Access On

Brava shuts down, an accessible web-based podcast creation tools for students, and ongoing concerns with the new Outlook

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode:

Introduction 0:00 Brava has ceased operations 0:57 Lindsay Patterson and Peter Walters discuss MakeClassroomPodcast.com 6:40 Apple IIE memories 35:03 Accessibility regression in the Cosori smart air fryer 36:09 Enthusiasm about the Orbit Flow 38:35 CSUN memories 40:16 Concerns about the new Outlook 41:22 Looking for an accessible way to check my typing speed 46:03 Listening to the BBC 46:43 Advocacy to Huntington Bank 49:34 Working with multiple email and calendar accounts 53:02 Closing and contact info 59:16

Apple at 50, blind people and our allies shaping Apple accessibility innovation

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0000

We celebrate Apple's 50th birthday with an Access On special. On the show this week:

Introduction to the early era of grass roots Apple accessibility 0:00 Panel discussion about the Apple II era 4:55 Demonstration of the Apple IIE with speech 47:26 Conclusion, reflections on the partnership 1:05:29 Closing and contact info 1:11:43

If you would like to download the Apple IIE emulator with Echo speech for Windows computers, download it from Jayson Smith's website.

Machine-driven custom audio description with Omni Describer, and listener feedback on a range of topics

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

this week on Access On: Looking ahead to our Apple 50th anniversary special 0:00 Register for our visual interpretation webinar 2:22 Robin Christopherson demonstrates and reviews Omni Describer 3:16 Brava Smart Oven 20:39 Connecting my Windows PC to an Android TV 22:33 How accessible is Preply? 25:58 Can Graphiti act as a computer monitor? 30:32 Waymo ride experiences 33:21 Accessibility frustrations with the Facebook website 35:17. To provide feedback to Meta, please use their accessibility feedback form at: https://www.meta.com/help/policies/707685072208748/ Accessibility of delivery robots 40:46 Unwanted verbosity in Zoom for Windows 42:10 Keeping my iPhone charged to 80% 44:44 WhatsApp for Windows accessibility bug 47:38 Website administration 49:27 Accessibility of Webex meetings 51:18 AI agents in screen readers 52:09 Tech Tip: Using JAWS speech history to overcome accessibility issues 56:12 Closing and contact info 57:33

Recapping the 2026 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference took place last week in Anaheim, California. To discuss the conference, including interesting sessions and new technology, Jonathan Mosen is joined by Everette Bacon, Chancey Fleet, Minh Ha and Mike May.

NVDA in the Past, Present, and Future

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Access On: Introduction 0:00 Looking ahead to next week's CSUN recap 0:53 Join us for our Access On seminar on Windows screen readers 1:56 NVDA past, present, and future 3:08 Closing and contact info 1:09:26

a comprehensive look at 1Password

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0000

This week, Access On brings you the presentation from our Access On webinar on 1Password. Learn how to have a unique password for every log-in, use passkeys when available, and store other sensitive data securely.

listener feedback from around the world

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0000

We're devoting this week's Access On to feedback from listeners around the world. You can skip between segments using the previous and next chapter feature if your podcast player supports it. Here is what's on this week's episode, and when.

Introduction 0:00 Android users invited to test SpeakyAI 0:59 Difficulty saving media attachments in Mac Mail 3:02 Installing Windows is accessible again 4:23 I got WordPad back 5:00 Beware of AI weather forecasts 5:48 More on the benefits of passkeys 7:22 Recommending the Jarte text editor 11:32 Thrilled with my Brava smart oven 12:29 Is Narrator any better behaved with Braille 14:11 Accessible ways to build websites 15:25 Using smart glasses to identify people 17:14 Unhelpful WhatsApp verbosity 20:09 New Zoom input volume on the H1Essential is inaccessible 21:27 Seeking tech to increase my Mom's independence 23:56 Learning Garage Band for iOS 32:38 The new Sonos app is cumbersome 33:45 Ray-Ban meta feedback 35:30 I want a Windows application that read epub files 37:27 Captcha before entering a Teams meeting 38:57 In praise of the JAWS skim reading tool 40:54 Revisiting Firefox 43:04 Papa Johns accessibility problems 45:35 Multiline Braille and tactile graphics displays 48:24 Demanding more on 508 compliance 49:50 Windows users think twice about migrating from Comcast mail to Yahoo Mail 53:34 The bug persists where it's difficult to attach files in iOS Mail 56:10 Reflections on recent episodes and technology 59:08

Using AI to improve productivity on the job

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0000

this week on Access On, we bring you highlights of our Access On webinar covering the use of AI in employment. Here's what you can hear and when, and a reminder that if your podcast player supports chapters, you can skip between segments of the podcast by using chapter navigation.

