See Things Differently with HumanWare

HumanWare

Each month, charismatic show hosts Peter Tucic and Rachel Ramos deliver story-driven content based on human-interest. Listeners will be able to access truly engaging conversations with captivating guests, including HumanWare’s own team members and partners in the blindness and low-vision space.

  1. APR 16

    Guiding the Way with Glide and JAWS for BrailleNote Evolve

    Read transcript Welcome to a "Sweet 16" episode of "See Things Differently with HumanWare" ! This month, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge are joined by HumanWare Product Specialist Joel Zimba to dive deep into the future of independent mobility and the expansion of the BrailleNote ecosystem. Segment 1: Glidance and the Evolution of Mobility Amos Miller, Founder and CEO of Glidance (https://glidance.io) joins the show to discuss Glide, a groundbreaking self-steering mobility aid. Inspiration: Amos shares how his work on Microsoft Soundscape led to the realization that many users need "micro-navigation" and physical guidance for the "last mile" to a door or around obstacles The Hardware: Glide is a wheeled device with a handle similar to a guide dog harness[cite: 101, 102]. [cite_start]It features a sophisticated downward-facing depth camera system to detect "lethal obstacles" like drop-offs and platform edges, bringing the user to a dead stop if necessary Tech Specs: The device includes a cellular modem with its own data plan, ensuring it can access advanced AI and mapping features while maintaining core guidance capabilities offline Segment 2: The Wearables Debate The team holds a "Hot Topic" discussion on the wearables they actually use—and the ones they don't. Ray-Ban Meta: Rachel discusses how the glasses assist her during travel, especially when integrated with services like Aira Apple Watch Critique: Joel provides a candid list of why the Apple Watch hasn't "won him over," citing its bulkiness and the fact that it still requires two hands for a blind user to operate AirPods & Mini Guide: David shares his love for AirPods as his primary wearable and highlights the Mini Guide, a handheld sonar device for environmental scanning Segment 3: Partner Corner – Vispero & JAWS Matt Ater, Senior VP at Vispero, joins Rachel to announce a major partnership: bringing JAWS to the BrailleNote Evolve. Fully Integrated: This is the same powerful JAWS used on Windows PCs, now licensed directly to the BrailleNote Evolve PC Power: Because the Evolve features dedicated Alt, Control, and Insert keys, navigating complex Windows applications and using JAWS scripts is more intuitive than on a traditional Braille display Complimentary Access: New Evolve customers will receive a six-month complimentary license to get started The Jim Halliday STEAM Innovation Bursary 2026 HumanWare is proud to announce that the Jim Halliday STEAM Innovation Bursary is now open for 2026! This global program recognizes students aged 13 to 25 who are developing STEAM-related projects that improve accessibility or benefit their communities. The Goal: We are looking for bold questions and projects that merge disciplines to make accessibility part of everyday innovation. Recipients will receive cutting-edge technology, including a Brilliant BI 40X , a Mantis Q40 , or a Prodigi for Windows Complete Kit . How to Apply: Students can apply directly or be nominated by a mentor. Visit the HumanWare News Page for full details Upcoming Shows & Events Catch the HumanWare team at these upcoming conferences : April 15-17: PA-DE AER Conference (Harrisburg, PA) April 16-18:** CTEBVI Conference (Los Angeles, CA) April 16-18: Sensor Tech at Zozo (Utrecht, Netherlands) NFB Utah State Convention (Ogden, UT) Have a story or feedback? Write to us at podcast@humanware.com Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co

    1h 2m

  2. MAR 19

    Adrenaline & Accessibility with Dave Wilkinson

    In this episode of See Things Differently, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge celebrate Orientation and Mobility Month by welcoming endurance athlete and digital accessibility analyst Dave Wilkinson. Dave shares his powerful journey of recovery after a 2017 car accident, highlighting how the Brailliant Braille display was instrumental in helping him regain his reading skills without relying on speech. The conversation dives deep into Dave’s life as an "adrenaline junkie," from completing grueling Ironman triathlons to his ambitious 3000-mile solo tandem attempt in the Race Across America. Beyond the athletics, Dave and the hosts discuss the importance of mental resilience, the need for more physical activity within the blind community, and practical tips for building a flexible technical toolkit to navigate an often inaccessible world. https://www.facebook.com/teamspeedyturtle/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1142388796456398 Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

    46 min

  3. FEB 19

    Gaming Without Limits: Low Vision, Tech & Staying in the Game

    In this episode of See Things Differently, we celebrate Low Vision Awareness Month with a powerful conversation about gaming and accessibility. Rachel and David sit down with Joe Steinkamp, Manufacturer Representative at HumanWare, to explore his journey as a lifelong gamer navigating progressive vision loss. From early days on Atari to today’s accessible consoles, Joe shares how technology has transformed what’s possible for blind and low vision players. The discussion dives into the evolution of built-in accessibility features on platforms like Xbox and Nintendo Switch 2, and what these advancements mean for independence, inclusion, and staying connected to the hobbies we love. It’s an honest and inspiring look at resilience, innovation, and the future of accessible gaming. Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

