Paschall Power Newsletter October 2025

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Welcome to the Paschall Power Newsletter, your top source for news and information for the blind community. We are passionate about keeping you up to date on the latest access technology and AI to cool new tech and important news. Every article is written with the blind community in mind, helping to keep our world informed, Thank You for lending us a moment of your time, Blessings!

IBM introduced its first personal computer, the IBM PC, in 1981

• Accessibility Note; if you are reading this Newsletter with a screen reader, we suggest activating your “say all feature,” and enjoy the entire experience hands free, including the accessible images and other items that will be described, you may also move by headings to jump between articles!
• Please grab a moment to take in the below quote from Ashton Miller: 

“To find the spirit of love, is to find a lost piece of yourself.”

Let’s get into some great tech news📰

See More, Do More: Choosing the Best iPhone 17 for Blind and Low Vision Users 

• The iPhone 17 lineup doubles down on accessibility for blind and low-vision users, bringing faster, more responsive Voiceover, robust Braille support, smarter image and text recognition in Magnifier, and smoother haptics and speech thanks to the new chips and the latest iOS improvements. Voiceover rotor actions feel snappier, app and system labels are more consistent, and on-device recognition helps with reading menus, documents, and signage while out and about. All models use USB-C for charging, with faster top-ups that make it easier to get from low battery to usable levels in a short window, which is ideal for travel days, navigation, or long commutes with audio and GPS running.
• Model by model, here’s what stands out. iPhone 17 is the value pick: it starts at $799 with 256GB, has a 6.3-inch display, USB-C at USB 2.0 speeds, and a sharp 48MP dual-camera system that’s great for Magnifier, document scans, and everyday photos. iPhone 17 Air is the comfort pick at $999 with a 6.5-inch display: it’s ultra-thin and feather-light for long Voiceover sessions and one-hand use, trading away some camera flexibility compared to the others. iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are the performance picks with A-class Pro chips, LiDAR for enhanced detection, steadier video for scanning, higher-speed USB-C, and stronger battery life; the Pro keeps pocket ability on a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max’s 6.9-inch screen makes Zoom, large text, and big interface elements easier to see. Typical starting storage is 256GB across the line, with the Pro at $1,099 and the Pro Max at $1,199.
• Which one to choose? iPhone 17 is perfect for a reliable, affordable voiceovers experience with strong cameras and fast charging. iPhone 17 Air shines for anyone who wants the lightest, thinnest phone for long sessions of one-hand gestures, rotor use, and audio control, but doesn’t need pro-level camera features. Power users who rely on on-device recognition, LiDAR-assisted features, faster navigation feedback, and the longest battery should aim for 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max—pick Pro for balance or Pro Max for the largest canvas and all-day endurance. Across all four, the combination of voice-over, Braille, Magnifier, Zoom, display customization, and faster USB-C charging delivers a confident, accessible experience designed to support independence, navigation, reading, and everyday communication.
• Activate the below link for more about the various iPhone 17 models📰

iPhone 17 vs iPhone Air vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Which new iPhone should you buy? | Tom’s Guide

Empowering Every Aisle: Target’s Accessible Self-Checkout Transforms Blind Shopping Independence

• Target’s new accessible self-checkout is designed so blind and low-vision shoppers can complete purchases independently from start to finish. The experience uses a private audio channel through a standard headphone jack, clear step-by-step spoken prompts that cover every screen and payment step, and a tactile controller with directional arrows plus select, back, and an info key for context. Braille labels and high-contrast button icons complement the physical controls, and the interface mirrors familiar screen-reader navigation to make scanning, choosing payment, and confirming receipts intuitive.
• The rollout begins during the 2025 holiday season and will continue through early 2026. Many stores are already live with the experience, and the company plans a nationwide upgrade across existing self-checkout kiosks rather than a limited pilot. By integrating the accessibility layer into the current hardware, the retailer can deliver a consistent, recognizable flow across locations and bring the capability online quickly on a scale.
• For blind shopping, this upgrade advances independence, privacy, and parity with sighted checkout by removing the need to disclose personal information or rely on others to interpret touchscreens. Community co-design—guided by blind accessibility leaders and organizations—helped shape a model that can set a benchmark for retail, encouraging broader adoption and making in-person shopping more viable. As coverage expands, accessible self-checkout can increase confidence and frequency of store visits, demonstrating how inclusive design in mainstream retail technology materially improves everyday autonomy.
• Activate the below link for more about the accessible check out system at Target📰

