Episodes
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Happy Thanksgiving from BLT and Aftersight, we hope its filled with your favorite traditions, food, and especially tech gadgets.on this episode, we discuss our favorite family traditions, talk about some fun games and activities, and what to expect for future episodes, and of course, expect lots of goofeeness and laughter.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Vibes02:47 Tech Talk: Air Fryers and Live Streaming06:11 Thanksgiving Traditions and Family Gatherings11:55 Future Plans for Blind Level Tech17:48 Wrap-Up and Holiday Reflections -
This week, we dive into the vast world of podcasting.
Whether itsfinding your nitch or figuring out how to distribute your content, we try to answer any burning questions you may have if you’re considering starting a podcast. -
Missing episodes?
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On this weeks BLT Bite, we show how to get started with Audacity, and how to navigate around the different windows.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Audacity and Podcasting02:52Navigating the Audacity Interface06:10Editing Basics in Audacity09:02Advanced Editing Techniques11:53Final Thoughts and Learning Recommendations -
This week, we're back with more travel tech tips. We go beyond the airport, and share personal experiences and tips for getting around hotels and new cities, emphasizing the importance of using technology and apps to enhance travels. we discuss topics such as public transportation, hotel check-ins, finding food, and exploring local attractions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech07:12 Travel Tech Tips for Blind Travelers14:25 Navigating Hotel Stays20:52 Dining and Food Navigation26:38 Exploring New Areas and Activities32:14 Final Thoughts on Independent Travel -
This week, we take a look at the VoiceVista Navigation app, a redesigned version of the Soundscape app, which utilizes 3D positional audio to assist users in navigating their surroundings.We do a quick compairison of both Voice Vista and its predecessor Soundscape Community, as there are substantial differences between the two.Download VoiceVista for free on the Appstore, its a great tool to add to your bag when traveling and exploring new areas.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to VoiceVista Navigation App02:52Exploring the Features of VoiceVista08:53Conclusion and Future of VoiceVista -
This week,we discuss our experiences and insights on air travel as blind and low-vision individuals. We discuss tools and services that aid in travel, personal experiences with airlines, navigating airports with out getting put in a wealchair, and the importance of preparation and accommodations for a smooth travel experience. When traveling with blindness or low vision, it is verry inportant to have a solid plan and back up plan should something come up.
Chapters00:00Introduction and Welcome Back02:02Tech Piece of the Week08:04Air Travel Experiences17:56Navigating Airports with blindness or low vision24:00Accommodations and Assistance Options30:02Post-Flight Navigation and Transportation -
This weeks bite is a demo that was recorded at the Shine Music Fest back in the summer, and its an app called NaviLens.
NaviLens is a free app for IPhone and Android that lets you navigate event venues, museums, or anything that is aquipt with Navi tags.
Learn more and download NaviLens at www.navilens.com -
In this episode, hosts Evan and Kelvin discuss their personal experiences with the accessible voting process for individuals with blindness or low vision. Highlighting their voting experiences, the challenges faced with accessibility at polling places, the importance of proper terminology,like screen reader virces text to speach, and the overall user experience with voting machines. And of course, They conclude with a light-hearted discussion about their favorite sandwiches and the importance of exercising the right to vote.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Personal Updates
04:48Tech Piece of the Week: Apple Account Rebranding
06:55Voting Experiences: Accessibility Challenges
10:34Voting Process: Machine Navigation Issues
15:10Terminology and Communication in Voting
20:00Reviewing the Ballot: User Experience
24:48Final Thoughts on Voting Accessibility
29:56Sandwich of the Week and Closing Remarks -
In this episode of Blind Level Teck, we discussan extremely inportant topic, the importance of accessible voting for individuals with blindness or low-vision. We had the pleasure of speaking with Craig Towler from the Center for People with Disabilities, who shares insights on the voting process, available resources, and the significance of independent voting. Voteing is one of the best ways to be involved in your community, and there are many different ways to vote independently, and privatly.The Center for People With Disabilities has many resources to help you get started with the voating process, and educate your self about political candidates, check them out at cpwd.org.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Accessible Voting
