Podcasts about american printing house

Announcements, a brief overview of the 2025 ACB Convention, three new bills in Congress, and a look at the new Dot Museum at the American Printing House

We've got a classic restaurant news update on this week's Access Louisville podcast.Reporter Michael L. Jones is on the show to tell us about Byrdie's. James Beard-nominated Chef Jenner Tomaska and his wife and business partner Katrina Bravo opened Byrdie's, a new French-inspired bistro, in Louisville's NuLu neighborhood on Thursday, Dec. 12.Byrdie's is on the first floor of the Hotel Genevieve, located at 7300 E. Market St., which itself was just recognized by the Michelin Guide for its French-inspired architecture. The nearly 3,000-square-foot restaurant replaces Rosette's, an all-day restaurant that closed in August.We also chat about a new French bistro and boutique that's scheduled to open in the Clifton neighborhood in the spring. Ça et Là, which means “Here and There” in French, will be located at 1832 Frankfort Ave., near the American Printing House for the Blind. The new business will blend café culture, artisan imports, and affordable Southern French street foods, petits plats, and wines.Later in the show we chat about a possible revival for Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant as well as the relatively new Take Thai restaurant on Factory Lane. We also get into some retail news with updates on a new location for ALDI and Fresh Market. And we note that Carhartt is opening a retail location in Louisville. Finally, we wrap up the show with news that Givaudan is opening a new facility in Reading, Ohio, near Cincinnati. That's after an explosion at the company's Louisville plant killed two people, injured about a dozen and damaged property around the Clifton neighborhood. Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. It's available on popular podcast services, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Education Service Center, Region 20 in San Antonio hosted Texas's first-ever Abacus Bee, a math competition for students with visual impairments, sponsored by the American Printing House for the Blind. Students used an abacus, manipulatives, or mental math to solve problems in multiple rounds. Angel Gamboa, East Central High School participant in the Rovers Category, received a free computer from Computers for the Blind!Article Link

In this Tech Doctor episode, David Woodbridge puts on his brand new HumanWare employee hat and teaches us all about the new Braille and graphics tablet from HumanWare and the American Printing House for the Blind. David describes the Monarch and walks us through its various features and options. After listening to the podcast, you […]

As we all celebrate 200 years since Louis Braille invented his tactile reading and writing system for blind and partially sighted people through the RNIB Braille 200 year long campaign raising the awareness of Braille to visually impaired and sighted people here on RNIB Connect Radio we are chatting with people who are Braille users to find out what Braille means to them and how Braille has maybe helped them throughout their life. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up Willow Freeman, Global Innovations Product Manager at the American Printing House for the Blind (part of the Perkins School for the Blind in America) to find out how she not only started working as a Transcriber but also about how she learnt Braille, the importance of her English Degree as a Braille Transcriber and the importance of Braille for visually impaired people who are able to use Braille. Willow also talks about some of the myths people might have around learning Braille along with some top tips for people who are starting to learn Braille too.  Ending with Willow sharing that when she is reading words on the page in print in her mind she is seeing the Braille dot formation of the words. To find out more about Braille do visit the following pages of the RNIB website -  https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/education-and-learning/braille-tactile-codes/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

According to its website, “BrailleBlaster™ is a braille transcription program developed by the American Printing House for the Blind to help transcribers provide blind students with braille textbooks on the first day of class.” It uses markup from source documents to automate formatting, and provides “tools to make advanced tasks quicker and easier.” Although it is “Designed primarily for editing textbooks that meet the specifications published by the Braille Authority of North America,” the adoption of Unified English Braile in most English-speaking countries makes it suitable for use in a wide variety of applications in many parts of the world. It is free of charge and compatible with virtually all braille embossers. On Tuesday 20 February 2024, we were delighted to be joined by two representatives from APH to introduce us to BrailleBlaster and demonstrate some of its features: Willow Free is the Tactile Technology Product Manager and based in the United States Michael Whapples is the Lead Developer of BrailleBlaster and based in the United Kingdom

Episode Notes It's the world's largest nonprofit organization providing products and services for the visually impaired, making it long overdue for a spotlight on "Blabbin'"!! I'm referring to the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, which has been a valuable asset to patrons with vision loss for well over a century! Pull up a seat as Sara Brown, Joe Hodge, and Richard Rueta are here to discuss many important facets of the Printing House. These include its history, mission, specialized products, and commendable resources for those with vision loss and their families. It promises to be entertaining and educational. And, to learn more about American Printing House for the Blind, simply click here to visit the web page: https://www.aph.org/. You can also visit the APH Connect Center's page via the following link: https://aphconnectcenter.org/. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co

