ARCHIVE / 2018:

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, December 27, 2018 - Volume 689

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing Your One-Stop Shop for All of Your Accessibility Consulting and Training Needs!

Struggling to manage the adverse risk posed to your organization by the deployment of inaccessible content?

Seeking guidance on building accessibility best practices into your development cycle?

We offer a comprehensive range of services to address your accessibility needs - from accessibility testing of your websites, web applications and mobile apps to identify accessibility issues and assist in their repair, to conducting research and usability testing to share insights into how people with disabilities experience your products, to providing strategic guidance or accessibility training to help you build accessibility capacity within your organization.

When it comes to accessibility, we have the expertise to help you succeed on countless fronts!

Service Offerings We Provide:

Comprehensive Audit: The best way to gain a thorough understanding of the accessibility level of your website, web application or native app.

UX Services: Offers an opportunity to discover how people with disabilities and people who use assistive technologies engage with your brand.

Training: Our onsite or virtual Training options are an effective way to embed accessibility knowledge within your team.

Help Desk: Our Help Desk Services provides ongoing accessibility support for your team via a ticket-based system that makes it easy for stakeholders to ask questions and get responses back with quick turnaround.

Strategy & Program Development: Our Strategy & Program Development services offer the expertise to perform strategic consulting on accessibility processes or to help you develop your Accessibility Program so that accessibility is being addressed across systems, processes, and people within your organization.

For more information, or to ask questions not answered here, please email accessibility@flying-blind.com ✉ or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist!

Greetings,

1) Old Radio Shows Aired on this Date

For fans of old time radio, this station runs 24/7, and seems to run programs that aired on or near today's date when they have them:
http://radio.macinmind.com/

2) One User's Accessible Android App List

These are the apps one person uses on his Android phone:
https://blindbites.wordpress.com/2018/12/25/accessible-android-app-list-december-2018/

3) I Used The Web For A Day Using A Screen Reader

This Smashing Magazine article seeks to raise awareness among developers:
https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2018/12/voiceover-screen-reader-web-apps/

4) Rundown of Amazon Echo Devices

This PC Mag article helps differentiate among the rather bewildering array of Amazon devices:
https://www.pcmag.com/feature/356513/amazon-s-echo-lineup-what-s-the-difference/12

5) Annual Smart Speaker IQ Test

Loup Ventures asked the four digital assistants 800 questions each and explains the results, comparing to previous years:
https://loupventures.com/annual-smart-speaker-iq-test/

6) Leasey Enhances Word Spell Check, Progress Indicators

The latest update to Leasey provides better navigation in the Word 2016 spell checker, options for audio progress alerts, and other improvements:
http://www.hartgen.org/leaseycentral

7) Updates from Eyes on Success

Episode 1852, the final Eyes on Success of the year brings us up to date on several stories brought to us recently:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

8) iPhone 101

The Blind Abilities team produces basic instructional recordings on the iPhone as one category of their podcast. Seven lessons are currently available:
http://blindabilities.com/?cat=472

9) Tips and Tricks With a Blind Perspective

Blind Abilities also offers a blog, and this post gives one user's suggestions for daily living solutions:
http://blindabilities.com/?p=4226

10) The Great Toy Robbery 2.0 for Both Windows and MacOS is Now Here

This popular free game can be installed directly on the Mac, and has many twists and turns and skills to acquire:
https://www.applevis.com/forum/macos-mac-app-discussion/great-toy-robbery-20-both-windows-and-macos-now-here

11) Universal Design for Learning Materials

This summary comes from Accessible Resource Center British Columbia:
https://www.arc-bc.org/help/universal.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

12) What I Wish I'd Known When I Got into Accessibility

This is the first episode of a monthly podcast series, the Digital Accessibility Experts Podcast:
https://www.hassellinclusion.com/blog/what-i-wish-id-known-when-i-got-into-accessibility/

13) The Twelve Inaccessibilities of Christmas

This brief Blind Access Journal podcast with transcript brings us this couple's take on the Twelve Days of Christmas:
http://blindaccessjournal.com/2018/12/the-twelve-inaccessibilities-of-christmas/

14) Blind Bargains Qast 169

The last regular format edition of the year is as usual full of diverse and informative content:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19811

15A) 'Tis the Season for Sales

Music services Tidal and Spotify offer three months of service for a dollar; Apple Music gives three months free:
https://www.cnet.com/news/tidal-offers-three-months-of-music-for-a-buck/

15B) Popular reading app Voice Dream Reader for iOS is 53% off until 30 December:

https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id496177674

15C) All subscription plans for the iOS and Android Envision app are 30% off, and if you subscribe on either Android or iOS, your subscription can convert to the other phone system if you switch:

https://www.letsenvision.com/

15D) And KNFBReader is 40% less expensive than usual until 3 January:

https://knfbreader.com/

16) Access Tech Watch-360 Pod Cast

It's Movie Night:
https://accesstechwatch360.podbean.com/e/its-movie-night-ep2-2018-final-picks/

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, December 20, 2018 - Volume 688

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing Your One-Stop Shop for All of Your Accessibility Consulting and Training Needs!

Struggling to manage the adverse risk posed to your organization by the deployment of inaccessible content?

Seeking guidance on building accessibility best practices into your development cycle?

When it comes to accessibility, we have the expertise to help you succeed on countless fronts!

Service Offerings We Provide:

Comprehensive Audit: The best way to gain a thorough understanding of the accessibility level of your website, web application or native app.

UX Services: Offers an opportunity to discover how people with disabilities and people who use assistive technologies engage with your brand.

Training: Our onsite or virtual Training options are an effective way to embed accessibility knowledge within your team.

Help Desk: Our Help Desk Services provides ongoing accessibility support for your team via a ticket-based system that makes it easy for stakeholders to ask questions and get responses back with quick turnaround.

Strategy & Program Development: Our Strategy & Program Development services offer the expertise to perform strategic consulting on accessibility processes or to help you develop your Accessibility Program so that accessibility is being addressed across systems, processes, and people within your organization.

For more information, or to ask questions not answered here, please email accessibility@flying-blind.com ✉ or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist!

Greetings,

1) InProcess with Latest NVDA News

Learn about the official release of NVDA 2018.4, and get an explanation about Emojis:
https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-18th-december-18/

2) Text Tutorial on Emojis

Speaking of Emojis, now that NVDA 2018.4 and JAWS 2019 support them more robustly, here is a tutorial about how to use the Emoji panel:
https://win10.groups.io/g/win10/message/30067

3) How to Set Up an iDevices Switch as a Blind Person

This short post gives the needed information:
https://kevinrenatojones.wordpress.com/2018/12/18/how-to-set-up-an-idevices-switch-as-a-blind-person/

4) Microsoft Reveals Accessibility Goals for Chromium Browsers on Windows

With the demise of Microsoft Edge as we know it, here is some news about its successor project:
https://www.windowslatest.com/2018/12/15/microsoft-reveals-accessibility-goals-for-chromium-browsers-on-windows/

5) Web Accessibility Laws & Policies

This is a good place to learn about web accessibility laws throughout the world:
https://www.w3.org/WAI/policies/

6) I Threw Away My Mouse

In this 24 Accessibility Talk, the speaker discusses using keyboard-only navigation on over 200 web pages, and the difficulties he encountered:
https://www.24a11y.com/2018/i-threw-away-my-mouse/

7A) Major New Alexa Skills

NFB Newsline is now available via Alexa. Articles are read using your Newsline phone settings:
https://www.amazon.com/National-Federation-the-Blind-NFB-NEWSLINE/dp/B07KZZZ8C9

7B) Apple Music Too

Apple Music is also becoming available via Alexa:
https://www.facebook.com/1179121802205288/posts/1881039538680174/

8) Improvements Made to Horizon and Aira Service

Some of this information is pertinent to those accessing Aira using free offers:
https://aira.io/horizon-updates-dec-2018

9) CNIB Podcasts

The CNIB Podcast Network is a collection of audio programming designed to give a voice to people across the CNIB community as they share their personal stories of life with sight loss:
https://cnib.ca/en/node/4496

10) Hadley Discussion of Digital Assistants

Tthis is the replay of the December 2018 Tech it Out Forum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFuPN3KKsy4&feature=youtu.be

11) FS Open Line Replay

FSCast #174 is a replay of the December 2018 Open Line Talk Show (MP3):
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/f/1/4/f14d57021bbed1a4/FSCast164.mp3

12) Maccessibility Roundtable Podcast

Episode #168 includes discussion of Apple Music on Alexa, Shortcuts, updates and new purchases:
http://maccessibility.net/2018/12/09/mrtp-166-failing-differently

13) Golden Apples of 2018

The AppleVis Community names Weather Gods, FEER, Seeing AI, and Microsoft as its Golden Apples of 2018:
https://www.applevis.com/blog/applevis-assistive-technology-gaming-ios-apps-news/applevis-community-names-weather-gods-feer

14) AccessWorld for December 2018

The December 2018 issue of AccessWorld includes information for gift shoppers, explanation of the new JAWS and ZoomText subscription plans, explanation of ABLE accounts, and reviews of the NVIDIA Shield TV and the Insignia Smart TV, Fire TV Edition:
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1912toc

15) Last Blind Bargains Qast of the Year?

There is usually a Year End Edition, but here is episode #168:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19784

16) Blindfold Games and ObjectiveEd

Episode 1851, presumably the next-to-last one of the year, of Eyes on Success, covers these two endeavors of Marty Schultz:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, December 13, 2018 - Volume 687

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing Your One-Stop Shop for All of Your Accessibility Consulting and Training Needs!

Struggling to manage the adverse risk posed to your organization by the deployment of inaccessible content?

Seeking guidance on building accessibility best practices into your development cycle?

When it comes to accessibility, we have the expertise to help you succeed on countless fronts!

Service Offerings We Provide:

Comprehensive Audit: The best way to gain a thorough understanding of the accessibility level of your website, web application or native app.

UX Services: Offers an opportunity to discover how people with disabilities and people who use assistive technologies engage with your brand.

Training: Our onsite or virtual Training options are an effective way to embed accessibility knowledge within your team.

Help Desk: Our Help Desk Services provides ongoing accessibility support for your team via a ticket-based system that makes it easy for stakeholders to ask questions and get responses back with quick turnaround.

Strategy & Program Development: Our Strategy & Program Development services offer the expertise to perform strategic consulting on accessibility processes or to help you develop your Accessibility Program so that accessibility is being addressed across systems, processes, and people within your organization.

For more information, or to ask questions not answered here, please email accessibility@flying-blind.com ✉ or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist!

Greetings,

1A) Blind Canadians Surveyed

Blind Canadians are being asked to list their favorite apps for PC, Mac, iOS and Android:
https://gttprogram.blog/2018/12/10/gtt-questionnaire-top-ten-ios-android-pc-and-mac-apps-of-2018-due-on-december-21-2018/

1B) Previous Results

Here are the results from last year:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/g9mfh3w1wwn82rh/Top%2010%20iOS%2C%20Mac%2C%20PC%20and%20Android%20Apps%20according%20to%20GTT%20Participants%20Final%202018Jan05.docx?dl=1

2) Accessible Windows Games

GMA Games has a number of accessible games for Windows users, some free:
http://gmagames.com/

3) Near Future for Windows

The latest windows Insiders blog describes developments coming to Windows for the next major upgrade, with many improvements being made to Narrator and some to Magnifier:
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/12/10/announcing-windows-10-insider-preview-build-18298/

4) The Best Siri Shortcuts to Get You Started

This HowToGeek article suggests some Siri Shortcuts in case you haven't yet seen a reason to begin using the Shortcuts feature in iOS 12:
https://www.howtogeek.com/397166/the-best-siri-shortcuts-to-get-you-started/

5) Improved Audio Tutorial on Alexa

The new Mystic Access tutorial on Alexa has two hours more content than the original:
https://www.mysticaccess.com/product/audio-tutorial-for-alexa/

6) Mystic Access iOS Instruction

The cost for "Sweet Success with iOS: Audio Modules Seven Through Twelve) is $75. You can now register to take modules 13-18 live:
https://www.mysticaccess.com/product/sweet-success-with-ios-modules-thirteen-through-eighteen/

7) New FSCast Hosts Talk About JAWS Release

John and Larry Gassman now host FSCast, and in this episode, we learn about the December 2018 JAWS release and more:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast-163-new-hosts-john-and-larry-gassman-introduce-themselves-eric-damery-discusses-december-updates-and-gassmans-chat-with-curtis-chong-innovator-and-accessible-technology-pioneer/

8) Web Accessibility Courses

This page contains courses offered in web accessibility (and other learning opportunities):
https://github.com/mgifford/a11y-courses

9)Accessibility Talk by Leonie Watson

This talk was given at the Frontend NE Conference 2018:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxQT3aq0nzw&app=desktop

10) Freedom Scientific Announces Changes to US Pricing and Software Delivery Options

Among the news is that an annual student subscription to JAWS will be available early in 2019:
https://www.freedomscientific.com/About/News/Article/200

11) Bookshare on Tek Talk

Hear the latest information from BookShare on TekTalk on GMT Tuesday, 18 December 2018 at 01:00:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

12) Blind Bargains Qast

Number 167 features news and a demonstration:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19753

13) Aira on Eyes on Success

Episode 1850 of Eyes on Success features a discussion of Aira:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, December 6, 2018 - Volume 686

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing Your One-Stop Shop for All of Your Accessibility Consulting and Training Needs!

Struggling to manage the adverse risk posed to your organization by the deployment of inaccessible content?

Seeking guidance on building accessibility best practices into your development cycle?

When it comes to accessibility, we have the expertise to help you succeed on countless fronts!

Service Offerings We Provide:

Comprehensive Audit: The best way to gain a thorough understanding of the accessibility level of your website, web application or native app.

UX Services: Offers an opportunity to discover how people with disabilities and people who use assistive technologies engage with your brand.

Training: Our onsite or virtual Training options are an effective way to embed accessibility knowledge within your team.

Help Desk: Our Help Desk Services provides ongoing accessibility support for your team via a ticket-based system that makes it easy for stakeholders to ask questions and get responses back with quick turnaround.

Strategy & Program Development: Our Strategy & Program Development services offer the expertise to perform strategic consulting on accessibility processes or to help you develop your Accessibility Program so that accessibility is being addressed across systems, processes, and people within your organization.

For more information, or to ask questions not answered here, please email accessibility@flying-blind.com ✉ or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist!

Greetings,

1A) Android or iOS?

The question of switching from one phone OS to the other continues. One blind user is trying out Android and enjoying it this time around:
http://steve.sawczyn.com/android-giving-pie-a-try/

1B) Flip Side

While another writer, not using adaptive technology, went to Android a year ago and regrets it:
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-switching-from-iphone-to-google-pixel-isnt-worth-it-2018-12

2) Successful Blind Developer

This post is entitled "Stories from the Trenches: What I've learned from Working as a Blind Developer for a Sighted Dev Team:"
https://www.24a11y.com/2018/stories-from-the-trenches/

3) Rivo 2

At $300, Rivo 2 is a bit expensive, but it provides an alternative interface to smart phones which may make their use easier for some, and provide power and flexibility:
http://rivo.me/en/

4) Latest from AppleVis

AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for November 2018:
https://www.applevis.com/blog

5) J-Dictate V. 1.5

J-Dictate version 1.5 was released in November 2018. This provides less strain on the PCU in Windows10, is compatible with JAWS version 2019 and is a lot more responsive when moving from one application to another with the microphone awake:
http://www.hartgen.org/j-dictate

6) Using Microsoft PowerPoint with JAWS

This Hartgen Consultancy course will consist of four lessons starting on 22 January 2019, and cost 50 pounds:
http://www.hartgen.org/power

7) Blind Bargains Qast 166

A lot about TV buying and viewing, and more:
https://www.blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19715

8) Office 365 Vs. Office 19

This is Microsoft's explanation of the differences between these two related programs:
https://www.thurrott.com/cloud/office-365/176224/office-2019-vs-office-365-whats-really-happening

9) Apps for Everyday Life

Here is one trainer's perspective on the best iOS apps to solve various challenges:
https://www.second-sense.org/2018/11/app-for-that/

10) Microsoft Accessibility Learning Webinars

Starting in January 2019, Microsoft will begin conducting monthly webinars, including video presentations and Q&A sessions, on accessibility topics. The first three will cover Narrator, magnifier and low vision features, and navigating the new office ribbon:
https://sway.office.com/ofnj0y3PT7dnqb0Z?ref=Link

11) 142 Useful Voice Commands for Siri

ComputerWorld provides this list of Siri commands:
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3261408/apple-mac/hey-siri-142-useful-voice-commands-for-siri.html

12) Videos to Teach Coding

Hadley has created six videos helping visually impaired would-be coders learn the vision accessibility features in Apple's Swift Playgrounds app:
https://hadley.edu/InstructionalVideos.asp#Swift%20Playgrounds

13) See Audio Description in Action

This is the trailer for the Disney movie Frozen. Without audio description, a viewer with a visual impairment would be lost. Here is what it's like with audio description:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7j4_aP8dWA

14) Blindness for Beginners

This is the title of Eyes on Success Episode #1849, and the title of a book by the interviewee:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

15) Book on Dropbox Featured on Tek Talk

Judi Dixon's book on the Dropbox cloud storage service will be her topic on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 11 December at 01:00:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

16) Blind Post

The submission deadline for the December 2018 issue of The Blind Post is 8 December. Read about the publication here:
http://www.theblindpost.com

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, November 29, 2018 - Volume 685

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Webinar: Taking The Bite Out Of JAWS Testing by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group - November 30th 2018

You are invited to A Complimentary Webinar hosted by Larry Lewis and the Paciello Group!

What: Webinar: Taking The Bite Out Of JAWS Testing by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group

When: Friday, November 30th at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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About: Do you work for a Federal, State, or Non-Profit Agency and are looking for a new way to test your digital content?

Are you committed to accessibility, but are unclear as to all of the inner workings of a screenreader?

Are you a committed educator who seeks to ensure that your students are able to easily interact with web content?

If so, then join us for this webinar where Larry Lewis will demonstrate the JAWS Inspect Utility!

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After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If there are issues with the "CAPTCHA" during the registration, please email twaites@paciellogroup.com for assistance.

Greetings,

1) Executive Guide to Federal IT Accessibility

This US Guide to Section 508 Accessibility comes from the US GSA:
https://section508.gov/tools/playbooks/exec-guide-accessibility

2) Can Braille survive in a smartphone world?

This article appeared in Philly.com at the end of August 2018:
http://sterlingcreations.ca/blog/

3) In-Process 28th November 2018

Learn the differences between snapshot, alpha, beta, and RC1 releases of NVDA, and what to expect in NVDA 2018.4:
https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-28th-november-2018/

4A) 2019 Survey About Inaccessibility of Online Shopping

The ClickAway Pound Survey 2019 is open to those wishing to share online shopping experiences.
http://www.clickawaypound.com

4B) 2016 Survey Results

The results from the 2016 survey are here:
http://www.clickawaypound.com/

5) New Presentations Archived from Maryland

The Maryland State Library's Technology User Group Archives have been updated to include "Technology Gifts for the Holidays" October 2018 and a review of the "Google Home Assistant" November 2018:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx

6) Coding For Kids

"Ballyland Code 1: Say Hello" is an iOS app introducing young blind and visually impaired kids (5+) to computational thinking and coding:
http://www.sonokids.org/ballyland-early-learning/ballyland-game-apps/ballyland-code-1-say-hello/

7) Diehard iPhone, iOS User Switches to Android

This Business Insider post does not reference accessibility, but is an interesting read:
https://www.businessinsider.com/diehard-iphone-ios-user-switches-to-android-oneplus-6t-2018-11

8) Using ChromeVox on Your Chromebook

Perkins has assembled a lot of training material for using Chromebooks:
http://www.perkinselearning.org/technology/posts/using-chromevox-your-chomebook-video-tutorials

9) Comprehensive Google Home Page

Lifehacker Australia tells us that "Everything Your Google Home Can Do Is Now Listed On One Incredibly Useful Website:"
https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/11/everything-your-google-home-can-do-is-now-listed-on-one-incredibly-useful-website/

10) HIMS on Tek Talk

Hear about developments at HIMS on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 4 December 2018 at 01:00:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

11) Expanding Services at APH

Eyes on Success #1848 covers the move of several services from AFB to APH:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

12) Blind Post

Check out the happenings with the November and December 2018 issues of The Blind Post:
http://theblindpost.com/Readthelatestnewshere.html

13) Good Place to Buy and Sell Adaptive Technology

If you want to buy or sell some used adaptive equipment, the blind-bst group has over 800 members and works well. To join, send a blank message to:
blind-bst+subscribe@groups.io

14) 24 Days of Accessibility Gifts

24 Accessibility will offer an accessibility-related article each day starting on 1 December 2018. Last year's series is still there for perusing as well:
https://www.24a11y.com/

15) 2018 Blind Bargains Holiday Shopping Guide

Blind Bargains Qast #165 is the latest installment of an annual series:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19673

16) Blind Alive Closing Doors, All Workouts Free

Unfortunately, Blind Alive has to close its doors, so until the end of December 2018 all their well-conceived workouts are free for the taking, both via download and via the iOS app:
https://www.blindalive.com/blind-alive-blog/2018/11/25/sad-but-true-blindalive-is-closing

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, November 22, 2018 - Volume 684

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Webinar: Taking The Bite Out Of JAWS Testing by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group - November 30th 2018

You are invited to A Complimentary Webinar hosted by Larry Lewis and the Paciello Group!

