October 3, 2025

Discover Live presents how audio-described live virtual tours make world exploration accessible to the blind and low vision community. Learn about our tour development, guide training, extra sensory tour add-ons, and the vision for AI and XR usage to further transform how we experience destinations through technology and rich auditory storytelling.

Event Details

Date: Fri October 3rd, 2025

Time: 10am PT | 1pm ET

Location: Zoom

If you require accessibility accommodations such as American Sign Language interpretation, please email info@xraccess.org no fewer than 72 hours before the event.

Video

Summary

The Pivot from VR to Accessible Platforms

  • Initially envisioned VR as the “ultimate equalizer” but discovered significant accessibility barriers
  • Mainstream VR platforms remain largely inaccessible to BLV users despite AI advancements
  • Solution: Pivoted to Zoom – a familiar, screen-reader friendly platform that works on any device with any internet connection

Live Audio-Described Tours

  • Real-time, on-location virtual experiences emphasizing vivid descriptions, interactivity, and multi-sensory engagement
  • Tours incorporate stories, history, sounds, and optional tactile elements (purchasable artifacts like desert roses or miniature statues)
  • Tour guides undergo specialized certification training focusing on:
    • Vivid language and strategic pacing
    • Contextual layering
    • Emotional tone appropriate to the environment
    • Technical proficiency

Impact on BLV Community

Shanell Matos shared powerful personal experiences:

  • Tours transform perceptions – the Vietnam Memorial went from “just a wall” to a meaningful space through detailed descriptions of symbols, artist intent, and purpose
  • Audio descriptions provide access to places BLV individuals could never physically touch (like Big Ben)
  • Eliminates uncertainty about accessibility and safety when traveling
  • Creates equal opportunity for “the joy of discovery”

Technology Integration

Adora AI Travel Companion (developed 2 years ago):

  • Personalizes experiences for individual tour participants
  • Greets attendees, asks about interests, converses throughout tours
  • Supports multiple languages
  • Allows private interaction for those uncomfortable speaking up in large groups
  • Important note: AI will not replace human guides

Future VR/MR Plans:

  • Ready to adopt XR technology when it becomes truly accessible
  • Exploring spatial audio and haptic feedback integration
  • Envisions combining live VR tours with AI-powered audio descriptions and potential smell/taste simulation

Design Recommendations for VR/AR Developers

  • Use all senses, not just visual descriptions (sounds, smells, textures)
    • Example: Different sounds for walking on gravel vs. dry dirt
  • Get feedback from diverse BLV users (those born with and without vision)
  • Follow “Nothing for us, without us” principle – involve the community in development
  • Ensure independent usability with screen readers
  • Consider meaningful haptic feedback (avoiding fatigue from constant buzzing)
  • Balance information value vs. information overload
  • Address both technical accessibility AND cost accessibility
  • Optimize for minimal internet coverage and data consumption

Summary generated via Claude

About the Speakers

Headshot of Jason Wei, an energetic, middle-aged Asian man with short black hair wearing a black suit and white shirt in front of a podium during a public speech.

Jason Wei

Founder & CEO, Discover Live

Jason is the Founder of Discover Live and a seasoned executive with 20+ years driving growth across Fortune 500 companies and startups. He specializes in strategic planning, product-market fit, and technology transformation spanning consumer goods, digital services, smart devices, and medical cannabis while delivering innovative, accessible solutions.

Headshot of Shanell Matos, a light-skinned woman with medium length brown curly hair wearing a collared buttoned down shirt with black dots and smiling.

Shanell Matos

Outreach and Engagement Coordinator – Special Programs, Discover Live

Shanell Matos is an assistive technology specialist leveraging lived experience as a blind individual to empower independence through technology, outreach, and advocacy.