{"id":9485,"date":"2026-04-02T11:43:03","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T16:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9485"},"modified":"2026-05-04T13:48:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T18:48:29","slug":"blind-abilities-the-musical-no-5-when-the-screen-spoke-back-to-me-curiosity-confidence-and-accessible-tech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9485","title":{"rendered":"Blind Abilities &#8211; the Musical No. 5: When the Screen Spoke Back to Me &#8211; Curiosity, Confidence, and Accessible Tech"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_3132\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-9485-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/BlindAbilitiesTheMusicalEP5.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/BlindAbilitiesTheMusicalEP5.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/BlindAbilitiesTheMusicalEP5.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div>\n<p><strong>Podcast Summary:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We return with another Blind Abilities Musical about that first time you heard the screen speak back to you. How you dug in an learned about accessibility and use it in the workplace. And how the ever changing tech world keeps you on your toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the music ends, Pete, Christina, Lori, and Jeff jump back into the studio for a lively, reflective, and thoughtful conversation about accessible technology and how it has changed their lives. They reflect on the first time they heard JAWS, VoiceOver, or ZoomText Extra speak, and how those early moments opened doors to independence, speed, confidence, and inclusion. The group talks about learning curves, keyboard shortcuts, workplace productivity, iPhone accessibility, adapting to software updates, and the importance of maintaining strong basic skills when technology changes. Along the way, they share memories of older tools, joke about screen readers, sound speed, and emojis, and compare how Macs, Windows PCs, and iPhones fit into daily life. A strong theme throughout the conversation is curiosity: the willingness to explore, problem-solve, and keep learning. The discussion feels warm, personal, and empowering, showing that technology is most powerful when it helps people participate fully and independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks for listening!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?page_id=9482\">Full Transcript<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_3134\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-9485-3\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/BlindAbilitiesTheMusicalEP5.mp3?_=3\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/BlindAbilitiesTheMusicalEP5.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/BlindAbilitiesTheMusicalEP5.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p>https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/BlindAbilitiesTheMusicalEP5.mp3 Podcast Summary: We return with another Blind Abilities Musical about that first time you heard the screen speak back to you. How you dug in an learned about accessibility and use it in the workplace. And how the ever changing tech world keeps you on your toes. After the music ends, Pete, Christina, Lori, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9322,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"audio","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[17,560,467],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-audio","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bapresents","category-musical","category-technology","post_format-post-format-audio"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blind-Abilities-The-Musical-Image.png","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6rcRg-2sZ","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6577,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=6577","url_meta":{"origin":9485,"position":0},"title":"How a Journey Through Vision Loss Prepared Laura Allen to Become Head of Strategy for Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Google","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"March 2, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Full Transcript Show Summary: Laura Allen joins Raqi and Jeff in the Blind Abilities Studio to talk about new developments in Google\u2019s accessibility and disability inclusion. Laura Allen is Head of strategy for Accessibility and Disability Inclusion,\u00a0bringing together the Google network of teams to bring awareness to accessibility and disability\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9383,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9383","url_meta":{"origin":9485,"position":1},"title":"Blind Abilities \u2013 The Musical: From K\u201312 to College and Careers, Finding Your Voice","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"February 17, 2026","format":"audio","excerpt":"Podcast Summary: Episode Three of Blind Abilities \u2013 The Musical explores what it really means to find your voice as you move from K\u201312 into college and on toward a career. The three acts set the theme, but the heart of the episode lives in the conversation\u2014real stories about IEPs,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BA The Musical&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BA The Musical","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=561"},"img":{"alt_text":"Image of 5 fictional anchors on a musical stage theater.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blind-Abilities-The-Musical-Image.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blind-Abilities-The-Musical-Image.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blind-Abilities-The-Musical-Image.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blind-Abilities-The-Musical-Image.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blind-Abilities-The-Musical-Image.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Blind-Abilities-The-Musical-Image.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9362,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9362","url_meta":{"origin":9485,"position":2},"title":"From Gestures to Jobs: Learning Assistive Tech That Actually Matters","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"February 5, 2026","format":"audio","excerpt":"Learning assistive technology isn\u2019t just about memorizing shortcuts\u2014it\u2019s about building skills that open doors to school, work, and everyday life. In this episode, Cheryl McIntosh and Sree Roy share how mastering screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver can turn frustration into confidence. They break down why fundamentals matter, how\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9284,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9284","url_meta":{"origin":9485,"position":3},"title":"UnScripted: A Lost iPhone, Changing Tech, and Figuring It Out","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"December 28, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: In this UnScripted episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson and Sree Roy dive into real-life tech, travel, and accessibility\u2014no script, just experience. From recovering a lost iPhone overseas using Find My, to navigating chaotic airports and noisy streets as a blind traveler, the conversation blends humor with practical\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4556,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=4556","url_meta":{"origin":9485,"position":4},"title":"Assistive Technology: Choosing the Right Tools for Success &#8211; Meet Jesse Anderson, Assistive Technology Specialist and Accessible Game Advocate","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"February 20, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Show Summary: Full Transcript Screen readers, Refreshable Braille, Magnification, Audio Books, Computers and Smart Devices are just a few of the Tools for Success that are available to the Blind\/Visually Impaired community. From education to the workplace, Assistive Technology enables people with a visual impairment to do just about anything\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Career&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Career","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=373"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8402,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=8402","url_meta":{"origin":9485,"position":5},"title":"The Future of Accessible Tech at Vista Center\u2019s Ignite Accessibility Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition with Kevin Chao","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"September 24, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"In this episode of Blind Abilities, Kevin Chao discusses the\u00a0Vista Center\u00a0Ignite Accessibility Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, an exclusive event showcasing groundbreaking accessible technologies. Entrepreneurs presented innovations such as\u00a0 Get Lotus, a ring-operated switch control system,\u00a0 Lighthouse Tech,\u00a0an\u00a0\u00a0obstacle-detecting smart glasses, Oorion\u00a0is an object, text detection app. Other highlights include Equivalent's SmartSVG, Speakaboo\u00a0for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9485","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9485"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9485\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9512,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9485\/revisions\/9512"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9322"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}