Episode Summary
This episode explores the essentials of safe and confident solo travel for individuals who are blind or living with low vision. Host Kim Wardlow welcomes back seasoned traveler and travel advisor Sue Slater, who brings more than 40 years of firsthand experience traveling independently around the world.
Kim and Sue break down domestic and international travel safety, including airport navigation, researching safe neighborhoods, using rideshare responsibly, preparing for currency differences, avoiding scams and pickpockets, and keeping your passport, cards, and devices secure. Sue also highlights essential apps—including Aira, Be My Eyes, Google Translate, CityMapper, Ally, and XE Currency—and walks through realistic scenarios, from navigating New Orleans solo to handling unexpected passport emergencies abroad.
Listeners will learn how to plan ahead, assess risks, stay connected with loved ones during travel, travel with a guide dog, and build confidence through preparation. Sue closes with actionable guidance: research everything, book ahead, use vetted companies, and travel on your own terms—because “the world is your oyster” when you’re prepared.
Contact Info
Guest – Sue Slater
• Email: cruzaway2001@yahoo.com
• Phone: 314-541-8400
• Additional resource: Rising Star Kulach (inclusive travel organization; contact Sue for details)
Aftersight (Feedback & Questions)
• Email: feedback@aftersight.org
• Phone: 720-712-8856
Produced by Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight
Show Credits
Host: Kim Wardlow
Guest: Sue Slater
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast
Chapter Markers
00:00 — Intro & episode overview
01:20 — Meet Sue Slater
03:10 — Domestic solo travel basics
06:45 — Airport navigation & accessible tools
09:05 — Researching hotels and neighborhood safety
11:30 — Using Lyft/Uber safely when traveling alone
13:30 — International travel: currency & language prep
16:00 — Phone access, SIM cards & connectivity challenges
18:45 — Booking tours and transportation in advance
21:10 — Travel insurance essentials
23:00 — Protecting passports, cards & preventing theft
27:00 — Sue’s solo travel stories: New Orleans
29:30 — Sue’s solo travel stories: Dubai
31:20 — Emergencies abroad & contacting the embassy
33:00 — Staying connected with loved ones
35:00 — Traveling with a guide dog internationally
37:00 — Best apps for blind and low-vision travelers
40:15 — Final advice for new solo travelers
42:20 — How to contact Sue & inclusive travel groups
43:20 — Outro & listener questions
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Episode Summary
This episode explores the essentials of safe and confident solo travel for individuals who are blind or living with low vision. Host Kim Wardlow welcomes back seasoned traveler and travel advisor Sue Slater, who brings more than 40 years of firsthand experience traveling independently around the world.
Kim and Sue break down domestic and international travel safety, including airport navigation, researching safe neighborhoods, using rideshare responsibly, preparing for currency differences, avoiding scams and pickpockets, and keeping your passport, cards, and devices secure. Sue also highlights essential apps—including Aira, Be My Eyes, Google Translate, CityMapper, Ally, and XE Currency—and walks through realistic scenarios, from navigating New Orleans solo to handling unexpected passport emergencies abroad.
Listeners will learn how to plan ahead, assess risks, stay connected with loved ones during travel, travel with a guide dog, and build confidence through preparation. Sue closes with actionable guidance: research everything, book ahead, use vetted companies, and travel on your own terms—because “the world is your oyster” when you’re prepared.
Contact Info
Guest – Sue Slater
• Email: cruzaway2001@yahoo.com
• Phone: 314-541-8400
• Additional resource: Rising Star Kulach (inclusive travel organization; contact Sue for details)
Aftersight (Feedback & Questions)
• Email: feedback@aftersight.org
• Phone: 720-712-8856
Produced by Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight
Show Credits
Host: Kim Wardlow
Guest: Sue Slater
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast
Chapter Markers
00:00 — Intro & episode overview
01:20 — Meet Sue Slater
03:10 — Domestic solo travel basics
06:45 — Airport navigation & accessible tools
09:05 — Researching hotels and neighborhood safety
11:30 — Using Lyft/Uber safely when traveling alone
13:30 — International travel: currency & language prep
16:00 — Phone access, SIM cards & connectivity challenges
18:45 — Booking tours and transportation in advance
21:10 — Travel insurance essentials
23:00 — Protecting passports, cards & preventing theft
27:00 — Sue’s solo travel stories: New Orleans
29:30 — Sue’s solo travel stories: Dubai
31:20 — Emergencies abroad & contacting the embassy
33:00 — Staying connected with loved ones
35:00 — Traveling with a guide dog internationally
37:00 — Best apps for blind and low-vision travelers
40:15 — Final advice for new solo travelers
42:20 — How to contact Sue & inclusive travel groups
43:20 — Outro & listener questions
S206: Fraud and Safety: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You with Heidi Gassman
Navigating Life with Vision Loss
36 minutes
1 month ago
S206: Fraud and Safety: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You with Heidi Gassman
In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the safety series with a focus on fraud prevention. Attorney Heidi Gassman, a specialist in trusts, estates, and fraud prevention, shares insights from 30 years of practice. The discussion covers how fraud starts, early red flags, and practical steps to protect yourself—especially in the blind and low-vision community.
