Blind Level Tech

Aftersight
  • 4,7 (15)
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Blind Level Tech is the podcast where accessibility meets innovation, diving into the latest in assistive technology for the blind and low-vision community. Hosted by tech enthusiasts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby, each episode explores tools, apps, and devices that are transforming how blind students and professionals engage with the world. With expert insights, guest interviews, and hands-on reviews, Blind Level Tech breaks down complex tech topics into practical advice for students, educators, and anyone interested in accessible technology. Tune in to stay informed, empowered, and connected in the rapidly evolving world of assistive tech. This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.

  1. -14 Ч

    Writing Without Limits: Elyse Draper on AI, Accessibility, and Publishing Diverse Voices | Blind Level Tech

    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes shifts the focus from gaming to the world of writing with guest Elyse Draper. Elyse shares her journey as a professional writer with over 25 years of experience, spanning nonfiction, satire, and speculative fiction, as well as her work as CMO of iPub Cloud International. She discusses accessibility in publishing, her rare eye condition, and the tools she uses—ranging from iPad-based apps to JAWS and speech software. The conversation dives deep into writing workflows, AI’s role in creativity, and the evolving publishing landscape. Elyse also highlights her initiatives: Sprabeld, an AI platform helping children with disabilities become protagonists in their own stories, and the VIMB Creatives Workshop, spotlighting blind and low-vision creators. The episode rounds out with a fun lightning round of “Trash or Tool” evaluating various writing and publishing tools, before closing with the Sandwich of the Week and Elyse’s invitation to explore her publishing projects. Listeners will come away inspired to embrace both technology and creativity, and reminded that the only thing stopping them from writing is themselves. Contact Info Guest: Elyse Draper Website: iPub Cloud International VIMB Creatives Workshop: vinbcreativesworkshop.com Search "Elyse Draper" online for books, articles, and resources Aftersight Contact: Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer Credits: Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. Show Credits Host: Evan Starnes Guest: Elyse Draper Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Production Chapter Markers 00:00 — Welcome to Blind Level Tech 01:05 — Elyse Draper’s audio selfie and writing background 03:45 — Vision loss journey and assistive tools for writing 06:40 — Workflow strategies and avoiding writer’s block 08:50 — AI in writing: Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini 12:10 — Architect vs. Gardener writing approaches 15:00 — Publishing workflows and editing advice 19:40 — Distribution platforms: Kindle, Ingram, Draft2Digital 22:40 — Accessibility in EPUBs and alt text for images 25:10 — Lightning Round: Trash or Tool 27:40 — AI narration vs. human narration in audiobooks 32:00 — Blind community leading in AI adoption 34:30 — Sandwich of the Week 36:40 — Elyse’s publishing company and VIMB Creatives Workshop 38:20 — Closing thoughts and next steps

    39 мин.

  2. 10 СЕНТ.

    VoiceOver to Voice Lines: Radio, Rails, and Accessibility with Austin Seraphin

    Evan Starnes sits down with accessibility consultant, amateur radio operator, and co-founder of Philly Touch Tours, Austin Seraphin. They trace his journey from the Apple IIe and BASIC to Linux and open-source advocacy; revisit the “Eliza” moment that sparked a lifelong love of programming; and dig into why universal design beats retrofits and overlays every time. Austin shares memories of the Braille ’n Speak (and today’s BT Speak), the iPhone’s inflection point for accessible tech, and practical guidance for developers—ship with native controls, respect platform semantics, and test with screen readers. They close with the lasting impact of Philly Touch Tours and where to find Austin’s current consulting work. Contact Info Guest — Austin Seraphin: austinseraphin.net Aftersight (feedback & voicemails): feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Producer credits: Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. Host: Evan Starnes. Show Credits Host: Evan Starnes Guest: Austin Seraphin Producer: Jonathan Price A Production of Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 — Cold open & show intro 00:32 — Guest setup: who is Austin Seraphin 02:37 — Early sparks: Apple IIe, Echo, and BASIC 07:29 — The “LIST” epiphany: Eliza source code moment 09:41 — From Apple IIgs to DOS and the early screen reader era 12:02 — Linux today: Arch, Slint, and accessibility trade-offs 14:24 — Braille ’n Speak to BT Speak: tools that shaped a generation 16:44 — iPhone 3GS and the mainstreaming of mobile accessibility 19:08 — Apps, color identifiers, and learning the new paradigm 21:33 — Teaching kids to code: Swift Playgrounds and beyond 23:55 — Philly Touch Tours: origin story and tactile learning 29:02 — Universal design in practice: chisels, ramps, and patterns 31:37 — Why “accessible from day one” beats retrofits 36:25 — Platforms compared: native controls vs. the web wild west 38:50 — Electron, performance, and the cost of abstraction 41:18 — Accessibility overlays: why quick fixes fail users 42:55 — Consulting reboot and where to find Austin 43:42 — Wrap-up, future episodes, and Aftersight CTAs

    46 мин.

  3. 3 СЕНТ.

    Dale Hill: Don't be afraid to Push Buttons

    This week on BLT, we have a rare in-person interview with Dale Hill, long time Aftersight listener and now also a bord member. We touch on some of the adaptations Dale used during his career, including his own custom magnifier for MSDos back in the day. We also talk about the use of modern technology, particularly for older adults, and why some of these devices may be difficult to grasp for some older adults. Contact: For questions or feedback, email feedback@aftersight.org or leave a voicemail at 720-712-8856.

