PEAK TO PEAK — We know you read The Mountain-Ear for the extensive local and regional information we provide every week. But what about those in our area who literally cannot read our newspaper? How do they get the news and information to keep them abreast of all that happens in the Peak to Peak?

Chances are they turn to Aftersight, an organization based in Louisville, which “provides news, information, and resources in audio format for people who are blind, have low vision, or benefit from alternatives to print.”

Aftersight, which prides itself on “bringing print to life through Audio Broadcasting since 1991,” offers a place for those with low or no sight to “gather, share, learn, and build a genuine relationship with the community.”

It does that in several ways, including through community events like the one scheduled for September 12, called An Accessible Outdoor Experience.

Participants in this event will take to the trail near Winter Park, guided by adventurer Erik Weihenmayer, erikweihenmayer.com/about-erik, the first blind person to summit Mount Everest.

According to Aftersight’s website, “Together, hikers and guides will move as one, navigating the terrain not by sight, but through trust, communication, and shared resilience.”

On a more basic level, one of Aftersight’s main projects is providing podcasts with information relevant to the experience of Coloradans with limited sight, such as Blind Level Tech, a program for those interested in the world of technology; Code Orange, offering “emergency preparedness for the blind and low vision community”; and Blind Chick, “a weekly interview show about vision loss.”

The list of podcasts available from Aftersight is not unlike the list encountered on any podcast platform—with one major exception: volunteer readers create podcasts of local and regional news and general information. 

Among the local information sources covered by Aftersight is our own Caribou Current. Listeners can also source Jefferson County News, Estes Park News, Clear Creek County News, and Boulder County News—which includes Boulder and Gilpin.

Aftersight makes it incredibly easy to use its resources: podcasts and streams are available right on their website, or via phone. Those who would prefer a smart speaker like Alexa can use that—or even get a free Echo from the organization.

Aftersight truly lives up to its mission statements, including this: “There is no one way to thrive with vision loss. We’re here to offer community, tools, and resources so everyone can navigate their path forward.”

You can check out our streams at: The Mountain-Ear at bit.ly/4xRygRx

and Caribou Current bit.ly/4c1gVx0.

Discover Aftersight at aftersight.org. Most services, including podcasts, are free. The organization is always seeking volunteers; if interested, go to aftersight.org/volunteer.