Change Makers: A Podcast from APH

On today’s episode, we’re continuing our series of spotlight episodes featuring the incredible cast of The Dot Experience. The Dot Experience is a new inclusive museum opening this October. It features more than 20 individuals who are blind or have low vision, each sharing authentic stories. The cast includes advocates, artists, professionals, athletes, students, parents, and workers, highlighting...

On this episode, celebrate the birthday of Helen Keller by highlighting her lasting impact and legacy. Justin Gardner sits down with Tony Stephens to share fascinating stories and insights about Keller’s life, achievements, and influence as a trailblazer for people who are blind or have low vision. The episode also features the monthly Tech Takeaway, where Michael Dennis provides a closer look at...

On today’s episode, we’re continuing our series of spotlight episodes featuring the incredible cast of The Dot Experience. The Dot Experience is a new inclusive museum opening this October. It features more than 20 individuals who are blind or have low vision, each sharing authentic stories. The cast includes advocates, artists, professionals, athletes, students, parents, and workers, highlighting...

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re continuing our series of spotlight episodes featuring the incredible cast of The Dot Experience. The Dot Experience is a new inclusive museum opening in October. It features more than 20 individuals who are blind or have low vision, each sharing authentic stories. The cast includes advocates, artists, professionals, athletes, students, parents, and workers,...

On this episode, we are diving deeper into the recent ADA Title II ruling. This ruling impacts your experience when visiting websites, apps, and other digital content. Paul Schroeder, American Printing House for the Blind, Vice President Impact and Outreach Sarah Malaier, American Foundation for the Blind Senior Advisor of Public Policy and Research Institute Cynthia Curry, Director of the Nationa...

On this episode, we’re kicking off a new series of spotlight episodes featuring the incredible cast of The Dot Experience. The Dot Experience is a new inclusive museum opening in October. It features more than 20 individuals who are blind or have low vision, each sharing authentic stories. The cast includes advocates, artists, professionals, athletes, students, parents, and workers, all highlighti...

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re exploring how braille is helping shape the future. From a fun new braille word game on the Monarch, to inspiring programs like Braille Tales and the American Action Fund for Blind's Braille Books Program that provide braille books to children from birth through age 17. On this episode (In order of appearance) Jason Martin, Technical Innovations Product...

On this episode we’re continuing our journey through the Consumer Electronics Show. Then, we’ll wrap up with our monthly Tech Takeaway, where we’ll explore six new apps featured in the recent 1.4 update. On this episode (In order of appearance) Narrator Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager Gena Harper, Professional Athlete, Executive Business Woman Mike May, APH Consultant Jennifer Wenzel, Tec...

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re heading to Las Vegas for the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES, where the future of technology is on full display. We’re talking cutting-edge, innovative, and game-changing tech, with a special focus on what’s being developed for people who are blind or have low vision. After that, we'll turn our attention to the Abacus Bee. Held the f...

On this episode of Change Makers enjoy an episode filled with innovation, insight, and practical tools to support learning and accessibility. Enjoy a close look at an exciting new release from APH Press... a book designed to make math more accessible, engaging, and achievable for all learners. After that, we’ll shift our focus to technology with our monthly Tech Takeaway. This segment keeps you up...

On this episode of Change Makers enjoy a closer look at APH’s newest and modernized products. Hear from product experts about tools like BOP-K, Grid and Go, and Braille Bridge, all crafted to boost braille and tactile literacy. Discover how these innovations are changing the way learners engage with accessible materials. On this episode (In order of appearance) Sarah Lee, Product Specialist Rachel...

The conversation continues with APH’s leadership team as they reflect on the challenges and momentum of 2025 and look ahead to a pivotal 2026. Hear leaders discuss the growing urgency of digital accessibility in education, the expansion of the Monarch platform, the rise of eBraille, and the upcoming opening of The Dot Experience as a major public-facing milestone. The conversation highlights resil...