    22 мин.

  4. 27 АВГ.

    The Magic Behind NLS Talking Books with Tyler Kottmann

    This week on BLT, we're joined by Tyler Kottmann, Studio Director at the Colorado Talking Book Library. We explore the intricacies of audiobook production for the National Library Service, the role of volunteers as readers and reviewers, and the equipment used for producing talking books. Visit the Colorado Talking Book Libraries website at https://myctbl.cde.state.co.us

    40 мин.

  5. 20 АВГ.

    Lorrie Spoering: Reader Advisor at the Talking Book Library"

    This week on BLT, we speak with Lorrie Spoering, a dedicated reader advisor at the Talking Book Library. From her early days as a volunteer to her current role, Lorrie shares her passion for making reading accessible to all. If you're not a Patren of the Talking Book Library, head over to myctbl.org to sign up.

    37 мин.

  6. 13 АВГ.

    Gable Meade Part 2: The Sento Showdown

    This week on BLT, we’re back with Gable Mead to talk aboutan exciting part of the blind/low vision gameing community. Gable shares the inception and growth of the Sento Showdown tournaments, highlighting the passion and dedication that fuels these events. We explore the impact of accessible gaming on community building and the exciting collaborations that have emerged. If you’d like to learn more about the Sento Showdown, please check out the official website at https://www.thesentoshowdown.com/

    20 мин.

  7. 6 АВГ.

    Gable Meade Part 1: Muscled Memory, Axedental Accessibility, and the current Landscape of Accessible Gaming

    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, we sit down with Gable Meade, a passionate gamer and advocate for accessibility in gaming. We dive into Gable's personal journey, exploring how he navigated the challenges of vision loss while maintaining his love for video games. From his early days with Nintendo to mastering fighting games like Mortal Kombat, Gable shares insights into the evolving landscape of accessible gaming. Join us as we discuss how games were adapted or axedently accessible, and how developers are implementing accessibility features into there games.

    40 мин.

  8. 30 ИЮЛ.

    “Holy Braille” to Codex: Multi‑Line Braille That Clicks

    Evan Starnes sits down with Alex Russomanno, CEO of New Haptics, to unpack the Codex—a 4‑line x 32‑cell, multi‑line braille display powered by pneumatic actuation, a full‑surface touch interface (double‑tap to route the cursor), and mechanical Perkins keys built for daily work. They trace the journey from the early “Holy Braille” research to a desktop‑class device with an external pump, Linux under the hood, and a growing software layer. We cover emerging screen‑reader integrations (JAWS/NVDA/Narrator; VoiceOver expected later), onboard apps (including a Wordle‑style game), durability testing aimed at 5–7 years of heavy use, and a target price just under $10,000. Plus, BLT’s “sandwich of the week” and what’s next for multi‑line workflows. Contact Info Guest — Alex Russomanno (New Haptics) Website: https://www.newhaptics.com Contact: Use the site’s contact form (messages route to Alex) Aftersight / Blind Level Tech Email: feedback@aftersight.org Voicemail: (720) 712‑8856 Chapter Markers 00:15 Intro & CSUN context: first hands‑on with Codex 01:05 Meet Alex—Michigan roots & “Holy Braille” origins 03:50 Early pneumatic prototypes (2015) → lessons learned 07:10 Naming the Codex—literacy meets tech 08:10 Hardware tour: 4x32, 8‑dot cells, line select keys, touch surface 10:05 Double‑tap cursor routing; keeping full braille real estate 11:35 Desktop design: external pump & the “white‑noise” hum 13:55 Mechanical Perkins keys & haptics philosophy 14:55 Use cases & screen‑reader roadmap (JAWS/NVDA/Narrator; VO later) 16:35 Onboard apps/games; update approach 18:10 Under the hood: Linux base + custom UX layer 19:40 Biggest challenge: dot feel & long‑term reliability 22:50 No top film: how Codex protects mechanics differently 24:55 Pricing & form factor decisions (why 4 lines; 8‑dot) 26:20 Community co‑design & honest feedback 27:30 BLT “Sandwich of the Week” 28:50 What’s next for New Haptics 31:00 “Design with dignity, then iterate” 31:30 Where to find Codex & trade shows 33:10 Listener CTAs & outro

    34 мин.
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Blind Level Tech is the podcast where accessibility meets innovation, diving into the latest in assistive technology for the blind and low-vision community. Hosted by tech enthusiasts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby, each episode explores tools, apps, and devices that are transforming how blind students and professionals engage with the world. With expert insights, guest interviews, and hands-on reviews, Blind Level Tech breaks down complex tech topics into practical advice for students, educators, and anyone interested in accessible technology. Tune in to stay informed, empowered, and connected in the rapidly evolving world of assistive tech. This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.

Информация

  • Канал
    Aftersight
  • Автор
    Aftersight
  • Годы выхода
    2023 - 2025
  • Выпуски
    158
  • Ограничения
    С ненормативной лексикой
  • Авторские права
    © 2023
  • Сайт подкаста
    Blind Level Tech

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