NFB Access On

The National Federation of the Blind has been advocating strongly to Microsoft on this issue, and we're pleased with this outcome. Microsoft admits Windows 11’s dedicated Copilot key breaks certain workflows: Confirms plans to let users restore "Right Ctrl" or "Context menu" key later this year https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-admits-windows-11s-dedicated-copilot-key-breaks-certain-workflows-confirms-plans-to-let-users-restore-right-ctrl-or-context-menu-key-later-this-year

Episode 76 of Access On, is on.
Learn about Tailscale, a free, powerful, delightfully straightforward way to set up a secure virtual private network so you can access the files on all your devices anywhere.
We discuss the Renpho MorphoScan Nova smart scale, and hear about a tech support experience that went off-track after the listener disclosed their blindness.
This week’s tech tip shows you how to move apps around on the Windows taskbar.

Episode 66 of Access On, is on.
This week’s episode is devoted to NVDA, the open-source screen reader for Windows from @NVAccess@fosstodon.org . We welcome Mick Curran, who came up with the idea of NVDA and started developing it 20 years ago. We’re also joined by Gerald Hartig, and Quentin Christensen for a wide ranging discussion about NVDA’s past, present, future, philosophy and user experience.

HTML, markdown, content management systems, WordPress, Drupal, and more. It's not too late to register for Wednesday's four-hour Access On seminar providing an overview of creating websites from a blindness perspective. Register here: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg

At its presentation at the #CSUNATC26 conference, @freedomscientific@mastodon.social announced it is reversing its policy of denying Page Explorer to JAWS Annual Home License users. This was one of several concerns @President@nfb.social communicated to Vispero, and we welcome this decision.

Subscribe to Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the MP3 of this week’s episode at:
https://pinecast.com/listen/ec320614-bfed-426c-bce0-d9d8d3031ccc.mp3

The annual Ability Summit showcases the latest #accessibility developments from Microsoft. You can register free for virtual attendance at the 90-minute keynote, taking place Tuesday at 9 AM PDT.
As part of the keynote, Our Executive Director for Accessibility Excellence, Jonathan Mosen, will be onstage to discuss collaboration that helps blind people live the life we want. Plus, learn more about the latest in accessibility and AI. Register free at:
https://aka.ms/abilitysummit

Episode 75 of Access On, is on.
This week, we speak with Arielle Silverman of the American Foundation for the Blind about new research delving into the current state of AI as it affects blind people.
Is there a common name or word related to your job that you find is often not recognized by iOS dictation? Our tech tip offers an innovative approach for teaching iOS how to pronounce those names or words.

Episode 67 of Access On, is on.
@JonathanMosen@caneandable.social is joined by Everette Bacon, @ChanceyFleet@mas.to, Minh Ha and Mike May to recap the CSUN 2026 Assistive Technology Conference. Learn about the sessions and technology that caught their attention.
Subscribe to Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the audio of this week’s episode at:
https://pinecast.com/listen/f0a8ae3e-8cfc-413f-90da-7866454b4147.mp3

Episode 70 of Access On, is on.
Brava, makers of a smart oven with an accessible app, has ceased operations, putting its ongoing accessibility in jeopardy.
We learn about MakeClassroomPodcast.com, an accessible, browser-based podcast creation tool.
Have you tried the new Outlook for Windows lately, and how are you getting on with it? One listener thinks there is much more to be done before it’s viable.
And there is plenty of listener feedback on other topics.

Episode 68 of Access On, is on.
Robin Christopherson demonstrates obtaining machine-driven audio description of videos with Omni Describer.
There are plenty of listener contributions on topics including Meta accessibility, the accessibility of new food delivery robots, the emerging era of AI screen reader agents, and much more.
Subscribe to Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the audio for this week’s episode at:
https://pinecast.com/listen/d4078482-5464-4db8-8e6d-0790f82d9a2e.mp3

Subscribe to Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the audio of this week’s episode at:
https://pinecast.com/listen/594a4958-5f25-41fc-81b2-852690de79d4.mp3

Episode 65 of Access On, is on.

This week, we take a deep dive into 1Password. Discover how this powerful tool makes managing passwords efficient, helps you to switch to passkeys, secures your sensitive data, and lets you safely share information with teammates or loved ones.
Subscribe to Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the audio of this week’s episode at:
https://pinecast.com/listen/1b1eb9d0-fd98-4443-bc8f-b1e7233fb66e.mp3

Episode 74 of Access On, is on.
This week, we bring you highlights of a recent Access On webinar looking at some of the AI-based visual interpretation apps. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Seeing AI, Be My AI, Gemini, ChatGPT ScribeMe, Ally, and AI services from Aira including a rare public demonstration of the work Aira is doing with Project Astra.

Episode 63 of Access On, is on.
This week, we bring you highlights of an Access On webinar covering the use of AI on the job. We’ll discuss Google and Microsoft products including PowerPoint’s AI features, and briefly discuss using AI tools that assist with note taking in meetings.
Subscribe free to Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the audio of this week’s episode at:
https://pinecast.com/listen/fc57fccc-f105-4af1-8b12-474b4ece214f.mp3

Episode 72 of Access On, is on.
We begin with the Department of Justice’s outrageous decision to issue an interim final rule regarding ADA Title II website and mobile application accessibility that delays implementation and accountability for state and local government digital accessibility.
We then return to our series on how to make your home smart, and cover security, the kitchen, health and more.

Episode 71 of Access On, is on.
This week, we begin a series on how to make your home smart, and why you might want to. We define the smart home, and look at assistants from Amazon, Apple and Google. We also discuss lighting and environmental control.
Subscribe to Access On wherever you get podcasts, or download the MP3 of this week’s episode at:
https://pinecast.com/listen/36431e69-4f07-447c-b10f-c747c2262117.mp3

Episode 64 of Access On, is on.
It’s devoted to feedback from listeners around the world. We discuss many topics, including text editing and reading epub files in Windows, AI and smart glasses, various struggles with inefficient user interfaces, and a regression on the Papa Johns website.
We also hear feedback on some of the topics covered in recent episodes.

This Tuesay at 1 PM Eastern, join the National Federation of the Blind's Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility for an Access On webinar covering visual interpretation smartphone apps that use artificial intelligence. We'll demonstrate a selection of them, all available for both iOS and Android. Register here: https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events/accessibility-boutique-reg