Welcome back to another episode of AccessWorld, a podcast on digital inclusion and accessibility. February is Low-Vision awareness Month, and we're excited to welcome Lee Huffman from the American Printing House for the Blind. Lee is a familiar voice for AccessWorld enthusiasts , having held down the helm for AccessWorld before joining APH. Lee, who also has low vision, shares his experiences and offers great insight into where we've been, and where we are going in regards to technology for low-vision consumers. Hosts Aaron and Tony along with Lee also share the challenges that often rise up when companies try to have a one-size-fits-all approach toward accessibility, not recognizing the vast spectrum that exists for users with varying conditions like low-vision. Read more about low-vision and assistive tech in the February issue of AFB's AccessWorld E-Zine, which can be delivered right to your inbox this Feb. 20th. Visit www.afb.org/aw and sign-up today. You can also access back issues for free! Listen to past episodes and access transcripts on AFB's podcast page. Transcripts are usually available within 48 hours after an episode drops. You can also check out other podcasts produced by AFB. And, while you're there, consider making a tax-deductible gift to the American Foundation for the Blind. Your gift helps us create a future of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision.

This week, we're thinking money matters as we look at how easy it is to setup mobile payment solutions from both Apple and Google, we consider the humble debit card and news of a new braille training programme from American Printing House. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at RNIB Connect Radio | RNIB , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode. We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at techtalk@rnib.org.uk 

Lab Computers (Humanware), KATS Network and the American Printing House for the Blind

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the evolution of Braille devices following our recent conversation with Adi Kushner from Access Mind. Dan writes in with questions about the long-term viability of a device such as the Optima laptop and queries about long-term support from companies like Orbit and Vispero. Also, there's news of a new online Braille learning tool called Braille Brain from American Printing House for the Blind. Listener Lena shares her thoughts. And there's more of your feedback, in particular around the different and varying dictaphone devices we have available to us as people who are blind. Graham from Toronto shares his thoughts on the Wilson Recorder, while Greg in Pennsylvania suggests that the much-discussed Olympus DM-770 and DM-720 are two similar, but different devices. Check out more about the Braille Brain course here: https://www.aph.org/product/braille-brain/ Check out more about the Wilson Recorder here: https://getawilson.com Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formerly Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap

White Cane History presented by the American Printing House and details and registration information for the Kentucky Council of the Blind Golden Jubilee Convention

On FSCast 236, we're joined by Catherine Getchell, Director of Disability Resources at Carnegie Mellon University.  We'll hear about her path to the job at CMU and what motivates her to do this kind of work. Then, to celebrate October as Disability Employment Awareness Month, Lori Scharff and Richard Rueda from the American Printing House for the Blind's CareerConnect program.

Description: Sound Prints for September 3, 2023, Description: "This Is Their Story, This Is Their Song" is an original play about Fanny Crosby who wrote over 7,000 hymns and who was blind. We interview B. T. Kimbrough, author and director of the play. Hear clips from the live performance at the American Printing House for the Blind Braille Reader's Theater on August 26 in Louisville.

En este episodio, Manolo hace una demostración de BrailleBuzz, un app sencilla para el iPhone y para Android, para complementar y apoyar el proceso inicial del aprendizaje del Braille por los estudiantes ciegos. El app es gratuita y es desarrollada por APH, American Printing House. El episodio se divide en las siguientes partes: 00:00:00 – […]

20230803 I Love Braille Originally Broadcasted August 3, 2023, on ACB Media 5   Michael Hudson, Director, Louis Braille Museum of American Printing House for the Blind spoke about Louis Braille Museum under title "Dot experience at APH.   Sponsored by East Bay Center for the Blind Subscribe to the I Love Braille email list. Access Archives Email Vileen Shah   Find out more at https://acb-community.pinecast.co

From the 2023 NFB Convention in Houston Texas, Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant spoke with Greg Stilson, Head of Global Innovation at American Printing House for the Blind (APH). Greg first takes listeners through the new Monarch Tactile Display. This braille display is a partnership between APH, Humanware, and the NFB. Greg also gives an overview of APH's other offerings such as the Mantis and Chameleon braille displays, and the low-vision magnification devices such as the Juno and Jupiter  as well as the Matt Connect Android Tablet.   Additionally, Greg discusses the recently released Code Jumper, and Road to Code a set of tools designed to help blind people learn how to code. Greg closes the interview by talking about his personal journey through blindness and technology and how his experience is an asset to his current work at APH.   Read More

