Stephen, originally from Maine, attended Perkins School for the Blind and graduated from Rhode Island College with BAs in computer science and English literature. His studies focused on creative, technical, and analytical writing as well as systems analysis and C++ programming. He later started Spee
Vision Towards Success Podcast
Centered around career exploration through storytelling, Vision Towards Success highlights work stories and lived experience of members of the blind/low vision community. This show presents awareness of disability identity across the employment landscape as a resource for both employees and employers to embrace the disabled experience as a valuable contribution to workplace culture. Through interviewing professionals across a wide variety of occupations, we aim to educate and increase understanding and demonstrate the value of diversity.
Dr. Mona Minkara
Mona Minkara lives in Boston, MA and is an assistant professor of bioengineering at Northeastern University. She has been visually impaired since childhood due to macular degeneration and cone-rod dystrophy. Her natural love of science led her to study chemistry and Middle Eastern studies at
Chris Downey
Chris Downey is a blind architect, a consultant and an occasional guest lecturer for the UC Berkeley Department of Architecture specializing in accessibility and Universal Design. While working as an architect, he lost his sight as a complication from brain surgery to remove a tumor. Since then, he
Sina Bahram
Sina Bahram is the president and founder of Prime Access Consulting, an inclusive design firm that aims to make knowledge, culture, and technology available to the widest possible audience. He has a Bachelor's, a Master's, and a PhD in computer science from North Carolina State University. With a
Hoby Wedler
Hoby Wedler is a chemist, entrepreneur, and educator who founded Hoby's Essentials, which sells food seasonings curated with his chemical knowledge. He has a double Bachelor's in chemistry and history with a minor in mathematics, a Master's in theoretical organic chemistry, and a PhD in organic
Barbara Black
Barbara Black was Born and raised in New York, but she ultimately taught in Northampton, Massachusetts. Starting in 1978, she worked in early childhood education until her retirement in 2017. She studied education and sociology at Stony Brook University and later took graduate courses at Bank Street
Sammi Grant
Sammi Grant is an adjunct professor and dialect coach who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. She earned a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Acting from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master's in Fine Arts with Distinction in Vocal Studies from the Royal Center School of Speech and Drama. Currently
Sara Minkara
Sara Minkara is a blind, Muslim, first-generation Lebanese-American entrepreneur who founded the global nonprofit Empowerment Through Integration (ETI). She earned a Bachelor's in Mathematics and Economics from Wellesley College and a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard University. Landing a spot
Jay Blake
Jay is the owner and crew chief for Follow A Dream, a non-profit organization which deals in drag racing. He attended Phelps Academy and later the Carroll Center for the Blind. After an explosive tire accident during his time as a mechanic, he lost all vision, smell and taste. When relearning how
Ann Chiappetta
Ann Chiappetta is an author, advocate, and guide dog handler who began losing her sight to Retinitis Pigmentosa at age 28.