Podcasts about assistive

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Mark Larson – Owner and Founder – Marblesoft LLC Website: https://keyguardat.com/ Email: sales@marblesoft.com Phone: 763-755-1402 Stories: Apple Steady Hands Story: https://apple.co/4uIe6bf Learn more about […]

AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) announced June 2 that .8 million in Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) grants will support 190 grants to 160 organizations across the state. Approved by TVC commissioners, FVA grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and local government agencies throughout Texas that provide direct services to veterans and their families. The 190 grants are anticipated to serve more than 125,698 veterans and family members statewide. The FVA grants help fund the following services: •Assistive technology •Clinical counseling •Elder care •Family and child support services •Financial assistance •Food meal services •Homeless... Article Link

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Freek van Welsenis – CEO – Hable iamhable.com Learn more about Bridging Apps at www.bridgingapps.org Link to INDATA AT Awareness Day Open House Video: […]

We talk to Mikey Shaffer, VP of Sales for Listen Technologies about what they will have in store for booth C8817 during InfoComm 2026. We also discuss the latest innovations to their Auracast ecosystem.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Business Brain, we get practical about putting AI to work on the everyday stuff, not just the big business plays. Shannon walks through building a custom food log with Claude after a doctor’s visit — snap a photo, let the AI ID the ingredients, get a clean report emailed before the next appointment, and pin it to your home screen as a web app. The bigger lesson: if all we’re doing is chatting back and forth with our favorite AI, we’re missing roughly 90% of what it can do. Don’t know what we’re missing? Ask the bot itself. Build the custom tool, start a health folder (eyes wide open about feeding personal data to a third party), and let it take the grunt work off our plate. Then Dave drops a reframe worth keeping: AI isn’t artificial intelligence, it’s assistive intelligence. It helps us, it doesn’t replace us — we’re still the one driving the bus. We connect it to history, too: when Photoshop hit, the same panic about lost jobs and “that’s not real art” played out, and it became the assistive tool every creative now relies on. The internet did the same, creating community and abundance. Every leap looks scary until it becomes the thing that powers our Charmed Life. Used right, with guidance, this is a superpower — so stop treating the chatbot like just a chatbot and start letting it build. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs' Podcast #757 for Casual FridAI, May 29, 2026 May 29th: National Paperclip Day Trade a Paperclip for a House 00:01:29 Claude Food Tracker The SAAS-Pocalypse Create an iOS Home screen app with Claude Don't forget to use your favorite ChatBot for every day things If you're only using your ChatBot as a ChatBot, you're missing out. Ask your ChatBot what you're missing! 00:09:16 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:10:48 SPONSOR: Bitdefender. Keep your small business safe with Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security. Save 30% when you go to https://bitdefender.com/BRAIN 00:12:14 AI is Assistive Intelligence AI isn't going to take jobs Photoshop didn't take jobs They both let people replace their jobs with different jobs “Before the Internet, why did you need a computer?” This Episode's Big Takeaway: Think about AI as your Assistive Intelligence 00:22:59 Business Brain 757 Outtro Check out Business Brain Blueprints Tell Your Friends! Business Blueprints Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI – Assistive Intelligence – Business Brain 757 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guest: Mary Wilcox – Solutions Expert – Aventido https://sensoryreadable.com email mary.wilcox@adventino.com US Resellers: Boundless Technologies, Westminster Technologies and AT Discount —————————— If you have […]

