Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Annaliese Knop, mental health professional, and Laura Millar, public health expert—co-founders of the Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)—for a deep, empowering discussion about safe online dating, boundaries, consent, and healthy connections in the blind and low-vision community.
They unpack the “Be Nice and Educate” mindset often taught to blind individuals, showing how it can unintentionally suppress autonomy. Annaliese and Laura explain the FRIES model of consent (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific) and offer concrete tools to identify red flags, build confidence in saying “no,” and create emotionally and physically safe dating experiences.
The episode also explores reactive independence vs. interdependence, how internalized ableism can affect relationships, and how to reframe blindness as strength rather than limitation. Through humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, this conversation encourages listeners to embrace joy, agency, and dignity in dating—online and offline.
Contact Info
Guests & Organization
Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)
Website & Facebook: Search “Blind Sexuality Access Network”
Aftersight Contact
📞 (720) 712-8856
✉️ feedback@aftersight.org
🌐 aftersight.org
Producer
Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight
Show Credits
Host: Kim Wardlow
Guests: Annaliese Knop & Laura Millar
Production: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast
Chapter Markers
00:00 — Introduction
00:26 — Safe Online Dating Overview
01:00 — Origins of the Blind Sexuality Access Network
02:45 — Combining Sex Positivity and Blind Positivity
05:00 — Personal Journeys and Motivation
07:35 — The “Be Nice and Educate” Problem
10:00 — Trauma, Boundaries, and Consent Culture
12:15 — The 5C Framework for Responding to Harm
14:40 — The FRIES Model of Consent
17:05 — Empowerment in Online Dating
19:27 — Learning to Say “No” with Support
21:50 — Red and Green Flags in Online Profiles
26:14 — Trusting Gut Feelings (Interoception)
28:39 — Disclosure and Internalized Ableism
31:02 — First Date Safety Strategies
35:19 — Communicating Access Needs
37:39 — Independence vs. Interdependence
41:53 — Reactive Independence and Toxic Perfectionism
43:53 — Closing Advice and BSAN Invitation
All content for Navigating Life with Vision Loss is the property of Aftersight and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Annaliese Knop, mental health professional, and Laura Millar, public health expert—co-founders of the Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)—for a deep, empowering discussion about safe online dating, boundaries, consent, and healthy connections in the blind and low-vision community.
They unpack the “Be Nice and Educate” mindset often taught to blind individuals, showing how it can unintentionally suppress autonomy. Annaliese and Laura explain the FRIES model of consent (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific) and offer concrete tools to identify red flags, build confidence in saying “no,” and create emotionally and physically safe dating experiences.
The episode also explores reactive independence vs. interdependence, how internalized ableism can affect relationships, and how to reframe blindness as strength rather than limitation. Through humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, this conversation encourages listeners to embrace joy, agency, and dignity in dating—online and offline.
Contact Info
Guests & Organization
Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)
Website & Facebook: Search “Blind Sexuality Access Network”
Aftersight Contact
📞 (720) 712-8856
✉️ feedback@aftersight.org
🌐 aftersight.org
Producer
Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight
Show Credits
Host: Kim Wardlow
Guests: Annaliese Knop & Laura Millar
Production: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast
Chapter Markers
00:00 — Introduction
00:26 — Safe Online Dating Overview
01:00 — Origins of the Blind Sexuality Access Network
02:45 — Combining Sex Positivity and Blind Positivity
05:00 — Personal Journeys and Motivation
07:35 — The “Be Nice and Educate” Problem
10:00 — Trauma, Boundaries, and Consent Culture
12:15 — The 5C Framework for Responding to Harm
14:40 — The FRIES Model of Consent
17:05 — Empowerment in Online Dating
19:27 — Learning to Say “No” with Support
21:50 — Red and Green Flags in Online Profiles
26:14 — Trusting Gut Feelings (Interoception)
28:39 — Disclosure and Internalized Ableism
31:02 — First Date Safety Strategies
35:19 — Communicating Access Needs
37:39 — Independence vs. Interdependence
41:53 — Reactive Independence and Toxic Perfectionism
43:53 — Closing Advice and BSAN Invitation
State and Local Advocacy: Part 2 – Testimony, Lawmaking, and Turning the Tide
Navigating Life with Vision Loss
39 minutes
5 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
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Navigating Life with Vision Loss
Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Annaliese Knop, mental health professional, and Laura Millar, public health expert—co-founders of the Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)—for a deep, empowering discussion about safe online dating, boundaries, consent, and healthy connections in the blind and low-vision community.
They unpack the “Be Nice and Educate” mindset often taught to blind individuals, showing how it can unintentionally suppress autonomy. Annaliese and Laura explain the FRIES model of consent (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific) and offer concrete tools to identify red flags, build confidence in saying “no,” and create emotionally and physically safe dating experiences.
The episode also explores reactive independence vs. interdependence, how internalized ableism can affect relationships, and how to reframe blindness as strength rather than limitation. Through humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, this conversation encourages listeners to embrace joy, agency, and dignity in dating—online and offline.
Contact Info
Guests & Organization
Blind Sexuality Access Network (BSAN)
Website & Facebook: Search “Blind Sexuality Access Network”
Aftersight Contact
📞 (720) 712-8856
✉️ feedback@aftersight.org
🌐 aftersight.org
Producer
Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight
Show Credits
Host: Kim Wardlow
Guests: Annaliese Knop & Laura Millar
Production: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast
Chapter Markers
00:00 — Introduction
00:26 — Safe Online Dating Overview
01:00 — Origins of the Blind Sexuality Access Network
02:45 — Combining Sex Positivity and Blind Positivity
05:00 — Personal Journeys and Motivation
07:35 — The “Be Nice and Educate” Problem
10:00 — Trauma, Boundaries, and Consent Culture
12:15 — The 5C Framework for Responding to Harm
14:40 — The FRIES Model of Consent
17:05 — Empowerment in Online Dating
19:27 — Learning to Say “No” with Support
21:50 — Red and Green Flags in Online Profiles
26:14 — Trusting Gut Feelings (Interoception)
28:39 — Disclosure and Internalized Ableism
31:02 — First Date Safety Strategies
35:19 — Communicating Access Needs
37:39 — Independence vs. Interdependence
41:53 — Reactive Independence and Toxic Perfectionism
43:53 — Closing Advice and BSAN Invitation
