Breaking Barriers: How ABLR Is Creating Real Jobs for the Blind - Ep. 48

In this interview, I talk with Mike Iannelli, co-founder of ABLR, and Heather Buster, a visually impaired professional who completed the ABLR workforce training program and went on to secure meaningful employment. We discuss what ABLR is, how the accredited training program works, and why digital accessibility testing is a strong career path for blind and visually impaired individuals. Mike shares insight into the program’s structure, its impact on the blind community, and real success stories from graduates. Heather offers a firsthand look at her experience—what she expected, the challenges she faced, and why the program exceeded her expectations. We also talk honestly about the program’s difficulty and how determination and hard work can lead to real career opportunities. Learn more here: ► https://ablr360.com/theblindlife  Email Mike and Heather: ► [email protected] ► [email protected] #ABLR360 #DigitalAccessibility #BlindEmployment #VisuallyImpaired #AccessibilityTesting #InclusiveEmployment #BlindCareers #AssistiveTechnology #AccessibilityMatters #TheBlindLife

In this episode of The Blind Life Podcast, Sam sits down with Joe Jorgensen, creator of "Accessibyte", a powerful suite of assistive technology tools designed to help the blind and visually impaired community build essential skills for school, work, and everyday life. From the interactive Typio typing program to fun, educational games in Accessibyte Arcade, Joe shares how his accessible software and adaptive equipment make learning engaging and truly inclusive. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or someone living with vision loss, this episode offers valuable insight into how technology continues to break down barriers and empower independence for people with low vision. Check it out here: https://www.accessibyte.com/ #BlindCommunity #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility #LowVision #VisionLoss  

In this interview, we sit down with John Tobin, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Splice Bio, to explore groundbreaking gene therapy research for Stargardt’s disease and its potential impact on the blind and visually impaired community. John shares insights into Splice Bio’s mission, how their innovative work could transform options for people living with vision loss, and what families, professionals, and supporters should know about emerging treatments. Stay tuned until the end for information on how to get involved in Splice Bio’s clinical trials. Learn more here: www.splice.bio/clinical Or send an email to: [email protected] #SpliceBio #genetherapy #clinicaltrials

In this episode, Sam speaks with Patrick Long of InnoSearch.ai and Mark Riccobono of the NFB about their new partnership to improve digital accessibility for blind users. Rather than focusing on basic compliance, the conversation explores true usability—addressing issues like unlabeled buttons and missing alt text. They emphasize the need for blind-led innovation and meaningful collaboration with the community. The NFB’s long-standing advocacy efforts are discussed, along with practical steps tech companies can take to create inclusive products. A new checkout feature also lets customers support the NFB by rounding up purchases, blending commerce with accessibility-focused advocacy. blind tech, assistive technology, digital accessibility, InnoSearch.ai, National Federation of the Blind, NFB partnership, screen reader usability, blind advocacy, accessible shopping, inclusive design, blind podcast, low vision tools#BlindLife #AccessibilityMatters #AssistiveTech #BlindCommunity #InnoSearch #NFB #DigitalInclusion #BlindAdvocacy #AccessibleShopping #InclusiveTechnology

In this episode, I break down all the brand-new accessibility features coming to **iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and VisionOS** this summer. From accessibility nutrition labels in the App Store to Live Captions on Apple Watch, Braille Note Taker functionality, and even personal voice upgrades, Apple is making huge strides for users with low vision, blindness, hearing loss, and other disabilities. And yes, major improvements are also coming to the Apple Vision Pro! Whether you're blind, visually impaired, hard of hearing, or just someone who loves accessible tech, you don’t want to miss these updates. Learn more ► https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/05/apple-unveils-powerful-accessibility-features-coming-later-this-year/ ► https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/13/apple-unveils-ios-19-accessibility-features/ Watch my Apple Vision Pro videos!: ► https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLThdr7uPwVs12xgN9CSEtAqnJR9URSL9Q In this episode * Accessibility Nutrition Labels * Magnifier App on Mac * Accessibility Reader Across Platforms * Braille Access Updates * Live Listen & Captions on Apple Watch * Personal Voice Upgrade * Accessibility Sharing on Shared Devices * Apple Vision Pro Accessibility Enhancements #AppleAccessibility #BlindTech #TheBlindLife #iOSAccessibility #VisionPro #LowVisionSupport #BrailleTech #AssistiveTech #DigitalInclusion #AccessibilityMatters