Show Notes 29 May 2026This see-through smart ring translates sign language and almost works like magicRachit AgarwalDigital Trendshttps://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/this-see-through-smart-ring-translates-sign-language-and-almost-works-like-magic/A Wireless Ring-Type Device for Sign Language TranslationScience Advanceshttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aec8995This thumb ring translates sign language into textPopular Sciencehttps://www.popsci.com/technology/sign-language-translator-ring/States Across the Wildfire-Prone Western US Are Using AI for Early DetectionAssociated PressWildland Firefighterhttps://www.wildlandfirefighter.com/2026/05/04/states-across-the-wildfire-prone-western-us-are-using-ai-for-early-detection/Recycled human waste could turn the dust on Mars and the Moon into fertile soil for cropsEric RallsEarth.comhttps://www.earth.com/news/recycled-astronaut-waste-could-turn-moon-and-mars-soil-into-farmland-for-crops/Scientists destroy COVID and flu viruses in the lab with sound wavesDavid NieldScienceAlerthttps://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-destroy-covid-and-flu-viruses-in-the-lab-with-sound-wavesInactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses by high-frequency ultrasoundScientific Reportshttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-37584-xSpelman Students Invent a Way for Plants to Talk with PlantGPTSpelman Collegehttps://www.spelman.edu/news/2026/05/spelman-students-invent-a-way-for-plants-to-talk-with-plantgpt.htmlSpelman College students create 'PlantGPT' AI tool to help people communicate with plantsMadeline MontgomeryCBS News Atlantahttps://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/spelman-college-plantgpt-ai-tool-people-communicate-plants/A Hemp-based Plastic Offers a Greener Alternative to Plastic PackagingUniversity of Connecticuthttps://today.uconn.edu/2026/05/a-hemp-based-plastic-offers-a-greener-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/Sugarcane waste concrete cuts CO₂ by up to 30% while boosting strengthRobert EganTech Xplore

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guest: Jason Ray – CEO – SimplyHome Website: https://simply-home.com —————————— If you have an AT question, leave us a voice mail at: 317-721-7124 or […]

On Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026, Alycia and Marty host Shawn Jordison (“The Accessibility Guy”) to discuss why digital accessibility is not just compliance but innovation and human impact. Shawn shares his path from an 18-year-old student worker creating braille and alternate media at a community college to leading accessibility roles across California's 116 community colleges, then launching his YouTube channel and accessibility business. He describes living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and recounts a pivotal experience helping a student with a learning disability use text-to-speech to succeed in college. They address common organizational barriers—time, money, overwhelm, and inaccessible tools—and recommend starting with accessible authoring tools, using built-in features like headings and alt text, testing with NVDA, and inventorying content before tackling legacy work. Shawn also explores AI's growing role in access and ends with “be an accessibility champion” and “accessibility equals usability,” alongside plugs for Own It Mastery Collective and The Accessibility Check. The Takeaways That Make Inclusion Usable

Technology can unlock life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities. Griet Vanhee previously worked as a speech therapist for ALS patients. She was recruited to the Swedish eye-tracking company Tobii and the newly formed division Tobii Dynavox, focusing on AAC solutions - Assistive and Alternative Communications. On stage at Women in Tech Sweden 2026, Griet showcased one of their products together with twelve-year-old Linnea, suffering from cerebral palsy, who could communicate through an eye-tracking device and a screen prepared with letters, words and phrases. Inclusion does not happen by accident, it happens by design. What potential could be fulfilled if more people were able to communicate on their own terms?Podcast host: Christian von Essen // Learn more at hejaframtiden.se and subscribe to the newsletter on Substack (in Swedish).

