Tech Tips: The Podcast

In this episode, I talk with Gary Beene, founder of New Vision Concepts and the creator of the EZReader computer system—an adaptive, simplified computing experience designed for users who need a more accessible way to navigate technology. Gary shares the story behind EZReader, how it empowers people with vision loss or cognitive challenges, and why intuitive design can make all the difference. If you’re passionate about assistive tech, aging‑in‑place solutions, or tools that help people stay connected, this conversation is packed with insight.

The Meta Ray‑Ban smart glasses are quickly becoming one of the most exciting pieces of assistive tech in the blind and low‑vision community. With voice navigation, Be My Eyes and Aira integration, text reading, and a growing list of powerful features, they’re changing how people move through the world.
If you’ve been curious about what these glasses can really do — or debating whether they’re worth the investment — this episode is for you.  I’m joined by Richard, an everyday user who shares how the glasses have transformed his independence, and Rivka, a security consultant who breaks down the privacy and safety considerations you should know before wearing them.  A practical, honest, and eye‑opening conversation about one of the most talked‑about devices in assistive technology.

Picture this: you show up at a new location and effortlessly find the door without wandering or second‑guessing. Hear2There is making that possible. I’m excited to talk with David Furukawa this month about how this innovative app is transforming the “last 50 feet” of navigation for people everywhere who are blind or have low vision.

Lumivision is a California‑based company that’s created a VR headset designed for people with low vision. What really makes it stand out is that it uses your own smartphone as the processor and camera, so the headset gets better as your phone does. This month, I’m chatting with Zarioa and Prescott from LumiVision to hear more about this clever and genuinely exciting device.
 
Visit the Lumivision VR website at www.lumivisionvr.com .

Hable One is a Bluetooth-enabled, braille inspired keyboard designed for phones and tablets making it possible for people who are blind to control these devices without lugging around a bulky keyboard.  Joining me this month is Freek van Wellsness of Hable to talk about this amazing device along with something new called Speechlabels.

Regardless of where you live, researching agencies and organizations dedicated to working with the blind and low vision community can seem daunting.  The Eye Spy Foundation is working to help make that research a little easier.  Join me this month as I talk with Nick Mendler, President and Founder of the Eye Spy Foundation.

Support is just as important as technology.  That is something that is sometimes overlooked when it comes to people dealing with vision loss.  “You Don’t Look Blind” is an online peer support group dedicated to helping people with vision loss, along with sighted caregivers, a place to get that support.  What started out as a local support group in Denver, CO, is now an international support group with over 1,700 members on their Facebook page.  Join me this month as I talk with Rob and Jamie about this amazing peer-based support group.

Whether you’re looking for a computer that fits in your pocket or something a little more robust with a braille display, chances are good that Blazie Technologies has what you need.  Join me this month as I talk with David Goldfield and Bryan Blazie about the BT Speak Pocket Computer and the BT Braille on Tech Tips:  The Podcast.

AI can be used for more than composing emails or discovering obscure facts about your favorite TV shows.  It can also be used to compose music based on what’s floating around in your head.  Join me this month on Tech Tips where I’ll once again be talking with Shawn Keen about AI for the Blind along with using Artificial Intelligence to compose music, or just about anything else you can think of.

Yes.  People with visual impairments like to build with Lego too.  Just in time for Christmas, join me as I talk with Matthew Shiffrin, CEO and founder of Bricks for the Blind, about this amazing non-profit organization making Lego instructions accessible to people who are blind, or have low vision.