Register for our Access On webinar on 1Password 0:00 Overview of AI in employment 1:53 Working with Google AI tools in the workplace 8:00 Microsoft tools in the workplace 29:04 Microsoft PowerPoint and AI 51:49 Using AI to take notes 1:06:56 Closing and contact info 1:14:23

Change of leadership at Vispero, and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, what are its provisions, and how well is it being enforced

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode:

Change of leadership at Vispero 0:00 Join us for our Access On webinar about 1Password 1:41 Sachin Pavithran and Kathy Eng from the US Access Board 4:33 Ronza Othman from the National Association of Blind Government Employees 42:02 Closing and contact info 1:04:19

NFB President Mark Riccobono discusses topical tech issues, and Michael Hansen on the AppleVis Apple Vision Accessibility Report Card

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Access On:

President of the National Federation of the Blind, Mark Riccobono 0:00 Michael Hansen from AppleVis invites you to participate in the Apple Vision Accessibility Report Card 58:41 While the survey remains open, you can take the survey here. Note that you must be signed in with a free Applevis account. Closing and contact info 1:20:27

The Dot Pad multiline Braille tablet, Adobe fixes an accessibility regression, and more feedback on changes at Vispero

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0000

On this week's edition: Introduction 0:00 APH announces Monarch price reduction 1:53 Dave Williams discusses Dot pad 3:05 Fix to Adobe Acrobat accessibility regression 42:11 Updating credit card on Innosearch 43:35 Matrix treadmills, and some Microsoft Word tasks 46:45 ChatGPT voice shortcut 53:29 Vispero 54:59 Closing and contact info 1:01:21

hands-on with the Monarch tactile dynamic multi-line Braille device

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0000

Following last week's episode in which we discussed the Monarch dynamic tactile multiline Braille device, we sit down with the Monarch and give you a taste of its capabilities. Here are the topics we cover, and when you can hear them in the episode. Introduction to the Monarch 0:00 Orientation 4:10 The Main Menu 15:00 The Tactile Graphics Image Library 16:25 KeyMail 26:11 Internet Browser 27:24 KeyWord 33:00 KeyMath 34:44 Victor Reader 38:55 Chess and other apps 46:51 Using the Monarch as a drive on your PC 50:38 Monarch as a Braille display 52:19 Conclusion 57:19 Closing and contact info 1:00:22

Introducing the NFB's Accessibility Excellence Advocate for Education and Employment, Charles Hiser, and Greg Stilson from APH talks all things Monarch

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:00:00 -0000

We're pleased to be back with you for 2026. On the show this week:

Happy new year! 0:00

a simpler way to apply for your free ElevenReader access 1:02

Brava follow-up 2:24

Join us for our accessibility boutique looking at Braille displays 9:09

The National Federation of the Blind's Accessibility Excellence Advocate for Education and Employment, Charles Hiser 10:10

Greg Stilson from APH discusses the Monarch 29:11

Closing and contact info 1:06:17

The Brava Smart Oven explained, reviewed, and demonstrated

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Happy holidays from the national Federation of the Blind.

Please note that Access On will be taking a short break, and will return for 2026 on January 14.

We are devoting this week's episode to the Brava Smart Oven. Brava has made a $200 discount available to Access On listeners. The discount is available here.

Here is what you can hear, and when. Introduction 0:00 Interview with Travis rea and Zac Selmon from Brava 1:09 The Brava app for iOS 31:26 Cooking steak in the Brava 42:40

More on changes at Vispero, Envision Ally Solos Glasses get a mixed reception, and making ChatGPT Voice behave the way it used to

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0000

This week's episode of Access On is devoted to feedback from listeners like you. here's what's covered.

Introduction 0:00 Vispero updates 1:23 Listener comments on Vispero developments 5:02 Looking for more friendly apps in iOS 26 18:07 Apple Intelligence and more 19:06 The Braille Access Command doesn't work on my NLS eReader 26:11 Focus issue in the iOS Phone app 29:24 Can I get WordPad back in Windows 11? 31:26 I can't install Windows 11 25h2 independently 33:59 Working with the new Outlook and JAWS 35:57 PowerPoint, speaker notes, and JAWS 37:25 Recording my screen reader in Reaper 38:47 Travelling overseas with my portable recorders 42:26 Outdoor travel technology 45:20 Two Meta issues 47:41 Streaming Alexa skills 49:32 Envision Solos glasses 51:06 Tech Tip: restoring the old ChatGPT voice behavior 56:17 Closing and contact info 58:07

Samuel Greene from Zoom North America on accessible audio recorders, and our new Accessibility Excellence Advocate for Home and Independent Living, Ron Miller

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Here is what you can hear on this week's episode of Access On.

Join us for our Accessible Device Showcase 0:00 Samuel Greene from Zoom North America talks accessible audio recorders 2:15 The National Federation of the Blind's Accessibility Excellence Advocate for Home and Independent Living, Ron Miller 40:17 Closing and contact info 1:00:19

Review and demonstration of the Zoom Podtrak P4Next accessible podcast recorder

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Here's what you can hear in this week's episode, and when.

Register for our Accessible Devices showcase 0:00 Introduction to the Zoom Podtrack P4Next 1:59 Dimensions and orientation 5:54 First start, setting up the recorder 16:53 File List 21:03 Sound Pads 22:12 Mic Settings 26:48 SD Card 28:13 File Transfer 28:23 Audio Interface 33:02 System 39:32 The Tone function 45:19 AI Noise Reduction 47:51 Bringing in a guest via smartphone 50:24 Use cases beyond podcasting, and comparing your accessible recorder options 53:56 Closing and contact info 1:03:51

Accessible online shopping

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0000

As peak shopping season arrives, this episode is all about online shopping. Here is what you can hear and when.

Introduction 0:00 Blind Owned and Operated Marketplace 1:58 The NFB Independence market 3:38 Innosearch 5:03 Copilot Vision 38:30 Amazon's Rufus 51:21 Sparky from Walmart 57:57 Closing and contact info 1:09:09

Vispero's CEO responds to NFB concerns, and NFB members can now use ElevenReader from Eleven Labs free

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Access on:

Introduction 0:00

Vispero's CEO responds to NFB concerns 0:57

Gabi Leibowitz from Eleven Labs discusses the partnership with the NationalFederation of the Blind 11:39

Closing and contact info 58:43

The NFB communicates concerns to Vispero, a fresh look at Windows Narrator, and using Edge to obtain an AI page summary

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Here's what's on this week's episode of Access On, and when you can hear it.

