It Takes a Village with Sam Picciano

Episode Description

What does it really mean to navigate the world without relying on your vision?

In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Sam Picciano, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, educator, and co-founder of Vision Village. Sam shares how she helps people with vision loss develop the skills and confidence to travel safely, solve everyday challenges, and live more independently.

The conversation explores Sam's innovative work providing virtual orientation and mobility instruction to students in rural communities, where access to certified specialists is often limited. She explains how technology is helping bridge service gaps while ensuring students receive the training they need to navigate their homes, schools, and communities safely.

Jeremy and Sam also discuss Vision Village, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with vision loss and their families through creative programming, practical education, and meaningful community connections. From online resources to local events, Vision Village is reimagining how people learn, build confidence, and support one another through every stage of their journey.

Whether you're living with vision loss, supporting a family member, working in education or rehabilitation, or simply interested in building more inclusive communities, this episode offers an inspiring look at the power of practical solutions, innovation, and community.

About Our Guest

Sam Picciano grew up in Coconut Creek, Florida, and spent much of her life exploring the waterways and natural landscapes of the Southeast. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida before completing graduate studies in Visual Disabilities Education at Florida State University. As her career evolved, Sam developed a passion for improving the systems and programs that serve people with disabilities, leading her to earn an MBA.

Today, Sam is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) who provides virtual orientation and mobility instruction to students in rural school districts through Family First Education Services. She teaches long white cane skills, route planning, mapping, problem-solving, and safe travel techniques while also supporting schools through staff development, IEP team training, and compliance.

Sam is also the co-founder of Vision Village, whose mission is to empower people with vision loss and their families through creative programming, practical education, and community connection. Vision Village combines innovative online resources with local, in-person programming to help individuals build real-world skills, solve everyday challenges, and create lasting connections with others who share similar experiences.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys hiking to mountain peaks and alpine lakes, mountain biking, and continuing to embrace Idaho's outdoor lifestyle. Before beginning her career in blindness and low vision services, she spent years training and teaching USA Goju, a traditional Japanese martial art, an experience that helped shape the discipline, resilience, and teaching philosophy she brings to her work today.

Check out Vision Village to learn more.