02:53 Understanding Voting Rights and Accessibility
05:49 Voting Options for Individuals with Disabilities
08:55 Researching Candidates and Ballot Issues
11:56 Navigating Voting Technology
14:46 Preparing for In-Person Voting
17:55 Feedback and Continuous Improvement in Voting Accessibility
28:58 Voting Accessibility and Experiences
33:43 Understanding Voting Technology
35:11 Electronic Ballot Delivery System
38:40 Early Voting Opportunities
41:40 Accessibility for Deafblind Voters
45:00 The Importance of Voting
48:29 Encouragement to Participate in Elections -
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby discuss the vast world of live streaming, particularly for blind and low-vission individuals. They delve into the essentials of setting up a live stream, and provide insights on equipment, software, and best practices. Live streaming is a great avenue for sharing your passions and connecting with others, and you don't need expencive equipment to get sttarted.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech01:55 Tech Piece of the Week: AirPods Pro 2nd Generation05:44 Exploring Live Streaming for the Visually Impaired10:34 Setting Up Your Live Stream16:50 Essential Equipment for Live Streaming24:49 Choosing the Right Camera for Your Stream30:07 Optimizing Your Computer for Live Streaming34:09 Accessibility of Live Streaming Platforms38:04 Conclusion and Encouragement to Stream -
In this episode, host Evan Starnes discusses various types of microphones and their configurations for optimal audio quality. He explores external microphones like the Blue Yeti and Blue Snowball, built-in laptop microphones, and headset microphones, highlighting their pros and cons. The episode also covers how to configure microphone settings in Windows for better sound quality, emphasizing the importance of adjusting settings to suit individual needs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Microphone Configurations02:55 Exploring Different Microphone Types06:14 Using Built-in Laptop Microphones09:02 Headset Microphones: Pros and Cons11:58 Configuring Microphones in Windows Settings -
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Evan Sarnes and Kelvin Crosby discuss the latest updates to TalkBack, the Android screen reader, and explore its features, including image descriptions, guided frame, and enhancements to the magnifier app. They also touch on the accessibility improvements for Braille users and live transcription features, ultimately debating the merits of Android versus iOS for accessibility.
Takeaways
• TalkBack has evolved significantly since its inception.• The ability to describe images in detail is a game changer.• Guided frame helps users align their faces for video calls.• The magnifier app now uses AI for text recognition.• Braille gestures have been updated for better usability.• Live transcription features have improved for deaf-blind users.• The choice between Android and iOS depends on user needs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech01:57 Exploring TalkBack and Android Updates06:28 Key Features of TalkBack10:51 Image Descriptions and Guided Frame15:39 Enhancements in the Magnifier App19:24 Braille Gestures and Accessibility22:14 Live Transcription Improvements26:50 The Big Question: Android or iOS? -
This is a re-run of a BLT Bite from several weeks ago.
On this BLT Bite, we take a quick look at enableing the shortcut to tern Talkback on or off on Android.
This bite coincides verry well with the BLT epasode that will releace this Wednesday, so stay tuned. -
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Evan Starnes dive into the exciting new features of iOS 18. They’ll walk you through the latest accessibility updates, share their personal experiences with Apple’s newest products, and spotlight the tech piece of the week. From improvements in Braille screen input to the new item chooser feature and the introduction of music haptics, there’s a lot to cover. They also explore the recent acquisition of AppleViz by Be My Eyes and why these advancements are so important for the blind and low vision community.
If you have questions for the hosts, feel free to call (720) 712-8856 or email them at [email protected]. Don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation!
Takeaways
Being blind doesn't mean you have to stop living.
iOS 18 has introduced many new features and improvements.
AirPods Max provide an exceptional audio experience.
The Rode Go 2 is a versatile wireless microphone setup.
The item chooser feature enhances navigation for VoiceOver users.
Braille screen input has received significant enhancements in iOS 18.
Apple Watch now allows custom ringtones and audio playback.
