Beyond Sight and Sound: Understanding DeafBlindness

A Seeing Without Limits Podcast Episode

In this powerful episode of Seeing Without Limits, host Felishya Booker and MLV founder, Debbie Sanders sit down with Jeri Cooper, a Certified Vision Loss Therapist (CVLT) and founder of Jeri’s House in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to explore the realities, challenges, and strengths within the DeafBlind community.

DeafBlindness is often misunderstood. It is not simply the combination of hearing loss and vision loss—it is a distinct experience that requires specialized communication strategies, adaptive skills, and strong support systems. Jeri shares her professional expertise and heartfelt perspective on what true access looks like for individuals living with combined vision and hearing loss.

Together, Felishya, Debbie and Jeri discuss:

• What DeafBlindness really means

• Communication methods and adaptive strategies

• Building independence

With compassion and clarity, this conversation highlights the power of touch, trust, and human connection when sight and sound are limited. Whether you are a professional in the field, a family member seeking understanding, or someone navigating vision and hearing loss yourself, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical knowledge.

Jeri’s leadership through Jeri’s House reflects a deep commitment to empowering individuals with vision loss to live confidently and independently. Her work reminds us that connection goes far beyond what we see or hear.

Connect with us:

Website: www.mlvfoundation.org

Facebook: facebook.com/MLVFoundation

Email: office@mlvfoundation.org

🎧 Proudly sponsored by NanoPac – www.nanopac.com

Music beds featured in this episode:

Elegant Acoustic Podcast Intro Opener by PaBlikMM01

Gentle Guitar Background by Dredstudio

What Lies Ahead by PremiumBeat

Podcast Commercial Intro Music by 331Music

Acoustic Sunrise by Neoclassic

Digital Reveal Logo by dopestuff

A Few More Nights by PremiumBeat

In this episode, Felishya and Debbie are joined by Wilma Chestnut-House, who shares her practical, real-world cooking tips and kitchen strategies for cooking confidently as a blind woman.

Wilma is the author of a cookbook and a biography, and she brings both wisdom and warmth to the conversation as she talks about her joy in cooking—without fear or frustration.

Beyond the kitchen, Wilma is also a keynote speaker at the upcoming MOKA Conference for the Blind. When she’s not cooking, Wilma enjoys sports and recreation and embraces life without limit

🌐 Website: www.mlvfoundation.org

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/MLVFoundation

🌀 Bluesky: @mlvfoundation.bsky.social

📩 Email: office@mlvfoundation.org

🎧 Proudly sponsored by NanoPac

🌐 www.nanopac.com

Music beds used in this episode include works by:

PaBlikMM01 • Dredstudio • PremiumBeat • 331Music • Neoclassic • dopestuff

In this holiday episode of Seeing Without Limits, we’re diving into how you can set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable shopping experience—whether you’re browsing in person, using an app, ordering for pickup, or getting groceries delivered to your door.

Whether you love getting out into the decorated aisles or prefer the comfort of shopping from home, this episode gives you practical ways to stay independent, confident, and stress-free during the busiest time of the year.

Grab your list, check it twice, and join us for a holiday shopping guide designed with accessibility in mind.

About Seeing Without Limits A program of the MLV Foundation

Seeing Without Limits is a podcast produced by MLV Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving the blind and visually impaired community through empowerment, education, and connection.

Hosted by Felishya Booker, each season brings 8 episodes of authentic conversations, practical tools, and expert insights for blind individuals, their families, caregivers, and professionals in the field. Felishya, who is legally blind herself, brings warmth, relatability, and real-world perspective to every interview.

In the premiere episode, Felishya sits down with Debbie Sanders, founder of MLV Foundation, to share her personal journey and the powerful work being done to uplift and connect the blind community. With both host and guest bringing lived experience to the mic, this podcast offers more than inspiration—it offers real-life resources, support, and a space to be understood.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a seasoned member of the community, a family member seeking insight, or a professional looking to learn, Seeing Without Limits is here for you.

🗓 New episodes drop every other week. 📌 Tune in, learn, connect, and grow—without limits.

Connect with us: 🌐 Website: www.mlvfoundation.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/MLVFoundation 🌀 Bluesky: @mlvfoundation.bsky.social 📩 Email: office@mlvfoundation.org

🎧 Proudly sponsored by NanoPac – www.nanopac.com

Music beds:

On the Jazz Christmas by EightBallAudio

Jingle Bell Logo by Praded