Freedom Scientific FSCast
The official podcast of Freedom Scientific, leaders in assistive technology for blind people and those with low vision. Hosted by Glen Gordon, FSCast features news, interviews, and product demonstrations relating to Freedom Scientific products such as JAWS and ZoomText. FSCast is a great way to make the most of the products you have as well as learning about what's new and what's around the corner.
Wed, March 26, 2025
CSUN 2025 impressions, and a visit with Ted Henter
JAWS 30 th anniversary celebration is in full swing. So this month on FSCast, we visit with Ted Henter to hear some JAWS stories, as well as to get some helpful tips on starting your own business. We also get the scoop on Vispero’s announcements and special events at this year’s CSUN Assistive Technology Conference from Ryan Jones, Roxana Fischer and Elizabeth Whitaker. And we hear from Marinela Ortiz about her personal experience with JAWS and Braille.
Wed, February 26, 2025
Talking Web Accessibility And Usability, And a Story Of a Young Blind Entrepreneur
This month on FSCast: · Find out about Vispero’s CSUN and upcoming webinar schedule; · Learn about various facets of Web accessibility and usability from Brett Lewis and TJ Squires; · Meet Zülal Tannur, a blind entrepreneur and AI enthusiast from Turkey.
Wed, January 29, 2025
Celebrating Braille, attending a Zoom meeting and enjoying subtitles on YouTube
Mon, December 23, 2024
Product updates, trainer tips from the pro, and TPGI partnership with AIRA
On this episode, Elizabeth Whitaker and Oleg Shevkun introduce some of the new features in our December product updates. Then, we hear from Dan Clark about his path from a pizza store manager to access technology trainer. And finally, Everette Bacon is here to talk about what's new at Aira, including the latest partnership with TPGI.
Thu, December 05, 2024
The Next Big Thing 2024 Final
On this special episode, we relive the Next Big Thing 2024 final. We get to know the finalists and their feature ideas. We hear from the judges and show hosts. And, of course, we find out who the winner is!
Wed, November 27, 2024
Highlights of FSOpenLine For November 2024
If you missed our most recent FSOpenLine, then it’s time to review the highlights of this lively discussion. Topics include Smart Screen Review, accessing shared presentations in Zoom, support for both classic and new Outlook, braille-related issues, product tips and tricks, and a lot more.
Wed, October 30, 2024
FSCast #250. On Sports, Paralympics And Access Technology
Wed, September 25, 2024
Product updates, private Betas and a visit with Eric Damery
Find out about some of the new features in JAWS, ZoomText and Fusion 2024 updates. Get introduced to Roxana Fischer. Hear about our 2025 Public Beta from Mohammed Laachir. And finally, after two years, re-visit with Eric Damery.
Wed, August 28, 2024
Back to School: Prizes, Math And More
On this “back-to-school” issue: Rachel Buchanan, our director of user education and technical support, introduces Sharkvember and The Next Big Thing contest. Dr. Denise Robinson, the founder of Your Tech Vision, discusses technology, education and math. And finally, Olga Espinola, our test engineer and a highly experienced technology user, explains the new math-related features in JAWS.
Wed, July 31, 2024
FSCast 247, An Interview With Oleg Shevkun, and Mohammed Laachir Discusses Our New AI Features
On this episode, Glen Gordon interviews Oleg Shevkun, our new FSCast host, and passes on the baton. Then, we hear from Mohammed Laachir, a product owner at Vispero, on some exciting AI-related developments in JAWS and Fusion.
Wed, June 26, 2024
A visit with Dr. Tim Cordes, plus Crystal Jones talks about Microsoft's Disability Answer Desk
On FSCast 246, we’ll meet psychiatrist Dr. Tim Cordes. He’s been working in addiction medicine for nearly 20 years, and back in 2005 was the second totally blind person to graduate from medical school. Then all about Microsoft’s Disability Answer Desk that can help solve problems related to Microsoft software. Crystal Jones will be here with all the details.
Wed, May 29, 2024
A demo of PictureSmart chat, all about NLS, and a visit with Gordon Legge
On FSCast 245, a demo of how PictureSmart just got smarter thanks to the new chat feature. Then Alice O’Reilly, Chief of the Collections Division, and Tamara Rorie, head of Patron Engagement at NLS, talk about the array of free services and devices available to people living in the United States. Plus, we’ll get to know Gordon Legge, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Minnesota Laboratory for Low-Vision Research.
Wed, April 24, 2024
A visit with Ana González Arean, plus Nicky Gillies and Cathy Miller from the Louisiana DeafBlind project
On FSCast 244, we’ll meet Ana Gonzalez Arean. She’ll talk about growing up in Venezuela and becoming a language professor at two universities, but then needing to move to Spain to start a new life for herself. Then, Cathy Miller and Nicky Gillies from the Louisiana DeafBlind project discuss some of the challenges of identifying deafblind kids young and helping them to achieve their potential.
Wed, April 10, 2024
Archive of the March 2024 FSOpenLine
On the archive of the March FSOpenLine, people share their favorite things to do with PictureSmart AI, including how to use it with FaceInView to describe what’s in the background. And of course questions on a variety of other topics including why JAWS place markers sometimes lose their place, why Thunderbird speaks incoming email notifications multiple times, and how to quickly find out who has hands raised in Zoom.