What: Webinar: Taking The Bite Out Of JAWS Testing by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group

When: Friday, November 30th at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Where: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/bb4b983cdbc8a953c5b9141539e44ee6

About: Do you work for a Federal, State, or Non-Profit Agency and are looking for a new way to test your digital content?

Are you committed to accessibility, but are unclear as to all of the inner workings of a screenreader?

Are you a committed educator who seeks to ensure that your students are able to easily interact with web content?

If so, then join us for this webinar where Larry Lewis will demonstrate the JAWS Inspect Utility!

This one of a kind test tool provides visual validation to what the JAWS user experiences when they interact with your website.

Come learn a new way of identifying, logging, and tracking usability bugs with just a few simple keystrokes and mouse-clicks!

This webinar will revolutionize the way you view and test online content, coupling accessibility "want to" with "usability know-how"!

To register in advance for this webinar, visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/bb4b983cdbc8a953c5b9141539e44ee6.

Greetings,

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate today!

1) Ham Radio Yesterday and Today

Hear about amateur radio yesterday and today, and the accessibility of the hobby, in episode 1847 of Eyes on Success:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

2) Virtual Party

Mystic Access is holding a virtual post-Thanksgiving party via Zoom on Friday, 23 November 2018 from 16:00-20:00 GMT. All are welcome to drop in:
https://zoom.us/j/674611376?status=success

3) New WayAround Version; Webinars

Version 2.3 of this iOS app is available,with enhancements for low vision users and other new features. The company is holding three webinars about this new version. For scheduling information and other questions, write to:
connect@wayaround.com

4) Learn Braille Using Technology

I, Dean Martineau, would like, at no cost, to help those wishing to learn Braille, and willing to obtain an Orbit Reader or other Braille device. The Orbit Reader is especially well-suited for the task, and is not as expensive as other devices. If you might be interested, write to me and I'll send you an explanatory message:
topdot@gmail.com

5) JAWS and Braille on Tek Talk

"Tips and Tricks with JAWS and Braille" will be the topic for Tek Talk, to be held on GMT Tuesday, 27 November 2018 at 01:00:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

6) Use the Keyboard to Zoom In or Out in Outlook

The text of this Microsoft post suggests using a screen reader with this information, but the steps will work even if you are not using a screen reader:
https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Use-a-screen-reader-to-zoom-in-or-out-in-Outlook-4c9ac32f-ea76-4c74-b9aa-6d5be23cef1a

7) Obtaining Access to eBooks ... Again

This AFB post discusses a recurring problem, but has a happy ending, at least for now:
https://www.afb.org/blog/afb-blog/obtaining-access-to-e-books-again/12

8A) The New Aira Rate Plans

Information about the new Aira rate plans features prominently in BBQ #164, but there is other news as well:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19669

8B) Other Aira News

The new Aira plans is the exclusive topic of this episode of the Blind Abilities podcast (MP3):
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/1/7/5/175d9ff29eb5fe41/GregAiraFinal.mp3

9) Next FS OpenLine

The next online talk show will be held on GMT 14 December 2018 at 01:00. (Of course, that's 8:00 PM in the evening Eastern Time on the 13th.) The topic will be December updates and power user tips:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/fsopenline/

10) JAWS and ZoomText Annual Home Licensing: A Win for Consumers

This post describes why the NFB considers this change good for consumers:
https://nfb.org/blog/article/3767

11) Webinar on JAWS Inspect Utility

This utility can help accessibility testers and educators. The webinar takes place on Friday, 30 November at 18:00 GMT. Register here:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/bb4b983cdbc8a953c5b9141539e44ee6

12A) iOS Shortcuts

This CNET post is called "iOS 12 Shortcuts: 12 You Should Be Using:"
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/shortcuts-for-ios-12-you-should-be-using/#ftag=CADf328eec

12B) More on iOS Shortcuts

Here is one called Home Screen Icon Creator:
https://www.macstories.net/ios/home-screen-icon-creator-a-shortcut-to-create-custom-icons-for-apps-contacts-solid-colors-and-more/

13) ZoomText Unified Finder

This video demonstrates the Unified Finder in ZoomText 11:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JqZvFDvOIc

14) Fear Is A Poor Motivator For Accessibility

This post by Lainey Feingold discusses WebAIM's Hierarchy for Motivating Accessibility Change:
https://www.lflegal.com/2018/11/webaim-fear/

15) Webinar on Testing with Android

"Automated Accessibility Testing with Attest for Android" is the title of a webinar to be held on Thursday, 29 November 2018 at 18:00 GMT:
https://accessibility.deque.com/automated-accessibility-testing-attest-for-android?utm_campaign=Attest%20for%20Android%20Webinar&utm_content=80193121&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, November 8, 2018 - Volume 683

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: JAWS Inspect - Your Visual Resource for Accessibility Testing

JAWS Inspect Logo. JAWS Inspect vastly simplifies accessibility and JAWS compatibility testing. Without the distraction of speech or the complex feature set of the end-user product, Inspect uses transcripts of JAWS output to quickly diagnose issues and share them easily across quality control and compliance systems.

If you are employed by, or lead an Organization committed to providing manual, accessibility test services for web content using the JAWS screenreader, but your testing and developer teams have individuals who are not JAWS users, then the newly released JAWS Inspect Solution is your missing ingredient for optimizing your test processes while maximizing your accessibility efforts.

This one of a kind testing tool vastly simplifies accessibility and JAWS compatibility testing, while removing complex feature sets of the end-user.

With its newly released "say all" feature and "speech viewer", this tool now offers visual functionality beyond the scope of web testing!

Imagine being able to view what JAWS is speaking to the end user across countless applications?

JAWS Inspect uses transcripts of JAWS output to quickly diagnose issues and share them easily across quality control and compliance systems, providing a visual representation of the user experience to the sighted developer.

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

Simplified JAWS use for testers
Text transcript of JAWS output for use in bug tracking and compliance programs
Real-time identification of issues
Rapid rollout with limited training required
Demonstrates impact of the deployment of inaccessible content
And assists in eliminating risks that the deployment of inaccessible content presents to your organization and its stakeholders

For more information, or to schedule a demonstration for you and your organization, please email accessibility@flying-blind.com ✉ or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist you in simplifying your web accessibility test process.
http://bit.ly/2AV7lg1

Greetings,

1) Better Spell Checking in iOS 12.1

Read about how spell checking has improved with VoiceOver in iOS 12.1:
https://kevinrenatojones.wordpress.com/2018/11/06/a-much-improved-way-to-spell-check-documents-using-voiceover-on-ios-beginning-with-ios-12-1/

2) Building an Accessible Game

This company describes how it implements accessibility in its web-based game:
https://blog.taustation.space/blog/remotely-educating-our-team-on-web-accessibility/

3) EasyReader Still Free and Growing

Dolphin Computer Access confirms that its EasyReader app will remain free, and that it is gaining the ability to access more and more libraries of accessible books:
https://yourdolphin.com/product/libraries

4) Manual for vOIC

The manual for the vOIC app for Android and Windows is here. This app lets you gain information about your surroundings using sound:
https://www.seeingwithsound.com/manual/The_vOICe_Training_Manual.htm

5) JSay 17 Released

Version 17 of the JSay package, which empowers you to control the computer, using your voice and JAWS, is now available:
https://www.hartgen.org/j-say17upgrade

6) Use a screen reader to insert content into notebooks in OneNote:

this support article references both Narrator and JAWS:
https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Use-a-screen-reader-to-insert-content-to-notebooks-in-OneNote-dcb38aa6-0380-4ff6-914f-64349429c25f?

7A) Aira has New Plans in US

Most plans are more expensive, unlimited usage is no longer possible, but there is now a basic plan for $29.95:
http://www.blindbargains.com/b/19611

7B) Blind Bargains Qast #162

While we're gathering information from BlindBargains, Blind Bargains Qast #162 has lots of Apple-related coverage:
https://www.blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19610

8) AppleVis New and Noteworthy for October 2018

Here is the regular monthly newsletter containing the highlights of AppleVis activity from the month just ended:
https://www.applevis.com/blog/apple-apple-tv-apple-watch-applevis-ios-ios-apps-ipad-mac-apps-macos-news-opinion-reviews

9A) Making International Phonetic Alphabet Accessible

This page is entitled "Using Jaws with Unicode IPA Fonts:"
http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~reng/jaws-ipa.html

9B) Manuals

And here can be found manuals for transcribing IPA into Braille:
http://www.iceb.org/icebipa.htm

10) One User Returns to JAWS from NVDA

David Goldfield explains why "Along With NVDA he's Also Now Using JAWS 2019. Here's Why."
https://davidgoldfield.wordpress.com/2018/11/04/along-with-nvda-im-also-using-jaws-2019-heres-why/

11) More Stocking Stuffers Courtesy of Tek Talk

Another three hours of presentations from low and less expensive tech vendors comes your way on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 13 November at 01:00:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

12) Large Print Calendar A gent with low vision designed and sells these calendars:
https://www.kaaltv.com/news/entrepreneur-business-made-in-the-midwest-edward-cohen-invention-calendar-local-business/5107185/
https://www.postbulletin.com/life/lifestyles/boomer-grandpa-edward-found-a-solution-to-a-big-vision/article_27809596-d09e-11e8-b795-f3bfb27cb2a9.html

13) WebAIM: Survey of Users with Low Vision #2 Results

These WebAIM surveys are comprehensive and well-regarded:
https://webaim.org/blog/low-vision-survey2-results/

14) AccessWorld November, 2018

This latest AccessWorld features "AccessWorld 2018 Holiday Gift Guide," "A Look at the New Narrator, Microsoft's Built-In Windows Screen Reader," "Roku Sticks, Players, and TVs: Access to Multimedia Streaming Devices, Part 1," "iOS 12: An Overview from an Accessibility Perspective," "FEER: The Game of Running Blind: a Game Review," and "iOS 12 Without the Eye by Jonathan Mosen: A Book Review."
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1911toc

15) Tech It Out: Restaurant & Cook-at-Home Kit Delivery Services - YouTube

Here is a recording of Hadley's most recent Tech It Out: Restaurant & Cook-at-Home Kit Delivery Services:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fayESQz__oc&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3ZrFFqkA23d3GBRqGvsGXqgPG1RR0T4R4-O3oxQXdI8KQTfTB-LZ-02kw

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, November 1, 2018 - Volume 682

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: JAWS Inspect - Your Visual Resource for Accessibility Testing

This one of a kind testing tool vastly simplifies accessibility and JAWS compatibility testing, while removing complex feature sets of the end-user.

With its newly released "say all" feature and "speech viewer", this tool now offers visual functionality beyond the scope of web testing!

Imagine being able to view what JAWS is speaking to the end user across countless applications?

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

Simplified JAWS use for testers
Text transcript of JAWS output for use in bug tracking and compliance programs
Real-time identification of issues
Rapid rollout with limited training required
Demonstrates impact of the deployment of inaccessible content
And assists in eliminating risks that the deployment of inaccessible content presents to your organization and its stakeholders

Greetings,

1) All About the New Macs and iPads from Apple's October 30th 2018 Event

This AppleVis post tells us what's new with the Mac and the iPad:
https://www.applevis.com/blog/apple-ipad-news/all-about-new-macs-and-ipads-apples-october-30th-event

2) JAWS 2019 Released

The new JAWS works better in Office 365, restores the audio ducking feature which was impaired by a previous Windows update, has a smaller installer, starts faster, and touts other advantages:
https://www.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

3A) JAWS 2019 and Hartgen Consultancy

Learn about upcoming versions of JSay and Leasey:
http://www.hartgen.org/node/467

3B) Leasey Bite

This Leasey Bite demonstrates installing JAWS 2019 with Leasey (MP3):
http://www.hartgen.org/audio/bites/b40.mp3

4) Recording of Latest FS Open Line

We end Freedom Scientific news with the recording of the October 2018 edition of the Freedom Scientific talk show:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/2/8/0/2808dd489ef178cd/FSCast161_Archive_of_September_2018_Openline.mp3?c_id=24954668&cs_id=24954668&destination_id=699950&expiration=1540989302&hwt=47f6dc6d6f7199b175106b8270039862

5) Demonstration of Soundscape

This YouTube video offers a brief demo of Microsoft Soundscape:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMWG97LKneo&feature=youtu.be

6) Three Ways to Get Started with WayAround

The WayAround app offers lots of possibilities for independence:
https://blog.wayaround.com/journey/three-ways-to-get-started-with-nfc-waytags

7) In-Process 26th October 2018

Besides catching up on the latest NVDA version, this issue of the company newsletter describes how to use predictive text in Windows 10 and how to customize NVDA profiles:
https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-26th-october-2018/

8A) Online Courses

Recently, 190 universities have launched 600 free online courses, to add to what's already available:
https://news.slashdot.org/story/18/10/25/2036224/190-universities-launch-600-free-online-courses

8B) More Online Courses

This list probably contains the same recently-added courses, but has other links which may lead to different offerings:
https://lifehacker.com/you-can-take-these-600-online-courses-for-free-1830066444

9) Google's New reCAPTCHA Doesn't Require a Click

Maybe we will face fewer inaccessible CAPTCHA barriers:
https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/31/googles-new-recaptcha-doesnt-require-a-click/

10) Three Hours of Stocking Stuffers

Tek Talk offers the first of two Stocking Stuffers episodes, three hours of presentations by those selling less expensive devices or services of potential interest to the blind. It all starts on GMT Tuesday, 6 November 2018 at 00:30:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

11) Clarification about AccessWorld

In the Tidbit describing the October 2018 Issue of AccessWorld, it perhaps was not clear that, in addition to the listed articles, the issue contains three articles pertaining to different initiatives to promote employment for people with vision loss:
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1910toc

12) Free Aira Assistance with Voting or Campaigning

Aira will allow anyone to connect with agents for free when conducting voting-related tasks or campaigning for their chosen candidate, through 7 November 2018:
https://aira.io/vote-2018

13) Blind Post Submission Deadline

The November Blind Post Classified News submission deadline is November 7th 2018:
http://www.theblindpost.com/

14) Accessible Astronomical Data

And finally, the last two Eyes on Success podcasts in October 2018 focus on gaining access to astronomical data in different ways:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 25, 2018 - Volume 681

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Webinar: The 'What,' Why,' and 'How' of Digital Accessibility for Business by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group - October 25th 2018

Come And Join Us For This Webinar!

What: The 'What,' 'Why,' and 'How' of Digital Accessibility For Business by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group

When: Thursday, October 25th at 2:00 PM EST

Where: https://www.3playmedia.com/resources/webinars/webinar-registration-10-25-2018/

About: In this webinar, Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group, will explain "what" digital accessibility encompasses, the benefits and importance of embracing accessibility best practices, and how best to achieve a conformant result using finite resources.

Participants will learn how digital accessibility is defined and how it impacts electronic content developed for desktop, mobile, and kiosk platforms.

In addition, they will learn three key reasons "why" digital accessibility should matter to a business, and "how" a variety of tools and services can help you achieve and maintain an acceptable, accessible framework for your digital content within a reasonable time frame, helping your company to avoid potential legal risks.

This webinar will cover:

1.) What is digital accessibility?
2.) Benefits of accessible design.
3.) How to implement accessibility with limited resources.
4.) How to design for desktop, mobile, and kiosk platforms.
5.) How to create a framework to implement accessibility.

There will be 15 minutes for questions after the presentation.

So what are you waiting for?

This webinar is being hosted by The Paciello Group's Accessibility Partner, http://www.3playmedia.com/, your one-stop shop for all of your video captioning needs!

Greetings,

1) iAccessibility.net Training

Besides podcasts, iAccessibility offers individualized training for $18 per hour on many aspects of computing, customized to the need of the student. Topics can include but are not limited to web development, Braille display use, Windows, and iOS operation and app development:
https://iaccessibility.net/training/

2) Accessibility Tech Support Not Always Accessible

Sometimes, when you call services intended to assist users with disabilities, you still don't get accessible assistance:
https://medium.com/@blindwriter/accessibility-training-is-important-too-not-just-usability-a0d8aead2659

3) Quick Notes on Using a Virtual Machine Environment With A Screen Reader

This blog post discusses using a screen reader with three virtual machine options in Windows:
http://blog.kellyford.org/quick-notes-on-using-a-virtual-machine-environment-with-a-screen-reader/

4) Accessibility of Apple Watch Series 4

This TechCrunch post claims that "Apple Watch Series 4 is the Most Accessible Watch Yet:"
https://techcrunch.com/2018/10/21/apple-watch-series-4-is-the-most-accessible-watch-yet/

5) The 7 Best Text-to-Speech Apps for Android

Not screen readers, but these Android apps let you read text aloud. The list probably should have included Voice Dream, in this author's opinion:
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/android-talks-back-4-voice-apps-for-text-to-speech/

6A) Reviews of Envision AI

Here are some very favorable reviews of this app, available in Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.letsenvision.envisionai&hl=en

6B) And iOS:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/envision-ai/id1268632314?mt=8

7) Presentations from London Accessibility Meet-up

This YouTube playlist contains two informative presentations on accessibility:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0VSwJPdx4M&list=PLFVaGHIpW0jk-qQaZAsMCZAKCOkzIFft5

8) National Disability Employment Awareness Month Podcast

The Interactive Accessibility Podcast is back with focus on National Disability Employment Awareness Month:
https://www.interactiveaccessibility.com/iap-podcasts

9) Talking Prescription Labels on Tek Talk

Products from En-Vision America, (not to be confused with the makers of the Envision app mentioned above) will be the topic for Tek Talk on GMT 30 October 2018 at 00:00:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

10A) Two Mailing Lists Concerning Amazon Products

One mailing list focuses on how screen reader users can best use Alexa and other Amazon products. to join, send a blank message to
echo+subscribe@groups.io

10B) The other list is more concerned about the accessibility of Fire TV, Kindle reading products and household appliances controlled by Alexa. To join, send a blank e-mail to

accessibleproductsbyamazon+subscribe@groups.io

11) Hear the Differences Between the Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Generation vs the 2nd Generation and Google Home Mini

This is a well-crafted video that allows you to hear the difference in sound vbetween these three devices:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiFT7mOGj-s

12) Echoes from Levia Reviewed

This review of the iOS game Echoes from Levia is well-considered:
http://www.brandoncole.net/?p=330

13) Why Shortcuts Matter for Accessibility

This article discusses the accessibility value of iOS shortcuts, and it also contains links to other collections of shortcuts:
https://www.macstories.net/stories/why-shortcuts-matter-for-accessibility/

14) AccessWorld October 2018

The current issue of Accessworld contains three articles detailing employment resources for people with visual impairments, "The Ditto: A Wearable Notification Center for Your Mobile Device," "Type More Quickly on iOS with the FlickType Keyboard: An Evaluation and Overview," and "Book Review: Drop into Dropbox: It's So Much More than File Storage, by Judith Dixon:"
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1910toc

15) Parallel on Smart Speakers

Episode 7 of the highly-regarded Parallel Podcast is all about smart speakers:
https://www.relay.fm/parallel/7

16A) Free Class on Backing Up Files. Mystic Access Podcast

"Back it Up" is this month's free Mystic Access class, to be held on GMT Friday 26 October 2018 at 00:30:
https://zoom.us/j/495394598

16B) This month's Mystic Access Podcast has a bit of a Halloween flare, as well as some information:

https://www.mysticaccess.com/podcasts/chris-was-a-shoe-in-to-do-it/

17) Accessible Netflix and Email on RNIB Connect Tech Talk

A couple recent tweeters esteemed that Tech Talk from RNIB Connect is the best podcast for people with visual impairments:
https://audioboom.com/posts/7057032-accessible-netflix-and-emails

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 18, 2018 - Volume 680

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Webinar: The 'What,' Why,' and 'How' of Digital Accessibility for Business by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group - October 25th 2018

Come And Join Us For This Webinar!

What: The 'What,' 'Why,' and 'How' of Digital Accessibility For Business by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group

When: Thursday, October 25th at 2:00 PM EST

Where: https://www.3playmedia.com/resources/webinars/webinar-registration-10-25-2018/

Participants will learn how digital accessibility is defined and how it impacts electronic content developed for desktop, mobile, and kiosk platforms.

This webinar will cover:

There will be 15 minutes for questions after the presentation.

So what are you waiting for?

This webinar is being hosted by The Paciello Group's Accessibility Partner, http://www.3playmedia.com/, your one-stop shop for all of your video captioning needs!

