See Things Differently with HumanWare

S1E20 - Building for Braille: A Bursary Winner's Journey and NVDA Turns 20

This month, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge kick things off with a shout-out to loyal listener Svetlana, a longtime podcast fan (and two-time Braille reader of War and Peace!) before diving into a HumanWare bursary winner spotlight. Joining the show is Samuel White, a bursary recipient from Brisbane, Australia, currently studying for a Bachelor of Information Technology at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Samuel talks about his transition from screen magnification to speech and Braille, his hobby project Touch Term — a terminal application built from the ground up for Braille and audio users — and his thoughts on AI-assisted coding (or, as he puts it, "verification coding"). Later in the episode, David catches up from Australia with Quentin Christensen of NV Access for a chat about NVDA, the free and open-source screen reader celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Also in this episode: a Spotlight segment honoring advocacy organizations including the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the American Council of the Blind (ACB), Blind Citizens Australia, Vision Australia, and Guide Dogs Australia, plus details on HumanWare's special Monarch promotion for NFB members (available now through December 31, 2026) and a look ahead at upcoming events in Montana and North Carolina. As always, get in touch with the show any time — details below. Guests: Samuel White — HumanWare bursary recipient, QUT student, and creator of Touch Term Quentin Christensen — NV Access (makers of NVDA) Resources mentioned: Touch Term — Samuel White's Braille- and audio-first terminal application NV Access — home of the free, open-source NVDA screen reader HumanWare Monarch NFB member promotion — contact HumanWare or the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) for details on the $12,900 USD promotional pricing (U.S. NFB members only, through December 31, 2026) BrailleNote Evolve QWERTY waiting list — sign-up link to come; contact HumanWare for the latest availability National Federation of the Blind (NFB), American Council of the Blind (ACB), Blind Citizens Australia, Vision Australia, and Guide Dogs Australia — advocacy organizations spotlighted this episode Upcoming appearances: September 11–13: Montana Association for the Blind convention, Great Falls, MT September 17: Assistive Technology Project Expo, Raleigh, NC We'd love to hear from you! EMail us comments, feedback, stories, or anything really, at podcast@humanware.com Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co

S1E19 - Fall in Love with the Problem: Tech Innovation and Mobility with Dr. Erin Foley & Greg Stilson

Welcome to July! In this episode of See Things Differently, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge dive deep into the world of travel, orientation, and independent mobility. They are joined by Dr. Erin Foley, an Orientation and Mobility (O\&M) specialist from San Francisco State University, to discuss travel strategies, tactile mapping, and the reality of using modern AI tools like Ray-Ban Meta glasses on the go. Later in the episode, Greg Stilson, Vice President of Digital Transformation at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), joins the show to share his tech journey, history with HumanWare, and the incredible impact of the Monarch tactile graphics display. Have comments, questions, or ideas for future episodes? The team wants to hear from you! podcast@humanware.com Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co

S1E18 - The Practical Magic of Braille & Navigating Audio Description

For this 18th episode of See Things Differently, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge celebrate the podcast "coming of age". They are joined by Ricky Anger, the Director of Practical Help at Hadley. Ricky shares her personal tech and career journey as a blind professional, shedding light on how Hadley has evolved from a century-old correspondence school into a modern hub for accessible, bite-sized learning. The crew also dives into a lively debate on the future of audio description, shares some hilarious tech repair "trials and triumphs," and drops a quick troubleshooting tip for using VoiceOver with QWERTY-style braille displays. https://hadleyhelps.org/ Hadley Toll-Free Number (US): (800) 323-4238 As always, comments and suggestions are welcome at podcast@humanware.com ! Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E17 - Shifting the Lens: Redefining Blindness in the Mainstream Workforce with Peter Tucic

In this episode of See Things Differently with HumanWare, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge welcome back a very familiar face to the studio—former co-host Peter Tucic! Peter catches up with the team to discuss his new role at the Chicago Lighthouse and shares his personal and professional insights into workplace accessibility and adaptive workflows. Later, the crew dives into a candid "Hot Topic" debate challenging the assumption that blind or visually impaired individuals can only work within the accessibility field. Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E16 - Guiding the Way with Glide and JAWS for BrailleNote Evolve

