I was diagnosed when I was 9 years old with genetic retinal dystrophy. My vision has gotten worse over time and has settled with where it currently sits at 2200/20. I graduated from college in the spring of 2020 with a bachelor's in business marketing. I currently work as a digital marketing specialist for Apex Communications Network with my own marketing LLC on the side called Clear Vision Marketing and Media. I do everything from building/designing websites to optimizing them for search engines and even running search/social ads. I recently began to dive into the world of web accessibility, and am working to obtain certifications that will allow me to consult, work on, and improve accessibility across the web. Through some great mentorship,. tons of research, and critical thinking, I believe this si the space I am meant to go into and plan to make as big of an impact as humanly possible

Blind Like Me

James Warnken

This week on Blind Like Me, we hat with Kimberly Solis.  Kimberly is the Blind Woman taking over on Tik Tok, her goal is to educate the sighted world about the blind and visually impaired.  you can find her on Tik Tok @kimberlyann80 

Kimberly Solis

This week I chat with Clement a.k.a Siana Blaze.  Just over 20 years ago I sustained a head injury that caused my right eye to create a cataract and after surgery and without proper healing started you has been built over the lens and covered it so I am completely blind. My left eye had started going blurry in the middle of 2019 but thought was due to stress as I went to see my doctor and that’s what they said. When lockdown happen in 2020 things started shifting downward and I try to get a doctors appointment but everything was closed due to lockdown. By the time I was able to get a doctors appointment it was not till the fall of 2020. I have been waiting for the surgery for my left eye which was supposed to be a routine cataract surgery but has been pushed back due to delays in certain time because of the pandemic. Growing up I grew up as a very artistic child. And had a wonderful opportunity to work as a professional circus from when I was a teenager till my lovely adult life. Then I found the love of drag. I have been a drag queen performing professionally all over Canada and the United States for the past 16 years. I am also a pass empress of Vancouver Canada which basically was a title that was elected by my community and I was crowned and got to fund raise money for my community.

Clement Luah a.k.a Siana Blaze

This week I chat with Ricky Jones from Strive4You.  You can find all about them at www.strive4you.org  

Strive4You

Throughout her professional and wellness journey, award nominated recording artist, songwriter and Electronic Dance Music talent Lachi has overcome many challenges as a legally blind Black female artist. Initially unsure if she should come out about her impaired vision at work, Lachi has found greater success and empowerment while being her authentic self in and outside the studio.    Her openness has allowed her to step into leadership roles within diversity and inclusion. In the next few years, Lachi will become completely blind, but that hasn’t slowed her down. She has recently launched a Youtube channel documenting her bucket list activities before fully losing her vision and preparing for life without sight. She has also collaborated with top talent, including Cardi B and Snoop Dogg, and spoken on various panels for musicians with disabilities, where she captivates the attention of mainstream audiences and marginalized communities   find Lachi at www.lachimusic.com or on social media @lachimusic 

A Conversation With Lachi

The Canadian National Institute For  The Blind CNIB here in Canada has a new program call Come to Work.  This program is encouraging employers to hire the blind and visually impaired.    Find out more by visiting www.cnib.ca outside of Canada find out if your community has a similar program.    If you have a story you would like to share visit www.blindlike.net or email info@timblackonair.com 

Erika Rodeck CNIB Come To Work

This week we chat with Kyle Pleasant about his journey to become a Massage Therapist.  Kyle has a great story about back packing across the UK .   Find him at www.pleasantspirit.com    If you have a story idea visit us at www.blilndlikeme.net or dop an email to info@timblackonair.com     

Kyle Pleasant Massage Therapist

You might have seen this guy on Tik Tok he is part of a growing community on the platform #blindtok    Jay is a Father, Husband and is currently getting his masters to be a counsellor to help people deal with trauma in their lives. Jay Bolger is this weeks guest.  Have a story idea drop me an email to info@timblackonair.com or visit www.blindlikeme.net  

It's Time For Q and A With Jay (Jay Bolger)

This week I chat with Chef Regina Mitchell about her amazing journey back into the kitchen after losing her sight.     Chef Regina is now teaching other Blind and Visually impaired people how to cook without sight.     For more information on the Zoom class email friendinthekitchen@gmail.com  or visit  www.yourfriendinthekitchen.com    If you have a guest idea or a comment or question drop me an email to info@timblackonair.com or visit www.timblackonair.com 

Chef Regina Mitchell

Inspiring stories from the visually impaired community. Sharing advances and innovation in accessible technology for those with low vision. Visit our website at blindlikeme.net

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Blind Like Me

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