Today on the show Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss their frustrations with social media, particularly Facebook, and the addictive nature of doomscrolling. They explore alternatives like RSS feeds for news consumption and highlight the accessibility challenges faced by visually impaired users trying to use social media outside of the smartphone.

The discussion also touches on the recent shift of the Oko app to a subscription model, prompting a broader conversation about the community's willingness to pay for accessibility tools and the value they provide.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Intro
03:05 The Dangers of Doomscrolling and Social Media Addiction
05:56 Exploring RSS Feeds as an Alternative
08:52 Accessibility Challenges in Social Media Platforms
12:08 The Shift to Subscription Models in Apps
46:11 Perceptions of Blindness in Society
51:53 Technology Support and Accessibility Challenges

Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the inbox to hear what you’ve been saying over the past month or so.

There’s much discussion around the access to Meta’s AI functionality around the world, with many listeners in the UK complaining about the lack of the ‘Look and Tell’ feature which allows a blind person to know what the item they are looking at is.

Also discussed is the benefits of Meta’s Ray Bans over specialist options such as Seleste glasses, with the guys raising concern over the future of such products. Plus Steven raises concerns over the accessibility of the Facebook web platform.

The discussion also touches on the human experience of disability, the importance of civil discourse, and the impact of technology on social interactions, including the use of AI tools like Copilot and the enjoyment of board games as a means of connection.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Intro
02:48 Listener Engagement and Holiday Greetings
06:11 Reflections on Braille and Accessibility
09:00 Meta Ray-Bans: User Experiences and Challenges
11:53 The Future of Seleste Glasses and Market Dynamics
14:47 Mainstream vs. Specialist Technology for the Visually Impaired
18:04 Navigating Accessibility in Social Media Platforms
27:58 Navigating Social Media with Screen Readers
29:54 The Reality of Social Media Platforms
32:50 Debating the Value of Online Communities
36:07 The Human Experience of Disability
39:55 Exploring AI and Accessibility in Technology
51:58 Board Games and Social Interaction

Today’s episode focuses in on the challenges and progress of accessibility in Ontario, particularly focusing on the Accessibility for Ontarians Act and its implications for blind Canadians.

Steven and Shaun also discuss the importance of accessible technology, the role of legislation, and the need for companies to prioritize accessibility in their products. Listener Negative Julian also picks up on the potential impact of political changes in the USA on the pricing of assistive technology.

However, our main discussion today brings up the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The architect of the Act, former lawyer David Lepofsky, highlights the shortcomings in the implementation of the AODA, the barriers faced by those with disabilities in healthcare and education, and the need for stronger enforcement of accessibility standards. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of advocacy, leadership, and accountability in achieving accessibility goals, while introducing the Accessible Ontario Pledge as a new initiative to push for change. Listeners are encouraged to support accessibility advocacy efforts not just for the benefit of Ontarians, but for all Canadians and anyone who visits the province.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Intro
05:44 Steven Buys A Thing
23:14 Political Implications on Accessible Tech Pricing
28:13 Impact of Trump Tariffs and Inflation
29:38 Accessibility for Ontarians Act: A Broken Promise
35:54 The AODA Alliance's New Pledge
41:41 The Accessible Ontario Pledge
51:35 How to Support Accessibility Advocacy
54:01 Federal and Provincial Responsibilities