At Banter Podcast

Get ready to meet the Zeen, a groundbreaking mobility solution that’s redefining what it means to move independently! Rob, Ryan and Lis sit down with Hall of Fame inventor Garrett Brown and Exokinetics CEO Rick Sherak to explore this revolutionary device that’s far beyond just another wheelchair. Discover how the Zeen effortlessly lifts users from seated to standing in seconds, without motors and explore how the Zeen’s incredible motor-free technology supports up to 75% of a user’s body weight, helping individuals from 50 to 325 pounds find newfound freedom, dignity, and confidence. We also learn why this innovative aid might be the most significant mobility breakthrough in decades.  Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/at-banter-podcast-episode-430-meet-the-zeen.pdf Show Notes Check Out The Zeen https://gozeen.com/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of kno

Join us for an illuminating conversation with returning guest Christine Malec, a passionate advocate from Toronto’s blind community, as she discusses her impactful role in making arts and culture accessible at the vibrant Luminato Festival. Running from June 4 to 22, this year's festival embraces the captivating theme of the "24-hour city," offering unique experiences like breathtaking dawn chorus performances and intriguing night shift exhibits. Christine dives into the festival’s inclusive features, highlighting audio descriptions, guided tours, and immersive storytelling that create meaningful accessibility for everyone. But that’s not all—Christine also gives us a fascinating glimpse into her groundbreaking collaboration with NASA, where she's helping to “sonify” astronomical data, making space exploration a reality for blind and visually impaired individuals. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/at-banter-podcast-episode-429-accessibilty-arts-and-astronomical-adventu

This week Rob, Ryan and Lis welcome podcaster Steven Vine to the show where he shares his remarkable journey after experiencing a life-changing triple-A (abdominal aortic aneurysm) that resulted in the loss of his sight, a leg, and his colon. With warmth, humor, and raw honesty, Stephen explores how acceptance, strong support networks, and unwavering perseverance became cornerstones of his recovery and ongoing growth. He also introduces us to his podcast, "The Disability Diaries," dedicated to educating, empowering, and amplifying the voices of those thriving within the disability community. Together, they discuss the powerful, therapeutic impact of storytelling and emphasize the importance of diverse representation and authentic voices in disability advocacy. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/at-banter-podcast-episode-428-stephen-vine.pdf Show Notes The Disability Diaries with Steven Vine https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385172 The Disability Diaries on Spotify https://ope

This week, Rob Mineault, Ryan Fleury, and Steve Barclay dive into an exciting celebration—the 30th anniversary of JAWS, the groundbreaking screen reader from Vispero! Joined by special guests Rachel Buchanan and Elizabeth Whitaker from Vispero, the crew discusses JAWS’s incredible journey and impact on users around the globe. Rachel and Elizabeth share personal insights and highlight anniversary celebrations, including a fascinating timeline memorial wall at CSUN, the exclusive “Insert J Club” for dedicated JAWS users, and various engaging training events. Plus, they unveil the latest cutting-edge AI features, such as FS Companion and a handy new AI Text Grabber, designed to significantly enhance accessibility. Listen now to explore how community engagement, innovative training, and advanced technology have come together to empower JAWS users over the last three decades—and maybe even get a tidbit of what might be coming next. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/at-bante

Join Rob, Ryan, Steve, and Lis as they kick things off with some hockey pool banter—and discover how "Artie," their ChatGPT-powered pick, has scored a perfect run! Rob’s feeling pretty good, too, thanks to his strategic choice of the Edmonton Oilers. But it’s not all hockey talk! The gang switches gears to discuss National AccessAbility Week, a movement started back in 1988 to promote inclusion and accessibility. They're joined by Chantal Oakes from the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), who shares details about their exciting virtual event featuring fun trivia and an open "Ask Me Anything" session. Finally, the group explores the phenomenon of having countless Awareness Days—are these celebrations helping us move forward, or just creating noise that distracts from truly impactful causes? Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/at-banter-podcast-episode-426-aebc-and-national-accessability-awareness-week.pdf Show Notes AEBC National AccessAbility Week Event http

This week Rob, Lis, Steve and Rob delves into the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting how it has recently sunk into the mainstream with more people using and embracing it, a shift from previous fear and skepticism. They discuss their personal experiences using AI for diverse tasks including asking questions, creating accessible programs like a screen reader-friendly audio recorder and a keyboard-controlled soundboard, and work functions such as comparing price lists, proofreading documents, and generating graphics. They also dive into AI's impact on Assistive Technology (AT), highlighting how mainstream devices incorporating AI, such as the Meta glasses with their live view feature, are becoming "game-changers" for the disability community, specifically benefiting those who are blind. Do they think that AI will eventually replace them? Will ChatGPT join the Hockey Pool? Listen now and find out! AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Angela Bonfanti, President and CEO of CNIB, to the podcast! Angela shares her personal journey and how her father’s experience with vision loss inspired her path, along with how she transitioned from the world of politics to leading one of Canada's most impactful disability organizations. We discuss CNIB's evolution, including the innovative Community Hubs and Mobile Hubs, and highlight the urgent need for improved mental health support for those experiencing vision loss. We even dive into the power of storytelling to shift public perceptions, the importance of collaboration across disability groups, and Angela’s passionate vision for a truly inclusive and accessible Canada. It’s a powerful conversation packed with insights, advocacy, and inspiration you don’t want to miss! Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/at-banter-podcast-episode-424-angela-bonfanti-cnib-ceo.pdf Show Notes CNIB https://www.cnib.ca/ AT Banter is brought to you by 

