Blind Level Tech

Aftersight
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Where accessibility meets innovation. Hosted by Evan Starnes, Blind Level Tech explores the latest in assistive technology, accessible design, and everyday tools that empower the blind and low-vision community. Each episode dives into real stories, expert insights, and practical solutions—from screen readers and AI tools to mobility tech and inclusive apps. Whether you’re blind, low vision, a professional in the accessibility space, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping lives, this show offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways. Produced by Aftersight, Blind Level Tech is more than a tech podcast—it’s a platform for inclusion, discovery, and possibility.

  1. 3日前

    Tech News Roundup for May 2026

    In this Blind Level Tech monthly Tech Roundup, Evan welcomes David Ward back as a recurring monthly guest for a new, evolving roundup format covering access tech, mainstream tech, and useful listener-focused tools.The episode begins with a discussion of VAL, a customizable talking clock and chime app from Quentin Williams. Evan shares his love of auditory timekeeping, retro talking clocks, hourly chimes, alarms, and custom clock sounds, while David reflects on older talking clocks and possible uses for older devices.Evan and David then move into screen reader and accessibility updates, including NVDA 2026.1, security fixes, remote access changes, and TalkBack improvements. They discuss TalkBack’s improved live region announcements, braille display command remapping, selection mode fixes, and the welcome news that Samsung is moving away from its separate Galaxy TalkBack version in favor of unified Google TalkBack.The conversation also covers HumanWare’s Victor Reader Stratus, Victor Reader history, the origins of the “Victor” name, dedicated blindness technology, and whether devices like the Victor Reader still make sense in a smartphone world. Evan and David compare dedicated players with modern alternatives such as iPhones, Blindshell phones, Bard Mobile, Bookshare apps, Voice Dream Reader, and other accessible tools.A major portion of the episode focuses on Apple’s newly announced accessibility features expected in iOS 27, including enhanced AI image recognition, Magnifier improvements, possible live descriptions, voice control upgrades, and the potential for more natural language control of devices. Evan and David discuss how these features could especially help blind users, people with multiple disabilities, older adults, and users who need alternatives to touch-based interaction.They also look at Meta Ray-Ban glasses, including walking directions, Be My Eyes integrations, verbal commands, gesture customization, the Meta SDK, and the possibility of future Seeing AI integration. The episode closes with David sharing his website and Braille Sonar project, Evan inviting listener feedback and future guest co-hosts, and a preview of an upcoming episode on weather radios.CONTACTS / RESOURCESFeedback:feedback@aftersight.orgVoicemail:720-712-8856Website:Aftersight.orgDavid Ward:certdoctor.comCreators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

    58分

  2. 5月27日

    David Ward Part 2: Screen Readers, Sound Cues, and Smart AI

    David Ward returns to Blind Level Tech for part two of a wonderfully nerdy and practical conversation about accessibility, AI, screen readers, and the tools that make daily life just a little smoother. Evan and David pick up from their previous discussion and dive into Braille Sonar, David’s braille reference app that has been revived as a web app with help from modern AI coding tools.From there, the conversation moves into real-world AI use cases, including JAWS Picture Smart, Be My AI, PDF workflows, command-line tools, PowerShell scripts, Lisi for JAWS, and the surprisingly powerful role of sound cues in accessibility. David shares how AI has helped him solve problems that once required sighted assistance, while also pointing out where these tools still fall short and why human backup through services like Be My Eyes and Aira still matters.Evan and David also geek out over screen reader history, Android versus iOS, NVDA add-ons, startup sounds, text-to-speech voices, and why technology becoming “silent” is not always a good thing for blind and low vision users. (00:40) - – Welcome Back to Part Two with David Ward (02:20) - – Energy Drinks, Coffee, and “Healthy” Caffeine (04:25) - – Introducing Braille Sonar (05:37) - – The Origins of Braille Sonar and UEB Braille (07:33) - – Learning PHP and Building an iOS App Before AI (10:28) - – Why the Original App Was Sunsetted (11:30) - – Reviving Braille Sonar Using AI Coding Tools (14:15) - – Braille, Math Symbols, and AI Improvements (16:20) - – JAWS Picture Smart and PDF Accessibility (17:25) - – Automating PDF Signatures with Command Line Tools (21:33) - – What Is Lisi for JAWS? (24:20) - – Be My AI, Accessibility Testing, and OCR (30:13) - – Making Screen Readers More Human (31:41) - – Sticky Notes, Web Navigation, and Productivity Features (34:32) - – Depending on AI for Everyday Tasks (35:45) - – What AI Still Gets Wrong (38:34) - – Fighting Hallucinations with Multiple AI Models (41:07) - – AI Integration in VoiceOver and iOS (43:15) - – Access Tech Frustrations and OCR Complaints (46:23) - – Live Recognition and Modern OCR Tools (49:07) - – Open Source Accessibility and NVDA Plugins (51:53) - – Why Silent Technology Can Hurt Accessibility (53:22) - – Using Sound Cues for Productivity (57:42) - – NVDA Add-Ons and Fun Sound Customization (58:38) - – David’s Android and Nexus Era (01:03:54) - – Echo Tips Podcast and Braille Sonar Plug (01:05:36) - – Listener Feedback and Wrapping Up ★ Support this podcast ★

