Canes in the Margins

In this podcast session, we highlight the increasing rates ofmisrepresentation of emotional support animals (ESA) by the public and the relative mental health and safety consequences for people with BVI. Through a combination of empirical and anecdotal evidence, we highlight the effect of the loss of functionality, orientation, and independence for the person with BVI. In addition, we magnify the...

In this first-ever video episode, we welcome a wide variety of multidimensional guests who have agreed to aid in the meaningful formation of the concept of "blind joy" by sharing their experiences, beliefs, and knowledge as multidimensional people who also have blindness or visual impairment. Blind joy is a concept that postulates people with BVI are more than capable of identifying joy,...

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...

In this episode, we welcome Marcus Engel as he encourages us to shift our focus from observer to doer; follower to leader; leader to learner all within the context of compassion amidst human suffering. Marcus’ narrative of vision loss and success is not your typical rehabilitative story. Marcus speaks passionately and with critical emphasis on the healing power of meaningful relationships within t...

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. Clairis...

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...

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 unp...

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 symptom...

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 th...

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.