Read transcript Welcome to a "Sweet 16" episode of "See Things Differently with HumanWare" ! This month, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge are joined by HumanWare Product Specialist Joel Zimba to dive deep into the future of independent mobility and the expansion of the BrailleNote ecosystem. Segment 1: Glidance and the Evolution of Mobility Amos Miller, Founder and CEO of Glidance (https://glidance.io) joins the show to discuss Glide, a groundbreaking self-steering mobility aid. Inspiration: Amos shares how his work on Microsoft Soundscape led to the realization that many users need "micro-navigation" and physical guidance for the "last mile" to a door or around obstacles The Hardware: Glide is a wheeled device with a handle similar to a guide dog harness[cite: 101, 102]. [cite_start]It features a sophisticated downward-facing depth camera system to detect "lethal obstacles" like drop-offs and platform edges, bringing the user to a dead stop if necessary Tech Specs: The device includes a cellular modem with its own data plan, ensuring it can access advanced AI and mapping features while maintaining core guidance capabilities offline Segment 2: The Wearables Debate The team holds a "Hot Topic" discussion on the wearables they actually use—and the ones they don't. Ray-Ban Meta: Rachel discusses how the glasses assist her during travel, especially when integrated with services like Aira Apple Watch Critique: Joel provides a candid list of why the Apple Watch hasn't "won him over," citing its bulkiness and the fact that it still requires two hands for a blind user to operate AirPods & Mini Guide: David shares his love for AirPods as his primary wearable and highlights the Mini Guide, a handheld sonar device for environmental scanning Segment 3: Partner Corner – Vispero & JAWS Matt Ater, Senior VP at Vispero, joins Rachel to announce a major partnership: bringing JAWS to the BrailleNote Evolve. Fully Integrated: This is the same powerful JAWS used on Windows PCs, now licensed directly to the BrailleNote Evolve PC Power: Because the Evolve features dedicated Alt, Control, and Insert keys, navigating complex Windows applications and using JAWS scripts is more intuitive than on a traditional Braille display Complimentary Access: New Evolve customers will receive a six-month complimentary license to get started The Jim Halliday STEAM Innovation Bursary 2026 HumanWare is proud to announce that the Jim Halliday STEAM Innovation Bursary is now open for 2026! This global program recognizes students aged 13 to 25 who are developing STEAM-related projects that improve accessibility or benefit their communities. The Goal: We are looking for bold questions and projects that merge disciplines to make accessibility part of everyday innovation. Recipients will receive cutting-edge technology, including a Brilliant BI 40X , a Mantis Q40 , or a Prodigi for Windows Complete Kit . How to Apply: Students can apply directly or be nominated by a mentor. Visit the HumanWare News Page for full details Upcoming Shows & Events Catch the HumanWare team at these upcoming conferences : April 15-17: PA-DE AER Conference (Harrisburg, PA) April 16-18:** CTEBVI Conference (Los Angeles, CA) April 16-18: Sensor Tech at Zozo (Utrecht, Netherlands) NFB Utah State Convention (Ogden, UT) Have a story or feedback? Write to us at podcast@humanware.com Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co

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S1E15 - Adrenaline & Accessibility with Dave Wilkinson

In this episode of See Things Differently, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge celebrate Orientation and Mobility Month by welcoming endurance athlete and digital accessibility analyst Dave Wilkinson. Dave shares his powerful journey of recovery after a 2017 car accident, highlighting how the Brailliant Braille display was instrumental in helping him regain his reading skills without relying on speech. The conversation dives deep into Dave’s life as an "adrenaline junkie," from completing grueling Ironman triathlons to his ambitious 3000-mile solo tandem attempt in the Race Across America. Beyond the athletics, Dave and the hosts discuss the importance of mental resilience, the need for more physical activity within the blind community, and practical tips for building a flexible technical toolkit to navigate an often inaccessible world. https://www.facebook.com/teamspeedyturtle/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1142388796456398 Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E14 - Gaming Without Limits: Low Vision, Tech & Staying in the Game

In this episode of See Things Differently, we celebrate Low Vision Awareness Month with a powerful conversation about gaming and accessibility. Rachel and David sit down with Joe Steinkamp, Manufacturer Representative at HumanWare, to explore his journey as a lifelong gamer navigating progressive vision loss. From early days on Atari to today’s accessible consoles, Joe shares how technology has transformed what’s possible for blind and low vision players. The discussion dives into the evolution of built-in accessibility features on platforms like Xbox and Nintendo Switch 2, and what these advancements mean for independence, inclusion, and staying connected to the hobbies we love. It’s an honest and inspiring look at resilience, innovation, and the future of accessible gaming. Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E13 - Anthony Ferraro: Raised for Independence

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Ferraro for a personal conversation about family, independence, and growing up blind. Anthony shares how his family shaped his confidence and expectations from an early age, encouraging independence rather than limitation. We explore what it means to grow up blind in a world full of assumptions, and how early support and mindset play a critical role in building resilience and self-belief. This conversation goes beyond technology to focus on lived experience, personal growth, and why accessibility starts with how people are raised, supported, and empowered. Topics include: Growing up blind and being raised for independence The role of family in shaping confidence and opportunity Challenging assumptions about blindness Why lived experience matters in accessibility Also, for people interested in learning more about the upcoming BrailleNote evolve: https://www.humanware.com/en-international/braillenote-evolve/ Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E12 - Mobility, Technology, and Independence

