AccessWorld

Welcome back to another episode of the AccessWorld podcast, a podcast on digital inclusion and accessibility from the American Foundation for the blind (AFB). In this episode, Tony and Aaron unpack the power of AI after Tony’s frustrations with taxi and ride share denials on his way back from the Helen Keller Achievement Awards. They steer their way into the potential behind autonomous vehicles and how AI can be the bridge for greater independence. Aaron then gives a preview of what’s in the upcoming issue of AccessWorld magazine as they break into adaptive sports and Tony gets excited for the 2028 Paralympics. Check out AFB’s latest research on AI’s impact for not just people with disabilities but the broader community. There’s a whole section on transportation, and the AFB team will be releasing a mini-report breaking down transportation even further in the coming weeks. During their conversation on the rise of driverless cars, Tony references a 2017 study by Ford and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute on attitudes around driverless vehicles, offering an interesting take on how perceived attitudes continue to drive AV’s future prospects almost a decade later. And as always, you can visit the AccessWorld page for all the back-issues of AccessWorld magazine for free. Thanks for checking us out, and be sure to like and subscribe. And if you’re so inclined, you can learn more about our work at AFB and even consider making a gift to support us at www.afb.org. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.Read transcript

In this episode of AccessWorld, Tony and Aaron catch up after CSUN, where Aaron presented on accessible video gaming and had a chance to hit the exhibit floor. From AI to smart glasses, they breakdown some of the exciting tech launching this year and look forward to what’s on the horizon. AccessWorld is a production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). An extension of AccessWorld Magazine, a quarterly publication on digital inclusion and accessibility from AFB, you can check out the current and all 26 years of past issues online for free. Aaron Preece is editor-in-chief of AccessWorld Magazine and Tony Stephens leads communications for AFB. Together, they enjoy meeting up each episode to talk through the latest trends and breakthroughs in access technology. To learn more about AFB, visit www.afb.org and consider making a tax deductible gift to help support our work creating a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. Learn more at www.afb.org. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.Read transcript

Welcome back to another episode of AccessWorld, a podcast on digital inclusion and accessibility. This week co-host and AccessWorld Magazine editor-in-chief Aaron Preece gives a preview of his presentation he’ll give this week at the annual CSUN conference in Anaheim, California. The presentation builds off a post Aaron published last October where he reviewed the Wicked Quest video game. The presentation demonstrates how innovations from non-visual games can guide mainstream developers in making video games accessible to blind and low vision players. The session, titled “Game Accessibility 101: Translating Visual Gameplay into Sound,” will take place on Wednesday, March 11th, at 10AM in Grand A/B. For those attending, be sure to stop buy and give a shout-out to Aaron. The AccessWorld podcast is a production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). A companion to AccessWorld Magazine, you can check out the latest issue and browse through the entire catalog of past issues at www.afb.org/aw. And, as always, be sure to like and subscribe from wherever you listen to podcasts to make sure you don’t miss out on the latest episode when it drops. To learn more about AFB, or to support our work creating a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision, visit us at www.afb.orgrev.com . This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of AccessWorld, Tony and Aaron sit down for a conversation with Jamie Dean, senior corporate counsel on Microsoft’s accessibility team. For over a decade, Microsoft has lead the way toward innovating exciting advancements in assistive technology and digital accessibility. Joining Microsoft in 2021, Jamie shares what lead him to Microsoft after 12 years in private practice as an attorney, and how his perspectives as someone with the lived experience of blindness amplifies his passion toward helping to make the world more accessible for all. In addition to his service as a member of AFB’s Board of Trustees, he also serves as board chair of the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). Follow Jamie on LinkedIn. (Editor’s Note: During our conversation, we give a shout out to Jenny Lay-Flurrie, who lead Microsoft’s accessibility team. Jenny recently was elevated to head Microsoft’s Trusted Technology Group, which includes the accessibility team along with other key teams under Microsoft committed to “upholding the highest standards of trust, safety, and responsible business standards” as Microsoft develops and deploys new technologies. Jamie shares how the collaboration across these teams creates a positive culture that elevates accessibility, and we’re excited to see how new technologies coming out of Microsoft can empower people of all abilities.) Visit the podcast page for past episodes and transcripts. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

