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 Play Store
• Be My Eyes for Windows

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.

Additional Information (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Jason Martin, APH  technical Innovations Product

Additional Links

• Making the Visual World Tactile with the Wing It App for Monarch
• Meet Monarch
• Download Monarch Wing It on the Apple App Store

Gary Mudd, VP of Government and Community Affairs is retiring!  If you ask anyone at APH, they’ll tell you, Gary is at the heart of what we do. He has been integral to supporting everything from the APH Museum and InSights Arts Competition, to the National Prison Braille Program and NIMAC Resources Services team, but most notably, he will be remembered for his advocacy. On this episode of Change Makers, Mike Hudson, APH Museum Director, will interview Gary and find out what's next. After that, Mike will talk to Sara Brown, Public Relations Manager about his time working alongside Gary.

The holidays are here! Today on Change Makers we're discussing gift ideas, traditions and support. Hear some great gift ideas for adults and children and what you can look for when picking the perfect present. Then, learn how to modify traditions to be accessible and how you can provide support for loved ones experiencing vision loss. 

After that, we'll check in with the ConnectCenter.

• Paul Ferrara: APH Favorites
• Lisa Lloyd: Seedlings.org, Fighting Blindness, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Toy orchestra
• Melanie Peskoe: APH Gifts
• Pris Rogers: Vision Aware, Family Handbook, Making Life More Livable
• ConnectCenter: FamilyConnect.com, VisionAware, Foundation for Blind Children Seeitourway.org: Accessible Santa Letter campaign, Jingle Jam Let's Get Cooking with 12 Days of Recipe, Button Trees, Blindfold Twister, Braille Flashcards and Embossed Pictures

CVI is the most common cause of permanent visual impairment in children. After a diagnosis, parents and guardians look for answers and support. 

In today’s episode of Change Makers, we’ll talk to Leanne Grillot, National Director of Outreach Services for APH, Rachel Bennett, CVI Content and Community Manager at Perkins School for the Blind and Diane Sheline Consultant for Students with CVI. Then we will hear from the ConnectCenter.

• Rachel Bennet: CVINow, CVINow Facebook Parent Group
• Leanne Grillot: BookBuilder Replacement
• Olaya Landa-Vialard: ConnectCenter 
• Diane Sheline: StragegytoSee

COVID-19 has changed every aspect of our lives especially in the world of education. With students learning from home, parents and caregivers found themselves providing additional educational assistance and teachers found themselves working to engage with their students in a virtual world. From those needs, APH Hive, Access Academy and ExCEL Academy emerged.

In today’s episode of Change Makers we’ll talk about the many APH services that are geared for students, parents and educators. We’ll talk to Amy Campbell, Learning Management System Administrator, Leanne Grillot, National Director of Outreach Services and Robbin Clark, ECC Coordinator at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Then later, we’ll hear from the ConnectCenter.

Links:

• APH Hive
• Access Academy
• ExCEL Academy
• ConnectCenter

APH’s 152nd Annual Meeting took place early October in a virtual format, due to the current pandemic. Nearly 1,300 participants logged on to learn how to handle challenges brought on by COVID-19 to be successful in the future.

On this episode, we look back at the Annual Meeting which features: Dr. Craig Meador, APH President, State of the Company Address; the Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field induction ceremony; a keynote speech from Tyler Merren, Paralympian; and several sessions and panel discussions.

Links:

• Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field
• APH Annual Meeting Website
• AFB Helen Keller Archives

APH’s Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees and Special Guests is almost upon us. It takes place from October 7-9 and will be virtual.

On this episode, APH President Craig Meador and Leanne Grillot, APH’s Director of Outreach Services discuss Annual Meeting. They talk about the decision to make the meeting virtual, its theme “Better Together,” as well as several meeting highlights, including our keynote speaker, sessions and events that will take place, and a surprise ending session.

Another important part of Annual Meeting is the ceremony to induct new members into the Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field. Mike Hudson from the APH Museum tells us more about the Hall and about some of its current and its new inductees.