It is really crucial that many of you join us because we are going to explore an issue that will become increasingly important over the next few years. During the ACB convention just completed the Braille Revival League sponsored a session that allowed those who were there to at least get to touch a new device that is being developed by the American Printing House for the Blind and Humanware. The device is called the Monarch and is the latest in a series of devices that will eventually make the inclusion of tactile graphics in education a commonplace. Starting this Fall devices will be made available to teachers who agree to train in their use. At our presentation and in other places, APH has said they would like to see these devices in the hands of all blind students in the United States. The devices will allow braille reading and, eventually, audio reading. They will allow tactile graphics to be created. APH already has a library of such graphics but it appears that there will need to be the production of lots more "pictures" that are not too intricate for people who are blind to understand the representation the Monarch can bring. Clearly a decision has been made that children who are blind, if properly introduced to the subject, can comprehend and benefit from tactile graphics. Is this true? Can people born without vision understand pictures? The issue is broader than just these machines! Museums, art galleries and art classes are trying to create tactile representations of great art. There are audio descriptions of great art that attempt to explain why a painting or a sculpture has appeal. How effective have these efforts been? Audio description, the electronic depiction of pictures in the class room and perhaps even a discussion of whether the absence of vision makes understanding the visual arts impossible are all parts of the question of people who are blind "seeing" pictures. Where do you stand? Do people with partial vision have the ability to bridge the gap? Can totally blind people who lose their sight later help us understand the many questions that surround making the visual comprehensible? We need your opinions and, after the program is over, we need your continued involvement in coming to terms with one of the newest and most innovative options to emerge for people who are blind. Find out more at https://acb-tuesday-topics.pinecast.co

Announcements; listen as the American Printing House celebrates looks back at the history of its museum, closes for construction of its huge expansion, and points toward the opening of a new museum called The Dot Experience in 2025.

Zack talks with Joe Hodge from American Printing House for the Blind, about building websites and systems for the visually impaired. They discuss why accessibility plugins may not be the panacea they claim to be and why good accessibility practices are beneficial to all users. Links from the episode:  https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/ If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.

Zack talks with Joe Hodge from American Printing House for the Blind, about building websites and systems for the visually impaired. They discuss why accessibility plugins may not be the panacea they claim to be and why good accessibility practices are beneficial to all users. Links from the episode:  https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/ If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.

There's always something going on along Frankfort Avenue but American Printing House for the Blind likely has one of the biggest projects. The nonprofit marked the official groundbreaking for The Dot Experience, a new museum that will be part of a $55 million campus expansion this week. And so we welcomed APH President Craig Meador to join the Access Louisville podcast this week.On the show Meador tells us about what to expect from the museum and how it can demonstrate accessibility for companies looking to expand their workforces.As usual, we have a few topics on this week's show. We also discuss The Myriad, a new hotel coming to the Highlands (it's gonna have a pool!) as well as a new event space, Germantown Gables. After that we chat about Drew Brees' new restaurant that's coming to nearby Clarksville, Indiana and a bit of shuffling among local TV sports anchors.Access Louisville is a weekly podcast from Louisville Business First. It's available on most popular podcast services. 

This week gamer SightlessKombat tells us about RNIB's recent Twitch video game streaming, we'll hear about the new ‘Monarch' multiline braille display from Humanware and American Printing House, we'll also be finding out more about the work of NV Access. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode. We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at techtalk@rnib.org.uk or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

Thaw Di Gras took place this past weekend. Kim Hovey, our Community Reporter in Dawson City, Yukon tells us all about it (0:00). The American Printing House for the Blind has a hot new product aimed at empowering blind students in the classroom. We learn more about this Greg Stilson and Anne Durham of APH (12:35). What are some top reasons for recent employee turnover? We Discuss this with Michael French from Robert Half (27:16).

  In January 2023, Anil and Melissa spoke with Dr. Craig Meador, President of the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). They discussed the monarch, the new dynamic tactile display that has emerged from a partnership among APH, Humanware, and the National Federation of the Blind. With ten lines that can display both braille and tactile graphics, this device is a potential game-changer, especially for blind students. Hear about its potential and the ways in which a partnership with the organized blind movement made it possible.

