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  • Sam Proulx Part 3: how Fable is Building Web Accessibility Beyond Compliance

    Sam Proulx Part 3: how Fable is Building Web Accessibility Beyond Compliance
    Jan 12 2026

    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan sits down with Sam Proulx to dig deep into Fable, a company helping major brands improve web accessibility through real testing by people with disabilities. Sam explains what Fable is, how it started in Canada, and how it grew from a small group of screen reader users into a multinational accessibility testing community that now includes people who use screen magnification, alternative navigation methods (switch control, eye gaze, voice dictation), and more.

    Sam and Evan talk about why accessibility can’t stop at checkbox compliance, and why real usability and joy matter just as much as meeting standards. Sam shares a helpful analogy: requirements are like building codes for architects—essential, but not enough to create something people actually enjoy using. They also explore how accessibility needs change based on context (banking vs social media vs gaming), and why “fit for purpose” matters.

    Later, Sam breaks down how companies work with Fable through subscriptions (with monthly requests that don’t roll over to encourage ongoing testing) or project-based engagements for agencies and smaller orgs. He also explains how individuals can join the Fable testing community, what training looks like, how requests are offered, and why the waitlist exists (so testers actually get meaningful paid work). The conversation closes with a strong message about networking, disability employment, and building accessible futures—together with allies.


    • Join Fable’s tester community: makeitfable.com/community
    • Learn about Fable: makeitfable.com
    • (Mentioned) Community page path: makeitfable.com/community (and “/slash community” as spoken)

    Aftersight / Blind Level Tech feedback:

    • Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    • Phone: 720-712-8856




    Show Credits

    Show: Blind Level Tech (Aftersight Original)
    Host: Evan Starnes
    Guest: Samuel “Sam” Proulx (Fable)
    Organization Mentioned: Fable (web accessibility testing and auditing)

    producer: Evan Starnes

    • (00:00) - — Holiday intro + setting up the episode
    • (01:56) - — What is Fable?
    • (02:33) - — How Fable started (founders + early days)
    • (06:23) - — Expanding the disability testing community
    • (10:35) - — Beyond WCAG: accessible and enjoyable
    • (12:22) - — “Fit for purpose” accessibility
    • (14:35) - — How companies engage Fable (subscriptions + requests)
    • (16:56) - — Project-based testing + agency model
    • (19:23) - — Balancing disability leadership with allies
    • (24:42) - — How to join Fable as a tester
    • (32:14) - — Where accessibility is heading
    • (33:55) - — Wrap-up + networking + disability employment
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    44 Min.
  • Samuel Proulx Part 2: AI as Your Co-Pilot (Not Your Autopilot)

    Samuel Proulx Part 2: AI as Your Co-Pilot (Not Your Autopilot)
    Dec 17 2025
    Episode Overview In this second installment with Samuel Proulx, Evan dives into a spontaneous but incredibly rich conversation about artificial intelligence, accessible software development, gaming accessibility, and the tech setups that empower Sam's everyday work at Fable. This episode picks up during a tangent from last week's discussion — originally meant to be a single interview — where Sam and Evan explore how AI is reshaping workflows for blind creators, programmers, and everyday users. Sam shares meaningful insights about AI as a tool, not a replacement: something that makes hard tasks easier, supports experimentation, and extends the work of human developers rather than taking over. Along the way, Sam breaks down his personal tech stack — from the Orbit 20 braille display to mechanical keyboards, auto-tracking cameras, Microsoft Surface devices, and even the fully modular Framework laptop he tinkers with for fun. Evan and Sam also trade stories about inaccessible software, auto-generated summaries, gaming mods powered by AI, and the practical limitations of note-takers that don't always pick up every speaker fairly. The conversation wraps with a fun bit about using AI for household troubleshooting… including the time Sam repaired his own washing machine with help from a model, and Evan recounts AI correctly identifying dishwasher lights. Part three arrives next week and focuses entirely on Fable’s web accessibility platform, so don’t miss it. Contact Info Questions, feedback, or episode ideas? Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: 720-712-8856 Producer Contact: Evan Starnes: evan@aftersight.org 720-826-0569 Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro + context for part two with Samuel Proulx 02:20 — Tech setups: work vs. personal gear 07:00 — When accessibility software falls short 09:20 — How AI scales developer work & removes monotonous tasks 11:45 — Why AI needs direction: “junior developer” analogy 13:00 — AI for note-taking & why human oversight still matters 15:42 — Riverside summaries, styles, and author voice 16:48 — AI as an assistant, not the boss 18:40 — Closing remarks + teaser for part three
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    19 Min.
  • Samuel Proulx Part 1: An Introduction, Some Assistive Tech History, and How Blind/Low-vision People Drive Mainstream Tech

    Samuel Proulx Part 1: An Introduction, Some Assistive Tech History, and How Blind/Low-vision People Drive Mainstream Tech
    Dec 10 2025
    ## Summary
    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes welcomes Sam Proulx from Fable, a leading international web accessibility testing company. They discuss Sam's unique upbringing with a blind father who worked at IBM, exploring the evolution of assistive technology and its impact on the blind/low-vision community. The conversation highlights the role of blind individuals in pioneering innovations like text-to-speech and GPS, and the importance of preserving accessibility history.
    Chapters
    • 00:02:03 Introduction and Apology for Last Episode
    • 00:05:10 Introduction to Sam Prew and Fable
    • 00:08:30 Sam's Early Exposure to Technology
    • 00:13:00 The Evolution of Assistive Technology
    • 00:18:00 Challenges in Accessibility Advocacy
    • 00:23:00 The Role of Blind Innovators
    • 00:28:00 Conclusion and Future Episodes

    Contact Info:
    Guest Contact: samuel@makeitfable.com
    Feedback for Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org
    voicemail: 720-712-8856 General questions: contact@aftersight.org
    Produced By: Evan Starnes
    Lead Producer: Jonathan Price
    An Aftersight Original Podcast
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    34 Min.
  • BLT's 2025 Holiday Tech Guide!

