In this episode, we dive into the world of software developer, Zach Tidwell, as he leads us into a renewed understanding of the technological paradigm that the sighted population rarely notice. Zach’s emphasis on digital literacy as a collective accountability measure re-energizes the concept of equity and inclusion within software design. Zach’s narrative of vision loss and adaptation is a story of willful determination and skillful championship, all within personal tragedy. Zach shares his approach to successful entrepreneurship within the software development industry from the lens of total ..read more

In this episode, join host Clairissa Richardson as she critically examines the concept of self-efficacy as a psychological construct in the lives of people with blindness or visual impairment. Clairissa utilizes self-efficacy and choice theory as a lens by which the expectations of health rehabilitation are deconstructed as limiting perceptions of self-efficacy targets for people with BVI. Clairissa uses a combination of research, narrative storytelling, and audio oral history to re-energize the concept of self-efficacy for people with BVI as a powerful tool to disrupt control based deficits a ..read more

In this episode, join host Clairissa Richardson as she critically examines the concept of identity for people with blindness or visual impairment (BVI) through the lens of liberation health and critical disability theory. Clairissa provides research-informed critical education for health rehabilitation professionals, introduces the "blindness equation," and provides practical, discipline-specific tools and approaches to enhance the scope and comprehension of mental health needs for people with BVI. Scholarly References: Belkin-Martinez,D. (2014). The liberation health model: Theory and practi ..read more

In this episode, we are joined by Ashley Townsend as she takes us on a self-reflexive journey into her blindness as an identity. Ashley speaks candidly and with critical emphasis on the disability related socialization experiences that have orchestrated much of her beliefs about blindness. Ashley shares her liberatory approach to reconnecting and redefining blindness as an adult. Join us as we unpack this topic! Guest Biography Ashley Townsend is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice and business owner of Phoenix Therapy LLC. Ashley specializes in trauma-based and relational a ..read more

In this episode, join host Clairissa Richardson as she deconstructs the mental health issues of people with blindness or visual impairment (BVI) from a critical systems perspective, incorporating health-rehabilitative affairs, disability as a social identity, and professional power dynamics to uncover the limitations and gaps that exist for people with BVI and the presence of mental health symptoms. Join us as we unpack this topic! Scholarly References Abrams, L. S., & Moio, J. A. (2009). Critical race theory and the cultural competence dilemma in social work education. Journal of Social ..read more

In this episode, we are joined by Tiffany Baylor and Michael Elliot as they highlight the importance of peer networking and education in the lives of people with blindness or visual impairment. In a world that tends to predict the behaviors of people with BVI by way of subjective norms and attitudes, peer support is a critical factor in the presence of mental health issues. Join us as we unpack this topic! Guest Biography Tiffany Baylor is an academic professor, teacher of visual impairment (TVI), former United States Olympic athlete, and disability consultant. She also has experience as both ..read more

Be curious and encouraged to learn more about the purpose of Canes in the Margins! This trailer episode provides a brief glimpse into the critical examination of the underutilization of mental health in the lives of people with blindness or visual impairment. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/clairissa-richardson/message ..read more