From audio games and backend coding to advancing accessibility at one of the world’s largest tech companies, our guest, Michael Forzano, has built an impressive and impactful career.

Growing up in Yonkers, New York, Michael’s parents noticed early on that his eyes were not responding as expected. A visit to the eye doctor led to a diagnosis of Norrie disease. Despite this, Michael quickly discovered a passion that would shape his future: computers.

“I had really been interested in computers from an early age. I started using JAWS when I was, like, seven years old. I just gravitated towards it when I realized that there was something that I could do with it.”

That early interest grew into a career in software engineering. Michael went on to develop audio games and eventually became a senior developer on the accessibility team at Amazon.

Reflecting on his work, Michael shared, “What really draws me to programming today is the fact that I can build something and put it out into the world and have other people use it, it’s just amazing.”

In this episode, we explore Michael’s journey into software engineering, his involvement with the National Federation of the Blind, his love of travel and his experience riding in a self-driving car.

Interview and Voiceovers: Syed Safoola

Post-production and Mixing: Cullen Gallagher

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