In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan and Kelvin discuss the significant updates to the Seeing AI app. They talk about the app's capabilities, including light recognition, image recognition, product recognition, and the World tab for LiDAR-capable phones. They also mention the release of Seeing AI on Android and compare it to Google Lookout. Evan and Kelvin emphasize the importance of exploring and experimenting with assistive technology apps to find what works best for each individual.

This week, we're back at it with Alexa, and we show you three unique Alexa skills that add a little character to your Alexa speaker. Alexa has thousands of interesting skills, from skills that turn your speaker into a talking clock to ones that help you find your phone, and everything in between.

Summary

In this conversation, Evan and Kelvin discuss various topics including screen readers, parental controls for Apple products, and the Glide device. They also mention their upcoming projects and share their tech pieces of the week. The main focus of the conversation is on the Glide device, which is a guide robot that helps visually impaired individuals navigate their surroundings. They discuss its design, functionality, and potential benefits for users. Overall, the conversation covers a range of tech-related topics and provides insights into accessibility and assistive technology. The conversation revolves around the Glidance smart navigation cane, discussing its features, physical controls, and potential impact on the blind and visually impaired community. The hosts express their excitement about the technology but also raise concerns about its weight, adoption, and functionality as a cane. They compare it to other guiding devices and discuss the challenges of introducing new technology in the assistive technology realm. The episode concludes with a discussion about the hosts' sandwich of the week and an invitation to join the Audio Trekkers Hike.

Come join us on the hike, and don't forget to ask a question of Kelvin to bring him to the hike!

Hike Signup: www.aftersight.org/hike

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Screen Readers

07:02 Introducing the Glide Device

13:44 Exploring the Functionality of the Glide Device

25:36 Challenges of Introducing New Technology

28:30 Sandwich of the Week: Buffalo Chicken Slider and Croissant Sandwich with Bacon

35:08 Join the Audio Trekkers Hike and Support the BLT Team

Take this BLT bite for a spin next time you want to play a brain game with Alexa. These games are fun and interactive and can provide hours of fun and entertainment. It's important to be able to play and access different games for brain and mental health. Take 'em for a spin.

Summary

In this episode, Evan and Kelvin discuss accessible games for blind individuals. They start by talking about card games, such as Phase 10 and Rook, and how to adapt them for blind players. They also mention the availability of Braille playing cards and cardholders. Next, they discuss dice games like Yahtzee and the use of Braille dice. They mention the challenges of playing complex dice games and the need for accessible versions. Finally, they touch on word games like Scrabble and the fun of creating lists based on specific topics. In this conversation, Evan and Kelvin discuss various accessible board games and card games. They talk about tactile dice, braille dominoes, and adaptive chess sets. They also mention games like Connect 4 and Pictionary that can be played with adaptations for visually impaired individuals. They share their favorite sandwiches and announce an upcoming hiking event. In the next episode, they will discuss audio games and computer games.

Takeaways

Card games like Phase 10 and Rook can be adapted for blind players using Braille cards or text-to-speech apps.

Braille dice are available for playing dice games like Yahtzee.

Complex dice games with multiple components may be challenging for blind players.

Word games like Scrabble can be played using Braille tiles or text-to-speech apps.

Creating lists based on specific topics can be a fun and accessible word game. There are various accessible board games and card games available for visually impaired individuals.

Tactile dice, braille dominoes, and adaptive chess sets are some examples of accessible gaming options.

Games like Connect 4 and Pictionary can be played with adaptations for visually impaired players.

Peanut butter and fluff and Asian spice chicken sandwiches are recommended by the hosts.

There is an upcoming hiking event where participants can join different podcast teams and compete for incentives.

The next episode will focus on audio games and computer games.

Chapters

00:00 Adapting Card Games for Blind Players

16:48 Playing Dice Games with Braille Dice

19:24 Challenges of Complex Dice Games

20:32 Word Games with Braille Tiles or Text-to-Speech Apps

20:32 Creating Lists as an Accessible Word Game

20:45 Exploring Accessible Board Games and Card Games

25:36 Fun Games for Visually Impaired Players: Connect 4 and Pictionary

27:44 Adaptive Gaming: Tactile Dice, Braille Dominoes, and Adaptive Chess Sets

35:20 Delicious Sandwich Picks: Peanut Butter and Fluff, Asian Spice Chicken

39:32 Join the Blind Level Tech Team for an Exciting Hiking Event

43:01 Next Episode: Audio Games and Computer Games

Thank you for listening to BLT. If youi have any questions for Evan or Kelvin email us at [email protected] or leave us a voice mail at (720) 712-8856. Have a great week.