Wed, March 27, 2024
A demo of PictureSmart AI, and a visit with Anil Lewis
On FSCast 242, we’ll put the newly released Picture Smart AI through its paces, and you’ll hear the detailed descriptions it can generate for everything from a bar chart to a frame from a YouTube video. Then, a visit with longtime blindness advocate Anil Lewis, Executive Director of Blindness Initiatives of the National Federation of the Blind. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com
Wed, February 28, 2024
all about accessible gaming
On FSCast 241, guest host Mohammed Laachir introduces us to the world of accessible gaming. He'll visit with Jesse Anderson, who runs the IllegallySighted YouTube channel, to talk about some of the games that you can play if you're blind or low vision. Then Mohammed talks with NightBlade, who runs an annual Game Jam to get sighted developers excited about accessibility. Links and transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, January 31, 2024
A visit with Doug Geoffray, and a demo of the Bitwarden password manager
On FSCast 240, we're joined by screen reading pioneer Doug Geoffray. We’ll hear about the development of Vocal-Eyes, Window-Eyes, and Doug’s eventual transition to Microsoft, where he helps ensure that their new products are accessible. Then, a deep dive into password managers, two-factor authentication, and a demo of using the Bitwarden password manager with JAWS. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast
Wed, December 27, 2023
Archive of the November 2023 FSOpenLine
On the archive of FSOpenLine from November 2023, some Freedom Scientific developers and testers offer an inside look at our process for developing and refining new features. We also take your calls on a variety of topics including: the accessibility of the new Outlook interface and how to enable or disable it, how to use the Quick Access bar to get to frequently used commands in Microsoft Office apps, regressions with JAWS access to the Game Bar in Windows 11, and a request to be able to automatically switch between voices from different synthesizers.
Wed, November 29, 2023
FSCast 238, archive of the Next Big Thing finale
On FSCast 238, the finals of our November 14 Next Big Thing contest. You'll hear a presentation of the top three ideas, questions from our panel of four judges, some great entertainment, and of course, the person selected as the winner. Transcript at blog.FreedomScientific.com
Thu, October 26, 2023
A visit with Pete Torpey, plus all about Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students
On FSCast 237, a visit with Pete Torpey. You probably know him as the co-host of the Eyes on Success podcast, but prior to that, he had a distinguished career as a research fellow at Xerox. Then, Space Camp for interested visually impaired students. We'll get all the details from Group Coordinator Dan Oates and Space Camp Vice President Robin Soprano. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, September 27, 2023
A visit with Catherine Getchell, plus a focus on APH Career Connect
On FSCast 236, we’re joined by Catherine Getchell, Director of Disability Resources at Carnegie Mellon University. We'll hear about her path to the job at CMU and what motivates her to do this kind of work. Then, to celebrate October as Disability Employment Awareness Month, Lori Scharff and Richard Rueda from the American Printing House for the Blind's CareerConnect program.
Wed, September 13, 2023
Archive of the August 2023 FSOpenLine
On the archive of the August FSOpenLine, news about Sharkvember and our Next Big Thing contest, features you can now try in our 2024 product betas, and of course your calls on a variety of topics. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, August 30, 2023
A Demo of JAWS Face In View, and an interview with Billy Henry of the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
On FSCast 234, guest host Brett Lewis offers up a preview of what’s coming in the public betas of JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText. He’ll also do a demonstration of the new JAWS Face in View feature, and visit with Billy Henry, the President and CEO of the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com.
Wed, July 26, 2023
FSCast 233, Andrew Leland's new book "The Country of the Blind," plus accessible manufacturing at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
On FSCast 233 we’ll meet Andrew Leland. His brand new book, “The Country of the Blind,” is a thoughtful exploration of the world of blindness as he discovers his place in it. Then Ian Stenseng from The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. and longtime JAWS scripter Steve Clark will be here to talk about their creative ways of making The Lighthouse factory equipment accessible. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, June 28, 2023
A demo of the new Message Center, and a visit with JAWS developer Brett Lewis
On FSCast 232, we’ll give a tour of the just-released Message Center. It’s a great way to keep up with product news and announcements, but to read them when it’s convenient. Then we’ll meet longtime JAWS developer Brett Lewis. In his other life, he’s a former Paralympian in judo, and loves the sport so much that he still teaches it three nights a week.
Thu, June 22, 2023
Archive of the May 2023 FSOpenLine
On the Archive of the May FSOpenLine, an overview of features new to the June product updates, resources for learning Slack, and your calls on a variety of topics including: JAWS getting stuck thinking menus are active, and Adobe Reader not always bringing focus to the dialog for setting document tagging options.
Wed, May 31, 2023
Major Scotty Smiley discusses his life, and Dr. Michele McDonnall with results of the AT In The Workplace study
On FSCast 230, we’ll get to know retired Army Major Scotty Smiley. He was blinded by a suicide bomber when fighting in Iraq; but came back, taught at West Point, and became the military’s first totally blind active-duty officer. Then, Dr. Michele McDonnall will be here to discuss the second year of the AT in the Workplace study conducted by Mississippi State University.