Every time you open the news right now, another major company is announcing mass layoffs and blaming "AI." It's easy for the workforce to feel completely paralyzed by the wave of automation. But is this just a handy excuse for CEOs to trim the fat, or is it a genuine technological revolution that we need to adapt to?In our very first (and very cozy) "Fireside Chat," Gary and George sit down to provide a roadmap through this murky, AI-obsessed terrain. Gary explains why companies need to shift their mindset from "Artificial" to "Assistive" Intelligence, and why keeping your team in the dark during times of change is the fastest way to lose your best people.For professionals feeling the pressure, this episode is the ultimate confidence booster. Learn how to adopt "Double Denim Confidence," approach your role as if you had £300,000 in the bank, and use periods of massive industry change to secure your next big promotion.Key takeaways from this episode:Assistive, not Artificial: Start looking at AI as a tool to make employees more efficient, not a tool to replace them. Focus on finding specific "use cases" that add actual business value.The £300k Confidence Trick: Desperation has a smell. Change your attitude and drop the fear by asking yourself: How would I behave at work today if I had £300,000 in the bank?Don't treat your team like they're stupid: If a company hides its AI or restructuring plans, employees will assume the worst and leave. Bring them on the journey with honest communication and a balanced scorecard.Pilot your own career: The most promotions happen during times of change. Don't be a passenger—put yourself forward, ask for the sticky projects, get inside the tent, and make yourself invaluable.Send us Fan MailLinks & references: https://www.thecompanydoctor.com/Gary Gamp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygampGeorge Clode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeclodeGary's new book, Career Catalyst - available online now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Career-Catalyst-Secret-Skills-School-ebook/dp/B0DFYVG6XY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guest: Claudiu Hidas – CEO – Munevo Website: https://us.munevo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/munevo.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munevo_usa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/munevo/ Stories: Telecoil Story: https://bit.ly/4etQulG Learn more about Bridging Apps at www.bridgingapps.org Link to […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Dr. Jeannette Mahoney – Founder and President – Jet Enterprises Inc. https://www.catchu.net Email: jeannette@catchu.net Stories: University of Detroit Mercy Story: https://bit.ly/4cLZQXC Learn more about […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guest: Mindy Brown , M.S. – Senior Director, Client Solutions – Louisiana Association For The Blind www.lablind.com Phone: 318-698-2300 x106 Email: mbrown@lablind.com Link to […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Mark Prohaska – District Manager – SafeInHome Suzanne Raymond – Remote Supports Consultant, Northwest Indiana – SafeInHome www.safeinhome.com Phone: 219-794-5345 email: sraymond@safeinhome.com —————————— If […]

Discover how AI-powered “vibe coding” is opening new doors for blind tech users. Steven Scott shares his weekend experimenting with Claude to build accessible NVDA add-ons, create a custom audio player, and even troubleshoot screen reader verbosity—while balancing the joy and frustration of AI collaboration. In this engaging discussion, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece explore the growing potential of AI for blind developers and tech enthusiasts. Steven dives into his “vibe coding” journey—using Claude as a coding assistant and himself as the project manager—to build real-world tools including: An NVDA item chooser mirroring macOS functionality A simple audio player for double-speed playback Early experiments in project planning and iterative AI-assisted coding They discuss the learning curve, the importance of structured prompting, and how AI can empower blind users to create tools for their own accessibility needs. The episode also touches on community feedback, code quality, and the addictive nature of accessible coding experiments. ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedinSubscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheartAbout Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode we talk about compatible files that can be uploaded to Alexa Plus. We also talk a bit about two features in Accessibility Settings. And lastly, we talk about setting up Home Modes using nothing but your voice, an my epic failure to do so.

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guest: Jodi Whalen – Creator – Kinnebar www.kinnebar.com Check them out on Social Media: IG: KINNEBAR Foot Swing (@kinnebar_foot_swing) • Instagram photos and videos FB: KINNEBAR […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Neil Andrew – Managing Director US and International – CrickSoftware Inc.  https://us.cricksoft.com Contact Neil Email:  – neil.andrew@cricksoft.com AT Awareness Day Info: www.eastersealstech.com/atawarenessday2026 —————————— If […]

Assistive reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization have helped many people have children. Behind many of these births are egg donors, whose experiences remain largely invisible in public narratives and scholarship. As reproductive technologies change—along with the ethical and policy challenges they raise—the role of egg donors will too. On this episode, host Jason Lloyd is joined by Emily Packard Dawson, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School whose work focuses on the ethics of emerging reproductive technologies. In our Winter 2026 issue, Dawson reviewed a book by Diane M. Tober called Eggonomics: The Global Market in Human Eggs and the Donors Who Supply Them. Dawson discusses egg donors and the donation process, and what advances in reproductive technologies might mean for them. ResourcesRead Emily Packard Dawson's review of Eggonomics: The Global Market in Human Eggs and the Donors Who Supply Them. Check out the National Academies workshop report, “In Vitro–Derived Human Gametes as a Reproductive Technology: Scientific, Ethical, and Regulatory Implications: Proceedings of a Workshop” to learn more about in vitro gametogenesis.

