Blind Level Tech

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.

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

In this solo episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes dives deep into a head-to-head comparison of two leading smart glasses in the accessibility space: the Echo Vision glasses and the Meta Ray-Bans. Evan explores each product’s features, usability, price point, and overall practicality for the blind and low-vision community. With insights from hands-on use and demo reviews, Evan breaks down key differences like: Live AI and OCR capabilities Discreet button-based control vs. voice control Battery life and the power of USB-C Face recognition, integration with Be My Eyes and Aira, and more He also highlights what makes each pair unique—Echo Vision as a dedicated assistive tech device, and Meta Ray-Bans as a mainstream AI-powered tool with potential for accessibility. Evan candidly shares why he's still on the fence about pre-ordering Echo Vision glasses, and invites listeners to share their experiences or request live demos. Whether you're looking to upgrade your smart glasses or exploring your first pair, this episode will help you make an informed decision based on real-world needs and accessibility priorities. Contact Info for Listener Feedback: 📧 feedback@aftersight.org 📞 720-712-8856 🌐 aftersight.org/blindleveltech Host: Evan Starnes Producer: Jonathan Price Presented by: Aftersight Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome and Housekeeping: Last Solo Episode 01:15 – Introduction to Echo Vision Glasses 02:29 – Use Cases: Smart Glass vs. Assistive Tool 03:30 – Price Comparison: Echo Vision vs. Meta Ray-Bans 05:00 – Subscription Models and LLM Costs 06:45 – Sunglass Attachments and Indoor/Outdoor Use 07:16 – Hands-Free Use vs. Button-Based Control 09:38 – Live AI Mode and Context Sensitivity 12:04 – Live Reader Mode Explained 14:29 – AI Assistants Compared: Meta vs. Echo 16:48 – Live Translation on Meta Glasses 18:55 – USB-C and Extended Battery Life 20:09 – Facial Recognition and Privacy 21:28 – Integration with Be My Eyes & Aira 22:33 – Final Thoughts and Call for Demos 24:42 – Gratitude and Shoutouts

In this inspiring and insightful episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes sits down with podcasting legends Peter and Nancy Torpey, the creators of Eyes on Success. With over 700 episodes and 15 years of audio storytelling, the Torpeys share the origin story of their groundbreaking podcast, their journey from physicists at Xerox to accessibility advocates, and the philosophy behind creating meaningful content for the blind and low-vision community. They discuss everything from their accessible audio setup—including the Scarlett 4th Gen interface, Shure SM58s, Reaper, Audacity, and the Zoom H4 Essential recorder—to their experiences mentoring blind professionals worldwide. The episode highlights their commitment to showcasing blind success stories, their love for podcasting, and their legendary “egg and cheesy thing” sandwich. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a podcast lover, or someone navigating vision loss, this episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and connection. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome to Blind Level Tech 00:58 – Introduction to Peter and Nancy Torpey 02:25 – From Physicists to Podcasters 04:14 – Origins of Eyes on Success 06:37 – The Name Change and Rap Song Surprise 08:04 – Mission: Showcasing Blind Success 09:00 – Favorite Guest Memories 11:17 – Connecting Global Listeners to Real Mentors 12:41 – How the Format Evolved Over 15 Years 14:00 – Tip of the Week Segment and Interview Style 15:13 – Overcoming Early Challenges 17:01 – Creating the Iconic Theme Song 19:00 – Audio Gear Deep Dive (Scarlett, Zoom, Reaper, Audacity) 23:33 – Sandwich of the Week: “Egg and Cheesy Thing” 26:48 – Where to Find Eyes on Success 30:01 – Victor Reader Stream Limitations 30:54 – Farewell and Listener Feedback Info Guest Contact & Resources 🌐 Website: eyesonsuccess.net 📧 Subscribe: EyesOnSuccess+Subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📱 Twitter: _@EyesOnSuccess 📘 Facebook: Eyes on Success 📩 Email: hosts@eyesonsuccess.net 🎧 Listen Anywhere: “Play Eyes on Success Podcast” on smart devices 📞 NFB Newsline & Victor Reader Stream (2nd Gen and up) Contact Aftersight • 📧 Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org • ☎️ Voicemail: (720) 712-8856 • 🔗 Social: Facebook | Instagram | Mastodon | BlueSky

It's been a while, but we're finally back with more BLT Bites. On this Bite, we demonstrate how Uber Eats allows you to paste your entire shopping list, or inport it from a file, making shopping online a little easyer.

This week on BLT, we dive even deeper into the weeds with Pall Martz. We discuss Palls technical history, from working at HP to volunteering at Aftersight in the old days, and of course some fun sandwitches as well. If you'd like to get your hands on Palls book, or check out some tactile Rubik'sCubes, check out the links below. Book title: Solve It! The Only Speedsolving Guide for Blind Cubers Buy it: https://books2read.com/u/3JY87Q Get if from Bookshare: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/6610881 Paul Martz author website: PaulMartz.com Book companion website: TactileCuber.com Source for quality speedcubes: TextureCube.com

In this jam-packed episode, Evan sits down with Paul Martz—software developer, Rubik’s Cube enthusiast, and longtime accessibility advocate—to talk about growing up with vision loss, early adventures in computing, and adapting tech like JAWS, VoiceOver, and even 3D-printed Rubik’s Cubes. Want to get your hands on Pall's book? Check out Solve It! The Only Speedsolving Guide for Blind Cubers by visiting https://books2read.com/u/3JY87Q If you have a Bookshare membership, find this book at https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/6610881 Learn more about Pall by visiting PaulMartz.com.

This week on BLT, we have a nice throwback, going way back to May 2023, when Evan was still finding his footing as a podcaster, and even predating the sandwitch of the week. For this throwback, Alfred Poor joins Jonathan and Evan to talk about cool technology from rental implants to orcam and so many other things. Visit Alfre'ds website at https://alfredpoor.com or email him at alfred@alfredpoor.com

This week on BLT, host Evan Starnes is joined by guest co-host Marty Sobo to break down WWDC 2025 and the sweeping changes coming with iOS 26 and Apple’s broader ecosystem updates. Together, they dive into the new naming conventions—Apple is unifying all operating systems under the “OS 26” banner—and unpack what that means for device users. They also talk about some of the new accessibility features, including the new note taking feature, and how the new Liquid Glass design could affect blind or low-vision users.

In this forward-thinking episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes chats with John Romano, executive director of Disaster Central and creator of the Be Ready app. John shares his unique journey from professional pilot to nonprofit leader, revealing how the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy inspired him to create tools that simplify disaster response. Evan and John also explore the broader vision behind Dare to Prepare, a training program designed to accompany app use and reinforce the preparedness mindset. Learn more at www.disastercentral.org

In this episode, host Evan Starnes welcomes back David Redmond, tech enthusiast and accessibility advocate from Vision Ireland, for a rich and insightful part two. This time, they shift from Apple's iOS 19 to David’s personal journey with vision loss and his professional story in broadcasting and assistive tech, as well as his work at Vision Ireland.

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes discusses the latest accessibility improvements in iOS 19 with guest David Redmond from Vision Ireland. They explore new features such as the Accessibility Reader, enhancements for Mac users, new Braille access features, and the introduction of accessibility labels in the App Store. bb

This week on BLT, we're back with Neva Fairchild to talk about the different uses for WayAround in public spaces. Weather it's making a selection on a vending machine or trying to figure out where the doctor’s office is, there are a lot of possibilities with WayAround in public. If you'd like to learn more about WayAround, visit them at www.wayaround.com