211 - Can a Blind Person Hike, Fish, and Fix a House? Absolutely. with Jeff Skoglund

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Jeff Skoglund, also known as the Blind Outdoorsman, for an honest conversation about life with progressive vision loss, resilience, and practical inclusion. Jeff shares how he adapted after becoming legally blind, how his guide dog helps him navigate everyday life, and why accessibility benefits everyone. From home maintenance and technology to a recent heart attack that highlighted the importance of respectful communication in healthcare, Jeff offers practical insights that challenge assumptions about blindness. This episode reminds us that disability doesn't define potential—it simply changes how we approach life.

Key Takeaways:

Challenge Assumptions - Blindness doesn't mean inability—people with vision loss continue living full, independent, and meaningful lives.

Accessible Design - Planning for accessibility from the beginning creates better experiences for everyone, not just people with disabilities.

Respectful Communication - Asking someone what support they need is one of the simplest and most powerful acts of inclusion.

Adaptive Technology - Tools, labels, guide dogs, and accessible technology empower independence in everyday life.

Share Your Story - Your experiences may encourage, educate, or inspire someone who needs to hear them today.

Jeff Skoglund’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is making sure everyone has an equal opportunity to live their best life without being judged or treated differently for who they are.

Jeff Skoglund’s Bio:

Jeff Skoglund, known online as BlindOutdoorsman, is a Minnesota-based creator and storyteller who shares life outdoors through his experience with vision loss, humor, resilience, and lived experience. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, Jeff uses his platform to share real-life accessibility, adaptation, guide dog life with Natty, and outdoor adventures with his wife, Shauna.

Through BlindOutdoorsman, Jeff hopes to help people think about vision loss a little differently while showing that life, adventure, and connection do not stop when vision changes.

Jeff recently created a Facebook group called Blind & Low Vision Outdoors Minnesota. It’s a community for blind and low-vision people in Minnesota, along with allies, who are interested in getting outdoors through activities like hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor adventures.

Connect with Jeff Skoglund:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574843205853

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindoutdoorsman/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Blindoutdoorsman

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindoutdoorsman

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1740518473965596/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 93

No - 116

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