Sweeping changes to Kentucky's juvenile justice system are gaining momentum, details on a bill that would set standards for teacher misconduct allegations, local leaders debate the impact of a proposed tax break for the bourbon industry, a Republican candidate for governor says he's for medical marijuana, and the history behind the American Printing House for the Blind.

Greg Stilson, Karen Anderson and Peter Tucic give us the inside scoop about the Monarch. This innovative tactile device aims to modernize and advance the ways we can access braille and tactile graphics.   For more info from the American Printing House visit: https://www.aph.org/the-ebrf-revolution/ https://www.aph.org/dtd-fact-sheet/   Karen Anderson's Article:  https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr41/4/fr410414.htm

Episode Description On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark is joined by Greg Stilson, Head of Global Technology Innovation, American Printing House for the Blind, regarding his and APH's experience at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show. We discuss Greg's impression of CES and experience as an exhibiter showcasing technology for APH. Also, they discuss the Accessibility Leaders Roundtable hosted by the Consumer Technology Association Foundation in which ACB and APH participated. To learn more about the American Printing House for the Blind, please visit www.aph.org. Find out more at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co

In the second hour of NOW with Dave Brown: Dr. Craig Meador reflects on the 165th anniversary of the American Printing House for the Blind (28:22). And John Loeppky discusses the presence of parasport at the upcoming Canada Winter Games on Prince Edward Island (17:26). 

20221118-2 SAIL AWAY WITH KCB Kentucky Council of the Blind 20221118-2 General Session – Evening SAIL AWAY WITH KCB Kentucky Council of the Blind 49th Annual Conference and Convention November 18 - 19, 2022 The theme is Sail Away with KCB - step on board the KCB Majestic for a weekend cruise filled with programs, information, resources, food and fun. Welcome - Matthew Selm, President, Kentucky Council of the Blind "The Star-Spangled Banner" - Bradley Mann, Pledge of Allegiance - Ristoria Ross-Jackson, Member, KCB Board of Directors Invocation - Rev. Dave Wilde, Vice President, Kentucky Council of Citizens with Low Vision "We Gather Together" - Bradley Mann Speaker - Dr. Craig Meador, President, American Printing House for the Blind Chapter Reports from the Presidents o Eastern Kentucky Christian Council of the Blind - Ronnie Patrick, Lost Creek o Greater Louisville Council of the Blind - Natalie Couch, Louisville o Northern Kentucky Council of the Blind - Gerry Slusher, Covington o South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind - Richard Lindsey, Bowling Green o Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired - Sheryl Lott, Owensboro o Guide Dog Users of Kentuckiana - Terrie Terlau, Louisville o KY Council of Citizens with Low Vision - Debbie Deatherage, Louisville o KCB Next Generation - Benjamin Wright, Henderson o Tri-State Library Users - Natalie Couch, Louisville Convention Sponsor Recognitions - Carla Ruschival, Treasurer, Kentucky Council of the Blind 2022 Life Member Recognitions - Carla Ruschival, KCB Treasurer Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co

20220705 ACB 2022 Conference and Convention General Session Originally Aired July 5, 2022, on ACB Media Tuesday, July 5 o   Call to Order o   Pledge of Allegiance: Recipients of Ross Pangere Scholarships o   ACB Sponsor Recognitions, corporate sponsors o   Diamond Sponsor Presentation: Microsoft, Sagib Shaikh, Principal Engineering Manager o   ACB Angels Presentation: Rod Chard o   Presiding Officer: Denise Colley, Secretary o   ACB Advocacy Updates: Clark Rachfal, Director of Advocacy, Swatha Nandhakumar, Advocacy and Outreach Specialist o   CCLVI Scholarship Presentations o   ACB Scholarship Presentations o   Talking Book Narrator: Ray Foushee, American Printing House for the Blind

