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: Jason Suhari – Founder – Fluent Website: fluentforall.com Stories: BBC – Smart Home Tech Story: https://bbc.in/45ZKOuh Sign Language Translation Story: https://bit.ly/4h0SWki 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: Bob Schapp – Chief Administrative Officer – TPA Hearing Trust Website: tpahq.org Learn more about Bridging Apps at www.bridgingapps.org —————————— If you have […]

Send us Fan MailABA on Tap is proud to present Jennifer Kraft (Part 2 of 2):A single line in the wrong plan can change a child's whole trajectory: “increase compliance.” We dig into what it looks like to replace that mindset with support that actually removes barriers, starting with augmentative and alternative communication and the broader world of assistive technology.We talk with Jennifer Kraft about why you are never too young or too old to start AAC, and why it is devastating when someone only gets the right device and the right team in adulthood. We walk through the practical reality of access, including the IEP process, insurance requirements, and how SLPs and physicians often become the documentation gatekeepers for prescriptions and funding. If you have ever searched “how to get an AAC device,” “assistive technology evaluation,” or “AAC through Medicaid,” you will leave with a clearer picture of what to ask for and where to look.Then we zoom out past speech devices into everyday assistive technology that changes lives: weighted bowls and spoons, pencil grips and slant boards, hearing supports, magnification tools, adapted computer mice, and the creative problem solving mindset behind it all. From there, we get real about school-based ABA consultation: building rapport with teachers, setting boundaries, observing the whole classroom system, picking targets that can actually work in a busy environment, and navigating the hard truth that sometimes school politics override good data.If you care about neuro-affirming ABA, assent and safety, and helping clients become who they are, not who someone else thinks they should be, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review with your biggest AAC or school collaboration question.Support the show

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: Magan Harms – Director of Audio Description and ADA Coordinator – Minds Eye Website: www.mindseyeradio.org Email: ad@mindseyeradio.org —————————— If you have an AT […]

Explore accessible tech tips for blind and visually impaired users, from mastering iPhone voice control and Assistive Access to discovering smart apps like Earshot, WeatherFast, and the Whoop fitness tracker. Learn how AI-powered features can make your digital life easier and more inclusive. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a lively listener mailbag, sharing stories, tips, and tools that enhance accessibility for blind and visually impaired users. They cover accessible church music apps like Elvanto and Planning Center, and discuss the surprising capabilities of iOS voice control for those with mobility challenges. Listeners share personal experiences with adaptive tech, including AI-powered lyric searches, background sounds, and smoke alarm detection on smart devices. The hosts explore Assistive Access on iPhone versus Easy Mode on Android, highlighting real-world use for people with cognitive or visual challenges. The episode also features community praise for Earshot (a simple podcast app built for blind users) and WeatherFast, plus a detailed listener review of the Whoop fitness tracker, which automatically detects activities and integrates AI coaching. From heartfelt listener stories to practical app recommendations, this episode blends humour, real-world experience, and actionable accessibility advice. Relevant Links Elvanto: https://www.elvanto.com Planning Center: https://www.planningcenter.com ----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.

Send us Fan MailABA on Tap is proud to present Jennifer Kraft (Part 1 of 2):AAC is everywhere right now, but too many people still treat it like a gadget instead of a voice. Mike and Dan sit down with Jennifer Kraft, a longtime special educator, assistive technology specialist, and BCBA, about what actually makes augmentative and alternative communication work in the real world and what goes wrong when devices get handed out without true assessment, training, or follow-through.Jennifer shares a career journey that spans early intervention, life skills classrooms, ed tech facilitation, and behavioral health leadership in Pennsylvania's evolving system (BHRS to IBHS). Along the way, she gets candid about the ethical pressure points in agency life, what it feels like to walk into a broken organization, and why protecting clients and clinicians sometimes means refusing to play along. That path ultimately leads her to launch her own practice, Krafted Care, and push through licensing and Medicaid barriers that can delay autism services for months.Then we dig into practical AAC best practices: why AAC does not take away speech, how it can serve as a backup during stress or motor planning challenges, and why modeling matters more than “handing over the device.” We also cover device fit, customizing pages for real routines, separating entertainment screen time from the AAC system, and the nonnegotiable need for constant access and a charged battery.If you care about ethical ABA, assistive technology, or helping kids and adults communicate with dignity, hit play. Subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a review with your biggest AAC question.Support the show