Guests:

• Craig Meador - President, APH
• Leanne Grillot - Director of National Outreach Services, APH
• Mike Hudson - Director of the Museum at the American Printing House for the Blind

Links:

• APH Annual Meeting 2020 registration and information
• Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field

At APH we often say "the future belongs to everyone." We mean it. We also think that part of our journey to get there has to do with changing how people see people with disabilities. In today's episode of Change Makers we talk about why representation in the media is so important. We talk with Bree Klauser who stars in Audible's new series Phreaks, and Apple TV+'s SEE. We also talk with Joe Strechay who's been a blindness consultant on shows like Netflix's Daredevil, and Apple TV +'s SEE.

GUESTS:
Bree Klauser - Actress
Joe Strechay - Producer and Blindness Consultant

LINKS:
breeklauser.com

In 2018 the Texas State Board of Education made a preliminary decision to streamline their required curriculum by cutting Helen Keller from their third-grade social studies standards. To get a reversal of that decision, Gabby Caldwell testified with her mother, Robbie, before the State Board of Education. In this episode of Change Makers you’ll hear from Gabby and Robbie about keeping Helen in the schools, from Helen Selsdon, one of the leading experts on Helen Keller, and also from Mike Hudson, the Director of the Museum at the American Printing Hose for the Blind. We take a look at why Helen matters as much today as ever before.

LINKS
Helen Keller Online Lessons: https://www.aph.org/learning-from-the-life-of-helen-keller/
Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind: sites.aph.org/museum/
Helen Keller Digital Archives: afb.org/HelenKellerArchive

LEGO Braille Bricks are here! APH is excited to be an official partner, responsible for distributing LEGO® Braille Bricks to students in the United States.

The bright colored bricks, molded with studs that correspond to numbers and letters in the braille alphabet, allow students who are blind, and sighted to play and learn together. 

On today's episode of Change Makers, we hear from the LEGO Foundation about their philosophy of learning through play, and why they created LEGO Braille Bricks. We'll also hear from a teacher with Visually Impaired Preschool Services(VIPS) in Louisville, KY who is helping APH look for ways to best use the bricks in the classroom. 

GUESTS
Per Havgaard - The LEGO Foundation
Stine Storm - The LEGO Foundation 
Paige Maynard - Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS)

LINKS
Learn about brick distribution through APH: https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-a-fun-way-to-reinforce-braille-skills/
Head straight to the LEGO Braille Bricks site: https://www.legobraillebricks.com

Who's behind the features of the new Chameleon 20 refreshable braille display? We talk with the educational experts who helped design this exciting new tech.

Guests:

Donna McNear – Education Consultant, with more than 40 years experience as a teacher and O&M Specialist.

Liz Anderson – TVI, O&M Specialist, and the Program Coordinator at the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired.

Andrea Wallace – TVI, O&M Specialist, and Statewide Educational Specialist at the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired.

Visit https://www.aph.org/product/chameleon-20/ to buy your Chameleon 20!

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 Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist

Additional Links

• Email Change Makers
• Call Monarch Customer Service: (833) 447-8444
• Email Monarch Support

The history of the field of blindness is rich and storied. While APH has long focused on education and resources for people who are blind, The Wilmer Eye Institute from Johns Hopkins has focused on research, diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. APH President, Craig Meador sits down with leaders from Wilmer to discuss their past, their goals, and how we can all work together to create a future that belongs to everyone.

Guests:

Jim Deremeik - The Education Rehabilitation Program Manager at the Low Vision Clinic. He’s worked at Johns Hopkins for 26 years.

Judy Goldstein - The Director of Low Vision Rehabilitation Services at Wilmer, and an associate professor of ophthalmology. She spent 10+ years at a private low vision practice, and has now been with Johns Hopkins for more than 15 years, working in clinical care research and teaching.

Many sports camps, swimming pools, and other opportunities for physical education will be close this summer. To learn about ways to stay active while at home, or join a virtual sports camp, we're talking with experts in physical education for young people with visual impairments. First you'll hear from Lauren Lieberman. She's a well publish author, she started Camp Abilities in Brockport, New York, and she's started sports camps across the world. Second you'll hear from Tristan Pierce. She's the Physical Education and Multiple Disabilities Project Leader at APH.

LINKS:
CampAbilities.org
www.aph.org/educational-resources/physical-education/

In this episode of Change Makers we're talking about Code Jumper, an accessible way for students to learn block coding in an inclusive setting. We talk with Cheri Bortleson, who tested Code Jumper in Washington State. Cheri is the K5 STEM and Computer Science Developer for the Bellevue School District. We also talk with Robin Lowell. Robin spent years teaching students with visual impairments in the classroom, and wrote the curriculum for Code Jumper.

