NABS NOW Podcast

In this episode of the NABS Now Podcast, we answer the questions on the minds of Nabsters about to graduate or looking to the future: what will the NFB hold for me? Will there still be a place for me outside of the student division? Our guests—former NABS First Vice President Manahil Jafri and NFB of Louisiana North Central Chapter President Stephanie Martin—outline their involvement with the NFB...

Join Qualik Ford and Izzie Bailey in learning from blind parents about what works for them, the workarounds they’ve come up with, and the challenges they overcome as parents! Featuring Danielle Agajan, Jeff Crouch, Chuy Vaca, and Kia Vaca, this episode explores what it looks like to enter this new phase of adulthood and how to plan for the future! Stay connected with us: Facebook: https://www.face...

On this monumental episode of the NABS Now podcast, hosts Izzie Bailey and Qualiq Ford sit down with none other than the National Federation of the Blind president, Mark Riccobono. In this conversation that is as poignant as it is timely, President Riccobono debunks myths surrounding the changes at the U.S. department of Education, provides invaluable perspective on what they mean for blind studen...

What does the white cane truly represent? For many students, the journey to answering that question is filled with complex feelings. In this episode, we sit down with three panelists who share their personal evolution with the white cane—from initial uncertainty to ultimate empowerment. They discuss overcoming social awkwardness, building confidence on campus, and viewing the cane as a symbol of i...

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is one of three bedrock civil rights laws protecting the rights of disabled Americans, and it is in danger of being struck down with immediate and serious consequences not only for blind students but for all disabled Americans via a lawsuit brought by seventeen U.S. states. In this podcast, hosts Noah Carver and Selene Monjaraz talk with Casey Robertso...

Are you curious about how to put yourself out there while blind? Maybe you’re hoping to show your beloved that blindness isn’t a barrier to successful, happy, and healthy relationships? In this episode, we’re joined by two lovely couples, Juhi Narula x Tim Olukanni, and Anneliese Dace x Seyoon Choi. Get cozy as we explore the challenges, joys, and surprises that come with blind love, literally 😉...

Though rideshare has been a great equalizer for blind travelers, consistent discrimination against blind riders—especially guide dog users—has been a relentless issue that has not been meaningfully addressed by Uber and Lyft, the most popular ride-sharing services in the United States. After years of good-faith attempts at a resolution, hundreds of blind people rallied in front of the corporate he...

Most students have or will have to share their living space with sighted roommates at some point. Sometimes everything's great, but what should you do when your needs aren’t being met? Initially, you might think living alone is the solution, but that may not work depending on your situation. Besides, roommates are a huge part of the college experience for many people. Whether you’re a guide dog us...

Are you considering taking the next step in your academic journey by pursuing a graduate degree? Join us on this episode of NABS Now podcast for an in-depth look at everything you need to know about graduate school. We’ll cover the ins and outs of applying, choosing the right program, and what to expect once you’re in the program as a blind student. Thank you to our guest panelists. Hosted by Isab...

In this episode, we'll delve into the rich history of NABS Now, exploring its origins and how it's grown into a vibrant platform for blind students, educators, and advocates. Seyoon and Kinshuk will pull back the curtain on the production process, revealing the magic (and maybe a little mayhem) that goes into crafting each episode. Hosted by Noah Carver and sound edited and mixed by James...

In this episode, "Echoes of Advocacy & Empowerment: United Voices for Change," we delve into the heart of collective action and advocacy with Dr. Justin Young, a governmental affairs specialist. Join us as we explore the impactful narratives from the National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar, highlighting the powerful convergence of voices advocating for meaningful legislat...

In this episode of our NABS Now podcast, we delve into the intricate world of living with invisible disabilities alongside blindness. Join our esteemed guest speakers, Rodger Suarez and Lina Howard, as they share their insights and personal experiences, topped with their 60 second advice, in coping with invisible disabilities and their means to live their lives to their fullest. Hosted by Seyoon C...

"In this unique and heartfelt bonus episode of the NABS Now podcast, titled 'What Blind Equality Achievement Month Means to Us', we step back and turn the spotlight onto our vibrant community of blind students. As we celebrate White Cane Awareness Day and immerse ourselves in Blindness Equality Achievement Month, we hear directly from blind students from across the nation. Through the...

In this special BEAM-focused episode of the NABS Now podcast, we're joined by Lauren Altman, the newly elected President of the National Association of Blind Students. Dive deep into Lauren's powerful testimony as she recounts her journey of acceptance, empowerment, and leadership within the Federation. With candid discussions on confronting and challenging internalized ableism, to finding...

In this enlightening episode, our host, Seyoon Choi, alongside co-host Hunter Kuester, welcomes speakers Manahil Jafri and Lizzy Cappelli to share their inspiring journeys. From the vibrant countries like Denmark and Spain, to the intimate corners of international classrooms within those respective nations, these students offer a front-row seat to the challenges, joys, and lessons they've garnered...

"In this enlightening episode of NABS Now Podcast, we explore the innovative social media platform, Mastodon - the new frontier for the National Federation of the Blind. Dive into the intricacies of this dynamic, privacy-focused network as we guide you through the 'toots' and 'boosts' of Mastodon's bustling online metropolis. Discover how this platform offers an enriching, user-friendly experience...

In this insightful episode, Seyoon and Manahil sit down with our colleagues, Juhi and Mausam, who share their personal stories, invaluable advice, and practical tips on how they navigated the transition from college life to a fulfilling professional career. They discuss overcoming barriers, adapting to new environments, and building a strong support network to thrive in the adult world post colleg...

In this captivating April episode of the NABS Now podcast, we delve into the unique challenges and experiences of navigating social settings as a blind student. From nightlife, house parties and both small and large gatherings, this episode has you covered to maximize your social time and having fun while overcoming barriers that may hinder your experience as a blind student. *This episode include...

The NABS Now team is thrilled to have Luke from Clusiv, his education startup dedicated to birding the gap for blind students to obtain the necessary skillsets to jump into modern day workforce. Whether you are looking to improve on your use of sophisticated Microsoft 365 sweet with JAWS, virtual meeting platform such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, to exploring potential roles and preparing for post...

The rise in the use of dating apps and platforms have popularized our understanding around finding love. Apps such as Tinder, Hinge, to name a few, have centered around showcasing visual elements such as photos of individuals as one attempts to build an appealing profile about themselves. So the NABS Now team decided to invite some of our colleagues to get an insight scoop on how a blind person co...

Happy new year! The NABS Now crew is back with a fresh season of our podcast, with individuals devoted to competitive and recreational mainstream video games. Yet wondered how this is achievable as a blind player? Listen to the episode, as our speakers for this month has answers to share. Are you interested in assisting with the production of our future episodes of the NABS Now podcast? Email Seyo...

Can you name some of the most extreme travel conditions you had to endure? How about exploring variety of cane techniques to maximize your independent travel? With colder temperatures lingering over us in many states, this episode is all about maximizing your cane techniques to the fullest, plus, advice from a cane travel instructor on effective cane usage in many different conditions. Thank you t...

Marching bands are found in many places, and at many occasions. With its profound roots from military bands to highly competitive marching core groups and marching bands in high school, college and beyond, magnificent sounds from those drums and detailed choreographies are as detailed oriented as it is highly visual. So are there in fact tips, tricks and ways a blind musician could possibly step i...

October is blindness equality and achievement month, or BEAM for short. To celebrate, the NABS Now team decided to invite a two pairs of blind siblings who exemplifies positive perspectives on their blindness, and gives us into a sneak peek into their family dynamics and lifestyles as siblings. Thank you to our special guests Aida and Edina Talic, Tim and Joshua Olukanni Created and produced by Se...

Description: Fall can be quite exciting for so many. Perhaps a pumpkin spice Latte from Starbucks or watching the leaves fall under the clear blue sky as the temperatures gently fall is not enough? For many students and educators, fall also marks the beginning of the start of the school year. Have you always wondered how you can support your blind students in your learning environment? Curious as...