Rob, Ryan and Steve welcome Karen McKay and Ioana Gandrabur from the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) to the show this week to discuss some of the services CELA provides that includes a huge collection of accessible books—from embossed braille to audiobooks—to people with print disabilities across Canada. They also discuss how CELA is evolving their services and navigating a shift from traditional CDs to digital platforms, the critical role of stable internet access, why boosting technology literacy is more important than ever, and CELA’s creative outreach strategies to connect communities with accessible reading. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/at-banter-podcast-episode-423-karen-mckay-ioana.pdf Show Notes CELA https://celalibrary.ca/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or c

Buckle up as Rob, Ryan, and Lis dive into the thrilling world of blind car racing with guests Tony Labillois and Jean Labbé! Ahead of the 36th annual high-speed showdown on July 4th in Granby, Quebec, Tony and Jean share their excitement about competing in a unique event where 35 to 40 drivers—blind or blindfolded—battle it out for 10 adrenaline-packed laps, guided only by the instructions of their fearless co-pilots. But it's more than just high-octane action—it's about raising funds and awareness for the MIRA Foundation, dedicated to providing life-changing guide and service dogs to those who require them. Tony and Jean, who've already raised over $1,500, share their past racing experiences, the challenges of blindfolded driving, and why promoting accessibility and inclusion is so important to them. Fast cars, great laughs, and a great cause—don’t miss this one! Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/at-banter-podcast-episode-422-jean-and-tony.pdf Show Notes Défi-Vision 2

We are "beyond" excited this week to welcome the host and producer of the Blind and Beyond Radio Show, Michael and Lynn Golder. Michael, who went blind later in life, and his co-host and wife Lynn Golder discuss their show's history, which has been on air for 10 years and reaches 14 million listeners worldwide. We discuss a variety of topics, including the importance of the show’s goals of bridging the sighted and visually impaired communities, providing educational and entertaining content, and reducing fear and misconceptions about blindness. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/at-banter-podcast-episode-421-blind-beyond-radio-show.pdf Show Notes Blind & Beyond Radio Show https://www.blindandbeyondradioshow.org/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324 or v

Rob, Ryan, and Lis are joined this week by the delightful and outspoken Lucy Greco—YouTuber, Accessibility Evangelist, and champion of all things inclusive! Lucy shares the inside scoop on her advocacy work at the University of California, Berkeley, and her popular YouTube channel, where she reviews appliances and chats candidly with fellow blind creators. Together they dive into hot accessibility topics, from discussing why PDFs are often the villains of digital accessibility  to exploring the urgent need for stronger enforcement of accessibility laws. Lucy emphasizes the power of inclusive design, highlighting companies that get it right and calling out those that miss the mark. The conversation stresses why involving the disability community from the very beginning isn't just ethical—it's essential for good design. They also touch on how AI could revolutionize accessibility, but only if used responsibly and transparently. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/at-banter-

This week we’re going back to school as we welcome Kyle Brymer, a research associate at New Brunswick Community College to discuss the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in post-secondary education, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder. Kyle tells us about the project he is involved in that aims at improving campus accessibility using digital twins and real-time sensory data. The project, funded by the College and Community Social Innovation Fund, focuses on lighting, noise, and people density in the Fredericton campus and we discuss the broader implications of the project for accessibility along with accessibility in general on post secondary campuses. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/at-banter-podcast-episode-419-kyle-brymer.pdf Show Notes New Brunswick Community College https://nbcc.ca/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of know

This week, Rob, Ryan, Lis, and Steve welcome Jerred Mace, founder of OneCourt, a startup that’s revolutionizing how blind and low vision fans experience live sports. Forget nosebleed seats — OneCourt brings the action right to your fingertips with a device that looks like a laptop but feels like a courtside seat.  Using spatial haptics, fans can track ball and player movements in real time on a tactile surface  Jerred shares how it works, why it matters, and what’s coming next. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just here for the snacks and halftime show, this episode will have you cheering for the future of accessible sports. Go Sports! Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/at-banter-podcast-episode-418-jerred-mace-onecourt.pdf Show Notes OneCourt https://www.onecourt.io/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www