If you'd like to learn more, watch videos, or read the curriculum, visit codejumper.com.

Episode 7 is all about the brand new Mantis Q40 from APH and HumanWare. The bluetooth keyboard, with 40 cells of refreshable braille allows you to have braille at your fingertips anywhere.

Order your Mantis Q40 today: https://www.aph.org/product/mantis-q40/

Podcast Guests:
Larry Skutchan - Director of Technology Product Research at APH
Greg Stilson - Head of Global Innovation at APH
Joe Hodge - Quality Assurance Analyst at APH
Matt Poppe - Graphic Designer at APH

After more than a month of working from home, some APH staff has returned to work in the APH building. In today's episode we briefly explain the steps APH has taken to ensure essential staff are safe, and we dig into how customer service is still working hard to ensure you get the products you need. We know a lot of summer camps have had to cancel plans, so we're also sharing about learning opportunities for the summer. If you hang on until the end of the episode, we'll even have a special message for our 2020 Seniors.


Guests:

Arthur Vaughn - Chief Quality and Safety Officer
Jim Kreiner - Director of Customer Service
Leanne Grillot - Director of National Outreach Services
Mike Hudson - Director of the Museum at the American Printing House for the Blind

Links:

https://www.aph.org/virtual-excel-summer-camp/

Conferences are a huge part of the blindness and visual impairment field. They're about more than just attending sessions, they’re also were we learn about new products, and where we partner with other companies to continue to push the boundaries of our field.

To talk about how we can stay connected, and make the most out of virtual conferences, APH President, Craig Meador, leads a roundtable discussion with three change makers who have, or are planning to host virtual events.

Guests: 

Dr. Kirk Adams, President and CEO of AFB, a private non profit that uses research and evidence to effect system change that creates a world of no limits for people who are blind.

Dr. Amy Parker, an assistant professor and coordinator at Portland State University where she is engaged in community development and nurturing.

Sergio Oliva, the Associate Vice President of national and youth programs at the Braille Institute. He oversees Cane Quest and the Braille Challenge. 

As unemployment skyrockets, how can you be job ready? Joe Strechay joins Change Makers to talk about how you can use your time at home to work on your personal brand, and be ready to land your next job.

Also a guest on episode 4, Claire Stanley from ACB shares how they're staying connected with members, offering virtual hang-outs, and even planning a virtual ACB summer conference.

LINKS
APH Typer: aph.org/sharpen-your-typing-skills-with-typer/
ACB Chat Options: acb.org/ACB-community-conference-calls
Career Blog: https://aphcareerconnect.org/blog/careerconnect-blog/19-tips-for-employment-preparation-during-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR2G-zY2ylb-vH7BnWS-OG439Dfkz8AR2mT83HkteiOcJdPB0GTMndc5Ge4

ACB Contact Info
advocacy@acb.org
202-467-5081

As days of being confined to your home turn into weeks, the need for information and resources only grows. In this episode of Change Makers we look at two separate call lines where people who are blind or visually impaired can get up to date news, or resources. We also look at a survey aimed at using this time of isolation to learn about gaps left in accessibility.

Links / Notes:

ConnectCenter Resources
Information and Referral Hotline: 1-800-232-5463

For parents and families: familyconnect.org
For adults with vision loss: visionaware.org
For young adults with visual impairment: aphcareerconnect.org

NFB Newsline Info
nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline

Flatten Inaccessiblity Survey
flatteninaccessibility.com

We're all having to change how we work and learn - for better or worse. How are organizations in the blindness field responding? Are there lessons we can all take away from this unusual time?

In this episode of Change Makers we sit down for a roundtable discussion with leaders in the field. APH CEO Craig Meador moderates a discussion with:

Rob Hair
Superintendent of the Maryland School for the Blind, a statewide resource center that provides outreach and educational services for students who are blind or visually impaired.

Amy Campbell
Education Consultant for visual impairment with the North Carolina Depart of Public Instruction. She helps oversee, and provides guidance on services for students across the state with visual impairments.

Bryan Bashin
CEO of LightHouse for the Blind in San Francisco, where they provide comprehensive blindness services for people of all ages, serving all of Northern California.

