Erich Manser is an Accessibility Researcher for IBM, an Explorer for Aira, has held the World Record for a BVI in Triathlon and has participated in the Boston Marathon 8 times to date. His latest Boston marathon was enhanced by a Visual Interpreter device from Aira. Aira is a revolutionary device that allows the user, the explorer, to connect up with an Agent who can see what the user is looking at. The Aira glasses have a camera that allows the...
John Olson from 3D Photo Works gives us an overview of the tactile replicas of some of the finest art in the world. 3E Photo Works goal is to provide the blind with access to art and photography at every museum, every science center and every cultural institution, first in this country and then beyond. Since the invention of Braille nearly 200 years ago, advocates have worked continuously to improve access to the printed word for the blind....
Blind Abilities presents the next installment in their series iPhone 101 with an in depth demonstration of setting up a new iPhone. Pete Lane walks us through a description of the packaging, the box and its contents, an introduction to the orientation of the phone, turning on voiceover, arranging various language and location preferences, connecting to a WiFi network and many more phases involved in turning on and setting up a new iPhone. Stay...
Blind Abilities presents the next installment in its series on Aira. Pete Lane continues his interview with Amy Bernal, Director of Aira Agents, and Patrick Lane, Aira Agent analyst. Hear their thoughts on Aira agent training, their views on customer service and the continuing evolution of the agent position. Aira has grown from eight contract agents at the time of the interview, to twenty-three, and they continue to hire. If you are a sighted...
Peggy Chong has been in many places and many states and it has been a while since she has been in Minnesota so it was nice to meet up with her and talk about her work and passions. Peggy is known as, “The Blind history Lady," as her work over the years has brought about her books and articles about people in history who were blind and nearly lost until Peggy dug up the articles and stories from relatives and schools to breathe some life into...
Jamie Principato is a Physics Major at the University of Colorado at Boulder and is working on a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program for transition age B/VI students. Jamie talks about how she got interested in the sciences as a young child during conversations with her father. Her desire to become a Physics Major did not happen until she found the beauty in Mathematics and the determination to seek the field she...
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...
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...
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...
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...