Greetings,

1) 3D Printing for the Blind

This podcast and the related show notes discuss ways to use 3D printing for people with vision loss:
https://www.eastersealstech.com/2018/10/12/atu385-see3d-3d-printing-for-the-blind-with-caroline-karbowski/

2) Watch Live TV with Narrator on Xbox One

This blog post explains how Narrator makes this feat possible:
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/ease-of-access/watch-live-tv-with-narrator-on-xbox-one?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral

3A) Latest in Windows 10 Accessibility

This blog post details the various accessibility enhancements in Windows 10:
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/10/03/windows-10-accessibility-in-the-october-2018-update/#3xGXSxGh6CdiHvUr.97

3B) Narrator

This YouTube video focuses on Narrator; the same man did a video on the new low vision features last week:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBuyWie6-Gs

4) Use a Screen Reader to Explore and Navigate Office Lens

Finally from Microsoft, Office Lens can be used with Narrator for image, document and business card scanning:
https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Use-a-screen-reader-to-explore-and-navigate-Office-Lens-9ac73db6-d07a-4b46-ba2b-28ce32f8839b#PickTab=iOS

5) Courses for IT Certifications

The Cisco Networking Academy offers many free, self-paced courses as well as instructor-led courses leading to a variety of professional certifications:
https://www.netacad.com/courses/all-courses

6) Dialogue Magazine and Other Free Reading Material from North Carolina

NOBLE is a State of North Carolina download site offering free access to locally produced and recorded Braille materials. Dialogue Magazine from Blindskills, which covers a variety of topics relevant to people with vision loss anywhere, can be obtained free. No application is needed, and audio material is played on NLS equipment:
https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/lbph/read/download/noble

7) JAWS Support of Chrome 70

This quick post describes a change in navigating drop-downs in Chrome V. 70 and the FS response:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/chrome70/

8) Amazon Echo Show

This podcast is a demo and description of the Amazon Echo Show (MP3):
https://s103.podbean.com/pb/a1e3015e6ea964f90ad663c3ba8b5deb/5bc7b8d5/data1/fs54/339150/uploads/Amazon_Echo_Show_demo.mp3

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 11, 2018 - Volume 679

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Webinar: The 'What,' Why,' and 'How' of Digital Accessibility for Business by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group - October 25th 2018

Come And Join Us For This Webinar!

What: The 'What,' 'Why,' and 'How' of Digital Accessibility For Business by Larry Lewis, Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships at The Paciello Group

When: Thursday, October 25th at 2:00 PM EST

Where: https://www.3playmedia.com/resources/webinars/webinar-registration-10-25-2018/

Participants will learn how digital accessibility is defined and how it impacts electronic content developed for desktop, mobile, and kiosk platforms.

This webinar will cover:

There will be 15 minutes for questions after the presentation.

So what are you waiting for?

This webinar is being hosted by The Paciello Group's Accessibility Partner, http://www.3playmedia.com/, your one-stop shop for all of your video captioning needs!

Greetings,

1) Which Amazon Echo to Buy?

This handy article describes the different Amazon devices so you can choose which you might want:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-echo-dot-tap-look-show-which-alexa-is-right-for-you/

2A) Inclusive Design 24 Already Under Way!

Inclusive Design 24 is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/

2B) Schedule

It started at 00:00 AM GMT on Thursday October 11 2018, and finishes 24 hours later. The schedule automatically converts into your local time zone:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2018/schedule/

3) Archived Trainings From Tech User Group:

The Technology User Group from the Maryland Library for the Blind and Visually Handicapped conducts periodic trainings on different topics, and they are recorded. Check out the list:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx

4) Orbit Reader in UK

RNIB now sells this most affordable Braille device:
https://www.rnib.org.uk/orbit-reader-20?platform=hootsuite

5) Australian Sports and Radio Streams

This oft-updated site offers links to sport and a variety of other audio content from Down Under:
http://members.optusnet.com.au/stephenjolley/livestreams

6) Next FS Open Line

The next FS Open Line will air on Thursday, 25 October 2018 at 14:00 GMT, with a focus on JAWS 2019:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/FSOpenline

7) Free Webinar for Seniors on Technology

"Life-changing Technology for Older People Experiencing Vision Loss" will take place on Wednesday, 17 October 2018 at 18:00 GMT. Join with this link:
https://esc.zoom.us/j/7887887778

8A) Test an Accessible iOS Reddit App

A 17 year old developer has made a fully accessible Reddit app, with VO router actions and more accessibility features. They are looking for beta testers. This is the YouTube demo of the app:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScfTN79yezM&feature=youtu

8B) Test Sign Up

And here is the form for signing up to test:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bYoTFz1_sprSMKpEOcYGm-IIdIBAKOYrUEWzWijv3QE

9) Blind Kayakers Compete Using SoundScape

Read about a scavenger hunt where SoundScape users with vision loss competed and won:
https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/accessibility/2018/10/04/soundscape-2/

10) The Blind Post October 2018

Read a variety of listings and articles in the October 2018 edition of the Blind Post Classified News, from and for the blind, at:
http://theblindpost.com/Readthelatestnewshere.html

11) Nearby Explorer, APH News on Tek Talk

Latest developments in the Nearby Explorer app, and other developments at APH, will be the topic for Tek Talk on GMT 16 October 2018 at 00:00:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

12) Final Blind Side All Aabout Smart Home

Episode #107 will end the Blind Side series with the focus on setting up a smart home (MP3):
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/b/4/1/b41f63bc5ffe18de/TheBlindSide107.mp3

13) Podcast on iOS Shortcuts

IA Cast 16 discusses shortcut creation:
https://iaccessibility.net/ia-democast-16-apple-shortcuts-for-ios/

14) Blind Bargains Qast

Blind Bargains Qast #159 keeps us up to date everywhere:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19472

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 4, 2018 - Volume 678

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing ARC, Your Agile and Affordable Path to Accessibility

Photo of the ARC Dashboard open on a laptop.

Whether you are a novice to accessibility or a seasoned pro, sometimes your best start to accessibility is to let technology do some of the heavy lifting. Designers, developers and testers dealing with an accessibility project or program are looking for ways to inform their team quickly about what's inaccessible within their digital content and get rapid insight as to how to fix it. There's a more optimal way to achieve accessibility compliance in a timely, responsive, and cost-effective manner using Accessibility Resource Center (ARC).

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ARC is powerful, customizable, and affordable. It transforms scanned data into meaningful, actionable insight, and is an excellent means of managing the profound risks that inaccessible content poses to an organization.

For more information, or to schedule your online demonstration, contact accessibility@flying-blind.com, or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today.

Don't be caught off-guard by the potentially devastating legal consequences of deploying inaccessible, digital content! We're standing by to assist!

Preview ARC on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DVNVi4_EA9A

Greetings,

1) New Version of Audacity, Updated Accessibility Guide

Audacity Version 2.30 is out for sound editing, and David Bales has updated his Guide to Audacity for JAWS users, which will mostly benefit users of other screen readers as well, to take in the new features:
http://vip.chowo.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/jaws/Audacity-2.3.0-Guide.html

2) Pros and Cons of the New Aira Glasses

This Audio Pizza podcast features a discussion of Aira's new glasses:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/audio-pizza-more-than-just-sound-bite-reviews-tutorials/id544075194?mt=2

3A) New Narrator Guide

Windows 10, Version 1809 has been released and is being gradually sent out to Windows 10 Users. The Narrator screen reader has received a lot of improvements, and the new User Guide is here:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/22798/windows-10-complete-guide-to-

3B) Narrator on Tek Talk

This version will be featured on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 9 October at 00:00: Narrator:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

4) Updates to Leasey Coming; Hear the Details

Leasey keeps gaining strengths, and we have a couple Leasey Byte recordings to demonstrate them [MP3]:
http://www.hartgen.org/audio/bites/b36.mp3
http://www.hartgen.org/audio/bites/b39.mp3

5) Double Tap Online

Double Tap Online is the new site to support the Double Tap Canada podcast, providing details on the topics covered there:
http://doubletap.online/

6) Repository of Old Sounds

A website called Conserve the Sound has recordings of the sounds made by old phones, rubber stamps, pinball machines, cameras, typewriters, fans, video game consoles, and other products from 1910 onwards:
https://boingboing.net/2018/09/18/this-website-preserves-the-sou.html

7) Recording of First Hadley Tech it Out

Hadley now holds monthly technology discussions. Here we have the recording of the first one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fhp4KuYumw&feature=youtu.be

8) EU Ratifies Marrakesh

The European Union has ratified the Marrakesh Treaty, allowing books for print disabled people to travel across borders:
http://www.euroblind.org/sites/default/files/documents/ebu_press_release_eu_ratification_marrakesh_treaty.pdf

9) Finding Song Lyrics in iOS

This podcast discusses How to Search for Songs by Song Lyrics in iOS:
https://www.applevis.com/podcast/episodes/how-search-songs-song-lyrics-ios

10) Blind Post Classifieds

The October 2018 Blind Post classified news will be emailed on or before the 9th of October. Please email all submissions by 6 October 2018 to:
foodlady@theblindpost.com

11) Voice Access Android App

The new Voice Access Android app gives users total command and control over their device by voice:
https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/accessibility/use-your-voice-access-world-new-android-app/

12) Braille Screen Input; Aira

There's still another Blind Side podcast in the offing, and Episode #105 features a demonstration of the iOS Braille screen input feature and elaboration of Jonathan Mosen's move to Aira [MP3]:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/8/8/4/884a9865e8272d45/TheBlindSide105.mp3

12B) More about that move in this Mosen Explosion closing blog post:

https://mosen.org/closing/

13) Blind Bargains Qast

Here's the latest Blind Bargains Qast:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19470

14) Comprehensive WordPress Course Coming

You can read about and pre-order the $99 course on building a web site using WordPress from Mystic Access:
https://www.mysticaccess.com/product/wordpress-websites-for-the-blind/

15) Podcast on YouTube

Jay from ATW360 talks about the various options available for TV viewing using YouTube:
https://accesstechwatch360.podbean.com/e/turn-it-up-%e2%80%9che-tubesshe-tubes-now-its-your-turn-to-you-tube%e2%80%9d-yes-we-did-game-on/

16) Working on Accessibility at Google

Episode #1840 of Eyes on Success features an interview with Google Accessibility employees:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, September 27, 2018 - Volume 677

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing ARC, Your Agile and Affordable Path to Accessibility

Photo of the ARC Dashboard open on a laptop.

For more information, or to schedule your online demonstration, contact accessibility@flying-blind.com, or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today.

Don't be caught off-guard by the potentially devastating legal consequences of deploying inaccessible, digital content! We're standing by to assist!

Preview ARC on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DVNVi4_EA9A

Greetings,

1A) New Version of NVDA, and NVDA Remote

NVDA 2018.3.2 Is now available, the main release being quickly enhanced by UPDATES that fixed problems for Firefox and Chrome users under some circumstances. This version supports many more braille displays and support for some Windows 10 features including the Emoji panel:
https://www.nvaccess.org/post/announcing-the-release-of-nvda-2018-3/

1B) The NVDA Remote app needed to be updated to work on this and future NVDA releases. It has been updated:
https://www.josephsl.net/files/nvdaaddons/remote-2.1wxPy4-1807.nvda-addon

2A) Travel Tips Document

Sendero Group has a document on their web site called @Travel Tips, Tricks, Tools and Techniques
http://www.senderogroup.com/wayfinding/5T.doc

3A) Suggestions for Siri Shortcuts

David Woodbridge summarizes the progress he has made in creating Siri shortcuts:
http://davidwoodbridge.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-siri-shortcut-testing-notes.html

3B) This YouTube video provides instruction about the Shortcuts app:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgub6c1u-AA&feature=youtu.be

4) New Mac OS

The latest operating system for the Mac is out. Learn about 'The New Features, Changes, and Accessibility Bugs in MacOS Mojave for Blind and Low Vision Users':
https://www.applevis.com/blog/macos-news/new-features-changes-and-accessibility-bugs-macos-mojave-blind-and-low-vision-users

5) Accessibility of Apple Watch Series 4

iMore tells us 'What Apple Watch Series 4 Means for Accessibility':
https://www.imore.com/what-apple-watch-series-4-means-accessibility

6) Not Everybody Likes Face ID

This blog post expresses 'thoughts about how as a VoiceOver user, Face ID, although accessible, is not very efficient:'
https://kevinrenatojones.wordpress.com/2018/09/14/my-thoughts-about-how-as-a-voiceover-user-face-id-although-accessible-is-not-very-efficient/

7) History of Speech Synthesis and Voice Assistants

This transcript contains lots of examples from the history of computerized voice communication:
http://decks.tink.uk/2018/london-a11y/transcripts.html

8A) FS Open Line on JAWS 20-19 Beta; Vispero

The next Open Line brings several high-level staff together to answer questions about the JAWS 2019 public beta. The show is live at 18:00 GMT on Thursday, 27 September:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/FsOpenLine

8B) Meanwhile, Freedom Scientific's parent company has a new name and brand:
https://www.freedomscientific.com/About/News/Article/198

9A) Cheat Sheets and Tutorials

The Statewide Resource Center in Victoria, Australia, offers some tech tutorials:
http://svrc.vic.edu.au/tutorials/

9B) And some "Cheat Sheets" on different programs:
http://svrc.vic.edu.au/tutorials/cheat-sheets/

10A) Free Class, Website Building Tutorial from Mystic Access

The free Mystic Access class for September 2018 guides us on "Transitioning from Internet Explorer to Another Web Browser." It takes place on GMT Friday, 28 September 2018 at 00:30 GMT, 8:30 PM EST:
https://zoom.us/j/979681355

10B) They will offer an extensive course on building a web site with WordPress, details to come in October 2018:
https://www.mysticaccess.com/

11A) iOS and Mac Resources

Jonathan Mosen discusses his book on iOS12, and the new OS, on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 2 October 2018 at 00:00 GMT, 8:00 PM EST. This may be the last event he hosts for Freedom Scientific, as he is leaving to pursue other opportunities:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

11B) The latest Tech Doctor podcast covers new operating systems and hardware:
http://dr-carter.com

12) Survey opportunity:

Researchers from Indiana University Bloomington are conducting a study to understand the use of camera-based assistive technologies by people with visual impairments. Participants can enter a drawing for a $20 gift certificate:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_kcfYGKoQ_hUZJznxYe-bmzPAZ6C4ttwmjA9MCHAfW2GzjQ/viewform

13) Access to National Parks

Access to national parks is the focus of Eyes on Success #1839:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, September 20, 2018 - Volume 676

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: JAWS Inspect - Your Visual Resource for Accessibility Testing

This one of a kind testing tool vastly simplifies accessibility and JAWS compatibility testing, while removing complex feature sets of the end-user.

With its newly released "say all" feature and "speech viewer", this tool now offers visual functionality beyond the scope of web testing!

Imagine being able to view what JAWS is speaking to the end user across countless applications?

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

Simplified JAWS use for testers
Text transcript of JAWS output for use in bug tracking and compliance programs
Real-time identification of issues
Rapid rollout with limited training required
Demonstrates impact of the deployment of inaccessible content
And assists in eliminating risks that the deployment of inaccessible content presents to your organization and its stakeholders

Greetings,

1A) All About iOS12

The new operating system for the iPhone and iPad is now available. Here is an AppleVis podcast detailing the new aspects:
https://www.applevis.com/podcast/episodes/overview-some-new-features-and-changes-ios-12

1B) This blog post talks about accessibility changes
https://www.applevis.com/blog/apple-ios-news/accessibility-bugs-introduced-and-resolved-ios-12-blind-and-low-vision-users

1C) Another discussion about this is held in episode #211 of the Upgrade podcast:
https://www.relay.fm/upgrade/211

1D) Blind Bargains Qast #157 was recorded after the Apple event last week, and Apple is a primary focus:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19413

1E) Perhaps the most powerful feature of the upgrade is Siri Shortcuts, and you can read a guide from Apple about their use:
https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/welcome/ios

1F) And for a comprehensive guide to the upgrade, Jonathan Mosen's $20 book is ready for you:
https://mosen.org/ios12/

2) YouDescribe Service Useful in Education

Educators are making use of the YouDescribe service with YouTube videos in the classroom:
https://youdescribe.org/video/Tk8XYgyHZgk?ad=5b9972c57f814c36fbadd38b

3A) JAWS 2019 Beta Released

As has been the case for many years, any JAWS 2018 user can test the Beta of JAWS 2019. Others can use it in 40 minute mode:
https://www.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS/JAWSPublicBeta

3B) You can hear about JAWS 2019 in MSCast #158 (MP3):
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/9/f/7/9f7cceb4538055f3/FSCast_158_Eric_Damery_unveils_JAWS_2019_Stuart_Lawler_talks_Sight_and_Sounds_expansion_to_Ireland.mp3

4) Wide-Ranging Podcast

This podcast features an interview with long-time tech expert Jim Barbour:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/e/7/5/e7575291d54a9124/JimBarbourFinal.mp3?c_id=23223632&cs_id=23223632&expiration=1537357059&hwt=515472d23d9f8e0bc9683552f23b4c88

5) AccessWorld

The September 2018 issue of AccessWorld has these articles: "Vision Tech: It's Complicated," "Brailliant BI14: HumanWare's Latest Step Toward Smart in Braille Displays," "Envision AI and Seeing AI: Two Multi-Purpose Recognition Apps," "A Review of The Secret Sauce of Savvy Search, Jonathan Mosen's Google Audio Course," and "The Accessible Home: Housekeeping from Your Smartphone:"
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1909toc

6) WCAG 2.1 Summaries

Knowbility offers a series of articles about WCAG 2.1:
http://www.webaxe.org/wcag-2-1-article-series-knowbility/

7) Way Around Aapp on Tek Talk

The Way Around app has been getting a lot of favorable attention lately, and now it will be featured on Tek Talk on Tuesday, 24 September 2018 at 00:00 GMT, 8:00 PM EST
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

8) Hadley Tech Discussion Premiers

Hadley Institute is launching a monthly Zoom discussion, Tech it Out. Food Delivery Services will be the topic for the first one, on GMT Wednesday, 26 September at 01:00 GMT, 9:00 PM EST:
https://zoom.us/j/652959377

9) Downloading Audio Reader's Digest and Newsweek:

If you can access the NLS BARD service for books, you can now download Reader's Digest and Newsweek from American Printing House:
https://mags.aphtech.org/

10) Ironman Triathlete

The second part of the Eyes on Success two-part series on the blinded veteran focuses on his participation in Ironman triathlons; it's in Episode #1838:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, September 13, 2018 - Volume 675

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: JAWS Inspect - Your Visual Resource for Accessibility Testing

This one of a kind testing tool vastly simplifies accessibility and JAWS compatibility testing, while removing complex feature sets of the end-user.

With its newly released "say all" feature and "speech viewer", this tool now offers visual functionality beyond the scope of web testing!

Imagine being able to view what JAWS is speaking to the end user across countless applications?

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

Simplified JAWS use for testers
Text transcript of JAWS output for use in bug tracking and compliance programs
Real-time identification of issues
Rapid rollout with limited training required
Demonstrates impact of the deployment of inaccessible content
And assists in eliminating risks that the deployment of inaccessible content presents to your organization and its stakeholders

Greetings,

1) New Tidbits Format

Since I launched Tidbits in 2004, it has been a quick, concise source of information. Now that most people now read it in HTML, we're making it even more efficient to glean what the newsletter contains. We're adding a quick title to each Tidbit. Now, those of you who navigate the newsletter using headings, or a heading list, will be able to positively speed through and find the items that interest you. And if you ever have questions about Tidbits, or any item therein, feel free to write us at:
enews@flying-blind.com

2) Training Materials Survey

Before we get to the real news, yours truly (Dean Martineau) is thinking of creating some audio and text books / tutorials / training materials. Some of you know I used to do this in decades past. I have some ideas of what I want to create, but I'd like to hear from you on the subject. What tech topics do you think might inspire you to buy a $30 book or recording, or where do you think the need is for additional training materials for the screen reader-using community? Or do you think there is no longer a need for such instructional materials, as there may have been in the past? If you have a viewpoint, drop me a note at:
topdot@gmail.com

3) Correction To Mystic Access Module Pricing

In a correction from last week please note that Mystic Access offers six modules, around six hours of training on iOS for $75 as a digital download:
https://www.mysticaccess.com/product/sweet-success-with-ios-foundational-modules-one-through-six/

4A) Soundscape Now Available in Australia

Microsoft Soundscape, described as "A Map Delivered in 3D Sound," is now available in Australia:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/product/soundscape/?wt.mc_id=727478_SCL_TW_Soundscape-org&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral

4B) David Woodbridge Quickly Recorded a Demo [MP3]:

https://s109.podbean.com/pb/72e831c9accdcb7bfe59db54ae014b83/5b9971be/data1/fs54/339150/uploads/Demo_of_the_Microsoft_Sound_Scape_iOS_app.mp3

5A) Public Transit Information More Available in Northern Europe

The Be My Eyes app can now give more public transit information in Scandinavia and Iceland by incorporating data from MoveIt:
https://www.bemyeyes.com/whats-new/be-my-eyes-and-moovit-nordics

5B) Here's a video about Seeing AI:

https://lesliefisher.com/resources/blog/seeing-ai-an-amazing-app-to-help-everyone-especially-those-with-vision-issu

6) Next Freedom Scientific Open Line

The next live talk show will run on Thursday, 27 September 2018 at 18:00 GMT, 2 PM Eastern.
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/fsopenline/

7A) Two more Freedom Scientific Blog Posts

Firefox Extended Support Release now requires JAWS 2018 or newer:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/firefoxesr/

7B) ZoomText has a Multilingual Image Reader:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8ioUjJroxI

8) JAWS 2019

The first open discussion of JAWS 2019 features will take place on Tek Talk on Tuesday, 18 September 2018 at 00:00 GMT, 8:00 PM Eastern.
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

9) Freedom Scientific Paid Webinar Archives Now Free

Freedom Scientific used to produce both paid and free training webinars. They appear to be moving away from producing them, but now, the archives which cost money are now free:
https://www.freedomscientific.com/Services/TrainingAndCertification/FreeWebinars

10) NFB Reviews FlickType

This blog post suggests that FlickType can allow faster typing on iOS:
https://nfb.org/blog/article/3696

11) WayAround Now Available on Android

The well-regarded WayAround app has now been released for Android:
http://blog.wayaround.com/journey/wayaround-for-android-is-here

12) Free Android App Teaches Guitar to the Blind

Samsung Audio Acordes is a free app designed to teach guitar to people who are blind:
https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-audio-acordes-a-free-app-that-helps-visually-impaired-people-play-guitar

13A) Recaps of the Apple Event

Apple held its regular September event to announce what is coming from them. The Blind Side podcast #103 offers a summary [MP3]:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/a/3/0/a30860a354e36126/TheBlindSide103.mp3

13B) Summary by Stephen Guerra

Stephen Guerra will also conduct a summary via Zoom on GMT Sunday, 16 September 2018 at 22:30 GMT, 6:30 PM Eastern:
http://gaccesstt.com/event/ios12/

14) Aira Arrangement with AT&T :

Anybody visiting an AT&T store can be assisted there by Aira agents:
https://aira.io/att

15) NVDA 2018.3rc1 Release and Other NVDA News

This issue of the In Process blog brings us up to date:
https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-11th-september-2018/

16) Webinar on New Web Accessibility Guidelines

Register for the webinar "What you need to know about WCAG 2.1" which will take place on Wednesday, 26 September 2018 at 16:00 GMT, 12:00 PM Noon EST:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8315355480801/WN__Ajriw-dQt65h4__cTZZ5A?timezone_id=America%2FNew_York

17) Course on Skype 8 from Hartgen Consultancy

Reach for the Skype will be a three session, $62 course on Skype Version 8:
http://www.hartgen.org/skype

18) Free Webinar about Zoom

EASI offers a 1-hour webinar about accessibility features of the Zoom conferencing system on Friday, 14 September 2018 at 18:00 GMT, 2 PM Eastern.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe56sqvDAdfmVrowWOcFqwfv8py87x4XV0pSEX_IeVvATQvzw/viewform

19) The 8th Anniversary Issue of The Blind Post

The September 2018 issue of The Blind Post contains a variety of stories:
http://theblindpost.com/Readthelatestnewshere.html

20) Path to Success for a Military Veteran

Eyes on Success launches a 2-part interview with this vet in Episode #1837:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, September 6, 2018 - Volume 674

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing Your One-Stop Shop for All of Your Accessibility Consulting and Training Needs!

