Join Rob, Ryan, Steve, and Lis as they kick things off with some hockey pool banter—and discover how "Artie," their ChatGPT-powered pick, has scored a perfect run! Rob’s feeling pretty good, too, thanks to his strategic choice of the Edmonton Oilers. But it’s not all hockey talk! The gang switches gears to discuss National AccessAbility Week, a movement started back in 1988 to promote inclusion and accessibility. They're joined by Chantal Oakes from the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), who shares details about their exciting virtual event featuring fun trivia and an open "Ask Me Anything" session. Finally, the group explores the phenomenon of having countless Awareness Days—are these celebrations helping us move forward, or just creating noise that distracts from truly impactful causes?

Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/at-banter-podcast-episode-426-aebc-and-national-accessability-awareness-week.pdf

AEBC National AccessAbility Week Event https://tinyurl.com/2j4j8pwe

AEBC Online https://www.blindcanadians.ca/

AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324 or visit their Assistive Technology Showroom at 106 – 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver.

Need repairs on your device? Chaos Technical Services offers service and support on almost any piece of Assistive Technology, while also providing parts and batteries. Visit them online at www.chaostechnicalservices.com or call 778-847-6840.

This week Rob, Lis, Steve and Rob delves into the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting how it has recently sunk into the mainstream with more people using and embracing it, a shift from previous fear and skepticism. They discuss their personal experiences using AI for diverse tasks including asking questions, creating accessible programs like a screen reader-friendly audio recorder and a keyboard-controlled soundboard, and work functions such as comparing price lists, proofreading documents, and generating graphics. They also dive into AI's impact on Assistive Technology (AT), highlighting how mainstream devices incorporating AI, such as the Meta glasses with their live view feature, are becoming "game-changers" for the disability community, specifically benefiting those who are blind. Do they think that AI will eventually replace them? Will ChatGPT join the Hockey Pool? Listen now and find out!

AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324 or visit their Assistive Technology Showroom at 106 – 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver.

Need repairs on your device? Chaos Technical Services offers service and support on almost any piece of Assistive Technology, while also providing parts and batteries. Visit them online at www.chaostechnicalservices.com or call 778-847-6840.

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Angela Bonfanti, President and CEO of CNIB, to the podcast! Angela shares her personal journey and how her father’s experience with vision loss inspired her path, along with how she transitioned from the world of politics to leading one of Canada's most impactful disability organizations. We discuss CNIB's evolution, including the innovative Community Hubs and Mobile Hubs, and highlight the urgent need for improved mental health support for those experiencing vision loss. We even dive into the power of storytelling to shift public perceptions, the importance of collaboration across disability groups, and Angela’s passionate vision for a truly inclusive and accessible Canada. It’s a powerful conversation packed with insights, advocacy, and inspiration you don’t want to miss!

Show Transcript https://atbanter.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/at-banter-podcast-episode-424-angela-bonfanti-cnib-ceo.pdf

CNIB https://www.cnib.ca/

AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324 or visit their Assistive Technology Showroom at 106 – 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver.

Need repairs on your device? Chaos Technical Services offers service and support on almost any piece of Assistive Technology, while also providing parts and batteries. Visit them online at www.chaostechnicalservices.com or call 778-847-6840.