Advertise on podcast: Change Makers: A Podcast from APH

Patrick Henry Hughes, a musician, motivational speaker, DJ and Cast Member of The Dot Experience, shares his journey and his passion for music. He discusses blindness, accessibility, independence and his experience with the University of Louisville marching band, along with what he hopes visitors learn from The Dot Experience. On this episode (in order of appearance) NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerPatrick Henry Hughes, The Dot Experience Cast MemberAdditional links The Dot Experience website

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re continuing our spotlight series featuring the incredible cast members of The Dot Experience. Opening Friday, October 30, The Dot Experience is a new immersive, inclusive museum that invites visitors to explore blindness, braille, accessibility, and the power of human connection.  Today, we are learning more about Sugandha Gupta. Sugandha is a textile artist, designer, maker, disability advocate, educator and most importantly, a cast member of The Dot Experience. On this episode NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerSugandha Gupta, The Dot Experience Cast Member.Additional Links The Dot Experience WebsiteRead The Dot Experience blog on Sugandha GuptaSugandha Gupta websiteSugandha Gupta InstagramEmail Change Makers

This episode of Change Makers explores the inclusive design process behind The Dot Experience, including prototyping with people who are disabled, creating multisensory experiences, and designing for visitors to experience the museum together. Corey Timpson and Sina Bahram of Prime Access Consulting also discuss APH’s commitment to making inclusion an opportunity, not a constraint, and how The Dot Experience could raise the bar for accessible design.

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re continuing our spotlight series featuring the incredible cast members of The Dot Experience. Opening Friday, October 30, The Dot Experience is a new immersive, inclusive museum that invites visitors to explore blindness, braille, accessibility, and the power of human connection.  Today, we are learning more about Anthony Ferraro. Anthony is a motivational speaker, skateboarder, content creator, most importantly, a cast member of The Dot Experience. On this Episode NarratorAnthony Ferraro, The Dot Experience Cast MemberSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerAdditional Links Read The Dot Experience blog about Anthony FerraroAnthony Ferraro InstagramThe Dot Experience websiteEmail Change Makers

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re continuing our spotlight series featuring the incredible cast members of The Dot Experience. Opening Friday, October 30, The Dot Experience is a new immersive, inclusive museum that invites visitors to explore blindness, braille, accessibility, and the power of human connection.  Today, we are learning more about Marcus Engel. Marcus is a professional speaker, author, consultant, podcaster, professor, and, most importantly for us today, a cast member of The Dot Experience. After our conversation with Marcus, we’ll take you inside The Dot Experience as we share highlights from a recent preview event where attendees of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) International Conference toured the museum and experienced a sneak peek of the progress, including the factory tour. On this Episode NarratorMarcus Engel, The Dot Experience Cast MemberSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerAdditional Links Read The Dot Experience blog about Marcus EngelMarcus Engel websiteMarcus Engel LinkedIn profileThe Dot Experience websiteEmail Change Makers

In this episode, we spotlight acclaimed chef, author, and restaurateur Christine Hà, whose remarkable journey from losing her vision to becoming the first blind winner of MasterChef has inspired millions. We'll explore how her passion for cooking began and how she redefined what is possible in the culinary world. Christine also shares what it means to be a Cast Member of The Dot Experience, helping bring stories of blindness, resilience, and innovation to life for future visitors. Then, in our monthly Tech Takeaway, we'll preview the August Monarch update and highlight two exciting new programs that will soon be available to users. On this episode NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerChristine Ha, Cast Member for The Dot Experience, Owner of The Blind Goat and Stuffed BellyMichael Dennis, APH Technology Products SpecialistJennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product SpecialistAdditional Links Read The Dot Experience blog about Christine HaRead the The Dot Experience Blog featuring Christine HaChristine Ha Instagram: theblindcookChristine Ha Facebook: TheblindcookChristine Ha's website, The Blind CookYouTube: Christine Ha: The Blind Winner Who Changed MasterChef ForeverYouTube: The INCREDIBLE Story Of Christine Ha - The Blind Woman Who Won MasterChefAAF: Chef Christine Ha Brings Cultures and Flavors Together Around the Dinner TableMonarch InformationEmail Change Makers

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 low vision, each sharing authentic stories. The cast includes advocates, artists, professionals, athletes, students, parents, and workers, highlighting the many roles blind individuals hold in society and showcasing vibrant, diverse lives. And today, we’re learning about George Stern. He’s a research assistant at the University of Mississippi and was just accepted as a doctoral candidate at Boston College.  On this episode NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerGeorge Stern, The Dot Experience Cast Member and research assistant and doctoral candidateAdditional Links Read The Dot Experience Blog featuring George Stern