President Riccobono communicates concerns to the CEO of Vispero 2:24

Listener feedback on Vispero changes 14:09

Plenty of enhancements to Microsoft Narrator 20:11

Enjoying the benefits of Auphonic 36:39

Improving audio description 38:38

I am missing the Stream Player Alexa skill 41:50

I am having difficulty adjusting my iPhone charge limit 43:48

iPhone key clicks 45:44

Libre and other continuous Glucose monitors 46:27

WhatsApp and Facebook concerns 52:59

Tech tip, Getting an AI summary of a page from Microsoft Edge 57:13

Closing and contact info 1:01:11

New accessible recorders from Zoom, and an evaluation of in-door navigation solutions

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome from Colorado 0:00 More accessible audio recorders from Zoom 2:42 We have reached episode 50 7:08 Introduction to indoor way finding 8:45 GoodMaps 24:33 RightHear 34:51 NaviLens 40:07 WayMap 51:52 Closing and contact info 1:00:44

Tips on advocating for better technology outcomes, Meta AI comes to Puerto Rico, and a look at the smart glasses market

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

This week, Access On brings you highlights of the National Federation of the Blind's webinar on technology self-advocacy. Here is what you can hear, and when.

Introduction 0:00 Karl Belanger introduces technology self-advocacy 1:53 Kennedy Zimnik, Identifying accessibility issues for low vision users 20:40 Jonathan Mosen on Putting it all together with real world examples 31:10 Meta AI in Puerto Rico 50:05 An overview of the smart glasses market from a blindness perspective 51:38 Closing and contact info 1:07:29

A comprehensive review and demonstration of Orbit Speak from Orbit Research

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode:

Join us for our AI in employment boutique 0:00 Introduction to Orbit Speak 2:13 Orientation 4:55 The Main Menu 9:59 Onboard help 11:25 File Manager 17:10 Book Reader 18:20 Editor 26:29 Media Player 29:39 Podcasts 30:35 Internet Radio 35:10 Utilities 37:41 Settings 48:21 Conclusion 55:36 Closing and contact info 58:34

new Apple OS feedback, no more public betas of JAWS, and NLS feedback

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:51:35 -0000

This week's Access On is all about your feedback.

Bard Mobile 1:01 NLS digital talking book machine 2:51 Locked out of Uber due to inaccessible ID verification 8:03 Camera in the iPhone 17 range 9:00 amazon first oven smart oven 10:58 JAWS public betas are no more 13:08 How do I stop my locked Android phone from talking when I tap the screen 14:56 What can the NFB do about show stopping Apple bugs 16:53 VoiceOver takes an efficiency hit 23:49 Color detector apps for iPhone, and typing sounds 26:47 Problem with bulleted lists in Google Docs 28:43 Degraded WhatsApp on the Windows desktop 30:04 How do I get Seeing AI to describe videos? 31:39 How can I stop my iPhone from going to the App Library? 33:15 Using Discord with a screen reader 34:48 Interesting bug with UK voices in iOS 26 37:17 How long should post-production take on my podcast? 38:25 Editing with Microsoft Clipchamp or some other accessible alternative 42:31 Comments on iOS Personal Voice comparison 45:03 Braille input on the Mac 45:54 Thoughts on 1Password 47:57 iOS Live Captions 52:42 iOS 26 and continuous glucose monitors 54:55 Ongoing accessibility problems with Plaud products 55:52

JAWS in the past, present and future, and accessible self-checkout with Target

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

This week on Access On, we make our final visit to New Orlans and NFB25.

Introduction 0:00 Glen Gordon and Ryan Jones from Vispero 1:25 Accessible self-checkout with Target 37:01 Closing and contact info 1:02:51

What's new in iOS 26

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

This week, it's all about the key features in iOS 26. Here's what you can hear, and when. A reminder that if you are listening using a device or app that supports chapter navigation, you can use the next and previous chapter functions to navigate between sections of interest.

Introduction 0:00 Braille Access 3:11 Item overview 42:38 Copied Speech rotor 44:01 Search for rotor items 48:17 Configurable magic tap 48:54 Container notifications 49:42 Reset VoiceOver settings to defaults 50:34 Share accessibility settings with another device 51:48 Liquid Glass may result in some movement of familiar elements 53:12 Accessibility nutrition labels 53:58 Changes in the phone app 57:20 Live translation 59:49 Expanded visual intelligence 1:01:48 Other messaging features 1:02:57 Apple Music Automix 1:04:06 Simplified Personal Voice creation 1:04:51 Changes to Apple Maps 1:08:20 Wallet 1:08:51 Simplified ring tone transfer 1:09:29 Low vision features 1:13:06 Closing and contact info 1:19:12

Microsoft's Chief Accessibility Officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Meta's VP of Accessibility and Engagement Maxine Williams

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode of Access on.

Introduction 0:00 Join us for our boutique on what's new in iOS 26 2:06 Travel with JetBlue 3:11 Microsoft's Jenny Lay-Flurrie addresses national convention 5:56 Maxine Williams from Meta addresses national convention 32:25 Feeldom 51:00 Orbit Research 52:52 Dropbox tech tip 55:29 Closing and contact info 56:48

Workaround for the Braille Screen Input Uber bug, Android becomes more restrictive, and assigning a Braille keyboard command to Sound Curtin

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode of Access On:

Register for our webinar on what's new in iOS 26 0:00 Workaround for the Braille Screen Input problem in the Uber app 2:29 Resolutions to issues raised by Access On listeners 3:43 As Google discourages sideloading, what's the difference between Android and iOS? 4:31 Working with Sound Curtain on my iPhone 8:25 What does Eye Tracking do in iOS 26? 14:02 Honeywell Thermostat review 15:48 Comments on Jonathan Mosen's national convention address 17:37 My gym upgraded its treadmills, now they're inaccessible 23:28 What's it like to use a touch screen with JAWS? 27:41 Interested in the Ace browser 29:56 Issues with my Ray Ban Meta Glasses and my Apple Watch 30:45 Apple audio describing its keynotes 37:48 Bookshare 40:29 Procer 44:47 Vispero 48:24 Computers for the Blind 51:24 National Library Service 53:27 Tech Tip, playing a series of audio files in Dropbox for iOS 55:38 Closing and contact info 58:33

Recap of Apple's "Awe Dropping" event from a blindness perspective

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:34:24 -0000

Jonathan Mosen is joined by Judy Dixon, Michael Feir and Heidi Taylor for comprehensive analysis of Apple's recent hardware event announcing new AirPods Pro, Apple Watches and iPhones.

The NFB is hiring accessibility excellence advocates, looking ahead to the Apple event, and switching nimbly between Word documents

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Here's what we cover in episode 41 of Access On.

Join us for Access On's coverage of the Apple Event on September 9 0:00 Two exciting opportunities to become an Accessibility Excellence Advocate at the National Federation of the Blind 1:47 Check out the position description for the Accessibility Excellence Advocate, Education and Employment, and the Accessibility Excellence Advocate, Home and Independent Living. Remarks from President Riccobono's report 5:48 Jonathan Mosen's remarks to National Convention 11:45 Sponsor message, The People Make the Places, with Mike May 35:37 Doordash, Innosearch, and Facebook 36:10 Problem sending packages with Uber 40:45 iPhone overheating 42:15 how to get Brailliant auto-scrolling 46:55 This is my favorite laptop 49:55 Yoto Player 51:28 Headphone controls and the Bard Mobile app 52:25 The Brava Smart Oven 53:36 Tech Tip, quickly switching documents in Microsoft Word 58:04 Closing and contact info 59:53

Smart glasses discussion, Uber breaks Braille Screen Input in its iOS app, and more from the Technology Vendors' Showcase

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Thanks for listening to Access On. Here's what's coming up on this week's episode.

Introduction 0:00 BBC sounds no longer available outside the UK 1:23 No Braille Screen Input in the Uber app 4:37 Smart glasses questions and thoughts 7:49 Bard Mobile and headphones 14:11 My keyboard got stuck in Braille input on iOS 15:16 The Yoto Player 18:31 Thoughts on JAWS pricing changes 23:21 No word from Dot about my Dot Watch 24:33 Independent Science 27:49 Aira 30:32 Selvis Group 33:57 Bridge the Gap Adaptations 36:32 Salesforce 38:48 APH 40:20 Ashirase, Inc 44:01 HumanWare 46:19 Innosearch 48:56 Agiga 52:08 Tech tip, using emojis on Windows and Mac 56:30 Closing and contact info 57:09

Innovations in AI, a meeting headset recommendation, and adjusting JAWS and system volume from within JAWS

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In episode 39 of Access On:

Join us on August 26 for Innovations in online shopping 0:00 From national convention, our presentation on innovations in AI 2:24 Headset recommendation 57:09 Tech tip, adjusting system or JAWS volume from within JAWS 58:02 Closing and contact info 58:58

To send in a contribution for the podcast, you can attach an audio clip to an email, or just write it down and email it to AccessOn@nfb.org

Envision's new smart glasses from solos, feedback on JAWS pricing changes, and helping Alexa to play radio stations with difficult names

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode:

Register for our boutique on shopping innovations 0:00 Envision announces new Ally Glasses in partnership with Solos 1:53 You can pre-order the new Envision Solos smart glasses here Trouble registering with the Envision Ally app 42:10 Troubles with Adobe Reader, and which laptop? 45:27 Can't control BARD from my Shokz 48:36 More on JAWS pricing changes and their communication 49:05 TechTip, helping Alexa play radio stations whose name it has trouble with 56:21 Closing and contact info 57:35

comparing Apples and Androids

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:00:00 -0000

This episode features highlights of our Comparing Apples and Androids presentation from the National Federation of the Blind's national convention in New Orleans. It is presented by Jonathan Mosen, who covers iOS, and Karl Belanger, who covers Android. Here are the topics covered.

Getting started with the operating system 0:00 Input methods 20:54 Braille support 29:25 Working with the camera 39:27 Working with the web 47:42 Final thoughts 56:46 Closing and contact info 1:03:31

Do you have any thoughts on iOS versus Android, or any other technology topic? Be in touch via email, either by attaching an audio clip or just writing something down, and send it into accesson@nfb.org

Access On Live from the NFB National Convention, and JAWS licensing explained

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Most of this episode features highlights from Access On Live, an event at the National Federation of the Blind's national convention in New Orleans.

Topics include: Access On Live from the National Federation of the Blind national convention in New Orleans 0:00 Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech, discusses Bookshare and a special promotion for NFB members 1:54 Sponsor message, The People Make the Places Podcast with Mike May 16:1 Introducing our panel 17:06 Tactile graphics 21:29 The exhibit hall 28:58 AI, the tools, the benefits, the pitfalls 32:52 Tech tip, JAWS licenses explained 51:57 Closing and contact info 1:00:04

Concluding our series on creating podcasts, issues with WhatsApp, a visit to the Tech Vendors Showcase, and the unsend feature in Gmail

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode of Access On:

Conclusion of our series on podcasting from a blindness perspective 0:00 Trouble reporting WhatsApp accessibility bugs 33:05 Seeking a good quality microphone headset, and ways to digitize my cassette collection 36:03 Issues with WhatsApp for Windows 38:55 Voice free control of the Meta Smart Glasses would be nice 40:27 From the vendor Showcase at National convention: AT Guys 44:04 Envision America 48:30 GoodMaps 51:13 Dream Vision 53:22 Tech Tip, setting up the unsend email feature in Gmail 57:31 Closing and contact info 58:43

more on podcast creation from a blindness perspective

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode: Back from national convention 0:00 More on podcasting as a blind person 1:52 Closing and contact info 56:34

Feedback on JAWS pricing communications, using smart glasses with your hearing aids, and more on podcasting as a blind person

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On episode 33 of Access on: Introduction, share your convention experiences 0:00 Listener feedback on JAWS pricing 2:25 Bug in the Doordash app for iOS 14:56 Smart glasses and hearing aids 21:21 Podcasting as a blind person 28:34 Closing and contact info 57:14

NFB Newsline's new Android app, podcasting as a blind person, and when you close the wrong tab in your web browser

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode:

Introduction 0:00 Scott White discusses NFB Newsline® 1:35 Part one of podcasting as a blind person 25:44 Tech tip, if you close the wrong tab on the Internet 56:03 Closing and contact info 56:37

More tech activities at national convention, new Meta Oakley Smart Glasses, and widespread confusion about JAWS pricing changes

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In episode 31 of Access On:

Introduction 0:00 Brett Boyer, President of the Tech Trainers Division of the National Federation of the Blind 2:05 Brian Buhrow, President of the NationalFederation of the Blind in Computer Science 17:39 The next generation of Meta Smart Glasses is on the way 35:39 Major, confusing changes to JAWS pricing 37:40 Recommending the Honeywell TH2320WF thermostat 44:07 Questions about Microsoft365 46:02 My experiences with the HP Smart App in Windows 11 51:41 Demonstration of Chatterbox TTS 54:18 Closing and contact info 1:01:01

Plenty of tech discussion at national convention, our advocacy on autonomous vehicles, and the search for the perfect windows email client

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Access On:

Introduction 0:00 Register for our Technology Advocacy Boutique 1:00 Plenty of technology-related sessions at national convention 2:05 Highlights of our Autonomous Vehicles Boutique 8:31 Third party tools and Facebook 34:48 Accessibility regression with the Samsung Smart Things app 41:21 1Password, the WeWalk app, and setting up an HP printer when blind 42:19 Problems with JAWS and Thunderbird, and trying to find the ultimate Windows email client 47:44 Apple Watch and hearing aids 52:46 Apple WWDC feedback 55:15 Tech tip: optimizing laptop function keys for screen reader use 57:12 Closing and contact info 58:54

A recap of Apple's 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference keynote

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:55:15 -0000

On this episode, Jonathan Mosen, Judy Dixon, Michael Feir and Heidi Taylor take a look at what's coming in the 2026 versions of Apple's operating systems, iOS, watchOS, tvOS, MacOS, visionOS, and iPadOS.

You're welcome to share your thoughts with us for inclusion in a future episode.

Shop online at the NFB's Independence Market, and hosting and attending Zoom meetings

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On episode 28 of Access On:

Introduction 0:00 Our WWDC keynote special 0:47 Join us for our four-hour seminar on podcasting as a blind person, June 11 4:13 Sean Seward from the NFB's Independence Market discusses shopping the catalog online 6:32 A look at the Zoom online meeting platform 31:52 Closing and contact info 1:04:05

Google and Aira announce an AI visual interpretation pilot, and accessible kitchen appliances

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Access On: Register for our four-hour podcasting seminar 0:00 Troy Otillio discusses the AI partnership between Aira and Google 2:12 More on accessible appliances 54:37 Tech tip, Victor Reader Stream 58:15.340 Closing and contact info 1:00:52

The NFB and Innosearch announce a strategic partnership, working with Webex online meetings, and would people use DecTalk on an iPhone

Wed, 21 May 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Here's what's in this week's episode of Access On, and when you can hear it.

Register for our indoor wayfinding boutique 0:00 The National Federation of the Blind and Innosearch announce partnership 2:02 A guide to hosting and attending Webex meetings 8:38 It would be nice to have DecTalk on the iPhone 47:35 The Facebook website is still problematic 48:54 Impressed with Android 15 50:07 Appliance accessibility 50:55 Hearing aid battery life 53:39 Be aware of hearing aid model variations, and devices to help blind wheelchair users 55:27 Tech tip, if your iPhone's messages stop automatically speaking while in a conversation 58:44

A guide to Google Meet, a bug in AirPods 4, and accessible control of Bosch dishwashers

Wed, 14 May 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Here's what's on this episode of Access On.

Global AccessibilityAwareness Day 0:00 Join us for our indoor wayfinding boutique 1:52 A guide to Google Meet 3:01 Thoughts on earbuds 20:36 Problem with Microsoft Copilot 31:50 Email clients and password managers 35:22 Another idea for a navigational/sensory substitution device 39:06 I want the iOS Home Screen but get the App Library instead 43:27 Poor experience with Microsoft Disability Answer Desk 45:24 Tips for accommodating DeafBlind people in online meetings 48:35 Using Winlink and Airmail 51:15 YouTube TV 52:19 Need accessible personal finance software 53:23 Tech tip, an accessible dishwasher 55:51 Closing and contact info 57:20.856

A guide to Microsoft Teams meetings, audio description on YouTube TV, and Samsung Smart Things accessibility regression

Wed, 07 May 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this week's edition of Access On;

A guide to meetings in Microsoft Teams 0:00 Navigation technology 44:34 Wanting accessible dishwasher recommendations 45:36 Tech tip, JAWS speech history 47:19 Apple Watch water resistance, and hearing aid questions 48:50 Netflix on Amazon Fire products 53:25 How do I get audio description on YouTube TV? 54:13 Apparent regression with Samsung TV accessibility 55:47 Vector 57:46 Closing and contact info 58:57

Online meeting tips and tricks, Perplexity's Siri competitor, and the YouTube for iOS speed control

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Here's what's covered in this week's edition of Access On.

A guide to effective participation in online meetings 0:00 Perplexity offers a voice assistant to rival Siri on iPhone 18:10 Problems with Stamps.com 38:31 Looking for English to Hungarian AI overdubbing 40:07 Working with PowerPoint 42:58 Thoughts on automated document remediation 44:58 Can't get my Bluetooth speaker to behave with my laptop 45:50 Adjusting playback speed in YouTube for iOS 50:33 An accessible stand-alone thermostat 55:07 Working with PowerPoint slides 56:54 Closing and contact info 58:58

Vector promises smoother travels, more on accessible TV, and copying content from the web in JAWS

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this week's edition of Access On: Join us for our Autonomous Vehicle boutique 0:00 Rob Quinn from MakeSense Technology discusses the Vector 1:38 Problems copying text from web pages using JAWS 32:54 My perspective on different earbuds 34:43 Accessible televisions 44:36 Working with multiple tabs in Google Docs 49:51 Getting to the iOS status bar 54:02 Closing and contact info 59:24

More on using AI tools, Innosearch is a phone call away, and Netflix on various devices

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this week's edition of Access On: Introduction 0:00 Join us for an update on autonomous vehicles 0:58 Google AI Studio 3:12 ChatGPT Voice and video 13:59 I want a stand-alone talking thermostat 16:28 Can AI walk me through a route? 17:50 Getting information from a slide presentation 31:00 The arrival of the Copilot key 33:11 CSUN 2025, the NFB national convention, and exercise equipment 37:58 The benefit of using several operating systems 40:20 YouTube for iOS speed control broken 42:51 Innosearch is now a phone call away 44:43 Netflix on Samsung TVs 51:56

Echo Vision Smart glasses, accessible televisions, and audio transcription solutions

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Welcome to episode 20 of Access On. This week:

Introduction 0:00 Update from Google regarding SMS two-factor authentication 1:50 Podcast sponsorship opportunities now available 5:45 Huasong Cao from Agiga discusses the Echo Vision Smart Glasses 6:27 Inaccessible tools on the job 43:21 Can't get to the status bar of my iPhone via my Braille display 46:57 Looking for advice on accessible TVs 48:48 Tech tip, transcribing audio with ChatGPT 52:16

creating PowerPoint presentations with a screen reader

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this week's Access On, we're doing a deep dive into PowerPoint from a blindness perspective. Here's what you can hear, and when.

Join us for our extended seminar on online meeting platforms 0:00 Creating PowerPoint presentations as a blind person 1:50 Tech tip, the iOS ItemChooser 56:16 Closing and contact info 58:17

When AI isn't the right tool, Aira and Be My Eyes on your PC, and more Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses feedback

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0000

On this week's edition of the National Federation of the Blind's technology podcast:

Introduction 0:00 Darrell Hilliker discusses AI hallucinations 1:41 Using Be My Eyes and Aira Explorer on your PC 11:18 Resolution to Facebook for iOS comments bug 34:17 Link previews disappear in WhatsApp 34:43 International availability of Meta AI on Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses 35:32 Choosing the right Braille display, and Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses feedback 37:15 Using my NLS eReader as a Braille display 42:45 Longstanding bug with Netflix and the Amazon Fire TV Cube 44:43 A range of accessibility issues 49:17 Tech Tip, pinning folders to Quick Access in Windows 57:02 Closing and contact info 59:41

a recap of CSUN, a Facebook iOS regression, and how some iPhone users can find one another in a crowd

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0000

In this week's edition of Access On:

Panel discussion about CSUN 2025 0:00 Facebook for iOS regression re comments 49:06 Seeking advice on accessible fitness equipment 49:52 Innosearch is great but needs to do more 52:24 Three tech questions 53:48 Tech tip, finding another iPhone user in a crowd 56:57 Closing and contact info 59:15

AI prompt engineering. How to communicate with AI to get the results you want

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0000

This week, we bring you an abridged recording of our recent boutique on AI prompt engineering. It covers: Introduction 0:00 Overview and general examples of prompt engineering 1:47 Using prompt engineering to get the visual information you want 24:37 Custom GPTs and tactile graphics 47:02 Closing and contact info 58:44

choosing the earbuds that are right for you, could Gmail be about to get more difficult to log into, and Amazon upgrades Alexa

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Coming up in this week's episode: Introduction 0:00 Register for our PowerPoint training boutique 1:15 Finding the earbuds that are right for you 2:29 Amazon announces a significant Alexa upgrade 42:30 Could logging into Gmail become less accessible 47:08 Thoughts on the BT Speak 51:06 Tech tip, converting photo file formats on Mac 55:36 Closing and contact info 59:27

Making purchases in-person, Apples iPhone 16e, and MLB Beat the Streak

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode: Introduction 0:00 Shopping in-person is problematic 1:16 Discussion about accessible kiosks and other purchasing options 14:09 The iPhone 16e 30:58 Variable quality of audio description 37:17 Alexa.amazon.com appears to have gone 40:41 Accessibility of MailChimp 42:56 Navigation apps for pedestrians 44:42 Eset VPN accessibility issue 46:27 Finding Access On on the SensePlayer 48:48 Reporting a problem with Uber Eats, and MLB's Beat the Streak 49:43 Geographic restrictions of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses 53:07 Focusrite Vocaster 2 54:15 My use of the BTSpeak 56:55 Tech tip, finding used Perkins Braillers online 58:10 Closing and contact info 59:10

Scribe for documents and when automated remediation is the right answer, inaccessibility limiting our tech choices, and making a phone call to ChatGPT

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0000

This week on Access On:

Introduction 0:00 Your final reminder to register for our AI prompt engineering boutique 0:59 Follow-up from some items on previous episodes 2:56 Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell from Pneuma Solutions discuss Scribe for Documents 5:40 When we can't choose the tools we prefer due to inaccessibility 43:57 Access ChatGPT via phone 56:28 Closing and contact info 59:24

The NFB President Mark Riccobono talks technology advocacy, and the National Federation of the Blind RadioNetwork NFBRN

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Access On:

Introduction 0:00 Register for the webinar, how to engineer an AI prompt on Feb 25 0:53 National Federation of the Blind President, Mark Riccobono 2:02 On Innosearch doing the heavy lifting 42:08 Flock accessibility, learning a language, and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses 45:26 Remembering Ed Potter 49:01 Recommending a captioning service 51:13 Some potential downsides of buying through Innosearch 51:44 When accessibility breaks 54:16 Tech tip, battery health 57:34

Blazie Technologies prepares its first refreshable Braille product, more on Facebook accessibility, and join us for our AI prompt engineering boutique

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Here's what's in store for you on this episode, followed by the time in the file you can hear the item. Introduction 0:00 Update on Facebook accessibility 0:53 Bryan Blazie and David Goldfield of Blazie Technologies 4:33 Accessibility of the RODECaster 44:43 Ray-Ban Meta Smart glasses 49:35 Playback Magazine and other publications of the past 53:50 Boutique on how to engineer an AI prompt 54:56 Tech tip, Scribe for Documents 56:25 Closing and contact info 58:00

Meta rolls out some accessibility fixes to Facebook, Audiom provides accessible maps, and learning a language

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode:

Introduction 0:00 Improvements to Facebook accessibility 0:54 To use the mobile experience on a desktop device, visit https://facebook.com/?force_mobile=1 Brandom Biggs discusses Audiom 13:02 Remembering Ed Potter 43:35 Listening to Access On with SensePlayer, and accounting software 45:44 Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and hearing aids 47:10 Accessibility of Microsoft Word for iOS 50:16 Learning another language 51:40 Configuring the restaurant program for Phonak hearing aids 54:49 Closing and contact info 59:28

The NFB's Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility, Meta Smart Glasses review, and a tribute to Ed Potter

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome to episode 9 of Access On. Here's what you can hear in this week's episode.

Introduction 0:00 Ed Potter dies 0:50 To hear past episodes of Playback Magazine, you can check out the Playback magazine Archive Jonathan Mosen, Karl Belanger and Kennedy Zimnik discuss the National Federation of the Blind's Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility 4:33 Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses 31:36 Review of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses 33:58 Brit Box has no audio description 47:39 Seeing AI barcode descriptions deteriorating 48:24 Problems composing posts in Facebook for iOS 50:09 Learning another language 52:00 Accessible closed captions 53:39 Switching software, now my job is less accessible 55:11 Tech Tip, Paprika Recipe Manager 56:39 Closing and contact info 58:33

Accessible shopping with Innosearch.ai, podcast apps for your iPhone, and organize your travel with TripIt

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Here are the items we cover in this episode of Access On, and the times in the file for each. Introduction 0:00 Patrick Long and Bryan Vuong discuss Innosearch.ai 1:12 JAWS sound split feature, and a talking body temperature thermometer 45:58 Pages for Mac with Apple Intelligence, and playing Access On with Siri 48:07 Podcast apps for iPhone 50:58 Tech Tip, keep your travel organized with TripIt 56:35 Closing and contact info 58:55

The Plaud NotePin, what's the most accessible way to learn a language, and smart glasses feedback

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Happy new year from all of us here at the National Federation of the Blind. Here's what's on our first episode for 2025.

