We also explore Jonathan’s determination to make opportunities happen, including his strong desire to work in the radio field. As Jonathan recalls:

“We used to have, at the Foundation for the Blind as it was called then, these career counselors, and one of them told me that radio was not a career that was viable for blind people anymore, and this is the ’80s, because radio was becoming a lot more computerized and the computer technology wasn’t accessible. And so I refused to accept this. I really wanted to work in radio, and I thought I could do a good job. So I decided that I would just have to make it happen for myself.”

We’ll also hear this key piece of advice from Jonathan:

“The one opportunity you definitely won’t get is the opportunity that you don’t go for.”

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll hear about the changes in Jonathan’s life since this interview was recorded, including his new role with the National Federation of the Blind.

Interviewer: Robert Evans

Produced and edited by: Cameron Scott and Cullen Gallagher

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Growing up in Yonkers, New York, Michael’s parents noticed early on that his eyes were not responding as expected. A visit to the eye doctor led to a diagnosis of Norrie disease. Despite this, Michael quickly discovered a passion that would shape his future: computers.

“I had really been interested in computers from an early age. I started using JAWS when I was, like, seven years old. I just gravitated towards it when I realized that there was something that I could do with it.”

That early interest grew into a career in software engineering. Michael went on to develop audio games and eventually became a senior developer on the accessibility team at Amazon.

Reflecting on his work, Michael shared, “What really draws me to programming today is the fact that I can build something and put it out into the world and have other people use it, it’s just amazing.”

In this episode, we explore Michael’s journey into software engineering, his involvement with the National Federation of the Blind, his love of travel and his experience riding in a self-driving car.

Interview and Voiceovers: Syed Safoola

Post-production and Mixing: Cullen Gallagher

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Mike first learned about his vision loss in first grade during a school eye exam. When he was unable to see the balloons on the chart, he was referred to the Cleveland Clinic, where he was diagnosed with macular degeneration and told he would likely lose his vision by age 18. At the time, he didn’t fully understand what that meant, only what his mother told him: “It just means you’re going to be special, son.”

Mike later found his path in technology while attending community college in Denver, where he participated in a computer training program for people with disabilities. He went on to work for several Fortune 500 companies, where he began to recognize the disability community as a largely untapped talent pool.

This realization ultimately led him to found the Blind Institute of Technology, an organization dedicated to connecting talented individuals with disabilities to meaningful careers in tech.

Join us as we get to know Mike, explore his educational journey, and hear the story behind the founding of BIT and the impact it continues to make today.

As Mike said in the episode, “Let’s open up more doors for this amazing talent pool.”

Links:

BIT Website

Interviewer: Khayree Lofton

Edited by Cullen Gallagher

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Growing up in Northeast Ohio, James was diagnosed at age nine with Stargardt's disease. His early education was marked by inconsistent accommodations and a lack of understanding from educators, often requiring him to advocate for his own needs in ways that proved exhausting. These challenges shaped his experience in school, and, at times, limited his engagement.

Everything changed when James entered college. For the first time, he encountered a system that actively supported his success. Originally drawn to marketing, he discovered digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO), setting the foundation for his career.

Today, James serves as an instructor with the Blind Institute of Technology, where he teaches a digital accessibility course designed to prepare professionals with disabilities for careers in a rapidly growing field. In addition to teaching, he works in accessibility consulting, trains organizations, mentors apprentices, and advocates for more inclusive digital experiences.

Join us as we explore James’s journey, from education challenges to building his own business and empowering others with disabilities to succeed in the workforce.

On accessibility, James says, “it really isn't hard. It really doesn't cost a bunch of extra money when you approach it the right way. And the right way is doing it all the time, making it just a normal part of doing business, from planning to research, design, development, to launch.”

Interviewer: Syed Safoola

Edited by Cullen Gallagher

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Eileen Curran is a seasoned TVI with decades of experience in the field. “I was born with cataracts,” she explains. "I am one of six kids. Three of us were born with cataracts. Way back when I was born, they didn't have a good, solid procedure for dealing with congenital cataracts. So, due to the surgeries that I had and everything, I was left legally blind, where I have vision in one eye and nothing in the other. And in the one eye that I do see out of, it's about 20/200. So it's good usable vision that has been very stable throughout the years.”  Eileen earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in education from Boston College and went on to become a certified TVI. She spent 24 years at National Braille Press, where she held a variety of roles and authored several books, including Just Enough to Know Better and two Braille puzzle books. Her career has also included time at the Carroll Center for the Blind and as a TVI with Boston Public Schools. In this episode, we explore Eileen’s journey growing up with blind siblings, attending public school, and eventually finding her path as an educator. We’ll also dive into her work as an assistive technology instructor and her experiences as a published author. Along the way, we’ll discover what makes Eileen a successful teacher. Interviewer: Steven Smith Produced and edited by: Cullen Gallagher