Wed, April 26, 2023
An Interview with Mandy Van Cleave, an overview of Text Viewer, and how to write compelling bug reports
On FSCast 229, when Mandy Van Cleave started her job as an assistive technology trainer, little did she know that she would soon need that technology for herself. We hear from Mandy about her personal and professional experience, as well as about a new ZoomText feature that might change the way you use screen magnification. We also give a few tips on how to stay on the same page with your sighted colleagues and friends, and how to write bug reports that stand out.
Wed, March 29, 2023
An Interview with Donovan Tildesley, and an overview of using Visual Studio Code
On FSCast 228 I’m joined by retired Paralympic swimmer Donovan Tildesley. We’ll hear about his odyssey of being removed from a Virgin cruise because the crew panicked when they saw a solo blind passenger, and how his social media presence allowed him to negotiate a solution. Then, a look at Visual Studio Code and why it’s an accessible way to learn to program. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Tue, March 14, 2023
Archive of the February 2023 FSOpenLine
On the archive of the February FSOpenLine, we take your calls on a variety of topics including: Slack conversations unexpectedly scrolling to previous content, Notepad starting up slowly on Windows 11, Fusion sometimes scrolling the screen away from the mouse location, the newly added WhatsApp scripts for JAWS, and how to prevent Zoom from automatically announcing incoming chat messages.
Wed, February 22, 2023
FSCast 226, Software developer Andre Polykanine, plus Sasha Hordiiko & Igor Kushnir from the Ukrainian Association of the Blind
On FSCast 226, we’ll get to know longtime JAWS beta tester, self-proclaimed language nerd, and software developer Andre Polykanine. Then Andre will serve as translator for a visit with Sasha Hordiiko and Igor Kushnir of the Ukrainian Association of the Blind. We’ll hear about their work and find out what life has been like since the beginning of the war.
Wed, January 25, 2023
Bill McCann of Dancing Dots, & Campbell Rutherford, a former Student Of The Month
On FSCast 225, we celebrate Braille Literacy Month with two guests for whom braille plays a pivotal role. Bill McCann, founder of Dancing Dots, has been helping blind musicians with all aspects of music creation for the past 32 years. And Campbell Rutherford, a former Freedom Scientific Student of the Month, is now studying applied mathematics at Harvard. Transcript at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, December 14, 2022
Archive of the November 2022 FSOpenLine
On FSCast 224, it's the archive of the November 2022 FSOpenLine. We discuss improved support for the Outlook Scheduling assistant in JAWS 2023, and take your questions on a variety of topics including: searching for commands in JAWS and Office apps, preventing mail from going to the Outlook Junk folder, and providing resources to people who create inaccessible PDF files. Transcript at Blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, November 30, 2022
Kim Charlson & Thomas Reid discuss the 2022 Audio Description Awards
On FSCast 223, it’s the Second Annual Audio Description Awards put on by the American Council of the Blind. We’ll hear about some of the winners and talk about all things audio description with Kim Charlson, co-chair of the ACB Audio Description Project, and Thomas Reid, audio description narrator and host of the Gala two years running. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, October 26, 2022
A demo of how to customize notifications using regular expressions, and Leona Godin discusses her book There Plant Eyes
On FSCast 222, we’ll demonstrate how creating rules to manage notifications just got more powerful, thanks to the use of regular expressions. It may sound a bit intimidating, but we’ll take it step by step, and you’ll see just how easy it really is. Then we’ll meet M. Leona Godin and hear about her book “There Plant Eyes: A Personal and Cultural History of Blindness.” Transcript and links available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, September 28, 2022
Christine Ha talks about her career as a blind chef, and Judy Dixon discusses her book "Formatting Documents For Appearance"
On FSCast 221, we’ll get to know chef and entrepreneur Christine Ha. Since winning “Master Chef” Season 3 back in 2012, she’s published a cookbook, opened multiple restaurants, hosted a cooking show on AMI Canada, and more. Then Judy Dixon will be here to talk about her latest book. It’s about Microsoft Word and called “Formatting Documents for Appearance.” Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, September 14, 2022
Archive of the August 2022 FSOpenLine
On the Archive of the August 2022 FSOpenLine, Ryan Jones, Glen Gordon, and Rachel Buchanan take your calls on a variety of topics including: Math in Braille with JAWS, switching Braille tables on the fly, Quick Keys in Word, efficiently reading Windows event logs, and why new JAWS versions are installed along side old ones. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, August 31, 2022
FSCast 219, Ryan Jones previews our 2023 software public betas, and we meet Svetlana, Freedom Scientific’s July Student Of The Month
On FSCast 219, we’ll spend some time with Ryan Jones, Freedom Scientific’s new Vice President of Software Product Management. He’ll share a bit of his background, talk about what’s coming in the JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2023 product betas, and demonstrate the new JAWS Smart Glance feature. Then a visit with Svetlana, the Freedom Scientific July Student of the Month. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, July 27, 2022
Eric Damery shares stories about his 28 year career advocating for our software
On FSCast 218, Eric Damery joins Glen Gordon for what will probably be the last time. After over 28 years tirelessly advocating for JAWS and other software, and always being around to help users who are having problems, he’s decided to retire. This time, rather than talking about a new product feature, Eric is here to reflect upon some of the highlights of his career. You can read the transcript, and listen to some of the obsolete 1996 JAWS 2.0 training tapes, at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, July 13, 2022