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Jay Bon – Product Developer – Clevy. www.Clevy.com More information on AT Awareness Day: www.eastersealstech.com/atawarenessday2026 —————————— If you have an AT question, leave us […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Dylan Makani – Co-Founder and CEO – Nerchat https://www.nerchat.com/#glint More information on AT Awareness Day: www.eastersealstech.com/atawarenessday2026 Learn more about Bridging Apps: www.bridgingapps.org Stories: Extended […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guest: Tim Hornik – Sales Development Manager – Dot Inc. https://www.dotincorp.com/en email: timothy@dotincorp.com —————————— If you have an AT question, leave us a voice […]

DailyLivingLabs.comWhat if assistive tech didn't require a second paycheck or a months-long insurance battle? We sit down at the Abilities Expo in Dallas with Cameron and Catherine from the University of North Texas, who are partnering with Daily Living Labs to build six practical, low-cost prototypes that make daily life easier—without the luxury price tag. From an adapted utensil with a customizable, 3D-printed grip to a universal writing aid and a shower setup that dispenses soap automatically, they show how simple materials and smart design can restore independence for people with limited hand mobility.We dig into the reality many disabled users face: essential tools priced like fashion accessories. The team shares why they set a hard target of under fifty dollars per device and how open, at-home fabrication flips the script on affordability. Along the way, we spotlight DIY creator Sabrina of “Sabrina Makes It Work,” whose ingenuity proves that user-led design can outpace the market. We also talk through the project's structure—research, AI, and product development—and what's next as they plan to collaborate with occupational therapists to refine ergonomics, safety, and fit for everyday use.We get candid about the hardest part too: finding the confidence to reach out, listen, and iterate when feedback stings. If you care about accessibility, open-source design, and tools that work in real kitchens and bathrooms, this one will leave you energized and ready to build.Subscribe, share with a friend who loves DIY problem-solving, and leave a review to help more people discover affordable, user-centered accessibility solutions. Then visit DailyLivingLabs.com and tell the team what tool you want to see next.

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guest: Joe Jorgenson – Founder – Accessibyte Website: www.accessibyte.com Stories: Tuft’s AI Story: https://bit.ly/4lCawMx Learn more about Bridging Apps: bridgingapps.org —————————— If you have […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Raine Sims ATP – Assistive Technology Specialist – ATLAS – Easterseals Crossroads Resources: Iris Center – https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/resources/iris-resource-locator/ CITES – https://cites.cast.org/ Learn more about Bridging […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guests: Raine Sims – Assistive Technology Specialist – ATLAS – Easterseals Crossroads Keri Bridges – Program Manager – ATLAS – Easterseals Crossroads Nikol Allee – […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Chris Hamblin – Senior Assistive Technology Specialist – CareScribe Web Links: CareScribe Website: https://carescribe.io Links to Stories: Theres Willkomm Interview Story: https://bit.ly/3OqgseI Google Accessible […]

Assistive technology is not just about equipment or software, but is a fundamental rights issue, according to the individuals supported by St John of God Community Service who attended a Community Hub for Assistive Technology event to highlight how AT can transform lives. St John of God Community Services (SJOGCS) partnered with FreedomTech to host yesterday's [February 17] event called 'AT in Action: From Rights to Reality' at SJOG Hospitaller House in Stillorgan. The national community of practice sponsored by Sight and Sound Technologies and CREATE Fund wanted to give people with disabilities a chance to share their AT stories and listen to ideas that can encourage better understanding and take up of AT, as it can help improve the lives of people living with disabilities, supporting them with communication, independence, decision-making, employment and relationships. Patrick Fitzgerald, a paid DIGICoach who is supported by SJOGCS Liffey said that this is an important discussion in the lead-up to International Day for Social Justice on February 20. "AT is not just about equipment or software, but as a fundamental rights issue," he said. "This event is about putting lived experience at the heart of the conversation. Assistive technology is often described in technical terms. We want to focus on what AT really means in people's everyday lives: the difference between having a voice and being silenced, between participating and being left out," Patrick said. Sarah Boland, Assistive Technology Facilitator at SJOGCS explained that it was vital that the voice of AT users be heard when Ireland makes decisions about what comes next in the sector. "Too often decisions about assistive technology are made without the voices of the people who use it. This event was about flipping that dynamic, learning directly from the experts by experience," she said. Those in attendance heard from AT users and families, with a panel discussion about how access to AT is a fundamental right, what barriers remain and what must change to ensure fair and timely access to support. The event was attended by AT users, family members and supporters, health and social care professionals, educators and researchers, policy makers and advocates and community organisations. There were interactive demonstration zones to also showcase AT in action from communication and augmentative and alternative tools, vision impairment supports, mainstream accessibility features, and smart home and environmental controls. The AT Passport Initiative was also discussed, as well as the DigiCoach project, which upskills and employs people with disabilities to support others with digital accessibility and AT. The project is sponsored by ReThink Ireland, CREATE and the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability. See more stories here.

