Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential

A dedicated Army medic’s transformation into a leading advocate for blinded veterans reflects the power of resilience and purpose.

Dr. Thomas Zampieri’s journey began with a military calling inspired by family heroes and evolved into a distinguished medical career. When retinitis pigmentosa ended his surgical work, he redirected his expertise toward advancing policy and support for veterans with vision loss. Through adv...

Vivecca Hartman, board member at The Lighthouse of Houston and parent of an adult son who is deafblind, shares practical insights on building community resources and advocacy for families affected by dual sensory loss. The episode details her experience with educational advocacy, navigating life beyond school years, and the development of programs like TouchBase Center for the Deaf-Blind. Hartman explains how Lighthouse programming...

Reaching the first anniversary of Sightless Voices: Unleashing Potential marks more than a milestone.

During this episode, Jennifer Parrish is joined by The Lighthouse's president Jenna Dhayer, as they share the stories, connections, and community that have grown around every episode. Behind each conversation lies thoughtful feedback and heartfelt messages from listeners, along with inspiring journeys from guests who have experienc...

Charlie Hardwick discusses accessible technology for vision loss, adaptive strategies for daily living, and career transitions as a visually impaired journalist, musician, and graphic designer.

He and Jennifer cover assistive devices like Be My Eyes and VoiceVista, digital tools for creative work, and best practices for visually impaired travel. Charlie shares experience running with Achilles International, building independence, a...

Ruby Cabral joins the show to talk about orientation and mobility (O&M) and activities of daily living (ADL) services for blind and visually impaired people at The Lighthouse of Houston.

This episode highlights how O&M and ADL support independence, explains practical training and technologies, covers career pathways, describes resource access, and identifies challenges related to specialist availability. The conversation ad...

What does it take to push forward when it feels like life keeps throwing challenges your way? 

Danelle Chaplain knows what it means to confront vision loss, fight cancer, and juggle parenting while building a new life through the Lighthouse of Houston. 

In this episode:

• Danelle talks about finding the strength to move forward each day.
• She shares what it’s like to rebuild independence after losing her vision.
• A...

What happens when your life changes after a single spot in your eyesight turns out to be something bigger? 

Jason Garza faced vision loss, got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and faced the reality of family falling apart because of it. 

In this powerful conversation, he talks about:

• Learning he was legally blind after ignoring that first warning sign
• Losing his independence and finding new ways to move forward
• How...

What does it mean to lose your sight and keep moving forward? 

Reverend Michael Garrett has spent his life as a leader and advocate in the blind and low vision community. He’s faced changes in vision, learned new ways to adapt, and built up others…both on and off the field. 

On today’s episode:

• Michael shares what it’s like to grow up with retinitis pigmentosa and adapt over time
• He explains ...

What does it mean to create a lasting impact in your city? We often think about the ways people connect, raise funds, and volunteer—sometimes never knowing the full reach of their actions.

Karen Craig has spent decades working within the Houston Delta Gamma Foundation. Her journey shows how simple service projects can bring people together and fill real needs in the blind and low vision community.

Today, she’s sharing h...

What happens when you build a career on helping others find their potential, and then your own path changes in a way you never expected? 

Sara Freeman-Smith found out when she faced vision loss in the middle of her professional life. She worked in recruiting, went to grad school, and then had to learn how to navigate the world in a new way. 

Today, Sara shares:

• What it means to become an advocate for yourself and for...

What inspires a mother of five to redefine herself as a pillar of strength in the blind community?

Victoria Hillard's story is one of resilience and empowerment after losing her vision at the age of 30. Faced with the challenge of raising children while adjusting to blindness, she emerged as a leader at The Lighthouse of Houston. Her dedication now uplifts others, proving that obstacles can become stepping stones to greatness.

Key ...

What propels a young woman to embark on a journey of healing and empowerment despite vision loss?

Alissa Jennings, a skilled massage therapist and accomplished singer in the Houston Lighthouse Choir, has turned challenges into triumphs with undeniable resilience. Her initial struggles with accepting Braille transformed into a career fueled by passion and determination. 

Through unwavering support from her family and programs a...

What inspires a person to conquer remarkable adventures despite significant obstacles? 

Michael McCulloch's journey from losing vision to becoming a trailblazer for the blind and low vision community is a testament to his resilience and courage. From pioneering iBUG Today, a non-profit organization, to scaling Machu Picchu, McCulloch defies the limits of sightlessness. His story encourages others to embrace challenges and forg...

How does someone rise from personal challenges to become a voice for change in the blind community?

Talia Woodard's journey of vision loss, beginning at a young age and overcoming obstacles like a pituitary brain tumor, illustrates resilience and perseverance. Participating in programs like Ski for Light and serving as a leader in the National Federation of the Blind, she has transformed her experiences into advocacy and support fo...

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn and transforms an individual's path?

Joseph Fleeks' journey from navigating adolescence to becoming a protector of the blind community is a testament to resilience and growth. After losing his sight at 16, Fleeks faced new challenges and embraced community support to thrive. Through the Blind Professionals Network, he now empowers others on their journeys.

Key Takeaways

1. Joseph Flee...

How does one create a meaningful legacy in honor of a loved one?

Jackie Collins shares the story of her daughter, Meagan Collins, who was born blind and achieved remarkable things before her untimely passing. Meagan's journey challenges perceptions of disability. Jackie also established the Meagan Collins Foundation, which supports children facing various challenges.

The foundation provides scholarships and partners with community ...

How can a visually impaired student navigate the complexities of mainstream education successfully?

Abby Herrera, a college marketing major at Houston Community College, shares her journey and strategies for academic success. Despite facing challenges due to her vision loss, Abby emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and utilizing available resources. Her experiences highlight the empowering role of inclusive education and the...

How does a person overcome personal adversity and find resilience through community and music?

George Batiste's journey of experiencing vision loss from glaucoma and evacuating Hurricane Katrina illustrates remarkable adaptability and strength. Despite challenges, the support of loved ones and his involvement in the lighthouse choir highlight the healing power of community and music. His story is one of triumph over adversity, unde...

How does a life-altering accident reshape a person's identity and purpose?

Ron Graham's transformation from a state prison captain to an advocate for the visually impaired illustrates resilience and self-empowerment after losing his sight in a car accident. Facing immense challenges, he learned to embrace his new identity and advocate for others in similar situations. His journey underscores the importance of self-acceptance and co...