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

In this lively Double Tap Extra, the hosts debate whether AI companions can help with isolation, therapy, and emotional support — or if they risk replacing meaningful human connections. The conversation dives into real-world use cases, from assisting people with dementia to offering friendship to those living alone or with disabilities. Steven Scott, Shaun Preece & regular guest Robin Christopherson discuss the psychology of online relationships, the blurred lines between therapy bots and romantic AI avatars, and the ethical challenges of AI reinforcing unhealthy behaviours. They also explore privacy concerns, data collection, and the future of AI in the home — from virtual friends to humanoid robots. Key topics include:   • The pros and cons of AI companionship for isolated individuals   • Emotional support vs. romantic AI relationships   • Risks of reinforcing echo chambers or harmful behaviours   • Privacy, ethics, and the role of tech companies in AI development   • How future humanoid robots may blur the line between tool and companion Relevant Links   Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com   OpenAI ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com   Replika AI: https://replika.com   BBC Ouch Podcast Archive: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02r7grw 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

Discover “At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now”, the inspiring podcast celebrating Braille’s history, modern tools, and creative ways to make Braille part of everyday life. Chris Cooke joins the Double Tap family to share her passion and practical tips for Braille enthusiasts worldwide. Chris Cooke, lifelong Braille reader and advocate, brings her popular show At Your Fingertips to the Double Tap family. The podcast explores Braille’s rich history and its modern applications—ranging from tactile graphics and learning tools to creative, low-tech solutions like labelling appliances and making Braille greeting cards.   Listeners will also hear stories from Braille users around the globe, highlighting cultural differences, challenges in access to Perkins Braillers, and the importance of Braille for education and language development. Chris shares how the show grew from a personal passion into a global conversation, with contributions from the Unmute network and the supportive podcasting community.   If you’re curious about Braille, love accessible tech, or want to hear authentic voices from the blind and visually impaired community, this new show is a must-listen. 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

Learn how to upgrade an unsupported PC to Windows 11 using Rufus, bypassing TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot limitations, and give your older machine a faster, modern operating system—before Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. In this step-by-step guide, Robin Christopherson walks you through upgrading an older PC—or even an Intel MacBook running Boot Camp—to Windows 11, even if it doesn’t meet Microsoft’s standard requirements. Discover how to create a bootable USB installer with Rufus, automatically download the latest Windows 11 ISO, and enable the hidden option to bypass TPM 2.0 and RAM checks.   This tutorial also covers best practices like backing up your files, selecting the right architecture and language, and using the Windows upgrade option to keep your apps and files intact. With Windows 10 support ending on 14 October 2025, this is the perfect way to modernise your computer without buying new hardware. Relevant Links   Rufus: https://rufus.ie   Windows 11 ISO: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11   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

Meta is opening its smart glasses to developers with the new Meta Wearables Device Access Toolkit, and Microsoft Seeing AI is the first major partner. This breakthrough could transform accessibility by allowing apps to harness the glasses’ cameras, microphones, and audio for real-world assistance.      Steven Scott and Shaun Preece break down Meta’s game-changing announcement: the release of an SDK that finally gives developers access to core Meta smart glasses hardware. This means apps like Microsoft Seeing AI can use the glasses to deliver hands-free, real-time descriptions of surroundings, object recognition, and instant text reading—all without holding a phone.   The hosts explore why this is massive for accessibility, particularly for blind and visually impaired users. They discuss the future potential for apps like Be My Eyes, Aira, and Envision, along with the limitations of the preview programme, privacy considerations, and how developers can integrate AI via cloud or local processing. They also touch on why this move positions Meta as a serious player before Apple and Google release their own smart glasses SDKs.   Relevant Links   Meta Wearables Device Access Toolkit: https://www.meta.com   Microsoft Seeing AI: https://www.microsoft.com/seeing-ai   Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com   Keyword List   Meta smart glasses SDK, Meta Wearables Device Access Toolkit, Microsoft Seeing AI on glasses, accessible smart glasses, AI for blind users, Be My Eyes integration, Aira on smart glasses, hands-free accessibility, Meta Ray-Ban glasses, wearable assistive technology   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

