Blind Level Tech

Aftersight
Aftersight
  • 4.7 (15)
  • Tech News
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Meet My Menu: Mmmm Tasty!!!

    Episode Description  Restaurant menus are supposed to tell you what you can eat. But when the website is inaccessible, the PDF won’t work with a screen reader, or there isn’t a braille menu available, something as simple as ordering dinner can turn into a guessing game.  On this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan talks with Avital “Avi” Drel, creator of Meet My Menu, a tool designed to give blind and low-vision diners a more independent way to access restaurant menus.  Avi explains how conversations with blind users around the country revealed just how inconsistent menu accessibility can be, from inaccessible restaurant websites to screen readers forcing users through an entire menu from beginning to end. Meet My Menu combines accessible menu formatting with an AI voice agent that can answer natural questions about dishes, prices, ingredients, and other information pulled directly from the restaurant menu.  For users who prefer not to use voice, menus can also be presented in a consistent structure designed to work with screen readers and braille displays, including headings and expandable sections. And restaurants may only be the beginning. Avi talks about expanding the same accessibility concept into conferences, theater programs, events, and other information that can be difficult to access independently.  Guest  Avital “Avi” DrelCreator of Meet My Menu  Links  Meet My Menu: meetmymenu.comWeb App: app.meetmymenu.com  (00:05) - — Welcome to Blind Level Tech (02:30) - — Avi’s technical and business background (04:12) - — Where the idea for Meet My Menu came from (05:06) - — Why restaurant menus remain an accessibility problem (07:08) - — Meet the AI waiter (09:30) - — Screen readers and braille displays (10:51) - — Creating one consistent accessible menu format (11:40) - — Expanding beyond restaurants (12:41) - — Is Meet My Menu free? (14:11) - — Where to find Meet My Menu (15:53) - — Closing thoughts ★ Support this podcast ★

  2. 6d ago

    Start Small, Make Something: getting started with Music Production

    Getting into music production does not have to begin with an expensive microphone, audio interface, MIDI controller, or professional studio. In this solo episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes offers a practical introduction to making music and working with audio—especially for blind and low-vision creators.A phone or computer, paired with decent headphones or earbuds, may be everything you need to begin experimenting. Even built-in microphones can help you explore singing, rapping, or recording an instrument before investing in specialized equipment.Evan also goes over the pros and cons of several digital audio work stations, including some free options you may already have on your device.Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

  3. Aug 12

    Start Small, Make Something: An Accessible Guide to Music Production

    Getting into music production does not have to begin with an expensive microphone, audio interface, MIDI controller, or professional studio. In this solo episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes offers a practical introduction to making music and working with audio—especially for blind and low-vision creators.Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

  4. Aug 5

    Vibe Coding: Building Accessible Tools with AI

    On this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes and Jonathan Price explore vibe coding and its potential for blind and low-vision users. Jonathan shares how AI-assisted coding helped him create an accessible production-management platform that brings Aftersight’s programs, volunteers, publications, audio, and production information into one place.They also discuss screen-reader testing, overly verbose accessibility, API security, sandboxed development, and why AI-generated code still requires thoughtful human direction.Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

  5. Jul 29

    Burritos, Braille, and Robotaxis: July Tech Roundup with David Ward

    There’s a lot to catch up on in the world of tech.Evan Starnes and David Ward are back for a Blind Level Tech roundup covering everything from NLS BARD on the Orbit Player and new BrailleSense features to NVDA 2026, rising computer hardware prices, accessible smart glasses, Curb2Car, Waymo, Tesla Robotaxi, and more.Along the way, they discuss what these changes actually mean for blind and low-vision technology users—and why sometimes the smallest accessibility improvements can make the biggest difference.Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★ (00:00) - - Burrito Level Tech Begins (01:44) - - Two Months of Tech News to Catch Up On (02:39) - - Orbit Player Adds NLS BARD Support (03:38) - - Victor Reader Stream and the Case for Dedicated Devices (06:19) - - New BrailleSense 6 Apps and Features (07:47) - - WWDC, iOS 27, and the New Siri Experience (10:41) - - Natural AI Voices and Conversational Speech (13:58) - - NVDA 2026 and Magnification (19:08) - - RAM Prices and the Rising Cost of Technology (24:55) - - Windows 10 Support and the Future of Windows (28:47) - - Finding Your Ride with Curb2Car (34:10) - - Meta Ray-Bans for Blinded Veterans (46:27) - - Waymo and Autonomous Vehicles in Colorado (50:59) - - Google Docs Makes Pasted Links Easier to Read (53:34) - - Wrapping Up the Summer Tech Roundup

