Knowledge Beyond Definitions: When Technology Becomes Essential Access - Audio Only

In this episode of Blind Techie Geek Speaks, host Kathleen Masciana, an online philosophy graduate student at Holy Apostles College and Seminary, explores the Digital Opt-Out movement and LAUSD's strict new screen time policies through the lens of disability access. Kathleen examines how technology bans impact students with disabilities who rely on assistive devices like Braille computers and phones as essential learning tools. She discusses her accommodations, including using a Braille computer to write papers and read textbooks. She uses a phone to access the learning management system and submit assignments. She also uses an analog recording device with no internet to read assignments aloud and submit audio-based work in place of visual materials. Kathleen also tackles the philosophical question of whether knowledge exists beyond definitions and tautologies. This is an audio-only episode. Listen to hear how these accommodations enable access to education and why the conversation about technology in schools must include disability perspectives. To learn more about the trend and the policy, read the articles here. https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/parents-opt-kids-school-laptops-ask-pen-paper-rcna257158 https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-06-23/lausd-strict-school-screen-time-limits