    45 min

  4. JAN 15

    Anthony Ferraro: Raised for Independence

    In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Ferraro for a personal conversation about family, independence, and growing up blind. Anthony shares how his family shaped his confidence and expectations from an early age, encouraging independence rather than limitation. We explore what it means to grow up blind in a world full of assumptions, and how early support and mindset play a critical role in building resilience and self-belief. This conversation goes beyond technology to focus on lived experience, personal growth, and why accessibility starts with how people are raised, supported, and empowered. Topics include: Growing up blind and being raised for independence The role of family in shaping confidence and opportunity Challenging assumptions about blindness Why lived experience matters in accessibility Also, for people interested in learning more about the upcoming BrailleNote evolve: https://www.humanware.com/en-international/braillenote-evolve/ Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

    1h 3m

  5. 12/18/2025

    Mobility, Technology, and Independence

    In this episode, we explore blindness and mobility through a family lens — focusing on how parents, partners, and loved ones experience, support, and sometimes struggle with independence and safety. Joined by Gemma Gatehouse and Jason Martin, the conversation looks at how family dynamics influence mobility decisions, from learning to use a white cane to adopting guide dogs or new assistive technologies. We discuss the natural tension between protection and independence, and how fear, trust, and communication shape the choices families make together. Our guests share thoughtful insights on how emerging technologies can either empower blind individuals or unintentionally increase anxiety for family members if expectations are misaligned. The episode emphasizes the importance of education — not just for blind users, but for families — so mobility is built on confidence rather than fear. Resources: https://www.applevis.com/podcasts/bridging-access-braille-depth-look-braille-access-ios-26https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/access-on/whats-new-in-ios-26-rXTLNb9J1Gm/ Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

    51 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    Summit Without Sight

    In this episode, Rachel and Mathieu sit down with Dr. Conchita Hernández and her partner Sachin to talk about their remarkable climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. Conchita, who identifies as blind, shares how a spontaneous idea sparked during a UN meeting led to a year of training, adaptation, and teamwork. Together, they walk us through how they prepared, how they communicated on the mountain, and what it felt like to push through fatigue, altitude, and fear to reach the summit. They also touch on the role accessibility tools — including Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — played in their daily lives and in helping them approach challenges with confidence. This episode also features: Partner’s Corner with Jason: A discussion with Jason Martin from APH (www.aph.org) about the Wing-IT application available on iOS to use with the Monarch. Tips & Tricks with Roger:Practical advice on using Prodigi for Windows new AI assistant mode to navigate documents, even those not in your native language! As always, your feedback and stories are welcome at podcast@humanware.com ! Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

    1 hr

  7. 10/16/2025

    Monarch: The Future of Braille and Beyond

    In this milestone 10th episode of See Things Differently, Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge hand the mic to HumanWare’s Braille Product Manager Andrew Flatres for a deep-dive into one of the most exciting innovations in accessibility tech: the Monarch. Andrew is joined by Chris Cooke, Scott Erichsen, and Allison Meloy, three early Monarch users who share how this groundbreaking tactile device is transforming the way people experience Braille and tactile graphics. From first impressions to classroom applications and the “wow” moments of exploring diagrams through touch, their stories highlight what makes Monarch so revolutionary. Recently recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2025, the Monarch represents a major leap forward for digital Braille — and for the future of accessible learning. Whether you’re a teacher, tech enthusiast, or just curious about what’s next in accessibility, this conversation will leave you inspired by what tactile technology can achieve. 👉 Read about Monarch on Time.com Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

    53 min

  8. 09/18/2025

    Bringing Images to Life: TactileView and Tactile Graphics

    In this episode of the HumanWare See Things Differently podcast, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge sit down with John Taylor and Ed Worrell to explore the world of tactile graphics and the innovative TactileView software. Together, they discuss how tactile graphics can empower students who are blind or visually impaired, the role of TactileView in creating accessible educational materials, and practical ways teachers, braillists, and transcribers can integrate these tools into the classroom. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or technology enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into the importance of tactile learning and the future of accessible design. 🔗 Relevant Links: TactileView: https://store.humanware.com/hca/tactileview-drawing-software.html Wing It: https://www.aph.org/product/wing-it/ Sterling Adaptives: https://sterlingadaptives.com/ OverHere Consulting: https://overhereconsulting.net/ 👥 Guests: John Taylor – Accessibility expert and tactile graphics advocate Ed Worrell – Educator and TactileView trainer Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

    57 min
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Each month, charismatic show hosts Peter Tucic and Rachel Ramos deliver story-driven content based on human-interest. Listeners will be able to access truly engaging conversations with captivating guests, including HumanWare’s own team members and partners in the blindness and low-vision space.

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