Archive of the June 2022 FSOpenLine
On the archive of the June 2022 FSOpenLine, we take your calls on a variety of topics including: using JAWS with the Dvorak keyboard layout, a request for better support of WhatsApp on Windows, using JAWS with the touch screen on a Surface Pro, switching from JAWS Professional to a Home license, and lack of spoken feedback when selecting messages in Thunderbird. Read the transcript at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast
Wed, June 29, 2022
A Demo of the JAWS Notification History Manager, and a visit with Richard Oehm
On FSCast 216, we have an answer to the age-old question, “What do you do about applications that tell us too much?” It’s the new JAWS Notification History Manager to the rescue. With it, you can gain precise control over which messages are spoken and which are shown in Braille. We’ll get you started by demonstrating how to make Microsoft Edge less chatty. Then we’ll get to know Richard Oehm, electronics engineer, entrepreneur, doctor of Optacons, and all-around interesting guy. Read the transcript at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, May 25, 2022
Joe Stephen, long time JAWS developer, and Toby Willis, Senior Product Manager for Inclusive Travel at Expedia
On FSCast 215 we’ll get to know long-time developer Joe Stephen. In addition to his work on JAWS, he does manual labor on his family farm in rural Tasmania and manages to find the time to add accessibility support to some handheld ham radios. Then Toby Willis will be here to talk about Expedia and their current initiatives to make booking travel more inclusive. Text transcript at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast
Wed, April 27, 2022
Adrian Amandi discusses the upcoming National Coding Symposium, and a visit with Gary O'Donoghue, Chief North America Political Correspondent for BBC News
On FSCast 214, Adrian Amandi will be here to talk about the Second Annual National Coding Symposium. It’s aimed at blind students of all ages to get them interested in careers in software development. The conference is free, online, and available to people worldwide. Then we’ll get to know Gary O’Donoghue, Chief North America Political Correspondent for the BBC, and longtime JAWS user.
Wed, March 30, 2022
Dr. Robert Englebretson discusses his ongoing research about how Braille is taught
On FSCast 213, Dr. Robert Englebretson, Associate Professor of Linguistics at Rice University, discusses the Braille code for the International Phonetic Alphabet, why reading Braille is different than reading print, and his ongoing research about how Braille is taught. Transcript available at https://blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast
Thu, March 10, 2022
archive of the February 2022 FSOpenLine
On the archive of the February 2022 FSOpenLine, we take your calls on a variety of topics including: new VocalizerExpressive voices in the latest software updates, keystrokes for identifying the site to which a link points, finding out where a file will be saved, Eloquence spontaneously getting louder mid sentence, and certain video cards hijacking keystrokes to rotate the screen. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com/FSOpenLine.
Wed, February 23, 2022
Chancey Fleet talks training workshops offered by the New York Public Library, and an intro to working at the Windows Command Prompt
On FSCast 211, Chancey Fleet discusses training workshops offered by the New York Public Library, many of which are online and available to everyone. She’s also quite the expert on 3D printing and will share some resources for doing that accessibly. Then Glen demonstrates using the new Windows Terminal, and gives an introduction to working at the Windows Command Prompt. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast
Wed, January 26, 2022
Marine Biologist Maureen Hayden, plus Independence Science making experiments accessible
On FSCast 210, a focus on accessible science. Maureen Hayden will share her experiences being low vision and doing her Ph.D. in marine biology. Then Dr. Greg Williams and Ashley Neybert from Independence Science demonstrate the Talking LabQuest and Logger Pro® software, tools for making science experiments accessible. Of course, JAWS plays an active part in the accessibility story. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast.
Thu, December 23, 2021
Ryan Jones' Christmas light show, and international blindness advocate Pedro Zurita
On FSCast 209, Ryan Jones is here to talk about the process of running is annual Christmas light show involving thousands of lights choreographed to music. He does everything from putting lights on the roof to sequencing the light display using special software that JAWS makes accessible. Then we'll meet Pedro Zurita who has spent his life advocating for blind people around the world and served as secretary general of the World Blind Union from 1986 to 2000. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com/FSCast, as is the letter Pedro Zurita wrote to Louis Braille.
Mon, December 13, 2021
Archive of December 2021 FSOpenLine
On the archive of the December FSOpenLine, we take your calls on a variety of topics including: ideas to improve Text Analyzer, JAWS failing to announce word count when reading the Word Status Bar, shortcut keys for JAWS speech history, simplified Braille tables for Braille learners, and the status of JAWS running on computers that use an ARM processor.
Wed, November 24, 2021
What's new in Windows 11, Cassandra McNabb McKinney interview
On FSCast 207, improvements to Tandem security require JAWS and Fusion to be up to date, and Richard Kuzma tells us how he’s using a combination of Tandem and Voice Assistant to support a fellow blind user. Though Windows 11 sports a new visual look, it’s very much like Windows 10 if you’re a JAWS user. We’ll demonstrate some of what’s changed to help you decide if now is the time to update. Plus, a visit with Cassandra McNabb McKinney whose low vision and works as a funeral director and Embalmer. She had a personal calling to pursue this profession, and we’ll here the story of what it took to get to where she is today.
