Change Makers: A Podcast from APH

Hosted by American Printing House

Business Technology

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Episodes

132

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

American Printing House has a big goal: a future that belongs to everyone. For more than 160 years APH has created products that provide access for people who are blind or low vision. To create a world that welcomes everyone, we know it's going to take a lot of change makers. Join us as we highlight the people who are making the biggest difference in our field. We'll talk to everyone from CEOs to students. Know someone we should highlight? Email communications@aph.org.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 13, 2026Episode 15032 min

Cast Member Spotlight: Marcus Engel

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 Marcus Engel website Marcus Engel LinkedIn profile The Dot Experience website Email Change Makers

July 23, 2026Episode 14929 min

Cast Member Spotlight: Christine Ha

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 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

July 9, 2026Episode 14825 min

Cast Member Spotlight: George Stern

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 The Dot Experience Blog featuring George Stern

June 25, 2026Episode 14726 min

Celebrating Helen Keller's Birthday

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

June 11, 2026Episode 14618 min

Cast Member Spotlight: Dan Mancina

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 The Dot Experience Blog featuring Dan Mancina The Dot Experience Dan Mancina on Instagram Email Change Makers

May 28, 2026Episode 14543 min

Cast Member Spotlight: Chris Downey

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 The Dot Experience Blog featuring Chris Downey The Dot Experience website Architecture for the Blind website Email Change Makers

May 14, 2026Episode 14441 min

ADA Title II Ruling: What it Means

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

April 23, 2026Episode 14336 min

Cast Member Spotlight: Kathy Martinez

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 The Dot Experience Blog featuring Chris Downey Email Change Makers

April 9, 2026Episode 14232 min

Building Braille Futures: Games and Books

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

March 26, 2026Episode 14132 min

2026 CES Review Part 2 & Tech Takeaway

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