Step into the digital frontier with “Next Gen Access,” the groundbreaking podcast that illuminates the path toward a more inclusive technological landscape. Hosted by the insightful David Ward, Assistive Technology Instructor for New Vision at Goodwill. This series invites you to explore the cutting edge of accessible technologies for the Blind and Vision Impaired.
In each episode, David engages with industry luminaries—those revered pundits who've navigated these barriers and advocate at an international level. Together, they delve into the uncharted territories of screen readers, low-vision software, and Operating Systems. What innovations lie ahead? How can we empower users with seamless experiences? Tune in as we decode the future, one byte at a time.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an advocate, or simply curious about the intersection of innovation and accessibility, “Next Gen Access” promises riveting conversations that transcend boundaries. Join us on this auditory expedition—it’s time to redefine what’s possible
In this highlights episode of season 1 of the Next Gen Access Podcast, we revisit a range of groundbreaking software tools designed for the blind and vision-impaired community. Our panel of guests dive deep into the intricacies of each tool, including Apple's VoiceOver on iOS & Mac, ZoomText, Windows Magnifier, NVDA, JAWS, and Fusion from Freedom Scientific. Instead of just recapping their features, our experts critically analyze and "tear apart" these tools to discuss what the next generation should and can achieve. From enhanced A.I. capabilities to better performance with other technologies, we leave no stone unturned in our quest for innovation. Tune in to join the conversation and envision the future advancements that could revolutionize the digital experience for the blind and vision-impaired community!
Pundits
Episode 1 - VoiceOver for iOS
Holly Anderson - Co-Host & Pundit from Maccessibility Round table Podcast <https://maccessibility.net/> (https://maccessibility.net/>)
Shelly Brisbin - Author of iOS Access for All <https://www.iosaccessbook.com/> (https://www.iosaccessbook.com/>)
Robin Christopherson - Head of Digital Inclusion, from AbilityNet and Host of the Dot to Dot Podcast <https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dot-to-dot-the-daily-5min-alexa-demo-show/id1205291265> (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dot-to-dot-the-daily-5min-alexa-demo-show/id1205291265>)
Episode 2 - JAWS Screen Reader
Robin Christopherson - Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet <https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dot-to-dot-the-daily-5min-alexa-demo-show/id1205291265> (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dot-to-dot-the-daily-5min-alexa-demo-show/id1205291265>)
Michael Babcock - from UnMute.show <https://unmute.show/>
Episode 3 - NVDA Screen Reader
Ricky Enger - Team Lead for AT Group at Hadley <https://hadleyhelps.org/> (https://hadleyhelps.org/>)
Shaun Preece - Co-Host on AMI's Double Tap <https://doubletaponair.com/> (https://doubletaponair.com/>)
J.J. Meddaugh - Owner / Founder A.T. Guys / Co-Host Blind Bargains Podcast <http://www.atguys.com (http://www.atguys.com)>
Episode 4 - Low Vision (ZoomText, Windows Magnifier, and Zoom)
Jesse Anderson fromillegally Sighted Youtube Channel <https://www.youtube.com/user/illegallysighted> (https://www.youtube.com/user/illegallysighted>)
Sam Seavey from Blind Life YouTube Channel <https://www.youtube.com/c/theblindlife> (https://www.youtube.com/c/theblindlife>)
Carrie Morales from Carrie on Accessibility YouTube Channel <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCraSGW8s4NMaFKrJ5YbjB4w> (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCraSGW8s4NMaFKrJ5YbjB4w>)
Episode 5 - VoiceOver on Mac
Steven Scott - Host of Double Tap on AMI <https://doubletaponair.com/> (https://doubletaponair.com/>)
Herbie Allen - Assistant Trainer at iBug <https://ibugtoday.org/> (https://ibugtoday.org/>)
Darcy Burnard - Host of Maccessibility Roundtable Podcast https://maccessibility.net/ (https://maccessibility.net/)
Episode 6 - Fusion and other Transitional Software
Tim Dixon
Chris Owen <https://blindmanwithabackpack.uk/> (https://blindmanwithabackpack.uk/>)
This podcast is powered by Pinecast (https://pinecast.com).
16 Oct 2024
S1E6 - Episode 6 Fusion and other Transitional Tools: What We Hope is Next!
In the grand finale of Season 1 of the Next Gen Access Podcast, we dive deep into the world of transitional software, spotlighting Freedom Scientific's Fusion and similar tools. Hybrid assistive technology, designed to cater to a wide range of vision loss needs, is at the forefront of our discussion. Whether you require more magnification or enhanced speech and screen reader capabilities, tools like Fusion are tailored to meet you where you are. But what advancements do we hope to see next? Join host David Ward and guests Tim Dixon and Chris Owen as they explore the intricacies of Fusion. Topics include Pronunciation Dictionaries, Hover-Over Pop-Ups, Multi-Monitor Features, Stability, Scripting, and much more!
Host
David Ward - Assistive Technology Instructor for New Vision at Goodwill
New Vision at Goodwill Website (http://www.goodwillvalleys.com/newvision)
Find on Mastodon (https://dragonscave.space/@certdoctor)
Find on X Formerly Twitter (https://x.com/certdoctor)
Pundits
Tim Dixon
Website (http://www.timdixon.net)
Find on Mastodon (https://mastodon.online/@TimDixon82)
Chris Owen
On X Formerly know as Twitter (https://x.com/blind_backpack)
Website (https://blindmanwithabackpack.uk)
Audio Production and Engineering
By Darcy Burnard
This podcast is powered by Pinecast (https://pinecast.com).
