Discover how accessible formats are transforming education in 2025, from digital textbooks and assistive technology to AI-supported tools. Hear first-hand stories from students, educators, and innovators pushing for inclusive learning.

In this episode of Double Tap Extra, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece travel to Edinburgh for the Accessible Formats in Focus conference, hosted by the Scottish Sensory Centre at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. They explore the urgent need for accessible learning materials and the real-world impact of inaccessible PDFs and e-books.  

Conversations include:  

This insightful episode uncovers the barriers students face, the creative solutions educators employ, and how technology and human support must work together to ensure equal access to learning.

Relevant Links  

Scottish Sensory Centre: https://www.ssc.education.ed.ac.uk  

University of Glasgow Library: https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/library/  

RNIB Bookshare: https://www.rnibbookshare.org  

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Discover how Omni Describer makes videos accessible with free, AI-powered audio descriptions on Windows. Learn how to add audio descriptions to YouTube or local videos and export them easily.  

Expanded Summary  

In this episode of Double Tap Extra, Robin Christopherson demonstrates Omni Describer, a free Windows utility designed to add audio descriptions to videos for blind and visually impaired users. The walkthrough covers importing YouTube or local video files, selecting AI prompt presets for different video types, and adjusting settings for output quality, verbosity, and text-to-speech voices.  

Listeners learn how to generate accurate, time-synced descriptions in various formats, including MP3 with embedded narration, SRT subtitle files, and plain text. Robin also explores the app’s advanced features, such as scene exploration, custom prompts, and editing descriptions before export.  

The demonstration concludes with a real-world test using a fast-paced Oakley Meta smart glasses video, showing how Omni Describer delivers concise and effective narration, helping users understand visual content that would otherwise be inaccessible.  

Keyword List  

Omni Describer, audio description software, accessible video tools, Windows screen reader apps, YouTube audio description, SRT subtitle generation, blind accessibility tools, AI video description, free accessibility software, video descriptions for the blind  

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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

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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

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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  

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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.

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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

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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  

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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  

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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  

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