It's a continuation celebration for our 100th episode, as we present you with The Clip Show Part Two.   This episode starts off at the beginning of 2021, as we welcome our good friend Allison Meloy full time to the podcast. Allison was a regular guest on iAccessVO and joined us here regularly starting with episode 14.   Our next few guests included Greg Stilson from The American Printing House for the Blind, Steve Ewell from The Consumer Technology Association, and Shaun Eli  comedian friend of Brian's who worked very hard to make his website fully accessible. It was Episode 17, wow, not sure what was going on with our audio on this episode, as it was absolute crap. Episode 17 was also the beginning of Brian introducing all those fun movie clips that 95% of the listeners enjoy. We did get one email from a listener who absolutely hates them.   Episode 18 brought Jayme Schwartz from Aftershockz to the show. Episode 19 was back to our Trailblazers series with Ricky Enter and friend of the show Joe SteinKamp. Episode 21 was the web developer of Ottoneu Fantasy sports, Nav shah.   It was episode 22 that saw friend of the podcast Dr. Bryan Wolynski make his first appearance on the podcast. Episode 23 brought us Virginia Jack, CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for a conversation about web accessibility.   Episode 25 brought us our first fun with an April fools episode, as blind Olympian Henry McKeller joined the show.   Episode 26 brought over the man you have to blame if you hate Brian's editing of movie clips, Derek Lane. And staying on our sound trip, Episode 27 brought us Jim Reekes the original creator of the Mac start up chime and the iPhone camera click sound.   Episode 28 brought us Comedian friend Stacey Prussman who at the time was running for Mayor of New York City. She did not win, but that was not our fault.   To contact That Real Blind Tech Show, you can email us at ThatRealBlindTechShow@gmail.com, join our Facebook Group That Real Blind Tech Show, join us on the Twitter @BlindTechShow , or leave us an old school phone message at 929-367-1005.

The American Printing House for the Blind has partnered with Thinkerbell to create a new Braille teaching tool and learning device titled, "Polly." Shivam Agarwal and Donna McClure-Rogers tell us about the device, the intended outcomes, and the many ways it will positively impact a student's education and independence. To find out more and join the "Polly" wait list please visit https://www.aph.org/polly-wait-list/.

This week we conclude a two-part interview with staff members from the APH Connect Center. The American Printing House for the Blind is a hundred and fifty-year-old organization that does a lot to promote the education of blind children and adults. The Connect Center is a branch of APH that maintains a series of websites providing valuable resources to people with visual impairments at all stages of their life. In particular, we'll be learning about Vision Aware, a site for people who are newly blind, as well as Career Connect, a site for job seekers. Join us as we talk with Leslie Weilbacher, Richard Rueda, and Katie Fredrick from the APH Connect Center. A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/podcast-transcript-aph-connect-center-pt-ii/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

This week we begin a two-part interview with staff members from the APH Connect Center. The American Printing House for the Blind is a hundred and fifty-year-old organization that does a lot to promote the education of blind children and adults. The Connect Center is a branch of APH that maintains a series of websites providing valuable resources to people with visual impairments at all stages of their life. In particular, we'll be learning about Vision Aware, a site for people who are newly blind, as well as Career Connect, a site for job seekers. Join us as we talk with Leslie Weilbacher, Richard Rueda, and Katie Fredrick from the APH Connect Center. A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/podcast-transcript-aph-connect-center-pt-i/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

2228 Graphical Braille Display and eBRF (Jul. 13, 2022) Show Notes Wouldn't it be nice to have an affordable, 2-D, refreshable Braille display? Soon that may not be just a dream. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Greg Stilson and William Freeman from the American Printing House about the new technology behind the combined … Continue reading 2228 Graphical Braille Display and eBRF (Jul. 13, 2022) →

2226 National Coding Symposium and STEM Camp (Jun. 29, 2022) Show Notes The fields of computers and STEM offer excellent career opportunities for visually impaired people. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Leanne Grillot, outreach director at the American Printing House, about some of APH's ongoing programs to inspire interest in these fields, make … Continue reading 2226 National Coding Symposium and STEM Camp (Jun. 29, 2022) →