Topics include the post-2020 rise in scams, the difference between disability and incapacity, and the importance of trusted relationships. Heidi explains supported decision-making agreements, powers of attorney, and best practices for reviewing legal documents accessibly. Key takeaways: pause before acting, involve a trusted person, and never feel ashamed if targeted—report early to limit damage.
Contact Info
Guest:
Heidi Gassman, Attorney at Law — Trusts, Estates, Fraud Prevention
Aftersight:
Email: contact@aftersight.org
Phone: (303) 786-7777
To reach Kim Wardlow directly: Ext. 4112
Web: aftersight.org
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight
Show Credits
Host — Kim Wardlow
Guest — Heidi Gassman
Producer — Jonathan Price
Editing & Post-Production — Aftersight Audio Team
A Production of Aftersight Originals
Chapter Markers
00:00 — Introduction and overview of the Safety Series
01:05 — Heidi’s background and start in fraud prevention
03:12 — Early signs of fraud and real-life examples
07:00 — How fraudsters manipulate trust and persistence
09:30 — Making yourself less of a target
11:45 — Legal structures: Power of Attorney, Trusts, Guardianships
14:20 — Supported decision-making agreements explained
18:40 — Disability vs. incapacity: knowing the difference
21:00 — When fraud comes from within families
23:10 — Guidance for blind/low-vision individuals when signing
25:25 — What to do if you suspect fraud
27:40 — When to contact law enforcement
30:00 — Resources for legal and financial support
32:20 — You are not alone: act early and report
34:30 — Final thoughts and Aftersight contact information
Navigating Life with Vision Loss
Episode Summary
This episode explores the essentials of safe and confident solo travel for individuals who are blind or living with low vision. Host Kim Wardlow welcomes back seasoned traveler and travel advisor Sue Slater, who brings more than 40 years of firsthand experience traveling independently around the world.
Kim and Sue break down domestic and international travel safety, including airport navigation, researching safe neighborhoods, using rideshare responsibly, preparing for currency differences, avoiding scams and pickpockets, and keeping your passport, cards, and devices secure. Sue also highlights essential apps—including Aira, Be My Eyes, Google Translate, CityMapper, Ally, and XE Currency—and walks through realistic scenarios, from navigating New Orleans solo to handling unexpected passport emergencies abroad.
Listeners will learn how to plan ahead, assess risks, stay connected with loved ones during travel, travel with a guide dog, and build confidence through preparation. Sue closes with actionable guidance: research everything, book ahead, use vetted companies, and travel on your own terms—because “the world is your oyster” when you’re prepared.
Contact Info
Guest – Sue Slater
• Email: cruzaway2001@yahoo.com
• Phone: 314-541-8400
• Additional resource: Rising Star Kulach (inclusive travel organization; contact Sue for details)
Aftersight (Feedback & Questions)
• Email: feedback@aftersight.org
• Phone: 720-712-8856
Produced by Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight
Show Credits
Host: Kim Wardlow
Guest: Sue Slater
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast
Chapter Markers
00:00 — Intro & episode overview
01:20 — Meet Sue Slater
03:10 — Domestic solo travel basics
06:45 — Airport navigation & accessible tools
09:05 — Researching hotels and neighborhood safety
11:30 — Using Lyft/Uber safely when traveling alone
13:30 — International travel: currency & language prep
16:00 — Phone access, SIM cards & connectivity challenges
18:45 — Booking tours and transportation in advance
21:10 — Travel insurance essentials
23:00 — Protecting passports, cards & preventing theft
27:00 — Sue’s solo travel stories: New Orleans
29:30 — Sue’s solo travel stories: Dubai
31:20 — Emergencies abroad & contacting the embassy
33:00 — Staying connected with loved ones
35:00 — Traveling with a guide dog internationally
37:00 — Best apps for blind and low-vision travelers
40:15 — Final advice for new solo travelers
42:20 — How to contact Sue & inclusive travel groups
43:20 — Outro & listener questions
