Blind Bargains

BBQ Special: CSUN AT 30


Welcome to our first in a line of Assistive Technology history specials. J.J. and Joe believe that having a firm foothold on our collective adaptive past ensures a well-grounded perspective on what technology holds for us in the future. With that in mind, our duo traveled to San Diego in March to capture some thoughts of those in the industry at the celebration of the 30th CSUN conference.

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by HIMS, who would like to remind you that "Your needs are our solutions". Check out the E-Bot Video Magnifier, the Blaze EZ reading solution, the new Smart Beetle Braille Display and more by visiting the HIMS website. Or, follow them on Twitter.

In this episode we will hear from those who had a firsthand perspective of the inaugural conference. Marc Stenzil of Enhanced Vision
And James McCarthy of HIMS were both at the first event which seemed to be a tad smaller than those held today.

We will then take a listen to some memorable interviews from J.J. s past coverage as he looks back at the debuts of amazing technology. Jeremi Sudol of LookTel shows us an app for iOS that would go on to be very popular after the time of this recording. Gord Hudek of Ambutech demonstrates mobility solutions that have to be heard to be believed.

Continuing in the vain of travel, EO Guidage s Fabrice Mercier demonstrates traffic signals that are a bit more than pedestrian in nature. Then J.J. takes a game break with Jim Denham of Ananse Productions.
Lastly, for this portion of our look back at Blind Bargains Audio past, J.J. meets Jamie Teh and Mick Curran to discuss an obscure little project called NV Access.

Returning to modern times, Joe grabs the soon to be retired Vinnie Rapa from Humanware to talk about how CSUN has changed from the classroom campus of Northridge to the sprawling exhibit halls of San Diego. Tony Schenk of Enabling Technologies also remembers many conferences over the years and he gives his thoughts to J.J. on what sticks out in his mind as being memorable times at the event.
APH s own Larry Skutchan has attended quite a few CSUNs over the past 30 years and he provides J.J. with his perspective of the game changers that have redefined the devices we use today.
Our last interview finds Joe discussing crazy booth antics of previous CSUN exhibit halls with Jeff Bazer and Gareth Collins of Dolphin Computer Access.

And, for our finale, J.J. demonstrates why most people use a certain piece of technology in a non sober state rather than attempting to perform such an act while level-headed in a public place. Tune in to hear that and more in our first AT History show.

NFB and ACB are just a few months away. Is there someone you would like us to interview for AT History 2? Drop us a line in an email to feedback@blindbargains.com, or post your thoughts below in the comment section on the persons you would like to hear us talk to next.

Listen to the File


File size: 77.6MB
Length: 87:23

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Category: Shows
Displaying 2 comments.
Bargain Hound Wednesday, 06-May-2015 4:11 PM ET:

The only way I knew that the special was available was from a friend who uses Twitter. I use no social media and I am not alone in this choice. There used to be Samnet Users' Forum posts when new podcasts were available, please also return to this habit, as well as timely mention on our Samnet home page. Thanks. Beth


J.J. Wednesday, 06-May-2015 4:13 PM ET:

Our podcasts have nothing to do with SAM Net which is why you're not seeing them there. We have no association with that network. If you want to be notified of new podcasts, you might consider our daily deals newsletter where new posts are Emailed daily.


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Joe Steinkamp is no stranger to the world of technology, having been a user of video magnification and blindness related electronic devices since 1979. Joe has worked in radio, retail management and Vocational Rehabilitation for blind and low vision individuals in Texas. He has been writing about the A.T. Industry for 15 years and podcasting about it for almost a decade.


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