Blind Level Tech

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 App 02:52Exploring the Features of VoiceVista 08:53Conclusion 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 Tech 01:55 Tech Piece of the Week: AirPods Pro 2nd Generation 05:44 Exploring Live Streaming for the Visually Impaired 10:34 Setting Up Your Live Stream 16:50 Essential Equipment for Live Streaming 24:49 Choosing the Right Camera for Your Stream 30:07 Optimizing Your Computer for Live Streaming 34:09 Accessibility of Live Streaming Platforms 38:04 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 Configurations 02:55 Exploring Different Microphone Types 06:14 Using Built-in Laptop Microphones 09:02 Headset Microphones: Pros and Cons 11:58 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 Tech 01:57 Exploring TalkBack and Android Updates 06:28 Key Features of TalkBack 10:51 Image Descriptions and Guided Frame 15:39 Enhancements in the Magnifier App 19:24 Braille Gestures and Accessibility 22:14 Live Transcription Improvements 26:50 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 feedback@aftersight.org. 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