This week Rob, Steve, Ryan and Lis welcome guest Justine On Green, a blind music producer and songwriter from Vancouver. Justine shares her journey in the music industry, her work with top 40 artists, and her recent project with Jagpreet Bajwa. They discuss the state of accessible advancements in music production, the impact of AI on music, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. And because we love a good throwback, we get nostalgic AF about the good old days of vinyl and cassettes versus the modern convenience of Spotify and streaming services. Is progress always better? You decide! Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/at-banter-podcast-episode-417-justine-on-green.pdf Show Notes Blind B.C. woman combines tenacity with technology to realize musical dream https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/blind-bc-woman-combines-tenacity-with-technology-to-realize-musical-dream/ Justine On Green Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justineongreen/ Justine On Green on Appl

This week the gang gathers together to break from our regular format and once again partake in a bit of Good News (because boy, do we need it right now)! From the first person with a physical disability to be approved for a Space Station mission to mussels are being used to monitor water quality, we’ve got more good news that you can load onto a four foot pizza! Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/at-banter-podcast-episode-416-good-news-everyone.pdf Show Notes First Astronaut With A Disability Cleared For Space Station Mission https://www.positive.news/lifestyle/first-astronaut-with-a-disability-cleared-for-space-station-mission/ Pizza Delivery Driver GoFundMe https://www.today.com/food/people/pizza-deliver-driver-tip-snowstorm-gofundme-rcna190184 Clement Chou Akido GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-celebrate-my-aikido-milestones 10 Year Old Deaf Girl New Caption Glasses https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/10-year-old-deaf-girl-is-blown-away-with-new-caption-glasse

This week, Rob. Ryan and Steve welcome Tyler Fentie, the Accessible Gaming Lead at Neil Squire's Makers Making Change to discuss the growing importance of accessible gaming. Tyler explains the evolution of accessible gaming, the social benefits of gaming for people with disabilities, and the role of major game studios like Ubisoft and Eidos in integrating accessibility features and details the GAME (Gaming Accessibility Made for Everyone) Program, which supports gamers in Canada and helps create accessible gaming spaces. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/at-banter-podcast-episode-415-tyler-fentie-accessible-gaming.pdf Show Notes Makers Making Change https://www.makersmakingchange.com/s/ Neil Squire Society https://www.neilsquire.ca/ GAConf https://www.gaconf.com/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.can

This week Rob, Ryan, Steve, and Lis welcome Dr. Linda Mamer, to the show to share her extensive experience in teaching Deafblind and visually impaired students. They talk about the importance of Intervenors for the Deafblind, as well as how crucial it is for early intervention, family involvement, and technology in enhancing communication for children who are Deafblind. She also discusses the evolution of assistive technology and its transformative effects on students' lives. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/at-banter-podcast-episode-414-linda-mamer-deafblindness.pdf Show Notes Canadian Deafblind Association http://www.cdbabc.ca/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324 or visit their Assistive Technology Showroom at 106 – 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver. Need

In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Sharpe, CEO of Singular Hearing, to explore their groundbreaking app, HeardThat. Designed to transform a smartphone into a speech enhancement tool, HeardThat uses AI to separate speech from background noise, making conversations clearer in loud and chaotic environments. Bruce shares insights into the app's development, its practical applications in settings like noisy restaurants, and the introduction of features like recording capabilities for capturing important conversations. We also discuss the rapid advancements in AI technology and its promising future in revolutionizing hearing assistance. Show Notes Singular Hearing https://heardthat.ai/about-singular-hearing HeardThat https://heardthat.ai/ HeardThatPlus https://www.heardthat.plus/   AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call tol

This week, Ryan, Rob, and Steve sit down with Patrick Long, Co-founder and CEO of Innosearch, an innovative AI-powered platform revolutionizing accessibility for the visually impaired. Innosearch leverages cutting-edge AI and web scraping technology to streamline online shopping by eliminating unnecessary clutter and presenting only the most relevant information. It also features a built-in chatbot assistant to answer product-related questions in real time. And if that isn’t enough content for one week, we also audition a new cowbell – you won’t want to miss it! Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/at-banter-podcast-episode-412-innosearch.pdf Show Notes Innosearch https://www.innosearch.ai/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324 or visit their Assistive Technol

This week Rob and Ryan welcome Kimberly Parsley, a blind podcaster from Kentucky, to the show to discusses her podcast "Demand and Disrupt," which focuses on disability issues beyond blindness. She shares her personal journey including her rare genetic disorder, Von Hippel-Lindau, which led to her blindness and loss of hand function and we talk about the need for continuous advocacy, the balance between calling out and calling in organizations, the impact of younger advocates, and the potential for positive change in disability representation, and much, much more! Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/at-banter-podcast-episode-411-kimberley-parsley-and-demand-disrupt.pdf Show Notes Demand & Disrupt https://demand-and-disrupt.pinecast.co/ Avacado Press https://www.advocadopress.org/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit t