In June of 2020, Shawn Marsolais, the Founder and Director of Programs and Engagement of Blind Beginnings, along with a collection of past and present youth leaders gathered online in a Zoom Room and recorded the inaugural episode of the Blind Beginnings Limitless Podcast. On that warm summer evening in June, the Limitless Podcast was born with an aptly named episode entitled, “Episode 1 - Why We Made A Podcast”.
The Podcast releases once per week, and is anchored by Shawn Marsolais who performs hosting duties, with a rotation of regular co-hosts that consist of program youth and alumni.
Monthly Limitless Committee meetings see both staff and youth volunteers coming together to plan content for both the Limitless Podcast as well as the Limitless Blog. Topics for the show are pitched by both staff as well as youth, giving both the organization as well as the youth we serve a voice for issues and topics that help shift the perspective on blindness.
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Got a question, comment, or show idea?
Contact our Limitless Podcast Team at limitless@blindbeginnings.ca!
Episode 119 – Let’s Talk About Forced Inclusion
While inclusion is something that is incredibly important most of the time, when done without consulting the person who is being included, it can go wrong and backfire.
Episode 109 - Let’s Talk About Universal Design
It’s a very special episode this week as Shawn and co-host Ishita welcome Brad McCannell, Vice President of Access and Inclusion at the Rick Hansen Foundation to talk about the concept of Universal Design and its vital importance in working to build a more accessible society. They discuss definitions, the way that it is currently implemented in the build environment, some of the hurdles faced, what needs to be done in order to remove the many accessibility barriers that people with disabilities currently face, and how it can benefit everyone in the long run.
Episode 103 - Let’s Meet Mona
It’s a VERY exciting episode this week as Shawn and first-time co-host Acacia welcome Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Northeastern University, Dr. Mona Minkara to the show to discuss her documentary travel series, “Planes, Trains, and Canes”. She describes the origin of the series as a Holman Prize Winning entry and what it was like traveling to and navigating 5 different countries using only public transit as a traveler who is blind. It's a fascinating and exciting discussion of international adventure and accessibility that you don’t want to miss!
Episode 80 - Let‘s Talk About Inclusion and the Workplace
This week Shawn welcomes Amy Amantea, artist, advocate and accessibility consultant to the show in order to talk about the importance and challenges of inclusion in the workplace. From hiring practices to assistive technology, Amy provides insight and suggestions for any employer who is looking to create an inclusive workplace culture.
Episode 41 - Let's Talk About Accessibility In University
Making the transition into University can be challenging in a multitude of ways for any student, but students who are blind or partially sighted can face a specific set of obstacles that can impact their studies. This week Shawn is joined by Jill and Ishita, both of whom are also students at Simon Fraser University, and their Accessibility Aid, Megan. They discuss some of the adaptations and services provided by SFU’s Centre for Accessible Learning and how Megan has helped both adapt materials in order to make them more accessible.
Episode 31 - Let’s Talk About iOS and Android
What’s the better operating system for Smartphones, iOS or Android? Whether this question brings up an instant opinion or makes you scratch your head, this show is for you! This week we are getting a little geeky as Shawn and her co-hosts Clement, Ishita, John, and Nika discuss smartphone technology and accessibility and how their own experiences shaped their respective preferences.