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

At the Age of 7, Sara’s vision began to deteriorate. Her sister had recently experienced vision loss the very same way. Sara’s parents guided them to realize that they have as much to contribute to society than Sara notes that she had excellent support system when she was young and was inspired to help people in all communities and spaces to be more inclusive. This award-winning work proves that every individual has skills and talents to contribute to those around them,

Her programs and speaking events foster and strengthen, allowing them to explore their true selves. Sara founded Empowerment Through Integration, a non-profit that allows participants to explore their true selves and become connected to their skills and strengths. The organization works with youth with disabilities, providing critical life skills. She served as its CEO for over ten years, and is still involved with their work as a board member for the organization. Sara is internationally recognized champion for disability inclusion, individual empowerment and social enterprise and the founder and CEO of Sara Minkara LLC. (SMLLC). Sara and her team promote authentic leadership to drive strategic solutions through value-based inclusion. She has lead workshops across five continents, speaking to different communities, from small and intimate groups, to larger venues for hundreds of people.

Sara’s work has been recognized throughout the world, and she has received several awards for her life-changing mission. Join us as we learn more about Sara, her journey and accomplishments, and her philosophies.

To find out more, please visit https://saraminkara.com

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At the age of 31, Jay was faced with transitioning to living with vision loss. While working as the head mechanic of a transportation company in May of 1997, he worked as a crew chief. Due to an industrial tire explosion accident that caused him to lose complete vision, smell, and taste. While learning daily living skills. Despite this change, Jay did not lose his positive attitude on life nor his desire to pursue his dreams. He attended participated in rehabilitation training to learn how to make the most of daily life. He soon learned that even without sight, he was still able to do what he loved most-work on racing engines.

Through years of determination and perseverance, he was able to realize his dream and founded Follow A Dream Racing. Turning his dream into a reality, Jay combined his participation in drag racing with his desire to spread his true-life success by inspiring others to accomplish their goals through the Power of Positive Thinking, Self-Determination, and Teamwork. Jay also tours the country giving his “5 Tools for Life Success” motivational presentations at schools, corporate events, military bases, as well as promotional and charitable events.

Join us as we learn more about Jay’s journey, Follow A Dream, and his renewed sense of determination

Find out more about Jay at: https://followadream.org

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Music copyright Epydemic Sound.
A transcript of this podcast can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VTd3otkkLjuGE4G_ozFqTFrDMjRM28iwDv0Vyidsj_E/edit?usp=sharing

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

We are pleased to introduce the world to the Trades Win oral history/career explorations project. As our first guest, we are excited to introduce you to Sina Bahram.
Sina Bahram is currently living in Cary, North  Carolina. He Received his B S.  In computer science in May 2007 from North Carolina State University. He later received his M. S in computer science in December 2011 and PHD in computer science after.In2012 he was  Awarded the White House champion of change presidential award.He Was also  voted emerging leader ship in digital accessibility at the annual  Knowbility Community heroes of accessibility awards In 2015 Sina has also been a part of different professional organizations like AMC/EITP, UPE and co-president of the net users. .Not only that, he was president of the Java users group  Send senior member of Wolfgrid high  performance grid computer group. He is someone that dislikes being bored. He is running prime access consulting which he says provides him a never ending stream of fun, complex, and impactful projects. He is very passionate about accessibility. He speaks to small and large groups and organizations about web accessibility and gives motivational speeches on overcoming obstacles to the blind. He also likes to speak about his current research and how he can help people with disabilities. He says he loves discussing this topic. He has achieved many other goals in life, and is considered to be very successful in champiogning the power of technology to increase equity for people with disabilities.            For more information on today's guest, please visit www.sinabahrahm.com For an episode transcript, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uviGxMnoea1Xck5OelhUAeXxA4f0B2Nf3b7jR8p4xJs/edit?usp=sharing For more information on this project and other innovative disability focused person-centered programming, please visit www.poluscenter.org Please like and review us on the Apple podcast app, and get in touch with the Polus Center on social media to have a conversation around this episode.