Freedom Scientific Training Podcast

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.

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…

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

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.

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.