Koko’s Adventures, Blind Pride And The Braillenote Evolves

Guide dog journeys, hospital mishaps, and tech talk collide in this engaging Double Tap episode with Steven Scott and Shaun Preece. Discover real-world stories of guide dog navigation, service animal refusals, and the latest assistive tech updates for blind users.

Steven Scott recounts an unforgettable week of firsts with his guide dog, Koko—from a taxi refusal to an extraordinary hospital experience where his guide dog seemingly navigated an unfamiliar building flawlessly. The conversation explores unexpected challenges with public perceptions, a nurse refusing treatment due to fear of dogs, and reflections on professionalism in public spaces.

Shaun and Steven then dive into accessibility technology, including the new HumanWare BrailleNote Evolve, NVDA and JAWS learning resources, and the importance of unified portals for accessible books. They also touch on blind pride, community perspectives, and the quirks of living with a guide dog in everyday environments, blending humour, insight, and practical advice.

Relevant Links

NV Access: https://www.nvaccess.org

Vispero JAWS Training: https://www.freedomscientific.com/training

HumanWare BrailleNote Evolve: https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/braillenote-evolve-qwerty-waiting-list/