Ahead of Holidays, Target Launches First-of-its-Kind Accessible Self-Checkout Nationwide

Vision Without Sight: How AI, Phones, and Smart Glasses Power Blind Independence 

• The state of accessibility for blind independence is accelerating, with AI-infused computers, mainstream mobile platforms, and wearables transforming everyday tasks into seamless, self-directed experiences. Advocacy and design are converging on nonvisual-first features—smarter screen readers, reliable voice control, and high-quality image description—so tasks like navigating complex websites, handling documents, and transacting online are faster, more private, and more consistent. The result is a growing expectation that independence is not an edge case but a baseline: accessible by default, flexible across contexts, and responsive to personal preferences and pace.
• On computers, AI is now integral to accessibility: models summarize long texts, propose clear headings, enrich alt text, and improve context for screen readers, while dictation and voice automation cut through friction across productivity suites and browsers. Three representative “AI computer” advances show what’s possible: context-aware screen reading that understands layout and intent; automated alt-text and caption generation that speeds accessible authoring; and predictive voice/dictation that enables hands-free writing and UI control with fewer corrections. On mobile, the leap is just as consequential: camera-to-audio pipelines read mail, identify products, and describe scenes in seconds, and GPS plus auditory cues now stitch together safe, step-by-step movement through indoor and outdoor spaces. Wearables close the loop by keeping audio and capture always available—smart glasses and audio-first devices make heads-up interaction the norm, layering scene descriptions, reading, and recognition directly into daily routines.
• For accessible apps that drive blind independence on phones, consider three standouts and how they differ. Be My Eyes combines an AI scene describer with easy escalation to trained volunteers or company support, making it ideal for general visual tasks and quick labeling with minimal setup. Seeing AI offers deep, modular tools that read documents, identify products, recognize currency and faces, and narrate scenes, with a familiar interface and steady evolution alongside productivity ecosystems. Google Lookout prioritizes speed and clarity for Android with on-device modes like Quick Read, Food Labels, and Currency, delivering fast offline performance and low-light optimizations. For accessible smart glasses, three compelling options illustrate the landscape. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses bring mainstream style plus open-ear audio and an AI assistant for hands-free capture and descriptions, making all-day wear both practical and discreet. Envision Glasses center on blind-first functionality—instant text reading, scene and object description, face recognition, and simple audio interaction—purpose-built for reliable, eye-up use. OrCam’s wearable camera focuses on instant reading and identification tasks with straightforward controls, offering a compact task-focused approach that complements canes, phones, and PCs without overwhelming the workflow.
• Activate the below link for more about accessible computers and related devices and software📰

Accessible Innovations in Technology – 2025 Updates | Cerebral Palsy Resource

Still amongst the most dependable, and accessible media players: VLC Media Player!

• VLC Media Player has become a global favorite because it plays virtually any media file reliably, stays free and open-source, and runs smoothly on a wide range of devices with strong accessibility for blind users through screen reader support and full keyboard control. From its student origins to today’s cross-platform ubiquity, it has earned trust by “just working” with videos, audio, discs, streams, captions, and playlists without extra codec packs or paywalls.
• VLC began in 1996 at École Centrale Paris as part of the VideoLAN project to stream TV across a campus network, built around a server (VLS) and a client (VLC) that evolved rapidly thanks to a modular design. In 2001, the project was released under a free software license, opening development to contributors worldwide and accelerating ports to Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, Solaris, and beyond, later expanding to iOS, Android, and modern storefronts. Over time, the server’s functionality was folded into the player, the nonprofit VideoLAN organization took the helm, and steady releases kept VLC current through successive codec generations and platform shifts.
• People prefer VLC because it handles an enormous range of formats and protocols—covering MPEG families, H.264, MKV, WebMD, WMV/WMA, DVDs, VCDs, Audio CDs, and network streams like RTP/RTSP/HTTP/MMS—consolidating day-to-day and professional playback into one dependable tool. Accessibility has been a core strength: on desktop systems, VLC integrates with screen readers, provides accessible menus, and controls, and supports comprehensive keyboard shortcuts, enabling blind users to manage playback, tracks, and subtitles without relying on a mouse. Thoughtful defaults, no ads, and a lightweight footprint make it a practical standard for casual viewers and power users alike, and long-running community maintenance—highlighted in professional reviews and retrospectives—underscores why VLC remains the universal media player choice across formats, platforms, and user needs.