In this BLT Bite, Evan displays some pretty cool tricks Alexa can do! If you want Evan to do a BLT bite on something you're curious about, email us at [email protected] or call us at 720-712-8856.
don't forget to register for the hike at aftersight.org/hike and make sure you sign up to be on team BLT. Prizes are waiting!

Summary

Lucy Kuchta, founder of Quinsight, joins the Blind Level Tech podcast to discuss her work in helping older adults embrace technology. She shares her experience in implementing technology programs for age 60+ adults, such as Connect with Tech and Empower with Technology. Lucy emphasizes the importance of hands-on training and tailoring the curriculum to individual needs. The biggest challenge for seniors is getting comfortable with technology and using it every day. The use of Chromebooks is preferred due to their user-friendly interface and affordability. Leading-edge technologies, such as Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, can be more difficult for seniors to embrace due to the setup process. Lucy expresses the desire to scale her business and explore virtual reality as a means of providing one-on-one training remotely. The conversation covers topics such as remote tech support, scams, and the importance of protecting older adults from online threats. The hosts discuss the challenges of providing remote tech support and offer tips for avoiding scams. They emphasize the need to be cautious when sharing financial information and to fact-check any suspicious emails or calls. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the Sandwich of the Week segment and upcoming events.

Takeaways

Hands-on training and tailored curriculum are crucial for helping older adults embrace technology.

Getting comfortable with technology and using it every day is the biggest challenge for seniors.

Chromebooks are preferred due to their user-friendly interface and affordability.

Leading-edge technologies can be more difficult for seniors to embrace due to the setup process.

Exploring virtual reality as a means of providing remote one-on-one training could help scale technology programs for seniors. Remote tech support can be challenging, but tools like Zoom can help bridge the gap.

It's important to be cautious when sharing financial information and to fact-check suspicious emails or calls.

Protecting older adults from scams and online threats is crucial.

The Sandwich of the Week segment and upcoming events provide additional resources and entertainment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:57 Implementing Technology Programs for Age 60+ Adults

10:03 The Challenge of Getting Comfortable with Technology

14:59 Why Chromebooks are Preferred

22:00 Scaling Technology Programs for Seniors

23:45 Navigating Remote Tech Support and Challenges

24:50 Protecting Against Scams and Online Threats

26:04 The Importance of Fact-Checking and Financial Caution

27:27 Sandwich of the Week and Upcoming Events

Thank you for checking out this episode of BLT. If you have any questions for Evan and Kelvin let us know by calling the show at (720) 712-8856. Have a great week and we'll see you next time.

Blind Level Tech, or BLT, is a fun new show dedicated to the use of technology for those who are blind and have visual impairments. We will walk you through the latest and greatest tech from Apple to Microsoft and TVs to kitchen appliances. We will even throw in some good ole dad and tech jokes for good measure. Being blind is hard enough. Your tech experience should not be.

Summary

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan and Kelvin interview Ted Tahquechi, a visually impaired artist and photographer. Ted shares his journey from working in the video game industry to becoming a travel photographer and creating tactile 3D prints. He discusses his process of using Photoshop to extract textures from his photographs and 3D printing them to create tactile art. Ted also talks about the importance of accessibility in art and his upcoming exhibitions. The hosts also share their favorite tech products and sandwiches of the week.

Takeaways

Ted Tahquechi shares his journey from working in the video game industry to becoming a visually impaired artist and photographer.

He discusses his process of using Photoshop to extract textures from his photographs and 3D printing them to create tactile art.

Ted emphasizes the importance of accessibility in art and his efforts to make his work inclusive for people with visual impairments.

The hosts share their favorite tech products and sandwiches of the week.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

04:09 Transition to Travel and Photography

08:09 Exploring Tactile Art with 3D Printing

14:04 Choosing the Right 3D Printer and Filament

24:45 Making Art Accessible with Tactile QR Codes

28:25 Favorite Tech Products

31:50 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Thank you for listening to this episode of BLT. If you have questions for Evan or Kelvin give us a call at (720) 712-8856 or email us at [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

This is your BLT Bite: Have you ever needed to change Alexa's wake word? Evan will show you how.