This episode is a repost from episode #14 and is an interview with AW founder Deborah Kendrick. As we wrap up our 25th anniversary celebration of AccessWorld Magazine, we wanted to repost this special episode where Deborah shares the creation of AW. And if you're trying to spend those holiday gift cards, check out Deborah's annual gift guide in our most recent issue. Visitors can also walk down memory lane as we have all 25 years of back-issues available for free. Visit: https://www.afb.org/aw. Be sure to like and subscribe to AccessWorld via your favorite podcast app and feel free to leave us a comment. To learn more about AFB or to consider making a gift to support our work, visit: https://www.afb.org. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of the AW Podcast, Aaron and Tony give a preview of the upcoming AFB Leadership Conference in November. They also look at all the activity taking place this October as we celebrate Blindness Awareness Month, which includes International White Cane Day on October. 15th, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The AccessWorld podcast is an extension of AccessWorld Magazine, a quarterly publication from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Published each quarter, AccessWorld Magazine offers news and reviews encompassing digital inclusion and accessibility. AccessWorld celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and we’re excited to share all of our back issues online free for readers. Visit www.afb.org/aw for the latest issues and to access our archives online. Aaron Preece serves as editor-in-chief of AccessWorld, and Tony Stephensleads communications for AFB. Together, they enjoy meeting up each month to discuss the latest happenings around accessibility. Visit the AFB website to learn more about our exciting work like our groundbreaking research on the impact of AI for people with disabilities. And consider making a tax-deductible donation to help support this podcast and all of our work at AFB. Your support helps us create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. The AccessWorld podcast is produced and edited by Tony Stephens at the Pickle Factory in Baltimore, Maryland with digital media support from Kelly Gasque and Breanna Kerr. Theme music is by CauseMonkey, compliments of ArtList.IO, and the podcast is proudly hosted on PineCast. Transcripts are available through Apple Podcast, and AFB provides additional transcripts on the podcast page shortly after each episode drops.. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode of AccessWorld, we look back at 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Aaron shares what it was like growing up only knowing about the ADA, while Tony reminisces on what life was like before the landmark legislation for people with disabilities became law. They talk about how the law made our physical world more accessible, and what’s had to happen since then to change attitudes and chart how accessibility eventually grew into the digital space. Aaron then shares what’s in store for the August issue of AccessWorld Magazine. The AccessWorld podcast is an extension of AccessWorld Magazine, a quarterly online publication on digital inclusion and accessibility published by the American Foundation for the Blind. Aaron Preece is editor-in-chief of AccessWorld, and Tony Stephens leads communications for AFB. Together, they meet up each month for the AccessWorld podcast to discuss all things digital accessibility. Visit www.afb.org/AW to check out the latest issue of AccessWorld Magazine and read through the past 25 years of back-issues, available completely free to readers. Want to help support our work? Consider making a tax deductible gift to the American Foundation for the Blind. Your support helps create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. Learn more at www.afb.org. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome back to another episode of AccessWorld, a podcast on digital inclusion and accessibility. In this episode, Aaron and Tony get geared up for summer, grabbing their sunglasses and getting ready to hit the water. Needless to say, access in outdoor recreation is a theme for this month’s episode, from navigating independently on the water as Tony reflects on his years of accessible sailing, to their choice of sunglasses as Tony and Aaron breakdown the latest update to the Ray Ban Meta glasses. They then remiss as well over 25 years of AccessWorld, and Aaron provides a rundown on articles from the latest issue published in late May. The AccessWorld podcast is an extension of AccessWorld Magazine, a quarterly publication from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Published each quarter, AccessWorld Magazine offers news and reviews encompassing digital inclusion and accessibility. AccessWorld celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and we’re excited to share all of our back issues online free for readers. Visit www.afb.org/aw for the latest issues and to access our archives online. Aaron Preece serves as editor-in-chief of AccessWorld, and Tony Stephensleads communications for AFB. Together, they enjoy meeting up each month to discuss the latest happenings around accessibility. Visit the AFB website to learn more about our exciting work like our groundbreaking research on the impact of AI for people with disabilities. And consider making a tax-deductible donation to help support this podcast and all of our work at AFB. Your support helps us create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. The AccessWorld podcast is produced and edited by Tony Stephens at the Pickle Factory in Baltimore, Maryland with digital media support from Kelly Gasque and Breanna Kerr. Theme music is by CauseMonkey, compliments of ArtList.IO. Transcripts are available through Apple Podcast, and AFB provides additional transcripts on the podcast page shortly after each episode drops. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this month’s episode of the AccessWorld podcast, Aaron and Tony talk with Dr. Joshua Miele, who shares his life’s journey and work making the world more accessible for people with disabilities. A MacArthur Fellow and design scholar, Dr. Miele has played a key role in designing some of the leading breakthroughs in digital inclusion over the past three decades. Last month, Dr. Miele published his memoir, Connecting Dots: A Blind Life. And in this episode, we learn how Dr. Miele’s passion for science and exploration took him from the tree lined streets of his boyhood home in Brooklyn, to the leading technology labs of Berkley, California. It’s a story that goes well beyond the world of accessible design, unleashing that problem solver that sits restlessly inside all of us. To learn more about Dr. Miele’s book and his current work on digital accessibility, visit his site at: www.MieleLab.com. AccessWorld is a production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Published each month, it is a companion to AccessWorld magazine, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Aaron Preece serves as the publication’s editor-in-chief, and Tony Stephens leads communications for AFB. Together, they take time each month to speak with leading voices for digital inclusion and accessibility. Be sure to like and subscribe to AccessWorld, and visit www.afb.org/AW to read the latest online issue of the magazine and browse through over 25 years of back issues, all completely free-of-charge. To learn more about AFB, visit us online at www.afb.org and consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our work as we create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome back to another episode of AccessWorld, a podcast on digital inclusion and accessibility. On this episode, we have a chance to connect with Ayelit Winer and Brianna Burrows from T-Mobile’s accessibility team. Eyelet and Brianna share the strong growth of accessibility within the corporate culture of T-Mobile in recent years and their work launching Magenta A11y, an open source platform for mobile developers that is a one-stop shop for making sure mobile applications are accessible for all consumers.— not just T-Mobile customers, but for customers around the globe. They share what got them interested in digital inclusion and accessibility and give us a glimpse into what the future holds for accessible mobile communications. AccessWorld is a production of the American Foundation for the Blind. The podcast is a companion to AccessWorld magazine, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. To check out the latest issue and browse through the archives, which are all completely free, visit www.afb.org/AW. Check out Magenta A11y at: https://www.magentaa11y.com About the Hosts: Aaron Preece is the editor-in-chief of AccessWorld, and Tony Stephens leads communications for AFB. Together, they share their passion for digital inclusion and take time each month to engage on conversations at the intersection of technology and accessibility. For questions or comments about the show, email communications@afb.org. Check out our podcast page here. And be sure to like and subscribe from wherever you get your podcasts! Produced and edited by Tony Stephens at the Pickle Factory in Baltimore, MD. Digital media support is by Breanna Kerr and Kelly Gasque. Music compliments of ArtList.IO and hosted on PineCast. About AFB: Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. Since its inception, AFB has been a leading voice for access and independence through technological innovation. In addition to publishing AccessWorld and the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), AFB is also the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive, which is available on the AFB website at www.afb.org. Consider making a tax deductible gift today to support this podcast. Your contribution helps us cover things like server costs and transcriptions. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Thanks for checking out AccessWorld, a podcast on digital inclusion and accessibility. In this episode, we get ready for the season of giving with AccessWorld's annual gift giving guide. And we're excited that our guest sharing this year's guide is none other than AccessWorld founder Deborah Kendrick. Deborah gives us the gift of hearing first hand AccessWorld's origin story, and we get a sneak-peak into her annual gift giving guide. So, be sure to like and subscribe, and you can check out the podcast page for episode transcripts, which should be posted within a day or two after the podcast goes live. To check out the latest online edition of AccessWorld, or to access over 24 years of back issues for free, visit the online magazine's home. AccessWorld is a production of the American Foundation for the blind (AFB). To learn more about AFB, or to help support our work creating a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision, visit www.afb.org. Aaron Preece is editor-in-chief of AccessWorld Magazine, and Tony Stephens leads communications for AFB. Together, they take a deep dive each month into the world of digital inclusion. For questions or comments relating to this podcast, email: communications @ afb.org. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

