Why is braille still undervalued in 2025? In this powerful conversation, Steven Scott welcomes accessibility leader Dave Williams to discuss his journey from RNIB to DOT, a company creating a new type of braille tech, and the cultural barriers still holding blind people back. From leadership gaps to breakthrough devices like the Dot Pad X, this episode offers deep insights into blind empowerment, inclusive design, and the state of accessible technology today.

Steven Scott is joined by longtime accessibility advocate and technologist Dave Williams for an in-depth discussion on braille literacy, blind leadership, and new innovations in tactile technology. Dave shares why he left RNIB after six years to focus on braille full-time with DOT, the South Korean company behind the Dot Pad—one of the most advanced multiline braille and tactile graphics displays available.

The episode dives deep into systemic issues affecting blind people, from infantilization to the lack of blind people in leadership roles. Dave argues that lived experience must be more than a buzzword—it should mean direct, daily experience of blindness. Together, they reflect on challenges within the charity sector, mentorship, and representation, and why blind people must be empowered to speak for themselves.
Later, the two geek out one the upcoming Dot Pad X, comparing it to Humanware's Monarch and evaluating trade-offs in price, compatibility, and design philosophy. Dave also previews his new podcast, Raising the Dots, focused on braille and tactile literacy.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:06 - Dave Williams from Dot joins the show!
01:50 - Dave talks about leaving RNIB
05:19 - Dave’s thoughts on RNIB’s position on braille
11:22 - Dave and Steven discuss the role of blind leadership
18:45 - The value of the blind community
25:29 - The challenge of getting stuck in our own little boxes
30:00 - Get in touch with the Double Tappers
30:23 - Dave talks about previously taking over RNIB Tech Talk
41:37 - Dave talks about the Dot Pad X

Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

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About Double Tap

Hosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited.

"Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Smart speaker recommendations, accessible audio interfaces, foldable keyboards, and ACB Media insights — this listener-driven Double Tap episode covers it all with practical tips and honest takes.

Thanks to Turtleback Low Vision for sponsoring this episode of Double Tap. As a thank you to the Double Tap community, Turtleback is offering 12% off your entire order with promo code DT12. Visit https://www.turtlebacklv.com to shop the full lineup!

Steven Scott and Michael Babcock dive into your questions about tech tools like the Amazon Echo, HomePod, and Google Nest. They compare LaunchBar, Raycast, and Spotlight for Mac users with accessibility needs, explore ad blockers that work well with screen readers, and break down the accessibility of audio interfaces like the Vocaster and Audient EVO.

Michael shares behind-the-scenes stories from the American Council of the Blind, including the ACB Convention, community Zoom events, daily TikTok/YouTube content, and the powerful role of ACB Media. They also talk accessible podcast editing with Reaper, voiceover numpad commander, and the Stream Deck accessibility beta.

Bonus: Listener Shannon gets recommendations for the best foldable keyboards and numpads — which might just lead to a Lenovo laptop purchase!
The episode dives into accessibility pros and cons of popular tech:
Smart speakers: Amazon Echo vs Apple HomePod vs Google Nest.
Ad blocking tips for screen reader users using browser reader modes and plugins.
LaunchBar vs Raycast vs Spotlight for Mac users with accessibility needs.
Accessible audio interfaces like Vocaster and Audient EVO.
Customizing Reaper and using numpad commander for one-handed audio editing.

Michael also hints that Stream Deck's beta software may finally be becoming accessible, and listener Shannon gets keyboard and number pad recommendations — possibly leading to a Lenovo laptop purchase instead!

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:21 - Shaun’s still unwell but we have a special guest for the hour!
02:13 - Michael is now working for ACB
19:17 - Ask Michael Anything!
19:38 - Question from Lewis: What’s the best smart speaker?
25:33 - Question from Renee who wants to get hands on with assistive tech
29:55 - Sponsor: TurtleBack
30:41 - Get in touch with the Double Tappers
31:05 - Question from Doyle on what is the best way to remove ads on websites?
34:06 - Question from Jeanette on where to buy LaunchBar for Mac?
36:59 - Question from Joe on how Steven plays in his sound effects during the show?
41:10 - Question from Shannon on which portable keyboard to get?
49:25 - Question from someone, somewhere on the accessibility of audio interfaces
52:55 - Question from Kimberley on how to edit audio on Mac or Windows one-handed

Get in touch with us by email at feedback@doubletaponair.com or connect on WhatsApp at https://www.doubletaponair.com/whatsapp

Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

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Follow on:

YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtube

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Threads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threads

Facebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebook

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Subscribe to the Podcast:

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About Double Tap

Hosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited.

"Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Can blind people solve the Rubik's Cube? Yes—and Paul Martz is proof. In this episode, Steven Scott interviews the author of Solve It, a fully accessible speedcubing guide for blind users. You'll also hear listener feedback on guide dog life, choosing the right headphones for Braille displays, and the complexities of blind navigation.

This episode is supported by Pneuma Solutions. Creators of accessible tools like Remote Incident Manager and Scribe. Get $20 off with code dt20 at https://pneumasolutions.com/ and enter to win a free subscription at doubletaponair.com/subscribe!

While Shaun Preece takes a short sick leave, Steven welcomes author and blind tech enthusiast Paul Martz to the show. Paul shares his journey with RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa), switching from programming to writing, and what led him to create the first screen reader- and Braille-friendly Rubik's Cube speed-solving guide: Solve It.

Paul explains why he believes blind users already have the memory and tactile skills needed to master the cube—and how his book is helping bring a new community of “tactile cubers” together. He also dives into Mac vs. Windows accessibility, screen reader comparisons, and why VoiceOver on macOS still frustrates many blind users.

The episode also features listener emails about guide dog experiences, challenges with canes and chronic pain, and how a simple coffee meeting can become a mental gymnastics routine for blind people. Steven also offers low-latency headphone recommendations for the Mantis Q40 Braille display.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:22 - Shaun’s off sick!!
02:41 - Listener Kevin asks what headphones to buy for the Mantis Q40
08:30 - Listener Frank on having a guide dog
15:55 - Listener Leannda on blind curiosity
18:32 - Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
19:34 - Subscribe to the Double Tap newsletter
21:01 - Paul Martz talks Mac, Windows & Rubix Cubes

Get in touch with us by email at feedback@doubletaponair.com or connect on WhatsApp at https://www.doubletaponair.com/whatsapp

Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

---

Follow on:

YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtube

X (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/x

Instagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagram

TikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktok

Threads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threads

Facebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebook

LinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin

Subscribe to the Podcast:

Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/apple

Spotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotify

RSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcast

iHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart

About Double Tap

Hosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited.

"Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.