Freedom Scientific Training Podcast

Freedom Scientific Training Department

Would you like to download Freedom Scientific's audio training content on your smart phone or mobile device? Want the convenience of listening to the step by step instructional demos we provide on your Amazon Echo or Google Home device? The Freedom Scientific Training podcast places hours of free audio training content right at your fingertips. You can listen to free lessons on a variety of topics ranging from basic Windows 10 to Advanced tasks in Microsoft Excel. Simply subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, or for further instructions on how to listen visit blog.freedomscientific.com.

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22 episodes
Avg 35 min
English

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Yesterday · 43 min
Four Classic JAWS Features That Can Transform Your Workflow
In this episode, we revisit four powerful JAWS features that can make everyday computer tasks more efficient and accessible: Skim Reading, Speech and Sound Schemes, Dictionary Manager, and Text Analyzer. Whether you're a longtime JAWS user looking for a refresher or discovering these tools for the first time, you'll learn how these often-overlooked features can help you navigate documents, customize how JAWS presents information, catch formatting and spacing issues, and tailor speech and pronunciation to your needs. The episode also explores practical questions from JAWS users, including working with these features in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Google Docs, and web applications, as well as tips for managing settings and preserving customizations. Discover how these classic JAWS tools can help you work more efficiently, troubleshoot common document issues, and get even more out of your screen reader.
August 28 · 45 min
From Prompting to Productivity: Building Better AI Workflows
Discover practical ways to make AI more useful, accessible, and productive in your everyday workflow. In this session, we explore the fundamentals of working with AI, including how to write more effective prompts, use AI with JAWS and other screen readers, and incorporate tools like ChatGPT into common tasks. We also discuss working with documents, AI accessibility features, privacy and confidentiality considerations, and resources for continuing to build your AI skills. Whether you're just getting started with AI or looking for ways to improve your existing workflow, this session offers practical tips and techniques to help you get more from these increasingly powerful tools.
August 7 · 44 min
Six Tips for Managing Complex Documents with JAWS
Long Word documents don't have to be overwhelming. In this episode of the Vispero Training Podcast, we share six practical techniques for navigating, editing, and managing complex documents more efficiently with JAWS. Whether you're working with lengthy reports, research papers, collaborative documents, or forms, these tips will help you spend less time searching and more time getting work done. You'll learn how to take advantage of features like bookmarks, comments, document structure, Skim Reading, formatting navigation, and other built-in JAWS tools to quickly locate the information you need and move through documents with confidence. We also answer audience questions about working with PDFs, protected templates, OneDrive, tracked changes, bookmarks, and document accessibility, while demonstrating real-world workflows you can apply immediately. Whether you're a student, professional, or everyday JAWS user, this session is packed with time-saving strategies to make working with complex documents faster, easier, and more productive.
July 31 · 42 min
The Power of Prompting: Maximize Productivity for Better Results
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming an essential tool for work, school, and everyday life—but getting great results starts with knowing how to ask the right questions. In this episode of the Vispero Training Podcast, we explore the art of prompting and share practical strategies for writing clear, effective prompts that help AI tools produce more accurate, useful, and consistent responses. Along the way, we discuss choosing the right AI tool for different tasks, troubleshooting common issues, and improving accessibility when working with screen readers. We also answer audience questions about using ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and Gemini with JAWS, working with transcripts and captions during webinars, and techniques for getting better results from AI-powered workflows. Whether you're brand new to AI or looking to sharpen your prompting skills, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you work more efficiently and confidently with today's AI tools.
June 26 · 44 min
Ten Essential Tips for Using Powerpoint with JAWS
In this episode of the Vispero Training Podcast, hosts Liz and Rachel share ten essential tips for working more efficiently in Microsoft PowerPoint with JAWS. They demonstrate how to quickly locate and open presentations, navigate slides and content placeholders, move between different areas of the PowerPoint interface, and use keyboard shortcuts to streamline common tasks. The discussion also covers editing slide content, working with images and alt text, understanding PowerPoint's layout structure, and using tools like the Accessibility Checker to help create more inclusive presentations. Whether you're reviewing an existing deck or building one from scratch, these practical techniques can help you navigate and manage PowerPoint with greater confidence and productivity using JAWS. For additional resources and future training opportunities, be sure to visit the Freedom Scientific webinars archive.
