In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, Dave sits down with Kasey Hopper — Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, youth soccer coach, visually impaired father, and creator of the 4 Fam Frogs YouTube channel.

Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa himself, Kasey brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Together, he and Dave explore what it means to navigate life between sighted and blind worlds — not just as individuals, but as fathers, husbands, mentors, and advocates.

Kasey shares his journey from studying behavioral sciences to becoming one of the few legally blind Orientation and Mobility Specialists in the field. He talks openly about raising children with vision loss — the fear of keeping them safe, the difficulty of not seeing their faces clearly, and the unexpected humor and trust that strengthen their bond. Dave reflects on his own evolution as a father and husband, and the two discuss the quiet heaviness that can accompany gradual vision decline.

The conversation also highlights:

• Teaching independence through mobility skills
• Coaching youth soccer as a visually impaired dad
• Tandem biking and the power of teamwork
• The importance of humility and asking for help
• Building community through advocacy and social media
• Finding identity and purpose within vision loss

Through stories of camp, coaching, family life, and daily resilience, this episode is a powerful reminder that blindness does not define the boundaries of a full life — and that community, courage, and connection make all the difference.

About Kasey

Kasey Hopper is a dedicated Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind, where he empowers visually impaired students to navigate the world with confidence. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa himself, Kasey brings personal insight and empathy to his work.

He is also a passionate youth soccer coach for his daughter’s 14U semi-competitive AYSO team and runs the @4famfrogs YouTube channel as “Papa Frog.” On his channel, he shares his experiences as a visually impaired dad, husband, and professional, offering a unique perspective on family life and accessibility.

Connect with Kasey

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@4FamFrogs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4famfrogs/?hl=en

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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