Blind Level Tech Aftersight

Summary

In this conversation, Evan and Kelvin discuss the impact of AI and technological innovations on the blind and low vision community. They explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI, including the loss of natural abilities and over-reliance on technology. They also touch on the controversial topic of vision tech, such as gene therapy and implants, and share their personal perspectives on restoring vision. The conversation concludes with their Sandwiches of the Week segment and announcements about upcoming events.

Takeaways

AI has the potential to empower the blind and low vision community by providing access to information and opening up new opportunities.
It is important to strike a balance between relying on AI technology and maintaining natural abilities.
The decision to pursue vision tech, such as gene therapy or implants, is a personal choice that should consider the risks and potential impact on one's life.
The Sandwiches of the Week segment features the Cali sandwich from Chiba Hut and the Calvin Special from Summerina.
Listeners can participate in the Audio Trekkers Hike and submit questions for Kelvin to answer on the podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weather Update
05:18 The Impact of AI and Technological Innovations
11:28 Balancing Natural Abilities and Artificial Abilities
29:31 Sandwiches of the Week: The Cali and the Calvin Special

Summary

Kelvin Crosby, the inventor of the SeemeCane, joins the conversation to discuss his recent trip and the exciting developments with the Seemecane. He shares his experience visiting the Louisiana Association for the Blind, where they will be manufacturing the SeeMecanes. Kelvin emphasizes the importance of universal design and accessibility in technology, highlighting the need to prioritize the needs of deafblind individuals. The conversation also touches on the value of tactile buttons and physical interaction in technology. In this conversation, Jonathan, Kelvin, and Evan discuss the shift towards accessible technology and the impact it has on the blind and deafblind communities. They highlight the See Me Cane, a cane that lights up and improves visibility for users. Kelvin shares success stories of individuals who have gained independence and confidence through the use of the See Me Cane. The conversation then transitions to the announcement that Kelvin will be the new cohost of the Blind Level Tech podcast. They discuss the upcoming BLT Bites series, which will provide quick tips and information for older adults. The hosts also share their favorite sandwiches of the week and promote upcoming events like the Aftersight hike and the Game Changers podcast.

Best Quote

Kelvin: "We focus on developing products for deafblind individuals first. Not blind, not deaf, deafblind."

Chapters

00:00 Manufacturing the SeemeCane
16:11 Prioritizing Universal Design and Accessibility
35:36 Sandwiches of the Week
45:55 Upcoming Events

Thank you for listening to this episode of BLT. If you have any questions, make sure you give us a call at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback @aftersight.org. Have an amazing week.

Summary

In this conversation, Jonathan and Evan discuss the new features and updates in JAWS, a screen reader software. They focus on the Picture Smart AI feature, which uses AI to generate descriptions of images. They also talk about the Voice Assistant feature, which allows users to control JAWS using voice commands. Mohammed Laachir, a tech guru from Vispero, joins the conversation to provide more details about these features and how to use them. In this conversation, Mohammed Laachir discusses the latest updates and features in JAWS. The conversation covers topics such as Picture Smart AI, bug fixes, font smoothing technology, and math support. Mohammed also mentions upcoming features like chat functionality. The hosts also introduce upcoming changes to the BLT podcast, including the launch of BLT Bytes and a new podcast called Game Changers, focused on blind sports.

Takeaways

JAWS has introduced new features and updates, including Picture Smart AI and Voice Assistant.
Picture Smart AI uses AI to generate detailed descriptions of images, making it easier for visually impaired users to understand visual content.
The Voice Assistant feature allows users to control JAWS using voice commands, providing an alternative to keystrokes.
Users can activate Picture Smart AI by enabling the Early Adopter Program in JAWS settings.
The Picture Smart AI feature supports various commands, such as capturing screenshots and acquiring images from cameras or scanners. JAWS has introduced Picture Smart AI, which allows users to take a picture and have it described to them using AI technology.
Bug fixes and improvements have been made to various features in JAWS, including table navigation and compatibility with Office applications.
Xfont, a font smoothing technology, has been expanded in JAWS to improve the readability of magnified text.
MathCat, an open-source math library, has been integrated into JAWS to provide better math support for visually impaired users.
Upcoming features in JAWS include chat functionality, allowing users to interact with chatbots for assistance.
The BLT podcast is introducing BLT Bytes, short episodes focused on beginner technology help tips and tricks.
A new podcast called Game Changers will be launched, featuring interviews with blind and adaptive sports athletes.