Struggling to manage the adverse risk posed to your organization by the deployment of inaccessible content?

Seeking guidance on building accessibility best practices into your development cycle?

When it comes to accessibility, we have the expertise to help you succeed on countless fronts!

Service Offerings We Provide:

Comprehensive Audit: The best way to gain a thorough understanding of the accessibility level of your website, web application or native app.

UX Services: Offers an opportunity to discover how people with disabilities and people who use assistive technologies engage with your brand.

Training: Our onsite or virtual Training options are an effective way to embed accessibility knowledge within your team.

Help Desk: Our Help Desk Services provides ongoing accessibility support for your team via a ticket-based system that makes it easy for stakeholders to ask questions and get responses back with quick turnaround.

Strategy & Program Development: Our Strategy & Program Development services offer the expertise to perform strategic consulting on accessibility processes or to help you develop your Accessibility Program so that accessibility is being addressed across systems, processes, and people within your organization.

For more information, or to ask questions not answered here, please email accessibility@flying-blind.com ✉ or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist!

Greetings,

1)

Here is an updated version of a document entitled "How Does a Blind Person Use a Computer or Smartphone, Anyway?"
https://davidgoldfield.wordpress.com/faq/

2)

We have an audio file describing a new free OCR program for the Mac, VOCR [MP3]:
http://www.andrelouis.com/media/VOCR.mp3

3)

WebAIM conducted its first survey of users with low vision in 2013. The second survey is available for completion by 30 September 2018. By completing this survey you will help inform development choices for those creating accessible web content and web standards:
https://webaim.org/projects/lowvisionsurvey2/

4)

The AppleVis team is punctual as usual with "What's New and Noteworthy for August 2018:"
https://www.applevis.com/blog/gaming-ios-apps/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-and-noteworthy-august-2018

5)

Freedom Scientific held its first talk show, and here is the recording on FSCast [MP3]:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/7/f/d/7fd71d4f205281d4/FSCast157_recording_of_August_2018_FSOpenLine.mp3

6A)

Until now, Skype users had to use third-party programs if they wanted to record Skype conversations. Now, with Skype 8, we can do this from within Skype:
https://blogs.skype.com/news/2018/09/04/introducing-skype-call-recording-now-you-can-capture-save-and-share-special-moments/

6B)

Brian Hartgen is building support for Skype version 8 into the Leasey app. Here is an audio file demonstrating what will soon be available [MP3]:
http://www.hartgen.org/audio/bites/b36.mp3

7A)

Since Tek Talk is switching to the Zoom platform for its events, they offer a two-hour training on its use on GMT Tuesday, 11 September 2018 at 00:00. As always, recordings are available shortly after, and as always, if you need help translating GMT into your time zone, just ask us:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

7B)

Brian Hartgen has updated his free JAWS scripts for the Zoom platform:
http://www.hartgen.org/zoom

8)

By using its screenshot reader feature, the makers of Equatio for Google say you can turn any equation across the web into accessible, editable math:
https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/company/education-blog/may-2018/how-to-make-math-accessible-on-the-web/

9A)

Mystic Access offers six modules, around six hours of training on iOS for $75 as a digital download:
https://www.mysticaccess.com/product/sweet-success-with-ios-foundational-modules-one-through-six/

9B)

And they're offering six more modules via live weekly trainings for $15 each:
https://www.mysticaccess.com/product/sweet-success-with-ios-modules-seven-through-twelve/

10)

For $19.95, the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind offers a personalized tactile map of the surroundings of any address:
http://lighthouse-sf.org/shop/

11)

We published a link for the SmartVision2 which didn't work in Internet Explorer. This link should work in that browser:
https://irie-at.com/product/smartvision2/

12)

The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.1 is replacing WCAG 2.0. What does this mean?
https://www.digitala11y.com/wcag-2-1-whats-up-with-accessibility-guidelines/

13)

This post discusses the importance of text accessibility, and the IBM Content Clarifier:
https://www.hassellinclusion.com/blog/importance-text-accessibility/

14)

David Woodbridge demonstrates the Repeat Timer app for iPhone and Apple Watch, useful for radio production and doubtless other life activities [MP3]:
https://s129.podbean.com/pb/fd7bc2bde0f80f53c4808b6a89f26e52/5b8fd4ed/data1/fs54/339150/uploads/Demo_of_Repeat_Timer_App_for_iPhone_and_Apple_Watch.mp3

15)

Blind Bargains Qast #155 appeared around the US on Labor Day, so here it is:
http://blindbargains.com/b/19354

16)

Nancy and Peter worked as research physicists before retirement, and they discuss many aspects of their careers in Eyes On Success Episode #1836:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 30, 2018 - Volume 673

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing Your One-Stop Shop for All of Your Accessibility Consulting and Training Needs!

Struggling to manage the adverse risk posed to your organization by the deployment of inaccessible content?

Seeking guidance on building accessibility best practices into your development cycle?

When it comes to accessibility, we have the expertise to help you succeed on countless fronts!

Service Offerings We Provide:

Comprehensive Audit: The best way to gain a thorough understanding of the accessibility level of your website, web application or native app.

UX Services: Offers an opportunity to discover how people with disabilities and people who use assistive technologies engage with your brand.

Training: Our onsite or virtual Training options are an effective way to embed accessibility knowledge within your team.

Help Desk: Our Help Desk Services provides ongoing accessibility support for your team via a ticket-based system that makes it easy for stakeholders to ask questions and get responses back with quick turnaround.

Strategy & Program Development: Our Strategy & Program Development services offer the expertise to perform strategic consulting on accessibility processes or to help you develop your Accessibility Program so that accessibility is being addressed across systems, processes, and people within your organization.

For more information, or to ask questions not answered here, please email accessibility@flying-blind.com ✉ or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist!

Greetings,

1)

A brief edition of In-Process from NVAccess tells us about the Beta version of NVDA 2018.3, and their new CEO:
https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-29th-august-2018/

2)

Aimed at librarians in countries that have joined the Marrakesh Treaty, and where national implementation is completed or advanced, "Getting Started. Implementing the Marrakesh Treaty for Persons with Print Disabilities. A Practical Guide for Librarians", is available in four languages:
http://eifl.net/news/eifl-co-launches-new-marrakesh-treaty-guide?platform=hootsuite

3)

The EnVision team invites everybody to a Facebook Live event where you can learn about their Scan & Find feature, and ask questions. This takes place on GMT Sunday, 2 September 2018 at 17:00:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2115395335446193/

4)

The National Federation of the Blind is adding a number of guides and articles to its Accessibility Switchboard site:
https://accessibilityswitchboard.org/

5)

You may get a useful tip or two from "13 Brilliant Ways to Fix Your iPhone or Mac with Common Household Items:"
https://www.businessinsider.com/best-diy-apple-product-hacks-2017-6

6A)

A couple of resources related to youth: "A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities:"
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/transition/products/postsecondary-transition-guide-2017.pdf

6B)

And the Office of Disability Employment Policy from the United States Department of Labor:
https://www.dol.gov/odep/categories/youth/index-guide.htm#pagecontent

7)

If you'd like to tell your story about how a Google product or accessibility feature has helped you in your daily life and possibly be featured in a video, sign up here, and a Google representative may be in touch with you:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2A6izevschEK_RNIKR9M3urIkBmbdl81K_8Iies9Z1NILXw/viewform

8)

Learn from this Freedom Scientific tech support notice about "Answering Calls with Skype 8:"
https://www.freedomscientific.com/Support/TechnicalSupport/Bulletin/1684

9)

Freedom Scientific will be launching a regular talk show. The first episode will be held via Zoom on GMT Friday, 31 August 2018 at 00:00:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/announcing-fsopenline-join-the-conversation-on-our-new-call-in-show/

10)

You can hear more about these last two items, and other features, on FSCast #156 [MP3]:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/a/0/4/a04fa36e420f1826/FSCast_156_announcing_FSOpenLine_JAWS_support_for_Skype_8_scholarship_winner_Kenia_Flores_and_we_here_again_from_Cricket_Bidleman.mp3?c_id=22857368&cs_id=22857368&destination_id=699950&expiration=1535571187&hwt=960c7130f25a43261d6ad4c24cbdc95f

11)

A chance to improve your Google search strategy: "14 Hacks to Improve Your Google Searches," courtesy of Mental Floss:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/532910/14-hacks-improve-your-google-searches

12)

We hear from HumanWare about the Brailliant 40 on the Mystic Access podcast:
https://www.mysticaccess.com/

13)

NASA has just released 19,000 hours of audio from the Apollo 11 mission, available to the public on the Internet Archive:
https://www.inquisitr.com/5043717/audio-tapes-from-the-apollo-11-mission-reveal-the-unsung-heroes-from-ground-control/

14)

Presumably in the next month or so, iOS 12 will be released. Mosen Consulting isn't taking orders yet, but you can read the "iOS 12 Without the Eye" book which will become available when the new version is released:
https://mosen.org/ios12/

15)

The Blind Side podcast launches its second hundred episodes, with the first of two focusing on home automation [MP3]:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/1/5/2/152445258783ac27/TheBlindSide101.mp3

16)

Version 3.1 of the iOS edition of KNfBReader brings better file management, more effective handling of PDF documents and other fixes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/knfbreader/id849732663?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

17)

As the Assessible World events will begin in September 2018 to be conducted using the Zoom platform, this Dropbox file explains how attendees in those programs can use the system:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/29pj8jzh1i2d59b/Zoom%20cloud%20meetings%20overview_2018-08-27.htm?dl=0

18)

And finally, Eyes on Success #1835 concludes its two-part series on audio description by looking at audio description in the theater:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 23, 2018 - Volume 672

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing Your One-Stop Shop for All of Your Accessibility Consulting and Training Needs!

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For more information, or to ask questions not answered here, please email accessibility@flying-blind.com ✉ or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist!

Greetings,

1)

We open with a correction to Tidbit #21 from last week, Volume 671, in which Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) posted a vacancy announcement for a full-time Worksite Accessibility Specialist - VRPA position, headquartered in Columbus:
https://dasstateoh.taleo.net/careersection/oh_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=180003G9&tz=GMT-04%3A00

2)

Four complete and free courses on the iPhone and iPad will be offered by an individual over the next several months. The courses are titled, "Replacing Your Traditional TV with Apple TV," "Living the Connected Digital Life," "Learn Voiceover In and Out," and "iPad for All Computing." To request courses or ask questions, write to:
kliphton@icloud.com

3)

The Canute multi-line Braille display, and other APH products such as Nearby Explorer and Orbit Reader will be the focus of tek Talk on GMT Tuesday 28 August 2018 at 00:00. Ten minutes before the usual start-time, they will be playing a computer tip on pasting and copying:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

4)

This is one user's take on "Android Pie Accessibility For Vision Impairment:"
https://veroniiiica.com/2018/08/16/android-pie-accessibility-for-vision-impairment/

5A)

It seems that listening to audio described movies can enhance the skills of those who run text-based role-playing games:
https://lifehacker.com/to-run-a-better-d-d-game-turn-on-this-netflix-feature-1828313836

5B)

And on the topic of audio description, with Episode #1834, Eyes on Success launches a two-part series on audio description:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

6)

If you want out of Facebook, Consumer Reports details the various ways you can extricate yourself:
https://www.consumerreports.org/social-media/how-to-quit-facebook/

7A)

Here is news of a mailing list to discuss the merits of the SmartVision mobile phones for the blind from Kapsys:
http://www.freelists.org/list/smartvisionau

7B)

And you can read about the phones here:
https://update.kapsys.com/help/en/index.html

8)

"The Last Wizard" is a 185,000 word interactive fantasy novel, on iOS, by Mike Walter, where your choices control the story:
https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-gaming/another-great-text-based-game-hosted-games-my-opinion

9)

Flicktype version 2.5 introduces new features including new gestures, self voicing, spelling, and shortcuts:
http://blindbargains.com/b/19277

10)

Mystic Access has updated the content of their Free Downloads page:
http://mysticaccess.com/free-downloads

11)

This is the Amazon page on using a Braille display with a Fire Tablet:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201829370

12)

Brian Hartgen has updated and augmented his free JAWS scripts for the Zoom conferencing platform:
http://www.hartgen.org/zoom

13)

The Blind Side podcast has now reached the 100-Episode milestone [MP3]:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/a/6/b/a6b0210b012bc074/TheBlindSide100.mp3

14)

Meanwhile, the Blind Bargains Qast offers us episode #154:
http://blindbargains.com/b/19311

15)

And finally this week, a Braille translation program designed in India for handling several Indian languages is available for 13,000 rupees:
http://www.sparshproducts.com/

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 16, 2018 - Volume 671

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: JAWS Inspect - Your Visual Resource for Accessibility Testing

This one of a kind testing tool vastly simplifies accessibility and JAWS compatibility testing, while removing complex feature sets of the end-user.

With its newly released "say all" feature and "speech viewer", this tool now offers visual functionality beyond the scope of web testing!

Imagine being able to view what JAWS is speaking to the end user across countless applications?

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

Simplified JAWS use for testers
Text transcript of JAWS output for use in bug tracking and compliance programs
Real-time identification of issues
Rapid rollout with limited training required
Demonstrates impact of the deployment of inaccessible content
And assists in eliminating risks that the deployment of inaccessible content presents to your organization and its stakeholders

Greetings,

1)

The Freedom Scientific Blog tells us about a discount program where blind SSI and SSDI recipients can get desktops with JAWS and ZoomText installed through Computers for the Blind for $70. Computers for the Blind's customer support is available in English and Spanish:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/cftb2/

2)

It appears that the Cisco Academy for the Visually Impaired, (CAVI) may begin to offer courses once again. They seek opinions as to whether people would prefer their IT Essentials course or their Network Essentials course. Whichever one is offered will be free of charge:
https://www.facebook.com/ciscovision/posts/1910402349020814

3)

The Envision app is now available for Android in addition to iOS. Their announcement also discusses why they roll out app features as they do:
https://medium.com/letsenvision/introducing-envision-for-android-862613696dc3

4)

Of particular use to people in India is the 6 by 6 Android app which offers currency recognition (of rupees) a light detector and a magnifier:
http://www.barrierbreak.com/6by6/

5)

The August 2018 issue of AccessWorld contains reviews of the Microsoft Soundscape app and OrCam MyEye 2.0, a discussion of the new standard for Braille display connectivity, and Informed Delivery, a way to know via email what paper mail the Post Office has delivered. Also included are summaries of the US Conventions of the Blind and changes coming to AccessWorld:
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1908toc

6)

This page is entitled "Social Media and Your Job Search:"
https://choosework.ssa.gov/blog/2018-05-14-social-media-and-your-job-search

7)

The Assistive Technology Act, AKA Tech Act, provides for Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) within each state to offer demonstrations of assistive technology, loaners, recycle and reuse programs, some training, and even low-cost loans for funding in some cases. To find your states ATA program, call ATAP at (217) 522-7985 ☎ or search the database on the ATAP website:
https://www.ataporg.org/programs

8)

The American Foundation for the Blind recently launched Learn Tech, an access initiative that features free online tutorials to help people who are blind or visually impaired improve computer and technology skills. The newest examples: Tutorials on Google Docs and Google Drive:
http://www.afb.org/learntech

9)

Audio Description has arrived on Amazon Video. The feature is available on Fire TV, Fire Tablets, iOS devices, and Android devices. View titles with audio descriptions by going to:
http://www.amazon.com/video/audiodescription

10)

Here is the first in a series of tutorials on piloting a flight simulator as a blind person:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=808quhs_go0

11)

APH seeks beta testers for a new game, Word Puzzles, for solving crossword puzzles independently. Unlike some of their testing opportunities, testers need not be in an educational environment:
http://www.fredshead.info/2018/08/word-puzzles-call-out-for-beta-testers.html

12)

This story from a Tampa TV station talks about the experience of using Aira in an airport:
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/new-app-helps-blind-navigate-through-airport/67-581799873

13A)

An enterprising blind software engineer and astronomy buff is developing an app to enable those with visual impairments to find the exact position of stars, planets, asteroids, and fragments, and to learn about them. A video about this is forthcoming, but in the meantime, here is an informal audio demo (MP3):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/yj184tgvzr481p8/Input%20Device%20Recording%2020180812%200638.mp3?dl=0

13B)

iOS users who want to test the app can probe here:
https://www.oseyeris.com/contacts

14)

The 2019 edition of the unique Low Vision Weekly Planner / Calendar is now available for purchase:
https://ez2seeproducts.com/

15)

"Using Skype 8.25 with JAWS and NVDA" will be the subject of Tek Talk for GMT Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at 00:00:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

16A)

Doug Lee has JAWS scripts for YouTube:
http://www.dlee.org/youtube/

16B)

And is developing scripts for the Win10 Audible app:
http://www.dlee.org/audible/

17)

Microsoft Extends Specialized Help Support to 24/7 for Be My Eyes Users:
https://www.bemyeyes.com/whats-new/microsoft-extended-opening-hours

18)

David Woodbridge demonstrates the Aira system with the smart glasses and WiFi hotspot (MP3):
https://s124.podbean.com/pb/c242ff42867393ef0f992d12d26758e5/5b7488a0/data2/fs54/339150/uploads/Aira_demo_and_call.mp3

19)

In this episode of the Public Radio International podcast the World in Words offers a multifaceted discussion of Braille:
https://www.pri.org/stories/2018-08-08/will-blind-people-use-braille-future

20)

Inclusive Design 24 returns on October 11, 2018! If you've got something to say about inclusive design, and want to be part of this event, you have until Sunday August 19, 2018 to submit a presentation:
https://inclusivedesign24.org

21)

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) has posted a vacancy announcement for a full-time Worksite Accessibility Specialist - VRPA position, headquartered in Columbus:
https://dasstateoh.taleo.net/careersection/oh_ext

22)

This recent course, "Basics of Inclusive Design for Online Education", is free and available to those who teach and want to make their classwork available to those of all abilities:
https://www.coursera.org/learn/inclusive-design

23)

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation recently released three videos that employers can use to educate about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The first provides an overview of the ADA and disability etiquette and may be beneficial to use as part of new employee orientation. The second addresses pre-employment matters, such as application and interview processes, and the third focuses on considerations once someone is on the job, including accommodations and advancement; both may be beneficial for use with supervisors and hiring managers. Access the videos here:
https://dlr.sd.gov/workforce_services/businesses/disability_resources.aspx#ada_videos

24)

This blog post concerns why and how Facebook has made accessibility a priority:
http://www.peatworks.org/blog/2018/jul/peat-talks-recap-facebook-and-accessible-workplace

25)

Read a user-friendly run-down of WCAG, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and what it means in this article:
https://brailleworks.com/why-i-love-wcag-and-you-should-too/

26)

WCAG is being updated:
https://knowbility.org/blog/2018/WCAG21-intro/?utm_content=75116632&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

27)

This is a listing of paid and free courses on web accessibility:
https://github.com/mgifford/a11y-courses/

28)

MDN offers a series of pages on creating accessible web content:
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Accessibility

29)

There is a need to test the Gutenberg Editor for WordPress:
https://make.wordpress.org/accessibility/gutenberg-testing/

30)

Dusk is a new iOS app featuring a collection of mini-games designed for the blind but playable by everyone. Each game uses a combination of movement sensors, vibration, sound and other technologies. More at:
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/games/dusk

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 9, 2018 - Volume 670

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: JAWS Inspect - Your Visual Resource for Accessibility Testing

This one of a kind testing tool vastly simplifies accessibility and JAWS compatibility testing, while removing complex feature sets of the end-user.