  6. Jul 22

    Inside the Perkins Brailler: History, Repair, and Remarkable Design

    This week, Evan welcomes Aftersight volunteer and Perkins Brailler repair Ralph for a journey through the machine’s history, design, and maintenance. Before the Perkins Brailler, people primarily wrote braille using a slate and stylus or one of several early mechanical braille writers. Many of those machines were large, loud, fragile, and difficult for children to operate. The conversation explores why the classic Perkins design has survived with relatively few changes, and how to keep a Perkins Braillerighter running like a rist watch. ★ Support this podcast ★

  7. Jul 15

    Wait! The History and Tech Behind Audible Pedestrian Signals

    After a short staycation break, Evan is back on Blind Level Tech to explore the surprisingly fascinating world of audible pedestrian signals. These are the beeping, chirping, talking, and sometimes very enthusiastic crosswalk buttons that help blind and low vision travelers navigate street crossings.This episode covers the early history of APS devices, including bells and buzzers from the 1920s and 1930s, the chirp and cuckoo systems used in Japan, and the rise of modern push-button signals with locator tones, spoken street names, countdowns, vibrating buttons, automatic volume adjustment, and Bluetooth programming. Evan also shares his own experiences using and requesting APS installations, while discussing noise concerns, inconsistent programming, orientation and mobility skills, and why these devices are helpful tools rather than a total replacement for good travel judgment.Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★ (00:17) - - Welcome Back and Staycation Recap (01:41) - - Introducing Audible Pedestrian Signals (02:38) - - Early APS History (05:07) - - Japan’s Chirp and Cuckoo Signals (05:48) - - Benefits and Drawbacks of Older Signals (07:37) - - Accessibility on a Schedule (08:59) - - Modern Push-Button APS Devices (10:00) - - Vibrating Buttons for DeafBlind Travelers (11:17) - - Microphones and Automatic Volume Adjustment (12:58) - - APS as a Tool, Not a Replacement (15:24) - - Personal Experience Requesting APS Installations (16:59) - - Consistency, Programming, and Street Announcements (18:08) - - APS Brands and Polara (19:23) - - Bluetooth Programming and Security Concerns (21:48) - - Remote Activation and Listener Feedback (23:20) - - Closing Thoughts

  8. Jun 10

    Weather Radios and Why They Still Matter

    This week on Blind Level Tech, Evan takes a closer look at weather radios: what they do, why they still matter in the age of smartphones, and where accessibility still falls short. From NOAA broadcasts and SAME codes to emergency crank radios, alert radios, pillow shakers, strobe lights, and satellite SOS features, this episode is all about staying informed when it matters most.Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★ (00:00) - - Intro: Why Weather Radios? (02:47) - - Smartphones vs. Weather Radios (05:07) - - NOAA Weather Radio and Emergency Alerts (07:31) - - How Weather Alert Radios Work (09:57) - - SAME Codes Explained (10:55) - - Accessibility Challenges (12:17) - - Choosing a More Usable Weather Radio (13:10) - - Weather Radio Brands and Buying Options (16:49) - - Satellite SOS and Smartphone Backup Plans (17:45) - - Sandwich of the Week: The SAME Witch (19:16) - - Listener Feedback and Final Thoughts

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4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Channel
    Aftersight
  • Creator
    Aftersight
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    202
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Blind Level Tech

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