At Banter Podcast

Get ready for a double dose of laughs and insight as the Limitless Podcast and AT Banter join forces for the inaugural episode of Limitless Banter! Guest host Shawn Marsolais (Blind Beginnings, Limitless Podcast) teams up with Ryan Fleury and Steve Barclay for a lively podcast crossover featuring the one and only Jennie Bovard, star of AMI’s comedy series, Pretty Blind. Dive behind the scenes as Jennie shares hilarious stories from set, reveals how real-life moments inspired the show’s characters. From goalball shenanigans and Pirate themed board games to the challenges (and triumphs) of authentic disability representation, this episode is packed with candid conversation, plenty of banter, and a few surprise confessions. Plus discover the local music powering Pretty Blind, get the inside scoop on what’s next for Jennie, and find out which iconic Canadian show the crew wants to crossover with next! Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/at-banter-podcast-episode-437-pretty-b

Get ready to blast off into the fascinating intersection of science, music, and accessibility! In this episode of AT Banter, the crew welcomes astrophysicist and musician Dr. Matt Russo, who’s turning the cosmos into a symphony through the magic of data sonification. Discover how planetary orbits, star brightness, and much more can be transformed into captivating soundscapes. Dr. Russo shares his journey from jazz guitar to astrophysics, explains the art and science behind sonification, and reveals how this innovative approach is making astronomy more accessible for everyone—including people who are blind or visually impaired. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/at-banter-podcast-episode-436-sonifying-the-universe-with-dr.-matt-russo.pdf Show Notes Dr. Matt Russo Online https://www.astromattrusso.com/ System Sounds https://www.system-sounds.com/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessib

Join Rob, Ryan, and Lis as they welcome back Carrie Morales from ‘Carrie On Accessibility’ for an eye-opening discussion about AI wearables. From Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses to the upcoming Echovision, we explore how emerging technologies are revolutionizing accessibility for the blind and visually impaired community. Packed with insider insights, tech predictions, and the team's trademark humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of assistive tech. Discover the pros, cons, and potential of AI-powered glasses that are changing lives one description at a time! Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/at-banter-podcast-episode-435-carrie-morales-meta.pdf Show Notes Carrie On Accessibility https://carrieonaccessibility.com/ Carrie’s Interview with Agiga https://youtu.be/5raHFE58RpA?si=DAR6BPlpAZKmrVmk AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 year

This week on the show, Rob, Ryan, and Lis are joined by the multi-talented Tamara Vandendool Cable who is a musician, educator, disability advocate, and the creative force behind Unsightly Opinions and Odyssey Music. Tamara shares her journey from academia to advocacy, opening up about the challenges of creating meaningful, accessible content about her lived experiences. A passionate champion for accessible music education, Tamara also shines a light on the barriers students with disabilities face in learning music, highlighting the limitations of tools like music Braille and makes a compelling case for affordable, innovative solutions that can empower all learners. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/at-banter-podcast-episode-434-tamara-vandendool.pdf Show Notes Unsightly Opinions https://www.unsightlyopinion.com/ Odyssey Music https://odysseymusic.ca/ AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology an

Get ready for an epic dive into the world of accessible gaming and computer control! This week we're joined by Mike Hazelwood from SensePilot, who's revolutionizing how people interact with computers using nothing more than a standard webcam. Imagine controlling your PC and fragging enemies in Call of Duty just by moving your head and making facial gestures - no special hardware required! We'll explore how this family-driven startup is breaking barriers in assistive technology, with hilarious tangents about fishing, AI, and Steve's dreams of shooting virtual bad guys by going "bang, bang, bang".  Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/at-banter-podcast-episode-433-mike-hazelwood-sensepilot.pdf Show Notes SensePilot https://sensepilot.tech/ 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

This week, Rob and Ryan dive into the world of digital accessibility with special guest Noah Senecal-Junkeer, Co-founder of Easy Surf. Noah shares his deeply personal journey living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and how his own challenges using tools like speech recognition software inspired him to help reshape digital access for others. They discuss how Easy Surf is changing the game, literally. From website audits to playtesting video games, Easy Surf’s team of testers with lived experience is proving that accessibility is better when it’s built-in from the start, not bolted on later. They also tackle the real-world limitations of current tech, and how emerging tools like AI could redefine what accessible digital experiences look like. Whether you’re a developer, a gamer, or someone just trying to make the digital world more inclusive, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and the reminder that accessibility is innovation. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads

This week on AT Banter, Rob, Ryan, and Lis are joined by the one and only Kelly McDonald, beloved AMI radio and television host, for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation about the end of an era and the start of an exciting new chapter. After eight and a half amazing years, Kelly and Company is signing off, leaving behind an incredible legacy: 2,000 episodes, 900 guests, and 1,300 community reports! Kelly shares behind-the-scenes stories, what the show meant to the community, and what’s next with his brand-new show Reflections—a deep-dive, documentary-style series launching this September. We also chat about how media is evolving in the age of streaming and remote work, and why audio description, accessibility, and authentic representation are more important than ever. Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/at-banter-podcast-episode-431-kelly-macdonald.pdf Show Notes AMI on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/AccessibleMedia Kelly & Company on YouTube https://www.yout

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