    BLT's 2025 Holiday Tech Guide!
    Dec 4 2025
    1) Episode Summary
    This fun, high-energy December episode of Blind Level Tech brings Evan back for the annual Top 10 Tech Gadgets Holiday Special. Evan kicks things off with Christmas music, eggnog confessions, and the joy of seasonal treats before diving into uniquely accessible and creative gifts.
    He recaps Colorado Gives Day and thanks donors for getting Aftersight to 27% of the $15,000 goal. Then he unveils 10 curated gadgets—from accessible power banks and 32-bit float recorders to cat trackers, drones, soundbars, navigation pouches, and mug warmers—complete with pricing, use cases, and search terms so listeners can easily find them.
    This episode blends accessibility, tech curiosity, and holiday cheer, helping listeners discover practical stocking stuffers and standout gadgets for the season.

    2) Contact Info
    Guest / Organization Mentions
    AT Guys — Assistive tech retailer
    Website: https://atguys.com
    Colorado Gives Day
    https://coloradogives.org/organizations/Aftersight
    Aftersight Contact Information
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Website: https://aftersight.org
    Producer
    Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight

    3) Show Credits
    Host: Evan Starnes
    Producer: Jonathan Price
    Executive Production: Aftersight
    Mixing & Post-Production: Aftersight Studios
    A Blindsight/Blind Level Tech Original Production by Aftersight

    4) Chapter Markers
    00:00 — Opening & Holiday Season Chat
    01:40 — Colorado Gives Day Update
    03:15 — Intro to the Top 10 Gadgets List
    04:50 — AT Guys Accessible Power Banks
    07:00 — Zoom H1 Essential Recorder
    08:55 — Navi Hands-Free Navigation Pouch
    09:55 — TabCat Tracking System
    11:40 — Anker MagGo Power Bank
    13:10 — Vizio 200M Soundbar 15:10 — Corsair HS80/HS80 Max Headset
    16:40 — Akutani Coffee Mug Warmer
    18:35 — Blink Video Doorbell
    20:55 — Holystone Indoor Nano Drone 23:00 — Closing Remarks & Holiday Sign-Off
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    24 Min.
  • End of the Month Tech News and Updates for November

    End of the Month Tech News and Updates for November
    Nov 26 2025
    Its time for your mainstream and assistive tech updates for the end of the month.
    Summary
    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes shares the latest updates in assistive technology, personal experiences with new devices, and insights into accessibility in retail environments. The episode also highlights significant tech news, including updates from Apple and Vispero, and encourages listeners to support Colorado Gives Day.
    Support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day on December 9.
    visit the Colorado Gives Website at coloradogives.org
    Find Aftersight's Colorado Gives page at coloradogives.org/organizations/aftersight
    Questions or feedback?
    email: feedback@aftersight.org leave a voicemail at 720-712-8856 for General inquiries, email contact@aftersight.org. Producer: Evan Starnes An Aftersight Original Podcast
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    21 Min.
  • BLT Bite: A Demonstration of Haylo Fi

    BLT Bite: A Demonstration of Haylo Fi
    Nov 25 2025
    On this BLT Bite, Andrew Babbin and Liam Haily walk us through a short demo of Haylo Fi, which you can learn more about by listening to last weeks episode.
    Andrew shows us how easy it is to get info like your account ballence, as well as other info like the amount of money spent on things like groceries.
    We also discuss future plans for Haylo Fi, including the ability to build a budget, all by voice.
    Learn more and explore Haylo Fi by visiting halofiapp.com
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    4 Min.
  • Andrew Babin and Liam Hally: Staying On Top of your Money with Halofi

    Andrew Babin and Liam Hally: Staying On Top of your Money with Halofi
    Nov 19 2025
    summary
    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes discusses the innovative financial technology platform Halo Fi with its developers, Andrew Babin and Liam Haley. The conversation covers their personal journeys, the inspiration behind Halo Fi, and the importance of accessibility in finance. They delve into the unique voice-driven features of the app, its potential to bridge the accessibility gap for low vision users, and the future of AI in finance. The episode concludes with advice for newcomers in finance and AI, emphasizing the importance of taking action and problem-solving skills.

    Learn more and get involved with Halo Fi at https://halofiapp.com/
    Support Aftersight this Colorado Gives Day at coloradogives.org
    questions or feedback for Aftersight?
    email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Feedback Line: 720-712-8856
    website: aftersight.org
    Producer: Evan Starnes
    An Aftersight Original Podcast
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    30 Min.
  • Patrick Long: Cofounter of Innosearch, Making Websites Intuitive as well as Compliant

    Patrick Long: Cofounter of Innosearch, Making Websites Intuitive as well as Compliant
    Nov 12 2025
    This week on BLT, we chat with Patrick Long, co-founder of InnoSearch, a platform designed to enhance online shopping experiences for individuals with blindness and low vision. Patrick shares his journey into the tech world, inspired by personal experiences with family members losing their vision. The conversation delves into the importance of usability over mere compliance with accessibility standards, the innovative features of InnoSearch, including AI integration and a co-browse feature, and the future roadmap for the platform.
    to get started with Innosearch, visit https://www.innosearch.ai/
    To try CoBrouse for yourself, visit the Eyes On Success website at eyesonsuccess.net
    Have questions or feedback for Aftersight?
    email: feedback@aftersight.org
    voicemail: 720-712-8856
    general contact: contact@aftersight.org
    Aftersight website: https://aftersight.org/
    Producer: Evan Starnes
    An Aftersight Original Podcast
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    20 Min.