Ireland vs USA for accessibility: David Redmond Part 2

Penn and Moses welcome David Redmond from Vision Ireland for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about accessibility in everyday life—from airports and public transit to the awkward magic of speed dating. David shares how he navigates disclosure on dating apps, why voice and character matter more than looks, and how Ireland’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act is already nudging banks, apps, and services toward better design. The trio contrasts EU momentum with current U.S. headwinds around the ADA, then zooms out: universal design lifts everyone, and today’s tech (including AI) is expanding what’s possible for blind and low-vision folks—yes, even flying and autonomous vehicles. Quick updates include Aftersight’s Code Orange launch and details for the Sept 13 Boulder hike. Contact Info Guest — David Redmond / Vision Ireland: vi.ie • Podcast: Talking Technology with VI Aftersight: [email protected] • (720) 712-8856 • aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Show Credits A production of Aftersight. Host: Penn Street • Co-Host: Moses Street Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland) Producer: Jonathan Price Chapter Markers 00:00 — Show open & welcome 00:35 — Producer update: Code Orange + Sept 13 hike 02:22 — Travel abroad: airports, transit, and accessibility 04:41 — Dating apps: to disclose or not? 06:58 — Speed dating made accessible 09:25 — When disclosure lands… or doesn’t 11:47 — First impressions, voices, and character 14:07 — What makes a voice attractive 16:31 — Ireland’s European Accessibility Act goes live 18:52 — U.S. ADA worries and cultural whiplash 21:12 — Global ripple effects & corporate compliance 23:21 — “Blind people can do anything” — new frontiers 25:40 — Public-service mindset: why shows like this matter 28:01 — CTAs: hike details, how to connect with Aftersight