The Disability Diaries With Steven Vine

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks with Mike Bolland, who has his own podcast entitled: 'We're not Stumped'. Mike's podcast serves as motivation to share survival stories, recovery journeys, and real-life success stories from the limb loss and disability community. Mike is a one handed cancer survivor and the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour (Pro Bowling Association), Mike is also a speaker and stand up comedian, using humour and real life experiences to challenge the perceptions around disability. We're not stumped. Not by limb loss. Not by fear. Not by anything life throws our way. We’re Not Stumped | Motivational Podcast Featuring Survival Stories, Recovery Journeys & Disability Stories - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode, Steven welcomes Dr. Michelle Hewitt and Dr. Ricky Manhas to talk about MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying). Michelle gives her perspective as the spouse of a patient who used MAID last year. Michelle is also the Chair of the Disability without Poverty non-profit organization. Dr. Manhas gives his perspective as a Family Doctor who has guided patients who have made this request, and he's also Steve's GP.  It's a very thought provoking episode with a thoughtful discussion outlining the guidelines for MAID, Track 1 vs. Track 2, the compassionate vs. medical aspects of this decision and how it affects patients and their families. We would be interested in hearing your thoughts if this controversial topic has touched you or your family in some way. 

Send us Fan MailIn this special 50th episode of the podcast, Steve talks about the writing of his new book: 'Beyond Green Eyes: The Day I Died, the Life I Began'. The episode starts out with Chris reading the Prologue of the book. If you're interested in hearing more from the book - it is available to purchase on Amazon. (Hardcover, softcover or Kindle)  Beyond Green Eyes: The Day I Died, The Life I Began: Vine, Steven: 9781997730835: Books - Amazon.caSteve would like to thank Life Sized Publishing for publishing this book. As a blind person, 'writing' the book was a challenge - but Umer and his team guided Steve along the way and even supported him while he unexpectantly landed in the hospital for 2 months in the middle of this process. Book Publishing Services for Authors | Life Sized PublishingHOME | Stevenvine

Send us Fan MailSteve talks with Thomas Exler from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who was born with a very rare congenital birth defect known as bladder exstrophy. As Tom describes it, his bladder was like a balloon on the outside of his body. He had to have this removed at the age of 4. His mother created the first ostomy group in the world for caregivers of children with this condition. Bladder exstrophy brought Tom numerous challenges, including multiple surgeries and long hospital stays as a child. Yet, it also offered him countless blessings—chief among them, the opportunity to become a lifelong advocate for others living with similar conditions. In 2010, Tom established Courage to Shine™, a patient-centered initiative that honors individuals born with genitourinary birth defects who have grown to become outstanding role models. The project also serves as a platform for motivational presentations and global outreach.Bladder Exstrophy, Resilience, and Global Advocacy: The Journey of Thomas Exler – Courage to Shine™

Send us Fan MailSteve interviews Jared Taylor, from Washington state. In his younger days, Jared's life consisted mainly of construction and skiing. He decided to buckle down and pursue a career as an EMS, working as an emergency medical technician and firefighter. In 2012 he sustained an injury as a trail runner, as he loved the outdoors. While running one day, he experienced a misstep which led to a life changing injury. He required a below the knee amputation in 2015. While going through the process of adjusting to the amputation, Jared found that there was limited support in his area. He went through a difficult time of pain, surgeries, referrals and wheelchair use before he finally got the amputation. In 2024, he decided to start his own podcast: 'Amputee for Life'. His podcast focuses on testimonials from amputees, family members, and professionals in the limb loss community. Steve and Jared talked about their shared commonalities - besides the amputation, pain, medication, and they were both avid runners. If you are an amputee or have some involvement in this topic, please feel free to contact Steve or Jared for support. Amputee For Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks with Dr. Ghobadi about medical screening. He has experience working in emergency medicine, medical clinics, as well as screening, diagnosing and patient care. He did his schooling and training in his home country of Iran but moved to Canada a few years ago and is continuing to pursue medicine. Steve wanted to talk about this topic, because he feels if he had more screening done for himself, it may have lessened the severity of some of his disabilities. Screening is a great tool to determine if preventative treatment would be useful and helpful.  Dr. Ghobadi describes some of the most important medical screening procedures, when and why they should be performed. Always consult with your family doctor, a medical clinic or a hospital as to what is right for you, as these are guidelines only.