Get ready for our Apple Event 2025 live preview and post-show coverage! Join Steven Scott, Shaun Preece, and special guests Michael Feir, Shelly Brisbin, and Michael Babcock as we dive into rumours, live streaming details, and how to tune in for every moment of Apple’s biggest announcements. In this special edition of Double Tap Extra, Steven and Shaun reveal their plans for comprehensive coverage of Apple’s September 9th event. From a live pre-show broadcast to a detailed post-event breakdown, the team shares how listeners can join via the new 24/7 Double Tap Live channel.   Learn how to listen on the web, your smart speaker, or YouTube, and hear about guest appearances from accessibility and tech experts. The hosts also discuss their excitement for Apple’s upcoming iPhone and Watch rumours, and tease future live coverage of Meta, Google, and Amazon events.   Like what you hear? Subscribe on YouTube and your favourite podcast app for all the Apple Event coverage, live discussions, and accessible tech insights. Try the live stream at https://doubletaponair.com/live or ask your smart speaker to “Open Double Tap Live”!   Keyword List   Apple event 2025, iPhone 17 rumours, Apple Watch 2025, Double Tap Live, accessible tech podcast, live Apple coverage, AMI Audio, Apple event preview, Apple event post show, Michael Feir, Shelly Brisbin, Michael Babcock   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

This episode of Double Tap Extra dives deep into listener experiences with guide dogs, mobility tools, and the mental health challenges linked to blindness. From thoughtful advice on matching the right guide dog to navigating life with retinitis pigmentosa, rural cane tips, and coping with social isolation, Steven and Shaun bring real voices and insights together in a powerful discussion. In this Extra edition, Steven and Shaun dedicate time to longer listener emails that don’t always make it onto the main show. Nikki from Texas shares heartfelt advice about guide dog selection, reminding Steven to ensure his hand tremor is considered in the matching process. Gregory reflects on his personal journey with retinitis pigmentosa, his decision not to pursue a guide dog due to safety concerns, and his thoughts on new mobility tech like Glidance and Echo Vision. Craig from Scotland opens up about losing his sight rapidly, the impact on his mental health, and how his guide dog helped him adjust before retirement. He highlights the importance of mind management strategies and supportive friends. Trevor from Ontario offers an incredibly detailed comparison of cane tips for different terrains—including the Rover Freewheel, ceramic tips, Pathfinder 360, and snow disc—providing real-world advice for rural and urban travelers alike. The discussion weaves through themes of guilt, independence, resilience, and identity, with Steven and Shaun reflecting on how blind people adapt to changing needs, the underestimated role of mental health, and the importance of finding practical tools that fit each person’s lifestyle. 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

Is Braille truly essential for literacy—or are there other valid paths to becoming literate as a blind person? Ken Scott joins the show with a contrarian view that challenges long-held beliefs around Braille, literacy, and employment. In this episode of Double Tap Extra, Steven Scott welcomes Ken Scott—no relation—for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about Braille literacy and its place in the modern world. Rather than accepting the popular phrase “Braille is literacy,” Ken challenges the assumption by asking: Is Braille the only form of literacy for blind people? Drawing from perspectives in adult literacy studies and his own lived experience, Ken argues that screen reader proficiency—when paired with thoughtful instruction—can provide a path to literacy just as valid as Braille. Together, they explore the differences in literacy needs between blind children and adults, whether Braille offers a career advantage, and the cognitive similarities between reading and listening. The episode doesn’t shy away from controversy. From the lack of current Braille usage data to the cost barriers of Braille displays in employment settings, Ken makes the case that Braille, while valuable, may not be the universal solution some believe it to be. They also touch on the debate between reading versus listening, the role of screen readers in developing writing skills, and how modern assistive tech is shifting the accessibility landscape. It’s a bold, nuanced discussion aimed at opening minds—not closing conversations. 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

