Introducing David New: Activist, Advocate and Promoter of Assistive Technology

Blind Abilities presents this in depth interview with David New. David is many things, not the least of which is his activism in the Miami Beach area of South Florida around blindness initiatives. David is President of two organizations: Access Now and Power Access which are having a substantial impact in the areas of blindness advocacy. Join Jeff and Pete as they explore David's many talents, and discuss the hugely successful South Beach Jazz...

Teen Cast: Alec Olson Gives a Quick Overview of the Voice Dream Reader App

The Blind Abilities Teen Cast Team member Alec Olson gives a brief introduction to the Voice Dream Reader App. The Teen Cast is part of Blind Abilities and focuses on students transitioning from high school to college and to the workplace.Alec is presently in high school and has used the Voice Dream reader app for quite some time and shares this overview with us so one can get a taste of what this app can do for you and just may be another Tool...

Braille Sense Polaris, Go Vision, and More Overviews of HIMS Products by Jeff Bazer

Jeff Bazer of HIMS, Inc. gives us an overview of all of the HIMS Low Vision and Braille Devices. This includes the versatile GoVision, perfect for the visually impaired employee. Featuring OCR and Near, Distance and Self View operations the GoVision will go with you and even connect to your smart phone, computer or tablet. Jeff also reviews the newest membe r of the HIMS BrailleSense family, the traditionally innovative BrailleSense Polaris....

ONYX OCR and the ElBraille Overview by VFO’s Richard Tapping

Richard Tapping gives our listeners an overview of the ElBraille and the ONYX OCR devices from VFO. These new devices are shipping soon and Richard covers each along with pricing packages from VFO. Descriptions from the VFO web site are posted below and Richard gives a great overview in this podcast. Join Richard Tapping and check out the new products from VFO. You can contact Richard Tapping 800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000 Sales: Info@vfogroup.com...

No More De Minimis: NFB’s Chris Danielsen on the IDEA Supreme Court Decision

Chris Danielsen, Director of Public Relations for the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) explains the recent Supreme Court decision that strengthens the Individuals with disabilities Education Act. No longer can educators simply reinforce low expectations by not challenging students with disabilities, a meaningful education steps up the definition of appropriate public education which is the key language for the IDEA. Join Chris Danielsen...

Demonstrating the Orcam: OCR, Object and Facial Recognition

While attending the Minnesota ACB convention, Jeff Thompson of the Blind Abilities Team talked to Aliza Olenick from Orcam. A new camera device that attaches to glasses and reads print, does object recognition, facial recognition and much more. Aliza demos the orca in action and gives us a great feel for such an innovative product. You can contact Orcam on the web at www.orcam.com You can get a hold of Aliza Olenick on email Thank you for...

iPhone101 – Resources: iPhone Prices in the Apple Store and on Amazon

Blind Abilities presents another in its iPhone 101 series, in the Resources section. In this short audio clip, Pete Lane shows us some prices and specifications for iPhone models 6S, 7 and 7 Plus available through the iOS app, called “The Apple Store.” Pete illustrates how this app works and some of the other features offered in the app, such as the Certified refurbished Program and the iPhone Upgrade Program. Pete then takes us over to the...

Aira – Visual Interpreter for the Blind: The Agent Perspective: Aira Part 3, With Amy Bernal & Patrick Lane

Blind Abilities presents Part 3 in their series on Aira, Visual Interpreter for the Blind. Pete chats with Amy Bernal, Director of Aira Agent Services, and Patrick Lane, Aira Agent Analyst about a myriad of fascinating topics. Listen as they share their insight into the duties of Aira Agents; their thoughts about user safety, agents sharing opinions about fashion, a detailed description of the Aira glasses, the official price plans, and what’s...

Breaking Down the DeafBlind Label – Molly Takes Us On Her Usher Syndrome Journey (Transcription Provided)

See Transcript Below. Molly Wezel-Peterson shares her journey, her story, her coping while sitting down one on one with Jeff Thompson of Blind Abilities. From her earliest days, through high school and graduating college Molly tells us what it is like accepting Usher Syndrome and staying positive about her future. I hope you enjoy this look inside of Molly’s life and what she faces every day with Usher Syndrome. I know I did and I learned a...

Teen Cast: Alec Olson Gets You Started With NVDA – The Free Screen Reader for PC

Blind Abilities presents the BA Teen Cast newest member Alec Olson. The BA Teen Cast is a focus on students transitioning from high school to college and to the workplace. From tips and tricks, news and findings, to success stories from those with the life experience of college and being gainfully employed. Alec gives us a review/demo of the NVDA screen reader from NVAccess.org In this brief intro to NVDA, which stands for Non Visual Desktop...