In Episode 123 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Brandon Biggs, CEO and co-founder of XR Navigation. Biggs introduces Audiom, a groundbreaking digital map designed for non-visual users. As a blind individual, he shares his journey from opera singing to inclusive design, motivated by the inaccessibility of digital maps on mainstream platforms like Google Maps.
Biggs demonstrates Audiom’s capabilities, showcasing its auditory and text-based navigation, enabling users to explore geographic spaces through sound cues and keyboard controls. The tool provides vital spatial awareness, helping users navigate city streets, conference halls, and complex environments. He discusses the technology’s potential applications in museums, subway stations, and retail stores, emphasizing the need for accessibility in mapping services.
The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy, urging listeners to request accessible maps at conferences, universities, and public spaces. XR Navigation aims to integrate Audiom with major mapping platforms, making non-visual navigation widely available. The hosts encourage engagement through feedback and promotion of Audiom at upcoming events like CSUN and NFB’s National Convention.
Listeners can explore Audiom at https://www.audiom.net and support its expansion by reaching out to venues and organizations to request accessible maps. Plot your course through the CSUN Exhibit Hall at https://xrnavigation.io/csun25. Contact Brandon at brandon.biggs@xrnavigation.io.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/123
An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA
Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect.
Donate to the NFB of PA
Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/.
We Want to Hear Your Story
Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.
Follow White Canes Connect
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!