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: David Rabie – Founder and CEO – Tovala www.tovala.com Use Code ATUPDATE at checkout to get a $99 Pro Smart Oven (usually $349) […]

Kevin Tumlinson, the Wordslinger, is back on the StoryCraft Cafe. We both came up during the first Kindle wave, and lately we've both felt it: that scrappy, take-the-bull-by-the-horns indie spirit is back, and a lot of it is being driven by what's happening in traditional publishing right now. We talk about why authors are walking away from trad deals, why AI detectors are a scam with a subscription button, how the Claude watermark actually works, and Kevin's best advice for new authors: forget the world and go own your fifty-mile radius. In This Episode The indie spirit is back (00:00) — Hank on the early David-and-Goliath days, the hybrid years, and why that energy is brewing again. What Kevin's up to (03:00) — The Wordslinger Podcast every Thursday, Ten Shots, and the new Story Cuts, reviewing movies and shows from a novelist's point of view. Back to the Wild West (04:40) — Draft2Digital's new $20 onboarding fee, and how the AI witch hunt has circled indie publishing back to its earliest days. AI as a writer's room (06:00) — Hank uses a chatbot like a friend across the coffee table for ideation. Nobody clicks a button and gets 80,000 words. Kevin remembers the same panic over Photoshop and CGI. Guilty until proven innocent (11:40) — The $2.4 million deal an agent pulled over an AI accusation. One more gate, and no law behind it. Hundreds of Kevin's viewers have given up on trad because of it. AI detectors are a racket (14:50) — A clean manuscript flagged "100% AI," then an upsell to "humanize" it. How the Claude watermark works (16:55) — Statistical word choices that add up across a fully generated manuscript. It can flag AI text, but it can't name the user. And you shouldn't be generating your book anyway. Assistive technology isn't cheating (19:10) — Non-native speakers, writers with disabilities, and a quadriplegic author who dictates his books. Never submit what the machine spits out, but don't demonize the tool. Add a unicorn, blow up the spaceship (22:10) — Two pieces of get-unstuck advice that still hold after fifteen years. Own your fifty miles (23:45) — A thousand true fans will support a career, so why hunt them worldwide? Kevin set out to be Austin's thriller writer: every bookstore, every farmers market, local ads. Then expand twenty-five miles at a time. How to become unavoidable (29:30) — Copies in every county library, friends at every bookshop, signings at coffee shops. You can't do that nationally on $500 a month, but you can at home. Hank's rural county has 100,000 people. Direct sales and the Amazon basket (32:30) — Build your store early but don't push it as the only way to buy. Let retailers do discovery, keep the email list growing, and have the storefront ready for the day Amazon shuts you off. School visits and Paolini (36:25) — Kevin's hundred talks at Houston schools moved a few thousand copies in three months. Eragon got found the same way. Trad math doesn't work (43:15) — Smaller advances, higher expectations, spine-out shelving, and no backup when accusations come. Kevin's direct store pays 97%. If you're the engine anyway, keep the money. Where publishing is headed (46:30) — The most divided Kevin has seen the industry since the early days. In five years the labels stop mattering. Indie and trad are merging, and the future is bright. Links Kevin's hub for books, Substack, and podcasts: kevintumlinson.com The Wordslinger Podcast, Ten Shots, and Story Cuts on YouTube The Writers, Ink podcast Draft2Digital Kevin Kelly, "1,000 True Fans" "If you can just dominate local, you will make a living." — Kevin Tumlinson Try out Dabble free for 14 days and see why it's the best writing tool on the planet—no credit card required! Visit our website at www.dabblewriter.com to get started. Subscribe to our channel for more live events like author interviews, Writing Sprint Wednesdays, Feedback Fridays, and Fireside Chats. We're all about helping authors hone their craft with engaging, fun, and educational content. On top of all that, Dabble Premium members get access to exclusive content like Craft Q&A Office Hours, Wordsmith Workshops, Deep Dive articles, bonus resources, and guest speaker workshops. Happy writing! #IndiePublishing #SelfPublishing  #AuthorTube #KevinTumlinson #StoryCraftCafe #Wordslinger #WritingCommunity #WritingTips #WritingAdvice #AIandWriting #AIDetection #Draft2Digital #BookMarketing #DirectSales #1000TrueFans

