Change Makers: A Podcast from APH

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re continuing our series of spotlight episodes featuring the incredible cast of The Dot Experience. Tim Hornik, Visual Impairment Services Team coordinator at the Eastern Kansas VA, shares his story of losing his vision while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2004. He discusses his journey toward accepting blindness, navigating changes in his identity and career, and learning to embrace new possibilities. Through his experiences, Hornik highlights the importance of acceptance, resilience and finding ways to thrive after life-changing events.

On this podcast (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Tim Hornik, Cast Member for The Dot Experience

Additional Links

• The Dot Experience
• Email Change Makers

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)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Patrick Henry Hughes, The Dot Experience Cast Member

Additional 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

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Sugandha Gupta, The Dot Experience Cast Member.

Additional Links

• The Dot Experience Website
• Read The Dot Experience blog on Sugandha Gupta
• Sugandha Gupta website
• Sugandha Gupta Instagram
• Email 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

• Narrator
• Anthony Ferraro, The Dot Experience Cast Member
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager

Additional Links

• Read The Dot Experience blog about Anthony Ferraro
• Anthony Ferraro Instagram
• The Dot Experience website
• Email 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

• Narrator
• Marcus Engel, The Dot Experience Cast Member
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager

Additional Links

• Read The Dot Experience blog about Marcus Engel
• Marcus Engel website
• Marcus Engel LinkedIn profile
• The Dot Experience website
• Email 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

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Christine Ha, Cast Member for The Dot Experience, Owner of The Blind Goat and Stuffed Belly
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist

Additional Links

• Read The Dot Experience blog about Christine Ha
• Read the The Dot Experience Blog featuring Christine Ha
• Christine Ha Instagram: theblindcook
• Christine Ha Facebook: Theblindcook
• Christine Ha's website, The Blind Cook
• YouTube: Christine Ha: The Blind Winner Who Changed MasterChef Forever
• YouTube: The INCREDIBLE Story Of Christine Ha - The Blind Woman Who Won MasterChef
• AAF: Chef Christine Ha Brings Cultures and Flavors Together Around the Dinner Table
• Monarch Information
• Email 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

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• George Stern, The Dot Experience Cast Member and research assistant and doctoral candidate

Additional 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

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Justin Gardner, AFB Helen Keller Archivist at APH
• Tony Stephens, AFB Assistant Vice President for Communications
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist

Additional Links

• The Dot Experience
• AFB Helen Keller Archive
• American Foundation for the Blind
• AFB 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

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Dan Mancina, The Dot Experience Cast Member and Skateboarder

Additional Links

• Read The Dot Experience Blog featuring Dan Mancina
• The Dot Experience
• Dan Mancina on Instagram
• Email 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)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Chris Downey, The Dot Experience Cast Member, Founder and Owner of Architecture for the Blind
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Product Specialist

Additional Links

• Read The Dot Experience Blog featuring Chris Downey
• The Dot Experience website
• Architecture for the Blind website
• Email 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 Outreach
• Sarah Malaier, American Foundation for the Blind Senior Advisor of Public Policy and Research Institute
• Cynthia 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 website
• American Foundation for the Blind
• NCADEMI (pronounced "N-cademy") website
• A Primer on ADA Title II and WCAG for State Educational Agencies and School Districts
• Meeting the ADA Title II Web and Mobile Accessibility: A Roadmap for State and Local Educational Agencies
• Quality Indicators for the Provision and Use of Accessible Materials in PreK-12 Systems
• Including Accessibility in All Components of Procurement: A Guide for State Educational Agencies and School Districts
• EdTech 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)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Kathy Martinez, The Dot Experience Cast Member, Senior Advisor for Inclusively
• Jennifer Wenzel, Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, Technology Product Specialist

Additional Links

• Read The Dot Experience Blog featuring Chris Downey
• Email 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 Manager
• Christine Genovely, APH Braille Tales Coordinator
• Melissa Riccobono, Braille Specialist for American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults

Additional Links and Information

• Wordstock for Monarch
• Sign up for Braille Tales
• Donate to Braille Tales
• Sign up for Braille Books Program - American Action Fund
• American Action Fund can be contacted at 410-659-9315
• Email American Action Fund
• Email 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)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Gena Harper, Professional Athlete, Executive Business Woman
• Mike May, APH Consultant
• Jennifer Wenzel, Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, Technology Products Specialist

Additional links

• Indigo Nav App - Apple Store
• Indigo Nav App - Google Play Store
• Mike May's Podcast - The People Make the Places
• Gena Blind Woman of Action - Instagram
• Gena Blind Woman of Action - TikTok
• Gena@GenaHarper.com

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 Manager
• Mike May, APH Consultant
• Gena Harper, Professional Athlete, Executive Business Woman
• Jennifer Brooks, Braille Challenge Organizer, APH Outreach Regional Specialist

Additional Links

• Email Change Makers
• Gena Harper Instagram - genablindwomanofaction

On this episode of Change Makers enjoy an episode filled with innovation, insight, and practical tools to support learning and accessibility. Enjoy a close look at an exciting new release from APH Press... a book designed to make math more accessible, engaging, and achievable for all learners.

After that, we’ll shift our focus to technology with our monthly Tech Takeaway. This segment keeps you up to date on the latest tools and features designed to enhance your experience. This month, we’re diving into the Monarch 1.4 update, highlighting new features, improvements, and practical tips to help you get the most out of the platform.

At the end of the episode, hear about the recent Braille Challenge. Hear from a few participants before the challenge began.

On this episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Zach VandeZande, APH Press Managing Editor
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist
• Braille Challenge participants

Additional Links

• Accessible Mathematics Education for Students With Visual Impairments
• Meet Monarch
• Purchase a Monarch

On this episode of Change Makers enjoy a closer look at APH’s newest and modernized products. Hear from product experts about tools like BOP-K, Grid and Go, and Braille Bridge, all crafted to boost braille and tactile literacy. Discover how these innovations are changing the way learners engage with accessible materials.

On this episode (In order of appearance)

• Sarah Lee, Product Specialist
• Rachel Bishop, Braille Product Manager
• Karen Poppe, Braille and Tactile Literacy Manager
• Laura Zierer, Product Manager Over General Education and the Arts

Additional Links

• BOP K - Coming soon
• Grid and Go
• Grid and Go activity guide or booklet (PDF)
• Grid and Go activity guide or booklet (BRF)
• Braille Bridge
• Email Change Makers

The conversation continues with APH’s leadership team as they reflect on the challenges and momentum of 2025 and look ahead to a pivotal 2026. Hear leaders discuss the growing urgency of digital accessibility in education, the expansion of the Monarch platform, the rise of eBraille, and the upcoming opening of The Dot Experience as a major public-facing milestone.

The conversation highlights resilience, courage, and a recommitment to APH’s mission amid rapid technological change. Hear personal reflections, including Craig Meador’s thoughts as he prepares for retirement and the importance of continuing to push forward rather than pulling back.

We wrap up with a Tech Takeaway focused on Monarch’s one-handed mode, showcasing how inclusive design expands access for a wider range of users.

On this episode (in alphabetical order)

• Jo Haas, Vice President of Advancement and The Dot Experience
• Anne Lancaster, Vice President, Chief Officer, Innovation and Strategy
• Craig Meador, Ed. D., APH President
• Paul Schroeder, Vice President of Impact and Outreach
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Product Specialist

On this two-part series, we’re talking with APH’s leadership about the moments that defined 2025. The wins, the challenges, and everything in between. Plus, we’ll take a look at what’s coming next as we head into 2026

On this episode (in alphabetical order)

• Jo Haas, Vice President of Advancement and The Dot Experience
• Anne Lancaster, Vice President, Chief Officer, Innovation and Strategy
• Craig Meador, Ed. D., APH President
• Paul Schroeder, Vice President of Impact and Outreach