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 Wordstock, an app designed to support literacy and accessibility. On this episode NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJustin Gardner, AFB Helen Keller Archivist at APHTony Stephens, AFB Assistant Vice President for CommunicationsMichael Dennis, APH Technology Products SpecialistAdditional Links The Dot ExperienceAFB Helen Keller ArchiveAmerican Foundation for the BlindAFB Possibilities Podcast

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 low vision, each sharing authentic stories. The cast includes advocates, artists, professionals, athletes, students, parents, and workers, highlighting the many roles blind individuals hold in society and showcasing vibrant, diverse lives. And today, we’re learning about Dan Mancina. Not only is he a Cast Member for The Dot Experience, he is also a skateboarder… and today we get to hear his story.  On this episode NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerDan Mancina, The Dot Experience Cast Member and SkateboarderAdditional Links Read The Dot Experience Blog featuring Dan MancinaThe Dot ExperienceDan Mancina on InstagramEmail Change Makers

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 low vision, each sharing authentic stories. The cast includes advocates, artists, professionals, athletes, students, parents, and workers, highlighting the many roles individuals who are blind or low vision hold in society and showcasing vibrant, diverse lives. On this episode, learn about Chris Downey. Chris is an architect, planner, and consultant who lost his sight entirely in 2008 following surgery to remove a brain tumor. Not only is he a Cast Member for The Dot Experience, he is also the Founder and owner of Architecture for the Blind. After his interview, enjoy our monthly Tech Takeaway where you'll learn five Monarch tips to keep you engaged over the summer. On this episode (In order of appearance) NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerChris Downey, The Dot Experience Cast Member, Founder and Owner of Architecture for the BlindJennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product SpecialistMichael Dennis, APH Technology Product SpecialistAdditional Links Read The Dot Experience Blog featuring Chris DowneyThe Dot Experience websiteArchitecture for the Blind websiteEmail Change Makers

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 OutreachSarah Malaier, American Foundation for the Blind Senior Advisor of Public Policy and Research InstituteCynthia Curry, Director of the National Center on Accessible Digital  Educational Materials & Instruction at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP) at Utah State University.Jan McSorley, Accessibility consultant for Knowbility Additional Links ADA websiteAmerican Foundation for the BlindNCADEMI (pronounced "N-cademy") websiteA Primer on ADA Title II and WCAG for State Educational Agencies and School DistrictsMeeting the ADA Title II Web and Mobile Accessibility: A Roadmap for State and Local Educational AgenciesQuality Indicators for the Provision and Use of Accessible Materials in PreK-12 SystemsIncluding Accessibility in All Components of Procurement: A Guide for State Educational Agencies and School DistrictsEdTech Accessibility Directory

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 low vision, each sharing authentic stories. The cast includes advocates, artists, professionals, athletes, students, parents, and workers, all highlighting the many roles blind individuals hold in society and showcasing vibrant, diverse lives. This month's Cast Member Spotlight highlights Kathy Martinez. After the interview with Kathy, you’ll hear from Jennifer Wenzel and Michael Dennis with this month’s Tech Takeaway. They’ll share information about the recent patch update for the Monarch. On this episode (In order of appearance) NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerKathy Martinez, The Dot Experience Cast Member, Senior Advisor for InclusivelyJennifer Wenzel, Technology Product SpecialistMichael Dennis, Technology Product SpecialistAdditional Links Read The Dot Experience Blog featuring Chris DowneyEmail Change Makers

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 ManagerChristine Genovely, APH Braille Tales CoordinatorMelissa Riccobono, Braille Specialist for American Action Fund for Blind Children and AdultsAdditional Links and Information Wordstock for MonarchSign up for Braille TalesDonate to Braille TalesSign up for Braille Books Program - American Action FundAmerican Action Fund can be contacted at 410-659-9315Email American Action FundEmail Melissa Riccobono

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) NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerGena Harper, Professional Athlete, Executive Business WomanMike May, APH ConsultantJennifer Wenzel, Technology Product SpecialistMichael Dennis, Technology Products SpecialistAdditional links Indigo Nav App - Apple StoreIndigo Nav App - Google Play StoreMike May's Podcast - The People Make the PlacesGena Blind Woman of Action - InstagramGena Blind Woman of Action - [email protected]

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 first weekend of March, this exciting competition brought nearly 30 students from 10 different states together to put their mental math skills to the ultimate test. The focus? Speed. Precision. And serious number power. Before the competition began, I caught up with a few of the students to hear how they were feeling, and what it took to prepare for this big moment. On this episode (in order of appearance) Sara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerMike May, APH ConsultantGena Harper, Professional Athlete, Executive Business WomanJennifer Brooks, Braille Challenge Organizer, APH Outreach Regional Specialist Additional Links Email Change MakersGena Harper Instagram - genablindwomanofaction