    1時間8分

  3. 5月20日

    David Ward: Alexa Plus, Echoes, and the Future of Talking Tech

    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan sits down with David Ward, longtime assistive technology trainer, producer of the Echo Tips Podcast, and all-around smart speaker nerd in the best possible way.David shares how his early love of computers, IT certification, and training background led him into access technology and eventually into creating Echo Tips. The conversation centers heavily on Amazon Echo devices, the evolution of Alexa, and how smart speakers became a surprisingly powerful accessibility tool—especially for blind and low-vision users, seniors, and people who may not be comfortable with smartphones or computers.Evan and David also dig into Alexa Plus, including what feels genuinely new, what still feels unfinished, and how natural language AI is changing the way people interact with smart speakers. They discuss shopping by voice, routines, smart home control, legacy Alexa skills, and the challenges of making older skill-based systems work naturally with modern AI assistants.The episode wraps with a teaser for part two, where Evan and David plan to get more into AI, Braille Sonar, vibe coding, and David’s broader tech background.Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

    55分

  4. 5月13日

    Sriram Ganesh from Luminade: Voice First, Email Second

    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes and Jonathan Price welcome Sriram Ganesh, founder of Luminade, to talk about Lumin, a voice-driven email client designed especially with blind, low vision, aging, neurodivergent, and voice-first users in mind.Sriram shares his journey from growing up in India, falling in love with video games, building AI products in gaming and education, and eventually founding Luminade after being diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy. That personal experience shaped the design of Lumin: instead of forcing users to memorize commands, navigate complex screens, or fight inaccessible interfaces, Lumin works more like a patient assistant you can simply talk to.The conversation covers privacy, AI accuracy, email overwhelm, multi-language support, future integrations with Outlook, Calendar, Google Drive, and how Luminade hopes to partner with organizations, employers, and vocational rehabilitation programs to make the tool more widely available. The episode also features a live Lumin demo and, naturally, a very serious sandwich discussion.Lumin is not publicly available in the Appstore yet, but you can join the early access beta by visiting https://luminade.ai/.Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★ (00:20) - Welcome to Blind Level Tech and introduction to Lumen (01:20) - Coffee cups, Amazon luxury, and Aftersight on YouTube (02:57) - Sriram’s journey from gaming to AI (05:21) - Living with cone-rod dystrophy and founding Luminade (06:28) - Designing Lumen from lived experience with low vision (08:45) - Jonathan joins in and asks about aging, access, and simplicity (09:51) - Email overwhelm, anxiety, and the idea behind voice-first AI (12:47) - Lumen as an AI agent instead of a command-based tool (13:40) - How Lumen works with Gmail and voice interaction (15:04) - Current limitations and why Lumen stays focused (17:34) - Privacy, voice recordings, and email security (19:07) - Email overwhelm and support for ADHD, dyslexia, and other users (21:23) - Smart home voice control and setting up the demo (22:37) - Live Lumen demo: inbox, replies, archiving, and sending email (26:07) - New multilingual features (28:14) - Feedback from blind and low vision users (30:47) - What’s next: Outlook, Calendar, Google Drive, and more (31:45) - Partnerships, funding, vocational rehab, and access (33:22) - Sandwich of the Week (37:23) - Pricing, sponsorships, and organizational support (37:55) - How to join the waitlist and find Luminade (39:54) - Closing thoughts and feedback info

    42分

  5. 5月6日

    Right Where? RightHear!!!

    1. Episode Summary  In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes and Jonathan Price talk with Shanell Matos, Community Manager at RightHear, about accessible wayfinding, independence, and the difference between being guided and being empowered. Shanell explains that RightHear is spelled with “hear” — H-E-A-R — and is built to give blind and low-vision users meaningful orientation information without taking away choice or autonomy.  The conversation covers how RightHear uses Bluetooth beacons, smart markers, GPS awareness, and a free mobile app to help users understand what is around them in real time. Shanell also shares how businesses can install RightHear, how users can advocate for accessible locations, and why accessible orientation is especially important in airports, hospitals, libraries, conferences, hotels, emergency situations, and even nature trails.  A major theme of the episode is independence with responsibility. RightHear does not replace a cane, guide dog, or orientation and mobility skills. Instead, it gives users the “lay of the land” so they can move through spaces with more confidence, awareness, and dignity. RightHear’s official site confirms that its system uses Bluetooth beacons, markers, a free app, and audio guidance to support blind and low-vision navigation and orientation.  2. Contact Info  Guest: Shanell Matos Role: Community Manager, RightHear Organization: RightHear Website: RightHear official site — the correct domain is listed in the citation; the transcript’s spoken “write-here” phrasing appears to be a transcription/spelling issue. Community / Advocacy Resources: RightHear offers advocacy templates, community meetups, and resources for requesting RightHear at preferred locations.  Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org  Producer Contact Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight jonathan@aftersight.org (720) 712-8856  3. Show Credits  Show: Blind Level Tech Host: Evan Starnes Co-host: Jonathan Price Guest: Shanell Matos Guest Organization: RightHear Producer: Jonathan Price Presented by: Aftersight ★ Support this podcast ★

    44分

  6. 4月29日

    Tech News and Updates April 2026

    1) Episode Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes is joined by producer Jonathan Price for a monthly tech news digest covering mainstream tech, access tech, AI, wearables, and listener comments. The episode opens with a preview of upcoming conversations, including Sriram Ganesh from Lumen and Shanell Matos from RightHear, highlighting AI email management, indoor orientation, accessibility beacons, and tools designed to help blind and low-vision users navigate daily life with more independence.  Evan and Jonathan also discuss major access-tech updates, including InnoSearch’s move into nonprofit status, the importance of supporting useful nonprofit technology, and the growing role of wearable AI. They talk through Meta Ray-Ban glasses, Aira integration, EchoVision glasses, and how AI-powered tools may continue shifting from phone-based experiences into glasses, watches, and other hands-free devices. The conversation then moves into broader tech news, including AI processors, Apple’s ecosystem, Apple Intelligence, Windows Copilot, Microsoft’s approach to AI integration, and Evan’s real-world experience testing Android after years in the Apple ecosystem. The episode keeps a conversational, practical tone while asking the larger question underneath all the tech: does this actually help people live, work, navigate, communicate, and access the world more easily? The episode closes with listener comments about Meta glasses, EchoVision, app accessibility, banking independence, and how listeners can reach out to the show with feedback, questions, or tech they would like reviewed. 2) Contact Info Blind Level Tech / Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Featured hosts/contributors Evan Starnes — Host, Blind Level Tech Jonathan Price — Podcast Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Blind Level Tech is hosted by Evan Starnes and produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. Aftersight provides news, information, and resources in audio format for people who are blind, have low vision, or benefit from alternatives to print. (00:00) - — Welcome to Blind Level Tech (00:55) - — Jonathan joins Evan for the monthly tech news digest (02:26) - — Previewing the upcoming Lumen episode (03:25) - — First impressions of Lumen’s AI email assistant (05:17) - — Previewing RightHear with Shanell Matos (06:44) - — RightHear, indoor orientation, and accessible places (08:34) - — Beta testing, promo codes, and listener engagement (09:30) - — InnoSearch becomes a nonprofit (11:14) - — Supporting access-tech nonprofits and product demos (12:01) - — EchoVision glasses and dedicated accessibility controls (12:28) - — Aira integration comes to Meta Ray-Ban glasses (13:31) - — AI wearables and hands-free access (14:33) - — AI processors, Apple Silicon, and local AI possibilities (16:51) - — Microsoft Copilot, Windows changes, and File Explorer frustrations (18:31) - — Apple leadership, Apple Intelligence, and future direction (22:15) - — AI integration across Apple’s ecosystem (23:37) - — Hearth Display and future smart home tech previews (24:58) - — Apple’s slower, more deliberate innovation style (26:24) - — Evan’s Android experiment begins (27:34) - — Pixel, TalkBack, Gemini, and Android accessibility wins (28:57) - — Android frustrations and TalkBack bugs (29:55) - — Gemini and YouTube video descriptions (31:02) - — Why Evan still carries both Android and iPhone (34:18) - — The blue bubble vs. green bubble debate (34:56) - — Listener comment: Meta Ray-Bans and EchoVision (37:22) - — Listener comment: app accessibility and banking independence (38:51) - — How listeners can contact Blind Level Tech (39:53) - — Closing thoughts and signoff ★ Support this podcast ★

    41分

  7. 4月28日

    BLT Bite: Exploring your Environment with OOrian

    As promissed, here is the BLT Bite demo of the OOrian app.For this demonstration, we go on a walk to Evan's office, and On this demonstration, we take you on an immersive walk from Evan's home to the office, while taking in everything OOrian points out along the way.It is strongly recommended to use headphones for the best listening experience.If there is a particular feature of OOrian you would like demonstrated in a future BLT Bite, let us know by sending an email to feedback@aftersight.org, or calling 720-712-8856Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

    8分

  8. 4月22日

    OOrion: The App That Helped Me Find Dog Poop

    In this solo episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan takes a deep dive into one of the most exciting accessibility tools he has tested recently: the Orion app.Evan explains that he first encountered Orion through a friend, then tried it firsthand on both an iPhone and Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses. He quickly realized the app represented something he has long talked about on the show: “reactive AI,” or technology capable of describing the world around you in real time.He gives a detailed breakdown of Orion’s history, beginning with its development in France in 2020, its early object-finding prototype in 2022, wider release in 2024, and major generative AI enhancements in 2025. He notes the addition of venue-specific navigation, voice assistant features, and most recently, integration with Meta glasses.Evan walks listeners through setup, permissions, connecting Meta glasses, recommended settings, voice behavior, and battery considerations. He also explains the app’s core features:• Visual Question• Search Objects• Search Text• Nearby Objects• Nearby Text• Personal ObjectsThroughout the episode he shares real-world examples of using Orion to:• Find keys, mugs, and lost objects• Read labels and medication packaging• Detect dishwasher lights• Adjust thermostats• Read office signs• Identify logos and products• Understand room layouts• Navigate unfamiliar environments• And yes… locate dog accidents on the floorEvan emphasizes that Orion does not replace a cane or guide dog and should never be trusted for critical obstacle avoidance due to cloud-processing delays. But as a supplemental accessibility tool, he describes it as one of the most useful visual-assistance apps he has ever used.He closes by inviting listener feedback and teasing an upcoming BLT Byte episode where he will wear the Orion-connected Meta glasses during a trip from home to work to demonstrate the app in real-world use. Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

    24分
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番組について

Where accessibility meets innovation. Hosted by Evan Starnes, Blind Level Tech explores the latest in assistive technology, accessible design, and everyday tools that empower the blind and low-vision community. Each episode dives into real stories, expert insights, and practical solutions—from screen readers and AI tools to mobility tech and inclusive apps. Whether you’re blind, low vision, a professional in the accessibility space, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping lives, this show offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways. Produced by Aftersight, Blind Level Tech is more than a tech podcast—it’s a platform for inclusion, discovery, and possibility.

情報

  • チャンネル
    Aftersight
  • クリエイター
    Aftersight
  • 配信期間
    23年 - 26年
  • エピソード
    194
  • 制限指定
    不適切な内容を含む
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • 番組のWebサイト
    Blind Level Tech

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