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ImpacTech Podcast – Exploring the Future of Blindness Tech: Insights from Brandon Biggs and John McInerney (Part 1)

April 23, 2025 by michelle

Episode Summary

In this special crossover episode of ImpacTech and Assistive Technology Update, we’re thrilled to bring you a dynamic conversation with Brandon Biggs, creator of Audiom—an innovative audio-based map viewer designed for blind and visually impaired users—and John McInerney, an IMPACT mentor and expert in engineering and accessibility. Hosted by Dr. Mary Goldberg and Josh Anderson, this episode dives into the unique challenges of accessible mapping, the future of blindness tech, and the journey of taking research-backed products like Audiom to market. Along the way, we explore how differing perspectives shape the design and user experience of assistive technologies. Join us as we uncover insights, innovation, and the collaborative spirit that drives the development of groundbreaking assistive technology.

Episode Notes

Host(s): Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Josh Anderson, Program Director, Assistive Technology Specialist for Easter Seals Crossroads, and Host of Assistive Technology Update
Guest(s): Brandon Biggs, CEO of XR Navigation; John McInerney, IMPACT Mentor and Board Member

IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter 
Easter Seals Crossroads | Website
Assistive Technology Update | Website, Podcast Apple Page
XR Navigation | LinkedIn, Website

Transcript | Word Doc,  PDF

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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Funding Acknowledgment

IMPACT initiatives are being developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPKT0012). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). IMPACT initiatives do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

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