From Tactile Tech to Radical Inclusion: A Conversation with Dr. Joshua Miele

In this episode of the BroadEYE Podcast, we welcome inventor, researcher, and MacArthur Fellow Dr. Joshua Miele. Known for his pioneering work in accessible technology for blind users, Dr. Miele shares his journey from early advocacy to his role at Amazon’s Lab126, where he continues to develop tools that redefine independence and equity in the built and digital worlds.

Explore Dr. Joshua Miele’s work, projects, and writings on his personal site, MieleLab, which highlights his innovations in accessible design and disability inclusion. You can visit it here: www.mielelab.com

Joining as co-host is Victoria Nolan—a decorated Paralympian, accessibility advocate, and BroadEYE regular. With lived experience navigating vision loss, Victoria brings deep empathy and clarity to the discussion, drawing out the personal and systemic forces that shape accessibility work today.

Together, they explore:

• The real meaning of inclusion, and why accessibility must be baked in—not bolted on.

• Dr. Miele’s development of tactile maps, screen readers, and accessible media interfaces.

• How institutions can move from compliance to genuine cultural transformation.

Dr. Miele also reflects on the resilience required to challenge ableist assumptions and the power of disabled leadership in tech innovation. His message is clear: access is not about charity—it’s about justice.

About Our Guests

Dr. Joshua Miele is a blind scientist, designer, and advocate for accessibility. Currently a Principal Accessibility Researcher at Amazon, he has developed technologies that empower blind and visually impaired people to navigate cities, classrooms, and digital spaces. He is a 2021 MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient and a prominent voice for disability rights and design justice.

Want to learn more? Pick up Dr. Miele’s powerful memoir, “Connecting the Dots: From the Blind Side”, now available on Amazon.

Victoria Nolan is a Canadian Paralympic rower, author, and passionate advocate for inclusion. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in her youth, she went on to compete internationally in rowing, including two Paralympic Games. Today, she is an influential public speaker and ambassador for breaking down barriers for people with vision loss.