The Smyles Podcast

Episode 84 - What are Automations?

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:55:12 +0100

You said: what are automations? Automations are technology-driven workflows that execute repetitive tasks or processes automatically with minimal human intervention.

Episode 83- Cognitive Accessibility

Mon, 18 May 2026 16:05:45 +0100

Cognitive Accessibility is a term used to describe how accessible a product is to those who struggle with cognitive overload or find some methods of using AI and Apps too confusing and difficult to use. Also the way interfaces keep changing frustrates a user who is used to the way a website or software looks at the initial login phase of access

Episode 82 - Useful Siri Voice Commands

Wed, 06 May 2026 15:33:32 +0100

A c;Lear concise list of commands that useful such as Check emails or send a text as well as reminders and open applications on your Apple iPhone.

Episode 81 - Testimonial about Ray Bann Smart Glasses

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:59:59 +0000

Episode 80 - Reminders App iOS

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:15:06 +0000

Using your voice in Reminders is not always accurate and even some command s do not work . This is a short tip to get around it

Episode 79 - Ray Ban Wayfarer Smart Glasses

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 11:25:01 +0000

Ray Bann has produced a pair of smart glasses that are causing quite a stir in the world of assistive technology.

Episode 78 - 40 years of Assistive Technology

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 09:32:14 +0000

Looking back over my career

Episode 77 - Communication Works

Fri, 24 May 2024 05:48:34 +0100

In this episode I am talking about the great event put on by ACE Centre and CENMAC called Communication Works.

Episode 76 - Are Smart Plugs really Smart?

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:03:49 +0000

Episode 75 - ABLE Summit

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 04:39:15 +0100

Thoughts and reflections about the conference and what has happened over the last few days here

Episode 74 - Interview with Heather

Fri, 12 May 2023 16:21:50 +0100

Interview with Heather, who is a blind and physically disabled user with smart speakers and computer with screen reader

Episode 73 ChatGPT

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 01:48:33 +0100

is artificial intelligence cheating? that is what this episode is about so do listen in.

Episode 72 - A11y Accessibility Camp North Idaho

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:40:22 +0100

Thoughts after speaking at this event. Worth the 6 hours of travelling by all air from New York

Episode 71 - Trip to Lebanon & The Dyslexia Show

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 15:08:55 +0100

Fabulous time at the ABLE Conference in Beirut and The Dyslexia Show

Episode 70 - Smart Watch for Medical Needs

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 07:10:02 +0000

In these COVID times having remote monitoring of you stats such as Oxygen levels is helpful . Smart Watches have the potential to be really helpful

Episode 69 - Glean

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:23:29 +0100

Glean is an audio note taking software which has now replaced Sonocent . Incorrect website in the broadcast it is glean.co if you want to take a look

Episode 68 - Speech Recognition on Apple iOS

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 06:20:11 +0100

Can you use the microphone on the Apple keyboard without connecting to the Internet?

Episode 67 - Launching Zoom

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 08:22:23 +0100

I always get a sense of satisfaction when I find a way to solve someone’s difficulty. Listen to this tale of visual impairment and Zoom

Episode 66 - free3dhands

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 12:15:12 +0100

Here’s an Assitive Technology that sounds a great idea . Creating 3D printed hands for third world countries at low cost. Really good idea! Also we discuss cross platform help using video conferencing

Episode 64 - Sequences

Fri, 28 May 2021 00:29:57 +0100

Sequences are part of lives even though we might not be aware of it - getting dressed, cooking a meal, go shopping and paying at the automatic checkout . Practice makes perfect . As does a footballer practising penalties!

Episode 65 - Digtal Lifeline Project

Sun, 16 May 2021 08:14:18 +0100

Digital Lifeline Project is a joint project with The Good Things Foundation and AbilityNet. It provides devices to lesson isolation for people living in residential homes

Episode 63 - Bluetooth Joysticks

Tue, 04 May 2021 12:55:44 +0100

Joysticks an alternative input to the normal mouse. Bluetooth Joysticks can be used on iOS or Android mobile devices

Episode 62 - Disability Confidence

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 08:35:07 +0100

Feedback and information from BATA’s recent conference

Episode 61 - AbilityNet

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 08:58:33 +0100

AbilityNet are a charity setup to help Seniors and those with Disabilities to access and use their computers . It’s Free service . For help and information go to http://abilitynet.org.uk or freephone 0800 269 545

Episode 60 - "Is Your Organisation Disability Confident?"

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 08:10:59 +0100

Are you an organisation or company that employees people with disabilities? Do you want to learn how to ? Go to https://bataonline.org.uk/articles/your-orginisation-disability-confident

Episode 59 - Microsoft Office on iOS Chrome

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 03:15:15 +0000

You could run Microsoft Office 365 on Chrome but not without WiFi . Now with you can download apps of Office that look and feel like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote , etc

Episode 58 - Action Blocks

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 22:15:01 +0000

A useful Google Android app that gives voice and action to everyday tasks.