Do you have questions for APH? Do you know a change maker who would be a great guest on our podcast? Send us a message at communications@aph.org.

For the first episode of Change Makers we're talking about the topic that's on everyone's mind: the COVID-19. Learning from home is challenging for teachers, parents, and students. This is even more true if the student has a disability and usually gets specialized learning.

In this episode we talk to APH President, Craig Meador, about how the field can and should respond to the crisis, to the APH Director of Customer Service at APH about the services we are still offering, and to Charlotte Cushman, with Paths to Literacy, about great online resources for students learning from home.

Do you know a change maker in the field of blindness or visual impairment? We want talk with them. Send us any suggestions, or questions to communications@aph.org.

RESOURCES FROM PODCAST

APH Customer Service Team
Phone: 1-800-223-1839
Email: cs@aph.org

ConnectCenter Resources
Information and Referral Hotline: 1-800-232-5463

For parents and families: familyconnect.org
For adults with vision loss: visionaware.org
For young adults with visual impairment: aphcareerconnect.org

Online Learning Opportunities
www.aph.org/athomewithaph-resources/
https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/resources/virtual-learning-academy

FULL PODCAST TRANSCRIPT HERE:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/swi1ao8ux9z13zn/E1%20Transcript.docx?dl=0

On this episode of Change Makers, learn about a cool product that allows individuals who are blind or low vision to turn their Perkins Brailler into a BlueTooth keyboard. After learning about Paige Connect, hear the latest from Braille Tales and what books are on the way.

On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Greg Hargraves, Paige Founder
• Jennifer Wenzel, Technology Product Specialist
• Sarah Welch, Product Manager
• Christine Genovely, Braille Tales Programs Coordinator

Additional Links

• Paige Connect
• Paige Braille Instagram
• Paige Braille X
• Paige Braille YouTube
• Braille Tales
• Apply for Braille Tales
• Update Braille Tales address
• Email Braille Tales

On this episode of Change Makers, learn about the APH Blind Musicians Collection and the beneficial services that the wonderful READS librarians provide.

Participants (In order of appearance)

• Narrator
• Veronica Palensky, Metadata and Information Services Librarian
• Precious Perez, Musician who is blind

Additional Links

• About the APH Library
• Blind Musicians Collection on Spotify
• Get Involved Page on APH Website - Includes Blind Musician Collection Suggestion Form Link
• Blind Musicians Collection Suggestion Form - Direct Link
• Precious Perez Musica Social Media Channels

On this episode we are learning about educational and rehabilitation aspects for children and adults with CVI. Learn why CVI intervention is so critical and what APH products can help those who have been diagnosed.

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Amanda Lueck, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Special Education and Communicative Disorders at San Francisco State University
• Tristan Pierce, APH Product Manager for Educational Products

Additional Links

• CVI Scotland
• CVI Companion Guide
• LED Mini Lite Box
• Spinner Overlays for the Light Box
• Light Box: Level 1: Plastic Tumblers
• Light Box: Level 1: Threading Beads
• Light Box: Level 2: Parquetry Piece Set
• Mini-Lite Box Ledge Set
• APH Webinars
• YouTube Behind the Scenes of the “Light Box Story Hour”
• YouTube Light Box Story Hour 2! More literacy activities for students w/ vi & additional disabilities
• Sensing and Learning book
• Sensing and Learning EPUB
• Sensing and Learning: An Overview
• SAM – Symbols and Meaning Kit
• Vibrating Pad with Adapter
• Tactile Connections: Symbols for Communication
• STACS: Standardized Tactile Augmentative Communication Symbols
• Astro Adventure Balls App
• Blast Off with Astro Adventure Balls App
• CVI Complexity Sequences Kit

On this episode of Change Makers, we are learning about a Fulbright Scholar’s trip to Lagos to address critical gaps in services and training.

On this episode (In order of appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Elyse Connors, Fulbright scholarship recipient

Additional Links

• An Interview with Dr. Elyse Connors on Her Fulbright Trip to Lagos & the Delivery of APH Press Books
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program
• Email Change Makers

On this episode, learn about the Monarch Student Pilot Program and the Abacus Bee. Now open for nominations for the fall of 2025, the Monarch Student Pilot Program will be accepting students entering the sixth to 11th grade, who are able to read and write braille and who have experience with Refreshable Braille technology.