12 Aug 2024
S1E5 - Episode 5 VoiceOver on the Mac: What We Hope is Next
Join us for Episode 5 of the Next Gen Access podcast, hosted by David Ward. In this lively discussion, we gather around the round table to explore VoiceOver on Mac and our hopes for its future. Tune in as experts Steven Scott, Herbie Allen, and Darcy Burnard share their insights and wish lists for upcoming features.
Pundits
Steven Scott
> Host of Double Tap on AMI
Herbie Allen
> Assistant Trainer at iBug
Darcy Burnard
> Host of Maccessibility Roundtable Podcast
This podcast is powered by Pinecast (https://pinecast.com).
20 Jun 2024
S1E4 - Episode 4 Low Vision Access: What We Hope is Next!
In the fourth episode of the Next Gen Access Podcast, we delve into software tools used by the low-vision community. Our discussion covers a wide range of tools, including Windows Magnifier, ZoomText, Mac Zoom, iOS and Android's Zoom. We explore screen enhancements, font sizes, and even talk about howscreen reader features could be incorporated into our magnification clients. Our roundtable features an impressive lineup of pundits, including Sam Seavey, Jesse Anderson, and Carrie Morales. As always, we contemplate the future of these essential and empowering tools that we rely on daily to accomplish tasks. And I think you'll be impressed by the insightful suggestions and features we came up with for the future!
Pundits
Jesse Anderson fromillegally Sighted Youtube Channel
<https://www.youtube.com/user/illegallysighted> (https://www.youtube.com/user/illegallysighted>)
Sam Seavey from Blind Life YouTube Channel
<https://www.youtube.com/c/theblindlife> (https://www.youtube.com/c/theblindlife>)
Carrie Morales from Carrie on Accessibility YouTube Channel
<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCraSGW8s4NMaFKrJ5YbjB4w> (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCraSGW8s4NMaFKrJ5YbjB4w>)
This podcast is powered by Pinecast (https://pinecast.com).
6 May 2024
S1E3 - Episode 3 NVDA - What We Hope is Next!
In this episode, our roundtable dives into what they'd like to see next in the screen reader NVDA, from NV Access. Topics include improving the Add-on store to make it more like an App Store, exploring ways for NV Access to generate revenue, simplifying the experience for brand new users, the potential benefits of Cloud Syncing for NVDA, and how AI can inform and enhance the future of NVDA. Tune in for these insightful discussions on the Next Gen Access Podcast!
Pundits for this Episode
Ricky Enger - Team Lead for AT Group at Hadley
Shaun Preece - Co-Host on AMI's Double Tap
J.J. Meddaugh - Owner / Founder A.T. Guys / Co-Host Blind Bargains Podcast
Audio Production and Editing
Darcy Burnard
This podcast is powered by Pinecast (https://pinecast.com).
17 Apr 2024
S1E2 - Episode 2 JAWS - What We Hope is Next!
Join us in this episode of Next Gen Access as we dive into the world of screen readers, focusing on the internationally acclaimed JAWS from Vispero. Our panel of experts discusses what lies ahead for this powerful accessibility tool. From Cloud and AI enhancements to pricing models, we leave no stone unturned. Whether you're a seasoned screen reader user or just curious about the future of assistive technology, this episode is a must-listen!
In Episode 2, we dissect JAWS, the screen reader that empowers millions of visually impaired users worldwide. Our guests—David Ward, Robin Christopherson, and Michael Babcock—share insights on JAWS's current capabilities and their wishlist for future enhancements. From seamless cloud integration to innovative AI features, we explore how JAWS can evolve. Tune in and discover what's on the horizon for this essential tool! 🌟🔍
Remember, the Next Gen Access Podcast is your gateway to the latest in accessible technologies. Let's redefine what's possible! 🚀🌐
Pundits for This Episode
Robin Christopherson - Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet
Michael Babcock - from UnMute.show
Production and Editing
Darcy Burnard
Thanks
A big thanks to our sponsor for this episode, the Virginia Board for the Blind and Vision Impaired.
This podcast is powered by Pinecast (https://pinecast.com).
29 Feb 2024
S1E1 - Episode 1 Apple’s iOS - What We Hope is Next!
This is the pilot episode for the all-new podcast, Next Gen Access. In this new series, we will tackle the software and equipment used by the vision impaired or totally blind; and ask, what do I want to see next? What new features? How can this product be better. In this episode we discuss Apple's iOS, iPas-OS, and a bit of Mac. David Ward, Assistive Technology Instructor for New Vision at Goodwill, serves as host for this round table discussion. Also a special thanks to the Virginia Board for the Blind and Vision Impaired, for their sponsorship.
Pundits for this episode.
Holly Anderson (https://dragonscave.space/@DHSHolly) - Co-Host & Pundit from Maccessibility Round table Podcast
Shelly Brisbin (https://zeppelin.flights/@Shelly) - Author of iOS Access for All
Robin Christopherson (https://dragonscave.space/@Robin) - Head of Digital Inclusion, from AbilityNet and Host of the Dot to Dot Podcast
Production and Editing
Darcy Burnard
This podcast is powered by Pinecast (https://pinecast.com).
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,117,497
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
31
Social presence
0
YouTube
82
Engagement
27
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