2543 Transforming Accessibility Through Aira with AI (Oct. 22, 2025)

Show Notes

Aira has transformed from a mostly subscription service into a resource that now offers many free services for visually impaired users. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Jenine Stanley, Director of Customer Success at Aira about navigating public spaces and how collaborations with Google DeepMind and wearable tech promise better visual interpretation tools.

2542 Business Enterprise Competition for Blind Entrepreneurs (Oct. 15, 2025)

Show Notes

Applications are now open for the 2025 Business Enterprise Competition that supports blind entrepreneurs with scholarships and cash awards. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Colleen Wunderlich of The Chicago Lighthouse about the application process and eligibility requirements, Miami University of Ohio’s mentorship program for winners, and the $25,000 top prize.

2541 CoBrowse AI Agent Makes Web Interactions More Accessible (Oct. 8, 2025)

Show Notes

Now AI can simplify online shopping for people with vision loss. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Patrick Long, co-founder of the accessible InnoSearch AI shopping service, about their new CoBrowse AI agent, which uses interactive voice-controlled commands and reasoning to make e-commerce sites and other online experiences more accessible for everyone.

2540 The Art of Audiobook Narrating (Oct. 1, 2025)

Show Notes

Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with renowned audiobook narrator Scott Brick, the voice behind over 1200 audiobooks you may have enjoyed including many bestsellers. They talk about Scott’s career, the importance of voice care and hydration, his coaching of others who are new in the field, and the potential effects of AI on the industry.

2539 A Lifelong Journey with Assistive Tech as it Evolves (Sep. 24, 2025)

Show Notes

How have assistive technologies evolved for blind users over the decades? Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey discuss the variety of assistive technologies Peter used over the years as his vision declined. They talk about the tools he used as a child, student, and scientist, as well as modern devices that he uses in retirement and what may be coming next.

2538 Encore of 1741 Together Again – Leaders Who Made a Difference (part 2 of 2) (Sep. 17, 2025)

Show Notes

Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey continue the conversation with three leaders in the field of assistive technology: Deane Blazie, Jim Fruchterman, and Ted Henter. They made pioneering contributions to the development of refreshable Braille displays, OCR, and screen readers, respectively. Learn about their visions for the future in this informative round table discussion.

2537 Encore of 1740 Together Again – Leaders Who Made a Difference (part 1 of 2 ) (Sep. 10, 2025)

Show Notes

This week hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey bring together three leaders in the field of assistive technology: Deane Blazie, Jim Fruchterman, and Ted Henter. They made pioneering contributions to the development of refreshable Braille displays, OCR, and screen readers, respectively. Learn what each of them is up to today in this informative round table discussion.

2536 Creating Tech Solutions for Social Good (Sep. 3, 2025)

Show Notes

How can nonprofit tech leaders harness tech and AI to drive accessibility? Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Jim Fruchterman, founder of Tech Matters, about his journey from Arkenstone to Bookshare and the challenges of funding social enterprises. He shares insights on agile development, inclusive design, and why tech for good matters to the disability community.

2535 Ally Solos Smart Glasses (Aug. 27, 2025)

Show Notes

Artificial Intelligence is opening new doors in accessibility. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Karthik Kannan, co-founder and CTO of Envision, about the new Ally Solos smart glasses and about using QR codes to bring detailed museum descriptions to blind visitors, showing how technology can improve participation in public life for people with vision loss.

2534 From Overseas Friends to Soulmates (Aug. 20, 2025)

Show Notes

How does love blossom across decades and continents? Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Judy and Chris Jones, a blind couple who first met abroad as children, reconnected years later, had a long-distance courtship, and married after a telephone proposal. They share their journey through cross-cultural moves, parenting, and beating the odds together.