In this powerful episode of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Tanner Gers, founder of Access Ability Officer and Paralympian, for an inspiring and insightful conversation. Tanner shares the harrowing story of how a tragic car accident in 2004 left him totally blind—and how that life-changing event became the catalyst for a purpose-driven career in accessibility, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

Tanner discusses the evolution of Access Ability Officer. This digital accessibility consultancy not only works with government and corporate clients but also trains and hires blind professionals through its Certified Accessibility Tester (CAT) program. This rigorous 14-week training course equips screen reader users with the technical and professional skills needed to land paid work and even launch their own businesses in the booming accessibility space.

The conversation touches on AI’s role in the future of accessibility, the importance of inclusive design, and the potential for digital equity. Tanner also shares his love for beep baseball and why adaptive sports are essential for physical and emotional well-being. Whether you’re an aspiring accessibility tester, advocate, or entrepreneur, this episode is filled with actionable insights and motivation.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/139

Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Access Ability Officer: https://accessabilityofficer.com/
• Tanner Gers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannergers/
• NABS Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar: https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=6
• Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/

Tanner Gers and Access Ability Officer at National Convention

Access Ability Officer is at table B25 in the Exhibit Hall. Start a Digital Accessibility Business session is in Studio 7 Wednesday, July 9 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM Accessibility Jeopardy in Studio 2 on Thursday, July 10 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar August 1 - 3 in Philadelphia

The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is proud to support the National Association of Blind Students Mid-Atlantic Seminar taking place from August 1 through August 3 at the Hampton Inn at 1301 Race Street in Philadelphia. Register at https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=6. All of the hotel info is on that page.

An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA

Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect.

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/.

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Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.

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