Get a front-row pass to the UK's top assistive tech expo with Double Tap at Sight Village! From Meta Ray-Bans to vibrating shoes, discover the latest in accessible technology and the challenges facing blind users today. In this on-location episode, Steven, Shaun, Tim Dixon, and guest Martin Ralfe explore the atmosphere, innovations, and issues at Sight Village Birmingham. The crew recounts their chaotic journey getting to the venue, reflect on travel anxiety as blind travelers, and share honest first impressions of the event’s accessibility improvements. The conversation dives deep into tech highlights, including the buzz around Meta Ray-Bans (even though they weren’t officially on display), vibrating haptic shoes, and the Luna night-vision glasses. Martin offers valuable insight into AI’s role in assistive tech, its limitations, and why prompt engineering matters. The hosts also call out missed sales opportunities and accessibility oversights from vendors, pushing for a better customer experience at future events. Blind Ambition UK: https://www.blindambition.co.uk Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com Meta Ray-Bans: https://www.ray-ban.com/meta Seatfrog App: https://www.seatfrog.com Episode Summary:Relevant Links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really feel like to apply for a guide dog for the first time—or even the second time? In this candid episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott, Shaun, and Garth Humphreys dive into the emotional journey of vision loss, guide dog decisions, and the often-overlooked mental health toll of blindness. From funny mishaps with canes to life-altering moments on bicycles, this heartfelt conversation explores grief, pride, stigma, identity, and the ongoing process of self-acceptance in the blind community. Whether you’re thinking about getting a guide dog or just want to understand what it’s like to live between sighted and blind worlds, this episode doesn’t hold back. [Chapters] 00:00 – Cream or manure? Why we’re still saying “Dollop” 02:15 – Steven applies for a guide dog: the emotional impact 03:45 – Garth on why the dog feels like an “invisibility cloak” 06:46 – Bike crashes, pride, and realizing “I’m actually blind” 11:10 – When your brain fills in the blanks: hallucinations and memory 13:38 – Denial and delays in accepting vision loss 17:00 – Feeling “not blind enough” and the weird middle space 20:44 – The freedom of sunglasses and letting go of eye contact 23:26 – Parental guilt and the “B-word” 26:21 – Naked honesty: letting go of the mask 27:07 – Cane vs. dog: what really changes? 29:50 – Why some see a guide dog as “blindness, level 2” 32:20 – A man gives directions to a dog 35:01 – Blindness grief: it hits you when you least expect it 42:47 – Uber and guide dog refusals: what’s changing? 46:59 – Is it worth the fight—or should we just have a nice night? 50:14 – The waiting list reality & Steven’s next steps 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe if this conversation resonated with you—or share it with someone on their own journey with vision loss. guide dog application, blindness grief, cane vs guide dog, emotional impact of vision loss, partially sighted identity, guide dog UK, guide dog waiting list, vision loss mental health, blind mobility stories, Uber guide dog refusal, blindness stigma, Audio Pizza, Double Tap podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sky says it supports accessibility—but is it really doing enough? In this episode, Steven, Shaun, and Elliot expose major issues with Sky’s handling of audio description, especially for blind users relying on Sky Glass and Sky Stream. Steven Scott, Shaun Preece, and guest Elliot dive deep into Sky’s accessibility failures, particularly the lack of audio description (AD) on on-demand content. While Sky’s live TV still includes AD, the hosts argue that Sky Glass and Stream have regressed in accessibility by removing recording capabilities and failing to carry over AD to on-demand titles. They criticize Sky’s token efforts and misleading claims about inclusivity, especially when other platforms like BBC iPlayer and ITVX are doing far more. The team share personal experiences, including frustrating conversations with Sky’s accessibility team, and discuss how outdated workflows and technical excuses can't justify the exclusion of blind users. They also explore how the blind community might take collective action and why it's vital that AD is prioritized as much as subtitles and signed content. Keyword Sky accessibility, audio description on demand, Sky Glass accessibility issues, Sky Stream voice guidance, TV accessibility UK, blind TV viewers, AD on Sky, inclusive media, Sky TV AD problems, ITVX audio description, BBC iPlayer accessibility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join the Double Tap team for a freewheeling, biscuit-fueled conversation covering everything from AirPods that detect sleep to Apple Intelligence and accessibility updates in iOS 18 and macOS 15. In this laid-back bonus episode of Double Tap, Steven, Shaun, Callum, and guest Michael Babcock dive into all things WWDC 2025—from the serious to the seriously silly. They start with talk of Kit Kats and squeezy jam, but quickly shift into thoughtful reflections on Apple’s updates to Siri, VoiceOver, and AirPods. The group critiques Apple’s slow rollout of Siri improvements and explores new features like clipboard history limits, local audio capture, and AirPods triggering video. They also debate the pros and cons of headphones from Apple and Sony, ponder touchscreen Macs, and discuss the deeper implications of transparency mode for people with autism. Expect laughs, accessibility insights, and the occasional questionable episode title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven, Shaun, and Marc Aflalo share the chaotic and comical process of covering Inclusive Africa remotely—from last-minute calls with Mastercard Foundation to organizing a cameraman in Nairobi. The team dives into the importance of being one of the few assistive tech shows to feature the event and reflects on key moments, including their surprise interview with Meta’s Maxine Williams. They also discuss audience feedback, the growing interest in Android accessibility, the reliability of Apple’s inclusive design, and what’s expected (or not) at WWDC 2025. Lighthearted debates about podcast naming, media presence, and AI rumors round out a candid, laughter-filled episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices