In Episode 58 of Babies Down, Bottles Up, the team gets real about a topic that affects everyone, especially within the blind and visually impaired community: safety, consent, and self-advocacy. This episode brings on two powerhouse guests—Amy SP Wilson, founder of the Safety Positive Foundation, and Erica Kress, better known online as Blind Barbie and a fierce advocate for safety and representation. Together, they spark the kind of conversation that isn’t just overdue—it’s necessary.
Meet the Guests: Amy and Erica
Amy SP Wilson is a longtime self-defense instructor for the blind community and founder of the Safety Positive Foundation. A domestic violence survivor herself, Amy’s mission is rooted in ensuring that blind individuals have the tools, confidence, and awareness to stay safe in all situations.
Erica Kress, aka Blind Barbie, is a content creator, advocate, and a creative force whose journey into blindness came after a sudden loss of vision post-college. Both women speak openly about their past, their advocacy, and why they’ve made it their mission to prevent others from going through what they did.
Teaching Consent and Safety to Our Kids
The hosts and guests dive into what it looks like to teach safety from the very beginning—starting with our children. Key takeaways include:
– ‘No’ is a complete sentence.
– Use anatomically correct language with kids to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
– Model respectful behavior and consent in everyday interactions.
– Teach children to recognize red flags, trust their instincts, and know that surprises are okay, but secrets from parents are not.
Real Talk About Consent in Blind Communities
Amy and Erica didn’t hold back when talking about blind-specific safety concerns—especially at blindness conventions and large gatherings. Amy urges blind people to build a buddy system, use code words like ‘Beetlejuice’ if they’re in danger, and to carry a power bank in case of emergency.
They discussed uncomfortable truths about how inappropriate behavior is often excused within the community—especially when it comes from leadership. Erica shared stories about coercion, while Amy stressed the need for enthusiastic, sober consent: if it’s not a ‘hell yes,’ it’s a no.
Drinking, Boundaries, and Party Safety
The episode hit on boundaries when it comes to drinking at conventions or social events. Amy shared her personal boundary of a two-drink maximum and advised listeners to:
– Set personal drinking limits and stick to them.
– Use crossbody bags or fanny packs to keep essentials secure.
– Never try a new substance at a big event.
– Have an escape plan and someone you trust tracking your location.
Reporting Abuse and Holding Leaders Accountable
One of the most powerful segments of the episode focused on how to report sexual assault or abuse, especially when the perpetrator is someone in power. Amy emphasized:
– Go to the hospital immediately to have evidence collected—you can always decide later what to do with it.
– Call the police first. Organizations may try to talk you out of reporting, but it’s your right.
– Don’t be talked out of your story. It’s yours, and you get to choose how and when to share it.
– Safety Positive Foundation collects reports to help build cases and push for accountability in the community.
Final Tips and Takeaways
– Always ask your child before making them hug or kiss relatives. Model consent at home.
– Use phrases like ‘No wrong answers’ when talking to teens to create open, judgment-free dialogue.
– At events, sit in chairs, not on beds—especially if you don’t know everyone in the room.
– Trust your instincts. If the vibe is off, get out.
This episode wasn’t just a conversation—it was a call to action. Whether you’re a parent, advocate, or blind individual navigating community events, Episode 58 lays out real steps you can take to stay safe and keep it safety positive.
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