{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The $20 Accessibility Hack Every Blind Person Should Know","description":"Freek van Welsenis, founder of Hable, joins the show to share how a simple idea\u2014helping a blind grandfather use a smartphone\u2014grew into a global company creating affordable assistive technology used in over 60 countries. With a background in engineering and a lifelong connection to disability through his family, Freek brings both technical insight and real-world empathy to everything Hable builds. In this episode, we dive into Hable\u2019s newest innovation: Speechlabel, a labeling system that combines a free app with physical tags to let you identify anything using audio or text. From leftovers in your fridge to clothes in your closet, this tool solves everyday challenges that AI alone can\u2019t. We also talk about the Hable One braille keyboard, the company\u2019s mission to keep accessibility affordable, and how a small team is making a global impact. You\u2019ll walk away with a clear understanding of how Speechlabel works, why affordability in assistive tech matters, and how small, practical tools can dramatically improve independence. Freek also shares insights into product design, real-world use cases, and what\u2019s next for Hable\u2014including tactile solutions that could make everyday environments more accessible. What You\u2019ll Learn How Speechlabel lets you identify everyday items using audio notes The difference between NFC and QR-style labels\u2014and when to use each Why affordability is one of the biggest barriers in assistive tech How the Hable One transforms smartphone use with a braille interface Real-world use cases for labeling food, clothing, and household items Guest Links Website: https:\/\/iamhable.com  Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hableone  YouTube: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@hable  Facebook: facebook.com\/HableOne TikTok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@hableone   Read more at https:\/\/www.whitecanesconnect.com\/152\/.           NFB National Convention July 3-8 in Austin This year\u2019s National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at https:\/\/nfb.org\/convention. Call 800-627-7468 to book your room. The main hotel is the JW Marriott. The spillover hotel is the Austin Marriott Downtown. Use the room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive the convention room rate. Donate to the NFB of PA Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http:\/\/www.supportpablind.org.  Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus.  It\u2019s available on the affiliate\u2019s YouTube Channel at https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday. Contact White Canes Connect Email us at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495. ","author_name":"White Canes Connect","author_url":"https:\/\/www.whitecanesconnect.com","html":"