In Episode 132 of White Canes Connect, hosts Michelle McManus and David Goldstein welcome Shawn Welker, founder of Visual Eyes Access, a low-cost visual interpreting service with a unique approach. Shawn shares how his background in accessibility and mobility training gives him a deeper understanding of blind users’ needs, setting his service apart from other platforms like Aira and Be My Eyes.

Shawn discusses the evolution of visual interpreting, the limitations of mainstream services, and why affordability and personalization are key to his mission. He explains how Visual Eyes Access offers on-demand and scheduled interpreting at $1/minute, with rollover minutes and community-funded options like earning minutes through purchases in his online pet supply shop.

He also teases upcoming initiatives, including a city-based navigation pilot and app integration with smart glasses, allowing hands-free assistance via WhatsApp. Shawn is scaling his business with a pool of trained student volunteers and emphasizes a client-first, access-centered philosophy.

Listeners of the podcast get a 50% discount on his 30-minute trial session by mentioning the show.

This episode highlights how tech, heart, and community can intersect to build better access, one client at a time.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/132
Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Visual Eyes Access at https://www.visualeyesaccess.com
• Connect with Shawn via email at shawn@visualeyesaccess.com
• Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/
• Sip. Savor. Support. Keystone Chapter fundraiser at Landmark Americana: https://nfbofpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sip-Savor-Support-FINAL-TROY.pdf
• Attend PA Association of Blind Merchants Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/fling/
• Exhibit at PA Association of Blind Merchants Spring Fling!: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/exhibit/
• Be a sponsor of PA Association of Blind Merchants: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/sponsor/

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