Change Makers: A Podcast from APH

On this episode of Change Makers, enjoy hearing roving interviews from the 2024 Abacus Bee. Held in Louisville, Ky. students from across the country came to demonstrate their math skills on the abacus. After that, hear from APH's Erin Sigmund about the next Connect the Dots, powered by PNC Foundation event.On this Podcast (In order of appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerSarah Vanderpool, parentMary Herod, parentMelisa Matthews, APH Digital Content Manager ConnectCenterJennifer Brooks, APH Outreach Regional Specialist - Northcentral RegionJohn Tracey, Simons Foundation Program Director, Science, Society and CultureRyan Jenkins, Abacus Bee participantLison, parentTiffany Stevens, TVILouis, Abacus Bee participantJoe Strechay, Producer and ConsultantMcKenzie Gibson, Abacus Bee participantMaggie, Abacus Bee participantLeanne Grillot, APH Senior Director of Outreach ServicesErin Sigmund, APH Community Relations and Policy AdvisorAdditional LinksAbacus Bee 2024 FinalsAbout the Abacus BeeSimons FoundationConnect the Dots 2024

On this episode of Change Makers, we continue our conversation about how parents, grandparents and education professionals advocate for their children, in school and in public. They’ll share their experiences and what they’ve learned on this journey.Podcast Participants (In order of appearance)Sara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerMelisa Matthews, APH Digital Content Manager APH ConnectCenter FamilyConnectRob Harris, FatherAngela Baldwin, GrandmotherJana Villemez, Family Engagement Initiative at NCDB and Licensed Clinical Social WorkerAdditional LinksAttending the APH ConnectCenter Family RetreatRosie the ResilientAPH FamilyConnect

On this episode of Change Makers, hear how parents, and education professionals advocate for their children, in school and in public. They’ll share their experiences and what they’ve learned on this journey. Podcast ParticipantsSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerMelisa Matthews, APH Digital Content Manager APH ConnectCenter FamilyConnectKrista Reid, MotherAngel Webb, MotherTiffany Buzzard, MotherAmy Shephard, EducatorAdditional LinksAPH ConnectCenterBringing Braille Basics HomeSelf Advocacy and Teamwork are the Name of the GameRaising a Child who is Blind to Know She Can Do AnythingParent Advisory Board: When Personal and Professional Roles MergeEmail Change Makers

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re checking in on the Dot Experience. We’ll get an update on the latest in the process, learn about the prototyping groups, and the important feedback they’re providing, and hear the thought process that goes into making everything in the museum touchable. After that, learn about the influencer campaign and learn about the most recent Connect the Dots, powered by PNC foundation event. ParticipantsSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJo Haas, APH Vice President of Advancement and the Dot Experience  Museum FundraisingPaul Schroeder, APH Vice President Impact and OutreachJackson King, Solid Light Project ManagerMarje Kaiser, Ed.D., APH Board memberErin Sigmund, APH Community Relations and Policy AdvisorAdditional LinksThe Dot ExperienceSolid LightLegacies of Influence: Honoring the Impactful Individuals in Our LivesConnect the Dots, powered by PNC FoundationEmail Change Makers

On this episode during Black History Month, we’re examining how diseases commonly found among African Americans can impact eyes. After that, hear feedback about the recent monarch teacher and professional training.On this podcast (In order of appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJoern Soltau, M.D., UofL Physician – Eye SpecialistLeslie Weilbacher, APH Outreach Regional Specialist - Northwest RegionJeff Schwartz, APH Director of Regional Training and Outreach - Education & OutreachAdditional LinksHigh Blood Pressure Symptoms from the CDCHigh Blood Pressure from the American Heart AssociationDiabetes Symptoms from the Mayo ClinicWhat is Diabetes from the CDCGlaucoma Symptoms from the Mayo ClinicGlaucoma information from the Cleveland ClinicDiabetic Retinopathy from the Mayo ClinicDiabetic Retinopathy information from Johns Hopkins MedicineTips to Prevent Vision Loss from the CDCAssistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)Mastering the MonarchBuilding an Early Tactile Foundation for Graphics UnderstandingAPH HiveEmail Change Makers

On this episode of Change Makers we are talking about the upcoming Abacus Bee. Held in March, this event will host the best and brightest abacus students right here in Louisville, Kentucky.On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJennifer Brooks, APH Outreach Specialist – NorthCentral Region Additional LinksAbacus Bee 2024About APH Abacus BeeConnect the Dots, powered by PNC Foundation

On this episode of Change Makers, learn more about the Hive’s newest course on the topic of reading, designed for educators but also helpful for caregivers. The course was developed through a partnership with the state of Ohio and offers one of a kind learning with access to unique, accessible, resources. After that, hear about our recent event that announced a grant from PNC Foundation that will fund the delivery of the first official program of The Dot Experience, in partnership with the Louisville Free Public Library. On this podcastNarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerAmy Campbell, APH Hive DirectorShawna Benson, Program Director, Teaching Diverse Learners Center at OCALIAngelica Gagaliardi, Outreach Specialist Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness at OCALIChristine Croyle, Program Director for OCALIErin Sigmund, Community Relations and Policy AdvisorAdditional Links APH HiveThe Outreach Center for Deafness and BlindnessLiteracy Access for AllAPH MuseumAPH Museum Connect the DotsPNC FoundationLouisville Free Public LibraryConnect the Dots, powered by PNC Foundation scheduleSat., Jan. 6 - Happy Birthday Louis Braille at the Northeast Regional Library (15 Bellevoir Circle)Sat., Feb. 17 - Light and Shadow at the Main Library (301 York St.)Sat., March 30 - “How do people who are blind read?” at the Highlands Shelby Park Library (1250 Bardstown Road)Sat., April 13 - Career: Sports at the Iroquois Library (601 W. Woodlawn Ave.)Sat., May 18 - “How do people who are blind do math?” at the Main Library (301 York St.)Sat., June 15 - Happy Birthday Helen Keller at the St. Matthews Library (3940 Grandview Ave.)Sat., July 13 - Touch and Texture at the South Central Regional (7300 Jefferson Blvd.)Sat., Aug. 3 - Career: Cooking at the Southwest Regional Library (9725 Dixie Highway)Sat., Sept. 28 - “How do people who are blind navigate?” at Newburg Branch Library (4800 Exeter Ave.)Sat., Oct. 19 - Sound and Vibration at Western Library (604 S. 10th St.)Sat., Nov. 2 - Career: Science at South Central Regional Library (7300 Jefferson Blvd.)Sat., Dec. 14 - “Happy Holidays Mary Ingalls!” at Jeffersontown Branch Library (10635 Watterson Trail)

On this episode, hear from APH leaders about the past 12 months, and what’s ahead for the next few months. On This Episode (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerCraig Meador, Ed.D., APH President.Anne Durham, APH Vice President, Chief Officer Innovation and StrategyPaul Schroeder, APH Vice President, Impact and Outreach Additional LinksThe Braille Metamorphosis has BegunPaul Schroeder performs Highway to BraillePublic Witness Hearing - Labor, Health and Human Services, Education,  and Related Agencies

On this episode, we’re learning about what it takes to prepare for a guide dog. On episode 61, Canes vs. Guide Dogs, we learned how guide dogs are trained, now we’re going to hear from someone expecting a guide dog detail the process. After that, hear cool gift ideas for the upcoming holidays. On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerLeslie Weilbacher, APH Outreach Specialist – Northwest RegionMelisa Matthews, Digital Content Manager Family ConnectAddie Tighe, College StudentJoseph Hodge, APH Lead Technical Quality Assurance Analyst Additional Links Guide Dogs for the BlindGuiding Eyes for the BlindLeader Dogs For the BlindSeeing Eye DogsFeel n’ Peel Sheets, Carousel of TexturesGraphic Art TapeLEGO Braille Bricks Walk/Run for Fitness KitTactile Clothing TapeTalking GlowDiceAccessible Code and Go MouseGoogle Pixel TabletRC Snap Rover Access KitChameleon 20