Wed, October 27, 2021
Accessible McDonald's order kiosks
On FSCast 206, McDonald’s has partnered with Freedom Scientific and TPGI to develop their accessible self-order kiosks. Over 500 have rolled out throughout the U.S., with more coming before the end of 2021. Ryan Jones will give us a demo. And then we’ll talk with Kelsey Hall, a product manager on the McDonald’s Digital Accessibility team, about how all the pieces of the project came together. Transcrript at blog.freedomscientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, September 29, 2021
More with Eric Damery about new product features, and a visit with stenographer Daniele Casarola
On FSCast 205, Eric Damery is back with more about what’s coming in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2022, and how you can try those features early. Then we’ll meet Daniele Casarola. He spent over two years teaching himself stenography and now works as a court reporter in Italy. He does it with the help of a JAWS plugin for Plover, his stenography program. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com/FSCast.
Wed, September 15, 2021
FSOpenLine, August 2021
On the archive of August FSOpenLine, public betas of JAWS, ZoomText and Fusion have been released, home annual licenses are now available in Canada, and severe memory leaks on many computers running Dell Waves Audio. Plus, we take your calls on a variety of topics including: a request to show a running clock on Braille status cells, a desire for advanced Teams training, a push for additional Vocalizer Expressive voices, and hearing JAWS when a Bluetooth headset is on a call. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com.
Tue, August 31, 2021
Eric Damery with news about new 2022 product features, and a visit with Cory Jackson
On FSCast 203, Eric Damery is here to talk about some of the new features coming in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2022, and how you can try them out early as part of our public betas. Then we’ll get to know Cory Jackson. He’s an escalation specialist in our tech support department, but in his free time has developed a sizable YouTube and TikTok following.
Wed, July 28, 2021
Financial Educator Chris Peterson, Plus Emoji Accessibility with Garreth Tigwell and Benjamin Gorman
On FSCast 202 we’ll get to know financial educator Chris Peterson and learn about some of the advantages of opening an ABLE account. Then, to celebrate World Emoji Day, I’ll be joined by Garreth Tigwell and Benjamin Gorman, two authors of the paper “Emoji Accessibility for Visually Impaired People.” Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast
Wed, June 23, 2021
Judy Dixon discusses her new book about audio description, and a visit with blind math professor Betsey Doane
On FSCast 201, Judy Dixon is here to discuss her new book “Audio Description: What It Is, Where to Find It, and How to Use It.” Then we’ll meet blind math professor Betsey Doane. She spent over 30 years teaching sighted students, and came up with lots of creative ways of showing math visually. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast.
Thu, June 10, 2021
Archive of the May 2021 FSOpenLine
On FSCast 200, it’s the archive of FSOpenLine from May of 2021. We had a great group of callers on a variety of topics including: the best way to fast forward YouTube videos, how to give someone remote control of your PC, JAWS sometimes errantly turning on quick keys when responding to email, and how enabling Braille support in Narrator prevents JAWS from recognizing Braille displays.
Wed, May 26, 2021
Glen Gordon's speech at National Coding Symposium, and a visit with Spanish Localizer Rocio Casati
On FSCast 199, a recording of Glen Gordon’s presentation at the National Coding Symposium, a recent virtual event put on to encourage high school students to think about careers involving programming. Then, a visit with Rocio Casati, the person who’s been making our products work well in Spanish for over twenty years. The process of doing that is far more involved than you might think. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast
Wed, April 28, 2021
How GLAS Education developed an accessible astronomy curriculum, and a visit with GPS pioneer Mike May
On FSCast 198, what it takes to make astronomy accessible to people who are blind or low vision. We’ll meet Kate Meredith, President of GLAS Education, and two students involved with the project, to hear how it all came together. Then a visit with legendary GPS pioneer Mike May to hear about his life, and learn what’s new in indoor wayfinding. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast
Thu, March 25, 2021
Manuel Cortez, creator of TWBlue, and Michael Hudson, Director of accessibility Services at MSU
On FSCast 197, a spotlight on a great Twitter app for Windows called TWBlue. We’ll meet its author, Manuel Cortez, and hear the program in action. Then a visit with Michael Hudson, longtime JAWS beta tester and the Director of the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities at Michigan State University. Transcript available at https://blog.freedomscientific.com/FSCast
Thu, March 11, 2021
FSOpenLine, February 2021
On the archive of the February FSOpenLine, highlights of the February software updates, improved compatibility of JAWS with AVG/Avast antivirus, and your calls on a variety of topics including: Using the Canvas and Blackboard learning platforms, JAWS sluggishness in audio editors, excessive chattiness of recent versions of Zoom, and showing UEB attribute markers in Braille.
Wed, February 24, 2021
Civil rights activist Ever Lee Hairston, and O&M instructor Lil Deverell
On FSCast 195 we’ll meet civil rights activist Ever Lee Hairston. From fighting discrimination and demonstrating with Dr. Martin Luther King, to her journey with vision loss and becoming a leader in the NFB, she has lots of life experience to share. Then Lil Deverell talks about mental mapping and its impact on how we navigate in the world.
