SOAR365’s Discussing Disability podcast brings meaningful conversations about disability to the forefront—sharing real stories, diverse perspectives, and insights from across our community.

Produced in partnership with WRIR 97.3 FM, each episode features interviews with SOAR365 staff and program participants, as well as advocates, professionals, and community partners. Together, these voices help break down barriers, challenge assumptions, and make disability part of everyday conversation.

New episodes of Discussing Disability are released every other month and also air on WRIR 97.3 FM in Richmond, connecting listeners both on-air and online to stories that matter.

In the April 2026 episode of Discussing Disability, host Nate Wise sits down with Cindy Roberts, Director of Business and Corporate Initiatives at the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), to explore how the organization is empowering individuals who are blind, vision impaired, or deaf-blind to achieve independence and meaningful careers.

Cindy shares an inside look at DBVI’s wide-reaching services—from residential training and assistive technology to employment programs and entrepreneurial opportunities across Virginia. The conversation highlights an innovative new Career Skills Lab made possible through a partnership with CVS Health and Aetna Better Health of Virginia, offering hands-on training, certifications, and real-world work experience.

The episode also dives into the power of partnerships, including DBVI’s collaboration with SOAR365, and how a “dual customer approach” helps connect job seekers with employers to create lasting, successful employment outcomes. Listeners will hear a powerful success story and gain practical advice on how businesses—and individuals—can play a role in building more inclusive workplaces and communities.

Whether you’re an employer, advocate, or community member, this episode offers insight into how opportunity, support, and collaboration can unlock potential and change lives.