State and Local Advocacy: Part 2 – Testimony, Lawmaking, and Turning the Tide

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Navigating Life with Vision Loss

Aftersight

133 episodes

3 days ago

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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State and Local Advocacy: Part 2 – Testimony, Lawmaking, and Turning the Tide

Navigating Life with Vision Loss

39 minutes

6 months ago

State and Local Advocacy: Part 2 – Testimony, Lawmaking, and Turning the Tide

In this empowering second part of our conversation with Julie Reiskin, we dive deep into how advocacy becomes action—especially at the state and local levels. Julie walks listeners through the journey of how a bill becomes law in Colorado, explains the importance of testimony (and how to give it), and shares practical ways to engage even if public speaking feels intimidating. We also hear the inspiring story of Cindy Vaughn, a deafblind advocate who mobilized her community and catalyzed lasting legislative change around SSP funding. Julie and Kim explore what it means to “keep people afloat, make waves, and ultimately turn the tide”—a compelling framework for sustainable advocacy and social change. Julie also discusses upcoming trainings from CCDC, and how listeners can plug in, from action alerts to legislator meetings. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned voice, this episode is a powerful reminder that change begins with showing up—and that a small group of committed people truly can change the world. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome and Preview of Fall 2025 "Safety Series" 01:10 – Introduction to Legislative Process in Colorado 03:30 – Testimony: How It Works and Why It Matters 06:00 – Committee Hearings, Amendments, and Dead Bills 09:15 – Written Testimony, Video Testimony & Accessibility 11:40 – Meeting Legislators and Story Banks 14:30 – Cindy Vaughn: Deafblind Advocate Who Sparked Change 20:00 – From Emergency Funding to Legislative Reform 26:00 – Pushing Through Discouragement and Being Taken Seriously 30:00 – Measuring Success in Advocacy 32:15 – The “Water Analogy” of Advocacy: Float, Waves, Tide 35:00 – Julie’s Most Encouraging Takeaways 36:35 – CCDC's Upcoming Trainings & Getting Involved 38:00 – Final Encouragement and Call to Action Contact & Resources: Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC): Website: https://www.ccdconline.org Sign up for training and action alerts Aftersight: Website: https://www.aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Follow Our Podcasts: Navigating Life with Vision Loss The Blind Chick Blind Level Tech Blindsight

Navigating Life with Vision Loss