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60 recent
May 29, 202654 min
Six JAWS Features for Mastering Complex Documents and Web Pages
In this episode, Liz and Rachel explore six powerful JAWS features designed to help users navigate complex web pages, PDFs, forms, and documents more efficiently. They demonstrate how tools like Picture Smart AI, AI Labeler, Table Layer navigation, and Page Explorer can simplify cluttered or inaccessible content by providing image descriptions, labeling unlabeled controls, restructuring difficult tables, and summarizing web pages with AI assistance. The discussion also covers practical workflows for extracting accessible data from PDFs and web tables, navigating complicated forms, and using conversational AI prompts inside JAWS to better understand digital environments. Whether you're working with inaccessible documents, dense web pages, or complicated forms, this session highlights how modern AI-powered accessibility tools can dramatically improve productivity and navigation.
May 8, 202640 min
Six Tips for Managing the New Outlook with JAWS
In this episode, Liz and Rachel share six practical tips for managing the New Outlook Calendar with JAWS, focusing on efficient navigation, scheduling, and collaboration. They begin by explaining how the new Outlook differs from the classic version, highlighting its web-based structure and how that impacts keyboard navigation and screen reader behavior. Listeners will learn how to handle meeting requests, including how to open invites, RSVP using the updated interface, and access additional options like proposing new times or replying to organizers. The episode also covers core calendar navigation using JAWS, including how to move between sections, select dates, and orient yourself within the interface using tools like F6 and Tab. The hosts walk through creating and scheduling meetings, demonstrating both a simplified scheduling method and the more advanced scheduler for detailed availability management. They also explain how to cancel or forward meetings, add locations or Teams links, and customize event details. Additional tips include switching between calendar views (day, work week, week, and month), using search to quickly locate events, and sharing your calendar with specific permissions. The episode wraps with insights on key settings—like keyboard shortcut configurations and accessibility options—to optimize the experience when using JAWS with the new Outlook.
May 1, 202635 min
Use Track Changes and Comments to Revise Word Documents with JAWS
This episode walks through how to effectively use Track Changes and Comments in Microsoft Word with JAWS, making document collaboration more accessible and manageable. Liz and Rachel break down how Track Changes works, including how to turn it on, interpret edits like insertions and deletions, and switch between different viewing modes such as Original, No Markup, Simple Markup, and All Markup. They also share practical strategies for navigating revisions more efficiently using JAWS-specific keyboard commands, including how to review edits individually, filter changes by reviewer, and use the revisions pane for a clearer overview. The discussion covers how to accept or reject changes, lock tracking to prevent further edits, and customize what types of changes are displayed. In the second half, the focus shifts to modern comments in Word. Rachel explains how comments have evolved, including features like drafting before posting, @mentions, threaded replies, and improved navigation. You'll learn multiple ways to move through comments, create new ones, and manage existing threads by editing, resolving, or deleting them. Whether you're collaborating on documents for school or work, this episode provides actionable tips and keyboard shortcuts to streamline your workflow and confidently review documents using JAWS.
April 24, 202635 min
Plan, Organize, and Complete Projects with AI
In this episode of the Freedom Scientific Training Podcast, Liz and Rachel walk you through how to use AI to take a project from idea to execution—without feeling overwhelmed. Learn how to turn big, complex tasks into clear, actionable steps using AI tools. You'll discover how to create structured plans, build task lists, set realistic goals, and organize projects into manageable phases and timelines. The session also covers how to prepare for meetings, develop agendas, and use effective prompting techniques to get better, more usable results from AI. Whether you're tackling a work project or organizing something personal, this episode shows how AI can help you stay focused, efficient, and in control from start to finish. For more training resources, visit FreedomScientific.com/training.
March 27, 202615 min
Using JAWS Voice Assistant
Explore the power of Voice Assistant in JAWS and ZoomText—your hands-free way to navigate, control, and interact with your computer using simple spoken commands. In this training, we break down how Voice Assistant works, including wake word activation ("Hey Sharky" or "Hey Zoomy"), keyboard alternatives, and the audible cues that guide each interaction. You'll hear real examples of commands in action—from adjusting speech rate and checking the time, to opening applications and selecting text with precision. We also walk through key features like Keyboard Help for learning shortcuts, Voice Assistant settings for customization, and where to find a complete list of supported commands. Whether you're new to JAWS or looking to streamline your workflow, this session highlights how Voice Assistant can make everyday tasks faster, easier, and more accessible. For additional resources and a full command list, visit Freedom Scientific's training page and explore everything Voice Assistant has to offer.
