Double Tap Extra

Discover how AI is transforming accessibility for blind and low vision users. Learn how Be My Eyes and InnoSearch AI are empowering independence, from seamless online shopping to workplace solutions—plus a sneak peek at future innovations. In this engaging live AMA hosted by Shawn Keen for the AI for the Blind Club, leaders Mike Buckley (CEO of Be My Eyes) and Patrick Long (Co-Founder of InnoSearch AI) explore the latest in accessible technology. They discuss how over 900,000 blind and low vision users rely on Be My Eyes, the rise of AI-powered visual interpretation, and new tools like Cobrowse AI and accessible storefronts. The conversation delves into practical solutions for online shopping, workplace accessibility, and AI-driven independence. Patrick reveals the launch of InnoSearch’s native app and phone-based shopping, while Mike shares insights into future Be My Eyes features, including Mac support, workplace tools, and enhanced use with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Community questions cover DeafBlind accessibility, government partnerships, product roadmaps, and the transformative potential of AI for daily life and employment. Relevant Links Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com InnoSearch AI: https://www.innosearch.com AI for the Blind Club: https://www.aiftb.com Keyword List Be My Eyes, InnoSearch AI, AI for the Blind, accessible online shopping, Cobrowse AI, AI visual interpretation, blind entrepreneurs, accessible storefronts, Ray-Ban Meta glasses, workplace accessibility, AI independence tools, blind and low vision technology, smart glasses for accessibility, phone shopping for blind users Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the realities of blind parenting, from navigating newborn care to managing guide dogs and public perceptions. Garth and Jordi talk to Shaun to share their first-hand experiences, tips, and honest reflections. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece welcome Garth and Jordi to explore the joys and challenges of raising a baby without sight. Inspired by Lucy Edwards’ video on prams and strollers, Shaun welcomes the guests to dive into practical solutions like baby carriers, talking kitchen tools, and baby-proofing strategies, alongside the emotional side of early parenthood. They discuss handling public expectations, overcoming anxiety, and adapting everyday parenting tasks—such as preparing formula, bathing, and nappy changes—through small, effective adjustments. The chat also highlights the importance of community support, asserting independence, and embracing the unique journey of parenting as blind adults. There’s also a chance to learn more about our upcoming live event hosted by AI for the Blind on the 24th of October with Be My Eyes and Innosearch. Relevant Links Double Tap Live: https://doubletaponair.com/live AI for the Blind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aifortheblind Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to master JAWS with FSReader 3.0, the built-in tool packed with over five hours of free tutorials. Discover how to play, pause, and follow along with hands-on screen reader training directly on Windows. Expanded Summary In this episode of Double Tap Extra, Robin Christopherson demonstrates how FSReader 3.0 helps both new and experienced JAWS users get the most out of their screen reader. This in-depth walkthrough shows where to find the FSReader app, how to access the built-in DAISY tutorials, and the key trick to playing and pausing lessons while working in other applications. From navigating the Windows desktop to mastering JAWS menus, utilities, and web browsing, FSReader offers an accessible and interactive way to learn. Robin also highlights why following step-by-step tutorials while actively practising can accelerate your confidence with JAWS and Windows keyboard navigation. Relevant Links Freedom Scientific Training Podcasts: https://www.freedomscientific.com/training Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore more of the world of tactile art and 3D-printed experiences for blind and visually impaired people as Steven Scott, Shaun Preece, and his partner Sarah visit the Touch Beyond Vision exhibition in London. Discover how tactile sculptures and audio descriptions bring art to life in an entirely new way. Expanded Summary In this Double Tap Extra episode, the team talks more about their trip to the Oxo Tower on London’s South Bank to experience the Carveco “Touch Beyond Vision” exhibition. Sarah, who is Shaun’s partner, shares her first impressions of exploring tactile artworks, from double-decker buses to Winston Churchill sculptures. Through lively conversation, they discuss how depth, texture, and audio description work together to create a fuller picture for blind visitors, as well as the potential for 3D-printed tactile images to preserve personal memories like family photos or pets. The episode also highlights the possibilities for accessible art in galleries and future at-home printing services. Relevant Links Carveco – Touch Beyond Vision: https://carveco.com Double Tap Podcast: https://doubletaponair.com Keyword List tactile art, blind art exhibition, 3D printing for blind, Carveco Touch Beyond Vision, accessible art London, Double Tap podcast, Winston Churchill tactile sculpture, 3D printed photos for blind, Oxo Tower exhibition, audio description in art Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the real value of upgrading to Apple’s latest iPhones, how blind users can get the most from iOS 26, and why Michael Feir’s Personal Power book is transforming the way people learn iPhone accessibility. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece share a lively and honest discussion about Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 17, Pro Max, and the smaller 16E. They debate battery life, MagSafe, and whether premium features like LiDAR and Meta AI really justify the price. They explore practical accessibility tips, from keyboard navigation quirks to using the iPhone’s camera for day‑to‑day tasks, and even how Meta Ray‑Ban glasses fit into a blind user’s workflow. Michael Feir joins to share the story behind his free guide, Personal Power, which teaches blind users to confidently use iPhones from setup through to productivity and entertainment. He explains how community support and Jonathan Mosen’s initiative helped him access the latest technology to keep his guides relevant. Relevant Links Michael Feir’s Personal Power Book: https://michaelfeir.blogspot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blind and visually impaired adults are finding new ways to enjoy creativity and relaxation through tactile colouring books. In this Double Tap Extra, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece meet Kirsty McAllister and Denise Wallace to explore how raised-line illustrations and tactile crayons are making colouring accessible — and why it matters. This lively conversation starts with Steven and Shaun’s trademark humour and tech rants before shifting into an uplifting interview with Kirsty McAllister and Denise Wallace. Kirsty, an illustrator, created tactile colouring sheets for Denise, her blind friend, using raised printing techniques that don’t flatten when coloured over. The result is an accessible, relaxing activity that combines art with tactile learning. Denise explains how scented crayons and touch-based outlines bring the joy of colouring, even without seeing the finished result. Kirsty shares her process, from raised print designs to adding braille and tactile labels to crayons. Together, they highlight the therapeutic value of colouring, the business potential of accessible design, and the broader movement toward tactile graphics, linking to innovations like the Monarch and Dot Pad. The episode also touches on daily accessibility challenges — from software frustrations with Stream Deck and Zoom to personal stories about tipping culture, independence, and navigating life as blind users. Chapters 00:00 – Theme tune banter and tech frustrations 28:00 – Accessibility rants: Stream Deck, Zoom, and Aira 42:35 – Introducing tactile colouring books 45:00 – Interview with Kirsty and Denise 53:30 – Designing raised-line illustrations 56:30 – Making tactile crayons with braille labels 58:50 – Denise’s colouring experience 01:02:00 – Showing finished tactile artwork 01:04:00 – Broader tactile graphics and Monarch discussion 01:06:30 – Closing thoughts and listener callouts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Chantal, a blind entrepreneur helping others learn screen readers and Braille through her new business, See It Through My Fingers. In this Double Tap Extra episode, Steven welcomes Chantal, the founder of See It Through My Fingers. Blind since birth and living with cerebral palsy, Chantal shares her inspiring story of how she overcame educational barriers to build a business teaching screen readers like JAWS and NVDA, remote Braille learning, and visual impairment awareness. She also provides transcription and tactile diagram services and supports trainee teachers through the University of Birmingham. See It Through My Fingers: https://seeitthroughmyfingers.co.uk Phone Chantal: 07547 526 799 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to access your home computer and files from anywhere without the hassle of port forwarding or risky VPN setups? This episode of Double Tap Extra dives deep into Tailscale, a powerful tool that makes remote networking simple, secure, and accessible—even for the non-techies. In this lively and tech-nerdy “dollop” of Double Tap Extra, Steven Scott, Shaun Preece, Tim Dixon, and Callum Stoneman explore Tailscale—a mesh VPN that simplifies remote network access. Shaun explains how he uses it to access a hard drive in his shed from anywhere in the UK, while Tim breaks down how Tailscale works, including features like exit nodes and Magic DNS. Callum shares his experience connecting via Tailscale to use NVDA Remote securely, avoiding the complexities of port forwarding. They also discuss home networking headaches, static IPs, Raspberry Pi ad-blocking via Pi-hole, smart light automation, and travel routers like the Beryl AX. Humour and relatable tech mishaps weave through the conversation, from scammer stories to Shaun’s adventures with broken keyboards. For blind users and accessibility advocates, the gang highlight the ease-of-use and accessibility of Tailscale's interface—plus ethical questions around ad blocking and network security. 0:00 – Welcome to another Double Tap “Dollop” 4:30 – Sean introduces Tailscale use case 8:55 – Tim explains Tailscale VPN and mesh setup 13:30 – NVDA Remote + Tailscale walkthrough 18:45 – Port forwarding woes and why Tailscale wins 25:20 – Exit nodes and filtering kids’ traffic 29:00 – Accessibility, Magic DNS, and static IP myths 35:55 – Chrome Remote Desktop and RIM vs. Tailscale 42:20 – Scams, scam shows, and CD swindles 50:00 – Solving the ad blocking dilemma with Pi-hole 1:00:45 – Raspberry Pi accessibility tips 1:06:00 – Travel routers and smart Wi-Fi on the move 1:15:20 – Smart lights, motion sensors, and mesh Wi-Fi 1:24:50 – Callum’s big house move (and cupboard beans) 1:33:00 – Red lights in the bathroom and light guilt 1:37:55 – Outro: Broken keyboards, smart homes, and future plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices