AppleVis Podcast
AppleVis Podcast

AppleVis Extra 115: Blind Developer Showcase: A Chat with Quinton Williams of VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimes

August 1, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Quinton Williams, a blind developer who is still learning to code, built VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimes by working backwards. He started with a working app and then figured out why it worked, rather than learning theory first. "I've been kind of learning backwards because I know there's a lot of stigma behind AI tools," he says. "I build something and then figure out why it works the way it does." The app, which began as a personal project in March, became a community hit on AppleVis after Williams realized other blind users also wanted a customizable talking clock for iPhone and Mac.

The psychology of learning by building

Williams's approach flips traditional coding education on its head. He tried learning Python in college but found the classroom structure frustrating. "When I got stuck, it's like I had to worry about everybody else and getting behind," he explains. "I always felt like someone getting frustrated with me." His solution was to use AI coding tools like Claude Code as an infinitely patient tutor. "I can literally just ask any questions I have. And if I don't understand something, it'll go with me until I get it. Even if it takes three days."

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:36) **Introduction to Quinton Williams and VAL** - Dave Mason introduces Quinton, the developer of VAL (Voice, Alarm & Chimes), and notes it was AppleVis's pick of the month.
  • 2 (01:44) **Learning to Code Backwards with AI** - Quinton explains his unconventional approach to learning Swift and building apps.
  • 3 (05:10) **Swift and Parallel Language Learning** - Quinton describes his technical stack and learning method.
  • 4 (07:51) **What is VAL? Core Features and Inspiration** - Quinton details the app's purpose and origin.
  • 5 (10:25) **Community and Customization** - The app is designed for deep personalization and community sharing.
  • 6 (13:03) **From Personal Project to Public App** - Quinton shares his rapid development timeline and motivations.
  • 7 (14:08) **Navigating App Store Connect and Fastlane** - Quinton discusses the challenges of the App Store submission process.

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Show Notes

In this episode of the AppleVis Extra podcast, David Nason is joined by Quinton Williams, the developer of VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimes. Quintin shares the story behind creating the app, how a personal interest in accessible talking clocks inspired the project, and how an idea that began as a simple experiment quickly evolved into a feature-rich app for iPhone and Mac.

The conversation explores Quintin's unconventional path into software development. Rather than following a traditional programming background, Quinton discusses how he is using modern AI tools alongside Swift development to learn by building real-world projects. He talks candidly about the benefits and challenges of AI-assisted development, emphasizing the importance of understanding the code rather than relying on AI-generated solutions without learning from them.

Listeners will also hear about the design philosophy behind VAL, including its extensive customization options, support for Apple's new AlarmKit framework, compatibility with Steve's Talking Clock, and plans for an online library where users will be able to share custom clocks and sound packs. Quintin also discusses the realities of independent app development, including beta testing, accessibility, App Store approval, automation tools like Fastlane, and balancing development across multiple Apple platforms.

Whether you're interested in accessibility, app development, or simply enjoy hearing how members of the AppleVis community are creating innovative software, this episode offers an engaging look behind the scenes of an ambitious accessibility-focused project. Be sure to listen to the full conversation to hear Quintin's experiences, future plans for VAL, and his insights into building apps with today's development tools.

Resources & Links

For the latest updates, beta testing opportunities, and community discussion about VAL, be sure to visit the AppleVis pages linked above.

Thanks for listening to the AppleVis Extra podcast.

Transcript

Disclaimer: This transcript was generated by AI Note Taker – VoicePen, an AI-powered transcription app. It is not edited

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