"A Staff Of Independence"  As the US celebrates the anniversary of its independence, we are talking about the white cane and how it has brought independence to the visually impaired community. I also talked to several VIP influencers and asked them about their white cane journeys. Project Guiding White: ► https://guidingwhite.wordpress.com/ ACB: ► http://www.acb.org/tennessee/white_cane_history.html#:~:text=James%20Biggs%20of%20Bristol%20claimed,himself%20more%20visible%20to%20motorists. Veronica Width Four Eyes: ► https://veroniiiica.com/2018/01/12/decoding-the-colors-of-blindness-canes/ VIP Influencers featured in the video: Dave Steele, The Blind Poet ► https://theblindpoet.net/ Derek Daniel, Life After Sight Loss ► https://www.youtube.com/user/derekdanielvids Carrie Morales, Live Accessible ► https://www.youtube.com/user/exentrquita James Rath, VIP Filmmaker ► https://www.youtube.com/user/jamesrath Casey Greer, How Casey Sees It ► https://www.youtube.com/user/KCfan7989 Matt, Blind To Billionaire ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYqOP98j1cPqLzN2-AAgsHQ Juan, JC5 Productions ► https://www.youtube.com/user/JC12209

In this exciting episode of The Blind Life, Sam is joined by InnoSearch AI and Be My Eyes representatives to announce a groundbreaking new partnership that will revolutionize accessible shopping for the blind and visually impaired community. InnoSearch AI is a screen-reader-optimized shopping and travel platform offering access to over one billion products and services. Thanks to their collaboration with Be My Eyes, users can access InnoSearch directly from the Be My Eyes app, making the experience even more seamless and convenient. If you're blind or have low vision, this partnership could unlock new levels of independence, savings, and confidence when navigating the online world. Learn more about InnoSearch AI and sign up for a free account + $10 shopping credit: ► https://innosearch.ai/r/nRhfYt Download Be My Eyes for iOS, Android, or Windows: ► https://www.bemyeyes.com/

In this video, we’re diving into all the latest updates to the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses for 2025, including two game-changing features that just rolled out in April. Whether you're new to the Meta glasses or a longtime user, these updates bring some major quality-of-life improvements—especially for those of us in the blind and visually impaired community. I walk through how features like real-time object recognition, hands-free translation, Audible audiobook streaming, and enhanced Spotify voice controls are improving daily life. We also talk about international expansion for music app compatibility and the upgraded AI voice options—yes, even celebrity voices like John Cena! These updates are a huge step forward in accessibility and usability, and they’re already making tasks like traveling, shopping, and reading much easier for many of us. For full details, demos, and my thoughts on how this technology fits into our lives as blind and visually impaired users, watch the full video. Don’t forget to check out my accessibility-themed t-shirt designs, available through the link below or at [TheBlindLife.net](https://www.theblindlife.net). ✅ Like the video ✅ Subscribe to the channel ✅ Hit the bell so you don’t miss future updates ✅ Explore channel memberships for exclusive perks and monthly Zoom calls Thanks for watching and supporting The Blind Life! \#TheBlindLife #MetaRayBan #AssistiveTechnology #SmartGlasses #BlindTech #Accessibility #LiveAI #WearableTech #VisuallyImpaired #InclusiveDesign

The BlindShell Classic 3 is here. This latest version of the popular accessible phone for the blind and visually impaired comes packed with major upgrades, including a touchscreen for select apps, a faster processor, and a brand-new AI assistant, Luna. Plus, we’re diving into Tandem, the exclusive BlindShell app that makes communication easier than ever. New Features: - Touchscreen support for select third-party apps - Luna AI Assistant for voice commands and general knowledge - Tandem App for messaging, video calls, and remote support - Upgraded performance with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage - New design and colors (Golden Sand and Ocean Blue) If you're looking for an accessible, easy-to-use cell phone with physical buttons and a simple interface, this might be the perfect choice. Watch the full review to see all the features in action. Get yours here: ► https://www.blindshell.com/ Check out my BlindShell Classic 2 review: ► https://youtu.be/5r9V_UsJ6ng?si=2Y9Bl3QOq27lG7GR #BlindShellClassic3 #AccessibleTechnology #AssistiveTech #BlindLife #LowVision #VisuallyImpaired #AdaptiveTechnology #TechForAll #AIAssistant #TandemApp

In this heartfelt episode of "The Blind Life Podcast," we discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals at social events. From the struggle to recognize faces and read body language to the emotional weight of feeling invisible, we explore the complexities of navigating social spaces without sight. This anonymous Facebook post highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and small gestures that can make a significant difference. Tune in to hear personal stories, practical advice, and inspiring messages of resilience and connection. #BlindCommunity #VisuallyImpaired #SocialIsolation #Empathy #Inclusion #DisabilityAwareness #Connection #Resilience #SeeingBeyondSight