This podcast is about big ideas on how technology is making life better for people with vision loss. People who are blind or visually impaired know all too well the challenges of living in a sighted world. But today, the capabilities of computer vision and other tech are converging with the needs of people who are blind and low-vision and may help level the playing field for young people with all different sensory abilities. These tools can pave the way for children's active participation and collaboration in school, in social situations, and eventually, in the workplace, facilitating the important contributions they will make to our world in their adult lives. Access to educational materials is a consistent challenge for students and adults who are blind, but Greg Stilson, the head of Global Innovation at American Printing House for the Blind (APH), is trying to change that. Together with partner organizations Dot Inc. and Humanware, APH is on the verge of being able to deliver the “Holy Braille” of braille readers, a dynamic tactile device that delivers both Braille and tactile graphics in an instant, poised to fill a much-needed gap in the Braille textbook market. Extensive user testing means the device is as useful for people who are blind as possible. Greg sees a future in which more inclusively designed and accessible video games, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) will help children who are blind learn with greater ease, and better engage with their sighted peers. Enter Dr. Cecily Morrison, principal researcher at Microsoft Research in Cambridge, UK. Based on extensive research and co-designing with people who are blind, she and her team developed PeopleLens, smart glasses worn on the forehead that can identify the person whom the user is facing, giving the user a spatial map in their mind of where classmates (as one example) are in space. PeopleLens helps children who are blind overcome social inhibitions and engage with classmates and peers, a skill that will be crucial to their development, and in their lives, as they move into the cooperative workspaces of the future.   The Big Takeaways: Robin Akselrud, an occupational therapist and assistant professor at Long Island University in Brooklyn, author of MY OT Journey Planner and The My OT Journey Podcast, explains how a baby who is born blind becomes inhibited from their first developmental milestones. She explains the stressors that these children might face upon attending school and describes the kinds of interventions that occupational therapy offers. Bryce Weiler, disability consultant, sports enthusiast, and co-founder of the Beautiful Lives Project, emphasizes how important it is for children who are blind or low-vision to have rich sensory experiences — and life experiences — which give them a chance to flourish and socialize with peers. Beautiful Lives Project offers opportunities to do that. Greg Stilson, Director of Global Innovation at American Printing House for the Blind, and his team are developing a dynamic tactile device (DTD) that can switch seamlessly between Braille and tactile graphics — the “Holy Braille” of braille devices. The DTD is made possible by developments in pin technology by Dot Inc, and APH. Humanware developed the software for the device. No longer using the piezoelectric effect to move pins has reduced the cost of the device significantly, and APH can funnel federal funds to reduce the price further, making the DTD a potential, viable option for institutions. Cecily Morrison, principal researcher at Microsoft Research in Cambridge UK, and her team developed PeopleLens, a head-worn pair of smart glasses that lets the wearer know who is in their immediate vicinity. Dr. Morrison and her team tested it in classrooms for school-age children who are blind or visually impaired and found that PeopleLens reduces students' cognitive load and helps young people overcome social anxiety and inhibitions that Robin Akselrud described at the top of the show. Wearers of PeopleLens learn to develop mental models of where people are in a room, and gain the confidence to engage others, or not, as they choose. Once social skills are built, students no longer have to wear the device but are set up for more successful social interactions at school and in their lives to come.   Tweetables: If they have a visual impairment, it really impacts them from early on, from that first development milestone. — Robin Akselrud, occupational therapist and assistant professor at Long Island University in Brooklyn, author of MY OT Journey Planner and The My OT Journey Podcast For children, just giving them that foundation of making friendships as they're growing up, and the opportunity to be a part of something, sport can allow them to do that, and it also gives them the chance to do things that their peers are taking part in. —Bryce Weiler, disability consultant, sports enthusiast, and co-founder of the Beautiful Lives Project This was what the field regards as the “Holy Braille” right? Having both [Braille and tactile graphics] on the same surface. —Greg Stilson, Director of Global Innovation at American Printing House for the Blind With the advancements of virtual reality and augmented reality, … along with the idea of making experiences and video games and things like that more inclusive, it's going to create a more inclusive way for blind kids to engage with their sighted peers. — Greg Stilson, Director of Global Innovation at American Printing House for the Blind We found that “people” was the thing that was most interesting to people. And that doesn't surprise us. We are people, and we like other people. — Dr. Cecily Morrison, principal researcher at Microsoft Research in Cambridge UK They can go out and find someone that they want to play with. They can choose not to talk to somebody by turning their head away from them, and the moment that they understand the agency they have in those situations is when we see a significant change in their ability to place people and to engage with them. — Dr. Cecily Morrison, principal researcher at Microsoft Research in Cambridge UK When we look at the workplaces of today, they're often very collaborative places. So you can be the best mathematician in the world, but if you struggle to collaborate, you're not building the AI technologies of tomorrow. By helping kids ensure that they have a strong foundation in these attentional skills, we're giving them a significant lift. — Dr. Cecily Morrison, principal researcher at Microsoft Research in Cambridge UK   Contact Us: Contact us at podcasts@lighthouseguild.org with your innovative new technology ideas for people with vision loss.   Pertinent Links: Lighthouse Guild Robin Akselrud Bryce Weiler Greg Stilson Dr. Cecily Morrison

