Creating Your Vispero Account in 2026
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
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...
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Use Convenient OCR to Recognize Text in Images (JAWS 30th Anniversary Training)
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
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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An Introduction to Copilot: Crafting Confidence and Capability
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
Unlock the power of Microsoft Copilot in this beginner-friendly training session led by Liz and Rachel. Learn what Copilot is, how it integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, and how it can streamline your workflow — from summarizing information to building full documents and presentations. The hosts walk through real examples, including creating a project spreadsheet, generating a presentation, and formatting accessible content with AI-powered assistance. They also cover different Copilot plans, tips to avoid AI “hallucinations,” how to review...
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Gemini Jump Start: An Introduction to Google’s Generative AI
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
In this episode, Liz and Rachel introduce Google’s Gemini AI and show how it can streamline everyday tasks. They cover what Gemini is, how to navigate it with a screen reader, and how to use it to summarize files, analyze data, schedule Google Calendar events, and draft emails. You’ll also learn about Gemini’s models, gems, canvas mode, and tips for writing effective prompts.
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Breaking Down Barriers: And Introduction to Using AI with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
In this episode, Freedom Scientific’s Liz and Rachel explore how artificial intelligence can empower users of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. From writing smarter emails to analyzing data and boosting productivity, they show how AI can simplify everyday tasks for people who rely on assistive technology. You’ll learn the basics—what AI is, what “large language models” mean, and how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot can work alongside your screen reader. Liz and Rachel walk through hands-on demos: drafting a professional email, analyzing feedback, building a project timeline, and...
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What’s New in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2026
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
The 2026 releases of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion are here—bringing exciting new features and a more connected experience than ever before. In this episode, Elizabeth Whittaker walks you through two major updates: the new Vispero Account, which unifies your Freedom Scientific products under one secure login, and Page Explorer, a powerful AI-driven feature in FS Companion that helps you summarize and navigate complex web pages with ease. Plus, get details on upcoming November webinars covering account setup, Gemini on the web, and even more new accessibility features. Visit...
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Proof Word Documents Like a Pro with Microsoft Editor and JAWS
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
In this episode, Liz and Rachel walk you through how to proofread documents more efficiently in Microsoft Word using the Microsoft Editor alongside JAWS. Learn how to access the Editor with keyboard commands, check spelling and grammar, and put clarity and conciseness tools to work. They also cover how to: Navigate spelling and grammar suggestions using JAWS-specific keystrokes Understand and improve your Editor Score and readability statistics Select writing style settings like Casual, Professional, or Formal Add words to custom dictionaries and manage dictionary settings Re-run...
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AI Tips, Tools, and Techniques: Where to Begin
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
Are you ready to start using artificial intelligence with JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion but not sure where to begin? Join us as we: - Define key AI terms like prompts, queries, models, and more—so you can understand the language of AI without the jargon. - Demonstrate real-world examples of how to train and guide AI tools to complete everyday tasks efficiently. - Walk through practical workplace scenarios, such as drafting a professional email, creating audience-specific documents, and extracting and analyzing key data from large text files into Excel spreadsheets. We also show you how you can...
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An Introduction to ChatGPT: Conversations, Creativity, and Clarity
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
In this episode of the Freedom Scientific Training Podcast, hosts Liz and Rachel walk listeners through an engaging introduction to ChatGPT, the powerful AI platform that’s transforming how we write, analyze, and communicate. They begin by explaining what ChatGPT is, the difference between free and paid tiers, and what makes it unique among AI tools like Copilot and Gemini. Then, they dive into a live demonstration—showing how to hold a natural voice conversation with ChatGPT, create a formatted Word document from survey data, analyze that data in Excel with charts and percentages, and...
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5 Tips for Navigating Complex Web Pages with JAWS
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
Struggling with cluttered or poorly labeled websites? In this Insert J Club training session, Ron Miller shares five powerful tips to help you navigate complex web pages more efficiently with JAWS. You’ll learn how to: Assign custom labels to HTML elements Use Picture Smart and AI Labeler for better context Adjust web verbosity for smoother reading Take advantage of Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge Compile lists of links, buttons, and other elements (Bonus!) Set personalized web settings for your favorite sites These tools and techniques will save you time, reduce frustration, and make...
info_outlineIn this episode, we explore how to effectively manage your browsing history in Google Chrome using JAWS. Learn how to access, navigate, and search your browser history, as well as how to delete it selectively using advanced settings. We also dive into browser history display quirks, explain how to use table navigation and link lists with JAWS, and demonstrate how to search directly from the Chrome address bar. Plus, get an introduction to Chrome extensions that enhance history management, including how to install, manage, and toggle them. Whether you're cleaning up your digital trail or just trying to find that one page you visited last week, this episode has the tools and tips you need.