The APH Abacus Bee is a fun and engaging competition designed to ignite a passion for mathematics in students who are blind or have low vision. By allowing the use of various formats like print, braille, UEB math, or Nemeth code, the competition ensures that participants can use methods that suit their individual learning styles.

In this podcast (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Sarah Gauer, APH Monarch Student Program Project Manager
• John Tracey, Simons Foundation Program Director, Science, Society and Culture
• Jennifer Brooks, APH National Abacus Bee Event Coordinator
• Melissa Fischer, KSB teacher
• Piper, Abacus Bee participant
• Bradley, Abacus Bee participant
• Gabe, Abacus Bee participant

Additional Links

• Monarch Student Pilot Program
• Nomination form for Monarch Student Pilot Program
• Monarch Support Team email
• Monarch Support Team phone number: 833-447-8444
• Abacus Bee
• Simons Foundation - Science, Society & Culture

On this episode of Change Makers, learn more about the special discovery that features Helen Keller giving a radio address.

On this Episode

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Justin Gardner, AFB Helen Keller Archivist at APH

Additional Links

• Echoes from the Past: Helen Keller and the Time Capsule Recordings
• Achieving A Dream: Helen Keller’s Legacy and The Dot Experience.

On this episode of Change Makers learn about the possible relationship between physical activity and sleep levels, and how they impact visual phenomena. After that, learn about APH's Memory Puzzles. 

On this episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Dr. Peter Allen, Professor of Optometry and Visual Science
• Bobby Fulwiler, APH Product Specialist, Educational Product Innovation 

Additional Links

• Esme’s Umbrella
• Peter Allen email
• Memory Puzzles: Shapes
• Waterjet Works Design

On today’s episode, we are exploring the latest technology, perfect for individuals who are blind or low vision at the Consumer Electronics Show.

On this podcast

• Mike May, APH Navigation Technology Advisor
• Gena Harper, Accessibility Consultant

Additional Links

• Instagram - Gena Blind Woman of Action
• Email Gena Harper
• Crashing Through
• People Make the Places Podcast - Apple
• People Make the Places Podcast - Spotify
• Glam Canes
• dotlumen
• Bird Buddy
• Glidance - AI Mobility and Navigation Aids for Blind & Low Vision
• SweetRobo
• Shokz - OpenMeet Headphones
• Elephant Robotics metaCat
• Elephant Robotics metaDog
• Realbotix
• Shokz Bone Conduction Headphone
• Halliday: Worlds 1st Proactive AI Glasses with Invisible Display
• XR Navigation
• Yarbo - Battery-powered zero-turn lawn mower
• Human Touch Massage Chairs
• Roborock US Official Store
• Inko Thin Heater
• Email Changemakers@aph.org.

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 Burton, APH Accessibility Editor

Additional Links

• Guide Dogs for the Blind
• Guide Dogs of America
• America's VetDogs
• The Seeing Eye

On this episode, we are talking about experiences in securing rideshares and what you can do should you experience problems. 

On this episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Danielle Burton, APH Communications Accessibility Editor
• Meagan Gorsuch, Vancro Program Manager
• Claire Stanley, American Council of the Blind Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs

Additional Links

• U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
• American Council of the Blind

On this episode of Change Makers, learn the latest about The Dot Experience and what's new for Connect the Dots.

On this episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Jo Haas, APH Vice President of Advancement and The Dot Experience
• Erin Gibbons, APH Advancement Specialist

Additional Links

• Connect the Dots website
• Connect the Dots 2025 events
• AFAR - The Dot Experience Wants to Be The Most Accessible Museum
• Solid Light, Inc.
• PNC Foundation
• Louisville Free Public Library

On this episode, we are talking about some exciting programs and resources for the Monarch. This is exciting because these programs help expand the Monarch’s reach for older children and young adults.

The portion of this podcast related to the Monarch RISE project was developed under a grant number H21F240052 from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221e-3 and 3474). 100% of the total costs of APH’s DIF-F project will be financed by the $10 million grant. No percentage of the total costs of the project will be financed by non-governmental sources. 