Accessibility features

• VLC’s accessibility approach centers on native platform integration and keyboard-first control so blind and low-vision users can operate all core functions efficiently. On Windows, VLC exposes standard UI elements that are announced by major screen readers, allowing navigation through menus, dialogs, playlists, and track selection with speech feedback; on macOS, voice-over can traverse menu items, playback controls, audio/subtitle tracks, and status information; on Linux and BSD, AT-SPI-compatible screen readers can read the interface elements exposed by the desktop environment. Keyboard shortcuts cover nearly every action—play/pause, seek, volume, speed, next/previous, audio and subtitle track switching, delay adjustment, Fullscreen,“VBNM.L,MN BGVFCX and playlist navigation—so the entire player can be driven without a mouse, which is essential for blind users and power users alike.
• For media comprehension, VLC supports closed captions, subtitles, and SDH tracks with options to toggle, cycle, or load external files, and it offers fine-grained timing controls to sync subtitles or audio descriptions with video. When available, alternate audio tracks such as audio description can be selected quickly from the menu or via shortcuts, and per-track delay adjustments help align descriptive audio with picture for accessible viewing. The player’s on-screen display messages are mirrored by readable status changes in the UI, helping screen readers announce critical state transitions like pausing, rate changes, or track switches, while optional status bars and advanced views surface additional context that assistive technologies can access.
• Customization features further enhance accessibility in diverse environments. Users can choose simplified interfaces or minimal views to reduce visual clutter, configure larger or high-contrast subtitle rendering for readability, and set persistent volume, playback speed, and deinterlacing preferences that suit personal needs. For repeatable workflows, hotkeys are fully remappable, enabling tailored layouts that match screen reader conventions or single-switch setups, and playlists support robust queuing with saved states for quick access to frequently used content. Together, these capabilities—native assistive tech compatibility, complete keyboard control, subtitle and audio-description support, readable state feedback, and deep customization—explain why VLC is a dependable, inclusive media tool for blind users and an accessible standard across platforms.
• Activate the below link for more about the famous (VLC) media player📰

Inside VLC – the open-source survivor through media chaos

• 💡Note: the following two articles will focus on (how to use Windows 10) after support ends and updating your old windows 10 system to the free (Chrome Flex) operating system and using the free screen reader (Vox & other Chrome Accessibility Features). 

The end of support of Windows 10: What you may and may not know.

• First, Windows 10 doesn’t shut off on the end date, computers will still turn on, apps will still open, and most drivers will still work. What ends is the steady stream of free fixes: no more security updates, bug patches, feature updates, or official tech support. That raises risk over time because new vulnerabilities won’t be patched, even though everything appears “normal” day to day. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) can buy time with critical security patches only, but they’re temporary and don’t add features or general bug fixes. Upgrades to Windows 11 are free on supported hardware, yet many older PCs won’t qualify due to stricter requirements, which is why planning—whether that means enrolling in ESU, replacing hardware, or choosing an alternative platform—matters more than waiting until nothing works.
• Second, several policy details trip people up. Apps and drivers don’t disappear after the deadline, but compatibility and performance usually fade as developers target Windows 11 first. ESU is time-limited and typically sold year by year, with rules that discourage skipping years and rejoining later. Microsoft 365 apps and many popular browsers will keep working for a while, but feature development will favor newer Windows versions, and support desks will turn away Windows 10 issues that aren’t covered by ESU. Businesses and schools often see different ESU pricing and terms than consumers, and specialized Windows 10 LTSC editions aren’t a back door for typical home PCs. For anyone who can’t upgrade immediately, the safer near-term path is layered: reduce the attack surface, keep third-party software patched, consider ESU if eligible, and set a clear timeline to move off Windows 10 rather than running indefinitely without support.
• Finally, there’s a practical way to keep creative and media workflows stable during the transition: lean on cross-platform tools that outlast operating system cycles. VLC is a good example—an open-source, universal media player maintained by a broad community and available across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Tools like this help preserve everyday tasks—playing videos, reviewing drafts, sharing media—while the underlying OS changes. That continuity eases pressure: it’s possible to switch hardware or operating systems on a thoughtful schedule without losing the ability to open files or handle common formats. In short, Windows 10 will keep running; risk grows because free security and support stop; ESU offers limited, temporary coverage; hardware requirements shape upgrade choices; and cross-platform apps can smooth the move, so planning now prevents unpleasant surprises later.
• Activate the below link for more about the end of Windows 10📰

Are You Prepared for Windows 10 End of Life? – Lansweeper

Update your old computer’s OS to Google Flex & Vox, without worrying about Windows 11

• ChromeOS Flex and ChromeVox are free alternatives to Windows 10 and 11 designed to make older computers fast, simple, and accessible for blind and low-vision users. In past newsletters, we did write on Google Flex, and Vox, however due to the pending end of Windows 10, we are re-releasing the information. ChromeOS Flex is the operating system that replaces Windows, and ChromeVox is the built-in screen reader that speaks everything on the screen and supports keyboard navigation. Together, they let a computer handle everyday tasks like web browsing, email, documents, and spreadsheets without extra cost. They also include strong low-vision tools like Magnifier, high-contrast, large mouse cursor, and display zoom.
• To download and use ChromeOS Flex with a current Windows 10 PC, first install Google Chrome, and add the Chromebook Recovery Utility. Use an 8GB or larger USB drive to create a ChromeOS Flex installer by choosing Google ChromeOS Flex as the manufacturer and model. Safely eject the USB, insert it into the computer that will run Flex, then power it on and open the boot menu (commonly F12, Esc, F2, or a similar key). Choose the USB device, then select “Try” to test Flex without changing the disk or “Install” to replace Windows completely. After installation, sign in with a Google account to sync bookmarks, extensions, and files, and the system will keep itself up to date automatically.
• To download and use ChromeVox, there are two paths. On ChromeOS Flex, ChromeVox is built in and can be toggled on or off with Ctrl+Alt+Z. Learn the main ChromeVox modifier key and basic commands to move by headings, links, buttons, and form fields, and use the built-in tutorial to practice navigation. On Windows 10 (before switching), add the ChromeVox extension to Chrome to learn its speech and key commands in the browser; this is useful training before moving to Flex. Adjust voice, rate, pitch, and key bindings in ChromeVox settings so the speech is comfortable and efficient for everyday use.
• To adjust accessibility on ChromeOS Flex, open Settings, then Accessibility. For low vision, turn on full-screen Magnifier or the docked magnifier, increase the display size, enable high-contrast mode, and enlarge the mouse cursor. Combine Magnifier with “follow focus” so the zoom tracks ChromeVox focus while reading. Select-to-speak can read selected text without the full screen reader. For everyday navigation, open the Launcher to find apps, use the shelf to pin favorite tools, and open Quick Settings from the time area to manage Wi-Fi, audio, and accessibility toggles. Create and edit documents and spreadsheets in Google Docs and Google Sheets and use Gmail for email; these work smoothly with Chrome Vox and Magnifier. Helpful tips include practicing keyboard shortcuts early, trying Flex in “Try” mode before installing, keeping a backup of files, and using voice typing and dictation when preferred. This setup makes it practical to use ChromeOS Flex and Chrome Vox every day instead of Windows 10 or 11, especially on older hardware.
• Activate the below link for more about Flex & Vox, including additional accessibility resources📰

Accessibility Solutions & Features – Chrome Enterprise

Hear It, Set It, Chill: Accessible Fridges Made Easy

• Accessible refrigerators now offer voice control, screen reader–friendly apps, and tactile add-ons that help blind users manage temperature, modes, and door alarms independently while also reducing wasted energy. App-connected models allow spoken feedback for status and reminders like door-ajar or filter changes, and many integrate with assistants to change settings by voice. Retailers also carry ADA-compliant layouts, and tactile sticker kits can make flat touch panels readable by touch without replacing an appliance.
• These features support independence by enabling hands-free control of key functions such as setting the fridge to a safe 37–38°F, toggling quick cool or freeze modes, and checking if the door is open, all without relying on vision or another person. Companion apps designed to work with mobile screen readers provide clearly labeled controls and audible prompts, reducing errors and simplifying everyday tasks. Tactile upgrades—braille or raised-symbol overlays—make it easy to find the same buttons every time on smooth control panels.
• Smart controls can also lower energy costs by keeping temperatures consistent, sending alerts when doors are left open, and prompting timely maintenance that improves efficiency and prevents food spoilage. Voice and app access make it simple to activate power-cool or super-freeze only when needed, avoiding overcooling and unnecessary power draw. ENERGY STAR options and ADA models are widely available, and tactile sticker kits offer a low-cost path to accessibility if a new refrigerator isn’t required.

Examples and where to buy.

• 💡Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Family Hub (voice and app control): Supports temperature and mode control by voice and through the SmartThings app with accessible navigation. Typical pricing ranges about $1,200–$2,500 depending on configuration and promotions. Available from major appliance retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and AJ Madison.
• 💡Thermador smart refrigerators with voice commands: Enable commands like “set refrigerator to 38 degrees” and toggling modes (e.g., Super Freeze) for precise, hands-free control. Premium pricing varies by model; available via Thermador dealers and specialty appliance retailers.
• 💡ADA-compliant undercounter refrigerators (e.g., Summit, Marvel, U-Line): Lower reach height and simple control layouts improve accessibility; undercounter ADA models commonly range from about $1,200 to $3,100. Available from specialty retailers and major appliance stores online.

Budget-friendly accessibility add-on

• 💡GE Appliances tactile sticker kit: A large set of transparent tactile and braille stickers that label common controls on existing appliances, making smooth panels readable by touch. Typically, a low-cost accessory available from GE Appliances and adaptive equipment suppliers.
• Activate the below link for more accessible home resources for the blind📰

Accessibility – Home Appliances | Samsung USA

The Paschall Power Star of the Month

We have now come to the end of our 23RD  edition of the Paschal Power Newsletter, and you know what that means, right? ahh yes, the Paschall Power Star for the month of October 2025, and our Power Star for this month is a true leader, individual of change and overall brave person, the late civil rights leader, Mr. Joseph McNeil. Mr. McNeil is influential for helping to start the southern civil rights movement, he started a diner at college! The Paschall Power team gives sincere gratitude for all Mr. McNeil has done for society, enjoying his story.

Bravery, vision, power, and truth: Mr. Joseph McNeil

• Joseph McNeil, born in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1942, became one of the most influential figures of the American Civil Rights Movement. As a student at North Carolina A&T State University, McNeil, alongside three fellow students, courageously challenged the injustice of segregation by launching the historic Greensboro sit-in on February 1, 1960. Their simple yet powerful act of sitting at a “whites-only” lunch counter to request service set into motion a wave of nonviolent protests across the South. McNeil’s bravery helped ignite a movement that empowered countless others to stand up for equality through peace and persistence.
• The nonviolent strategy McNeil and his peers embraced drew strength from discipline, faith, and a shared vision of justice without hatred. By refusing to retaliate with violence, they exposed the cruelty of segregation for all to see, inspiring empathy and moral clarity in those who had long remained silent. McNeil’s efforts showed that real strength lies not in force or aggression, but in the quiet power of dignity and resilience. His actions helped shift America’s moral compass, proving that peaceful protest could dismantle entrenched systems of prejudice and lead the nation toward greater fairness and unity.
• McNeil’s life stands as a living testimony that change born of peace will endure while violence only leaves wounds behind. Leaders who inspire nonviolent movements open pathways to healing and progress, leaving legacies that lift generations rather than divide them. Joseph McNeil’s courage teaches us that when people come together in hope and discipline, their voices cannot be silenced, and their impact cannot be erased. His story remains a bright light that reminds us that true change-makers mold the world not with the fire of anger, but with the steady flame of justice and compassion.
• Activate the below link for more about Mr. Joseph McNeil📰

How the Greensboro Four Sparked the Sit-In Movement

👌On behalf of the Paschall Power Newsletter team, we thank you for reading. Do you have any questions, suggestions for content or may you be interested in submitting an article for future releases? drop us a line at the link below💡

Contact us – (accessiblepass.net)

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