This podcast is about big ideas on how technology is making life better for people with vision loss.

Not long ago virtual assistants and VR gaming were the makings of science fiction. But today, as we see developers across the board incorporating these technologies into apps and other tech, including for people who are blind or have low vision, these breakthroughs aren’t just possible, they’re part of the fabric of everyday life.

In this episode Dr. Cal talks with Steve Ewell, Executive Director of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation (CTAF). Together they discuss how rapid advances in tech have made previously unimaginable products like self-driving cars, smart homes and virtual reality gaming an attainable, everyday reality for millions of people, including for those who are aging or have low vision. They talk about CES, the CTAF’s annual trade show and the increasing number of consumer companies presenting accessible tech.  They also discuss Steve’s work with AARP, and how technology designed for older users is also accelerating… and how those users are keeping up with the pace of new tech.

The episode also features an interview with Walt Hickey, the executive editor at Sherwood News and the author of “You Are What You Watch - How Movies and TV Affect Everything.” Walt discusses how scientists and engineers consume the same media as everyone else, and how the ideas from science and science fiction have fed back on one another for millennia to build our modern world.

With technology for the blind and low vision community increasingly easy to build and access, companies like Amazon and  XBox are making accessibility more of a priority with every new development. In other words, when it comes to accessible technology, the future may have finally arrived.

The Big Takeaways

• The Simplest Tech Can Make a Big Difference: Steve discusses the rise of smart homes, and how something simple like a voice-activated assistant can transform the living space of someone who’s blind or low vision. He talks about the natural evolution from there to doorbell cams, and the possibilities that has opened for people with low vision to maintain their privacy and security while at home.
• Are Self-Driving Cars Finally Here?: It can seem like self-driving cars have been on the horizon for decades. But with Waymo and other major technology companies recently unveiling breakthroughs, people who are blind or have low vision might finally be able to hop in a car by themselves and go wherever they want. Steve discusses what these breakthroughs mean, not just for activities like visiting the doctor, but for improved opportunities for social interaction.
• All Fun and Games: Steve talks about his work with AbleGamers and Oak Hill, two organizations dedicated to providing an accessible video game experience for people who are blind or have low vision. Gaming can combat social isolation, he says, but it can do more than that. When paired with wearables, Steve credits accessible gaming (and a healthy dose of competitiveness) with motivating people who are aging or have disabilities  to stay active.
• Old School: It might be surprising to see the words “technology” and “AARP” in the same sentence. But tooday, they are indeed connected.  Steve discusses the CTAF’s partnership with AARP, and how recent developments along with a savvier population of seniors has led to increased rates of development and adoption for accessible tech.

Tweetables

• “One of the important things that I've seen that's changed over the last dozen years is the awareness on the company side of the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. That was one of the big challenges, companies recognizing this as a market to engage… and what we've seen is more and more companies are actively engaging this space.” — Steve Ewell, CTAF Executive Director
• “Technology and movies and pop culture are ways that we express our wants and goals” — Walt Hickey, Author, “You Are What You Watch”
• “I went to one senior center and a gentleman had come up to me and he said ‘I know you're going to assume I don't use technology, but I want to let you know I'm over a hundred years old and I built all the technology that your technology today is based on.’” — Steve Ewell, CTAF Executive Director

Contact Us:

• Contact us at podcasts@lighthouseguild.org with your innovative new technology ideas for people with vision loss.

Pertinent Links

• Lighthouse Guild
• CTA Foundation