Ability Stories: Discussing the Successes, Challenges and Stories of People with Disabilities

2016 Holiday Special

I am joined by Ray, Adam, Cindy, Kara, and Tyler. We listen to and discuss Louis the Blind Christmas Elf by Jonathan Mosen. To listen to this beyond cute Christmas story without our interruptions, click here

Four Blind Moms

I am joined by Kara, Vicky, Barbie, and Anna. We discuss what it is like to be blind moms. Topics discussed include concerns my panelists had before they became parents, issues with sending kids to school, what my panelists hope their children learn from having blind moms, and lots more. If you would like to tell your disability story or you have an idea for a podcast, send me an email at abilitystories@gmail.com

Soniya Patel Elementary School Music Teacher

Soniya is a mother and an elementary school music teacher who is blind. We discuss her childhood, her choice of career, how she got her job, and what it is like to be a blind teacher. Stick around for the end! Soniya sent me a great recording of her first graders singing a song for the podcast.

Parenting with Disabilities

After quite some time away. Ability Stories is back! My apologies for the long absence.

In this episode Tara and Tyler discuss what it is like to be parents with disabilities. They talk about their journey to become parents, what they love about being parents, what is difficult about being parents, and how their disabilities factor in.

Ability Stories is on Twitter. Follow me @Ability Stories. Ability Stories also has a Facebook page. If anyone knows what to do with it, send me an email: abilitystories@gmail.com

Ray Wright Wood Woorker Interview Part 2

Ray talks about how training changed his life. He talks about starting his own wood working business. He discusses his job as a wood shop teacher and his thoughts on blindness. Link to Ray's wood working business: http://wrightturnonly.com

Ray Wright Woodworker Interview Part 1

Ray and I discuss his diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa and how it affected his employment history. Ray ends part one of our interview with a moving story of what finally motivated him to seek blindness training.

 Link to Ray’s woodworking business: http://wrightturnonly.com

Blind and Transgender: the Story of Susan V Reimers

Susan and I discuss her diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa. We talk about what it was like growing up with gender dysphoria. We discuss her journey to come to peace with her gender identity and how it has impacted her life. She talks about coming to terms with blindness and some of the positive ways it has impacted her life.

Bill Gibson Interview Part 3

Bill talks about why he decided to run a ranch. He talks about what that is like from a blindness perspective. He ends with his thoughts on blindness.

Bill Gibson Interview Part 2

Bill talks about why he started as a rehabilitation counselor at the Division of Services for the Blind in Utah. He talks about some of the things he was able to accomplish.He discusses his decision to apply for director. He talks about what the job was like.

Bill Gibson Interview Part 1

Bill talks about his family’s reaction to his congenital blindness. He talks about what life was like at the school for the blind. 

He talks about his experiences attending public high school and college. He talks about his first jobs and why he started looking for different employment.