They Call Him Blind Yoda | Stephen Poirier | eleVIVO

What happens when frustrationwith an everyday mobility challenge turns into an invention that changes howyou move through the world?In this episode of Thrivingwith Vision Loss, Michelle sits down with Stephen Poirier, founder of SidewaysInnovations, whose own experience with low vision led him to invent the LightSword — a mobility tool designed to help people navigate their environmentswith greater awareness and confidence. Stephen shares how frustration,creativity, and lived experience shaped his approach to accessibility, from thestory behind the invention to the unexpected nickname “Blind Yoda” — and whypractical innovation so often grows directly from the blindness communityitself.Cover Art DescriptionThe cover art shows white textin the upper left reading Stephen Poirier, and white text in the upper rightreading Blind Yoda. The eleVIVO logo appears in the lower left corner. StephenPoirier, a man with curly gray hair, wears a brown flat cap and a black T-shirtwith a yellow Star Wars-style design reading “May the Lord Be With You.” Hesmiles at the camera while holding his illuminated Light Sword cane in bothhands, its shaft glowing blue-white with light streaming down toward the floor,against a solid black background.Thriving with Vision Loss is aneleVIVO original series sharing stories, practical tools, and lived wisdom frompeople building meaningful lives with blindness or low vision. We begin eachepisode with a brief audio description to ensure blind and low-vision listenerscan fully share the experience. eleVIVO supports individuals and familiesnavigating vision loss, and is designed to scale in partnership with agenciesand nonprofit organizations that serve them.In this episode, youwill learn:●       Stephen’s personal journey with low vision●       How the Light Sword was invented and what problem itsolves●       The story behind the nickname “Blind Yoda”●       How adaptive technology can grow from lived experience●       Tools and technology Stephen relies on daily●       Innovation, creativity, and accessibility design●       Advice for people newly experiencing vision lossWhat part of Stephen’s storyresonated with you? Share your thoughts with us.If this conversation inspiresyou and you would like to share your story, email [email protected] and ResourcesIf you or someone you careabout is navigating vision loss, learn more about eleVIVO at the link below.https://elevivo.comMore from StephenPoirier & Sideways InnovationsOfficial Website: https://www.sidewaysinnovations.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideways_innovations/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SidewaysInnovationsYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sideways_innovationsAccessibility NoteSpecial thanks to Scott Joffre(The Blind Striker) for accessibility insights that helped shape this episode.The Blind Striker YouTubeChannel: https://www.youtube.com/@theblindstrikerMusic Credit and ThankYouEnding music: “Circles” byClassless ActUsed with permission.Deep thanks to our friends inClassless Act for generously sharing their music and supporting Thriving withVision Loss and the blindness community. The closing lyrics reflect the heartof this series, choosing your own path, making it happen, and finding your wayto happiness.Learn more about Classless Act:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classlessactLive fan performances (sharedwith permission):YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@classlessactarmyThis conversation reflectspersonal experience and is not intended as medical or legal advice.