Blind Level Tech

1) Episode Summary This fun, high-energy December episode of Blind Level Tech brings Evan back for the annual Top 10 Tech Gadgets Holiday Special. Evan kicks things off with Christmas music, eggnog confessions, and the joy of seasonal treats before diving into uniquely accessible and creative gifts. He recaps Colorado Gives Day and thanks donors for getting Aftersight to 27% of the $15,000 goal. Then he unveils 10 curated gadgets—from accessible power banks and 32-bit float recorders to cat trackers, drones, soundbars, navigation pouches, and mug warmers—complete with pricing, use cases, and search terms so listeners can easily find them. This episode blends accessibility, tech curiosity, and holiday cheer, helping listeners discover practical stocking stuffers and standout gadgets for the season. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization Mentions AT Guys — Assistive tech retailer Website: https://atguys.com Colorado Gives Day https://coloradogives.org/organizations/Aftersight Aftersight Contact Information Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Website: https://aftersight.org Producer Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Host: Evan Starnes Producer: Jonathan Price Executive Production: Aftersight Mixing & Post-Production: Aftersight Studios A Blindsight/Blind Level Tech Original Production by Aftersight 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Opening & Holiday Season Chat 01:40 — Colorado Gives Day Update 03:15 — Intro to the Top 10 Gadgets List 04:50 — AT Guys Accessible Power Banks 07:00 — Zoom H1 Essential Recorder 08:55 — Navi Hands-Free Navigation Pouch 09:55 — TabCat Tracking System 11:40 — Anker MagGo Power Bank 13:10 — Vizio 200M Soundbar 15:10 — Corsair HS80/HS80 Max Headset 16:40 — Akutani Coffee Mug Warmer 18:35 — Blink Video Doorbell 20:55 — Holystone Indoor Nano Drone 23:00 — Closing Remarks & Holiday Sign-Off

It is time once again for the BLT holiday gadget guide. This year, we try to think a little more out of the box, so there are no air fryers on this list. On this episode, there is a little of everything, from a coffee mug warmer to a cat tracking device, and so much more. Most of these gadgets can be bought on sights like Amazon, however, we feature a couple of products from A. T. Guys as well. Visit A. T. Guys at atguys.com. Check out our Colorado gives day page at coloradogives.org/organizations/aftersight between now and December 9. Questions or feedback? email: feedback@aftersight.org voicemail: 720-712-8856 General contact: contact@aftersight.org Website: https://aftersight.org Produced by: Evan Starnes. Lead producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast

Its time for your mainstream and assistive tech updates for the end of the month. Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes shares the latest updates in assistive technology, personal experiences with new devices, and insights into accessibility in retail environments. The episode also highlights significant tech news, including updates from Apple and Vispero, and encourages listeners to support Colorado Gives Day. Support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day on December 9. visit the Colorado Gives Website at coloradogives.org Find Aftersight's Colorado Gives page at coloradogives.org/organizations/aftersight Questions or feedback? email: feedback@aftersight.org leave a voicemail at 720-712-8856 for General inquiries, email contact@aftersight.org. Producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast

On this BLT Bite, Andrew Babbin and Liam Haily walk us through a short demo of Haylo Fi, which you can learn more about by listening to last weeks episode. Andrew shows us how easy it is to get info like your account ballence, as well as other info like the amount of money spent on things like groceries. We also discuss future plans for Haylo Fi, including the ability to build a budget, all by voice. Learn more and explore Haylo Fi by visiting halofiapp.com

summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes discusses the innovative financial technology platform Halo Fi with its developers, Andrew Babin and Liam Haley. The conversation covers their personal journeys, the inspiration behind Halo Fi, and the importance of accessibility in finance. They delve into the unique voice-driven features of the app, its potential to bridge the accessibility gap for low vision users, and the future of AI in finance. The episode concludes with advice for newcomers in finance and AI, emphasizing the importance of taking action and problem-solving skills. Learn more and get involved with Halo Fi at https://halofiapp.com/ Support Aftersight this Colorado Gives Day at coloradogives.org questions or feedback for Aftersight? email: feedback@aftersight.org Feedback Line: 720-712-8856 website: aftersight.org Producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast

This week on BLT, we chat with Patrick Long, co-founder of InnoSearch, a platform designed to enhance online shopping experiences for individuals with blindness and low vision. Patrick shares his journey into the tech world, inspired by personal experiences with family members losing their vision. The conversation delves into the importance of usability over mere compliance with accessibility standards, the innovative features of InnoSearch, including AI integration and a co-browse feature, and the future roadmap for the platform. to get started with Innosearch, visit https://www.innosearch.ai/ To try CoBrouse for yourself, visit the Eyes On Success website at eyesonsuccess.net Have questions or feedback for Aftersight? email: feedback@aftersight.org voicemail: 720-712-8856 general contact: contact@aftersight.org Aftersight website: https://aftersight.org/ Producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, we are honord to speak withh Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira, to discuss the evolution and impact of Aira's visual interpreting services. They explore Troy's journey from Silicon Valley to leading Aira, the challenges and innovations in wearable technology, and the integration of AI in accessibility tools. The conversation highlights Aira's mission to provide independence and accessibility through human and AI-powered solutions, while giving users the choice between human and AI. Learn more about Aira at aira.io Contact Troy at troy@aira.io Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap 00:03:00 Troy Otillio's Journey to Aira 00:09:00 Aira's Mission and Vision 00:15:00 The Role of AI in Accessibility 00:21:00 Wearable Technology and Aira's Innovations 00:27:00 Community Feedback and Future Plans questions or feedback? email: feedback@aftersight.org voicemail: 720-712-8856 website: aftersight.org producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast

On this episode of BLT, Evan and Marty Sobo geek out over the latest releases from Apple, including the new M5 chip, and the updated Apple Vision Pro. We discuss whether you should upgrade your old M1 or M2 Mac, and share some thoughts on the future of the Vision pro, and its usability in the blind/low-vision community. producer: Evan Starnes lead producer: Jonathan Price questions or feedback? email: feedback@aftersight.org feedback line: 720-712-8856 website: aftersight.org general email: contact@aftersight.org An Aftersight Original Podcast

Summary On this episode of BLT, we take a look at some of the latest happenings in mainstream and assistive tech, from New Apple updates to some new smart glasses designed for navigation. We share some personal stories, like how Evan’s Air pods survived the washing machine for the second time, and hint at some future episodes. Questions or feedback? Email: feedback@aftersight.org Voicemail: 720-712-8856 Website: www.aftersight.org Producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast

This week on BLT, we take a look at Targets new accessible self checkout machines, which are beeing roled out nation wide.Mbr> We explore the technology behind these machines, their accessibility features, and the potential for future improvements. Want to learn more? Check out this article on the Target corporate website. https://corporate.target.com/news-features/article/2025/09/accessible-self-checkout chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction and Tech Updates 00:03:00 Self-Checkout Experiences 00:06:00 Target's Accessible Rollout 00:09:00 Technology Behind Accessibility 00:12:00 Future Improvements and Feedback Producer: Evan Starnes Website: aftersight.org Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org Feedback Line: 720-712-8856 General Inquiries: contact@afdtersight.org An Aftersight Original podcast

Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes explores the latest advancements in Meta's Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses. Discover the significant hardware upgrades, including enhanced battery life and camera resolution, and delve into the new software features that enhance usability and productivity, such as Google and Outlook calendar integration. Producer: Evan Starnes Questions or feedback? Email: feedback@aftersight.org Feedback Hotline: 720-712-8856 website: www.aftersight.org

In this episode, Evan discusses the latest innovations from Amazon's Fall 2025 hardware event, focusing on the new Echo lineup, Echo Shows, Fire Tablets, Fire TV Stick, and the introduction of Alexa Plus. He highlights the accessibility features, improvements in sound quality, and the integration of AI in security cameras. The conversation also touches on the technical advancements with the new Linux-based Fire OS, aiming to enhance performance across devices. Check out the full summary of the event at https://www.engadget.com/home/everything-announced-at-amazons-fall-hardware-event-143557140.html Find us at aftersight.org Email feedback@aftersight.org if you have any questions or comments concerning BLT or other Aftersight Original podcasts.

Join Evan Starnes and Marty Sobo as they explore Apple's latest innovations. From the iPhone 17 series to the AirPods Pro 3, and the iOS 26 updates, they discuss the new features, improvements in accessibility, and what these mean for users. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the latest trends, this episode offers insights and thoughtful analysis. Chapters Markers 00:00 - Welcome & Overview 05:00 - iPhone 17: Key Features 15:00 - AirPods Pro 3: Enhancements 25:00 - iOS 26: Accessibility Updates 35:00 - Final Thoughts Still not sure if you should update? Check out this article from Appleviz to learn more about the changes, accessibility improvements, and issues at https://www.applevis.com/blog/whats-new-ios-26-accessibility-blind-deafblind-users Have questions or feedback for Aftersight? email: feedback@aftersight.org feedback line: 720-712-8856 website: aftersight.org An Aftersight Original production

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

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

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.

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

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.

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/

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.