Quote of the Show

"Just describe this picture, and it will go wild like it does with be my eyes and tell you everything that it can think of."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and discussion about gardening
03:14 Introduction of Mohammed Laachir and discussion about JAWS updates
05:34 Introducing Picture Smart AI and its capabilities
09:36 Activating Picture Smart AI and using its commands
14:48 Discussion about the Voice Assistant feature
18:26 Introducing Picture Smart AI: Describing Images with AI Technology
19:16 Bug Fixes and Improvements in JAWS
20:27 Expanding Xfont: Improving Readability for Low Vision Users
22:22 Math Support with MathCat in JAWS
28:22 Upcoming Feature: Chat Functionality in JAWS
30:13 Introducing BLT Bytes: Beginner Technology Help Tips and Tricks
32:14 Coming Soon: Game Changers Podcast on Blind and Adaptive Sports

Thank you for listening to this episode of Blind Level Tech. If you enjoyed this episode and have any questions or comments for Jonathan and Evan, please call us at 720-712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks and have a great week.

Summary

In this conversation, Jonathan, Evan, and Oksana discuss various topics related to technology and accessibility. They talk about their weekends, the farthest person they've talked to, and Oksana's experience using different operating systems. Oksana shares her challenges and successes in using Android and Mac, as well as her work in testing websites for accessibility. They also touch on the differences between Windows and Mac, and the learning curve associated with using Voiceover on Mac. In this conversation, Oksana discusses her experience with web accessibility and her transition from Windows to Mac. She also shares her interests in marketing and storytelling, as well as her love for certain sandwiches. The conversation concludes with a message of embracing new experiences and helping one another.

Takeaways

The conversation covers various topics related to technology and accessibility, including the use of different operating systems and the challenges and benefits they bring.
Oksana shares her experience in testing websites for accessibility and the importance of considering accessibility in design.
The discussion highlights the differences between Windows and Mac, and the learning curve associated with using VoiceOver on Mac.
The conversation showcases the global reach of Blind Level Tech, with guests joining from different parts of the world. Web accessibility is an important field that benefits individuals with disabilities.
Switching from Windows to Mac can be motivated by factors such as compatibility with other devices and software.
Oksana is interested in marketing and storytelling, and she enjoys speaking in front of an audience.
She emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in all fields.
Oksana encourages people to try new things and help each other.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Podcast on Blind Athletes
13:26 Testing Websites for Accessibility: Oksana's Experience
31:38 Artificial Intelligence
40:30 Embracing New Experiences

Thank you for l isteneing to this episode of BLT. We have some exciting news coming up and can't wait for you to hear it so stay tuned. If you would like to ask a question of Evan or Jonathan call us at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Have a great week.

Summary

In this episode, Evan and Jonathan are joined by Ellie White to discuss the accessibility of medical devices, specifically insulin pumps and glucose monitors. Ellie shares her experience managing type 1 diabetes and the challenges she faces with the current lack of accessibility in these devices. They also discuss the importance of advocacy and legislation to improve accessibility in medical devices. The conversation concludes with a fun segment on the Sandwich of the Week.

Takeaways

Medical devices such as insulin pumps and glucose monitors often lack accessibility features, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to manage their conditions.
Advocacy and legislation, such as the Medical Device Non-Visual Accessibility Act, are crucial in pushing for improved accessibility in medical devices.
Ideally, accessible medical devices should have standalone features with tactile buttons or voice prompts, rather than relying solely on smartphone apps.
The accessibility of medical devices can greatly impact the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments, and it is important for manufacturers to prioritize inclusivity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Easter Sunday
03:12 Discussion on Medical Devices and Accessibility
06:29 Ellie's Medical Devices
07:51 Accessibility of Insulin Pump
10:55 Accessibility of Dexcom Monitor
13:56 Advocacy for Accessibility in Medical Devices
16:24 Ideal Accessibility Features
20:09 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Summary

In this episode, Evan and Jonathan discuss upcoming guests, changes in hosting, and the launch of a new podcast called Game Changers. They also announce a call for a co-host for Game Changers and provide details on the application process. Other topics covered include upcoming events, the Sandwich of the Week, merchandise, and the upcoming BLT Bites miniseries.

Takeaways

Upcoming episodes will feature guests discussing topics such as app accessibility, medical implants, and throwback tech.
Jonathan will be transitioning to the new podcast Game Changers, which focuses on blind athletes and sports.
A co-host is needed for both Blind Level Tech and Game Changers, and interested individuals can apply through the Aftersight website.
Aftersight is launching a miniseries called BLT Bites, which will provide basic tech tutorials for older blind individuals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:40 Upcoming Guests
05:07 Future Topics
07:24 Game Changers
09:16 Changes and New Show
12:32 Merchandise and BLT Bites
13:53 Conclusion

Thank you for listening to this episode of BLT. If you have any questions to ask the guests and have it aired on the show, please call us at (720) 712-8856 or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Have a great week.