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Blind Level Tech

Blind Level Tech

Written by: Aftersight
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 Where accessibility meets innovation. Hosted by Evan Starnes, Blind Level Tech explores the latest in assistive technology, accessible design, and everyday tools that empower the blind and low-vision community. Each episode dives into real stories, expert insights, and practical solutions—from screen readers and AI tools to mobility tech and inclusive apps. Whether you’re blind, low vision, a professional in the accessibility space, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping lives, this show offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways. Produced by Aftersight, Blind Level Tech is more than a tech podcast—it’s a platform for inclusion, discovery, and possibility.2023 Economics Management Management & Leadership Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Samuel Proulx Part 2: AI as Your Co-Pilot (Not Your Autopilot)

    Samuel Proulx Part 2: AI as Your Co-Pilot (Not Your Autopilot)
    Dec 17 2025
    Episode Overview In this second installment with Samuel Proulx, Evan dives into a spontaneous but incredibly rich conversation about artificial intelligence, accessible software development, gaming accessibility, and the tech setups that empower Sam's everyday work at Fable. This episode picks up during a tangent from last week's discussion — originally meant to be a single interview — where Sam and Evan explore how AI is reshaping workflows for blind creators, programmers, and everyday users. Sam shares meaningful insights about AI as a tool, not a replacement: something that makes hard tasks easier, supports experimentation, and extends the work of human developers rather than taking over. Along the way, Sam breaks down his personal tech stack — from the Orbit 20 braille display to mechanical keyboards, auto-tracking cameras, Microsoft Surface devices, and even the fully modular Framework laptop he tinkers with for fun. Evan and Sam also trade stories about inaccessible software, auto-generated summaries, gaming mods powered by AI, and the practical limitations of note-takers that don't always pick up every speaker fairly. The conversation wraps with a fun bit about using AI for household troubleshooting… including the time Sam repaired his own washing machine with help from a model, and Evan recounts AI correctly identifying dishwasher lights. Part three arrives next week and focuses entirely on Fable’s web accessibility platform, so don’t miss it. Contact Info Questions, feedback, or episode ideas? Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: 720-712-8856 Producer Contact: Evan Starnes: evan@aftersight.org 720-826-0569 Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro + context for part two with Samuel Proulx 02:20 — Tech setups: work vs. personal gear 07:00 — When accessibility software falls short 09:20 — How AI scales developer work & removes monotonous tasks 11:45 — Why AI needs direction: “junior developer” analogy 13:00 — AI for note-taking & why human oversight still matters 15:42 — Riverside summaries, styles, and author voice 16:48 — AI as an assistant, not the boss 18:40 — Closing remarks + teaser for part three
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    19 mins
  • Samuel Proulx Part 1: An Introduction, Some Assistive Tech History, and How Blind/Low-vision People Drive Mainstream Tech

    Samuel Proulx Part 1: An Introduction, Some Assistive Tech History, and How Blind/Low-vision People Drive Mainstream Tech
    Dec 10 2025
    ## Summary
    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes welcomes Sam Proulx from Fable, a leading international web accessibility testing company. They discuss Sam's unique upbringing with a blind father who worked at IBM, exploring the evolution of assistive technology and its impact on the blind/low-vision community. The conversation highlights the role of blind individuals in pioneering innovations like text-to-speech and GPS, and the importance of preserving accessibility history.
    Chapters
    • 00:02:03 Introduction and Apology for Last Episode
    • 00:05:10 Introduction to Sam Prew and Fable
    • 00:08:30 Sam's Early Exposure to Technology
    • 00:13:00 The Evolution of Assistive Technology
    • 00:18:00 Challenges in Accessibility Advocacy
    • 00:23:00 The Role of Blind Innovators
    • 00:28:00 Conclusion and Future Episodes

    Contact Info:
    Guest Contact: samuel@makeitfable.com
    Feedback for Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org
    voicemail: 720-712-8856 General questions: contact@aftersight.org
    Produced By: Evan Starnes
    Lead Producer: Jonathan Price
    An Aftersight Original Podcast
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    34 mins
  • BLT's 2025 Holiday Tech Guide!

    BLT's 2025 Holiday Tech Guide!
    Dec 4 2025
    1) Episode Summary
    This fun, high-energy December episode of Blind Level Tech brings Evan back for the annual Top 10 Tech Gadgets Holiday Special. Evan kicks things off with Christmas music, eggnog confessions, and the joy of seasonal treats before diving into uniquely accessible and creative gifts.
    He recaps Colorado Gives Day and thanks donors for getting Aftersight to 27% of the $15,000 goal. Then he unveils 10 curated gadgets—from accessible power banks and 32-bit float recorders to cat trackers, drones, soundbars, navigation pouches, and mug warmers—complete with pricing, use cases, and search terms so listeners can easily find them.
    This episode blends accessibility, tech curiosity, and holiday cheer, helping listeners discover practical stocking stuffers and standout gadgets for the season.

    2) Contact Info
    Guest / Organization Mentions
    AT Guys — Assistive tech retailer
    Website: https://atguys.com
    Colorado Gives Day
    https://coloradogives.org/organizations/Aftersight
    Aftersight Contact Information
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Website: https://aftersight.org
    Producer
    Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight

    3) Show Credits
    Host: Evan Starnes
    Producer: Jonathan Price
    Executive Production: Aftersight
    Mixing & Post-Production: Aftersight Studios
    A Blindsight/Blind Level Tech Original Production by Aftersight

    4) Chapter Markers
    00:00 — Opening & Holiday Season Chat
    01:40 — Colorado Gives Day Update
    03:15 — Intro to the Top 10 Gadgets List
    04:50 — AT Guys Accessible Power Banks
    07:00 — Zoom H1 Essential Recorder
    08:55 — Navi Hands-Free Navigation Pouch
    09:55 — TabCat Tracking System
    11:40 — Anker MagGo Power Bank
    13:10 — Vizio 200M Soundbar 15:10 — Corsair HS80/HS80 Max Headset
    16:40 — Akutani Coffee Mug Warmer
    18:35 — Blink Video Doorbell
    20:55 — Holystone Indoor Nano Drone 23:00 — Closing Remarks & Holiday Sign-Off
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    24 mins
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