Wed, January 27, 2021
Braille Transcriber Matthew Horspool and Duxbury Software creator Joe Sullivan
On FSCast 194, Matthew Horspool shows us how he uses JAWS Speech and Sound Schemes. He’ll also talk about the perils of having perfect pitch, and the challenges of working as a braille transcriber. Then Joe Sullivan discusses the early years of developing the Duxbury Braille Translator. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast.
Tue, December 22, 2020
Student Of The Month Taylor Cox, and JAWS developer Mohammed Laachir
On FSCast 193 we’ll meet Taylor Cox. She’s our first Freedom Scientific Student of the Month. Then it’s over to Amsterdam for a visit with Mohammed Laachir. We’ll hear how he rapidly switched from using ZoomText to using JAWS full-time, and how he went from being an FSOpenLine caller to a JAWS developer. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com.
Fri, December 04, 2020
FSOpenLine, November 2020
On the archive of FSOpenLine from November 2020, Your questions about a variety of issues including: Getting Chrome to automatically describe images, JAWS on ARM processors, and multiple selection of items in list boxes on the web. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com
Wed, November 25, 2020
all about Computers For The Blind, and an interview with JAWS scripter Doug Lee
On FSCast 191, Christy Householter talks about Computers for the Blind, a place to get a refurbished computer if you live in the U.S. Then a visit with JAWS scripting ninja Doug Lee. We’ll learn about his life and why he scripts so many popular apps for free. And, finally, a song about JAWS keyboard commands from the students at the Texas School for the Blind. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com.
Wed, October 28, 2020
Rachael Bradley Montgomery talks about accessible escape rooms, and Ed Potter tells the story of Playback Magazine
On FSCast 190, news about the release schedule for Jaws, ZoomText, and Fusion 2021. Rachael Bradley Montgomery talks about escape rooms, what they are, and what Vispero has done to prove that they can be made inclusive of people with disabilities. Then Ed Potter drops in. He’s the man who created Playback, a cassette magazine where blind people turned for technology news long before the Internet.
Wed, September 23, 2020
A demonstration of new features in JAWS and Fusion 2021, and David Kingsbury's new book "When One Web Browser Is Not Enough"
On FSCast 189, the 2021 versions of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion are just around the corner. We’ll demonstrate the new Voice Assistant, OCR directly to Word, improvements to Picture Smart on the web, and the new streamlined way of reading messages in Outlook. Plus, David Kingsbury is back to talk about his new book: “When One Web Browser Is Not Enough”
Tue, September 08, 2020
Archive of the August 2020 FSOpenLine
News about features coming in the first public beta of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2021. Plus, your questions on a variety of topics including: JAWS with Citrix, simplifying the JAWS UI, WhatsApp Web, and mail merge in Word.
Wed, August 26, 2020
Dan Clark, the long time voice of JAWS training, and Laura Wolk, the first blind woman to clerk for a Supreme Court Justice
On FSCast 187 we’ll get to know Dan Clark who’s been the voice of JAWS training for the past twenty years. We’ll also meet Laura Wolk who just completed a year clerking for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas with JAWS by her side.
Wed, July 22, 2020
Blindness consultant Joe Strechay, a new Freedom Scientific Training podcast, and a demo of the JAWS feature to prevent speech cut off
On FSCast 186, we meet blindness consultant and TV producer Joe Strechay who helps ensure that blind people are accurately portrayed in media. There’s news about the new Freedom Scientific training podcast, and Jonathan Mosen drops in with a demo of the new JAWS feature to prevent speech cut off when using certain audio devices.
Tue, June 23, 2020
A profile of musician and longtime JAWS scripter Dave Leo Baker, Using Reaper for audio production, features in the June product updates, and U.S. summer product specials.
On FSCast 185, we meet Dave Leo Baker who spent over twenty years in the JAWS scripting department before setting off on his own to pursue a musical career. Jim Snowbarger talks about why Reaper software and his JAWS scripts are a powerful combination for doing any sort of audio production. Plus, Eric Damery with news about what’s in the June product updates, and info about special U.S. product pricing that coincides with the summer NFB and ACB conventions. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast
Tue, June 02, 2020
Archive of the May 2020 FSOpenLine
On the May 2020 FSOpenLine, a preview of June product updates that bring a new Braille and Text Viewer, plus a JAWS feature that prevents chopping off the beginning of words when using some laptops and Bluetooth headphones. Of course, we also take your calls on a variety of topics including scripts for YouTube and Wireshark from Doug Lee, and a new ElBraille mailing list. Transcript available at https://blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast/ http://blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast/
Wed, May 13, 2020
Using the SAS Graphics accelerator to listen to graphs and charts
On FSCast 183, we’re joined by Ed Summers, director of accessibility at SAS, to get a stereo demo of the SAS Graphics accelerator, and to learn about accessible SAS tools for doing statistics. He’ll also direct us to some of his blog posts about how he trained himself to listen to synthesized speech at close to 600 words per minute.
Tue, March 31, 2020
NFB president Mark Riccobono, and ACB president Dan Spoone on coping with COVID-19
On FSCast 182, we focus on coping with COVID-19. NFB president Mark Riccobono, and ACB president Dan Spoone discuss what these advocacy organizations are doing to help. Richard Tapping talks about product offers for students and employees now at home, and Rachel Buchanan lets us know about special training opportunities.