On this episode of Change Makers, we are learning more about aging loved ones, mainly loved ones with declining vision. Learn what resources are available and how you can help your loved ones this holiday season On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)Kathryn Frederick, Digital Content Manager VisionAware, APH ConnectCenterLori Scharff, APH ConnectCenterPris Rogers, Special Advisor, Aging and Vision LossAdditional LinksAPH Connect CenterGetting Started 2020: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss

On this episode of Change Makers, we're talking about blindness etiquette with both canes and dogs.  Hear from two cane users, and two guide dog users, as they detail their experiences, and share some basic etiquette tips for the general public.On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJoe Hodge, APH Lead Technical Quality Assurance Analyst, Technology Product ResearchKathryn Frederick, APH Digital Content Manager VisionAware, ConnectCenterAddie Tighe, College StudentAbby Hodge, Braille Instructor at Kentucky Office of Vocational RehabilitationAdditional Links Kentucky Office of Vocational RehabilitationCharles W. McDowell Center for the Blind

On this episode of Change Makers, we are recapping our 155th Annual Meeting. Held October 4–6 at the Hyatt Regency Louisville in Downtown Louisville, Ex Officio Trustees (EOT) , EOT Census Assistants, Online Ordering Assistants, and other attendees came together to share news, ideas and inspiration. Have a listen as I talk to attendees, learn all about InSights Art and some of their artists. I also spoke with award winners and a Hall of Fame Inductee.On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerSherry Holder, Outreach Coordinator for the Oklahoma School for the BlindDavid Martin, Superintendent of the Tennessee Department of Education School for the BlindGinni McDonald, Ed.D., Superintendent of the Russellville School DistrictJon Harding, Superintendent of the Kansas State School for the BlindJustin Harris, Digital Media Accessibility Specialist I, for Georgia TechKaty Ring, Ed. D, IESBVI Regional Director for western IowaLilly Leigh Dunrud, North Dakota Vision Services/School for the BlindEmily Stenberg Brown, North Dakota Vision Services/School for the BlindRobin Budryk, Assistant to the Office of Special Programs NH Accessible Educational MaterialsTracy Gaines, Vice President, CTEBVILee Huffman, APH Sr Strategist, Accessible Technology & Community OutreachKristin Villa, APH Business Administrator, EPIMeg Outland, APH InSights Art CoordinatorGina Ouellette Superintendent, California School for the BlindAdam Wilton, Ph.D., Program Manager at the Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI)Justice Smith, InSights ArtistTaryn Falagan, InSights ArtistIan Bullock, InSights ArtistEscher Hooper, InSights ArtistLinda Smith, Mother of InSights ArtistKristen Applebee, Art TeacherLarry Skutchan, Wings of Freedom Award recipientDeane Blazie, Horizon Award recipientMike Buckley, Navigator Award recipientCarl Augusto, Hall of Fame InducteeAdditional LinksInSights Art informationHall of Fame nominationMike Buckley email

On this episode of Change Makers, we are talking to the one and only producer and consultant, Joe Stretchy. He’s making changes in how individuals who are blind and low vision are portrayed in movies and media. He is a man of many talents and he is here to talk about his childhood, various jobs and how he became the go-to man in the industry.On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJoe Strechay, Television and Film Producer, Business Consultant and SpeakerAdditional Links Joe Strechay - Television and Film Producer, Business Consultant and SpeakerCareer Conversations with Joe StrechayIMDb - Joe Strechay

On this episode of Change Makers, learn more about the upcoming InSights Art competition. Held during APH’s Annual Meeting, hear more about the contest and from an artist who will have a piece on display.On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations MangerMeg Outland, APH Visitor Services, InSights Art Coordinator Sugandha Gupta, InSights ArtistAdditional LinksInSights Art at Annual MeetingTactile Book Builder KitPaint by Number Safari ™ – Tropical RainforestBraille BeadsPicture Maker Wheatley Tactile Diagramming KitTactileDoodle