The rise of artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm over the past two years, and it has the potential to have an enormous impact for people who are blind or have low vision. In this episode of AccessWorld, after a quick detour on the Blind barbie project, our hosts Tony and Aaron offer a rundown on what’s in the latest online issue of AccessWorld Magazine, which takes its own deep dive into several related A.I. areas, and they then dive even deeper into the AFB Leadership Conference, held Sept. 23rd - 25th in Minneapolis. This year’s #AFBLC focuses on Leading in the Digital Age, and one of the tracks will unpack the rise of A.I. and measure its impact across our community. There’s still time to register and be part of the big event. AccessWorld is a production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Tony Stephens leads communications for AFB, and Aaron Preece is the editor-in-chief of AccessWorld Magazine, an online publication that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year promoting digital inclusion and accessibility. Aaron Preece is editor-in-chief of AccessWorld, and Tony Stephens leads communications for AFB. ABOUT AFB Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. In addition to publishing AccessWorld and the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), AFB is also the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive, which is available on the AFB website at www.afb.org. Consider making a contribution today and help sustain our mission to create endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision. And be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast. You can access past episodes and transcripts on the podcast page of our website.

Welcome back to another episode of AccessWorld, a podcast on digital inclusion and accessibility. Marking our 10th episode, we thought it would be great to bring on our own President & CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), the one and only Eric Bridges. Eric has long been engaged in fostering partnerships and adovcacy at the intersection of accessibility and technology. In this episode, he reflects on some of his past experiences, sharing how our rapidly changing and technologically dependent world has brought us both great opportunity and challenges. And along with co-hosts Tony and Aaron, they look into the future at what opportunities may exist just beyond the horizon. About the Hosts: Aaron Preece is editor-in-chief of AccessWorld Magazine. AccessWorld is a quarterly online publication produced by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Readers can access the latest issue along with over 20 years of back-issues for free at ⁠www.afb.org/AW⁠. Tony Stephens leads communications for AFB. When he's not geeking out on all things encompassing access tech, he's trying out new ways to use technology to master blind sailing on Chesapeake Bay. To check out Aaron's article breaking down NVDA even further in the most recent issue, ⁠click here⁠. About AFB: Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. In addition to producing AccessWorld, AFB publishes the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), AFB is also the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive, which is available on the AFB website at ⁠www.afb.org⁠.