"Step back and keep pushing..." In this episode, Brandie and Randy finish their conversation with APH Digital Content Managers, Katie Frederick and Richard Rueda from the American Printing House for the Blind. Katie and Richard share about their passion for networking, travel and making a difference. This interview was recorded late March 2022. links: The American Printing House for the Blind APH Home | American Printing House Vision Aware Home - VisionAware Career Connect Home - CareerConnect

"We work together..." In this episode, Richard Rueda and Katie Frederick join us to talk about the American Printing House for the Blind , Career Connect and Vision Aware. This is the first part of our Unscripted conversation, recorded on March 19, 2022. Thank you for listening. links: The American Printing House for the Blind APH Home | American Printing House   Vision Aware Home - VisionAware   Career Connect Home - CareerConnect

Housing one of the foremost collections of materials and technology used to advance the education of blind, low vision and, Deafblind people in the world, the Museum at the American Printing House for the Blind is showing how the contributions of the past can create better outcomes in the future. APH Museum director Mike Hudson is here to tell us about some of the exhibits on display at the museum and what they have planned for the future.  To find out more about the museum go to https://aphmuseum.org/ to plan your visit. 

Richard Rueda, Digital Content Manager at the American Printing House for the Blind's (APH ConnectCenter), and LisaMaria Martinez, Assistant to CareerConnect, join Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to talk about the opportunities available at the APH ConnectCenter. From the vast resources to the Job Seekers Toolkit and the  Transition Hub, the CareerConnect experience has never been so ready for the future. And as students transition from high school to college and the workplace, the ConnectCenter has something for everyone. From students to families, to teachers and counselors, the APH CareerConnect is just a click, tap away on the web at APHCareerConnect.org. Find out how you can connect, learn, engage and grow.   FULL TRANSCRIPT   Helpful Links: ConnectCenter CareerConnect APH TransitionHub Connect Calendar American printing House for the Blind Contact Your State Services If you reside in Minnesota, and you would like to know more about Transition Services from State Services contact Transition Coordinator Sheila Koenig by email or contact her via phone at 651-539-2361. Contact: You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com Send us an email Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Storeand Google Play Store. Give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093 we would love to hear from you! Check out the Blind Abilities Communityon Facebook, the Blind Abilities Page, and the Career Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired group

Joining us on Blind Abilities is the owner of a voice that many of us will recognize from reading our favorite Talking Book selections from BARD or other NLS platforms: none other than Ray Foushee. Ray has been a Talking Book narrator at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), for almost forty years and has read more than 1000 titles in virtually every genre, ranging from True Crime and Mystery to Romance, Science Fiction thrillers  and even nonfiction.  Yes, that deep and gruff sounding voice has read romance novels! In fact, Ray shares his story of the steamy romantic fiction novel he was assigned many years ago, and we share a brief clip from his narration which reveals the character's voice he used to narrate the first-person perspective of the 16 year-old protagonist.  Ray delves deeply into his long history as a narrator with APH, beginning with how he got his start while working at a Louisville, KY TV station in the early 80's and his progression through that almost forty-year career, reading virtually every genre under the sun. He shares his likes and dislikes for particular titles, authors and genres, his techniques for how he creates his voices for each character in the book as well as other details regarding his studio and recording processes. Jeff and Pete pose such questions as: How did you get into audio book narration? What is your favorite genre and book? Do you pre-read the book before recording? How do you create your character voices? Is there a particular word or phrase that is hard to say while recording? Do you put yourself into a celebrity's mindset when arriving at a specific character's voice or inflection to use?  Of course there is much much more in this fascinating chat with one of the most popular and enduring Narrators of Talking Books who has carved his way into the fabric of so many of our lives.  You can find out more about APH and what they can do for you, on the web at https://www.aph.org. Full Transcript Contact Your State Services If you reside in Minnesota, and you would like to know more about Transition Services from State Services contact Transition Coordinator Sheila Koenig by email or contact her via phone at 651-539-2361. Contact: You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com Send us an email Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Storeand Google Play Store. Give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093 we would love to hear from you! Check out the Blind Abilities Communityon Facebook, the Blind Abilities Page, and the Career Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired group