On episode 82 of Change Makers, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by listening to change maker, José Manuel Álvarez Cabán. Known to many as “Manolo,” hear him talk about his childhood, what motivated him to pursue computer programing, and what fuels his passion when creating programs.On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJosé Manuel Álvarez Cabán, University of Puerto Rico ProfessorAdditional LinksSemblanza y hoja de vidaNational Hispanic American Heritage MonthEmail José ÁlvarezTiflo Audio Podcast Fundación Manolo.NetTecno BrailleInclusion CodeInclusion STEM

On this episode of Change Makers, learn about the 2023 Coding Symposium that will be held this December. Hear what you can expect for this year’s event, how educators are preparing for the symposium, and what APH products help encourage the learning of coding.On This Episode (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJeff Schwartz, APH Director of Regional Training and OutreachKatrina Best, APH Product Manager, Educational Product InnovationYue-Ting Siu, Ph.D., Coordinator Northwest Center for Assistive Technology TrainingJason Martin, Assistive Technology Trainer, Center for Assistive Technology TrainingAdditional LinksAPH TwitterAPH FacebookKatrina Best emailAPH Field Tester FormSuggest a Product FormCode JumperCode Jumper PuzzlesAccessible Code and Go MouseUniversity of Alabama Huntsville GenCyber VI CampComputer Science Unplugged

On this episode of Change Makers, we are doing a mid-year update on the Monarch. Hear where it is in the pipeline, and what’s next. We check in with the eBRF process, and what's instore in the coming months. After that, hear about an organization whose goal is to get technology into the hands of children in rural areas around the country.On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerGreg Stilson, APH Head of Global InnovationNicole Gaines, APH National Director, Digital Access Initiatives, Resource ServiceWilliam Freeman, APH Technology Product Manager, Educational Product InnovationClaire Copps, Rural Tech Fund Chief Operating OfficerAdditional LinksThe Braille Metamorphosis has BegunThe eBRF RevolutionRural Tech FundRural Tech TwitterRural Tech Fund FacebookRural Tech Fund InstagramRural Tech Fund Linkedin

On this Change Makers episode, I’m talking to Mike May. He’s well-known throughout the field of blindness, he’s quite the athlete, as he has set Paralympic records, and holds a world-record. He’s also a business executive, and considered the "Godfather of Indoor Navigation," and APH's Navigation Technology Advisor.  On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerMike May, APH Technology Navigation AdvisorAdditional LinksAPH Looking Forward: Our Braille Technology RoadmapEnchanted Hills Camp OverviewAt First Sight IMBDCrashing Through: The Extraordinary True Story of the Man Who Dared to SeeMike May and Crashing Through on Good Morning AmericaAbout Mike MayAbledTV-Mike May-The Challenge Of Seeing Again.mo

On this episode, we’re celebrating the ConnectCenter’s five year anniversary. We’re going to learn about some big changes coming to the ConnectCenter and how those changes will enhance the services provided.On This Podcast (In Order of Appearance)NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerOlaya Landa-Vialard, APH ConnectCenter DirectorRichard Rueda, APH ConnectCenter Assistant DirectorAdditional LinksAPH ConnectCenter

On this episode of Change Makers, we're spotlighting APH Services. On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)Jack Fox, APH NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerLeanne Grillot, APH Senior Director- Outreach ServicesJeff Schwartz , APH Director of Regional Training and OutreachCindy Amback, APH Census Data and Information LiaisonAmy Campbell, APH Learning Management System DirectorLee Huffman, APH  Senior Strategist Accessible Technology and Community OutreachJayma Hawkins, APH Sr. Director of National Prison Braille NetworkChristine Genovely, APH Prison Braille Programs CoordinatorHeather Spence, APH Press DirectorErin Sigmund, APH Community Relations and Policy AdvisorAdditional LinksAPH Outreach ServicesAPH HiveAPH HuntingtonAPH National Prison BrailleBraille TalesAPH PressAPH Press SurveyEmail APH PressAPH Community Impact CrewEmail Erin SigmundMetro United Way Volunteer Connection Board