March 13, 202636 min
The Power of Productivity, Accessing Copilot in Office 365 with JAWS
In this episode of the Freedom Scientific Training Podcast, Liz and Rachel demonstrate how Microsoft Copilot works within Microsoft 365 when used with JAWS. They walk through practical examples in Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, showing how AI can help draft emails, summarize documents and email threads, analyze spreadsheet data, and generate presentation notes. 03_06 Archive, The Power of Pro… Along the way, they explain the differences between Copilot versions included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, how Copilot integrates with desktop apps, and tips for navigating the Copilot pane with JAWS. If you're looking for ways to use AI to work more efficiently in Microsoft Office, this episode offers a helpful introduction and real-world demonstrations. 03_06 Archive, The Power of Pro…
February 20, 202644 min
Using Claude with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion
In this episode of the Freedom Scientific Training Podcast, Liz and Rachel continue the Learn AI webinar series with a deep dive into Claude, an AI assistant developed by Anthropic and available at Claude. Designed for users of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion, this session explores how Claude can support long-form thinking, research, organization, and real-world problem solving — all with accessibility in mind. Liz walks through navigating the Claude web interface with the keyboard, managing multiple prompts, combining tasks into streamlined workflows, and building repeatable processes using features like Skills and model selection (Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku). Through a practical example, she demonstrates how to research Bluetooth headsets under $200, generate comparison tables, outline a guide, and refine results before exporting a final document. Rachel then shifts to a hands-on accessibility scenario, uploading an image of a stove control panel and prompting Claude to suggest tactile labeling strategies for blind and low vision users. She demonstrates file uploads, prompt refinement, material recommendations, and even generating a visual mockup — highlighting how AI can assist with everyday decision-making and creative problem solving. Throughout the webinar, you'll learn: How to navigate Claude efficiently with JAWS Tips for structuring effective prompts How to combine research, comparison, and writing tasks When and how to refine responses before creating downloadable documents Creative ways to use AI for visual analysis and practical accessibility projects Whether you're experimenting with AI for the first time or looking to build more advanced workflows, this episode shows how Claude can help you move from idea to execution — all while maintaining accessibility and control over the process. For more webinars, tutorials, and training resources, visit: FreedomScientific.com/Training
January 30, 202627 min
Five Ways to Use FSCompanion
In this recorded training, Liz walks through five practical scenarios for using FS Companion—soon to be renamed Vispero Companion—with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion to work more efficiently and independently. You'll learn how to: Ask FS Companion general questions to better understand JAWS and available learning resources Identify and learn features even when you don't know their names (like Picture Smart AI) Look up specific keyboard commands quickly and accurately Perform single, targeted tasks in applications like Microsoft Word Keep an ongoing conversation open while completing multi-step tasks such as Find and Replace, formatting text, and document setup Liz also demonstrates how FS Companion delivers step-by-step, keyboard-driven instructions for Microsoft and Google applications, making it an effective learning and productivity tool for screen reader users. This session is ideal for new and experienced JAWS users looking to save time, reduce guesswork, and get more value out of built-in AI assistance.
January 27, 202637 min
Six Ways to Increase Productivity with Braille and JAWS
In this episode of the Freedom Scientific Training Podcast, Liz, Rachel, and Justin share practical tips to help you work more efficiently with Braille and JAWS in celebration of Braille Literacy Month. You'll learn how to use BrailleIn for direct text entry, customize Braille input and output, read notifications using flash messages, and streamline reading with Auto Advance. The team also demonstrates powerful productivity tools like Split Braille for multitasking and content review, plus an overview of the Braille Math Editor for reading, creating, and editing equations. Whether you're a Braille display user, educator, or trainer, this episode is packed with actionable techniques to help you get more done—faster and more confidently—with Braille and JAWS.
January 16, 202639 min
Research Reimagined: Mastering Google NotebookLM with JAWS
In this episode of the Freedom Scientific Training Podcast, Liz and Rachel explore Google NotebookLM and how screen reader users can leverage it with JAWS to organize, analyze, and interact with large sets of information more efficiently. They walk through what makes NotebookLM different from other AI tools, focusing on its source-driven approach to research, clear citations, and powerful summarization capabilities. Listeners learn how to create notebooks, add and manage sources such as documents, PDFs, audio files, web pages, and YouTube videos, and ask targeted questions across all uploaded materials. The episode also covers practical navigation tips for using NotebookLM's web interface with JAWS, including working with headings, tables, dialogs, and menus. The discussion expands into real-world use cases for students, professionals, and personal research, and highlights advanced features in the Studio tab—such as generating reports, study guides, meal plans, podcasts, videos, and other AI-created outputs based entirely on your own sources. The episode concludes with examples of how NotebookLM can transform research, training, and information management into a more accessible and efficient experience for screen reader users.
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