AFB Possibilities

<p>As we kick-off 2026, we wanted to share a special episode taken from the opening plenary of the AFB Leadership Conference held in Arlington, Virginia this past November. In this episode, we welcome leaders from across the field of blindness who weigh in on the current pressing issues facing people who are blind or have low vision today.</p> <p>Please be sure to like and subscribe to this podcast from wherever you get your podcasts. We're excited to bring an engaging new season of content to you over the coming year as we ramp up our podcasting efforts. <a href="https://afb.org/news-publications/media/afb-possibilities-podcast" rel="nofollow">Transcripts are available here</a> on the AFB podcast page. For questions or comments, or to suggest an episode, email [email protected].</p> <p>Learn more about the American Foundation for the Blind by visiting our website at <a href="https://www.afb.org" rel="nofollow">www.afb.org</a> and consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support our work.</p> <p>This podcast is powered by <a href="https://pinecast.com" rel="nofollow">Pinecast</a>.</p>

<h1></h1> <p>Welcome to another episode of the AFB Possibilities Podcast. To mark Vocational Rehabilitation awareness week, which spans June 9th - 13th, AFB’s Tony Stephens sat down for an engaging conversation with Dr. Randy Pierce of Future Insight and Russell Martello from Visions to discuss the benefits around holistic approaches to rehabilitation. </p> <p>Tony, Randy, and Russell met through the annual Vision Serve Alliance Conference this past April, where they spearheaded a track on holistic rehabilitation for people who are blind or low vision. At the end of the conference, they were committed to carrying on the conversations from the conference. So, Tony was excited they were able to join him to not only share their passion for this innovative approach to fostering independence, but we also get a sense of the rich history each guest has, which has helped form their own success in the field of blindness and low vision.</p> <p>Russel serves as the Chief Development Officer for <a href="https://www.visionsvcb.org" rel="nofollow">Visions</a>, which is one of New York’s leading rehabilitation centers for people who are blind or have low vision. Randy serves as President &amp; CEO of <a href="https://www.futureinsight.org" rel="nofollow">Future Insight</a>, one of the leading rehabilitation centers in New Hampshire. Blinded in his early 20s, Randy is also an avid extreme outdoor enthusiast. You can learn more about his own adventures across the globe in his published memoir, <em>See You at the Summit: My blind journey from the depths of loss to the heights of achievement.</em></p> <h1>AFB Possibilities is a podcast from the <a href="https://www.afb.org" rel="nofollow">American Foundation for the Blind (AFB</a>. Check out the podcast page for past episodes and transcripts <a href="https://afb.org/news-publications/media/afb-possibilities-podcast" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>. Be sure to like and subscribe to catch future episodes, and consider making a gift today to help support this podcast and our broader work to create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision.</h1> <p>This podcast is powered by <a href="https://pinecast.com" rel="nofollow">Pinecast</a>.</p>

<p>Spring has sprung, and so has a new season for the <em>AFB Possibilities Podcast</em>. As we kick-off this season, we’ll be focusing in on AFB’s Award winning documentary film <em>Possibilities</em>, which presents an authentic portrayal of life today for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. The film was awarded this past weekend the Broader Vision Documentary Award at the Garden State Film Festival, and we’re excited to share with you one of the featured voices in the film, New Jersey’s own Krystal Allen.</p> <p>Recorded in 2024, AFB’s own Melody Goodspeed joined Krystal for a conversation on the challenges people face when striving for independence, and the joys of shared experiences that blind people share across the world. Haling from Newark, New Jersey, Krystal is a leading community voice for people with vision loss and founded the nonprofit <a href="https://www.eyeslikemine.org" rel="nofollow">EyesLikeMine</a>, which is rooted in the firm belief that “Vision loss doesn’t break us, it builds…” She shares her own story and the work underway in North Jersey to breakdown misconceptions of blindness. A past fellow with AFB's Blind Leaders Development Program, she stresses the importance of mentoring and finding those pathways that open doors to independence.</p> <p>Formally the <em>Inform &amp; Connect</em> podcast, the <em>AFB Possibilities Podcast</em> captures the real life experiences of people who are blind or have low vision and those working to make our world more inclusive and accessible. A production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), listeners can learn more about the work of AFB by visiting <a href="https://www.afb.org" rel="nofollow">www.afb.org</a>. </p> <p>Be sure to like and subscribe to this podcast and consider supporting our work by <a href="https://www.afb.org/donate" rel="nofollow">making a tax-deductible gift</a> to AFB.</p> <p>This podcast is powered by <a href="https://pinecast.com" rel="nofollow">Pinecast</a>.</p>

A conversation with Roy Samuelson, Colleen Connor, Satauna Howery, Serina Gilbert, and Bridget Melton on the power of audio description.

<h1>Welcome to the AFB Possibilities Podcast. In this first episode of the newly rebranded podcast from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), we wanted to share with you a special interview during this season of giving with AFB trustee Ted Francavilla and financial advisor Liz Updike.</h1> <p>The AFB Possibilities Podcast is a production of the American Foundation for the blind. Previously the Inform and Connect Podcast, we take a deep dive into life, culture, and happenings for those experiencing blindness and low-vision. Melody Goodspeed is the host. And with her faithful guide dog Barney by her side, they travel the country, both literally and virtually, capturing the stories and experiences from the blind and low-vision community.</p> <p>Ted Francavilla has been an active member of the AFB Board of Trustees, shepherding AFB's finances over the years. A retired senior executive with JPMorgan Chase, he's been a passionate advocate for people who are blind or have low vision over the decades, and he recognizes the importance that donors play toward making nonprofit missions move forward. Elizabeth Updike has over 40 years in the business of financial planning and wealth management. Together, she and Ted share best practices and advice for those of retirement age on how they can give smartly and make their money last longer.</p> <p>Like this program? Please like and subscribe, and even consider making a donation to support our work expanding opportunity and creating a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. Visit <a href="https://www.afb.org" rel="nofollow">www.afb.org</a> to learn more.</p> <p>Check out the <a href="https://afb.org/news-publications/media/AFB-Possibilities-Podcast" rel="nofollow">AFB Possibilities podcast page</a> for past episodes and transcripts.</p> <p>Produced and edited by Tony Stephens at the Pickle Factory in Baltimore, Maryland. Digital media support from Kelly Gasque and Breanna Kerr.</p> <p>Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected].</p> <p>This podcast is powered by <a href="https://pinecast.com" rel="nofollow">Pinecast</a>.</p>