Heard & Empowered
The Heard & Empowered podcast is where people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired find job inspiration, career opportunities, and a path to success.
National Industries for the Blind knows that blindness is not a barrier to employment and career success. Listen now and unlock a world of opportunities with a podcast specifically tailored for people who are blind. Discover the untold stories, limitless career paths, and soul-stirring journeys of people across the United States who have charted their own career paths.
Learn more at HeardAndEmpowered.org.
All Episodes
Creating Art Beyond Sight: Adapting to Vision Loss With Paul Castle
<p>Paul Castle is the Owner of Paul Castle Studio, where he creates whimsical artwork and children's books shaped by his perspective as a blind artist. An author, illustrator, content creator, and disability advocate, he uses adaptive tools to keep creating after losing more than 90% of his vision to retinitis pigmentosa. Paul also co-creates the <em>Matthew and Paul</em> YouTube channel, which has grown to more than 1.5 million subscribers and 1.2 billion views, expanding his storytelling and advocacy to a global audience.</p> In this episode… <p>Creativity often changes when life does. For artists experiencing vision loss, that can mean finding new ways to work, express ideas, and stay connected to what matters. What does it take to keep creating as vision changes?</p> <p>For blind artist and children's book author Paul Castle, the answer is adaptation, curiosity, and a willingness to keep experimenting. As his vision declined from retinitis pigmentosa, he adjusted his painting process, embraced digital illustration tools that offered brightness and zoom, and learned that accessibility can expand rather than limit creative possibilities. Paul also stresses the importance of community, mobility training, and reaching out to organizations that support people with vision loss, showing that independence often grows from using the resources already available. His experience offers a practical reminder that creativity is less about a specific method and more about finding a process that continues to work for you.</p> <p>In this episode of <em>Heard & Empowered</em>, Dean Thompson talks with Paul Castle, Owner of Paul Castle Studio, about creating art while adapting to progressive vision loss. Paul shares how he reshaped his creative process, used technology to stay independent, and built a career around art and storytelling. He also discusses community, accessible resources, and the value of continuing to create at any level of vision.</p>
Assistive Tech Breakthroughs for the Blind With Sam Seavey
Sam Seavey is the Creator and Host of The Blind Life, a YouTube channel helping people with blindness and low vision live more independently through technology. With more than 85,000 subscribers and 1,000 videos, he shares assistive technology reviews, tutorials, and accessibility tips. Sam also serves as the Assistive Technology Program Manager at the Bluegrass Council of the Blind, providing training and support while drawing on more than 30 years of lived and professional experience with vision loss and adaptive technology. In this episode… Assistive technology is making everyday tasks more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. As new tools make it easier to read, navigate, and access visual information, which innovations are making the biggest difference? Assistive technology expert Sam Seavey says the answer starts with the task, not the diagnosis, because different challenges require different tools. AI-powered smart glasses are especially promising, offering real-time help with reading menus, identifying signs, navigating airports, and interpreting visual information. Sam also points to robotics and smarter mobility tools as the next wave of innovation, while stressing the importance of realistic expectations and choosing technology that fits an individual’s needs. Ultimately, the best assistive technology is the kind that solves a practical problem and helps someone move through daily life with more confidence and independence. In this episode of Heard & Empowered, Dean Thompson talks with Sam Seavey, Creator and Host of The Blind Life, about breakthroughs in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. Sam explores AI smart glasses, task-based tech choices, and emerging robotics. He also shares how adaptability, continuous learning, and embracing vision loss can create new opportunities.
Assistive Tech Breakthroughs for the Blind With Sam Seavey
<p>Sam Seavey is the Creator and Host of <em>The Blind Life</em>, a YouTube channel helping people with blindness and low vision live more independently through technology. With more than 85,000 subscribers and 1,000 videos, he shares assistive technology reviews, tutorials, and accessibility tips. Sam also serves as the Assistive Technology Program Manager at the Bluegrass Council of the Blind, providing training and support while drawing on more than 30 years of lived and professional experience with vision loss and adaptive technology.</p> In this episode… <p>Assistive technology is making everyday tasks more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. As new tools make it easier to read, navigate, and access visual information, which innovations are making the biggest difference?</p> <p>Assistive technology expert Sam Seavey says the answer starts with the task, not the diagnosis, because different challenges require different tools. AI-powered smart glasses are especially promising, offering real-time help with reading menus, identifying signs, navigating airports, and interpreting visual information. Sam also points to robotics and smarter mobility tools as the next wave of innovation, while stressing the importance of realistic expectations and choosing technology that fits an individual's needs. Ultimately, the best assistive technology is the kind that solves a practical problem and helps someone move through daily life with more confidence and independence.</p> <p>In this episode of <em>Heard & Empowered</em>, Dean Thompson talks with Sam Seavey, Creator and Host of <em>The Blind Life</em>, about breakthroughs in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. Sam explores AI smart glasses, task-based tech choices, and emerging robotics. He also shares how adaptability, continuous learning, and embracing vision loss can create new opportunities.</p>
Building Independence as a Blind Professional With Everette Bacon
<p>Everette Bacon is the Chief of Blindness Initiatives at Aira, a visual interpreting service that helps blind and low-vision people access visual information. Drawing on more than 20 years in blindness rehabilitation, accessibility, and assistive technology, Everette leads service delivery and customer care. With a master's degree in Blindness Rehabilitation, he also serves as Second Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind and President of its Utah affiliate, bringing extensive experience in advocacy and leadership.</p> In this episode… <p>Building independence as a blind professional often starts with the right skills, technology, and support. As vision changes, new approaches can make work, travel, and everyday life more manageable. What helps blind and low-vision professionals build confidence and stay independent?</p> <p>Everette Bacon, an expert in blindness rehabilitation, assistive technology, and advocacy, believes the answer begins with strong blindness skills, access to the right tools, and confidence developed through experience. He emphasizes independent travel, effective screen-reader use, and spending time with other successful blind people who can offer practical examples and encouragement. Everette also recommends continually trying unfamiliar tasks, since learning new skills helps make challenging situations feel more manageable over time. Together, those habits create a foundation for greater independence, resilience, and professional opportunity.</p> <p>In this episode of <em>Heard & Empowered</em>, Dean Thompson talks with Everette Bacon, Chief of Blindness Initiatives at Aira, about building independence as a blind professional. Everette shares how blindness skills, assistive technology, and confidence support career success. He also discusses mentoring, accessible travel, community, and adapting to vision loss.</p>