Mon, March 09, 2020
Freedom Scientific sessions at the CSUN technology conference, a power tip, and a discussion about the latest generation of ElBraille
On FSCast 181, we preview Freedom Scientific sessions at the CSUN technology conference, Joseph LaFauci Offers up a JAWS Power Tip, and we get details about the latest ElBraille from Ron Miller and Adi Kushner.
Mon, March 02, 2020
Archive of the February 2020 FSOpenLine
On the archive of the February 2020 FSOpenLine, tips on listening to FSCast on your smart speaker, using TurboTax with JAWS, and your calls on a variety of topics ranging from accessible statistical software to the need for more advance Microsoft Teams training.
Tue, January 21, 2020
CSUN technology conference coming in March, product updates in early February, and Everything you wanted to know about the new Chromium based Microsoft Edge
Details about the upcoming March 2020 CSUN Technology conference, a preview of the JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2020 updates coming in early February, two Power Tips, and a demonstration of JAWS working in the new Chromium based Microsoft Edge.
Wed, December 11, 2019
A visit with Brian Hartgen, creator of J-Say, Leasey and other JAWS scripts
Brian joins John and Larry Gassman to discuss his 25 year career as an assistive technology trainer, the things that motivate him to extend JAWS functionality, and what's new in the products he offers. Plus, a JAWS Power Tip from Michael Fulton.
Mon, November 25, 2019
Archive of the November 2019 FSOpenLine
Your calls on a variety of topics including the new Chromium based Microsoft Edge, making our non-visual products more sighted friendly, the JAWS Skim Reading feature, whether to take the plunge upgrading from Office 2010 to Office 365, and more.
Fri, October 25, 2019
The 2020 versions of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion release at the end of October, a JAWS Power Tip, and things you might not know about our free product training.
Eric Damery is back to get you prepared for the upcoming product releases, Debee Armstrong offers up a JAWS Power tip, and Rachel Buchanan talks about the ongoing process of enhancing free product training and documentation.
Wed, September 25, 2019
Archive of the September 2019 FSOpenLine
More details about using the new JAWS Scan cursor that’s part of the JAWS 2020 public beta, a reminder about bringing your SMA up to date before the end of October, and of course your calls. This time, questions about PictureSmart, additional Vocalizer voices, Home Annual license renewal, and more.
Mon, September 16, 2019
Eric Damery previews the first JAWS 2020 public beta, and retired Superior Court Judge David Szumowski previews his new autobiography "Reach for More."
Eric Damery joins John and Larry Gassman to discuss what’s coming in the first public beta of JAWS 2020, and David Szumowski talks about assistive technology and his legal career.
Mon, August 05, 2019
Software updates Release August 6, John Gassman wins Disney's highest award, and a new book about formatting Word documents using a screen reader
Larry Gassman talks with John Gassman about winning the Walt Disney Legacy award, and David Kingsbury discusses his new book, “Format Your Word Documents with JAWS and NVDA.” Whether your formatting requirements are simple or complex, this book has you covered. Read the transcript at blog.freedomscientific.com
Tue, July 02, 2019
Archive of the June 2019 FSOpenLine
We report progress on some suggestions made in previous FSOpenLines and take your calls on a variety of issues including: future directions for JAWS, real-time document collaboration, Track Changes in Word, Wireshark Accessibility, and how to decide if the Home Annual License is right for you.
Tue, June 25, 2019
Product discounts at the U.S. summer shows, a JAWS byte, and news of the Freedom Scientific APH partnership
Eric Damery is back with news about saving money by purchasing products at the U.S. summer shows, Debee Armstrong offers up a JAWS Byte about using JAWS Speech History to review spelling, and Dave Wilkinson lets us know about the partnership between Freedom Scientific and the American Printing House for the Blind. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com
Tue, May 14, 2019
Product Specials for attendees of the July National Conventions for both NFB and ACB, What's new in April Software Updates, And News About American Blind Golf
Eric Damery joins John and Larry Gasman to announce product specials that’ll be available at the ACB and NFB summer conventions, and discuss details of the April software updates. The Gasman’s demonstrate recent improvements to JAWS and Fusion heading navigation when on the web, and Mark Arnold returns to the podcast to talk about American Blind Golf.
Tue, April 09, 2019
Interviews from the 2019 CSUN Technology Conference
John and Larry Gasman catch up with Jonathan Mosen and find out about his work with AIRA, Terry Bray talks about being a JAWS beta tester, and Larry Lewis explains how JAWS Inspect visualizes the screen reading experience.
Mon, April 01, 2019
Archive of the March 2019 FSOpenLine
News about our free training webinars and other learning resources, a preview of improvements to student licenses, what's coming in the JAWS April update, and of course your calls. Transcript available at blog.FreedomScientific.com
Fri, March 08, 2019
Podcast transcripts, CSUN technology conference history, & previews of features coming in the March updates of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion
Glen Gordon joins John and Larry Gasman to provide the backstory on why we now offer podcast transcripts. Eric Damery remembers some of the early CSUN technology conferences and sets the stage for the one occurring the week of March 11. He also offers a sneak peek at the new Picture Smart feature included in the JAWS and Fusion 2019 March updates. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com.
