Vispero Connect
by Vispero
The official podcast of Vispero, a leader in accessibility for blind people and those with low vision. Featuring news, interviews and product demonstrations relating to Vispero products such as JAWS, ZoomText and Fusion, Vispero Connect 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.
Episodes
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Vispero Connect: October 2026 – What's New In JAWS 2027, And a Follow-Up With Sid Gaitonde
This month, we introduce some exciting features in JAWS 2027, including the new Vispero Companion, which can help you adjust JAWS settings, understand what's on screen, and work through everyday accessibility challenges. And, as promised, we catch up with Sid Gaitonde after his first 90 days as...
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Vispero Connect: September 2026 – Exciting Company News, Global Survey On Braille, And A Bit On Math And Student Life
This month, we check in with Ryan Jones, Glen Gordon, and Sriram Ramathan to unpack some exciting changes here at Vispero. Then, we chat with Campbell Rutherford about student life at Harvard and practical applications of math. With Nicholas Hoekstra, we explore the Global Braille Survey. And...
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Vispero Connect: August 2026 – Meeting Campbell Rutherford, Backing Up JAWS Settings, And Making AI Agents Work For You
This month, we meet Campbell Rutherford to hear about her passions for math, biology, and assistive technology. Then, Stephen Greeley guides us through exporting, syncing, and importing JAWS settings. Mohammed Laachir explains some useful agentic AI concepts, including skills. And Elizabeth...
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Vispero Connect: July 2026 – Introducing Sid Gaitonde, Catching Up With Brian Hartgen, and More AI Tips From Mohammed Laachir
In this episode, we welcome Sid Gaitonde, Vispero's new CEO. Brian Hartgen shares the latest news from Hartgen Consultancy. Mohammed Laachir answers some of your questions about agentic AI. And Elizabeth Whitaker previews upcoming webinars from our Training Department.
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Vispero Connect: June 2026 — Product Updates, Agentic AI, And the Corporate Side Of Accessibility
On this episode, we briefly talk about the transition from FSCast to Vispero Connect. Then, we review our June product updates and introduce the new Cloud Settings Sync feature. Matt Ater shares a corporate perspective on accessibility and discusses accessible kiosks. Mohammed Laachir introduces…
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FSCast #269. On guide dogs, education, and the value of relationships
To mark International Guide Dog Day, Judy Redlich introduces her upcoming book and shares some exciting stories of professional growth and building relationships. We then head to Greece to meet Professor Panagiotis Antonopoulos, exploring his life, career, and perspectives on accessibility....
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FSCast #268. Vispero's CSUN Recap, And a Glimpse Of What's Coming
At this year's CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, Vispero made a few welcome announcements and unveiled a major new feature in development. Ryan Jones and Shaun Ryan give us the full scoop and answer our questions. We also get an early look at what's coming. Then, we wrap up by chatting with...
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FSCast #267. Title II readiness, CSUN plans, And focusing On What Really Matters
This month on FSCast: Elizabeth Whitaker previews Vispero's plans for CSUN, as well as our upcoming training opportunities; David Sloan explores key implications of ADA Title II for digital accessibility; Olga Espinola helps us to focus on some of the things that matter the most.
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FSCast #266. On reading, mentorship and Braille Advocacy
This month on FSCast: · Olga Espinola shares her life story, where learning and mentorship go hand in hand. · Dave Williams discusses tactile Braille displays and explains some of the advantages of multiline Braille support in JAWS. · Elizabeth Whitaker introduces upcoming training opportunities...
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FSCast #265. On hosting a radio show, reading documents and developing your professional skills
This month, Mitchell Smedley shares his experience hosting his own radio show and serving as president of a college radio station. Quin Gillespie introduces Paperback, a fully accessible ebook and document reader for Windows. Finally, Elizabeth Whitaker highlights upcoming training opportunities...
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FSCast #264. Discovering an unfamiliar territory with Page Explorer, and a chat with Andrés felipe Pulgarín from Colombia
On this episode, we discuss reading books and other documents on a Windows PC. Then, we chat with Andrés felipe Pulgarín, a musician and access technology enthusiast from Columbia. And finally, we use Page Explorer to discover an unfamiliar web interface.
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FSCast #263. Introducing the 2026 software updates, and a potential opportunity to start your own business
In this episode, Ryan Jones introduces some of the exciting new features in our JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2026 updates. Elizabeth Whitaker walks you through creating your Vispero account so you can get the most out of our products, and she also shares a preview of upcoming Vispero training...
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FSCast #262. Enhancing Web Accessibility With JAWS Tools, And a Visit With Kristina Misiunaite
This month on FSCast, we show you how to quickly enhance website accessibility using the latest tools in JAWS. Then, we chat with Kristina Misiunaite, a tax policy officer from the Netherlands, to discover why tax law is about more than just money. And finally, Elizabeth Whitaker joins us to...
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FSCast #260. Convention Special, And a Bit Of AI
· Why do blind people in the US attend annual conventions? · How can AI make web browsing more enjoyable? · What does it take to succeed in today's world? · What new learning opportunities are being offered by Vispero? The convention vibe continues on this special episode, as we hear from Ryan...
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FSCast #259. Multiline Braille; visual tables; and a cruise in Antarctica
On FSCast this month: • Elisabeth Whitaker introduces Vispero's plans and events for the upcoming Summer conventions. • Joseph LaFauci contributes a JAWS power tip of the month. • Peter Tucic, Sile O'Modhrain and Matthew Horspool take us into the world of multiline Braille and visual tables. •…
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FSCast #258: Product News and Updates; A Quick Look at a Talking Kiosk; and a Visit with Nolan Crabb
On FSCast this month, we catch up with Ryan Jones, our VP of Software and Product Management , to find out some of what's new with Vispero products. At the Optelec stand, our colleague Rene Ludwig shows us a self-service kiosk running JAWS. And we visit with Nolan Crabb, Director of Assistive...
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FSCast #257. Taming JAWS On the Web, an introduction to Innosearch, and more stories and memories from Ted Henter
This month, we explore the use of Web verbosity settings to tame excessive speech on some Web site with JAWS. Then, Bryan Vuong introduces us to Innosearch, an innovative approach to shopping. And finally, we enjoy more fun stories and memories in Part 2 of our interview with Ted Henter.
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FSCast #256. CSUN 2025 impressions, and a visit with Ted Henter
JAWS 30th 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...
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FSCast #255. 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.
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FSCast #253. 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,...
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FSCast #252: 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!
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FSCast #251. 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.
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FSCast 249. 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.
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FSCast 248, 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…
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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.
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FSCast246, 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...
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FSCast 245, 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....
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FSCast 244, 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…
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FSCast 243, 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…
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FSCast 242, 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...
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FSCast 241, 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…
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FSCast 240, 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...
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FSCast 239, 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…
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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
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FSCast 237, 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…
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FSCast 236, 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...
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FSCast 235, 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.
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FSCast 234, 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....
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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…
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FSCast 232, 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...
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FSCast 231, 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...
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FSCast 230, 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…
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FSCast 229,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…
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FSCast 228, 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…
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FSCast 227, 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...
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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...
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FSCast 225, 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…
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About this show
The official podcast of Vispero, a leader in accessibility for blind people and those with low vision. Featuring news, interviews and product demonstrations relating to Vispero products such as JAWS, ZoomText and Fusion, Vispero Connect 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.
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Vispero
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