Double Tap

In today’s episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece navigate through a variety of topics, including the launch of a new segment called 'App of the Week', discussions on accessibility in healthcare, the importance of live audio description in events, and listener feedback on Braille literacy. They delve into the complexities surrounding Braille and literacy, emphasizing the nuances of the blind experience and the importance of community connections. Shaun and Steven discuss various technology-related topics, including troubleshooting streaming issues, the utility of HDMI dummy dongles, the accessibility of smart home devices, the environmental impact of data centers, and the challenges of workplace accessibility for blind people.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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 Intro06:03 Accessibility in Healthcare12:11 Listener Feedback on Braille Literacy32:33 The Role of HDMI Dummy Dongles39:27 Data Centers and Energy Consumption49:28 Accessibility in the Workplace

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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