AirPods Pro can accept calls with head gestures.
Over-the-counter hearing aids may not suffice for severe hearing loss.
Music haptics offers a new way to experience music through vibrations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech
01:09 iOS 18 Release Notes Overview
02:37 Tech Piece of the Week: AirPods Max
04:33 Tech Piece of the Week: Rode Go 2
08:19 Deep Dive into iOS 18 Features
12:03 Braille Screen Input Enhancements
17:48 Miscellaneous iOS and WatchOS Changes
21:09 AirPods Pro Features and Updates
24:26 Hearing Aids and AirPods Discussion
28:14 Music Haptics Feature
32:35 Should You Update to iOS 18?
34:02 AppleViz Acquisition by Be My Eyes
37:54 Closing Thoughts and Reflections -
Blind Level Tech, or BLT, is a fun new show dedicated to the use of technology for those who are blind and have visual impairments. We will walk you through the latest and greatest tech from Apple to Microsoft and TVs to kitchen appliances. We will even throw in some good ole dad and tech jokes for good measure. Being blind is hard enough. Your tech experience should not be.
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We know you have questions for the hosts so why not drop them here. [email protected] or give us a call at (720) 712-8856.
In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby discuss the latest advancements in technology for the blind community, focusing on the new features of iOS 18 and the Apple Watch Ultra. They share their personal experiences with tech challenges, introduce their tech pieces of the week, and delve into the enhancements made to VoiceOver and Braille accessibility. The conversation highlights the importance of these updates in improving the user experience for individuals with visual impairments, emphasizing the ongoing journey of living beyond challenges.
Takeaways
Being blind doesn't mean you have to stop living.
The new iOS 18 features are exciting for accessibility.
VoiceOver now allows users to clone their voice for text-to-speech.
Braille users can now type in grade one while reading in grade two.
The interactive VoiceOver tutorial is a significant improvement.
Audio ducking in VoiceOver is now customizable.
The ability to reconnect Braille displays is more intuitive.
New ringtone features sync vibrations with the ringtone beat.
The Apple Watch Ultra has impressive battery life and features.
Stay tuned for more updates in part two of the discussion.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech
05:15 Tech Pieces of the Week
06:42 Exploring iOS 18 Features
10:14 VoiceOver Enhancements
24:24 Braille Improvements
29:09 Wrap-Up and Sandwich of the Week -
In this episode, Evan and Kelvin take a dive into the world of field recorders from an accessibility perspective. We'll answer the most common questions a blind or low-vision person might have when purchasing a shiny new recorder, like does it talk, and have an intuitive interface, and of course, how does it sound.
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In this BLT Byte episode, host Evan Starnes provides a quick guide on setting up the TalkBack accessibility shortcut for Android devices. Using a Google Pixel 5, Evan walks listeners through the process of activating TalkBack during the initial setup of a new device and explains how to enable it on a device that’s already been configured. He highlights the accessibility button feature, available at the bottom of the screen, and demonstrates the volume key shortcut, which is particularly useful for blind users. Evan also notes that the setup process may vary slightly depending on the brand of the Android device.
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Summary
The Olympus DM720 digital voice recorder is a capable device with three mics and the ability to record in MP3 or WAV format. However, it is not the most accessible recorder for blind or low vision users. The new Zoom Essential Series of recorders, such as the H1E, H4E, and H6E, are recommended for accessibility. The Olympus DM720 has a startup chime and a speaker that is not very good for playback but is useful for monitoring. The recorder has a menu that can be navigated using the buttons below the screen, and it provides beep feedback. Folders and files can be accessed, but the date and time of recordings are not announced. The recorder has a record button, a stop button, and the ability to pause and resume recordings. It also provides a long beep when running out of memory.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Olympus DM720 Digital Voice Recorder
01:01 Accessibility Considerations for Voice Recorders
03:08 Navigating the Menu and Accessing Folders and Files
05:08 Recording and Playback Features of the Olympus DM720
06:29 Recommended Voice Recorders for Accessibility - Show more
