Colorado Center for the Blind

Every so often, a photo pops up of a blind or low vision person using a white cane and a smartphone, and people act like they just solved a mystery.

Spoiler alert: blind people use phones.

A lot.

My phone helps me check my makeup, manage my schedule, stay connected with friends and family, figure out what I’m looking at, remember where I’m supposed to be, and occasionally convince myself I definitely do not need to buy another lip gloss.

Honestly, my phone is basically my personal assistant, glam-check consultant, calendar manager, group chat lifeline, and tiny rectangular chaos coordinator.

A smartphone is not proof someone can see.

It is one of the biggest tools helping many of us live independently.

So no, using a smartphone does not mean someone is faking their disability.

It means accessibility is doing its job.

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What Happened at the AI Lab Last Night?

A lot of great discussion and exchange of ideas and resources.
No slides. No “AI 101.” Just people working through what they’re actually doing with AI right now.
We spent time digging into real use cases such as:
Using AI for data analysis and reporting, including making sense of incomplete information
Exploring accessibility—where AI is genuinely helpful, and where it still falls short
Running AI locally and testing more independent, offline setups
Building and experimenting with AI tools instead of just prompting and moving on
Early exploration of agent-style systems like AutoGPT and OpenClaw

We also got into some of the realities that don’t always get talked about:
AI still needs verification, especially when working with data
Some responses miss the mark or introduce bias
A lot of tools sound great, but are harder to get working in real workflows
We’re not quite at plug-and-play yet

And probably the most valuable part? We weren’t just talking about ideas. People walked away with things they actually want to try next. Things like:
Automating parts of their daily workflow
Improving how AI helps tell a story with data
Exploring local models and more independent setups
Bringing real projects back to test and refine with the group

That’s why we started the AI Lab. Not just learning what AI is, but figuring out how to actually use it in ways that matter. And to be able to learn from each other.
This is the space where we test ideas, challenge what’s working, and push things a little further each time.
If you haven’t checked out the AI, Practically Speaking sessions yet, we’d love to have you join us.
Whether you’re brand new to AI or already working in some incredible spaces, this is a place to learn, experiment, and grow. Connect with other AI enthusiasts, pick up new ideas, and walk away with something you can actually use. Everyone has something to share, too.
As blind people, learning how to use AI can make us more efficient, more independent, and more prepared to take on new challenges. And the reality is, it’s only getting better.

Don't forget: AI Lab meets the last Monday of each month
And, AI Basics meets the first Monday of each month
So whether you are brand new to AI or you have so much knowledge about it you are just ready to explode! We would love to have you stop by and see what we are doing.
And, if you know anyone else that would love to be a part of these meet ups, sign up (or share with someone who should be there):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMwEaA2jnJFR6w9v7MLHosG-fyzB7-MZFA6rn1uhqahhS2Nw/viewform?usp=publish-editor


Brett Boyer
Access Technology Instructor
Pronouns: he/him/his

Colorado Center for the Blind
Phone: 303.778.1130 Ext: 231
Fax: 303.778.1598
2233 W. Shepperd Ave.
Littleton, CO 80120

The Colorado Center for the Blind is a training center and community of blind and low vision people, proudly affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind.

We believe blind people can do anything. Every day, we encourage and challenge each student—and they come to understand their potential as they build the skills and confidence to live the life they want. Because when you believe in yourself and experience a thriving community of positive blind people, nothing can hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

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Colorado Center for the Blind | Colorado Center for the Blind Our Programs Latest News Upcoming Events World-Renowned Training Center We believe you can do anything as a blind person. So, every day, we encourage and challenge you—and you come to understand your potential as you build the skills and confidence to live the life you want. Because when you belie...