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, https://www.theaccessibilityadvantage.com/, 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
- Making Podcast Players Accessible: Discover how tools like WAVES and AudioEye can help ensure your podcast players are accessible.
- 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: 37% of people under 35 prefer content with captions. Maxwell shares why every podcaster should consider adding this option.
- Maximizing Your Accessibility Efforts
Links and Resources Mentioned:
WAVES Accessibility Tool
AudioEye
Maxwell’s podcast picks:
Michael Babcock Podcast
"Podcasting Made Simple" by Alex Sanfilippo
Follow Maxwell Ivy on Social media:
LinkedIn - The Blind blogger Maxwell Ivy
Instagram - theblindblogger
Facebook - Maxwell Ivey Jr
Twitter - @maxwellivey
Youtube - @MaxwellIvey
Technology in podcasting that assists visually impaired podcasters - Interlink 360 Video Camera
Podcast event organizers that fosters inclusivity - Podfest
A platform for connecting podcast hosts with potential guests - PodMatch
This 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!

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