In this episode Shawn dives into the world of Minecraft with co‑hosts Kaia, Russell, and Clement to explore how a game that seems ultra-visual can actually be surprisingly accessible (and even educational) for blind and low vision players.

They discuss what Minecraft actually is and why everything being made of 1x1 meter cubes is a big accessibility win and how the Minecraft Access Mod and screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver make it possible to explore, build, and fight zombies without sight.

If you’ve ever thought video games “aren’t for people that are blind and low vision,” or you’ve got a child who keeps asking about Minecraft, this conversation might change your mind. It’s part geek-out, part guide, and full of creative possibilities.

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

In honour of World Braille Day 2026, we’re excited to share a special co-release with our friends at the AT Banter Podcast. In this roundtable discussion, Shawn joins a panel of passionate braille advocates, including Jen Jesso and Riane LaPaire, to unpack the current state of braille literacy in Canada and why braille remains essential for access, independence, education, and employment.

Together they explore why braille is literacy, some of the gaps and systemic barriers and challenges still in place when it comes to access, and why awareness, advocacy, and enforcement of braille standards are critical. It's an honest, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately hopeful discussion about what needs to change and how we can all play a role in ensuring the blind and low vision community has equitable access to literacy.

It's an honest discussion about what needs to change and how we can all play a role in ensuring blind and partially sighted people have equitable access to literacy.

NNELS https://nnels.ca/

PRCVI https://www.prcvi.org/

Braille Literacy Canada http://www.blc-lbc.ca/

Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more.

This episode Shawn welcomes back co-host Jill to dive into the fast-growing world of blind soccer and Canada’s first-ever Women’s National Blind Soccer Team! Jill describes how she discovered blind soccer and joined the National Team and brings along the Head Coach, Matt Greenwood and her teammate Co-captain Ramya Amuthan to join the discussion. Learn what blind soccer actually looks and sounds like, the mental and physical demands of playing without sight, tracking the ball by sound, trusting teammates, and managing information overload. We also get a very special behind-the-scenes look at World Championships in India that took place in October! If you are a sports fan at all, or even just curious, you won't want to miss this one!

Blind Beginning’s mission is to inspire children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families through diverse programs, experiences, counseling and peer support, and opportunities to create fulfilling lives. Visit us online at www.blindbeginnings.ca to find out more!