On this two-part series, we’re talking with APH’s leadership about the moments that defined 2025. The wins, the challenges, and everything in between. Plus, we’ll take a look at what’s coming next as we head into 2026  On this episode (in alphabetical order) Jo Haas, Vice President of Advancement and The Dot Experience Anne Lancaster, Vice President, Chief Officer, Innovation and Strategy Craig Me...

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re diving deeper into the world of Be My Eyes. Hear directly from the creator of this groundbreaking app and discover how it can help you navigate and troubleshoot your everyday tech gadgets with confidence.  On this episode Narrator Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager Hans Jørgen Wiberg, Founder of Be My Eyes

On this special two-part episode Change Makers, hear from the creator of the innovative app, Be My Eyes. Hear how it originated, early feedback, and what’s next for the groundbreaking app.   On this episode Narrator Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager Hans Jørgen Wiberg, Founder of Be My Eyes Additional Links Be My Eyes Website Be My Eyes in the App Store for iPhone Be My Eyes in the Google P...

On this episode, we explore the remarkable and personal journey of receiving a new guide dog, a process that goes far beyond simply picking up a companion. Gain insight into what happens for the dog and partner, the intensive training both undergo, and the emotional transition that comes with building trust and teamwork. On this podcast Narrator Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager Danielle Bu...

On this episode of Change Makers go inside the 2025 Annual Meeting held at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. For over a century, this gathering has brought together leaders, educators, and innovators in the field of blindness and low vision. You’ll hear firsthand from presenters, award winners, and attendees about the highlights, breakthroughs, and moments that made this year’s event unforgettable...

On this episode of Change Makers, step into The Dot Experience. We're live from construction site for a press conference celebrating a major milestone in the construction and a special announcement. Speakers Jo Haas, APH Vice President, The Dot Experience Phoebe Wood, APH Board Chair Craig Meador, Ed. D., APH President Dwight Newton, Zoeller Water Pump, Corporate VP Human Resources - Chief Pe...

On this episode, learn about CJ Threads and how it helps students learn Python code. After that, Tech Takeaway discusses an exciting new feature now available on the Monarch. On this episode Narrator Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager Katrina Best, APH STEM Product Manager Michael McDonald, APH Senior Software Engineer  Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist Michael Dennis, APH T...

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re diving into some exciting updates. Every year, a few APH products get a bit of a makeover — modernized to better meet the needs of today’s users. We’re going to explore which products have recently been modernized, what’s new, and why those changes matter. On this episode (In Order of Appearance) Bobby Fulwiler, APH Product Specialist Justine Taylor, APH Pro...

On today’s episode, we explore the incredible impact of the National Prison Braille Network—a groundbreaking initiative that’s transforming lives by empowering individuals to produce braille materials for students who are blind or low vision. Discover how this program fosters rehabilitation, literacy, and opportunity both inside and outside prison walls. Then, stick around for our Tech Takeaway, w...

On this episode of Change Makers, we are continuing our conversation about the Monarch, this time to learn about eBraille, and what science aspect is being added to the device. On this episode (In order of appearance) Willow Free, APH’s Product Manager Peter Sullivan, Vice President of Duxbury Systems Additional Links Meet Monarch Email Change Makers

On this episode of Change Makers, learn what's being done in preparation for JAWS to launch on the Monarch. JAWS is expected to arrive on the Monarch in the fall of 2025. Interviews in order of appearance Andrew Flatres, HumanWare Senior Braille Product Manager Ryan Jones, Vispero Vice President of Software and Product Management Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist Michael Denn...

On this episode of Change Makers learn about Wing It - a groundbreaking application for the Monarch and iOS devices that empowers users to create tactile graphics on the fly. Wing It is available in the Apple store, search for "Monarch Wing It" or you can download it here . The next episode of Change Makers will continue this discussion about programs and applications on the Monarch. Add...

On this episode, learn what's going on in Washington, D.C. to hear how changes coming out of our nations’ capitol can impact you. After that, enjoy a Tech Takeaway with quick tips on using the Monarch.  On this episode (In order of appearance) Narrator Paul Schroeder, APH Vice President of Impact and Outreach Ashley Palmer, Cornerstone Government Affairs Principal Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technol...