AI, Accessibility, and the Joy of Gaming Without Sight

Discover how blind and visually impaired gamers are reshaping the future of accessible gaming, as Aaron Spelker shares his journey from vision loss to building a thriving gaming community and publishing novels. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece sit down with Aaron Spelker, a lifelong gamer who lost his sight suddenly and refused to give up on the hobby he loved. Aaron explains how he navigated the isolation of vision loss, rediscovered gaming through iOS and voiceover-accessible titles, and went on to create the “Mobile Accessible Games” community, now with thousands of members. He shares insights into 250+ blind-accessible game reviews, the growing role of AI in enhancing game accessibility, and how gaming can dramatically improve mental health. The conversation also dives into his unexpected career as an author of sci-fi and pandemic-themed novels, inspired by vivid dreams, and touches on the potential of modding and AI to open up genres like RPGs and first-person shooters to blind players. Relevant Links Mobile Accessible Games Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/492714638815312 Aaron Spelker’s “The Bubonic Reorder”: https://www.amazon.com/BUBONIC-REORDER-Aaron-M-Spelker-ebook/dp/B097Q4HCX3/ref=sr_1_1 Aaron Spelker’s “Eclipse Meridian”: https://www.amazon.com/Eclipse-Meridian-Aaron-M-Spelker-ebook/dp/B0H231NJPB/ref=sr_1_1 ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedinSubscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheartAbout Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.