Double Tap

Today on the show Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss their frustrations with social media, particularly Facebook, and the addictive nature of doomscrolling. They explore alternatives like RSS feeds for news consumption and highlight the accessibility challenges faced by visually impaired users trying to use social media outside of the smartphone.The discussion also touches on the recent shift of the Oko app to a subscription model, prompting a broader conversation about the community's willingness to pay for accessibility tools and the value they provide.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro03:05 The Dangers of Doomscrolling and Social Media Addiction05:56 Exploring RSS Feeds as an Alternative08:52 Accessibility Challenges in Social Media Platforms12:08 The Shift to Subscription Models in Apps46:11 Perceptions of Blindness in Society51:53 Technology Support and Accessibility Challenges ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the inbox to hear what you’ve been saying over the past month or so.There’s much discussion around the access to Meta’s AI functionality around the world, with many listeners in the UK complaining about the lack of the ‘Look and Tell’ feature which allows a blind person to know what the item they are looking at is.Also discussed is the benefits of Meta’s Ray Bans over specialist options such as Seleste glasses, with the guys raising concern over the future of such products. Plus Steven raises concerns over the accessibility of the Facebook web platform.The discussion also touches on the human experience of disability, the importance of civil discourse, and the impact of technology on social interactions, including the use of AI tools like Copilot and the enjoyment of board games as a means of connection.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro02:48 Listener Engagement and Holiday Greetings06:11 Reflections on Braille and Accessibility09:00 Meta Ray-Bans: User Experiences and Challenges11:53 The Future of Seleste Glasses and Market Dynamics14:47 Mainstream vs. Specialist Technology for the Visually Impaired18:04 Navigating Accessibility in Social Media Platforms27:58 Navigating Social Media with Screen Readers29:54 The Reality of Social Media Platforms32:50 Debating the Value of Online Communities36:07 The Human Experience of Disability39:55 Exploring AI and Accessibility in Technology51:58 Board Games and Social Interaction ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today’s episode focuses in on the challenges and progress of accessibility in Ontario, particularly focusing on the Accessibility for Ontarians Act and its implications for blind Canadians. Steven and Shaun also discuss the importance of accessible technology, the role of legislation, and the need for companies to prioritize accessibility in their products. Listener Negative Julian also picks up on the potential impact of political changes in the USA on the pricing of assistive technology.However, our main discussion today brings up the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The architect of the Act, former lawyer David Lepofsky, highlights the shortcomings in the implementation of the AODA, the barriers faced by those with disabilities in healthcare and education, and the need for stronger enforcement of accessibility standards. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of advocacy, leadership, and accountability in achieving accessibility goals, while introducing the Accessible Ontario Pledge as a new initiative to push for change. Listeners are encouraged to support accessibility advocacy efforts not just for the benefit of Ontarians, but for all Canadians and anyone who visits the province.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro05:44 Steven Buys A Thing23:14 Political Implications on Accessible Tech Pricing28:13 Impact of Trump Tariffs and Inflation29:38 Accessibility for Ontarians Act: A Broken Promise35:54 The AODA Alliance's New Pledge41:41 The Accessible Ontario Pledge51:35 How to Support Accessibility Advocacy54:01 Federal and Provincial Responsibilities ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the transition into 2025, reflecting on the role of AI in technology, particularly in relation to accessibility. They delve into the recent FTC ruling against AccessiBe, the new NLS audiobook player, and Ontario's accessibility goals which sadly have not been met.The main conversation today covers highlights from CES 2025, exploring innovations and ethical concerns surrounding AI and accessibility. Steven and Shaun are joined by podcaster Marc Aflalo who discusses various themes from the Las Vegas event surrounding technology, including the future of content moderation, advancements in gaming technology, innovations in AI and robotics, and the evolution of connectivity solutions.The conversation also touches on the automation of eye care and the introduction of comfort-enhancing gaming chairs, showcasing the latest trends and products from CES 2023.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro21:39 CES 2025: Highlights and Innovations27:59 Meta, X & The Future of Content Moderation33:05 Advancements in Gaming Technology39:37 Innovations in AI and Robotics47:43 Revolutionizing Connectivity with Solus Go51:22 Automating Eye Care with iBot53:38 The Next Level of Comfort in Gaming Chairs ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Celebrating 200 years of Braille, this discussion highlights its significance in today's world. Listener feedback showcases Braille as a vital tool for independence, safety, and effective communication. The podcast tackles the integration of technology and the challenges in learning Braille, emphasizing the need for better resources and respect for various literacy methods. Personal experiences shed light on the importance of touch typing skills and advocate for Braille education. Overall, it champions Braille’s relevance amidst a tech-driven society.

