After a summer break, AT Banter is back—and Rob Mineault and Steve Barclay kick things off with cruise talk, comeback-show jitters, and a lively conversation with Libby Thaw, creator of the Checkered Eye symbol. Libby shares her journey with Stargardt’s disease and explains why she created a simple way for people with low vision to let others know they may need a little understanding. They explore what the symbol means, how it can complement (but not replace) a white cane for traffic safety, and why public awareness of vision as a spectrum matters. They also chat about the project’s long road to recognition, the challenges of getting media attention, and how listeners can help spread the word. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/podcast-episode-463.pdf

Show Notes

The Checkered Eye Project https://checkeredeye.com/

AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324 or visit their Assistive Technology Showroom at 106 – 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver.

Need repairs on your device? Chaos Technical Services offers service and support on almost any piece of Assistive Technology, while also providing parts and batteries. Visit them online at www.chaostechnicalservices.com or call 778-847-6840.

This week, Rob, Steve, and Lis sit down with Tom Perski, a pioneer in low vision rehabilitation and assistive technology whose lived experience has shaped services for thousands of people with vision loss.

Diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease at 19, He shares candidly about dropping out of college, grief, denial, and the long journey back through rehab, assistive technology, and ultimately a career helping others navigate the same path. We also dive into Tom’s new memoir, “There’s No Vision Like Low Vision,” which chronicles his journey and offers a hopeful, honest roadmap for anyone facing vision loss or any major life change.

If you or someone you know is newly diagnosed with vision loss, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/podcast-episode-462-tom-perski.pdf

There’s No Vision Like Low Vision on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Vision-Like-Low-Degeneration/dp/1998315487

AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324 or visit their Assistive Technology Showroom at 106 – 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver.

Need repairs on your device? Chaos Technical Services offers service and support on almost any piece of Assistive Technology, while also providing parts and batteries. Visit them online at www.chaostechnicalservices.com or call 778-847-6840.

This week the gang sits down with guests Diane Dubrovner and Stacy Cervenka, co-authors of the new middle-grade novel Roxie in Color. The book follows Roxie, a shy 12-year-old starting at a new school who’s trying to keep one big secret under wraps: both of her parents are blind. The story explores real issues faced by the blind community, all told through the lens of Stacy’s real-life lived experience. Join us as we learn about the book’s origins, what the long distance co-authoring experience was like, and why representation, lived experience, and not lecturing kids are at the core of their storytelling.

Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/at-banter-podcast-episode-461-roxie-in-color.pdf

Roxie in Color on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/Roxie-Color-Diane-Debrovner/dp/1536246603 Roxie in Color Audiobook on Audible https://www.audible.ca/pd/Roxie-in-Color-Audiobook/B0GNR5DSXF

AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324 or visit their Assistive Technology Showroom at 106 – 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver.

Need repairs on your device? Chaos Technical Services offers service and support on almost any piece of Assistive Technology, while also providing parts and batteries. Visit them online at www.chaostechnicalservices.com or call 778-847-6840.