In this episode, we explore blindness and mobility through a family lens — focusing on how parents, partners, and loved ones experience, support, and sometimes struggle with independence and safety. Joined by Gemma Gatehouse and Jason Martin, the conversation looks at how family dynamics influence mobility decisions, from learning to use a white cane to adopting guide dogs or new assistive technologies. We discuss the natural tension between protection and independence, and how fear, trust, and communication shape the choices families make together. Our guests share thoughtful insights on how emerging technologies can either empower blind individuals or unintentionally increase anxiety for family members if expectations are misaligned. The episode emphasizes the importance of education — not just for blind users, but for families — so mobility is built on confidence rather than fear. Resources: https://www.applevis.com/podcasts/bridging-access-braille-depth-look-braille-access-ios-26https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/access-on/whats-new-in-ios-26-rXTLNb9J1Gm/ Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E11 - Summit Without Sight

In this episode, Rachel and Mathieu sit down with Dr. Conchita Hernández and her partner Sachin to talk about their remarkable climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. Conchita, who identifies as blind, shares how a spontaneous idea sparked during a UN meeting led to a year of training, adaptation, and teamwork. Together, they walk us through how they prepared, how they communicated on the mountain, and what it felt like to push through fatigue, altitude, and fear to reach the summit. They also touch on the role accessibility tools — including Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — played in their daily lives and in helping them approach challenges with confidence. This episode also features: Partner’s Corner with Jason: A discussion with Jason Martin from APH (www.aph.org) about the Wing-IT application available on iOS to use with the Monarch. Tips & Tricks with Roger:Practical advice on using Prodigi for Windows new AI assistant mode to navigate documents, even those not in your native language! As always, your feedback and stories are welcome at podcast@humanware.com ! Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E10 - Monarch: The Future of Braille and Beyond

In this milestone 10th episode of See Things Differently, Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge hand the mic to HumanWare’s Braille Product Manager Andrew Flatres for a deep-dive into one of the most exciting innovations in accessibility tech: the Monarch. Andrew is joined by Chris Cooke, Scott Erichsen, and Allison Meloy, three early Monarch users who share how this groundbreaking tactile device is transforming the way people experience Braille and tactile graphics. From first impressions to classroom applications and the “wow” moments of exploring diagrams through touch, their stories highlight what makes Monarch so revolutionary. Recently recognized by Time Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2025, the Monarch represents a major leap forward for digital Braille — and for the future of accessible learning. Whether you’re a teacher, tech enthusiast, or just curious about what’s next in accessibility, this conversation will leave you inspired by what tactile technology can achieve. 👉 Read about Monarch on Time.com Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E9 - Bringing Images to Life: TactileView and Tactile Graphics

In this episode of the HumanWare See Things Differently podcast, hosts Rachel Ramos and David Woodbridge sit down with John Taylor and Ed Worrell to explore the world of tactile graphics and the innovative TactileView software. Together, they discuss how tactile graphics can empower students who are blind or visually impaired, the role of TactileView in creating accessible educational materials, and practical ways teachers, braillists, and transcribers can integrate these tools into the classroom. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or technology enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into the importance of tactile learning and the future of accessible design. 🔗 Relevant Links: TactileView: https://store.humanware.com/hca/tactileview-drawing-software.html Wing It: https://www.aph.org/product/wing-it/ Sterling Adaptives: https://sterlingadaptives.com/ OverHere Consulting: https://overhereconsulting.net/ 👥 Guests: John Taylor – Accessibility expert and tactile graphics advocate Ed Worrell – Educator and TactileView trainer Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E8 - Back to School, Forward with Confidence

A back-to-school chat with MarLisa Jacobs and Erin LeBlanc

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S1E7 - Zoomed In: Low Vision Tech

How a veteran journalist navigates work, accessibility, and Apple tools with limited vision.

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S1E6 - The Braille Challenge

It's the Braille Challenge 25th anniversary!

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S1E5 - Blindness in pop culture

Episode Notes In this new episode of See Things Differently, we sit down with Joe Strechay, a trailblazer in the world of entertainment and accessibility. From working on hit shows like Daredevil and All the Light We Cannot See, Joe gives us an inside look at what it takes to bring authentic blind representation to the screen — and why it matters. Joe shares his unique journey as a blind professional in Hollywood, offers behind-the-scenes stories, and explores how inclusive storytelling is changing public perception. Whether you're in the blindness community or simply passionate about media and diversity, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 👤 About Joe Strechay: Joe is a seasoned media consultant who has worked with Netflix, Apple TV+, and other major networks to improve disability representation. Blind himself, Joe is known for his authentic casting work, coaching actors, and ensuring that blind characters are portrayed with depth and accuracy. https://strechay.org/ Find out more at https://see-things-differently-with-hu.pinecast.co Read transcript

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S1E4 - All About Libraries and Literacy

Braille or audio?

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S1E3 - A discussion on O&M

Rachel, Peter and David have a chat with Michelle Young!

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S1E2 - Low Vision awareness month

Rachel, Peter and David talk with Katelyn MacIntyre about music and so much more!

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S1E1 - Braille Awareness month

Rachel, Peter and David talk with JJ Meddaugh and Bob Sweetman about the impact of Braille on their lives

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