
Read MoreThis episode navigates the landscape of research & development challenges and the amazing scientific breakthroughs that Dr. Drenser has been involved with. This episode starts with the story of how Dr. Drenser became interested in the field of ophthalmology and continues by highlighting the milestones in the industry and her career.
Read MoreThis episode embarks on a journey through the world of groundbreaking research with our special guest, Dr. Kimberly Drenser, who holds the prestigious title of what is called a double doctor. Part 1 of 3.
Read MoreFrom waking up and orienting herself to the day ahead to choosing outfits, preparing meals, and getting ready for work or school, this episode delves into the practical, emotional, and creative aspects of Shelby's mornings.
Read MoreThis episode, featuring Dr. Phillip Hessburg, dives into the future of mobility for the visually impaired and is a fantastic preview of technology that has the potential to transform the lives of many.
Read MoreThrough Our Eye's is again looking at the Parent's Perspective. We speak with Alissa Williams, the mother of Brandon Warner, who was featured in episode #2. Alissa outlines the challenges she faced in identifying Brandon's condition early in life and gives a detailed story that can be very helpful for mothers that find themselves in her shoes.
Read MoreThis episode talks about the evolution of the white cane and its significance in the blind community, as well as the challenges and triumphs that Shelby and Dr. Droste have faced in their respective journeys.
Read MoreThis episode is packed with all kinds of special tips and tricks for visually impaired people that are getting ready to start learning more about living independently!
Read MoreThrough hard work and determination, Wallace graduated from college and is now a valued US House of Representatives employee as a Website Compliance Accessibility Analyst.
Read MoreIn episode 11, we get to hear all the awesome details of what Shelby has accomplished from her parents. Shelby is quite humble, and her parents Bill & Debbie, have A LOT to share regarding the many adventures and exploits of their brave and ambitious daughter.
Read MoreBrett's heartwarming stories of raising young Brey will make you laugh, cry, and understand what the opportunities and challenges are when raising a child with FEVR.
Read MoreLike many others, the Lovasco family's story starts with feelings of loneliness and despair. However, perseverance led to finding community, support groups, and advocacy initiatives that instilled hope for their journey.
Read MoreAmy Albin was born with Leber’s congenital amaurosis, an eye disorder that primarily affects the retina that rendered her blind from birth. Now she is getting ready to receive her graduate degree and enter the workforce. In this episode, Amy tells the fantastic story of navigating life and how others in similar scenarios can do the same.
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