Breaking Barriers: Making Your Podcast Accessible with the Blind Blogger

Have you ever thought about how your podcast sounds to a visually impaired listener? Or how small changes could make a big impact on inclusivity? If not, you’re in for an eye-opening conversation. In this episode, host Mathew Passy sits down with Maxwell Ivey, affectionately known as the Blind Blogger, to share powerful, practical ways to make podcasts more accessible to everyone.Maxwell, an accessibility advocate and founder of Accessibility Advantage, has devoted his life to helping others experience the digital world without barriers. Despite being visually impaired due to retinitis pigmentosa, Maxwell’s expertise in digital accessibility is unparalleled. Known for his insightful guidance, he’s here to teach us why accessibility isn’t just a checkbox but a way to connect with listeners more meaningfully.What’s in it for you? Providing audio descriptions, accessible website navigation, and alternative text can forge a stronger bond with your listeners, increasing loyalty and expanding your reach. Maxwell covers it all—from why transcripts boost accessibility and SEO to the power of captions for broader engagement.In This Episode, We Cover:The Impact of Audio Descriptions Maxwell explains how describing visual elements during your recordings can deepen the experience for visually impaired audiences, allowing them to feel fully included in your content.Making Podcast Players Accessible Discover how tools like WAVES and AudioEye can help ensure your podcast players are accessible, with properly labeled buttons and controls that work seamlessly with screen readers.Designing for Simplicity Simplifying your website’s navigation and adding alternative text for images makes it easier for people using adaptive technologies—and helps your SEO game, too.The Power of Transcripts and Closed Captions Transcripts aren’t just for accessibility; they also cater to younger audiences, with 37% of people under 35 preferring content with captions. Maxwell shares why every podcaster should consider adding this option.Maximizing Your Accessibility Efforts From consulting with clients to continuous improvements, Maxwell discusses how to approach accessibility as an ongoing practice that strengthens audience relationships and shows commitment to inclusivity.Links and Resources Mentioned:WAVES Accessibility ToolAudioEyeMaxwell’s podcast picks:Michael Babcock Podcast"Podcasting Made Simple" by Alex SanfilippoFollow Maxwell Ivy on Social media: LinkedIn - The Blind blogger Maxwell IvyInstagram - theblindbloggerFacebook - Maxwell Ivey JrTwitter - @maxwelliveyYoutube - @MaxwellIveyTechnology in podcasting that assists visually impaired podcasters - Interlink 360 Video Camera Podcast event organizers that fosters inclusivity - PodfestA platform for connecting podcast hosts with potential guests - PodMatchThis episode is essential for podcasters committed to inclusivity. Join us to learn how small changes can make a huge difference in making podcasting accessible to all. Let’s make the podcasting world a welcoming place for everyone—tune in now!**As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases of podcasting gear from Amazon.com. We also participate in affiliate programs with many of the software services mentioned on our website. If you purchase something through the links we provide, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The team at Podcasting Tech only recommends products and services that we would use ourselves and that we believe will provide value to our viewers and readers.**For additional resources and insights visit podcastingtech.com or follow us on social media:Instagram: @mathewpassy LinkedIn - /mathewpassyThreads: @mathewpassyTwitter/X: @mathewpassyFacebook - /podcastingtech, /mathewpassyPODCASTING TECH IS POWERED BY:Captivate - Easy, professional podcast hosting to create, grow and make money from your podcastsPodpage - Build a beautiful podcast website in 5 minutesRiverside.fm - Record Podcasts And Videos From AnywhereCastmagic - 10x Audio Content With AI Hostinger for WebsitePodgagement - Engage your audience and grow your podcast!EQUIPMENT IN USE:Rodecaster Pro 1st Gen (No longer available). Consider the Rodecaster Duo or Rodecaster Pro II EV RE20 with 309a Shockmount Rode PSA1+iPhone continuity camera but previously the Logitech Brio 4k DCMEKA In-Ear MonitorsBusyBox Smart Sign