Podcast Summary
Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts
Episode: Support and Connection with Vision Loss
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Ricky Enger
Guests: Mark Arneson (Director, Donahoe Center for Support), Christy Stearns (Clinical Support Specialist)
Featured Members: Bill, Greg, Bob, Jean, Kate
Episode Overview
This episode explores the importance of connection and support for individuals experiencing vision loss, focusing specifically on Hadley’s growing Peer to Peer Program. Host Ricky Enger is joined by Director Mark Arneson and Clinical Support Specialist Christy Stearns, who share the genesis, growth, and daily impact of the program. Real member voices—including Bill, Greg, Bob, Jean, and Kate—highlight the difference genuine peer support makes in overcoming isolation and building friendships beyond vision loss.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
The Origins and Growth of Hadley's Peer to Peer Program
- Genesis: The program was created in response to repeated member requests for genuine connection with someone else experiencing vision loss.
- Mark: “I remember back... when we started envisioning what this program could look like, it was really based on a lot of the conversations... folks asking, 'Is there a way you can connect me with someone going through something similar?'” (03:07)
- Early Days: Bill and Greg were among the program's first matches in October 2022.
- Growth: Over 850 people now participate, with notable acceleration in the past year.
- Mark: “Over 850 people that are now connected in our peer to peer program, which is really exciting to see.” (05:41)
The Value of Peer Connection
- Combating Isolation: Members share that connecting with peers meaningfully reduces loneliness and isolation, even when surrounded by friends and family who may not fully “get it.”
- Mark’s story: “...with all these people in her life...she's never felt so alone...she just said, if I wish I had one person...that I could turn to who kind of gets it...” (04:08)
- Innate Understanding: Peer conversations don’t have to focus solely on vision loss; the shared experience offers comfort and authenticity.
- Bill: “There is innate sense of understanding and I've gotten everything I expected to get out of this and I frankly don't know what I would do at this point.” (07:17)
- Combatting Social Barriers: Outside friendships don’t require constant explanation about vision loss.
- Bill: “...they want to give me advice that they really don't have a foundation for. They want to help me do things I can do on my own...” (06:17)
Program Impact: Member Testimonials
Bill (07:17):
“There is innate sense of understanding and I've gotten everything I expected to get out of this and I frankly don't know what I would do at this point.”
Bob (08:10):
“What peer to peer has done is overcome the loneliness...the relationships refreshing. They combat loneliness. I look forward to the conversations every week or two weeks...If I could do seven more of these, I would.”
Greg (09:24):
“I was just looking for somebody to talk to that understands the same that I'm going through because it's devastating... it was a stepping stone for me to go on the journey. And then now it's...blossomed into something that is really good for me.”
Jean (12:38):
“Her and I are like, literally bestie...I'm getting chills thinking about it. But peer to peer thing was great. I had such a beautiful person in my life...she's like my rock.”
Kate (13:44):
“We are perfectly matched and we talk about everything...from being frustrated…to books, to politics...It’s so awesome.”
Additional member (16:23):
“It amazes me how they match you up. It has been the most fantastic thing and now I have a new friend who doesn’t live in my state, but I get to talk to each other every week...It’s really helped me. It’s given me ideas that I might not have thought of.”
Insights on Relationship Dynamics
- Natural Progression: Structured calls often lead to organic connection; over time, scheduling becomes informal and based on need.
- Bill: “We went from talking...once a week to every other week to I’ll call you when I need to and want to... it has nothing to do with blindness anymore. And that’s great.” (20:54)
- Bob: “One of them is once a week and the other two are every other week. We figured it out together. ...the initial phone calls...were about two hours each...once we got beyond that, it settled down into one hour calls.” (22:03)
- Friendship over Formality: The nature of conversations evolves to reflect a genuine friendship, not just a shared medical condition.
- Bob: “More like friends talking instead of people with a shared disability...with our eyesight problems sprinkled in. Not dominating it.” (17:48)
Program Process and Joining
- Getting Connected: Conversation starts casually, exploring the member’s journey and what they’re seeking—emotional, social, and practical support.
- Christy: “...just have a very casual conversation...whether they're… brand new to vision loss or...they've been at it for a while.” (11:06)
- Matching Process: Members are matched based on several factors—eye condition, level of vision, interests, or similar challenges.
- Christy: “…a Great match will hit on all of these...just pick your most favorite, something that is the most important because they'll all come up." (14:56)
- Longevity: Over 75% of members maintain ongoing relationships with their peer match.
- Mark: “...over 75%. I think it was like maybe 77% of the folks that we connected are still in a relationship with one another...” (15:03)
- Contact Information: To inquire or join, call the Center for Support at 800-323-4238.
Addressing Hesitation and Encouraging Participation
- Advice for Prospective Members:
- Bill: “If you have any inclination at all about being part of this program, please follow through with it. Not everything you have to say to your peer needs to be profound...one of the most welcome responses you get from someone is, 'Oh, me too, that’s great.'” (23:47)
- Support Structure: Members are encouraged to start with weekly or bi-weekly conversations (~30-45 minutes), but the relationship naturally adapts.
- Christy: “...taking the time and making the commitment...to really connect with your peer, we find is really important in the beginning.” (20:16)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Her and I are like, literally bestie. ...she's like my rock, you know, and we just so much alike. And it was a perfect match.”
—Jean (12:38) - “I can't recommend it enough.”
—Bob (25:48) - “It was great spending some time talking about it today.”
—Mark (25:32) - “If you have any inclination at all ... please follow through with it.”
—Bill (23:47)
Important Timestamps
- [01:09] - Introduction of guests and their roles at Hadley
- [02:36] - Origin story of the Peer to Peer Program
- [04:08] - Member story illustrating need for peer support
- [05:41] - Growth statistics: Over 850 participants
- [06:10] - First member testimonials (Bill)
- [08:10] - Bob’s reflections on overcoming loneliness
- [09:24] - Greg on peer support as a “stepping stone”
- [12:36] - Jean describes her match as “my rock”
- [13:44] - Kate highlights their broad, supportive friendship
- [15:03] - Survey: 77% of matches remain ongoing
- [16:23] - Member: “Amazed at how they match you up”
- [17:48] - Bob on conversation topics expanding beyond vision loss
- [20:54] - Bill: Natural progression of contact frequency
- [22:03] - Bob: The evolution of conversation rhythms
- [23:47] - Bill’s encouragement to prospective participants
- [24:32] - How to join or get more information
Conclusion
Hadley’s Peer to Peer Program is transforming lives by connecting those with vision loss in meaningful, supportive, and organic friendships. With over 850 participants, most matches lasting well beyond the initial introduction, and frequent testimonials of profound connection, the program shows the immense value in tailored, empathetic peer relationships. For listeners interested in learning more or joining, Hadley’s team is ready to help make that pivotal connection.