On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Sarah Gauer, APH Monarch Student Pilot Project Manager
• Erin Sigmund, APH Community Relations, DIF Fund Grant Policy Advisor Project Director
• Richard Rueda, Assistant Director of the ConnectCenter and DIF Fund Grant Project Coordinator

Additional Links

• APH X (Formerly Twitter)
• APH Facebook
• Email Monarch RISE
• Monarch RISE: Resources for Inclusion, Skills, and Employment
• 84.421F: DIF - Creating a 21st Century Workforce of Youth and Adults with Disabilities Through the Transformation of Education, Career, and Competitive Integrated Employment
• Email Change Makers

On this episode we are looking back at 2024, and talking about what’s on the horizon for 2025.

On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Craig Meador, APH President
• Anne Lancaster, APH Vice President, Chief Officer, Innovation and Strategy
• Paul Schroeder, APH Vice President, Impact & Outreach
• Jo Haas, APH Vice President, Advancement & The Dot Experience

Additional Links 

• The Dot Experience
• Meet Monarch
• Email Change Makers

On this episode of Change Makers, get ideas for the perfect holiday gift! 

Participants (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Kathryn Frederick, APH ConnectCenter, Digital Content Manager
• Richard Rueda, APH ConnectCenter, Assistant Director
• Melisa Matthews TVI, APH FamilyConnect, Digital Content Manager

Additional Links

• A. T. Guys - Affordable Technology
• Outdoor Adventure Trips
• TravelEyes - Group Holidays for Blind & Sighted Travelers

On this episode of Change makers, learn about APH's newest products. Then hear an update about the next National Coding Symposium and Day of Code. After that, learn about the most recent Connect the Dots event.

On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)

• Karen Poppe, APH Tactile Literacy Product Manager, Educational Product Innovation
• Rosanne Hoffmann, APH Product Manager, Educational Product Innovation
• Leslie Weilbacher, APH Outreach Regional Specialist - Northwest Region
• Jeff Schwartz, APH Director of Regional Training and Outreach
• Kathy Nichols, APH Director of Education and Operations for the Dot Experience

Additional Links

• SENSEable STRIPS
• Tactile Demonstration Thermometer (UEB)
• Tactile Shape Slate
• Coding Symposium and Day of Code
• PPG Foundation
• Fox Family Foundation
• Connect the Dots

On this episode of Change makers, learn about solutions to Eye Pressing. Learn about what it is, how a bracelet can help subdue the need, and hear the personal story of how a similar bracelet helped with another urge.

On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Lee Huffman, APH Low Vision Product Manager, Product Development 
• Ellen Crupi, HabitAware Director of Awareness 

Additional Links

• Eye-Pressing in Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision
• OpticAware
• HabitAware

APH’s Annual Meeting is always a great time to meet colleagues, make connections, and learn tips and tricks from others in the blindness field. Hear from various attendees, award winners and InSights Artists on this recap of Annual Meeting.

Participants

• Attendees
• Award Winners
• InSights Artists

Additional Links

• American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
• Email GoodMaps
• GoodMaps User Community
• InSights Art Information

On this episode of Change Makers, learn about the wide world of careers in STEM. The opportunities are truly endless. After that, hear an update for the next Connect the Dots event. 


On This Episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Katrina Best, APH Accessible Coding Product Manager
• Allison Mello, Assistive Technology Specialist at California School of the Blind
• Saqib Shaikh, Microsoft Seeing AI Engineering Manager
• Erin Sigmund, APH Community Relations & Policy Advisor

Additional Links

• Suggest a Product Form
• Code and Go Robot Mouse
• CodeQuest (iPad and iPhone App)
• Code Jumper
• Snap Circuits Jr. 130 Access Kit
• RC Snap Rover Access Kit
• BRIC: Structures® Access Kit
• Snapino: Access Kit™
• APH’s Road to Code
• Meet Monarch
• UAH Engineering Summer Camps
• U.S. Advanced Cyber Academy
• FBI National Academy Associates
• Seeing AI - Talking Camera for the Blind
• Connect the Dots

On this episode of Change Makers, learn about how far braille displays have come, and where they're going.

On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Mike Hudson, APH Dot Experience Curatorial and Content Lead
• Willow Free, APH Global Innovations Product Manager 

Additional Links

• Meet Monarch

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.

Stick around after the recap for our monthly Tech Takeaway, where we show you how to personalize your Monarch device.

