Welcome to The Blind Truth, a four-part CNIB podcast that shines a light on the realities and experiences of those living with sight loss. Centered around CNIB's three pillars of "The Way Forward," each episode dives into crucial topics that challenge perceptions, break down stereotypes, and open up conversations about inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. Join CNIB Advocacy Leads Vivi Dabee and Taylor Bauer as they explore issues facing those who are blind or low vision, with a focus on fostering understanding and creating positive change.

The Blind Truth

Welcome to the first episode of The Blind Truth, where hosts Taylor and Vivi discuss the foundation for understanding sight loss by debunking common stereotypes and misconceptions about blindness and answering common questions. Plus, learn more about Taylor and Vivi’s roles within the CNIB Advocacy – Voices for Action team. 

The Blind Truth – Seeing beyond sight

In episode two of The Blind Truth, Taylor and Vivi explore how language has shaped the way we discuss and understand blindness since the 19th century. They’re joined by Dr. Vanessa Warne, a professor in the Department of English at the University of Manitoba, whose decade of research delves into the history of disabilities. With a focus on the early history of raised-print books and their readers, Dr Warne’s book, By Touch Alone: Blindness and Reading in Nineteenth-Century Culture, is forthcoming from the University of Michigan Press.  

The Blind Truth – How do we talk about blindness?

In episode three of The Blind Truth, Taylor and Vivi look at the student and parent perspectives of navigating the education system for students who are blind or have low vision. University student Zachary Abdalla reflects on his experiences as a student with sight loss in Alberta’s education system, while his mother, Chris Abdalla, explains how she instilled confidence in her son at school, while also allowing him to be independent.  Chris also leads the Access to Education Coalition in Alberta, advocating for the rights of children and youth with sight loss.  

The Blind Truth – Empowering the next generation

In the final episode of The Blind Truth, Taylor and Vivi examine the state of public transit in Edmonton and Winnipeg, highlighting the successes of CNIB’s Get on Board advocacy campaign and the work that still needs to be done to create safe and accessible journeys across Canada. They’re joined by Trevor Dennehy, Director of LRT Operations and Maintenance at Edmonton Transit Service, and Simran Bhinder, Accessibility Coordinator at Winnipeg Transit, who are passionate about educating the public and other transit agencies on how to improve transit accessibility.  

The Blind Truth – Pathways to progress: Making transportation accessible

The CNIB Podcast Network is a collection of audio programming designed to give a voice to people across the CNIB community as they share their personal stories of life with sight loss. Listen to the episodes on any of the platforms listed below. If you enjoy what you hear, subscribe!

The Blind Truth – How do we talk about blindness?

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