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 Jones – CEO and Main Developer – Fiavaion Website: https://fiavaion.com Stories: Disney AT Kiosk Story: https://bit.ly/4cmQ5PW Learn more about Bridging Apps at […]

Lizzie Eastham and Sam Rickard present Studio 1 - Vision Australia Radio’s weekly look through a different lens. On this week’s show “Decoding AI for Accessibility” Sam and Lizzie go all-in on AI – for better or worse. It’s is an acronym that has gone from being the stuff of science fiction to mild confusion; moderate fear and face it... has ended up being all of the above and also very useful. So we asked AI to come up with a title for the episode (Sam prefers his “Let me be your Brains”) and if you want to know more read the attached article... surprise surprise, it also has ben generated by AI! Studio 1 welcomes any input from our listeners. If you have any experience or thoughts about issues covered in this episode or believe there is something we should be talking about. EMAIL: studio1@visionaustralia.org or leave comment on the station’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VARadioNetwork A special thank you to Stephanie; Carolyn; Jennifer and Garth Next week: if you have a disability, there can be challenges to finding and maintaining friendships. We decided to get some professional Help. If you want to have your say on this topic or anything else please join our Whatsapp group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FwBORTly2OqC9FFmQAm97z?s=hd&p=i&mlu=3&amv=2 This program was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at https://cbf.org.au/ Decoding AI for Accessibility: How Vision Australia Radio’s Studio 1 Explores the New Frontier of Assistive Tech In a recent episode of Studio 1 on Vision Australia Radio, hosts Sam Rickard and Lizzy Eastham dive deep into artificial intelligence, exploring how an acronym once associated with science fiction has quickly transformed into an everyday lifesaver for people who are blind or living with low vision. Rather than treating AI as a distant novelty, the episode highlights practical applications, community stories, and the nuanced line between genuine empowerment and over-reliance. Everyday Visual Description and Navigation For many blind and low-vision listeners, visual description tools powered by AI have revolutionized daily social interaction and independence. Show contributors share how visual AI models give detailed context to images sent by family and friends over messaging apps. Rather than missing out on shared visual moments, users can upload photos to tools like Be My Eyes or ChatGPT to receive immediate, granular scene descriptions—from family photos to intricate environmental details like a full moon over a jetty. Beyond standard static image descriptions, AI tools are expanding into real-time environmental navigation and daily tasks. App features such as Seeing AI and Aira allow users to quickly read mail, identify product labels, and recognize colors. Assistive apps linked with smart wearables like Meta glasses, such as the Orion app, offer continuous pathway updates—notifying users of obstacles like rubbish bins or helping them locate mislaid items like AirPods on the floor. Hands-free voice-driven tools like Lumen also streamline email management for Gmail users without requiring screen interaction. Writing, Speechwriting, and Custom Software Creation AI has also taken on a significant role in creative and professional workflows. Guest speakers detail how large language models like ChatGPT and Claude assist in structuring emails, formatting reports, and refining Toastmasters speeches. Rather than replacing human thought, contributors emphasize using AI as an editing partner to polish tone, organize interview questions, or brainstorm creative speech concepts. Taking technological empowerment a step further, computer instructor Garth Humphries demonstrates how AI allows non-coders to build bespoke software tailored to their visual accessibility needs. Using Claude, Humphries developed a customized audio-video editing suite and custom controls for a Stream Deck controller to solve specific accessibility barriers that off-the-shelf software failed to address. The Pitfalls: Audio Editing, AI Slop, and Loss of Creativity Despite the overwhelming benefits, Studio 1 doesn't shy away from the downsides of emerging AI technology. Co-host Sam Rickard shares his experience testing AI editing software like Descript, pointing out that automated filler-word removal often cuts off natural speech patterns, creating unnatural edits. The hosts also discuss Adobe Podcast's speech enhancement tools, demonstrating how AI noise reduction can strip away spatial ambiance if over-applied. Furthermore, the episode touches on broader cultural concerns surrounding "AI slop"—monotonous, machine-generated content flooding platforms like YouTube and Spotify. The hosts advocate for maintaining authentic human storytelling in literature, art, and music, reminding listeners that while AI serves as an exceptional assistant, human perspective remains irreplaceable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Christopher Mutch – Owner and Inventor – Speaking Access https://www.speakingaccess.com INDATA Full Day Trainings Link: https://www.eastersealstech.com/our-services/fulldaytraining/ Learn more about Bridging Apps at www.bridgingapps.org —————————— […]

