In a powerful episode of It Happened to Me, hosts Beth Glassman and Cathy Gildenhorn sit down with Carrie Francis, a university student and passionate advocate for the blind, low vision and Deafblind communities.
Carrie’s story is a powerful example of resilience in the face of adversity.
Born with a rare 5th-degree facial cleft and diagnosed with both severe blindness and hearing loss, doctors didn’t expect her to survive past her first week. Today, she’s defied every expectation—pursuing a Psychology degree and using her voice to champion accessibility and inclusion.
Carrie candidly shares her early experiences with numerous surgeries, speech therapy, and the day-to-day realities of living as a Deafblind person. She challenges common misconceptions about the Deafblind community and emphasizes the importance of adaptive tools, strong support systems, and advocacy networks—including the vital role that organizations like the Lions Foundation of Canada have played in her journey.
This episode is a reminder that disability does not define potential.
Rather than letting barriers define her, Carrie reshapes them into opportunities for progress. Her journey is both hopeful and motivating—a reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter their circumstances.