Send us Fan MailLinda Siegel is a retired professor from the University of British Columbia, who taught educational psychology. In this episode, Linda talks with Steve about dyslexia because she feels this is a very important condition to talk about. Her quote is from a 10 year old boy with dyslexia, which Linda elaborates more in her conversation with Steven. Linda did a lot of research about children and how they struggled with reading, and she also worked in schools trying to help children with their dyslexia. She did her research over 45 years ago, but she finds there can still be improvements even to this current day in helping people to manage their dyslexia by getting the right tools at an early age.Dyslexia Canada

Send us Fan MailSteven interviews Evan Starnes who was born totally blind. Evan lives in the Denver, Colorado area, works for the non-profit organization 'Aftersight' and produces and hosts a technology podcast called Blind Level Tech. (And he doesn't mind being called Nerdy Evan). He had a white cane in his hand by the time that he was 3 years old. When you listen to the episode, you will likely think that Evan sounds like he was a scrappy kid with a good attitude. Fast forward a few years later, and he started working with Aftersight; which started out producing audio newspapers and magazines for the blind and low vision community - they eventually starting producing podcasts. Evan wants people to understand and not be afraid of the technology and bring knowledge to everybody's level without being overly complicated. (Plus they talk on his podcast about sandwiches) Blind Level Tech - Aftersight

Send us Fan MailErez is an amputee; right leg below the knee - by choice.  Instead of asking himself - Why me or Why did this happen; Erez found a beautiful gift wrapped up in some terrible circumstances. A former elite commando and survivor of three near-death experiences, including a car crash, a heart attack, and a life-changing medical decision to amputate his leg- Erez’s journey from survival to thriving is not just inspirational; it’s instructional. He experienced much pain, adversity and challenges - which eventually led him to his current profession in public speaking, workshops and coaching.https://erezavramov.com/

Send us Fan MailSteve and Chris talk with Emily and David. Emily Price is the Program Coordinator at CVS (Community Ventures Society) a non-profit organization in Port Moody, British Columbia. The mission of CVS is as follows (from their website): 'To open doors to opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families so that they live the life they choose. We are committed to enhancing the quality of our services through advocacy, innovation and collaboration. We strive to inspire the community to join us in creating positive social change.' David is a day program attendee of CVS. He is non-verbal, has cerebral palsy, and he uses AAC (augmentative communication device), which is an ipad with special picture keys and a keyboard that provides the voiceover for what David types into the device. We hope that you can take the time to listen to this episode and appreciate the work that both Emily and David do in the community. Home - Community Ventures Society

Send us Fan MailJeff Tiessen is a 45+ years double-arm amputee, Canadian Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder. He is the publisher of 'Thrive' magazine - Living Well with Limb Loss, an award winning journalist with over 1,000 published features to his credit, and multiple recipient of numerous disability related and sports awards. He's an educator, advocate and sought after public speaker. He also hosts a monthly podcast - 'Life and Limb', all about living well with limb loss, sharing lived experiences and practical advice. Life & Limb - A monthly podcast about Living Well with Limb Loss

Send us Fan MailKent was born with poor vision. He was active in sports as a young person, in spite of his vision issues. As time went on, his vision continually lessened. He had to change career paths a few times because of his vision. He was considered legally blind by the time he was in his 30's. He eventually started to work for the CNIB (Canadian Institute for the Blind) and started a peer support group. Once he went totally blind, he started up his own business which he still manages today. 'Magnify' supplies low vision equipment and serves the needs of anyone experiencing vision loss utilizing Kent's experience, knowledge, and expertise. Through empathy and understanding and by providing physical and education tools, the barriers of vision loss can be conquered.Kent keeps active in Kelowna, British Columbia with Dragon Boating, Curling and Outdoor hiking. MagnifyMe! | We help you conquer the barriers of vision loss.

