Ireland vs USA for accessibility: David Redmond Part 2

Penn and Moses welcome David Redmond from Vision Ireland for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about accessibility in everyday life—from airports and public transit to the awkward magic of speed dating. David shares how he navigates disclosure on dating apps, why voice and character matter more than looks, and how Ireland’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act is already nudging banks, apps, and services toward better design. The trio contrasts EU momentum with current U.S. headwinds around the ADA, then zooms out: universal design lifts everyone, and today’s tech (including AI) is expanding what’s possible for blind and low-vision folks—yes, even flying and autonomous vehicles. Quick updates include Aftersight’s Code Orange launch and details for the Sept 13 Boulder hike.

Contact Info
Guest — David Redmond / Vision Ireland: vi.ie • Podcast: Talking Technology with VI
Aftersight: [e-mail]
• [phone] • aftersight.org
Producer: Jonathan Price
Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Show Credits
A production of Aftersight.
Host: Penn Street • Co-Host: Moses Street
Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland)
Producer: Jonathan Price

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Show open & welcome
00:35 — Producer update: Code Orange + Sept 13 hike
02:22 — Travel abroad: airports, transit, and accessibility
04:41 — Dating apps: to disclose or not?
06:58 — Speed dating made accessible
09:25 — When disclosure lands… or doesn’t
11:47 — First impressions, voices, and character
14:07 — What makes a voice attractive
16:31 — Ireland’s European Accessibility Act goes live
18:52 — U.S. ADA worries and cultural whiplash
21:12 — Global ripple effects & corporate compliance
23:21 — “Blind people can do anything” — new frontiers
25:40 — Public-service mindset: why shows like this matter
28:01 — CTAs: hike details, how to connect with Aftersight