Introduction 0:00 Register for our document accessibility boutique on January 28 1:09 Review and demonstration of the Plaud NotePin 2:38 Microsoft office on mobile devices, and Microsoft Bookings 36:59 The most accessible way to learn a new language, and getting familiar with Microsoft Teams 40:28 The future of the Envision glasses 43:49 Amazon Alexa 52:39 Problems with the voice rotor in watchOS 11 53:52 Tech tip for Victor Reader Stream users 55:30 Closing and contact info 59:17

iOS 18.2, AudibleSync and the Victor Reader Stream 3, and funding for Access Technology

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Access On will be taking a short break over the holiday season, returning in early 2025. We all wish you and yours a joyous holiday season.

Here's what's in this week's episode.

Introduction 0:00 A look at iOS 18.2 1:30 Why isn't Siri's ChatGPT integration on all iPhones? 41:59 Assistance with purchasing access technology 46:15 AudibleSync doesn't work for all Victor Reader Stream 3 users 50:29 Thunderbird accessibility 53:28 Creating tables in Pages for Mac 54:16 Tech Tip, accessing the classic Windows sound settings 55:24 Closing and contact info 56:58

Ally from Envision, using the Thunderbird email client with a screen reader, and accessibility across meta social media products

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome to our fifth episode. Here's what you can hear, and when you can hear it.

Introduction 0:00 Karthik Kannon from Envision discusses their new AI called Ally 1:09 Reordering tracks in Ferrite Recording Studio 35:09 Listener responses to Thunderbird accessibility question 38:40 Facebook accessibility 41:50 Ray-Ban Meta glasses feedback 45:34 Induction cooktop that can be used by a blind person 47:27 Braille displays and notetakers 49:00 Live Listen not working 52:22 Closing and contact info 56:38

Win a Victor Reader Stream or a BT SpeakPro, what's new in the Stream, and Facebook accessibility

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Thanks for listening and spreading the word about Access On. Here is what you can hear in this episode and the time in the file to listen. The podcast is also segmented by chapter for podcast apps that support this feature.

Introduction 0:00 How you can win a HumanWare Victor Reader Stream or a Blazie Technologies BT Speak Pro 2:12 You can enter the drawing until Dec 8 by visiting https://nfb.org/donate Mathieu Paquette from HumanWare discusses the Victor Reader Stream 3 6:47 Hearing aid compatibility with iOS, and Apple intelligence on the Mac 41:15 Lotus Smart Ring 44:41 What is happening withFacebook accessibility? 47:00 Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses 54:59 This week's tech tip 58:16 Closing and contact info 1:00:48.766

noise-free navigation with HapticNav, what to do if your Apple Notes have vanished, and feedback on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome to episode 3. Thank you for listening, and for spreading the word about our new podcast. In this episode,

Introduction and happy thanksgiving 0:00 Now you can subscribe to an announcements list for Access On 1:45 If you've lost your Apple Notes, here's how to get them back 2:56 NV Access wants your opinion on NVDA's contributor documentation 4:06 Doordash introduces importing of grocery lists 4:51 Google Gemini can now remember things about you 5:23 Changes coming to Microsoft Teams 6:22 ChatGPT's premium voice feature is now on desktop 7:02 Audio and video upgrades for FacebookMessenger 13:14 Audio transcripts come to WhatsApp 13:40 Kevin Yoo describes the free HapticNav app and the technology that is behind it 14:18 Help us bridge the gap between blind people and our dreams 32:21 The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses 33:37 AI's instructions onExcel commands 47:21 Editing videos accessibly in Windows 48:36 Listening to Access On with Amazon Alexa 50:47 AI audio description on the desktop? 53:11 How accessible is the latest Thunderbird email client? 53:52 This week's tech tip 56:07 Closing and contact info 57:38

The Be My Eyes Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses partnership, audio description of your own videos, and news of the Blindshell Classic 3

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome to our second episode and thank you for all your wonderful feedback. Here is what we cover this week.

Introduction, follow us on Mastodon 0:00 Samsung working on Meta Smart Glasses rival 1:52 Blindshell releases the Blindshell Classic 3 2:33 Firmware update for the BT Speak 4:25 Ads coming to Threads 5:16 Interview with Google Gemini on its dedicated iOS app 6:06 Whatsapp has added drafts 10:49 Upcoming CENA boutique on teaching someone to use a screen reader 11:05 What will Apple Intelligence mean for screen reading? 12:27 How is Apple's Visual Intelligence going? 15:42 Getting descriptions of videos using Seeing AI and PiccyBot 17:27 Mike Buckley, CEO of Be My Eyes, discusses the Ray-Ban Meta collaboration and other partnerships 28:18 Latest episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast 1:04:01 Tech tip, reading complex emails in Microsoft Outlook 1:04:46 Closing and contact info 1:06:55

Welcome to Access on, and AI to help you use your technology

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the first episode of Access On, the National Federation of the Blind's Technology podcast.

The show is segmented by chapter, making it easy to move between segments of the podcast if you have an app or player that supports chapters.

Here is what's on the show this week, and when you can hear it.

Launch of Access On by Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind 0:00 Introduction from Jonathan Mosen 3:36 News Bits 6:34 Upcoming boutique from the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access 14:03 Jeremy Curry from Microsoft discusses the new Ask MA service 15:45 Demonstration of Ask Ma 42:44 Visit the Ask Ma service and try it for yourself. https://aka.ms/askma FS Companion from Vispero 56:28 Access On Tech Tip 1:06:22 Closing and contact info 1:08:30

"Access On" is coming soon

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:56:53 -0000

Follow Access On and receive our first episode as soon as it is published.