With its newly released "say all" feature and "speech viewer", this tool now offers visual functionality beyond the scope of web testing!

Imagine being able to view what JAWS is speaking to the end user across countless applications?

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

Simplified JAWS use for testers
Text transcript of JAWS output for use in bug tracking and compliance programs
Real-time identification of issues
Rapid rollout with limited training required
Demonstrates impact of the deployment of inaccessible content
And assists in eliminating risks that the deployment of inaccessible content presents to your organization and its stakeholders

Greetings,

1)

We open this week with the application for grants under the AI for Accessibility program recently funded by Microsoft:
https://ai4prod.microsoftcrmportals.com/AIAcccessibilityGrantApplication/

2)

This item from the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is called "Ten Things to Know About Tactile Graphics:"
http://lighthouse-sf.org/2018/06/29/tactile-graphics/

3)

Episode #98 of the Blind Side gives thorough information about the API changes coming to Twitter and how they will affect the many of us who use third-party clients [MP3]:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/7/7/4/7746cb1742d2b58e/TheBlindSide98.mp3

4)

JAWS Inspect is an accessibility testing tool that non-JAWS users can employ to check site compatibility with JAWS. The Paciello Group is holding a Zoom Webinar on Tuesday, 14 August 2018 at 16:00 GMT. Register here:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/4515332263983/WN__8goNdozTz2VZVbRsJwycw

5)

Here's an article about searching for a job using an iPhone or iPad:
https://www.applevis.com/blog/advocacy-apple-ios-ios-apps-opinion/job-searching-ios-and-i-my-experience-searching-job-ios

6A)

There's good news on the Skype front. The total abandonment of version 7 has been put off for an undetermined time:
https://www.thurrott.com/cloud/microsoft-consumer-services/skype/165295/microsoft-backtracks-classic-skype-lives-see-another-day

6B)

And for those wishing to move forward, these are keystrokes for use in Skype 8:
https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA12025/what-are-hotkeys-and-how-do-i-use-them-in-skype

7)

Looking at the reviews of the Envision AI iOS app, I see that it claims to read some handwriting, and to read multi-page documents:
https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1268632314?mt=8

8)

Braille Teach is an interactive hand-held device designed to help teach the Braille alphabet quickly and in a fun way using audio feedback. Funding is needed to launch it:
http://georgiatoday.ge/news/11660/New-Technology-Teaches-Braille-with-Fun

9)

Learn about the update to the Dolphin Easy Reader app, the reappearance of Lodestone GPS, and more on this podcast of the Kelly and Company show from Canada:
https://overcast.fm/+JFFkd0dv4

10)

Blind Bargains gives us Qast #153:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=19251

11)

This is a listing of digital accessibility jobs for the Summer of 2018:
http://www.webaxe.org/digital-accessibility-jobs-summer-2018/

12)

This podcast from Access Watch consists of some reviews of audio described movies:
https://accesstechwatch360.podbean.com/e/it%e2%80%99s-movie-night-accessible-audio-movie-review/

13A)

EASI will hold two free webinars soon. Pre-registration is required. One on the Zoom video conferencing system is tentatively scheduled for 16 August 2018:
http://easi.cc/#webinar

13B)

And one on Chromebook accessibility on 10 September 2018:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe56sqvDAdfmVrowWOcFqwfv8py87x4XV0pSEX_IeVvATQvzw/viewform

14)

Google brings us "Accessibility Reference | Tools for Web Developers:"
https://developers.google.com/web/tools/chrome-devtools/accessibility/reference

15)

"The Dynamic Future of HumanWare" will be the topic for Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 14 August 2018 at 00:00:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp

16)

Eyes on Success #1832 explores "How Blind People Use Ride Sharing Services:"
http://eyesonsuccess.net

17)

This study shows that conformance to web accessibility standards may benefit users who have no disability:
https://www.unifr.ch/psycho/assets/files/KogErg/SchmutzSondereggerSauer2016.pdf

18)

And finally, this YouTube playlist contains talks on accessibility from the London Accessibility Meetup:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDIVL2ytbhD9ZCn8GaEIi_g

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 2, 2018 - Volume 669

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing ARC, Your Agile and Affordable Path to Accessibility

Photo of the ARC Dashboard open on a laptop.

For more information, or to schedule your online demonstration, contact accessibility@flying-blind.com, or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today.

Don't be caught off-guard by the potentially devastating legal consequences of deploying inaccessible, digital content! We're standing by to assist!

Preview ARC on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DVNVi4_EA9A

Greetings,

1)

Interested in learning about 3D printing? These links from a recent presentation cover a lot of area, and include several related to blindness:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRlvkSPSMzpcqLkn3w3Vzze9XLDcQ8mrpDTwPOZHwxSeBkzru6FojbkDAdxTCuopH_0iNHE32VeL9-t/pub

2)

Hungary joins Colombia and Spain in giving free licenses of Freedom Scientific software to its citizens:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/jaws-zoomtext-and-magic-now-freely-available-in-hungary/

3)

The always-punctual monthly AppleVis Summary for July 2018 ensures that you will catch any Apple-related news we didn't mention here:
https://www.applevis.com/blog/accessories-apple-Braille-gaming-ios-ios-apps-mac-apps-macos-news-opinion-reviews/applevis

4)

The Dot Watch, a Braille SmartWatch, has been promised for years. Apparently, now it can be bought, and here is a review:
https://www.applevis.com/reviews/Braille-devices/bit-Braille-road-honest-review-dot-watch

5)

This post carries the title, '7 Tasks Chromebooks Still Can't Do As Well As Macs or PCs:'
https://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/7-tasks-chromebooks-still-cant-do-as-well-as-macs-or-pc-1827814042

6)

The WayAround smartphone app lets you label a wide array of items around the house:
https://www.wayaround.com/

7)

Here is an update from scripter Doug Lee about the elimination of Skype Version 7 and our alternatives. Microsoft has made accessibility enhancements to Skype 8:
http://www.dlee.org/skype/skype7phaseout.htm

8)

From the North Dakota Assistive Technology Blog comes this run-down on 'Cheap or Free Cellphone Adaptations for People with Disabilities'. Part 2 to follow:
http://ndipat.org/blog/cheap-or-free-cellphone-adaptations-for-people-with-disabilities-part-1-speech/

9)

Learn about 'The Full Advantages of Using Groups.io' on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 7 August 2018 at 00:00:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

10)

This story illustrates how the iCanConnect program for people with both vision and hearing impairments benefits one user:
http://icanconnect.org/news/icanconnect-helps-pennsylvania-college-student-stay-touch-family-back-home

11)

Android or iOS users who want to test future versions of Dice World can email, stating your operating system, to:
support@appa11y.com

12)

The August 2018 Blind Post classified news will be emailed on or before the seventh of August 2018:
http://theblindpost.com/Readthelatestnewshere.html

13)

The Eyes on Success team explore their new State of Colorado, and discuss their adventures in Eyes on Success #1831:
http://www.eyesonsuccess.net

14)

The National Federation of the Blind seeks Access Technology Specialists. Email cover letter, resume with wage history and two professional references to:
hr@nfb.org

15)

The Accessibility Moving Forward podcast covers the accessibility of the Amazon Fire Tablet:
https://overcast.fm/+NIn_Vx8Mw

16)

Enhancements to UEB Math come to Duxbury Braille Translator:
https://www.duxburysystems.com/dbt_new.asp?f3=USA

17)

Hear about enhancements to the Aira service and more on the Blind Side Podcast Episode #97 [MP3]:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/0/b/2/0b220b3d627e5037/TheBlindSide97.mp3

18A)

This team tested 37 video players, both free and paid, for accessibility. Only two passed the tests fully:
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-94277-3_9

18B)

Meanwhile, Microsoft writes about the Azure Media Player's many accessibility features:
https://amp.azure.net/libs/amp/latest/docs/index.html#accessibility

19)

While we're focused on accessibility, WebAIM has a readable checklist to use when evaluating compliance with the WCAG 2 guidelines:
https://webaim.org/standards/wcag/checklist

20)

And finally on this theme, we have a short note on the accessibility of styled form controls:
https://developer.paciellogroup.com/blog/2018/07/short-note-on-the-accessibility-of-styled-form-controls/

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, July 26, 2018 - Volume 668

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing TPG Tutor - Your eLearning, One Stop Shop for Accessibility Training

Have you been directed to make a website or mobile app 'accessible', but have no idea where to begin? Or perhaps you know a bit about accessibility and really want to immerse yourself in the field, but you can't afford to have you or your team out for multiple days in an onsite class. With rich content available in an easy to use, on-demand format, TPG Tutor is here to help your organization tackle the field of accessibility in a scalable and responsive manner.

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For more information, email accessibility@flying-blind.com or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist. Feel free to check out the YouTube video below for additional details!

Learn more about TPG Tutor from The Paciello Group on YouTube at:
https://youtu.be/GmkX9YH8zV0

Greetings,

1)

We open with a link correction for Tidbit #16 from last week's issue Volume 667 in which we announced that David Woodbridge has recorded a 30-minute demonstration of the newest features in Microsoft Narrator (MP3). Here is the corrected link:
https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/demo-of-the-windows-insider-build-for-the-new-narrator-quick-start-guide-july-15-2018/

2)

This post gives some basic information about three automated accessibility checking tools:
https://medium.com/myplanet-musings/comparing-3-top-automated-accessibility-testing-tools-wave-tenon-io-and-google-lighthouse-d3897d7bb311

3A)

Aira seems to be a frequent topic for discussion and news these days. This page details some of the creative ways in which Aira 'Explorers' make use of the service:
https://aira.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/folders/19000159531

3B)

Among other topics, the Blind Side Podcast #96 discusses some new Aira initiatives [MP3]:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide96.mp3

4)

This lady traveled to three Middle Eastern countries to assess their level of accessibility:
https://students.wlu.ca/academics/global-engagement-and-exchanges/news/2018/summer/seeking-accessibility-in-the-middle-east.html

5)

Looking for resources on how to make mobile apps accessible? Interested in developing your own app for disability rights advocacy? Read the full article and related resources on the RightsNow! Website:
https://www.globaldisabilityrightsnow.org/tools/vietnam/using-mobile-applications-advocacy

6)

Good design and smart technology should fuel inclusivity. These TED Talks show how tech and design can empower:
https://www.ted.com/playlists/372/designing_for_disability

7)

Barry Scheur will discuss the offerings of his company, Guidelines and Gadgets, on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 00:00:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

8)

This webinar, 'Hiring & Retaining Employees with Disabilities,' will take place Friday, 27 July 2018 at 17:00 GMT:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/3515324321695/WN_nS8JGW4LQfG54zHxi5_Z1g

9)

This post lists the winners of the Tech4Good Awards for this year, among them, the Be My Eyes app:
http://www.headstar.com/eablive/?p=1662

10)

The Microsoft Seeing AI app for iOS is up to version 2.3, now with the ability to browse and describe pictures on the phone, and now available in 18 more countries:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seeing-ai-talking-camera-for-the-blind/id999062298

11)

Here are some JAWS scripts for YouTube, which make the use of YouTube easier and also eliminate conflicts between native YouTube keystrokes and JAWS:
http://www.dlee.org/youtube/

12)

Microsoft is retiring Skype 7.4. This Freedom Scientific blog post contains important information for JAWS users:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/skype8/

13)

WxPython will be the development environment for NVDA moving forward, as the move to Python 3.7 continues. Those interested in such things can read about them here:
https://nvda.groups.io/g/nvda/topic/important_milestone_reached/23643882?p=,,,20,0,0,0::recentpostdate%2Fsticky,,,20,2,0,23643882

14A)

David Woodbridge has posted demonstrations of the OrCam II:
https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/demo-of-the-orcam-ii/

14B)

And of the FlickType typing system for iOS:
https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/demo-of-the-flicktype-pattern-recognition-keyboard-and-app-as-of-june-21-2018-flexy-keyboard-raises-again/

15)

This video shows how frustrating and ultimately impossible it can be to use an app when accessibility is not built in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6xcCU6KfjA&feature=youtu.be&a`r

16A)

You can read about recent updates to ZoomText and Fusion here:
https://www.zoomtext.com/help/product-downloads/

16B)

And listen to information about software releases and other discussion in FSCast #155:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/fscast/FSCast155_-_Isaac_Lidsky.mp3?dest-id=699950

17)

This podcast reveals the origins, present and future of the EnVision app for iOS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-acQ5UxVv8&feature=youtu.be

18)

'Downloading Files: From Distressed to Delighted' is the title of this Mystic Access free class for July 2018, and it is the first in a two-part series on file management. This event takes place on Thursday, 26 July 2018 at 00:00 GMT, though recordings will be made available:
https://zoom.us/j/598746709?pwd=&status=success

19)

HumanWare is now the exclusive distributor and service provider for the Index line of Braille embossers:
http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home

20)

The Microsoft Narrator User Guide is now available in a stand-alone Microsoft Word or PDF document:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/22798/windows-10-narrator-get-started

21)

Some people find MarkDown a handy format for composing in plain text and transferring Word and other documents across platforms. This is an online Word to MarkDown converter:
https://word-to-markdown.herokuapp.com/

22)

The Medium iOS app, which supports independent writers and allows others to read their work in text or audio, has undergone accessibility enhancements. Images have alt-text, the duration of the piece is announced and more, with more changes promised:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/medium/id828256236?mt=8

23)

We recently mentioned the Helen Keller archive, and you can learn more about it in Eyes on Success #1830:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, July 19, 2018 - Volume 667

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing TPG Tutor - Your eLearning, One Stop Shop for Accessibility Training

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For more information, email accessibility@flying-blind.com or call +1 (216) 381-8107 ☎ today. We're standing by to assist. Feel free to check out the YouTube video below for additional details!

Learn more about TPG Tutor from The Paciello Group on YouTube at:
https://youtu.be/GmkX9YH8zV0

Greetings,

1)

Interested in learning how to embed accessibility right into the process of building an application, all the way from design through to development? Learn how during this 60-minute webinar:
https://www.paciellogroup.com/events/2018/07/webinar-july-25-integrating-accessibility-from-design-to-development/

2)

The July 2018 issue of AccessWorld contains a review of the ScratchPad feature in the latest Focus Braille displays, a discussion of progress made by SAS Accessibility for reviewing charts and graphs, a review of LVI's MagniLink Zip Video Magnifier, an examination of Pinterest's efforts toward accessibility to date, an elucidation of the recently announced partnership between VFO and Computers for the Blind, and a review of the book, 'Book Review: Writing Your Way: Composing and Editing on an iPhone or iPad', by Judy Dixon, which is available from National Braille Press and the National Library Service for the Blind:
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp

3)

Recorded interviews from the NFB and ACB conventions are gradually appearing online. At present, nearly 20 inverviews are available on the Blind Bargains audio and podcast page:
https://blindbargains.com/audio/

4A)

The Blind Abilities team starts its coverage with interviews from ACB in St. Louis:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/blindabilities/ACB2018.mp3

4B)

Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 23 July 2018 at 00:00 will feature two attendees of the ACB Convention discussing the technology available there:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp

5)

Meanwhile, the makers of iA Cast promise more interviews to come, and they start us out with an extensive interview of what's new with Aira:
https://iaccessibility.net/iacast-special-whats-new-with-aira/

6A)

Speaking of Aira, Jonathan Mosen has updated his blog post about the service to include several recent developments:
http://mosen.org/aira

6B)

And Blind Abilities brings us an interview with an enthusiastic Aira explorer:
http://blindabilities.com/bapresents/a-joy-with-aira-meet-joy-mistovich-advocate-for-blindness-and-an-aira-explorer-at-the-nfb-convention-2018/

7)

For more summer conference reporting, RNIB Connect Radio covers news from Sight and Sound Technology and begins coverage of Sight Village 2018:
https://audioboom.com/posts/6926888-technology-review-sight-village-2018-sight-and-sound-technology

8)

Recordings of the first two webinars about providing technical support for NVDA are available below (as MP3s), and the third installment on recognizing troubleshooting common problems will take place on Saturday, 21 July 2018 at 18:00 GMT:
https://www.josephsl.net/files/NVDATechSupportWebinar1.mp3
https://www.josephsl.net/files/NVDATechSupportWebinar2.mp3

9A)

The OpenTween Twitter client is becoming popular. Free JAWS scripts are available:
http://www.dlee.org/tween/

9B)

As is an NVDA add-on:
http://www.dlee.org/tween/opentween.nvda-addon

10)

From Italy comes Diblos, a free, accessible, multi-faceted word processor for creating print or Braille documents, MP3 or DAISY files. The interface is available in Croatian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese as well as English and Italian:
http://www.digrande.it/download.asp

11)

Writer Opportunities is an announcement only email list that posts grants for writers, freelance writing opportunities, residencies for writers that offer financial aid to attend, and free contests. You can join with a blank message to:
writerop+subscribe@rk.groups.io

12)

Here is information about a qualitative research project exploring how disabled children and young people use digital technologies 'such as computers, laptops, mobile devices and the Internet' for learning within the context of their everyday lives:
http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2018/06/20/i-use-my-phone-like-any-other-teenager-would/

13)

The survey entitled 'Computer Use as an Adult' carries the subtitle, 'Understanding Adult Computer Use in Order to Train Youth in Schools:'
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBKDATe98E2afWSlDARk1Hw4X8UXFiVGHTScq0HQTXqSSo7g/viewform

14)

The Accessibility Developer Guide is now live:
https://www.accessibility-developer-guide.com/

15)

Here's a FAQ from Microsoft on "Using Windows 10 in S mode with Assistive Technology:"
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4032817/windows-10-in-s-mode-assistive-technology-faq

16)

David Woodbridge has recorded a 30-minute demonstration of the newest features in Microsoft Narrator (MP3):
https://s122.podbean.com/pb/5f08ed034697ddcc673f2c7a01628477/5b4e91c5/data2/fs54/339150/uploads/Narrator_Windows_Insider_Quick_Start_for_Narrator.mp3

17)

The iWatch Twitter app Chirp is now VoiceOver accessible (MP3):
http://traffic.libsyn.com/blindabilities/TBTSChirp.mp3

18)

The Google Disability Support team is now offering chat support and responding to email inquiries within 24 hours, Monday through Friday 8AM - 5PM PT:
https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/contact/disability_chat

19)

The July update for JAWS 2018 is now available. Here's what's new:
https://www.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew#Enhancements

20)

We learn about the WayAround Tag-and-Scan System on Eyes on Success Episode #1829:
http://eyesonsuccess.net

21)

And finally, the New App checker from Microsoft helps you fix errors and make accessible apps:
https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/new-app-checker-helps-you-fix-errors-and-make-accessible-apps/

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, July 12, 2018 - Volume 666

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing ARC, Your Agile and Affordable Path to Accessibility

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Don't be caught off-guard by the potentially devastating legal consequences of deploying inaccessible, digital content! We're standing by to assist!