Episode 57 - Keyboard settings in Windows 10

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 01:12:34 +0000

This little gem is a useful feature of Windows 10 to give word prediction into any app that writes

Episode 56 - Browsealoud & Reachdeck

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 07:25:35 +0000

Browsealoud is an accessibility toolbar on your website making it more compliant to WCAG standards . Reachdeck analyses your website for WCAG compliance.

Episode 55 - JAWS

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 08:04:39 +0000

Screen Reader software from the blind and partially sighted

Episode 54 - Flamingo Chicks

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 08:55:55 +0000

Inclusion through innovation and dance

Episode 53 - Outlook Mail & Speech Recognition

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 06:50:14 +0000

For some time I have been trying to solve a problem for a boind user - total control of her emails via voice. This podcast looks into the practicals of doing this

Episode 52 - Whats New in 2021?

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 08:46:04 +0000

What will 2021 bring for us all and in Assistive Technology? This podcasts takes a look into the future .

Episode 51 - Google Nest Mini Update

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 00:23:46 +0000

Google appear to be stopping the UK from making phone calls on their devices in mid-December. This podcast explains what we have heard is happening and the effect it will have blind and MS people

Episode 50 - An Accessible Christmas

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 12:23:24 +0000

What is an Accessible Christmas ? What is happening with Google Mini ? The 12 Days of Christmas

Episode49 - Ubuntu

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 07:30:29 +0000

Useful free operating systems for older machines to give them a second life and the accessibility features built-in

Episode 48 - Remote Assessments

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:18:06 +0000

Conducting a remote assessment is possible and I discovered this past week how effective it was. Listen to how this worked on this episode

Episode 47 Orcam Read

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 16:05:14 +0000

An assistive technology device for the visually impaired

Episode 46 - ”Assistive Technology for ALL using ambitious teaching ”

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 09:47:35 +0000

Free online conference to all involved in education on the 18th November .

Episode 45 - Windows 10 Shutdown/Startup

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 17:08:53 +0000

Trying to give a blind user signals and alerts when Windows machine starts up and shuts down

Episode 44 - Typing.com

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 11:40:36 +0100

Typing is still a need in the 21st-century. This session will look at how you could use a typing tutor program how do you create it how do you create access to it and what the benefits are

Episode 43 - 1Password

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 07:47:44 +0100

Security and password protection is very important in our digital world. This podcast looks into methods of your own security and advises on best methods

Episode 42 - Dyslexia Awareness Week

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 07:43:21 +0100

This month is Dyslexia Awareness and this week we #GoRedforDyslexia. Listen to my top 5 AT tools to help Dyslexic’s achieve more

Episode 41 - Quick Assist

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:46:39 +0100

Ever Struggled to connect with a visually impaired user with one of the remote assistance tools? Tricky? Then help is at hand with this tool called quick assist on Windows 10

Episode 40 - askSARA & atvisor.ai

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 08:09:08 +0100

Artificial Intelligence are evolving science but will play a crucial part in our lives in the future. AskSARA is an assistive technology expert system to guide you to the resources you need advisor.ai is an assessment tool for therapists to use

Episode 39 - DFE EDtech Strategy

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:14:15 +0100

What is the Edtech Strategy? How is affecting SEND? This is for schools , colleges and universities running till 2021

Episode 38 - Chromecast TV

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:06:30 +0100

Cheap and effective way to share a screen . This is about a project in a rural area using technology to help their clients

Episode 37 - Grammarly

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 01:05:47 +0100

Free version to help with the writing process. Spots those annoying grammar errors as well as citing websites for products

Episode 36 UK APL survey

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 11:12:47 +0100

The first of its kind done in the UK ! This will provide a comprehensive list of aids encompassing all parts of the AT industry

Episode 35 - Google Keep

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 19:48:48 +0100

Wonderful app for dyslexia. Now with dark mode for those with visual impairments

Episode 34 - Sero

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 07:14:30 +0100

Screen reader and media platform for the blind from Serotek

Episode 33 - Using Voice to Send Emails on Alexa

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 08:20:07 +0100

Of course there are other ways to do this - Siri for example but this podcasts looks specifically at Alexa and how this can be done using the skill “My Email”

Episode32- Startup in Windows 10 & new look Facebook

Sat, 11 Jul 2020 07:08:15 +0100

Having programs load on the start is vital fir disabled people with loss of hand function. Also , looking at the new look on Facebook and loving the privacy wizards now on there !