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guests: Diane Ducharme – User Experience Tester and Product Trainer – Blindshell Kamila Tljašova – Innovation & Account Manager – Blindshell To Learn More […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guests: Diane Ducharme – User Experience Tester and Product Trainer – Blindshell Kamila Tljašova – Innovation & Account Manager – Blindshell To Learn More […]

In this episode, Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS interviews physical therapist Mariah King, PT, DPT from RISE Healthcare Group and Hiroki (Hiro) Kimura from Cyberdyne about the HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) robotic exoskeleton and its role in neurologic rehabilitation. They discuss how the HAL system reads patients' intent to move via surface EMG signals and converts those signals into assisted movement to drive neuroplasticity and functional recovery for people with spinal cord injury, stroke, TBI, Parkinson's disease, and progressive neuromuscular disorders such as MS, SMA, and muscular dystrophy. Mariah explains RISE's one-on-one outpatient model, how patients are evaluated for HAL use, typical dosing (2–3x/week over about 2 months), and the outcome measures they track, including 10-Meter Walk, 2-Minute Walk, 30-Second Sit-to-Stand, and TUG. She shares powerful case examples, including a person with MS who relies on a wheelchair for mobility progressing to prolonged standing and assisted gait, and another individual with MS whose falls dropped from several per month to just one across four months. Hiro digs into what makes HAL unique compared to other exoskeletons: its emphasis on intention-based control, the ability for therapists to visualize and shape EMG patterns (for example, reducing co-contraction), and asymmetric or joint-specific assistance tailored to each limb. They also touch on the different HAL configurations (lower limb, single-joint, lumbar), its current status as a clinic-based rehab device (not take-home), billing considerations, the new pediatric version and forthcoming wrist device, as well as opportunities for students, clinicians, and clinic owners to get involved with RISE's HAL programs. Website: www.risehealthcaregroup.com Instagram: risehealthcaregroup Facebook: risehealthcaregroup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risehealthcaregroup7766 Cyberdyne USA Inc. https://www.cyberdyne.jp/english/ mariah@socalelitephysicaltherapy.com

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Idan Meir – Co-Founder and CEO – Right-Hear Website: https://www.right-hear.com Email Idan: idan@right-hear.com RightHear LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10690086/admin/ RightHear’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RightHearApp RightHear’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmJeNPsSM-lMk1zp7o-k_0A?sub_confirmation=1 —————————— If you […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Roland Mattern – Director of Sales – eSight Website: esighteyewear.com Learn more about Bridging Apps: bridgingapps.org —————————— If you have an AT question, leave […]