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Greetings,

1) We begin this issue, with its auspicious number, with an update to the crowd-funding campaign for the WeWalk, another effort to improve on the white cane by providing more information to the user:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/revolutionary-smart-cane-for-the-visually-impaired#/

2) "Crossings With No Traffic Control" is a $62 instructional package from American Printing House designed for teaching blind students how to assess such street crossings for safety and competence:

http://www.aph.org

3) We get the chance to learn about the ever-improving Envision iOS app during Tek Talk on GMT 17 July 2018 at 00:00. One can take part in Tek Talk by phone by calling (605) 475-6777. The access code is 090807#:

http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

4) Here is one person's quick take on the difference between web page accessibility and usability:

http://irfana11y.com/2018/07/06/difference-between-accessibiliy-usability-irfan-ali-princeton/

5) The post entitled "I Used The Web For A Day With Just A Keyboard" is a thorough article on an important aspect of web accessibility:

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2018/07/web-with-just-a-keyboard/

6) American Printing House for the Blind now houses several resources founded by the American Foundation for the Blind, including VisionAware.org, FamilyConnect.org, CareerConnect and others. Information and referral questions can be phoned to +1 (800) 232-5463 ☎ or emailed to: info@aph.org:

http://www.fredshead.info/2018/07/thriving-with-vision-loss-introducing.html

7) Aira Messages is a new feature of potential value to Aira Explorers who are deaf-blind, or others when talking isn't the best or most timely way to communicate:

https://aira.io/introducing-aira-messages-empowering-aira-explorers-with-non-verbal-visual-information

8) "The Great Cheese Robbery" is a free game available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and German versions:

http://patoprod.com/index.php/2018/07/08/first-release-from-pato-productions-the-great-cheese-robbery/

9) Post a 30-60 second audio or video to Twitter, demonstrating how easy it is to type with FlickType. The 3 top submissions retweeted by Monday, July 16 2018 will receive free FlickType for life for you or a friend:

https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ios-app-discussion/flicktype-twitter-submission-contest

10) Word Prediction is now built-in to Windows 10, April 2018 update:

https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/nzedu/2018/07/09/text-suggestions-in-windows-10/

11) This thought-provoking post is called "The Cost of Access:"

https://laurakalbag.com/the-cost-of-access/

12) As we reach the 10th Anniversary of the launching of the Apple App Store, read "How the iPhone and App Store Have Redefined Accessible Software:"

https://www.macstories.net/stories/how-the-iphone-and-app-store-have-redefined-accessible-software/

13) The NVDA Community Add-ons Festival will be held in September 2018. Send questions, suggestions or offers of assistance to:

joseph.lee22590@gmail.com

14) National Braille Press is seeking Braille proofreaders and transcribers. Proofreading experience and certification are not necessarily required:

http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/aboutus/employment.html

15) Among other topics covered in The Blind Side Podcast #94 are Jonathan's thoughts on the implications of Apple possibly introducing Noise-Canceling Air Pods (MP3):

http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide94.mp3

16) Eyes on Success #1828 is another of the hosts' Tips and Tricks episodes, offering a variety of suggestions for coping with technology and life:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, July 5, 2018 - Volume 665

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: JAWS Inspect - Your Visual Resource for Accessibility Testing

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This one of a kind testing tool vastly simplifies accessibility and JAWS compatibility testing, while removing complex feature sets of the end-user.

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

Simplified JAWS use for testers
Text transcript of JAWS output for use in bug tracking and compliance programs
Real-time identification of issues
Rapid rollout with limited training required
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And assists in eliminating risks that the deployment of inaccessible content presents to your organization and its stakeholders

Greetings,

1) Many fervent discussions have taken place over the years as to the value of blindness products versus their less expensive, but not always as easy to use mainstream counterparts. Marco states a view that was unpopular for a while: Blindness products have their place in the lives of many people, even though there may be a way to accomplish the same task using a mainstream product:

https://www.marcozehe.de/2018/07/01/rediscovering-blindness-products/

2) The vOICe for Android is an innovative object recognition system. Now, installing the app onto Android Smart Glasses could enhance its usefulness and flexibility:

https://www.seeingwithsound.com/android-glasses.htm

3) WebAIM is offering an updated course on creating accessible documents. Cost is $125 for the five-week course:

https://webaim.org/services/training/a11ydocs/

4) This is a review of the FlickType iOS keyboard from the BSG blog:

https://blog.blackscreengaming.com/reviews/flicktype-review/07/01/2018/

5) The official website for NVDA has been revamped. Learn about this and some other NVDA news in the current issue of In Process:

https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-4th-july-2018/

6) This listing of some beginning web accessibility tips for people with various disabilities was originally posted for Global Accessibility Awareness Day in May 2018:

https://theweco.com/celebrating-gaad-beginning-accessibility-tips/

7) "The Ultimate Guide to Resume's" is a free PDF book on resume' creation:

https://howto.glassdoor.com/resume-guide

8) AppleVis informs us of a graphing calculator which is being enhanced for accessibility enhancements. They seek VoiceOver users to test:

https://www.applevis.com/forum/app-development/kalkyl-free-graphing-calculator-beta-testing

9) AppleVis also provides its monthly summary of what's new in the accessible Apple world:

https://www.applevis.com/blog

10) Aira Explorers can now communicate with staff using written Messages in certain situations:

https://aira.io/introducing-aira-messages-empowering-aira-explorers-with-non-verbal-visual-information

11) "Amazon's Efforts to Enhance Accessibility for the Blind and Visually Impaired" will be the topic of Tek Talk on GMT 10 July 2018 at 00:00:

http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

12) Mystic Access will offer several training modules on the use of VoiceOver for iOS. Each module costs $15, and can be taken either live or as an MP3 recording. The first module will be presented on Thursday, 12 July 2018 stateside, with others to follow on most successive thursday evenings:

https://www.mysticaccess.com/product/experiencing-the-productivity-entertainment-and-fun-of-ios/

13) Hear from people working in accessibility at Disney and Marriott on Eyes on Success Issue #1827:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

14) Skype has an opening for a senior program manager to champion accessibility across desktop and mobile applications. Based in Palo Alto, CA:

https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/job/460820/Senior-Program-Manager

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, June 28, 2018 - Volume 664

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1) VFO and Aira announced a new collaboration that will now equip all VFO customers with free use of the Aira service, should they need visual access to a screen while using one of their products, such as the JAWS Screen Reader:

https://aira.io/vfo

2) Freedom Scientific has begun to partner with Computers for the Blind. Blind people in the US who obtain one of CFTB's lower-cost refurbished computers will have a one-year license to Fusi9on, which means they can run JAWS, ZoomText or both during that time, and qualify for a low-cost upgrade after the year:

http://blog.freedomscientific.com/cftb/

3) A recent development may lead to easier setup of Braille displays, finally!

https://nfb.org/blog/article/3596

4A) The June 2018 issue of The Braille Monitor contains two tech-related articles, the first: "KNFB Reader V3.0 Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks,"

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm18/bm1806/bm180608.htm

4B) And "Driving Blind on the Information Superhighway. Basic Interactions: The Fast Lane to Getting Stuff Done on the Web:"

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm18/bm1806/bm180609.htm

5) "J-Say It. Talking to Your Computer with Confidence!" is a four-lesson, $120 course from Hartgen Consultancy to teach the J-Say and J-Dictate programs for speech input. Registration is open through 20 July 2018, and proposed course dates are the first four Wednesdays in August at 18:00 GMT:

http://www.hartgen.org/j-sayit

6) This short video from Australia demonstrates the value in using bone-conduction headphones for various tasks:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12f9typj1WE

7) Google has renamed the TalkBack App to 'Android Accessibility Suite' with its latest update:

https://9to5google.com/2018/06/20/google-talkback-android-accessibility-suite/

8) This Mosen Explosion post details a frustrating problem faced by many blind screen reader users, and outlines various paths to a resolution:

https://mosen.org/soundsfrustrating/

9) This is a 43-minute audio tutorial on using the groups.io web conferencing platform: (MP3)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jxboszldnw5ax9l/UsingGroups-io.mp3?dl=0

10) HumanWare has created a free, nine-module, downloadable Training Wizard for the BrailleNote Touch:

http://support.humanware.com/en-usa/support/Braillenote_touch/training_and_resources_section/training_and_resources

11) Gaming platform Discord has announced a commit to accessibility, and has implemented a colorblind mode. They promise more to come, and seek input as to other accessibility improvements they could make:

https://support.discordapp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004929972-Colorblind-Mode

12A) An online writers group for the blind has been formed. The first meeting will be held on Sunday, 15 July 2018 at 00:00 GMT:

http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs7867a2369e0e

12B) You can join the group's mailing list by sending a blaink message to:

writersretreat+subscribe@groups.io ✉

13) This blog post, discussing options for blind users, is titled, "Ways to Type on iOS, or, How Many Ways to Tell a Friend Not to Talk to You, Especially at 4 AM!?"

http://blindabilities.com/blog/ways-to-type-on-ios-or-how-many-ways-to-tell-a-friend-not-to-talk-to-you-especially-at-4-am-blog-post-by-jessica-hodges/

14) This page outlines the scope and vision of the Envision App:

https://www.delta.tudelft.nl/article/envision-brings-visual-world-life-blind-people

15) The FlickType keyboard for iOS is finally released. For $0.99 per month, users can choose to have it available in all apps:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flicktype-keyboard/id1359485719?ls=1&mt=8

16) A real blast from the past comes to us, because all archives of the BBC Computer Literacy Project Archive from 1980-1989 are available on this page. Lots of background information, coding instruction and related information:

https://computer-literacy-project.pilots.bbcconnectedstudio.co.uk/

17) The free and fully accessible Helen Keller archive is now available for perusal:

https://www.afb.org/helenkellerarchive

18) Eyes on Success #1826 showcases yet another of the proposed enhancements to, or replacements of, the standard white cane, the WeWalk:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, June 21, 2018 - Volume 663

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: JAWS Inspect - Your Visual Resource for Accessibility Testing - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

This one of a kind testing tool vastly simplifies accessibility and JAWS compatibility testing, while removing complex feature sets of the end-user.

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

Simplified JAWS use for testers
Text transcript of JAWS output for use in bug tracking and compliance programs
Real-time identification of issues
Rapid rollout with limited training required
Demonstrates impact of the deployment of inaccessible content
And assists in eliminating risks that the deployment of inaccessible content presents to your organization and its stakeholders

Greetings,

1) We begin this post-nuptial edition of Tidbits with news of a free course on playing classical guitar, with audio and Braille lessons:

https://www.tsbvi.edu/lets-play/

2A) Easter Seals Crossroads has put out a two-part podcast series, with transcripts, "Video gaming basics for blind and visually impaired people," featuring tips and tricks by Joe Steinkamp. Here is Part One:

https://www.eastersealstech.com/2018/06/08/atu367-part-1-video-gaming-basics-for-blind-and-visually-impaired-people-joe-steinkamp-of-the-blind-bargains-podcast-www-blindbargains-com-audio/

2B) And here is Part Two:

https://www.eastersealstech.com/2018/06/15/atu368-part-2-video-gaming-basics-for-blind-and-visually-impaired-people-joe-steinkamp-of-the-blind-bargains-podcast-www-blindbargains-com-audio/

3) "Writing a Million Miles, Word-Processing on iOS," suggests lots of apps one can use for different writing tasks, and gives pointers for using some:

https://blindabilities.com/blog/writing-a-million-miles-word-processing-on-ios-blog-post-by-jessica-hodges/

4) Many of the presentations from the recent NVDACon are linked here, as well as presentations from past years NVDACons:

https://www.nvdacon.org/past-conferences

4B) While we're talking about NVDA, Joseph Lee will conduct the first in a series on NVDA technical Support,on Saturday, 23 June 2018 at 17:00 GMT:

http://nvaccess.org

4C) And above all, "NVDA 2018.2.1 is Available for Download". Read about it here:

https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2018-2-available-for-download/

5) The Paciello Group has strengthened its position by acquiring Interactive Accessibility:

https://www.paciellogroup.com/events/2018/06/tpg-acquires-accessibility-consultancy-interactive-accessibility/

6) "Discover Eight Useful Methods to Input Text in iOS" will be the theme of the next free Mystic Access class, to take place on GMT 22 June 2018 at 00:30 via Zoom. Remember as with events listed in GMT, for the benefit of all our readers across the globe, if you want individual guidance on figuring out the time of the event in your time zone, just write to us. Also, recordings are provided:

https://zoom.us/j/381405454

7A) The Mystic Access team will also be featured on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 26 June 2018 at 00:00, discussing the new affordable Braille device, the Braille Me. One can always dial into the Tek Talk events by phone by calling (605) 475-6777 ☎. The access code is 090807 followed by the pound sign (#):

http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

7B) Incidentally, the Braille Me is much more easily available in the US, as National Braille Press is now a dealer for the $499 device:

http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/BrailleME.html

8) Consumer Reports advises us "How to Choose a VPN for Digital Privacy & Security:"

https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/how-to-choose-a-vpn-for-digital-privacy-and-security/

9) The same publication explains, "What Your Web Browser's Incognito Mode Really Does:"

https://www.consumerreports.org/internet/incognito-mode-web-browser-what-it-really-does/

10) The June 2018 issue of AccessWorld tells us about technology presented at the first Deaf-Blind International Confrence, brings us a review of "Getting Started with the iPhone and iOS 11 by Anna Dresner," offers tips on "How to Get and Play Podcasts on your iOS Device," offers a review of the Horizon Smart Glasses from Aira, and begins with an editorial on "Staying with Current Technology:"

http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1906toc

11) This article from Hartgen.org discusses the promise, but delineates some of the drawbacks of the ElBraille:

http://www.hartgen-home.org/elBraille

12) An individual recommends this site for handy free Windows utilities:

http://onj3.andrelouis.com/programs/

13A) Narrator continues to be aggressively developed, and a new keyboard layout and some new features are being added soon:

https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx

13B) This podcast discusses adding a Braille display to Windows Narrator:

https://www.spreaker.com/user/4858326/connecting-a-Braille-display-with-window

14) The Guide to Braille Display Users on iOS:

https://www.applevis.com/guides/idevice-primer-109-Braille

15) Seeing Assistant Home, a multi-faceted program for reading, scanning and gaining information, has been released for Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.com.tt.seeingassistanthome.lite

16) Accessibyte has released Typio a program for teaching and learning how to type that runs from the cloud. A license for an individual learner or for a classroom teacher is $75 per year with free trials available:

https://www.accessibyte.com/accessibyte-online/

17) Eyes on Success #1825 explores Enabling Disabled People to do STEM Careers (MP3):

http://www.EyesOnSuccess.net/eos_1825_podcast.mp3

******************************************************

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Top Tech Tidbits Update for Thursday, June 14, 2018

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

Greetings,

Top Tech Tidbits is pre-empted this week, but we'll be back again with another installment on June 21st 2018. Thank you for your readership, and make it a great end to the week!

An Open Letter To Flying Blind, LLC Readership for Thursday, June 7, 2018

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

Greetings,

Greetings to all! I trust this message finds you well, and that our friends in the Northern Hemisphere are gearing up for Summertime, my favorite season of the four!

Over the past 12+ years, we at Flying Blind, LLC have been fortunate to have worked with a number of fantastic organizations and end users. We've participated in countless projects with the end goal of empowering as many persons as possible by assisting them in selecting appropriate technologies at prices that they can afford as well as shaping how they utilize these technologies within desktop and mobile environments - independence and efficiency has been at the heart of what we do.

More recently, we've begun to expand the scope of Flying Blind, LLC beyond the realm of assistive technologies, and have shifted our focus to more of an "accessibility" mindset - working with organizations committing to ensuring that electronic information is developed in an accessible and responsive manner. After all, without content that adheres to accessibility guidelines, the advancement of assistive technologies are somewhat irrelevant.

A few weeks ago, I was presented with a tremendous opportunity by The Paciello Group, an organization which, in my humble opinion, is the "Gold Standard" for deploying accessibility tools and services across Federal, State, and private sectors. I've been invited to join this dynamic group of professionals as a full-time employee, and as of June 1st 2018 I've begun my role as Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Partnerships. When one seizes new opportunities, more often than not, he must let current ones go. To that end, I'll be stepping back from Flying Blind, LLC to devote my focus to contributing to Paciello Group's collective accessibility effort. It's a bitter-sweet decision, but a decision that I am at peace with. Effective immediately, Flying Blind, LLC is no longer distributing its varying lines of refreshable Braille displays. We do have a few remaining used items in the "Sale" section of our online Store, along with an assortment of daily living aids. We hope to clear these sale items by June 30th 2018. I am also redirecting a number of accessibility-based trainings and presentations to my new employer. You'll still get the same "Larry"-style service, along with the same Larry-smile! But with a different W-9 attached to the preliminary paperwork.

We're currently sorting out proceeding with the weekly newsletter, which is being pre-empted this week. We are both humbled and honored that so many people continue to contribute to, receive, and read it, and we are exploring ways to keep it rolling with less personal involvement by me. We intend to carry on with the weekly publication in the short-term, as we sort out the particulars for the coming months.

I want to personally thank each and every one of you for bringing out the best of Larry, the person, over the past 12 years. You have all helped me to grow professionally and personally in countless ways. I'm very much looking forward to serving many of you in my new capacity with The Paciello Group. If you're curious as to the types of tools and services we offer, please feel free to reach out by email at accessibility@flying-blind.com.

In closing, thanks so much for taking the time to read this news. It was difficult to write, but necessary, and I'm blessed to be stepping away from Flying Blind, LLC on my terms. Wishing all of you a blessed month of June, and a safe and enjoyable Summer!

With much respect,

Larry L. Lewis, Jr.
President and Founder
Flying Blind, LLC

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 31, 2018 - Volume 662

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: One Responsibly Used Braille Edge 40 Cell Refreshable Braille Display With Executive Products Leather Case for $1,795.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

Photo of the One Responsibly Used Braille Edge 40 Cell Refreshable Braille Display With Executive Products Leather Case for $1,795.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

Flying Blind, LLC is pleased to offer One Gently Used Braille Edge 40 Cell Refreshable Braille Display With Executive Products Leather Case, in fantastic condition, for $1,795.00 USD!

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We're shipping this unit with the Executive Products carrying Case, giving you a combined savings of over $800.00 USD off of its current list price. It's also covered by its manufacturer's warranty until July of 2018!

Price includes shipping within the 48 continental United States. This is a single unit that will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. To be the first to secure this unit please use the Buy Now link or Add to Cart button included below.

For more information, or to order this product offline, email featured@flying-blind.com or call +1 (216) 381-8107 today. We're standing by to assist!

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Greetings,

1) For a long time, I've been saying I need to study the art of Google searching. Perhaps I'll still do that on my own, or, more likely, I'll buy Jonathan Mosen's new audio book, "The Secret Sauce of Savvy Search" for $35.00:

https://mosen.org/savvysearch/

2) The 2018 NVDACon will take place over the weekend of June 1-3 2018 stateside. The schedule is available, and it features innovative programs and new information not found in previous conventions:

https://www.nvdacon.org/2018-program-and-schedule

3) All of the articles to be published in the E-Access Bulletin are available separately online:

http://www.headstar.com/eablive/

4) PC Mag gives their opinion of the Best Online Backup Services of 2018:

https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2288745,00.asp

5) The Sendero Group announces the releases of Version 3.4 of their wayfinding apps for the iPhone. They hope that users of their apps will rate them in the App Store so they can show Google that the apps are important to people. Doing this might enable Google to decide to continue to give them affordable access to its Point of Interest database:

http://senderogroup.com/news/segpsrelease.html

6) Episode 1822 of Eyes on Success brings us information about the process of engraving money, making bills accessible, and obtaining a free money reading device:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

7) Tek Talk will hold a program on kitchen safety for the blind and useful kitchen devices on GMT Tuesday, 5 June 2018 at 00:00:

http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

8) Blind Bargains Qast 146 covers the latest news:

http://blindbargains.com/b/18948

9) The Talking TV Database gives information about standard TVs with speech output. It will expand to list smart TVs:

https://netflixproject.wordpress.com/talking-tv-database/

******************************************************

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Price: $1,795.00 USD
Savings: Offered here at approximately $800.00 off of its suggested list price.
Contact: http://bit.ly/2skO7tz.
Description: The Braille Edge is a state-of-the-art 40 Cell Braille Display allowing for USB and Bluetooth connectivity to desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones while also providing exceptional functionality to those wishing to use the most essential notetaking applications ...

2.) One Hardly Used Focus 80 Blue (80 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display for $5,295.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 24, 2018 - Volume 661

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Tremendous Savings on One Hardly Used Focus 80 Blue (80 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display !!! - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Flying Blind, LLC is pleased to offer One Hardly Used Focus 80 Blue (80 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display manufactured by VFO Group for $5,295.00 USD! This unit has seen little to no use and is still covered under its manufacturer's warranty. This unit is in pristine condition, offering the lucky recipient a savings of $2,500.00 USD on this unit! A fantastic solution for the PC user who needs a whole lot of Braille for a lot less money! This unit is anxiously waiting for a responsible user to give it a good home. This fantastic bargain is being offered on a first come, first serve basis. Price includes shipping within the 48 Continental United States. To be the first to secure this unit, please use the Buy Now link or Add to Cart button included below. For more information, or to purchase this unit offline, please email featured@flying-blind.com today. We're standing by to assist.