Hearing aids are only part of the solution. While today's hearing technology can be life-changing, even the best hearing aids can struggle in challenging listening environments like theaters, airports, courtrooms, places of worship, and other public spaces.Shari Eberts sits down with Dr. Juliette Sterkens and Wynne Whyman of the Center for Hearing Access to discuss why assistive listening technologies—including hearing loops, telecoils, FM systems, infrared systems, and Auracast™—are critical for improving communication access beyond the hearing aid.Together, they explore practical strategies for consumers, hearing care professionals, and public venues to expand accessibility, improve patient outcomes, and help ensure people with hearing loss can fully participate in everyday life.Topics include:Why hearing aids alone aren't enough in many listening environmentsHearing loops, telecoils, FM systems, infrared, and Auracast explainedThe Center for Hearing Access and its missionResources for consumers, clinicians, and public venuesADA rights and practical advocacy tipsWhy audiologists should discuss assistive listening during hearing aid fittingsAuracast's role in the future of hearing accessibilityWhy captioning and assistive listening work best togetherAction steps for both hearing care professionals and consumersLearn more about the Center for Hearing Access:https://centerforhearingaccess.orgBe sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.- https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

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: Brittany Palmer – CoFounder and CEO – Ability Lane And – Managing Partner – Adaptation Ventures Website: https://abilitylane.com Screen Time Story: https://n.pr/4w39rld INDATA Full […]

this week. We'll be finding out what exactly is the professional association of assistive technologists, Toby Davey will be finding out about some new products in the RNIB shop, and Amelia Hilton hears about an app to provide discrete feedback on people's facial expressions. You can hear the show each Tuesday at 1pm, listen on Freeview channel 730, online or on smart devices. If you have any thoughts, questions or suggestions, drop us an email at techtalk@rnib.org.uk 

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: Gracyn Conner, OTD, MS, OTR – Founder – Hygiene Hippie Website: hygienehippie.com Story: LeHigh University Story: https://bit.ly/4vwdOnv INDATA Full Day Trainings Link: https://www.eastersealstech.com/our-services/fulldaytraining/ Learn […]

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: Sriram Ganesh – CEO and Co-Founder – Luminade Website: lumin.email Learn more about Bridging Apps at www.bridgingapps.org —————————— If you have an AT question, […]

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: Nordine Sebkhi – CEO and Co-Founder – Kinemo Arpan Bhavsar – CTO and Co-Founder – Kinemo Website: https://kinemo.io/ Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinemo-inc https://www.instagram.com/kinemoinc/ https://www.facebook.com/KinemoInc —————————— If […]

AI in commercial real estate isn't about robots replacing brokers, it's about clearing the administrative grind so humans can do the relationship-driven work only they can do.Choon Lee, CEO of Abstra and Abstra Point, joins Karly Iacono to break down 15 years of building AI for lease abstraction and site tracking, why CRE has lagged the AI adoption curve, and his three-part framework for where AI actually delivers value today.

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: Jack Churchill OBE – Co-Founder and CEO – Scanning Pens* Website: www.scanningpens.com Video Link: https://youtu.be/Ce2gydRj2bM LinkedIN link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackchurchill More on New Apple Accessibility: https://apple.co/3SwVFYV […]

Flooding kills three people in Madison County, plus a look at the damage caused in several other Kentucky counties ahead of a major heat wave, the Trump administration signals support for Kentucky's hemp industry, and a new center opens its doors for Kentuckians with mobility and communication needs.

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: Brian Friedlander, Ph.D. – Assistive Technology Consultant – AssistiveTech LLC Email Brian: brian@xnote.ai Learn more about Bridging Apps at www.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: Jack Walters – CEO and Co-Founder – HapWare website: https://hapware.com Email: info@hapware.com PreOrder: hapware.com/preorder Learn more about Bridging Apps at www.bridgingapps.org —————————— 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: 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 […]

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 […]

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