The Eko Lens Podcast

In this episode of The Eko Lens Podcast, Kenisha sits down with Dr. Ana Mendez Zamora a blind MPH candidate at Johns Hopkins University and intern at Eko Vision Foundation, who shares her powerful journey from sudden vision loss due to cancer to becoming an advocate and innovator in accessibility.

Ana opens up about navigating life after blindness, the gaps in support for those newly adjusting, and how she turned her experience into purpose. We also explore the role of AI in assistive technology and what the future of accessibility should look like.

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In this episode of The Eko Lens Podcast, host Kenisha sits down with Julie Gritzmacher, Director of Patient Advocacy and Population Health Initiatives at Prevent Blindness, for a powerful conversation on advancing equity in eye care. Together, they explore the intersection of assistive technology, advocacy, and access for the blind and low vision community.

Julie shares her journey into advocacy work, highlighting how storytelling can drive meaningful systems change and influence policy. The episode dives into the innovative programs and resources offered by Prevent Blindness, ongoing national advocacy efforts, and the critical role of technology...

In this episode of Eko Lens, guest host Yorgos, Board Chair of Ekovison, interviews Kenisha, the Director of Community Engagement for the Ekovision Foundation. Kenisha shares her personal journey with vision loss, detailing her experiences with assistive technology, advocacy, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals in the blind and low vision community, emphasizing the need for accessible resources and the power of shared experiences.

In this episode of Eko Lens, host Kenisha speaks with Julie Oliver, vice president of programs at the Foundation for Blind Children. They discuss the intersection of assistive technology and community empowerment, focusing on the importance of accessibility, innovative educational tools, and the need for greater awareness and support for individuals with visual impairments. Julie shares her personal connection to the blind community and highlights various programs aimed at building confidence and independence among youth. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of education and resources in fostering a more inclusive society for those with disabilities.

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In this episode of The Eko Lens, host Kenisha speaks with Ather Jammoa, an assistive technology trainer and advocate for the blind and low vision community. They discuss Ather's journey with vision loss, the importance of adaptive technology, and the role of Braille in achieving independence. Ather shares insights on the challenges of accessibility in apps and websites, innovative tools like PiccyBot, and the need for better transportation options for the blind. The conversation emphasizes empowerment, advocacy, and the importance of lived experience in shaping assistive technology.

In this episode of the eko lens podcast, host Kenisha speaks with Lara, an advocate and resource parent in the child welfare system, about her personal journey with vision challenges and the importance of advocacy for blind and low vision communities. They discuss the need for early intervention, the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments, and the importance of dignity and access to resources. Lara shares her experiences navigating life with visual impairment and her hopes for future generations.

https://www.fosteringforwardmi.org/

In this episode of Eko Lens, host Kenisha speaks with Martijn Van Der Spek, an innovator in assistive technology, about his journey in creating tools for the blind and low vision community. They discuss the features of Piccybot, an app that provides real-time video analysis and integrates multiple AI models for accurate descriptions. Martijn also introduces Voistant, a new app designed to enhance digital interaction for users. The conversation emphasizes the importance of privacy in technology and the need for continuous feedback from the community to improve these tools.

https://www.piccybot.com/

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In this inspiring episode of the Eko Lens Podcast, host Kenisha Coon sits down with Cory, the visionary creator behind Legally Blind No Limits. They dive deep into Cory’s personal journey with vision loss — from early challenges to how he’s redefined possibility through purpose.

Cory opens up about the realities of living with low vision and the pivotal role assistive technology has played in his daily life. Together, they explore how tools like screen readers, navigation apps, and adaptive devices can expand independence, break barriers, and spark innovation.

A central theme of the conver...

In this episode of Echo Lens, host Kenisha speaks with Sean Keen, a blind entrepreneur and advocate, about the intersection of assistive technology and the blind community. They discuss Shawn's personal journey, the spectrum of blindness, the role of AI in enhancing independence, and the importance of community support. Sean shares insights on evaluating assistive technology, the future of innovations, and his hopes for the next generation of assistive tech. The conversation emphasizes the need for accessible design and the potential of AI to empower individuals with disabilities.

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In this episode of the Eko Lens Podcast, host Kenisha speaks with Christine Lin, the founder of the Eko Vision Foundation. They discuss Christine's personal connection to the blind community, the mission of the foundation, and the innovative Beautiful Project aimed at providing a review platform for assistive technology. The conversation also explores the future of assistive technology, particularly AI smart glasses, and the importance of community engagement in building a supportive environment for those with vision loss. Christine emphasizes the need for technology that empowers the blind and encourages sighted individuals to understand the challenges faced by those...

🎧 Episode 1: Welcome to The EKO Lens

Welcome to The EKO Lens, the podcast where we view assistive technology through the eyes of lived experience. Each episode explores how dignity, design, and innovation intersect to empower blind and low-vision communities.

Created by the Eko Vision Foundation, this podcast is more than tech reviews—it’s a space for truth-telling, inclusion, and advocacy. Together, we’ll uncover what’s working in accessibility, what needs to change, and how we can reimagine technology that truly serves everyone.

Learn more at www.ekov...

🎧 Preview: Welcome to The EKO Lens

Description:
Welcome to The EKO Lens, the podcast where we view assistive technology through the eyes of lived experience. Each episode explores how dignity, design, and innovation intersect to empower blind and low-vision communities.

Created by the Eko Vision Foundation, this podcast is more than tech reviews—it’s a space for truth-telling, inclusion,