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Greetings,

1) The May 2018 issue of AccessWorld brings us the latest in retinal research, a retrospective on great technology that is now out of date, an evaluation of Kroger Stores' new grocery delivery service, and a review of the Victor Reader Trek:

http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1905toc

2A) Tomi has reviewed the last few major Windows updates, and he's back with a very detailed discussion of what we find in the Windows 10 April 2018 update:

https://coolblindtech.com/april-showers-bring-updates-from-the-redmond-towers-reviewing-the-windows-10-april-update/

2B) And we also direct you to "The Windows 10 April 2018 Update Ultimate Resource Guide" from Windows Central:

https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-10-april-2018-update-ultimate-resource-guide

3) Braille support for Google Sheets has been greatly enhanced:

https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2018/05/expanding-braille-support-in-google.html

4) The May 2018 update for JAWS brings improved support for Firefox 60 and a long list of other improvements and fixes:

http://www.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew#Enhancements

5) Here is a user review of Microsoft Soundscape:

https://equalentry.com/microsoft-soundscape-a-user-review-by-sofia-gallo/

6) The Seeing AI iOS app from Microsoft is now available in an additional 21 countries, bringing the total to 56:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seeing-ai/id999062298?mt=8

7) With Twitter supporting descriptions of pictures, and the heightened interest in accessibility generally, this PDF called "Writing Effective Image Descriptions For Course Content" could be very timely (PDF):

https://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/lt/resources/handouts/WritingEffectiveImageDescriptions.pdf

8) The Focus Blue 5th Generation display now comes equipped with a scratchpad, enabling some basic note taking and also reading of Braille documents:

http://www.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/Focus/Focus5Downloads

9) In yet another Braille-related tidbit, the monthly free class from Mystic Access will feature a discussion of the Braille Me, a low-cost Braille device from India which will become more available in the US if and when a dealer is found in this country. This Zoom webinar will take place on GMT Friday, 26 May 2018 at 00:30:

https://zoom.us/j/885700658

10) Navigation within airports may be about to become much easier. If you download the free BlindSquare Event app for iOS, and you subsequently venture into an airport, you get seven days of BlindSquare access within and around that airport, and seven more days when you travel to the next airport:

https://zoom.us/j/885700658

11) In episode 1821, the Eyes on Success couple interviews a blind college student and paralympic athlete about how she juggles these life activities:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

12) And here is a one-page NVDA Keyboard Reference Guide from Deque (PDF):

https://dequeuniversity.com/assets/pdf/screenreaders/nvda.pdf

******************************************************

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1.) One Hardly Used Focus 80 Blue (80 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display for $5,295.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 17, 2018 - Volume 660

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Braille Display for $2,895.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Greetings,

1) Microsoft is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day, 17 May 2018, with a movie, "Re-Imagining Accessibility." The trailer itself has received high praise, and the movie debuts on the 17th:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEvQsydG2oQ

2) Here is an FAQ document about digital talking books from the North Carolina Library:

https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/lbph/faq/dtb

3) Fedora Outlier LLC holds FAQ Friday sessions on Facebook. An easy way to watch them is via their YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZllqCCwAVC14rp5ppN9iXA

4) Web accessibility expert Leonie Watson gave a talk on The State of the Browser, in which she discussed the current state of accessibility in various browsers and what the future could hold:

https://www.stateofthebrowser.com/speakers/leonie-watson/

5) "Enabling People with Visual Impairments to Navigate Virtual Reality with a Haptic and Auditory Cane Simulation" was a presentation at the recent CHI '18: ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Conference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzrshG6PT7U

6) ComputerWorld brings us "10 Apple Accessibility Solutions Everyone Should Know:"

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3273107/apple-mac/10-apple-accessibility-solutions-everyone-should-know.html

7) This page claims to provide "iPhone and iPad Accessibility Support:"

https://support.apple.com/accessibility/iphone-ipad?cid=tw_sr

8) From Komando.com, learn about "8 Cool New Things Your Google Home Can Do That Will Make Alexa Jealous:"

https://www.komando.com/tips/459426/8-cool-new-things-your-google-home-can-do

9) In this 2018 GDC talk, EA Sports' Karen Stevens covers how gameplay without sight is currently possible for many popular EA titles, including UFC, Need for Speed, NHL, and Madden NFL, and also describes steps taken to improve the experience of EA's blind audience:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDR4hJkskc&feature=youtu.be

10) This episode of the French podcast Oxitude concerns the multi-line Canute Braille tablet in the final phases of development from Bristol Braille Technology:

https://www.oxytude.org/visite-de-jacques-chez-bristol-braille-technology-partie-1-discussion-autour-de-la-tablette-braille-canute/

11) In-Process for 15 May 2018 from NVAccess tells us what is coming in speech, Braille and table processing in NVDA 2018.3:

https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-15th-may-2018/

12) "Getting Started with Narrator: A Free Community Workshop," is offered by the Assistive Technology Trainers Division of the National Federation of the Blind, and is free and open to all. It will run from 02:00-03:30 GMT on Tuesday, 22 May 2018 via Zoom. With Narrator always improving and freely included as part of windows, it may meet many adaptive technology needs. To learn how to take part in the session, email:

chancey.fleet@gmail.com

13) At about the same time, starting at 00:00 on the same GMT day, Tuesday, 22 May 2018, Tek Talk will open the forum to the creators of the AIRA service:

http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

14) A coding camp for blind and visually impaired students will be held in Boston from 10-14 July, 2018. Students from afar can participate via Skype if they can't attend in person. Here is the information:

http://www.ourspaceourplace.org/

15) Hear about low vision optometry in Eyes on Success Episode #1820:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

16) According to blogger and Mozilla employee Marco, "Firefox 60 and JAWS 2018 Are Back in Good Browsing Conditions Together:"

https://www.marcozehe.de/2018/05/11/firefox-60-and-jaws-2018-back-in-good-browsing-conditions-together/

17) This video can "Demystify Accessibility By Explaining What Blind Users Need, What Developers Can Do To Meet Those Needs and How Accessibility Works (from an application through the platform to assistive technology):"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fz_GyvAKoI&feature=youtu.be

18) The "Accessible TV for the Visually Impaired from Comcast" page offers demos and explanations of the company's accessibility features:

https://www.xfinity.com/accessibility

19) Episode 12 of The Parallel discusses the Google I/O Conference and some of its accessibility implications:

http://parallelpodcast.com/2018/05/15/12-i/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork

20) This Linson Productions podcast instructs on "How To Use The Actions Rotor and iOS 11:"

https://www.spreaker.com/user/4858326/how-do-use-actions-rotor-and-ios-11

******************************************************

Flying Blind, LLC Classified Ads:

******************************************************

1.) One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Braille Display for $2,895.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

2.) One Hardly Used Focus 80 Blue (80 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display for $5,795.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

Price: $5,795.00 USD
Savings: Offered here at approximately $2,000.00 off of its suggested list price.
Contact: http://bit.ly/2HPih0R.
Description: This unit has seen little to no use and is still covered under its manufacturer's warranty. This unit is in pristine condition, offering the lucky recipient a savings of $2,000.00 USD on this unit! An excellent solution for JAWS users also wishing to access tablets and smartphones ...

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 10, 2018 - Volume 659

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Braille Display for $2,895.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

Photo of the One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Braille Display for $2,895.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

We at Flying Blind, LLC are most pleased to provide a fantastic bargain on One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Notetaker.

This unit has only been used a few times; is in pristine condition; and is in need of a good home.

With shipping included within the 48 Continental United States you will shave over $1,100.00 USD off of the retail price of this gem!

So give your fingers a Spring-time treat with a sleek, powerful, versatile solution that will provide uses for every occasion!

This is a single unit that will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.

To be the first to secure this unit, please use the Buy Now link or Add to Cart button included below.

For more information, or to order this product offline, email featured@flying-blind.com or call +1 (216) 381-8107 today.

We're standing by to assist.

Buy Now - One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Braille Display for $2,895.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2TF43EDX8AN9S

Greetings,

1) USA Today asked all three of the competing virtual assistants 150 questions and reports back with the results:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2018/05/08/we-asked-google-assistant-amazon-s-alexa-and-apples-siri-150-questions/585764002/

2A) A programmer going by the name of Rocky Waters has written a program to teach typing to blind Windows users that is free. You can find it and other useful utilities he has written here:

http://www.rockywaters.co.uk/softwarePage.php

2B) He has also written a number of free games, and plans to get back to game creation now that the typing tutor is complete:

http://www.rockywaters.co.uk/gamesPage.php

3) Here is an informal demo of the accessibility of the Amazon Fire TV devices and the Netflix app:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/w65ix8ui9u0fgsq/firetvdemo.mp3?dl=1

4) Jonathan Mosen airs the Daily Fiber, a technology news show with musical interludes, every weekday. Now, you can get the show minus the music and with all the modern podcast benefits for $5.00 per month. It costs around a quarter a day:

http://www.mosen.org/TheDailyFibre

5) The AccessU Conference is coming up, and you can pay for online access so you can attend most sessions from home:

https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu/online/2018/

6) A research team with the Digital Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs wants to speak with people in the DC area who use screen readers on their computers or mobile phones between now and May 20th. Users will be compensated at least $25 per hour for hour-long sessions. For information, email:

elissa@adhocteam.us

7) This will be worth sharing with any iOS developers we happen to meet: "Checklist: How to Make Your iOS App More Accessible:"

https://www.hackingwithswift.com/articles/91/checklist-how-to-make-your-ios-app-more-accessible

8) Terminology is a free dictionary, thessaurus and more, and here is a podcast demonstrating its features (MP3):

https://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast1143.mp3

9) The tweet announcing Blind Bargains Qast #143 informs us that it runs for 42 minutes:

http://blindbargains.com/b/18852

10) Eyes on Success Episode #1819 talks about the newly-released FlickType iOS app we mentioned last week:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

******************************************************

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 3, 2018 - Volume 658

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: One Gently Used Smart Beetle 14 Cell Braille Display for $695.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Greetings,

1) Get a summary of April 2018's Apple accessibility happenings from Applevis:

https://www.applevis.com/blog/apple-apple-watch-gaming-ios-ios-apps-macos-news-opinion-reviews-rumors/applevis-unlimited

2) Brighter Vision Technologies is a web-hosting company run by a blind AT specialist. They are running a competition through which a nonprofit will win hosting & site compromise protection for a year:

https://www.brighter-vision.com/free-1-year-hosting-for-a-lucky-nonprofit/

3) Pinterest just redesigned its app for blind people:

https://www.fastcodesign.com/90169317/pinterest-just-redesigned-its-app-for-blind-people

4A) Here is part three of the series in The Braille Monitor about web navigation:

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm18/bm1804/bm180416.htm

4B) And here is part four:

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm18/bm1805/bm180512.htm

5) Here is an article about Movies For the Blind, which provides audio description of some public-domain movies and videos:

http://acb.org/adp/moviesfortheblind.html

6A) It turns out that as we write this, Jonathan Mosen isn't pleased with the Windows 10 April, 2018 update, and has gone back to the Fall Creator's Edition, but before he did this, he created The Blind Side Podcast #84 to discuss the update, tell how to get it before it comes to you on the random upgrade basis, and demonstrate some of its features:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide84.mp3?dest-id=655752

6B) Learn the official version of 'What's new in the Windows 10 April 2018 Update' from the Windows Experience Blog:

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/04/30/whats-new-in-the-windows-10-april-2018-update/

7) This Blind Access Journal blog post is called 'Redefining Access: Questions to Ponder in the Age of Remote Assistance:'

http://blindaccessjournal.com/2018/03/redefining-access-questions-to-ponder-in-the-age-of-remote-assistance/

8) Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 8 May 2018 at 00:00 will feature a discussion by Julian Vargas of his favorite iOS apps, and discussion about iOS accessibility:

http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

9) Blind Bargains Qast #142 is out:

http://blindbargains.com/b/18821

10) There's a major change coming in Wordpress 5.0. It will affect the way we create or update posts and pages:

https://SteveStewart.webinarninja.com/webinars/29697

11) Applications for the 2018 Joseph Roeder Scholarship are now available on the NIB website. The scholarship provides a one-time award of $2,500.00 for an undergraduate or graduate student who is legally blind to pursue a college degree in a business-related field:

http://NIB.org/roeder

12) In the second part of the series on Radio Reading Services, we get a behind-the-scenes tour, courtesy of Episode 1818 of Eyes on Success:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

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2.) One Hardly Used Focus 80 Blue (80 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display for $5,795.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, April 26, 2018 - Volume 657

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Tremendous Savings on One Hardly Used Focus 40 Blue (40 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display and One Hardly Used Focus 80 Blue (80 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display !!! - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Flying Blind, LLC is pleased to offer One Hardly Used Focus 40 Blue (40 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display manufactured by VFO Group for $1,795.00 USD as well as One Hardly Used Focus 80 Blue (80 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display for $5,795.00 USD! Both units have seen little to no use, and are each still covered by their respective manufacturer's warranties. These units are in pristine condition, offering each lucky recipient a savings of $1,000.00 USD and $2,000.00 USD, respectively, per unit! An excellent solution for JAWS users also wishing to access tablets and smartphones. Touting both desktop simplicity and mobile versatility! These units are anxiously waiting for responsible users to give them a good home. These fantastic bargains are being offered on a first come, first serve basis. The price for each includes shipping within the 48 Continental United States. To be the first to secure either or both of these units, please use the Buy Now links or Add to Cart buttons included below. For more information, or to purchase either of these units offline, please email featured@flying-blind.com today. We're standing by to assist.

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Greetings,

1) A user recommends Ulysses for iOS or Mac as a tool for writing blog posts, sketching notes, and the like. It is extremely accessible:

https://ulyssesapp.com/kb/voiceover

2A) From the Freedom Scientific Blog comes "Freedom Scientific Software and the Microsoft Windows 10 Spring Creators Update. What You Need to Know:"

http://blog.freedomscientific.com/springcreators/

2B) Upgrades for ZoomText and Fusion are available to make them compatible with the new version:

https://www.zoomtext.com/help/product-downloads/

3) The April 2018 issue of AccessWorld contains an interview with Jonathan Mosen, a review of the Mystic Access tutorial 'Stress Less, Browse Happy: Your Guide to More Easily and Effectively Navigating the Internet with a Screen Reader,' and of the free Dictation Bridge software, and discussions of developments in Braille and in wearable devices seen at CSUN:

http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1904toc

4A) FlickType is an innovative iOS keyboard app for blind users that many find allows them to write more rapidly:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flicktype-keyboard/id1359485719?ls=1&mt=8

4B) You can hear an interview with the product developers here:

https://www.mixcloud.com/YourTunesRadio/interview-with-flicktype-developers-kosta-and-ashley/

5) The US Access Board has launched its own channel on YouTube, featuring animations on accessibility, with more content to come:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5tRWTtV5eSw68N3tSpmyWw

6) GSA's Government-Wide IT Accessibility Program (Section 508) has an open vacancy for an Accessibility Specialist:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/497780800

7) Hear about the new way to create Alexa skills without knowing any code, among other things, in the Blind Side Podcast, Episode #83 (MP3):

http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide83.mp3

8) This blog post from Linson Productions is entitled "Working with Apple: A Review of the Apple Watch Series 3 While Working:"

http://linsonproductions.com/2018/04/25/working-with-apple-a-review-of-the-apple-watch-series-3-while-working/

9) Here is Blind Bargains Qast #140:

http://blindbargains.com/b/18761

10) On Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 1 May 2018 at 00:00, yours truly (Dean Martineau) will be talking about YouTube, touting all its treasures, and particularly demonstrating a simple program called Pontes Media Downloader for downloading videos from YouTube and Facebook and optionally converting them to audio:

http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2

11) Eyes on success launches a two-part series on radio reading services in Episode #1817:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

******************************************************

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1.) One Hardly Used Focus 40 Blue (40 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display for $1,795.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

Price: $1,795.00 USD
Savings: Offered here at approximately $1,000.00 off of its suggested list price.
Contact: http://bit.ly/2Jswv56.
Description: This unit has seen little to no use and is still covered under its manufacturer's warranty. This unit is in pristine condition, offering the lucky recipient a savings of $1,000.00 USD on this unit! An excellent solution for JAWS users also wishing to access tablets and smartphones ...

2.) One Hardly Used Focus 80 Blue (80 Cell) Refreshable Braille Display for $5,795.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

3.) One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Braille Display for $2,995.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

Greetings,

Due to some technical hurdles there will be no Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday this week. We do apologize. Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday will return next week at 4:00 AM ET, packed with all of the information we've gathered over the last two weeks.

Sincerely,

Flying Blind, LLC Publications

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Flying Blind, LLC Classified Ads:

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1.) One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Braille Display for $2,995.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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3.) One Gently Used Blaze ET for $545.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, April 12, 2018 - Volume 656

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Braille Display for $2,995.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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We at Flying Blind, LLC are most pleased to provide a fantastic bargain on One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Notetaker.

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Greetings,

1) The AIRA service, popular among many in the US, is looking at expanding to Australia, New Zealand and the UK:

https://go.aira.io/globalexpansion

2) From In-Process for 11 April 2018, we learn about an update to EloQuence for NVDA, a forthcoming feature, the Multi-Category Settings dialog, how to use NVDA snapshots to try out the latest features without affecting your current install, and more about NVDA 2018.1.1:

https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-11th-april-2018/

3) Here's an account of 'What It's Like To Be A Blind Software Engineer At Amazon:"

https://www.fastcompany.com/40555815/what-its-like-to-be-a-blind-software-engineer-at-amazon?partner=rss&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=rss

4) Learn the latest on how to 'Use A Screen Reader to Share and Collaborate on Notebooks in OneNote':

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/use-a-screen-reader-to-share-and-collaborate-on-notebooks-in-onenote-5d24979d-4243-431d-bf19-a2157476d5ca

5) Bristol Braille Technology has demonstrated exemplary persistence over the past five years developing their Canute multi-line Braille display. The end is in sight! They will be testing through three organizations in North america!

http://www.perkinselearning.org/technology/posts/bristol-Braille-canute-multi-line-refreshable-Braille

6) This is a review of the Capti Voice Narrator smartphone app for reading text:

https://veroniiiica.com/2018/04/09/capti-voice-narrator-app-review/

7) Marco's Accessibility Blog introduces us to "The Accessibility Inspector in the Firefox Developer Tools:"

https://www.marcozehe.de/2018/04/11/introducing-the-accessibility-inspector-in-the-firefox-developer-tools/

8) 'User Research with People with Disabilities' is the title of a Pacielo Group webinar coming up on Wednesday, 25 April 2018 at 17:00 GMT:

https://www.paciellogroup.com/news/2018/04/webinar-april-25-user-research-with-people-with-disabilities/

9) The VisionAware blog brings us 'Suggestions for Preparing Your Taxes as a Person with Vision Loss:'

https://www.visionaware.org/blog/visually-impaired-now-what/suggestions-for-preparing-your-taxes-as-a-person-with-vision-loss/12

10) Here is a brief article about a 'New Typeface That Merges Braille You Can Touch With Letters You Can See:"

https://www.fastcodesign.com/90166173/this-new-typeface-merges-Braille-you-can-touch-with-letters-you-can-see

11) AIRA has partnered with the city of Boston to allow access to anybody in the city to its service until 17 April 2018. This will enable full participation in the Boston Marathon and surrounding activities:

https://medium.com/aira-io/boston-2018-set-to-become-worlds-most-accessible-marathon-6bba38540b3d

12) NFB Newsline has added Stone Soup, Sports Illustrated Online, Sporting News, Globes Israel, Science X, Medical Xprs and the Concord Monitor to its extensive list of publications:

https://nfb.org/nfbnewsline

13) Keysoft version 5 for the BrailleNote Touch offers support for multiple QWERTY keyboards and a one-hand mode:

http://www.humanware.com

14) The Blind Side Podcast, Issue 70, covers deleting Facebook, the En-Vision America site and app, and more (MP3):

http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/4/6/b/46bd49e10efac2e1/TheBlindSide81.mp3

15) Blind Bargains is back from CSUN:

http://blindbargains.com/b/18728

******************************************************

Flying Blind, LLC Classified Ads:

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1.) One Hardly Used Vario Ultra 40 Cell Braille Display for $2,995.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, April 5, 2018 - Volume 655

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: One Refurbished Brailliant BI 40 Cell Refreshable Braille Display with Executive Products Leather Carrying Case for $1,995.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Flying Blind, LLC is pleased to offer One Refurbished Brailliant BI 40 Cell Refreshable Braille Display this week for approximately 35% off of its suggested list price. In addition, this display ships with an Executive Products Leather Carrying Case valued at $90.00 USD, not to mention, we include free shipping within the 48 Continental United States, giving you an over $1,500.00 USD savings on a unit that is in excellent condition!

