Blind Level Tech

Highlights From Amazon Fall 2025 Hardware Event

In this episode, Evan discusses the latest innovations from Amazon's Fall 2025 hardware event, focusing on the new Echo lineup, Echo Shows, Fire Tablets, Fire TV Stick, and the introduction of Alexa Plus. He highlights the accessibility features, improvements in sound quality, and the integration of AI in security cameras. The conversation also touches on the technical advancements with the new Linux-based Fire OS, aiming to enhance performance across devices. Check out the full summary of the event at https://www.engadget.com/home/everything-announced-at-amazons-fall-hardware-event-143557140.html Find us at aftersight.org Email feedback@aftersight.org if you have any questions or comments concerning BLT or other Aftersight Original podcasts.

iOS26 is out, but should you update yet?

Join Evan Starnes and Marty Sobo as they explore Apple's latest innovations. From the iPhone 17 series to the AirPods Pro 3, and the iOS 26 updates, they discuss the new features, improvements in accessibility, and what these mean for users. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the latest trends, this episode offers insights and thoughtful analysis. Chapters Markers 00:00 - Welcome & Overview 05:00 - iPhone 17: Key Features 15:00 - AirPods Pro 3: Enhancements 25:00 - iOS 26: Accessibility Updates 35:00 - Final Thoughts Still not sure if you should update? Check out this article from Appleviz to learn more about the changes, accessibility improvements, and issues at https://www.applevis.com/blog/whats-new-ios-26-accessibility-blind-deafblind-users Have questions or feedback for Aftersight? email: feedback@aftersight.org feedback line: 720-712-8856 website: aftersight.org An Aftersight Original production

Writing Without Limits: Elyse Draper on AI, Accessibility, and Publishing Diverse Voices | Blind Level Tech

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes shifts the focus from gaming to the world of writing with guest Elyse Draper. Elyse shares her journey as a professional writer with over 25 years of experience, spanning nonfiction, satire, and speculative fiction, as well as her work as CMO of iPub Cloud International. She discusses accessibility in publishing, her rare eye condition, and the tools she uses—ranging from iPad-based apps to JAWS and speech software. The conversation dives deep into writing workflows, AI’s role in creativity, and the evolving publishing landscape. Elyse also highlights her initiatives: Sprabeld, an AI platform helping children with disabilities become protagonists in their own stories, and the VIMB Creatives Workshop, spotlighting blind and low-vision creators. The episode rounds out with a fun lightning round of “Trash or Tool” evaluating various writing and publishing tools, before closing with the Sandwich of the Week and Elyse’s invitation to explore her publishing projects. Listeners will come away inspired to embrace both technology and creativity, and reminded that the only thing stopping them from writing is themselves. Contact Info Guest: Elyse Draper Website: iPub Cloud International VIMB Creatives Workshop: vinbcreativesworkshop.com Search "Elyse Draper" online for books, articles, and resources Aftersight Contact: Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer Credits: Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. Show Credits Host: Evan Starnes Guest: Elyse Draper Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Production Chapter Markers 00:00 — Welcome to Blind Level Tech 01:05 — Elyse Draper’s audio selfie and writing background 03:45 — Vision loss journey and assistive tools for writing 06:40 — Workflow strategies and avoiding writer’s block 08:50 — AI in writing: Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini 12:10 — Architect vs. Gardener writing approaches 15:00 — Publishing workflows and editing advice 19:40 — Distribution platforms: Kindle, Ingram, Draft2Digital 22:40 — Accessibility in EPUBs and alt text for images 25:10 — Lightning Round: Trash or Tool 27:40 — AI narration vs. human narration in audiobooks 32:00 — Blind community leading in AI adoption 34:30 — Sandwich of the Week 36:40 — Elyse’s publishing company and VIMB Creatives Workshop 38:20 — Closing thoughts and next steps

VoiceOver to Voice Lines: Radio, Rails, and Accessibility with Austin Seraphin

Evan Starnes sits down with accessibility consultant, amateur radio operator, and co-founder of Philly Touch Tours, Austin Seraphin. They trace his journey from the Apple IIe and BASIC to Linux and open-source advocacy; revisit the “Eliza” moment that sparked a lifelong love of programming; and dig into why universal design beats retrofits and overlays every time. Austin shares memories of the Braille ’n Speak (and today’s BT Speak), the iPhone’s inflection point for accessible tech, and practical guidance for developers—ship with native controls, respect platform semantics, and test with screen readers. They close with the lasting impact of Philly Touch Tours and where to find Austin’s current consulting work. Contact Info Guest — Austin Seraphin: austinseraphin.net Aftersight (feedback & voicemails): feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Producer credits: Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. Host: Evan Starnes. Show Credits Host: Evan Starnes Guest: Austin Seraphin Producer: Jonathan Price A Production of Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 — Cold open & show intro 00:32 — Guest setup: who is Austin Seraphin 02:37 — Early sparks: Apple IIe, Echo, and BASIC 07:29 — The “LIST” epiphany: Eliza source code moment 09:41 — From Apple IIgs to DOS and the early screen reader era 12:02 — Linux today: Arch, Slint, and accessibility trade-offs 14:24 — Braille ’n Speak to BT Speak: tools that shaped a generation 16:44 — iPhone 3GS and the mainstreaming of mobile accessibility 19:08 — Apps, color identifiers, and learning the new paradigm 21:33 — Teaching kids to code: Swift Playgrounds and beyond 23:55 — Philly Touch Tours: origin story and tactile learning 29:02 — Universal design in practice: chisels, ramps, and patterns 31:37 — Why “accessible from day one” beats retrofits 36:25 — Platforms compared: native controls vs. the web wild west 38:50 — Electron, performance, and the cost of abstraction 41:18 — Accessibility overlays: why quick fixes fail users 42:55 — Consulting reboot and where to find Austin 43:42 — Wrap-up, future episodes, and Aftersight CTAs

Dale Hill: Don't be afraid to Push Buttons

This week on BLT, we have a rare in-person interview with Dale Hill, long time Aftersight listener and now also a bord member. We touch on some of the adaptations Dale used during his career, including his own custom magnifier for MSDos back in the day. We also talk about the use of modern technology, particularly for older adults, and why some of these devices may be difficult to grasp for some older adults. Contact: For questions or feedback, email feedback@aftersight.org or leave a voicemail at 720-712-8856.