Exercise can be challenging. It can be difficult to get off the couch somedays. But for my guest today, and millions of others, the challenges of physical fitness extend beyond the will to tie up the shoelaces.
Sherri Thompson is a Navy veteran, glass ceiling breaker, turned athlete and advocate for the visually impaired. An accident while serving her country led to the loss of her sight but not her passion for staying active. Sherri guides us through her daily challenges as a visually impaired member of our community, how she has sought help along the way and how she is helping others. Blind rehab saved Sherri's life, and specifically her work with the group Para Guide has made a huge difference in her quality of life. We will also speak with the founder of that group Shannon Houlihan.
Shannon Houlihan is a mother of two children, a triathlete and the President and Co-founder of the Para Guide Foundation. Originally from Houston, Shannon was a commercial lender and teacher in Texas before moving to Charlotte in 2016. Shannon believes there should be opportunity for all, equity for all and accessibility for all. With that belief fueling her passion, the Para Guide Foundation was born.
On today's podcast...
4:30 - Sherri helped break a glass ceiling in the Navy in the 70's
8:57 - Sherri's daily routine and how it's affected by being visually impaired
13:08 - Charlotte can be a difficult city for a visually impaired person
17:56 - What you can and can't do without the gift of sight
23:00 - When Shannon (and Para Guide) met Sherri
26:20 - We consider it a good day if a guide has connected with a visually impaired or mobility impaired or deaf-blind athlete.
30:56 - How Para Guides communicate with visually impaired athletes to help them stay safe while staying active
34:25 - Working with deaf-blind athletes
38:42 - How you can help Para Guide, an all-volunteer organization
42:57 - Para Guide can meet you where you are at
Hidden Stories is a production of the Sell or Die Network, a collection of the best podcasts on sales and personal development on the planet. Check out what else we have to offer:
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