On this episode (in order of appearance)

• Stephanie Steffer, CViConnect 
• Gabriel Einsohn, Marketing and Product Development The Puzzled Co.
• Tracy Gaines, CTEBVI Executive Director
• Connie Stone, National Prison Braille Network speaker
• Willow Free, APH Technical Innovations Product Manager
• Greg Stilson, APH Vice President of Digital Transformation
• Dr. William Wiener, Wings of Freedom award recipient
• Lee Nasehi, President and CEO of VisionServe Alliance
• Isaac Shapiro, Co-CEO and President of Cleanlogic
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist

Additional Links

• CViConnect
• The Puzzled Co. website
  • Memory Puzzles: Shapes
  • Memory Puzzles: Fruits & Veggies
  • Meet Your Match with Memory Puzzles: Shapes
  • Blog - My Sight: A Hands-On Curriculum Empowering Students
• CTEBVI
• VisionServe Alliance
• Cleanlogic Body Care
• National Prison Braille Network

On this Change Makers episode, learn how braille books are made. Hear about the process that goes into every book that is made from start to finish. After that, learn what’s new with the Reach and Match products.

On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)

• Michael Haynes, Manager, Accessible Tests and Textbooks Department
• Jane Thompson, Director, Accessible Tests and Textbook Department
• Sally Hart, Accessible Textbook Tactile Graphics Editor
• Jonathan Carson, Braille and Accessible Media Editor III
• Mandy Lau, Founder & Director, Reach & Match®

Additional Links

• Email Mandy Lau
• Email Change Makers

What resources are available for job seekers? This episode breaks down a special toolkit that helps those looking for employment and build critical skills that will ultimately lead to a successful job search. 

Participants (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Richard Rueda, APH ConnectCenter Assistant Director
• Lori Scharff, APH ConnectCenter
• Marianne Haegeli, Program Director, NSITE Learning and Leadership
• Selene Monjaraz, Toolkit User

Additional Links

• Job Seeker’s Toolkit
• Personal Employment Stories
• The Gibney Family Foundation

On this episode of Change Makers, we are learning what’s new at GoodMaps. It’s an exciting time for the indoor navigation company, as they look to launch their new app, grow their indoor mapping locations, and work to incorporate future technology into their newest products. After we talk to GoodMaps, we’ll get our monthly update on the Connect the Dots events. 

Podcast Participants (In order of appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Theresa Reno-Weber, GoodMaps CEO
• Erin Sigmund, APH Community Relations and Policy Advisor

Additional Links

• GoodMaps
• Email Change Makers

On this episode of Change Makers we are wrapping up Deafblind Awareness Month by talking to two individuals who are deafblind. Hear them share their experiences, and detail a few simple things others can do to make sure other deafblind individuals are always included.

On this Podcast (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Danielle Burton, APH Communications Accessibility Editor
• Meagan Gorsuch, Program Manager for Vancro

Additional Links

• Meet Henna, the 2021 Guide/Hearing Hero Dog
• 2021 Hero Dog Awards | Guide/Hearing Hero Dog - Henna
• Email ChangeMakers

On today’s episode we’re getting an update about APH Huntington. Hear about their goals for this year, and learn about their recent grant. After that, get the latest with the Connect the Dots, powered by PNC Foundation.

On this episode (In order of appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Lee Huffman, APH  Low Vision Product Manager, Product Development
• Kathy Nichols, APH Senior Museum Educator

Additional Links

• APH Huntington: Accessible Tech Initiatives in West Virginia
• Connect the Dots - 2024 APH Museum
• The Dot Experience

On today’s episode we’re talking about listening vs. reading, Is learning braille necessary? I’m talking to experts in the field and a young adult on their experiences and thoughts on this topic.

On this episode (In order of appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Abby Hodge, Braille Instructor Abby Hodge at Charles W. McDowell Center for the Blind
• Krystal Guillory, Teacher of Blind and Visually Impaired Students Lincoln Parish Schools
• Dr. Donna Brostek Lee, University of Kentucky Clinical Associate Professor
• Jessica Minneci, APH Communications Associate

Additional Links 

• Monarch
• Polly
• Chameleon 20
• Mantis Q40
• Charles W. McDowell Center for the Blind
• Lincoln Parish Schools
• Donna Lee at the University of Kentucky College of Education
• APH Blog