Tue, February 05, 2019
Streamlined installation of Vocalizer Expressive voices, new sounds in Word and Outlook to indicate spelling errors, and the Freedom Scientific CSUN presentation schedule
The January JAWS update brings a more streamlined method of installing Vocalizer Voices, along with sounds to indicate spelling errors in Microsoft Word and Outlook. John and Larry Gassman show these new features in action and chat with Eric Damery about them., They also offer up the Freedom Scientific presentation schedule at the annual CSUN conference coming up the week of March 11th, in Anaheim, CA. Transcript available on February 9 at blog.freedomscientific.com
Wed, January 16, 2019
A JAWS Byte from Beta Manager Rosemary Kleske, stories from director of Beyond Vision Loss Elly Du Pre, and the tenacity of Desert Storm veteran George Tice
Rosemary Kleske, Beta Manager, discusses her favorite JAWS feature, “Virtualize Window.” Elly Du Pre is the director of Beyond Vision Loss in Florida, and George Tice is a veteran of Desert Storm who lost his sight and has learned JAWS. Transcript available at blog.freedomscientific.com
Mon, December 17, 2018
Archive of December 2018 FSOpenLine - News about December updates, last chance to renew SMAs at 2018 prices, a discussion of Microsoft's upcoming revamp of the Edge web browser, and of course your calls.
News about December updates, last chance to renew SMAs at 2018 prices, a discussion of Microsoft's upcoming revamp of the Edge web browser, and of course your calls.
Thu, December 06, 2018
New Hosts John and Larry Gassman Introduce themselves, Eric Damery discusses December Updates, and Gassmans chat with Curtis Chong, innovator and Accessible Technology pioneer
FSCast 163, New Hosts John and Larry Gassman Introduce themselves, Eric Damery discusses December Updates of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2019 releases plus home annual subscription licensing, and The Gassmans chat with Curtis Chong, long time user of Freedom Scientific Access Technology and one of the true innovator and Accessible Technology pioneers.
Thu, November 08, 2018
Hal Knight with stories from his broadcast radio career, and Rob Santello talks ham radio accessibility
Hal Knight has one of the most familiar voices to people calling the U.S. Freedom Scientific sales department. Most people don't know that before joining Freedom in 2000, he spent 25 years+ on WPOR as one of Maine's most popular country music DJs. Hal is also a great storyteller as you'll hear in his conversation with Glen Gordon. Rob Santello created the Hampod to make ham radio equipment more accessible. What he thought would be a one-off device has turned out to become a project that's helped numerous visually impaired ham operators around the world. He talks about how video magnifiers have allowed him to continue creating these devices long past the time he thought his declining vision would allow. Plus, information about who will be hosting FSCast in December, status of SMA shipments in the US, and plans for December product updates.
Mon, October 29, 2018
Archive of the October 2018 FSOpenLine
The October edition of FSOpenLine, Freedom Scientific’s global call-in show, keeps you informed of new developments and answers listener questions from around the world.
Wed, October 03, 2018
What's new in JAWS 2019 beta 2, a demonstration of our new Home Annual licensing portal for US customers, and Jonathan Mosen says goodbye
Public beta 2 of JAWS 2019 is just around the corner. Eric Damery and Jonathan Mosen discuss and demonstrate the new features. Soon, there'll be a new option for licensing JAWS and ZoomText if you're a home user in the United States. Jonathan demonstrates the new portal for Home Annual licenses as it nears completion. And after producing 160 episodes of this podcast, Jonathan Mosen says goodbye, reflecting on his time behind the FSCast microphone and wishing FSCast every success in future episodes.
Fri, September 28, 2018
Archive of the September 2018 FSOpenLine
The September edition of FSOpenLine, Freedom Scientific's global call-in show, keeps you informed of new developments and answers listener questions from around the world.
Sun, September 16, 2018
Eric Damery unveils JAWS 2019, Stuart Lawler talks Sight and Sounds expansion to Ireland
The next major release of our screen reading software, JAWS 2019, is about to enter public beta as this podcast is published. Eric Damery takes us through some of the new features available immediately, and those planned for the JAWS 2019 cycle. Jonathan Mosen speaks with Stuart Lawler, who has a new role with Sight and Sound as it expands to Ireland.
Fri, August 31, 2018
Archive of the August 2018 FSOpenLine
This episode of FSCast contains a recording of the first FSOpenLine session. If you are listening in a podcast app that supports chapter marks, each question and section is its own chapter, making it easy to skim through to the topics that interest you. Topics covered in the August FSOpenLine include, the move to our new building, some of the new features in JAWS 2019, the accessibility of webinar software, requested Braille improvements, future FS webinars, JAWS with Microsoft Edge, the next version of Windows 10, JAWS 2019 beta’s impact on JAWS 2018 users, the talking mouse feature in JAWS, ElBraille, Jaws+Windows+F4, copying text to the clipboard with Google Chrome, JAWS and PowerPoint, making JAWS available to more people, JAWS on ARM processors, the future of FSReader, and JAWS on the log-in screen. Check our blog and social media feeds as we’ll soon be advising the date and time of our next FSOpenLine.
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