Send us Fan MailSteve and Chris talk with Kari Krogh, PhD Psychology and the founder of Eco Wisdom. Kari's quote from meditation teacher, Tara Brach, has a special meaning for people with disabilities who experience social and systemic barriers (outside the personal body) that shape our experience of living with disability. Within the EcoWisdom Community where accessibility in forest bathing/ shinrin yoku is promoted, we find that nature reminds us that our disabled body/minds are simply a natural expression of biodiversity. As part of Kari’s journey of living with a fluctuating, complex chronic illness disability, she has become certified as a mindfulness meditation teacher, interfaith spiritual director and forest therapy guide. We hope that you enjoy this episode.ecowisdom forest preserve

Send us Fan MailPrior to having ostomy surgery, Janet spent more time in the hospital than out of it. Crohn’s disease had been ravaging her entire digestive system and had necessitated multiple bowel resections. It finally reached a point in 1996 when Janet was in her early twenties and 31 weeks pregnant that the doctors declared that she had reached a point where ostomy surgery was her only option, and it was imperative that they deliver her daughter immediately and give her a jejunostomy. (When you listen, Janet gives great medical explanations). Janet and Steve also discuss invisible disabilities, as well as illness and gender bias in the medical community.She eventually turned to Ostomy Hamilton for support, a local non-profit group based out of her hometown. Both Janet and her partner Mike are proud to serve as co-presidents of Ostomy Hamilton and are pleased to be able to facilitate a safe space where new ostomates and their families can learn to better understand their ostomy and express their feelings, good or bad in a supportive environment.About — Ostomy Hamilton     HOME - Ostomy Canada Society   Mrs. Janet Elaine Paquet | The Governor General of Canada

Send us Fan MailSteve interviews former mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan, in an open discussion that gets quite candid. Sam talks about his former political life and his current life with his foundation: The Disability Foundation.  Sam broke his neck in a 1978 skiing accident, aged 19. He found himself tetraplegic, unable to dress or feed himself, let alone continue playing active sports or making music. Or so it seemed at the time.Over an intensive 20-year period, Sam built a succession of non-profit groups offering opportunities to people with physical disabilities in Vancouver and across Canada. As much as anything, he formed the groups because of his years of depression – to send a message of hope to people in despair.Sam’s Story - Disability Foundation

Send us Fan MailChantal was born with no vision, grew up in Quebec, and moved to British Columbia as a child and she learned how to live with her disability. Chantal loves her involvement and responsibility as she engages with the CCB (Canadian Council of the Blind) BC/Yukon Division. The Canadian Council for the Blind (CCB) is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, or living with low vision through advocacy, support, and community engagement.  Email: [email protected] Toll-Free: 1 877-304-0968

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, the last guest on our show (Walter Lawrence from GF Strong), interviews Steve! Walt asks Steve some very intimate questions about Steve's recovery, outlook, goals and his future. Walt's experience as a mentor and counsellor at GF Strong, makes him a very curious and straightforward interviewer. Steve shows his vulnerability as he reflects on his life post his accident. We hope that you enjoy listening to this special episode during the holiday season. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks with Walt Lawrence from GF Strong rehabilitation hospital. When he was 17 years old, he took a dive in shallow water off a seawall, hit the bottom and broke his neck. Walt instantly because a quadriplegic. In the hospital in Kelowna, he was hooked up to a ventilator, and he could not speak. He remained positive that he was going to get through this. Walt wondered how his parents coped with his injuries; but he just knew that he could count on them. An educator by nature, he would engage with people and started to adjust to his vulnerability, and he eventually allowed people to help him. While doing rehabilitation at GF Strong, he was asked to help other injured clients with consulting, counselling and support, which he's done for the past 36 years. Walt is the epitome of a guru/mentor for others. G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre | Vancouver Coastal Health

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks with Zafira Nanji who is a caregiver on many different levels. Besides her son who is neurodivergent, which can be an exploding controversy in some circles; Zafira has also had challenges with her parents' health, their passing, and her own grief. She is a doula, a human resources manager and an author of children's books. Her motto is 'Have Fun' (inspired by her father) and 'Never alone' (inspired by her mother). These phrases are indelible to Zafira as permanent tattoos on her arm in her parent's own handwriting using tattoo technology. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks with Agust who lives in Iceland. Our guest has had 2 serious conditions: Ostomy care and bouts of manic episodes. He's had a very challenging life as he was affected with manic episodes when he was 19 years old. He also dealt with colitis and cancer, which led to the removal of his colon and getting an ostomy. He is an avid mountaineer and leads an active outdoor lifestyle. The news of his health challenges was very difficult. To help in his healing process, he started to move and get back to the outdoors - which turned out to be a very positive motivation for him. He found a supportive network in the ostomy community which gave him life and opportunities. His manic condition at 19 manifested itself in bizarre beliefs of something powerful. He struggled with institutions and medication, but he finally found positive care and was ready to heal and become whole again. He is very open about his struggles, which he wrote a book about based on his own life. His story is his strength.His Book: "Nights of Nonsense: an Icelandic memoir of healing and hope"

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve interviews Deborah James Sabo - a student of Therapeutic Recreation, which is therapy designed to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of the individual seeking help with cognitive challenges. Debra has a diverse background, but found her interest to be in the emerging field of therapeutic recreation. She is working mostly with older adults with dementia; but the other areas that she also works with are children, youth, mental health and workplace wellness. She enjoys helping other people and seeing their quality of life improving, with the additional domain of spiritual fitness and wellness coaching.Adult Cognitive Wellness CentreWe Focus on Ability | Langley

Send us Fan MailAs a younger man, Marty was into sports big time. He eventually worked in the tech industry as a technician for Apple.  He slowly lost his vision completely. Marty eventually applied his technical experience into 2 Podcasts entitled 'Unmute' and 'Code Orange' (on the Aftersight Network). Unmute is a podcast focused on technology for blind and visually impaired users. Code Orange is the disability inclusive guide to emergency preparedness for the blind and low-vision community. No hype - just what to do before, during and after a crisis.  You think your life is tiring? Try being a blind person - it takes a lot of energy to compensate for the lack of sight. Unmute Podcast Network - Podcast - Apple PodcastsCode Orange - Podcast - Apple PodcastStream Podcasts - Aftersight

Send us Fan MailSteven talks with Seaver Stafford, a representative from the Neil Squire Society, a Canadian national not-for-profit organization that helps Canadians with disabilities through advocacy, computer-based, assistive technology, research and development, and various employment programs. There are four locations across Canada. Seaver also hosts a podcast on Spotify "We have solutions"

Send us Fan MailUnedited, uncensored, and raw. Please join Steven and Chris as we warmly reflect the project’s first year, including memories of: unforeseen challenges, memorable episodes, and other anecdotal stories. All said with a sense of humor and candor over a bottle of bubbly. Don’t miss the announcement at the end (before the abrupt ending)

Send us Fan MailSteve has a candid discussion with Andy Manson, a recently retired Ostomy nurse about the crappy and not so crappy sides of having and caring for an Ostomy You will find topics that you can slide right into, it's a slippery slope - but Steve and Andy think you won't find anything stinky about this episode. After all, as Andy reminds us: it's just poop. HOME - Ostomy Canada Society

Send us Fan MailSteve has an ever so interesting conversation with Brian Mackie; representative of Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada about the challenges of teaching the visually impaired technology and other tasks. Collectively, Steve and Brian cover the use of iphones, smart speakers, computers, braille, and other tasks around the house that might be of use to help clients living a higher quality of life with their disability. Brian is extremely focused and passionate about what he teaches, as Brian is also blind himself. If you know someone who is new to vison loss and needs support with learning how to adapt to blindness, contact Home | Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada.

Send us Fan MailSteve and Chris talk to Dr. Alyssa Hodgson, a pain specialist doctor at CPRI (Canadian Pain & Regenerative Institute); a multidisciplinary clinic in Vancouver and New Westminster. Steve has a personal connection with Dr. Hodgson, as she has been treating Steve for his chronic pain for over a year now, as he continues to see her and other doctors in the pain clinic. Pain management can be very complicated and different for each person – but Dr. Hodgson suggests that if you have chronic pain, you start with PainBC.ca   Even though this is a very serious topic, as pain can be a debilitating disability – we managed to share some laughs in this episode. 

Send us Fan MailSteve talks with Mark Stockbrocks, who is a triplegic  (meaning he only has the use of his right hand and arm). Mark discusses his accessibility program which means that Mark will slap your business with a sticker if you don't meet the accessibility standards for a person in a wheelchair.  Mark had a lifechanging incident when he was in his 30's; just as he was about to embark on a new career in firefighting. He was attending a CFL football game and suddenly fell down and lost consciousness. He was intubated and on life support in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Mark ended up having 2 life saving brain surgeries, and at some point heard a nurse say that he was a paraplegic. Mark does his best to recollect the events of his hospital experience. Mark has made it his mission to discuss and promote wheelchair accessibility. He talks with people in government to share his accessibility concerns and to try and promote awareness and change. He approaches businesses who should improve their wheelchair access, by pointing out the problems and offering the solutions. He has created stickers which he will give to buildings/offices who have great accessibility; but watch out: he will be back if you need improvements and he will definitely follow up.Follow Mark on social media, including: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube @markstockbrocks (@strokerecoveryeverywhere) accessstickers.blogspot.com

Send us Fan MailSteve converses with Grant as he expertly articulates his world of blindness. From his journey at birth until his life now as a champion podcast host on the AMI Network; Grant talks about his life growing up with vision impairment, his high school experiences, and then as a student at the University of British Columbia. After university he joins the AMI Network (Accessible Media Inc.) as the eloquent host of The Pulse; which is a very specialized podcast for the visually impaired community and information driven for the listener. The Pulse - Podcast - Apple Podcasts  AMI Channel Guide | Accessible Media Inc.  (1) Grant Hardy | Facebook

Send us Fan MailSteve has a great conversation with Tristan, who is the Director of Business Development for BC Diabetes in Vancouver. As Tristan explains, he is a 'business guy' and not a medical professional. Tristan's father, Dr. Tom Elliott is the Founder and Medical Director at BC Diabetes. Tom eventually recruited his son to work with the organization. This was just about the time of the Covid pandemic, which changed everything as we know, regarding in person and virtual appointments in medicine. Tristan also talks about the evolution of Diabetes devices and monitors, Insulin pumps, and new medications. He explains the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: symptoms, conditions and treatments. You can visit BC Diabetes with a referral from a health care professional.BCDiabetes - British Columbia Diabetes Care, Research, and EducationLifestyleRx - Diabetes Reversal Program

Send us Fan MailSteve and Chris together have a great discussion with Paul Gauthier in regards to him as the founder of the CSIL program (Choice in Supports for Independent Living) They also discuss his involvement with his other significant initiatives that make Paul such a prominent and influential individual in the disabled community. He was born with Cerebral Palsy. As a young person, he grew up in foster care. When he turned 19, he decided that he didn’t want to live in a care facility, but he wanted to live independently. Luckily for many people today (including Steve), that Paul decided to put his positive energy into this, which is now the CSIL program. He is currently the Executive Director of the IFRC (Individualized Funding Resource Centre). Under this umbrella are many other programs to help the disabled community with independence, resources, wellbeing, and support. Paul and Steve talk about these other programs, and we learn a lot about Paul including: his previous Paralympic accolades, his numerous awards, and the great work that he continues to pursue. As you listen, you will recognize the passion that Paul has brought to these extraordinary endeavors. If you are interested in learning more about the CSIL program in British Columbia, contact the IFRC at ifrcsociety.org or 604-777-7576 / 1-844-604-7576

Send us Fan MailSteve has a conversation with the delightful Amy Amantea, an actor/performer, writer, arts administrator, disability strategist and advocate. She is also legally blind, as well as neurodivergent, and she experiences chronic pain from Gastropareses - nerve damage in the stomach. Her Type 1 diabetes rendered her into a coma and when she emerged from that experience, she was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, which caused her to become legally blind. None the less, she navigates through her life with positivity, passion and purpose. Amy gets a lot of joy from creating her own work, her current project is entitled: Through my Lens, where she takes her own pictures by finding the 'light' - without actually seeing the images of her own photos. She creates personal stories through her performance art. You can find Amy here: Accessing Art With Amy - Podcast - Apple Podcasts, https://throughmylens.ca and Vancouver Co-op Radio – CFRO 100.5 FM

Send us Fan MailSteve talks with Michelle Hewitt from Kelowna, current Board Chair of Disability without Poverty, a non profit organization. A former public school principal, Michelle was diagnosed with aggressive multiple sclerosis in her early 40s, and is a full time power wheelchair user. Fatigue limits the amount of time she spends out of bed each day to less than 8 hours. “We have a large chunk of disabled people who already live in poverty, and a large chunk of disabled people who are very close to living in poverty,” Michelle says. “This shouldn’t be happening in Canada.”  She says it’s important that the Canada Disability Benefit is designed by people who live with disabilities and know how it could improve their lives. The benefit is “the first step” to improving the financial situation for Canadians with disabilities. In addition to being the chair of the board of DWP, Michelle volunteers on local and provincial disability committees. She is a PhD candidate at UBC-O, where her research focuses on younger disabled adults who have no other option than to live in long-term care institutions. As if she doesn't have enough on her resume, she also co-hosts a podcast, Disability with Possibility.Disability Without Poverty Disability with Possibility - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks with Evan Schwerbrock (all the way from North Carolina) who developed Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, and became legally blind in 2014. As health & fitness was very important to Evan, he continued working out feverishly, learning to adapt to his new needs. Despite visual impairment, Evan moved on to earn his Master’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Applied Exercise Physiology. During this time, he also focused on disability studies and their application to health and fitness. Evan is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He actively competes in Strongman, with a recent accomplishment of first place in the 2019 Illinois Strongest Blind Man competition in the 242 lb. weight class. He currently runs Cane & Able Fitness, where they provide accessible fitness information for the visually-impaired community across the world through online training, seminars, and consulting services. www.caneandablefitness.com  

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve has a very candid conversation with Dayna Wilson who has autism. Dayna grew up in the 90’s a bit isolated in Whitehorse, Yukon. She was treated differently, because as she describes it – she was a bit weird. She was officially diagnosed with Autism when she was in her 30’s, which she describes as cathartic. She also has autistic children, which are a blessing to her and she loves being a mom to her 3 kids. In spite of her invisible struggles, and a very devastating family tragedy; she also thrives and strives in her professional career. She was recently promoted as the Executive Assistant for a Member of Parliament. She loves her work, and loves to make a difference. 

Send us Fan MailSteve interviews Ean Price from Kelowna, British Columbia.  Ean is the Peer Support Manager at Technology for Living, a non profit group from Vancouver that works with people who have severe physical disabilities and helps them to live as well and as independently as possible. TFL provides people who experience physical barriers with peer support, innovative technologies, respiratory therapy services and equipment that addresses unmet needs and increases independence, inclusion and wellbeing. Ean himself has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, (a genetic condition) has a power wheelchair, uses a ventilator and a feeding tube. He doesn't really see himself as a disabled person, until he runs into obstacles. He has very supportive family and friends; lives his life taking risks, and would prefer to be defined by his accomplishments. If that's not enough of a resume, Ean is also the founder & CEO of ICAN Resource Group Inc. ICAN focuses on 3 areas: website design, accessible travel, and assistive technology. You will be blown away by Ean's positivity, as he strives and thrives to change lives with technology. This is truly a feel good episode !   technologyforliving.org        icanresource.ca

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steven and Chris talk with Penn and Moses Street from Colorado. Penn became blind as a young child from a rattlesnake bite, developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Her family of 12 moved to Colorado from Arkansas because Penn could get better care from the children’s hospital in that area. Penn had a tomboy spirit, and refused to accept that she couldn’t do something as a visually impaired youngster.  Fast forward many years later, and she met the love of her life – Moses Street, a professional photographer. Today, they live life to the fullest by travelling, spending time in the great outdoors, and working for Aftersight;  a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing audio access to print information and empowering services for the blind and low vision community. They also host a podcast together, called 'The Blind Chick', doing great on the Aftersight network among other podcasts focusing on low or non vision hosts and guests. We had a lot of laughs on this episode, not even sure how we got off topic (many times), but we hope that you will enjoy listening to this lively episode.  Go to Aftersight.org to find all of their podcast offerings. 

Send us Fan MailToday we have an internationally acclaimed singer. If you are a Vancouver Canucks Fan, you certainly don’t need an introduction to Steve’s current guest. He has been a frequent singer of the Canadian and American Anthems before the hockey home games at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Jugpreet lost his sight from retinoblastoma eye cancer when he was only 6 months old.  He started his music career at a young age. Performing live in English, French, Hindi and Punjabi, the 2009 Canadian Desi Idol runner-up has appeared at many events ranging from the Surrey Fusion Festival to B.C. Children’s Hospital fundraisers. Steve and Jugpreet have a thought provoking and lively conversation about his musical influences, his favourite types of music, and his supportive family background.

Send us Fan MailSteve talks with his friend Iris, whom he met through the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) when Steve first went blind. Iris and Steve share the rare condition of being 100% blind. While Steve’s was sudden, Iris slowly lost her vision, starting when she was a teenager. She had various operations without success but eventually accepted her non-vision as her lifestyle. She is involved with CNIB, curling, and worked at a restaurant in Vancouver called The Dark Table, where patrons dine in total darkness. She also shares her experiences in acquiring service dogs because she wanted to be independent. She also discusses the rights pertaining to ownership of a service dog and the process involved in acquiring a support animal. 