Educators often get a front row seat to see their students realizing their potential. Those lightbulb moments when a new concept clicks are what a lot of educators say keep them going. Intervention Specialist Elena North and Occupational Therapist Maddy Schnabel recently got a front row seat to see their student, Cy, write his name for the first time - something that was possible because of the custom assistive device they designed and 3-D printed to enable him to use crayons, markers, and pens, just like his peers. In this episode, Maddy and Elena share their ongoing journey to overcome challenges to help unlock Cy's potential. And they share their dreams for Cy's future: Whatever he dreams for himself.SEE CY IN ACTION | Watch this short social media video to see Cy using his new assistive device for yourself.EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES | Educators who are considering whether 3-D printed devices can help their students are welcome to pick Maddy and Elena's brains about what they've learned so far in the design and printing process. Please email communications@anthonywayneschools.org to get in touch with them.SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE | If you have an education topic you're passionate about or know about great work educators are doing in your Local, we want to hear from you on the podcast! Please email us at educationmatters@ohea.orgSUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guests: Elena North, Intervention Specialist, Anthony Wayne Education Association memberElena North is an Intervention Specialist at Monclova Primary School with a background in Special Education and certifications in Mild–Moderate and Moderate–Intensive disabilities, serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Now in her third year of teaching, Elena is committed to providing student centered-instruction that meets learners where they are and supports their growth across academic, social, and daily living skills. Guided by the belief that every child deserves an equitable education, Elena emphasizes adapting instruction to match how students learn best. She prioritizes maintaining a structured, predictable learning environment where students can expect clear expectations and consistency–an approach that reduces anxiety, builds trust, and supports meaningful communication and positive behavior. A recent highlight of Elena's work is her role in co-leading the Reaching for Independence while Striving for Excellence (R.I.S.E.) program alongside colleague Lauren Whalen. The weekly program provides students with authentic, real-world opportunities to practice social, academic, and functional life skills. Through her work, Elena strives to help students build confidence, independence, and essential skills needed to reach their fullest potential beyond the classroom.Maddy Schnabel, OTD, OTR/L, Teachers Association of Lucas County Schools memberMadeline Schnabel is a school-based occupational therapist with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toledo with a graduate certificate in Teaming in Early Childhood. With three and half years of experience, she is dedicated to helping students participate in meaningful school activities and develop skills that support their independence now and into the future. Employed by the Educational Service Center of Northwest Ohio and serving the Anthony Wayne Local Schools district, Maddy also serves as an adjunct faculty member in The University of Toledo's OTD program. Maddy builds strong relationships with students, helping them feel supported and confident when facing new or challenging tasks. A recent highlight of her work includes creating a 3-D printed device to enhance student participation in the classroom.Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on November 20, 2025.

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guest: Owen Kent – Co-Founder – ATDev Website: assistivetech.dev Website: atdev.tech Email: owen@assistivetech.dev Learn more about Bridging Apps: bridgingapps.org —————————— If you have an […]

Even after losing his sight, this visionary still paints a vivid mental picture for every project he touches.In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, James Kubel, founder of JK Engineering and Electric, explains his unique approach to design — from “graphic design” and product design to complex electronics — guided not by sight, but by imagination, structure, and timeless design principles. His story proves that creativity doesn't depend on vision, and that innovation has no bounds.James is an accomplished electrical engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur who lost his vision due to diabetes in his 20s — but never lost his drive to build. From rebuilding a car at 15, to designing speech-synthesizer technology used by the blind community and organizations like the FAA and Lockheed Martin, James has spent decades turning challenges into breakthroughs.In this conversation, James shares how he designs technology by “painting the picture in his mind,” why he refuses to accept the word can't, and how accessibility-driven inventions often lead to unexpected real-world impact far beyond their original purpose.This episode dives into:• Designing electronics and products without sight• Using imagination and design principles to solve complex problems• Assistive technology, accessibility, and innovation• Entrepreneurship, resilience, and overcoming bias• How AI and emerging tech can empower people with disabilitiesWhether you're an entrepreneur, engineer, creative, or someone facing obstacles of your own, this episode will challenge how you think about design, ability, and what's truly possible.

In this episode of the JAG podcast series, JAG Editor-in-Chief Debra Dobbs interviews Dr. Othelia Lee, author of the entitled "Exploring the Use of Socially Assistive Robots Among Socially Isolated Korean American Older Adults" (coauthored by Kwi Ok Nah, Eun Mi Kim, Namkee G. Choi, and Do-Hyung Park).