Presiding Officer: Denise Colley, WCB Immediate Past President Welcome Back National Report Learn what's happening on a national level with American Council of the Blind. Deb Cook Lewis, ACB First Vice President The Jobs People Do The unemployment rate of those who are blind continues to be at an unacceptably high level. Panelists are successfully employed in very different fields and will share the paths which led them there. Facilitated by Cindy Hollis Panelists: Chelsea Armstrong, Test Technician Quality Logic Boise, ID Larry Watkinson, Deputy Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity Washington State Department of Transportation Olympia, WA Natalie Couch, Customer Service Representative Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities Louisville, KY Presiding Officer: Reginald George, WCB Board Director APH ConnectCenter Learn about American Printing House for the Blind's ConnectCenter, presented by Richard Rueda. Put the FUN in Fundraising This presentation will highlight fundraising ideas for local chapters as well as opportunities that are available through WCB, focusing on what's applicable to fundraising in the state of Washington. Presented by Lisa George, Chair, WCB Fundraising Committee and Kim Moberg, President, South Kitsap Council of the Blind. The Big Three Let's learn what's happening with our agencies serving the blind and visually impaired. Panelists: Scott McCallum Superintendent Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) Danielle Miller Director and Regional Librarian Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) Michael MacKillop Acting Executive Director Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) Forward Together: An Inside Look at Guide Dog Training This presentation hosted by Guide Dog Users of Washington State (GDUWS) is excerpted from the Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI) program at the 2021 ACB conference and convention. It features Christie Bane, author of the book "Forward Together: An Inside Look at Guide Dog Training." Find out more at https://acb-events.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-af0929 for 40% off for 4 months, and support ACB Events.

At age 28, Amy Boivard was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and declared legally blind. RP is a hereditary, degenerative eye disease that results in blindness. There is no cure to date. Today Amy has no peripheral vision. She jokes that she is at the end of the “tunnel” vision in her eyesight. She suffers from a dual disability: progressive vision and hearing loss. She is currently undergoing genetic testing to discover the cause of her hearing loss. In 2015, Amy joined a group of blind professionals who volunteer their time to help others cope with blindness at VisionAware.org, an outreach website now under the auspices of the American Printing House. In 2016, Ohio Valley University, Amy's undergraduate institution, awarded her the Distinguished Medal of Literature for Mobility Matters. Though Amy no longer teaches in the classroom, she still educates by speaking to groups about the challenges of sight loss with anecdotes of faith and humor. She blogs about her experiences in hopes of bridging gaps between the sighted and the blind. 

Paul Schroeder heads up the American Printing House for the Blind's efforts in government affairs in his new position at that venerated organization. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience dating back to the earlier days of government advocacy which found him on the White House lawn for the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. He speaks with Emily today about some of those experiences and how we can better advocate for our students and children in this changing world.   Links referenced in this episode: American Printing House for the Blind The Hive Career Connect Cogswell Macy Act  

Jessica Barousse is a KM'er with a broad career background- from an early career stint as a broadcast technician in the Air Force, to an administrator of international exchanges and then to developing a regional KM program at the U.S. Department of State. Most recently, she is building a KM program from the ground up at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, Kentucky _______________________________________________ Edwin K. Morris is the president and founder of Pioneer Knowledge Services which produces this educational program, Because You Need To Know. It is part of the mission to educate and bring awareness around knowledge management and nonprofit concerns. pioneer-ks.org/

Jessica Barousse is a KM'er with a broad career background- from an early career stint as a broadcast technician in the Air Force, to an administrator of international exchanges and then to developing a regional KM program at the U.S. Department of State. Most recently, she is building a KM program from the ground up at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, Kentucky _______________________________________________ Edwin K. Morris is the president and founder of Pioneer Knowledge Services which produces this educational program, Because You Need To Know. It is part of the mission to educate and bring awareness around knowledge management and nonprofit concerns. pioneer-ks.org/

In our first two-parter, Craig Meador returns to tell us more about APH's expanded ambitions, how his personal leadership story developed, and some of the lessons his life's plot twists have taught him.  TSBVI Superintendent Bill Daugherty drops by later to give us his observations on leadership.

One of the greatest resources for students who are blind or have visual impairment and those that teach them has been in operation since Congress mandated it before the Civil War.  Dr. Craig Meador is the new president of the organization and is in the process of implementing new strategies and attitudes that will help APH reach those who need its services well into its next century of service.