June 19 · 42 min
Use AI Features in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion to Better Understand and Navigate Digital Content
Rachel and Liz demonstrate how built-in AI features in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion, including Picture Smart AI, Vispero Companion, Page Explorer, and AI Labeler, can help users better understand, navigate, and interact with inaccessible or complex digital content. Through real-world examples such as online calendars, Google Docs, email images, and grocery shopping websites, they show how these tools can simplify everyday tasks and improve productivity.
May 29 · 54 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 · 40 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 · 35 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 · 35 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 · 15 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 · 36 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 · 44 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 · 27 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 · 37 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 · 39 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.
January 9 · 10 min
Use Layered Commands in JAWS and Fusion
In this quick episode, you'll learn how layered commands in JAWS and Fusion can make complex tasks faster and easier by reducing the number of keys you need to press. The episode breaks down what layered commands are, how they work, and why they're especially useful for accessing advanced features efficiently. The training explains how to enter the command layer using JAWS key plus Space, and how single-layer commands allow you to trigger features like FSCompanion, Command Search, and other commonly used tools with just one additional keystroke. You'll also learn how commands are grouped by context—such as editing documents, messaging applications, and general system tasks. A major focus is on secondary layers, which let you access entire sets of related commands for features like Picture Smart AI, Convenient OCR, Face in View, table navigation, and volume controls. The session demonstrates how to use the question mark command to display available options within any layer, making it easier to discover and learn new commands on the fly. The episode also highlights how FSCompanion can be used alongside layered commands as a learning and reference tool, helping you explore features and commands directly within JAWS. This training is ideal for JAWS and Fusion users who want to work more efficiently, reduce keyboard complexity, and better understand the powerful layered command system built into their screen reader.
Dec 26, 2025 · 34 min
Six Essential Tips for Improving Your Gmail Experience with JAWS
In this training session, Liz and Rachel walk through six practical tips to help JAWS users work more efficiently in Gmail. You'll learn accessible, keyboard-driven techniques for composing and sending email, managing attachments, and customizing your Gmail experience. The episode covers how to format email text, create numbered and bulleted lists, and remove unwanted formatting when pasting content from other documents. You'll also learn how to navigate spelling and grammar errors efficiently using JAWS commands, ensuring your messages are clear and professional before sending. Additional topics include working with attachments—both traditional file uploads and files from Google Drive—using Gmail's confidential mode to protect sensitive messages, and creating and managing email signatures. The training also introduces Gmail's "Help me write" feature, demonstrating how AI can assist with drafting and refining emails. This episode is ideal for JAWS users who want to improve productivity, accuracy, and confidence when using Gmail for everyday communication.
Dec 19, 2025 · 18 min
Creating Your Vispero Account in 2026
With the release of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2026, users are now required to create a Vispero account in order to use the software. In this episode of the Freedom Scientific Training Podcast, Liz explains what the Vispero account is, why it's required, and what's been updated to make the account creation process faster and easier. Liz walks through the updated workflow step by step, including the new age confirmation options (instead of entering a full birthdate), the streamlined set of required fields, email verification, and completing sign-in for the first time. She also explains how a Vispero account supports future capabilities—such as syncing settings across devices—so your setup can follow you from home to work or school with less manual reconfiguration.
Dec 12, 2025 · 16 min
Use Convenient OCR to Recognize Text in Images (JAWS 30th Anniversary Training)
Convenient OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is a feature in JAWS that allows you to recognize and read text that appears as part of an image or in places where text is not accessible to screen readers. This is useful for reading things like scanned documents, inaccessible PDFs, images with text, or application windows that only display text as graphics. In this training, we'll show you how to OCR text in an image or document, access the results, and provide important keyboard commands.

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