Episode 31 - Parents in Lockdown

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 07:56:52 +0100

Thoughts after 2,000(1,021 on call) people signed up for a free webinar on Assistive Technology and The Dyslexic Learner”

Episode 30 - Tablets for the Vulnerable

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 11:40:23 +0100

Two charities you can approach Devicedotnow and Wavelength ( the website is in the email and links also on http://aas123.com

Episode 29 - "I am stupid"

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:17:40 +0100

Don’t believe the lie! Find the right technology that suits you. Use people like myself to find it with you

Episode 28 - Extensions to Chrome

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 06:41:38 +0100

You can extend google chrome’s functionality with these free extensions to do useful jobs or provide accessibility

Episode 27 - Accessibility on Chromebooks

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 08:11:39 +0100

Have you considered using a chrome book? Cost effective and very efficient it is worth considering as an access tool as their is a comprehensive set of Assistive tools built in

Episode 26 - AppleWatchOS5/6

Sun, 31 May 2020 19:46:12 +0100

How to make the Apple Watch more functional fitness a blind user

Episode 25 - Texthelp & BrowseAloud

Tue, 19 May 2020 07:22:52 +0100

The Rolls Royce of Assistive Technology providing a suite of tools to side the dyslexic pupil and student

Episode 24 - AT & Disability Students' Allowance

Sun, 03 May 2020 07:53:39 +0100

What is DSA? What AT supports students when they go to university or higher education?

Episode 23 - AppWriter

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 06:55:29 +0100

It’s good to mention another assistive program that helps dyslexic learners

Episode 22- Remote Learning

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 20:53:53 +0100

Which tools do we use in this lockdown period? What are the problems encountered?

Episode 21 - Cloud Storage

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 22:12:05 +0100

What is the Cloud? How does it work? Are there any advantages in using Cloud Storage . Listen to this episode and find out

Episode 20 - Lightkey

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 07:27:47 +0100

A new way to do word prediction using Artificial Intelligence

Episode 19 - Houseparty

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:47:26 +0000

A brief one this weeks on the merit of an app that connects people together

Episode 18 - Living in Social Isolation ( Age of Covid-19)

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 22:46:09 +0000

Week 1 of Self - Isolation . What have we learnt ? What hints and tips are there?

Episode 17 - Britbox & Streaming TV

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 23:04:04 +0000

BritBox and streaming TV - an overview of what is out there currently

Episode 16 - Audio Notetaking

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 17:36:14 +0000

Recording live speech, talks, lectures and lessons

Episode 15 - Helping the Blind

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 06:54:36 +0000

Some hints and tips on giving support to the blind on their Assistive Technology

Episode 14 - The Art of the Webinar

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 00:36:46 +0000

The ability to multitask and not get phased by it all

Episode 13 - Clicker 8

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 21:23:45 +0000

Clicker 8 is a game changer . The well known inclusive tool .

Episode 12- Interview with Dave Presky

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 11:26:14 +0000

Dave is a head of computing at York House School Primary School

Episode 11 - Smart TVs

Sun, 19 Jan 2020 07:51:18 +0000

How smart is your TV when changing channels ? Can you do this from scratch using your voice

Episode 10 - Amazon Cube Fire TV - Part 2

Sun, 19 Jan 2020 07:49:38 +0000

Reporting back on how the Amazon Cube was used by my blind client

Episode 10 - Amazon Cube Fire TV - Part 2

Sun, 12 Jan 2020 04:21:13 +0000

Reporting back on how the Amazon Cube was used by my blind client

Episode 9 - Amazon Cube Fire TV

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 15:24:40 +0000

Voice navigation on the cube - potentially a game changer for the blind & physically disabled eg MS

Episode 8 - Voice View

Sat, 28 Dec 2019 17:52:16 +0000

Voice View is a screen reader for the Amazon Fire TV stick. Listen to how to set it up and what it does on this podcast. And Happy New Year!!

Episode 7 - integrated Packages

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 23:47:39 +0000

Everything in one place . That is what an integrated package means to me

Episode 6 - Word Prediction

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 00:19:54 +0000

Word prediction is a powerful assistive technology for all pupils. Listen to this podcast to find out why ?

Episode 5 - AT Apps

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 05:02:14 +0000

Some useful apps talked about that may help you organise and write information

Episode 4 - Scanning Pens

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 04:10:31 +0000

What are scanning pens? What are they useful for ? And what are the users attitude to them

Episode 3 - Screenreaders

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 15:12:13 +0000

Nvda is a free screen reader from the website NVAccess . It’s actually shareware so a donation would help them a lot. Learn what they do and who they help.

Episode 2 - Speech Recognition

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 00:58:10 +0000

Speech recognition offers powerful tools for recording and now with mainstream software built-in many more people can benefit from using it. But who ? And how ? This short podcast addresses some of the issues

Episode 1 - Cerebral Visual Impairment

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 22:46:43 +0000

Looking into assistive technology for a condition known as CVI ( Cerebral Visual Impairment)