The Workplace Accessibility Debate: NVDA, JAWS, and What’s Fair

What stops NVDA from being used more in the workplace? In this heated listener-fuelled debate, Steven and Shaun tackle accessibility, enterprise security myths, and the future of screen reader funding.

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!

Steven and Shaun return with a spirited follow-up to their ongoing screen reader discussion—this time prompted by passionate listener feedback. At the center of the debate: why NVDA, a free and powerful open-source screen reader, isn’t more commonly used in professional environments compared to JAWS.

The episode kicks off with Greg from Pennsylvania, who criticizes Steven’s take and cites security concerns as the core barrier for NVDA adoption. Steven and Shaun counter this view, pointing to NVDA’s enterprise-ready options and dispelling outdated perceptions around open source software.

Listeners Aaron, Dan, and Wesley join the conversation with deeper insights—touching on real-world enterprise experiences, NVDA’s advantages over JAWS, and overlooked tools like Audacity. The episode expands to cover accessibility parity, the cultural divide in screen reader design, and the case for sustainable funding models like subscriptions.

The team also explores deeper topics like sheltered workshops for blind workers, volunteering as a bridge to employment, and the systemic issues that keep blind people from full participation in the workforce. With characteristic honesty and humour, Steven and Shaun push the conversation forward—refusing to accept the status quo in accessibility and inclusion.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:01 - Listener Greg’s thoughts on Steven’s rant about screen readers
08:44 - Listener Aaron shares his perspecitve on NVDA vs JAWS in the workplace
19:10 - Listener Dan shares his thoughts on screen readers in the workplace
25:49 - Listener Wesley wants to give credit to NVDA and Audacity apps
29:32 - Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
30:26 - Get in touch with Double Tap
30:56 - Listener James gives us a double demo of two cool features you may not know about
44:34 - Listener Scout shares his views on workshops for the blind

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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.

 

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