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Hope in Focus Podcast

Hope in Focus Podcast

By: Hope in Focus
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The Hope in Focus Podcast, hosted by Ben Shaberman, brings monthly stories and insights to the Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and inherited retinal disease (IRD) community. Together, we discuss personal stories, research and scientific updates—including gene therapy and drug development—tools and resources that support accessibility and independence, and insights to help families better understand early-onset vision loss. Hope in Focus is dedicated to generating awareness, raising funds for research, and providing support, education and outreach to the LCA and IRDs.All rights reserved
Episodes
  • Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 11 - Finding Her Voice: A Conversation with Sarah Hardwig

    Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 11 - Finding Her Voice: A Conversation with Sarah Hardwig
    Jun 3 2026
    In this episode, we sit down with emerging country singer-songwriter Sarah Hardwig, who was diagnosed at just five months old with LCA10 CEP290. Sarah’s vision loss has never stopped her from pursuing her passion for music, showcasing her natural talent, or sharing her voice with others. Sarah opens up about growing up with vision loss, navigating school, and adapting to college life by learning new environments and classroom layouts. She also shares how she discovered her love for singing and songwriting, along with some of the biggest challenges she faced during college. Throughout the conversation, Sarah reflects on the vulnerability that comes with creating and performing music, reminding listeners that “everyone has their own story to tell, and everyone has their own way of telling it.” Stay tuned until the end of the episode for a special sneak peek of a live performance from Sarah.
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    42 mins
  • Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 10 - Insights from a Teacher of the Visually Impaired

    Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 10 - Insights from a Teacher of the Visually Impaired
    May 13 2026
    In this episode, we’re joined by Beth, an education consultant with the Bureau of Education Services for the Blind at the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services. With more than 20 years of experience as a certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), Beth supports children and their families as they navigate the educational journey with low vision. She shares how she found her path into this field and offers practical guidance for parents who are just getting started—covering everything from understanding available resources to making decisions about mainstream education versus schools for the blind. Beth also talks about the importance of advocacy, adapting learning materials, and building the skills students need for independence.
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    27 mins
  • Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 9 - Vivien’s Wild Ride: Who Am I Without Vision?

    Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 9 - Vivien’s Wild Ride: Who Am I Without Vision?
    Apr 22 2026
    Vivien Hillgrove led a remarkable 50-year career as a film editor for box office hits such as Amadeus, Blue Velvet and The Right Stuff. However, when she began losing her sight to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), she was faced with the challenge of redefining herself, how she moved through the world, and was forced to confront a profound question: Who am I without vision? In this episode, we talk with Vivien about her experience with vision loss, identity, creativity, and the emotional realities of adapting to a new way of life, as explored in her brilliant PBS documentary, Vivien’s Wild Ride. Her story captures both the richness of a full creative life and the grief, uncertainty, and transformation that can come with losing sight. Ultimately, Vivien reflects on how vision loss became not just a challenge, but a turning point that taught her how to embrace both the beauty and the hardest parts of life. Vivien’s Wild Ride is available to stream for free on PBS through the end of April.
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    39 mins
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