The Blind Life Podcast

Birding by Ear: All About Blind Birding And The Annual Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon! Ep 50

I sat down with Jerry Barrier to explore the world of blind birding and why it’s such a powerful, accessible hobby. By focusing on bird calls, you don’t need sight to enjoy the experience fully. We also discuss helpful smartphone apps and dive into the upcoming Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon (May 3–4, 2026), a 24-hour event celebrating connection through sound!
Birdability website ► https://www.birdability.org/
Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon 2026: ► https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon
#BlindBirding #BirdingByEar #Accessibility #BirdingCommunity #AssistiveTechnology #TheBlindLife #Inclusion #NatureForAll

Breaking the Music Barrier: Accessible Sheet Music for the Blind & More! Ep. 49

In this interview, I talk with Tamara, a professional musician who has been teaching accessible music for blind and visually impaired musicians for nearly 20 years. We explore low-tech and high-tech options for learning and reading sheet music, from traditional approaches to modern assistive technology. Tamara also shares insights from her accessible music theory books designed specifically for blind musicians. This conversation is packed with practical advice for blind musicians, music students, and educators looking to make music more accessible.
Learn more here: https://odysseymusic.ca/
Tamara's YT channel - "Unsightly Opinions": https://www.youtube.com/@UnsightlyOpinions/videos
 

Breaking Barriers: How ABLR Is Creating Real Jobs for the Blind - Ep. 48

In this interview, I talk with Mike Iannelli, co-founder of ABLR, and Heather Buster, a visually impaired professional who completed the ABLR workforce training program and went on to secure meaningful employment. We discuss what ABLR is, how the accredited training program works, and why digital accessibility testing is a strong career path for blind and visually impaired individuals. Mike shares insight into the program’s structure, its impact on the blind community, and real success stories from graduates. Heather offers a firsthand look at her experience—what she expected, the challenges she faced, and why the program exceeded her expectations. We also talk honestly about the program’s difficulty and how determination and hard work can lead to real career opportunities.
Learn more here:
► https://ablr360.com/theblindlife 
Email Mike and Heather:
► michael.iannelli@ablr360.com
► hbuster1@gmail.com
#ABLR360 #DigitalAccessibility #BlindEmployment #VisuallyImpaired #AccessibilityTesting #InclusiveEmployment #BlindCareers #AssistiveTechnology #AccessibilityMatters #TheBlindLife

Accessibyte: Fun and Accessible Learning Tools for the Blind and Visually Impaired - Ep. 47

In this episode of The Blind Life Podcast, Sam sits down with Joe Jorgensen, creator of "Accessibyte", a powerful suite of assistive technology tools designed to help the blind and visually impaired community build essential skills for school, work, and everyday life. From the interactive Typio typing program to fun, educational games in Accessibyte Arcade, Joe shares how his accessible software and adaptive equipment make learning engaging and truly inclusive. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or someone living with vision loss, this episode offers valuable insight into how technology continues to break down barriers and empower independence for people with low vision.
Check it out here: https://www.accessibyte.com/
#BlindCommunity #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility #LowVision #VisionLoss
 

Ep. 46 Splice Bio And The Future Of Vision Loss Treatment | Gene Therapy For Stargardt Disease

In this interview, we sit down with John Tobin, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Splice Bio, to explore groundbreaking gene therapy research for Stargardt’s disease and its potential impact on the blind and visually impaired community. John shares insights into Splice Bio’s mission, how their innovative work could transform options for people living with vision loss, and what families, professionals, and supporters should know about emerging treatments. Stay tuned until the end for information on how to get involved in Splice Bio’s clinical trials. Learn more here:
www.splice.bio/clinical
Or send an email to:
Clinicaltrials@splice.bio
#SpliceBio #genetherapy #clinicaltrials

Blind-Led Innovation in Action: How NFB and InnoSearch Are Changing the Game! Episode 45

In this episode, Sam speaks with Patrick Long of InnoSearch.ai and Mark Riccobono of the NFB about their new partnership to improve digital accessibility for blind users. Rather than focusing on basic compliance, the conversation explores true usability—addressing issues like unlabeled buttons and missing alt text. They emphasize the need for blind-led innovation and meaningful collaboration with the community. The NFB’s long-standing advocacy efforts are discussed, along with practical steps tech companies can take to create inclusive products. A new checkout feature also lets customers support the NFB by rounding up purchases, blending commerce with accessibility-focused advocacy.
blind tech, assistive technology, digital accessibility, InnoSearch.ai, National Federation of the Blind, NFB partnership, screen reader usability, blind advocacy, accessible shopping, inclusive design, blind podcast, low vision tools#BlindLife #AccessibilityMatters #AssistiveTech #BlindCommunity #InnoSearch #NFB #DigitalInclusion #BlindAdvocacy #AccessibleShopping #InclusiveTechnology

Massive Apple Accessibility Updates Just Announced! New Accessibility Features for 2025 - Ep. 44

In this episode, I break down all the brand-new accessibility features coming to **iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and VisionOS** this summer. From accessibility nutrition labels in the App Store to Live Captions on Apple Watch, Braille Note Taker functionality, and even personal voice upgrades, Apple is making huge strides for users with low vision, blindness, hearing loss, and other disabilities. And yes, major improvements are also coming to the Apple Vision Pro! Whether you're blind, visually impaired, hard of hearing, or just someone who loves accessible tech, you don’t want to miss these updates.
Learn more ► https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/05/apple-unveils-powerful-accessibility-features-coming-later-this-year/
► https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/13/apple-unveils-ios-19-accessibility-features/
Watch my Apple Vision Pro videos!: ► https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLThdr7uPwVs12xgN9CSEtAqnJR9URSL9Q
In this episode
* Accessibility Nutrition Labels
* Magnifier App on Mac
* Accessibility Reader Across Platforms
* Braille Access Updates
* Live Listen & Captions on Apple Watch
* Personal Voice Upgrade
* Accessibility Sharing on Shared Devices
* Apple Vision Pro Accessibility Enhancements
#AppleAccessibility #BlindTech #TheBlindLife #iOSAccessibility #VisionPro #LowVisionSupport #BrailleTech #AssistiveTech #DigitalInclusion #AccessibilityMatters

Ep. 43, A Staff of Independence - History of the White Cane

"A Staff Of Independence" As the US celebrates the anniversary of its independence, we are talking about the white cane and how it has brought independence to the visually impaired community. I also talked to several VIP influencers and asked them about their white cane journeys.Project Guiding White:► https://guidingwhite.wordpress.com/ACB:► http://www.acb.org/tennessee/white_cane_history.html#:~:text=James%20Biggs%20of%20Bristol%20claimed,himself%20more%20visible%20to%20motorists.Veronica Width Four Eyes:► https://veroniiiica.com/2018/01/12/decoding-the-colors-of-blindness-canes/
VIP Influencers featured in the video:Dave Steele, The Blind Poet► https://theblindpoet.net/Derek Daniel, Life After Sight Loss► https://www.youtube.com/user/derekdanielvidsCarrie Morales, Live Accessible► https://www.youtube.com/user/exentrquitaJames Rath, VIP Filmmaker► https://www.youtube.com/user/jamesrathCasey Greer, How Casey Sees It► https://www.youtube.com/user/KCfan7989Matt, Blind To Billionaire► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYqOP98j1cPqLzN2-AAgsHQJuan, JC5 Productions► https://www.youtube.com/user/JC12209