Episode Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby discuss the importance of audio description for blind and low-vision audiences. They share their experiences with accessible media, explain how to enable audio description on platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus, and explore free resources such as AudioVault.net for obtaining audio-described movies.

The episode also teases an upcoming guest, Josh Miele, who developed the YouDescribe app, allowing volunteers to provide audio descriptions for YouTube videos. The conversation takes a humorous turn as the hosts discuss past experiences with accessibility, from early VHS tapes to modern-day streaming services. They also introduce their Sandwich of the Week segment, debating the perfect movie-watching sandwich.

The episode wraps up with a call to action: listeners are encouraged to try audio description, introduce it to sighted friends and family, and share their first experience with described media by emailing [email protected] or calling (720) 712-8856.

Chapter Markers

00:15 – Introduction and Friday Vibes

02:30 – Debunking the Myth: Can Blind People Watch TV?

04:55 – Enabling Audio Description on Netflix & Disney Plus

07:22 – The Evolution of Audio Description: SAP and Language Tracks

09:45 – AudioVault.net: A Free Resource for Audio-Described Movies

12:14 – The Origins of Audio Description: A Blind Powerlifter’s Contribution

14:15 – Throwback: VHS, DVDs, and Early Accessible Media

16:36 – The Blind Level Tech Sandwich of the Week

18:57 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement to Try Audio Description

This week on BLT, we share our thoughts on some of the tech that came out of CES, or the consumer electronics show.

From mind reading recorders to toaster shaped robo taxies, we discuss how this tech might impact the blind and low vision community.

Recently, Microsoft's Seeing A I App got a nice fresh cote of paint, and on this weeks BLT Bite, we show how to access specific features, including the slightly revamped document reader, and the new scene describtion mode.

This week on BLT, we discuss the different tipes of fishing atacks and scams running rampent in our world.

If you or someone you know has fallen victem to a scam, we strongly encourage you to report it to the internet complaint center at www.ic3.gov.

On this weeks episode, we conclude our discussion on AI immage and video describtion, and share our thoughts on the recent Chat GPT live video feature.

We discuss some personal experiences with Chat GPT live video, and share our hopes for the future and implementation of live AI video describtion in day to day life.

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby dive deep into the groundbreaking Meta Ray-Ban glasses. They discuss their features, implications for the blind and low vision community, and the challenges of living near wildfire zones. They also share insights on emergency preparedness and lighter moments like the Sandwich of the Week.

Chapter Markers

00:15 - Introduction by Jonathan Price: The purpose of Blind Level Tech.

01:30 - Wildfire Updates: Kelvin's experiences in California.

02:30 - Evan's Arizona Trip: Exploring Waymo taxis.

04:50 - Podcast Milestone: Blind Level Tech in the top 10% globally.

05:00 - Meta Glasses Overview: Cost, accessibility, and universal design.

07:05 - Practical Applications: Hands-free functionality and commands.

09:30 - Challenges for Deaf-Blind Users: Sound quality and hearing aids.

12:00 - Real-Life Uses: Identifying objects, matching clothing, and more.

19:10 - AI Responsiveness: Meta Glasses' camera speed and features.

24:00 - Future Updates: Real-time video and live translation features.

26:20 - Battery Life: Charging capabilities and limitations.

28:50 - Sandwich of the Week: Sausage croissant and the infamous beet sandwich.

30:45 - Final Thoughts: Emergency preparedness and feedback requests.

Key Takeaways

Meta Glasses Features:

Cost-effective at $299.

Hands-free accessibility with AI-powered commands.

Real-time feedback for object identification and reading.

Challenges and Recommendations:

Limitations for Deaf-Blind users due to speaker positioning.

Best suited for environments with good connectivity.

Community Engagement:

Feedback and suggestions are encouraged at [email protected] or 720-712-8856.

Emergency Preparedness Tips:

Always have essential documents and kits ready for evacuation.

For this weeks BLT Bite, we give you a quick review on the Meta Ray Band smart glasses.

We show how to not only read text, but also how to get verry specific information like instuctions on a package, or the color of piece of clothing.

This week on BLT, we outline the new direction in which we’d like to take the show.

Over the winter holidays, we put a lot of thought into the format and stile of BLT, and we’ve definitely taken listener feedback into account when considering any changes to the show.

We’re cleaning up the format of BLT, this means less banter, more tech news and coverage; but there will still be plenty of weekly sandwiches to feast upon.

BLT thrives on listener feedback, so as we dial in these new refinements, we want to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

Please email [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 720-712-8856 with any questions, suggestions, or comments.

On this week’s episode, we’re back in full swing with Bebra Erickson, founder and executive Sheff of the Blind Kitchen.

Deborah shares her experiences as a blind culinary student and her mission to provide accessible cooking solutions, emphasizing the need for quality and user-friendly products.

The conversation emphasizes that culinary tools don’t necessarily need wi-fi and apps to be effective, and that culinary tools don’t necessarily need to be specially adapted for those with blindness or low vision.

Learn more and explore Debra’s websight at theblindkitchen.com

Chapters

00:00Welcome and Tech Introductions

03:02Deborah Erickson and The Blind Kitchen

05:54Adaptive Cooking Tools and Their Importance

09:11Evaluating Cooking Tools for Accessibility

12:06The Role of Technology in Cooking

14:52Innovations and Gaps in Cooking Tools

18:10Simple Solutions for Cooking Challenges

21:01Future Innovations

23:57 Sandwitch of the Week and closing thoughts

Happy newyear from Blind Level Tech and all of us at Aftersight.

We've got another Throwback this week, as we wanted to take a step back and look at where we were a year ago, in order to help us grow and improve more in 2025.

We'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming on January 8th, so stay tuned.