The Blind Life Podcast

In this episode of the Accessible App Overview podcast series, we're taking a look at the new Companion app from Hadley. Available for both Android and iOS, the app gives you easy access to all of Hadley's services, including a convenient way to call and connect with their support team directly.
If you're already a fan of Hadley and the resources they provide, this is definitely an app you'll want to download.
Android app link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.hadleyhelps.Hadley&hl=en_US
iOS app link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hadley-helps/id6759167622
Hadley's website: https://hadleyhelps.org/
 

In this episode of the Accessible App Overview series, we're taking a look at the Cookie Voice Recipes app. This AI-powered app delivers accessible recipes and allows you to interact entirely through your voice. You can listen to ingredients and step-by-step instructions, ask questions along the way, and get the information you need completely hands-free.
App link: https://cookievoicerecipes.com/

I sat down with Tony Gabehart to discuss NVDA Coach, a free interactive training add-on for the NVDA screen reader. Designed for both beginners and experienced users, NVDA Coach helps people learn NVDA through guided lessons, keyboard commands, and hands-on practice. A fantastic resource for blind and visually impaired users, assistive technology trainers, and anyone wanting to improve their screen reader skills.
Link to download: https://tonygebhard.me/NVDACoach/ #NVDA #ScreenReader
#AssistiveTech #Accessibility #BlindTech #NVDACoach #InclusiveTechnology

In this episode of The Blind Life Podcast, I sit down with Joan Jaeger from Hadley to talk about the emotional side of vision loss, peer support, asking for help, and Hadley’s new “Coping and Adjusting Together” workshop series. An important conversation about mental health, low vision, blindness, and learning how to move forward after vision loss.
Visit Hadley to learn more:
► https://hadleyhelps.org/
#Blindness #LowVision #VisionLoss #AssistiveTechnology #MentalHealth #TheBlindLife #Hadley #BlindCommunity #DisabilityAwareness #Accessibility
 

What is ocular gene therapy, and could it treat inherited retinal diseases like Stargardt and Usher syndrome? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jayashree Sahni of AAVantgarde to break down how gene therapy works, what clinical trials involve, and what patients can expect. We cut through the myths and explore the real potential of gene therapy for vision loss.
Contact AAVantgarde to learn more:
► www.aavantgarde.com
► clinicaltrials@aavantgarde.com
► patientadvocacy@aavantgarde.com
Get the full transcription here:
► https://docs.google.com/document/d/17yR24WkAZ2lHd1iCoKXtANoZ-vFd6XqU5K5d154kjgE/edit?usp=sharing
#GeneTherapy #Stargardts #RetinitisPigmentosa #Blindness #VisionLoss #AssistiveTechnology #ClinicalTrials #EyeHealth #AAVantgarde

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

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
 

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