Send us Fan MailScott has been in the Prosthetic and Orthotic profession for over 30 years. He completed a 2 year residency with Russell Prosthetics in New Westminster, BC. When the founder retired, he took over the clinic and has continued to serve patients ever since. Scott continues to stay up to date with the latest techniques and technologies in this rapidly changing field. Scott’s volunteer work has taken him to 6 countries across 4 continents. Steve and Scott have a very informative conversation about the process of getting a prosthetic, something which Steve is quite familiar with himself. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks to Monica Gartner. Monica is 3’ & 1.5” foot tall in stature, but 10X taller in gumption! When Monica was born, she was affected with scoliosis and a bone disease. She tells some stories about growing up, some of her hospital experiences, and her family support. She has a degree in Business, has done some acting, as well as wrote a book! Monica is truly an inspirational lady! 

Send us Fan MailSteve has a very lively conversation with Marco Pasqua. Marco was born with Cerebral Palsy, but that is hardly the story. When he was only 10 years old, Marco was invited to be the ambassador/host of the Timmy’s Christmas Telethon with local radio legend Red Robinson. This was his first opportunity to speak in front of a large audience. Later in life, he pursued a career in technology, lost his job in 2010 due to the recession, and then decided to use his voice as a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and accessibility consultant. Rick Hansen and Michael J. Fox may be his heroes, but we think that Marco is in some great company. If you want to know more about Marco, please go to his website. www.marcopasqua.com and get his book ‘From Potential to Purpose’. He may be a person with a disability, but he’s by no means a disabled person. 

Send us Fan MailSteve and Chris talk to Liz Hunter, a Community Librarian at the New Westminster Public Library in New Westminster, British Columbia. We talk to Liz, because she helped teach us in learning about Podcasting. This is an initiative Liz started at the library, including procuring equipment and a space that library card holders can use to facilitate their own podcast. Liz also talks about some of the other library initiatives and how libraries have changed in her 16 years on the job. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks to Joey Hsieh – who has a son who is disabled. Her son Matthew has a rare disease, is nonverbal, blind, and in a wheelchair. As a child, he was misdiagnosed with Autism. Joey is truly a loving mother full of positivity and acceptance. She gets her strength from Matthew, and she prefers the term different ability over disability. Joey also talks about the challenges in getting the right caregiving help for Matthew. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks to the listeners about his experience with depression. He shares intimate details of some of his experiences and what led up to his depression. He also shares some of his coping strategies and what worked for him to try and cope with some of the negative thoughts he had using positive strategies. Steve does not claim to be the expert in this topic but rather shares some of his own personal accounts that other people might be able to relate to. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks to Lelainia Lloyd who was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) in 2012, after initially being misdiagnosed with MS in 2007. As Lelainia describes it, her immune system has gone rogue. This disability can lead to blindness and paralyses. In spite of her physical struggles, Lelainia is a passionate advocate who writes, did a podcast, travels, does public speaking and volunteering. But her hobby of wheelchair curling is what brings her immense joy. She practices advocacy out of necessity. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve and Chris talk to Bonita Zarrillo, who was elected as the Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Coquitlam in 2021. She is currently the NDP Critic for Infrastructure and Communities; Disability Inclusion; and the Deputy Health Critic. They have an informative and thought-provoking discussion, including such topics as advocacy, accessibility, infrastructure, policies, and initiatives. 28% of British Columbians aged 15 years and older live with a disability. Nationally, 41% live below the poverty line. We are glad to have Bonita on our team. Visit her website: https://bonitazarrillo.ndp.ca/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve has a conversation with Innocent Ali; one of Steve’s caregivers. Innocent tells the story of moving to Canada from Africa and how he came to be one of Steve’s caregivers. They also discuss caregiving tips and strategies for a disabled person and share personal stories about working together for the last year, as well as Innocent’s own personal journey and future aspirations.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks to his family doctor, Dr. Gurdeep Manhas, also known as Dr. Rick.Dr. Rick and Steve talk a lot about Rick’s background, his medical practice, and many other philosophies Rick lives by and practices as he helps people who visit him at his 2 medical clinics in Coquitlam and New Westminster, BC. Steve and Dr. Rick have a very special relationship that goes beyond patient/doctor, which shows how important that is for physical and mental well-being.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steve talks with his friend Robert Pascal. Robert has been a quadriplegic for over 36 years, due to a devastating car accident where Robert was a passenger. Robert gives an honest account of his transition to relearning most aspects of his daily activities. Robert Pascal is an example to anyone who is living a full-abled life that a sudden, severe disability can truly happen to anybody. He is truly a perfect example of someone who has accepted his disability and tries to live each day the best way that he can.