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.     Special Guest: Laura Mitchell – CEO – GrandCare Website: www.grandcare.com Phone:  262-338-6147 Email: sales@grandcare.com —————————— If you have an AT question, leave us a […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Pierre Paul – Co-Founder and CEO – We Hear You Bethanie Couri – Co Founder and COO – We Hear You Website: wehearyouopensdoors.com Consumer […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.   Special Guest: Alexander Geht – Founder and CEO – Testa-Seat Website: https://www.testa-seat.com Social Media Search: testa_seat More on Bridging Apps: www.bridgingapps.org JAWS Full Day Training […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Monique Clark – Chief Operating Officer – Sign Glasses Website: https://www.signglasses.com Link to SignGlasses Socials: https://linktr.ee/signglasses More on Bridging Apps: www.bridgingapps.org JAWS Full Day […]

Get our AI Video Guide with 5+ prompts and real results: https://clickhubspot.com/rhk Episode 89: How big of a leap is the latest generation of AI video models—and do they really live up to the hype? Matt Wolfe (https://x.com/mreflow) and Maria Gharib (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/maria-gharib-091779b9), an AI writer and newsletter creator, dive into hands-on testing and candid discussion about the brand-new Runway 4.5, Kling AI, and more. In this episode, Matt and Maria put early-access Runway 4.5 through its paces, experiment with quirky video prompts, and compare outputs from the top AI video tools including Kling's latest models. Is Runway 4.5 a massive leap forward, or just playing catchup with VEo and Sora? What kinds of content can creative teams actually produce with these new generative video AIs? Plus, Matt and Maria get real about the mixed reactions to AI-driven brand ads—like the recent McDonald's spot—and discuss where this fast-evolving field is headed. Check out The Next Wave YouTube Channel if you want to see Matt and Nathan on screen: https://lnk.to/thenextwavepd — Show Notes: (00:00) AI Video Innovations Podcast (03:53) Monkey on Roller Skates (07:22) AI Prompt Success Evolution (12:00) Nano Banana: Still Superior (13:56) Incremental Update, Limited Impact (17:32) AI Video & Image Editing (20:27) Lip Sync Test Analysis (25:50) Domino Effect Gone Awry (27:29) Kling's Dragon Feels Cinematic (31:21) Image-Based Video Generation Preference (34:02) Drone Flight Through Watch (37:38) Why Can't Video Models Work? (39:20) Rubber Hose Tap Dance Fail (44:30 AI as Assistive, Not Primary (46:03)  Podcast Feedback Wanted — Mentions: Nano Banana Pro: https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/ Sora: https://openai.com/sora/ Runway 4.5: https://runwayml.com/research/introducing-runway-gen-4.5 Kling: https://klingai.com/global/ Midjourney: https://www.midjourney.com/home Veo: https://gemini.google/overview/video-generation/ ModelScope: https://www.modelscope.ai/ Get the guide to build your own Custom GPT: https://clickhubspot.com/tnw — Check Out Matt's Stuff: • Future Tools - https://futuretools.beehiiv.com/ • Blog - https://www.mattwolfe.com/ • YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@mreflow — Check Out Nathan's Stuff: Newsletter: https://news.lore.com/ Blog - https://lore.com/ The Next Wave is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by Hubspot Media // Production by Darren Clarke // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Dr. Rachel Levy, SLPD, CCC-SLP – Customer Success Manager – VoiceItt VoiceItt info: voiceitt.com Voiceitt email: support@voiceitt.com Email Racheal: rachel@thebabelgroup.com Babel info: thebabelgroup.com —– […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guests: Brian Norton ATP – Vice President Adult Services – Easterseals Crossroads Nikol Allee – Outreach and Education Lead – INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guests: Brian Norton ATP – Vice President Adult Services – Easterseals Crossroads Nikol Allee – Outreach and Education Lead – INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Liam Geschwindt – CEO and Co-Founder – Touchpulse More about Navis: https://www.touchpulse.nl/navis More about Touchpulse: https://www.touchpulse.nl email Liam: liam@touchpulse.nl or info@touchpulse.nl —————————— If you […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Haim Kariy – CEO and CoFounder – Arcana Instruments Youtube channel – Insta arcanainstruments.com More on Bridging Apps: www.bridgingapps.org —————————— If you have an […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Erik Jakobs – R and D Engineer – Dept of Communications Sciences and Disorders – Penn State University Website Link: www.accessnavigator.org More on Bridging […]

Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs. Special Guest: Owen McGirr – Founder and Developer – Switchify Find out more: switchifyapp.com Look for Switchify on the Google Play Store Follow Switchify on LinkedIn […]