Living with Retinitis Pigmentosa: Ben's Journey of Acceptance and the Future of Accessible Innovation
- kenishacoon
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
What does it really mean to adapt to vision loss? How can technology empower independence while community creates belonging?
In the newest episode of The EKO Lens Podcast, we sit down with Ben, a Ghanaian Canadian living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), for an honest and inspiring conversation about navigating vision loss, embracing acceptance, and imagining a more accessible future.
Ben shares that acceptance wasn't a single moment—it was a journey. Like many people living with progressive vision loss, learning to embrace disability took time, support, and finding a community that truly understood his experiences.
One of the highlights of our conversation is the incredible impact of assistive technology. From accessible smartphone apps to AI-powered devices and emerging innovations, technology continues to transform how people who are blind or have low vision work, travel, communicate, and live independently.
But technology alone isn't enough.
Accessibility also requires empathy, education, and a willingness to challenge misconceptions about blindness. Ben discusses how stereotypes often become barriers, affecting everything from employment opportunities to everyday social interactions.
Together, we also dream bigger. What technologies haven't been invented yet? What products could make daily life easier? And how can innovators ensure they're designing with the blind and low vision community instead of simply designing for them?
At EKO Vision Foundation, we believe that lived experience drives better innovation. Conversations like this remind us that the future of accessibility begins by listening.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Ben's personal journey living with retinitis pigmentosa
How assistive technology and AI are increasing independence
Why community is essential after vision loss
Common misconceptions about blindness and low vision
Ideas for future accessible products and innovations
How inclusion creates better technology for everyone
If you're passionate about accessibility, disability inclusion, technology, or simply want to hear an authentic story of resilience and innovation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
🎧 Watch the full conversation:
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