Summary

Michael and Jennifer let this episode of Colorado Views wander in the best possible way, beginning with a recommendation for the casual and funny Four Bad Eyes podcast before heading into stories about falling down, harmless pranks, haunted places, horror movies, Alcatraz, and Michael’s remarkably detailed plans for surviving a zombie apocalypse.

The conversation then turns toward events and accessibility in Colorado. Jennifer shares information about Stop Kiss by Diana Son, an upcoming theater production for which she will provide audio description, and Michael and Jennifer preview Aftersight’s annual September hike in Winter Park in partnership with No Barriers and Adventure Guides.

From there, they explore how technology is changing accessibility for people who are Blind and Low-vision. Smart speakers can provide greater independence and easier access to information, while artificial intelligence raises more complicated questions. Can AI be useful without replacing human connection? When is AI advice helpful, and when should people question what it tells them? And why does Aftersight continue using real human readers rather than replacing them with synthetic voices?

The episode closes with a broader look at accessibility in everyday life, including self-checkout stations, hotels, public transportation, bus terminals, curb cuts, audio information, and the small design decisions that can either create independence or unnecessary barriers.

Through all the tangents, laughs, zombies, AI experiments, and serious questions, Michael and Jennifer return to one central idea: accessibility is not simply something for the Blind and Low-vision community to think about. Building a more accessible world requires awareness, advocacy, compassion, and people willing to notice what others may be experiencing.

Credits

Show: Colorado Views
Hosts: Michael Sisneros and Jennifer Neptune
Producer: Jonathan Price
Presented by: Aftersight

Contact Info

Aftersight: aftersight.org
Michael Sisneros: michael@aftersight.org
Jennifer Neptune: jennifer@aftersight.org

Episode Description

What does it take to make Colorado more accessible? It begins with listening to the people who rely on public transportation, accessible services, and community support every day.

Jennifer and Michael open the episode with a conversation about Colorado’s unusually hot and humid weather, Jennifer’s abandoned attempt to attend a five-dollar horseback ride, and the challenges of navigating summer without dependable air conditioning.

Michael shares highlights from an ophthalmology summit in Snowmass and discusses Aftersight’s weekly low-vision support group. The virtual group gives people from across the country a place to share challenges, celebrate victories, exchange practical information, and find encouragement from others who understand their experiences.

The conversation then turns to accessible transportation. Jennifer describes what she has learned through Atlantis Community’s Transit Academy and from RTD ADA Manager Gabe Christie. Jennifer and Michael examine the real costs of paratransit, proposed fare increases, unreliable transportation schedules, inaccessible bus stops, and the barriers blind and low-vision riders may encounter while using buses and trains.

A central message emerges: change requires participation. Public agencies need to hear directly from the people affected by their decisions, but community members must also attend meetings, join committees, share their experiences, and make their needs known.

Jennifer and Michael also discuss Aftersight’s upcoming community hike and Jennifer’s work providing audio description at the Arvada Center. Upcoming accessible productions include Misery, Barefoot in the Park, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Doubt, and Dear Evan Hansen.

The episode concludes with a humorous but sincere discussion about slowing down for animals on Colorado roads, including birds, geese, marmots, prairie dogs, and the migrating tarantulas of southern Colorado.

In This Episode

• Colorado’s unusual heat and humidity
• Aftersight’s weekly low-vision support group
• Transportation barriers facing blind and low-vision riders
• RTD, paratransit, Access-a-Ride, and fare concerns
• Why accessible planning must include people with disabilities
• The importance of attending public meetings and joining committees
• Audio-described theater at the Arvada Center
• Aftersight’s upcoming community hike
• Colorado wildlife and the responsibility to drive carefully

YouTube Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk
09:46 Transportation Challenges and Advocacy
25:44 Community Engagement and Events
40:07 Conclusion and Call to Action
41:13 Aftersight Outro

Call to Action

Have an event, community story, accessibility concern, or Colorado topic that Jennifer and Michael should discuss? Colorado Views is also looking for future guests who can help inform, encourage, and connect communities throughout the state.

Contact

General feedback: feedback@aftersight.org
Jennifer: jennifer@aftersight.org
Michael: michael@aftersight.org
Website: aftersight.org

Credits

Hosts: Jennifer and Michael
Producer: Jonathan Price
Presented by: Aftersight

Summary

Michael and Jennifer recap a busy season of community connection across Colorado. They reflect on Aftersight’s Summer Social, where volunteers, board members, listeners, neighbors, young readers, and local creators gathered for food, conversation, and celebration. They also share stories from Denver Pride, including the interactive mystery-box activity and the thousands of personal connections made throughout the day.

The conversation looks ahead to the September 12 Audio Trekker Hike in Winter Park, presented in partnership with No Barriers. Michael and Jennifer explain how volunteers, sighted guides, companionship, accessible recreation, and flexible financial support can help more people participate.

They also discuss Famous Seamus Lights, Aftersight’s White Cane Project, Blind Pilots International, upcoming rural outreach, and the continuing work of bringing local Colorado publications to life through human narration for blind and low-vision listeners.

Credits

Show: Colorado Views
Hosts: Michael Sisneros and Jennifer
Producer: Jonathan Price
Presented by: Aftersight

Contact Information

Website: aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: 720-712-8856

Audio Trekker Hike registration and information: aftersight.org