Today on the show, we continue celebrating the 200th anniversary of Braille, discussing its evolution, relevance, and the innovations in Braille technology. Joining Steven today is Stuart Lawlor, an expert in assistive technology who works at the UK’s Sight and Sound Technology, and Gregory Hargraves from Paige Braille, who has created an innovative way to turn at Perkins braille machine into a keyboard that can be connected to a computer.The guests both emphasize the importance of Braille literacy, the role of sighted allies in advocacy, and the challenges faced in developing affordable multi-line Braille displays. They also explore the personal significance of Braille from each their blind and sighted perspectives, the debate surrounding Braille literacy, and the need for updated research on Braille usage in modern society. The chat also delves into the multifaceted world of Braille technology, discussing the essential toolkit for visually impaired individuals, the challenges surrounding Braille technology and costs, and the impact of devices like the Hable One. The speakers explore the barriers to learning Braille, the evolution of Braille devices, and the potential effects of tariffs on assistive technology.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Chapter Markers:00:00 Celebrating 200 Years of Braille Technology01:54 The Evolution and Relevance of Braille06:06 The Importance of Sighted Allies in Braille Advocacy07:57 Challenges in Multi-Line Braille Displays12:12 Braille and Literacy: A Personal Perspective14:08 The Debate on Braille Literacy17:55 Research and the Future of Braille19:49 The Global Perspective on Braille Usage30:29 Challenges in Braille Technology and Costs31:57 Hable One: A Game Changer in Braille Technology39:34 The Evolution of Braille Devices and Future Prospects51:46 The Impact of Tariffs on Assistive Technology ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our third episode celebrating Braille at 200, Steven Scott explores the state of Braille education globally, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in teaching Braille to children with visual impairments with special guest Elizabeth McCann, a QTVI (Qualified Teacher of Visually Impaired Children) who works at the University of Edinburgh and has previously worked in Toronto.The discussion highlights the importance of early education, the resurgence of interest in Braille, and the need for individualized approaches to learning. Elizabeth also addresses the resistance from parents and the misconceptions surrounding Braille usage, emphasizing the need for better awareness and advocacy. This conversation explores the challenges and advancements in visual impairment education, focusing on the importance of Braille literacy, the impact of inclusion in mainstream education, and the varying international approaches to teaching Braille. Elizabeth highlights the need for better support systems for teachers and students, the role of technology in enhancing Braille education, and the future of Braille in a rapidly changing educational landscape.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube. ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our second episode celebrating Braille at 200, Steven Scott discusses the significance of Braille education in the United States with blind QTVI (Qualified Teacher of Visually Impaired Children) Kate Crohan who works at Perkins School for the Blind.The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in teaching Braille to visually impaired and low vision students, the importance of acceptance in learning Braille, and the balance between traditional Braille and modern technology. Kate Crohan talks about the need for Braille education to adapt to the needs of individual students, including those with low vision, and both Steven and Kate explore the ongoing debate between different input methods for Braille technology.The conversation also explores the various applications of Braille beyond academics, such as in personal life and community engagement. Also, concerns about the future of Braille in the face of advancing technology and audio resources are addressed, with a hopeful outlook on the continued relevance of Braille.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Chapter Markers:00:00 Celebrating Braille Education02:25 The Role of Braille in Education10:33 Acceptance and Learning Braille15:36 Braille vs. Technology: Finding Balance19:00 The Importance of Braille for Low Vision Children20:51 Navigating Braille Learning Levels23:11 QWERTY vs. Perkins: The Braille Input Debate28:28 The Importance of Braille Usage32:16 Technology's Role in Braille Education36:47 Braille Beyond Academics46:47 Concerns for the Future of Braille ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Braille with a deep dive into its historical roots and modern significance. Discover the inspiring story of Louis Braille and the transformative impact of Braille on literacy for the visually impaired. The conversation tackles the educational challenges faced by adult learners and highlights innovative devices like the Hable One. Explore the financial barriers to Braille technology and the need for better accessibility, while pondering the future of Braille in a technology-driven world.

In this festive episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven and Shaun are joined by the stars of AMI, including Jacob Shymanski, Ramya Amuthan, and Kelly MacDonald, who come together to celebrate Christmas Day. They share light-hearted banter about their holiday attire, discuss the changes at AMI-audio over the year, and delve into the evolution of shows like Kelly&Co and AMI Today. The episode is filled with humor, camaraderie, and insightful discussions about media and literature. Amongst other topics, they explore the nuances of audiobooks and audio description, discussing the performance aspect of audiobooks, the accessibility they provide, and the interpretation of media. They delve into the value of audio description in enhancing the viewing experience for the visually impaired, while also touching on personal experiences with technology and Christmas traditions. Come join the party!Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Chapter Markers:00:00 Festive Cheer11:03 Changes at AMI and New Shows19:25 The Role of Audiobooks in Literacy27:10 Debating the Nature of Reading28:35 The Performance of Audiobooks32:46 Accessibility and Interpretation in Media36:59 The Value of Audio Description42:01 Tech Talk: Gadgets and Innovations53:44 Christmas Traditions and Celebrations ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited."Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.