Brendan speaks with Brandon Biggs, CEO and co-founder of XR Navigation, about his journey into technology and the development of Audiom, an inclusive digital map viewer designed to assist individuals with visual impairments. They discuss the challenges of accessibility in digital spaces, the importance of adhering to accessibility standards, and the role of AI in enhancing accessibility solutions. Brandon shares insights on how gyms and fitness centers can become more inclusive and emphasizes the need for advocacy in making digital content accessible for everyone.

To learn more about Brandon and XR Navigation, check out the links below,

Brandon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonkeithbiggs/

XR Navigation’s Website: https://xrnavigation.io/

XR Navigation’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xrnavigation/

Takeaways

• Audiom allows users to access maps through auditory, visual, and tactile modalities.
• Accessibility in maps is crucial for blind individuals to navigate effectively.
• Many digital maps are inaccessible, providing little to no information for screen reader users.
• AI can assist in development but is not a replacement for human understanding in spatial reasoning.
• Gyms can improve accessibility by providing audio maps and avoiding touchscreen-only equipment.
• Advocacy for accessibility can come from anyone, not just those with disabilities.

Keywords: accessibility, technology, Audiom, inclusive design, digital maps, assistive technology, Brandon Biggs, XR Navigation, visual impairment, navigation solutions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Accessible Innovation

05:56 The Birth of Audiom: A Solution for Accessibility

12:11 The Importance of Accessibility Standards

18:00 The Role of AI in Accessibility

23:50 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts