Blind Level Tech

By: Aftersight
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  • Summary

  • Blind Level Tech is the podcast where accessibility meets innovation, diving into the latest in assistive technology for the blind and low-vision community. Hosted by tech enthusiasts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby, each episode explores tools, apps, and devices that are transforming how blind students and professionals engage with the world. With expert insights, guest interviews, and hands-on reviews, Blind Level Tech breaks down complex tech topics into practical advice for students, educators, and anyone interested in accessible technology. Tune in to stay informed, empowered, and connected in the rapidly evolving world of assistive tech. This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.
    2023
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Economics Management Management & Leadership Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • And We're Off to CSun 2025

    And We're Off to CSun 2025
    Mar 11 2025
    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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    2 mins
  • Part 2: Accessible Tech for Students with Josh Miele

    Part 2: Accessible Tech for Students with Josh Miele
    Mar 5 2025
    This week, we're back with Josh Miele to discuss the concept of assistive tech for blind students, and why tech like good old fashioned braille is still verry much important, and asential to academic. Check out Josh's new book Connecting Dots, A Blind Life, which is availible on Audible, Amazon Kindle, and sune on NLS Bard.
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    38 mins
  • The Evolution of Accessible Technology with Josh Miele

    The Evolution of Accessible Technology with Josh Miele
    Feb 26 2025
    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby sit down with Josh Miele, a renowned adaptive technology researcher and designer. Josh shares insights into his extensive journey in accessible technology, from early experimentation with radio components and programming to designing groundbreaking accessibility tools.
    Josh details his early contributions, including the development of Outspoken, one of the first Macintosh screen readers, and T-Map, a tool for creating tactile street maps. He also discusses his work at Amazon, including contributions to the Echo Show’s Show and Tell feature, and his open-source accessibility advocacy.
    Josh also introduces his upcoming memoir, Connecting Dots: A Blind Life, set to release on March 4, 2025, and discusses his new nonprofit initiative, the Center for Accessibility and Open Source.

    Chapter Markers
    00:15 – Welcome to Blind Level Tech
    00:33 – Host and co-host introductions
    02:54 – Introducing guest Josh Miele
    05:07 – Josh’s early fascination with technology
    07:28 – Navigating early computing as a blind person
    09:52 – The evolution of accessibility in tech
    12:09 – Developing Outspoken: The first Macintosh screen reader
    14:34 – Breaking barriers with assistive tech
    16:58 – The creation of T-Map: Tactile maps for blind users
    19:24 – Spatial vs. visual mapping
    21:46 – The importance of blind designers in tech development
    24:10 – Josh’s transition to Amazon and work on Show and Tell
    26:37 – The need for blind professionals in tech innovation
    31:04 – Designing accessibility from a blind perspective
    33:27 – Creating UDescribe: Open-source community-driven audio description
    40:30 – The future of accessibility and open-source tech
    42:31 – Josh’s upcoming memoir Connecting Dots: A Blind Life
    44:52 – The Sandwich of the Week segment
    47:13 – Where to find Josh’s work and closing remarks

    Key Takeaways
    🔹 Early Tech Exploration – Josh’s interest in technology started with taking apart radios and experimenting with components.
    🔹 Pioneering Accessible Tech – Josh played a crucial role in developing Outspoken, a Macintosh screen reader before VoiceOver existed.
    🔹 Innovative Mapping Solutions – T-Map helps blind users navigate by generating tactile street maps.
    🔹 Amazon’s Accessibility – Josh contributed to Show and Tell on the Echo Show, improving product identification for blind users.
    🔹 Community-Driven Audio Description – UDescribe allows volunteers to add audio descriptions to YouTube videos.
    🔹 New Memoir Release – Connecting Dots: A Blind Life details Josh’s journey and advocacy for accessibility.

    Social Media & Contact Information
    📌 Josh Miele’s Website: mealylab.com
    📌 Follow Josh on: BlueSky (BerkeleyBlink) | LinkedIn | Instagram
    📌 Pre-Order Connecting Dots: A Blind Life (Available in print, Kindle, Audible, NLS, and Bookshare)

    📌 Contact Blind Level Tech:
    ✉️ Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    📞 Voicemail: (720) 712-8856
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    50 mins

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