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Greetings,

1A) Patreon is a site that describes itself as the "best way for artists and creators to get sustainable income and connect with fans." This could be a great boon to many blind entrepreneurs, but to date the site has shown little interest in resolving its numerous accessibility shortcomings. You can read this blog post on the topic:

https://incl.ca/patreon-and-accessibility/

1B) Advocacy efforts are underway to encourage the company to do the right thing. To join a mailing list about these efforts, send a blank message to:

team+subscribe@accessmedia.groups.io

2) Jonathan Mosen has written a very cogent blog post about his life-altering experiences with the Aira service:

http://mosen.org/aira/

3) This article by Ryan Jones, 'Understanding Screen-Reader Navigation: A Tale of Two Rooms,' can be useful to help us understand screen readers and their strengths and limitations, and explain them to others:

http://www.headstar.com/eablive/?p=1510

4) The 29 March 2018 'In Process' post from NV Access brings us up to date on the company's activities, including a mandatory NVDA update for Windows 10 users who use Microsoft OneCore voices:

https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-29th-march-2018/

5A) There are now several posts containing impressions, slide shows and interviews stemming from CSUN. Blind Bargains continues to post interviews, with more than 20 posted at the time of this writing, and will finish with a summary podcast:

https://blindbargains.com/audio/

5B) These pages contain Conference-related material. There is considerable overlap among them:

http://www.webaxe.org/csunatc18-resources-tweets/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NtrU3K_f1vlfjGTnkFJeSja7_xdI9T8rWAgFz5Y-1w0/edit#gid=0
https://www.accessibilityoz.com/2018/03/an-accessibilityoz-csun-wrap-up/
https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/accessibility/2018/03/28/takeaways-from-the-2018-csun-assistive-technology-conference/
http://GitHub.com/JamalMazrui/CSUNATC18docs/wiki/Document-Files

6) Here is the Accessibility Wiki for Reaper, a complete digital audio production application for Windows and Mac OS X:

https://reaperaccessibility.com/index.php/Main_Page

7A) Here is some rather technical information about JAWS ARIA Support:

https://freedomscientific.github.io/VFO-standards-support/aria.html

7B) And JAWS HTML Support:

https://freedomscientific.github.io/VFO-standards-support/html.html

8) Hadley Institute is again running its 'Spring into Braille' event, where people log their Braille reading, whether read via paper Braille, electronic Braille or print, for a chance to win prizes:

https://hadley.edu/Braille_reading_contest.asp

9) While were talking Braille, we'll return to CSUN for an article about 'Low-Cost Refreshable Braille at CSUN' from the VisionAware blog:

https://www.visionaware.org/blog/visionaware-blog/low-cost-refreshable-Braille-at-csun/12

10) Here is a color blindness simulator web app:

https://www.colorblindsim.com/

11) AppleVis summarizes 'What's New and Noteworthy for March 2018:'

https://www.applevis.com/blog/advocacy-apple-apple-tv-apple-watch-gaming-ios-ios-apps-ipad-macos-news-opinion-reviews

12) Read 'Don't Get Caught Out: Ultimate Guide to Shopping Online Securely:"

http://disabilityhorizons.com/2018/03/dont-get-caught-out-ultimate-guide-to-shopping-online-securely/

13) This crowd source initiative of the DAISY Consortium and the Book Industry Study Group intends to improve the reading experience for everybody, and especially those with reading differences:

https://www.inclusivepublishing.org/tre

14) The Blind Side Podcast discusses a new Microsoft virtual reality initiative helpful to the blind in Episode #80 (MP3):

http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide80.mp3

15) Learn about Apple Watch and Home Kit on Eyes on Success episode #1814:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

******************************************************

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 29, 2018 - Volume 654

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: One Gently Used Blaze ET for $545.00 USD - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

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Flying Blind, LLC is pleased to offer One Gently Used Blaze ET OCR Book Player that has been used less than 20 hours for $545.00 USD, approximately $250.00 USD off of its suggested list price! Blaze ET sets a new standard for portable DAISY players. For the first time ever blind and visually impaired consumers now have access to pocket-sized book players integrated with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) text-to-speech capture, which allows these devices to read hardcopy documents aloud on-demand! Meet your Scan & Read needs while listening to all of your podcasts, music, and audio books on this hardly used device which ships with Braille 'Getting Started' Documentation. Price also includes shipping within the 48 continental United States. This is a single unit that will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. To the be the first to secure it, please utilize the Buy Now link or Add to Cart button included below. For more information, or to purchase this unit offline, email featured@flying-blind.com or call +1 (216) 381-8107 today. We're standing by to assist.

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Greetings,

1) Blind Bargains leads the way on information harvested from the CSUN Conference. They have several interviews from vendors, with more to come, followed by a wrap-up Blind Bargains Qast. A special edition this year is that written transcripts are provided for all the interviews. There will be more retrospectives and presentation summaries and outlines to come:

https://www.blindbargains.com/audio/

2) The goal of the DOTS RPG Project is to make gaming accessories available for the visually impaired:

https://www.shapeways.com/shops/dots-rpg-project-dice-shop

3) The FlickType Keyboard is intended to be an easier and faster keyboard for blind iPhone users to use rather than the onscreen keyboard. It is a revival of the old Fleksy keyboard. Reviews have been positive. It is in beta now, and all are welcome to try it:

https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ios-app-discussion/announcing-flicktype-keyboard-looking-beta-testers

4) One of the founders of the grocery delivery service Instacart has reached out to blind users for feedback on their web site and apps. Here's the thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/87l1d9/how_can_instacart_help/

5) Mental Floss suggests '12 Amazon Prime Perks You Might Be Missing Out On:'

http://mentalfloss.com/article/536411/amazon-prime-perks-you-might-be-missing

6A) The Blind Post classified news is back and ready to roll! Please email your notices by the 5th of April to be included in the April 2018 Edition, and to read more about what and how to post notices visit:

http://theblindpost.com/Readthelatestnewshere.html

6B) Or email:

foodlady@theblindpost.com

7) MyVision is an Android App that reads text in real time and in seven languages:

http://komonews.com/news/local/westview-high-school-junior-designs-award-winning-app-for-visually-impaired

8A) You may wish to subscribe to the free monthly online newsletter, The Blind Perspective. The announcement suggests that the publication covers technology suggestions as well as other helpful information. Check out past issues at:

http://www.theblindperspective.com

8B) To subscribe to receive the publication via email, send a blank email to:

theblindperspective+subscribe@groups.io

9) The recording of Joseph Lee's comprehensive presentation on the present and future of Windows 10 accessibility will be available through the Tek Talk archive, if it is not already, but you can also grab the MP3 file here: (MP3)

http://www.josephsl.net/files/winten1803.mp3

10) We have mentioned these sources for information about getting started with Android before, but they were recently summarized in an email message I saw. There's the Getting Started Guide from Inclusive Android:

https://www.inclusiveandroid.com/

10B) And the Eyes Free list can be a great place to ask questions:

https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/eyes-free

11) Practitioners in web accessibility are invited to take this second practitioner survey from WebAIM:

https://webaim.org/projects/practitionersurvey2/

12) Able Player is a fully accessible cross-browser HTML5 media player, available for free:

https://ableplayer.github.io/ableplayer/

13) Hartgen Consultancy has updated their voice recognition FAQ!

http://www.hartgen.org/faq

14) Thanks to the IBOS MusicXML Reader, a free program from Denmark, music aficionados can read a music score, just like sighted musicians. The notes can be displayed on a Braille display as music Braille and plain text. They can be read out as text and played back. The program can be operated through a Braille display, PC keyboard, and foot switches. The user can choose which parts or instruments they want presented; can step through the score, jump by measure/bar or go to a specific position; can examine the single notes of a chord of a particular part, and more:

https://www.ibos.dk/english/the-ibos-musicxml-reader.html

15) iACast #74 features a wide-ranging discussion of social media applications:

https://iaccessibility.net/iacast-74-social-media/

16) Episode # 379 of the Blind Side Podcast covers Apple's recent education-related event, CSUN, and AIRA: (MP3)

http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide79.mp3

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 22, 2018 - Volume 653

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1A) Much attention has been paid to the security of our Facebook accounts. The Electronic Freedom Foundation tells us how to protect ourselves:
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/03/how-change-your-facebook-settings-opt-out-platform-api-sharing

1B) We can also download the entire archive of what Facebook has stored and examine it:
http://www.idownloadblog.com/2016/01/18/how-to-download-facebook-archive/

2) Sendero GPS has announced Version 22 of its Navigation Apps for PC, BrailleNote and BrailleSense products. The upgrade costs $22 no matter what version you are upgrading from:
http://senderogroup.com/news/v2018pressrelease.html

3A) Microsoft continues to make great strides in the accessibility of Windows 10. This blog post tells us about a lot of positive changes:
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/

3B) In this regard, Joseph Lee will present a comprehensive program on the present and future of Windows 10 accessibility with demonstrations on Tek Talk on GMT 27 March 2018 at 00:00. As always archives will be available for later listening:
https://win10.groups.io/g/win10/topic/official_invitation_joseph/15686825?

4) Many vendors offer discounts during the CSUN Conference which is going on as this issue gets to you. Through Saturday, 27 March 2018 you can buy iOS Access for All, the giant book we mentioned recently, in the EPUB or PDF editions, for just $16, rather than the usual $20:
http://www.iosaccessbook.com/csun-book-sale-get-20-percent-off-ios-access-for-all-this-week/

5) 'It's Off To Work We Go', Bonnie Mosen's popular job hunting book for blind people, is now available in DAISY audio, and also still available in text formats. Buy and download instantly:
http://mosen.org/work

6) Video game maker EA has launched a new website to centralize accessibility resources for its games and provide a place for users to share feedback:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=18574

7) Just ahead of CSUN, HumanWare has released version 5.0 of the KeySoft software for the BrailleNote Touch. This version includes full support for reading and editing using both USB and Bluetooth QWERTY keyboards, a one-handed mode, media playback shortcut commands, and other various improvements and fixes:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=18570

8) This podcast demonstrates Google Lens on iOS (MP3):
http://traffic.libsyn.com/blindabilities/GoogleLens20F.mp3

9) This AppleVis podcast teaches us 'Three Easy Ways to Learn and Use Emoji Like a Pro:'
https://www.applevis.com/podcast/episodes/three-easy-ways-learn-and-use-emoji-pro

10) This Second Sense post offers an answer to the question, "Apple Watch: Convenience or Necessity?"
https://www.second-sense.org/2018/03/apple-watch-convenience-or-necessity/

11A) You can use Alexa as a clock radio:
https://lovemyecho.com/2018/03/16/alexa-fast-tips-friday-use-alexa-clock-radio/

11B) You can also turn on Alexa's Brief Mode:
https://www.androidcentral.com/alexas-new-brief-mode-makes-assistant-talk-less

12) This 3-year-old article from The Braille Monitor offers still-pertinent fodder for discussion about assistive versus mainstream technology, and free versus paid technology:
https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm14/bm1410/bm141006.htm

13) Microsoft Accessibility gives us an update on their ongoing work to make Skype more accessible:
https://blogs.skype.com/news/2018/03/16/improving-skype-accessibility/

14) Here is 'A DIY Web Accessibility Blueprint' from A List Apart:
https://alistapart.com/article/diy-web-accessibility-blueprint

15) The latest of the podcasts from Audio Pizza demonstrating the audio editing features of Reaper is called 'ReaConsole - Get Geeky, Get Productive with Reaper:'
https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/audio-pizza-more-than-just-sound-bite-reviews-tutorials/id544075194

16) This article from the Globe and Mail of Toronto is entitled 'Emerging Technologies Opening Up Doors:'
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/partners/arcadvlife/emerging-technologies-opening-up-doors/article38293243/

17) Hear about accessible gym equipment on the Blind Side podcast, Episode 78 (MP3):
http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide78.mp3

18) The Blind Bargains crew got another podcast in before CSUN after all, Episode 3137, and now they'll be recording and posting interviews from there over the next several days:
http://blindbargains.com/b/18602

19) The Mystic Access Free online class for March will be "discover accessible reading material with ease." It will take place on GMt Friday, 23 March at 00:30, and recordings will be available:
https://zoom.us/s/291602898

20) And in closing, Episode #1812 of Eyes on Success is called "Running with WayBand:"
http://eyesonsuccess.net

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 15, 2018 - Volume 652

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1) Pay with Chip purports to be an app for Windows and Android that makes online shopping much easier for everybody:

https://www.paywithchip.com/

2A) Considerable improvement when browsing with the latest FireFox version and support for more Braille displays are among the most important features in NVDA version 2018.1:

https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2018-1-now-available-for-download/

2B) Meanwhile, members of the NVDA community are planning this year's online NVDACon, and are asking for presentation ideas, short and long:

https://nvda.groups.io/g/nvda/topic/nvdacon_calling_all_topics/13218771

3) The March 2018 issue of AccessWorld offers a review of the game 'A Hero's Call', a review of 'The New Edition of iOS Access for All: Your Comprehensive Guide to Accessibility for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch', by Shelly Brisbin, a 700-page book, coverage of 'New Accessibility Support Options Courtesy of Google, Microsoft, and Be My Eyes', and an introduction to 'The UniDescription Project':

http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1903toc

4) The popular Accessible NCAA Tournament Bracket is back, and groups can join so that their members can vie with one another to see whose predictions are most accurate:

https://www.terrillthompson.com/ncaa/

5A) The big CSUN conference happens next week. Web Axe gives us this CSUN 2018 Conference Preview:

http://www.webaxe.org/csun-2018-conference-preview/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

5B) You'll be able to watch the keynote address on YouTube, on GMT Wednesday, 21 March 2018 at 00:30:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAEJx4GlRPQ

5C) AIRA is offering free Explorer access to many places in San Diego, and non-Explorers can use the system with only the iOS app, no glasses. People can also check out their forthcoming new glasses:

https://medium.com/aira-io/coming-to-csun-e5a2229bd79b

5D) And you can download DAISY, HTML or ePUB versions of the CSUN Program Materials:

http://www.daisy.org/csun-2018-files

6) CATIS (Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Standards) certification will be available for technology trainers, and you can register for a webinar on the topic, as well as other developments in the Vision Studies program at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. You will have missed the first session; the second will be on March 28 2018 stateside:

https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4232437/CATIS-Webinar

7) Here is objective research on Firefox 58, Chrome 64 and NVDA 2017 compatibility:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/firefox-58-chrome-64-nvda-2017-compatibility-when-every-aparna-pasi/?published=t

8) The VisionAware Blog offers 'A Quick Look at the New Victor Reader Trek':

https://www.visionaware.org/blog/visionaware-blog/a-quick-look-at-the-new-victor-reader-trek/12

9) Now you can enable 'Follow-up Mode' with Alexa so that if you have a series of questions, you can just ask them naturally:

https://techcrunch.com/2018/03/10/now-you-can-have-a-conversation-with-alexa-without-screaming-hey-alexa-for-every-request/amp/

10) On the other side of the personal assistant skirmish, Google Assistant is now available on the iPad:

https://www.blog.google/products/assistant/introducing-google-assistant-ipad/

11) There are four streams running constantly, through which you can listen to the outside world. The locations are Jamestown, NC, Far Rockaway, NY, London, UK and Tallinn, Estonia. And they are in a playlist (M3U):

http://www.andrelouis.com/outsides.m3u

12) Lens is a visual search engine. When you take a picture with your phone, Google will do an analysis and provide insights into what you're looking at. Now it's getting even better, and can store information from business cards as contacts, and even describe landmarks you've spotted. Now available for Android, with an iOS version to come soon:

https://coolblindtech.com/google-lens-describes-landmarks-creates-contacts-business-cards/

13) You are invited to join the private beta testing group of EyeSense, a new sight companion designed for the blind and low sighted. You can teach EyeSense faces or family and friends, and also any object you would like the app to identify. If you are an iphone user with iOS 11, you can request to join from this Private Beta Link:

http://bit.ly/2FnqgxJ

14) This video claims to offer 'Ten Simple Tricks to Search YouTube Like a Pro':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCddrLwH-fc&feature=youtu.be

15) 'The Accessible Digital Project' may be able to pay for reviews of audio described content. Check this page for information:

https://netflixproject.wordpress.com/join-our-team/

16A) In podcast developments, some experienced podcasters have joined forces for a monthly iCast:

https://iaccessibility.net/icast-1-introductions/

16B) Podcasts can be divided into sections for convenient navigation with some players. The Blind Side Podcast 377 discusses this and much more (MP3):

http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide77.mp3

16C) FSCast #151 shares what's coming up for JAWS in March 2018 and more (MP3):

http://podcast.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/episodes/FSCast151-March_2018_JAWS_Update,Jack_Mendez_from_the_Louisiana_Center_for_the_Blind.mp3

16D) We have Blind Bargains Qast 136, and then the Blind Bargains team will be off at CSUN bringing the conference to us at home through interviews:

https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=18567

16E) Learn about experiencing art non-visually in Eyes on Success #1811:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

17) Comcast is providing audio described coverage of the Paralympics. More about that, and other accessibility enhancements, can be found at:

https://corporate.comcast.com/stories/comcast-launches-new-accessible-tv-features-ahead-of-2018-paralympics

18) And finally this week, The New York Times is lauching an audio book bestseller list:

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/03/06/nytimes-launches-audiobook-best-seller-list/

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 8, 2018 - Volume 651

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1) We now officially have a free way for blind people to dictate text and to control the computer using voice, with the release of Dictation Bridge Version 1.0, which works with both NVDA and JAWS:

http://dictationbridge.com/

2) The other big piece of news from this week relates to Microsoft Soundscape, a free iOS app available in the US and UK. It is a navigation app which "offers a 3D audio experience crafted specifically for exploration." The San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind was a sponsor, and here's their take on the app, along with a YouTube video showing it in action:

http://lighthouse-sf.org/2018/03/01/microsoft-soundscape-new-way-navigate/

2B) Guide Dogs UK was another sponsor, and here is their take, again with a video demonstration:

https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/services-we-provide/technology/

2C) And here's the Microsoft blog post on the topic:

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/accessibility/2018/02/28/soundscape/

3) We have interesting resources this week for those interested in aidio and jusic. CAVI will no longer offer its courses on audio fundamentals, advanced audio production and music composition, so they are offering them as donationware, that is, free, with donations appreciated. The thought is, particularly with regard to the Reaper program, that it will evolve, rendering some of the course materials obsolete, so they prefer that people be able to use the course materials while they are still current. There's a lot of quality instructional material here:

http://wiki.cucat.org/index.php/Main/Audiogiveaway

4) Access Music Tech is a community driven place where people can share and learn from each other. It contains Youtube videos and tutorials on a variety of technology platforms:

http://accessmtech.com/

5A) The Able Artist Foundation at:

https://ableartist.org/

5B) Offers memberships to those on fixed income, offering discounts on a variety of artistic and musicianship tools. You can hear a podcast about them from Blind Abilities:

https://blindabilities.com/bapresents/attention-musicians-audio-creators-singers-let-the-access-begin-able-artist-foundation-meets-you-half-way/

6) A survey is available to allow Android users to express interest in the popular Seeing AI app which at present is only available for iOS:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=v4j5cvGGr0GRqy180BHbR8LKBvO_isJAg4cOfA4aAlRUN0c3SE1JOUlISE1STElUTk8yMFkzSjFaWi4u

7) The fourth upgrade for the Braille Sense Polaris, unveiling the beta of their math graphing function and other fixes and enhancements including continued improvements in word processor editing, and more consistent navigation between BrailleSense and Android:

https://hims-inc.com/braille-sense-series/braillesense-polaris-upgrade-announcement/

8) Sao Mai Center for the Blind has released a talking typing teaching program, available for $14. It features customizable lessons, an explore mode, and tools to allow teachers to manage student learning progress:

http://www.saomaicenter.org/en/downloads/smtt

9) Google has changed its Disability Support email address. For answers to accessibility questions on Google products, write to:

disability-support@google.com

10) Amazon continues to add more accessibility features to its books:

https://ilmk.wordpress.com/2018/03/04/amazon-has-added-more-accessibility-features-for-kindle-books/

10B) Eyes on Success #1810 features an interview about Amazon Accessibility Services:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

11) This is an article about accessible landmarks on the web:

http://www.scottohara.me/blog/2018/03/03/landmarks.html

11B) There is also a site for demonstrating the application of landmarks:

https://scottaohara.github.io/landmarks_demo/

12A) This AppleVis podcast is called "Explore, Read and Learn with the Bible:" (MP3)

http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast1125.mp3

12B) That podcast will doubtless appear in the AppleVis summary of news for March 2018. For now, here is the summary for February 2018:

https://www.applevis.com/blog/accessories-apple-assistive-technology-gaming-ios-apps-mac-apps-news-opinion-reviews/applevis

13) The Blind Bargains Qast crew is back on track with Episode #135:

http://blindbargains.com/b/18533

14) Access Tech Watch-360 is out with a podcast on the iPhone X and the iOS Outlook app:

https://accesstechwatch360.podbean.com/e/omg-no-home-button-on-the-iphone-x-and-the-ms-outlook-app/

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 1, 2018 - Volume 650

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1A) Among the recent releases from National Braille Press, available in various formats, are 'You and Your Apple Watch' for $12:

http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/WATCH.html

1B) And the iOS11 Reference Card for $8:

http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/IOS11-EYE.html

2) As a service, we sometimes announce training services offered by blind entrepreneurs, with no endorsement of them. iAccessibility offers technology training on a variety of topics and platforms for $18/hour, with the first hour free:

https://iaccessibility.net/online-training/

3) Another trainer is offering up to one hour of free iPhone training, which can include up to three features. For information, email:

jtblas@hotmail.com

4) BITS offers several technology-related presentations throughout the year for its members. Yours truly (Editor Dean Martineau) recently did one on YouTube. On GMT 4 March 2018 at 01:00, they will offer a free presentation open to the public on the Element Television, using the Zoom platform, accessible by phone, smartphone apps and computer. To access via computer, go to:

https://zoom.us/j/356588666

5) With the gradual disappearance of the old standard Skype for windows desktop, Doug Lee has begun development of JAWS scripts for Skype 8 Electron:

http://www.dlee.org/skype/electron/

6) The Perkins School for the Blind seeks to hire the iCanConnect Manager, who directs the program that provides equipment and training thereon to deaf-blind individuals:

http://www.perkins.org/careers

7) Yet another job opening is for a Rehabilitation Technology Specialist for the Iowa Department for the Blind. For information, email:

helen.stevens@blind.state.ia.us

8) Dolphin Computer Access offers SuperNova USB, allowing you to plug this screen magnification program into any Windows PC or Tablet for magnification anywhere:

https://yourdolphin.com/page?id=140&utm_source=Master+List&utm_campaign=cc97e071a6-SuperNova+USB+%231&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e26de6fec6-cc97e071a6-69277101

9) Access to Science with Grapheel is the focus of Program #1809 of Eyes on Success:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

10) The second installment of the AppleVis Unleashed podcast is out (MP3):

http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast1124.mp3

11A) Two more regular podcasts ready for listening are Blind Bargains Qast #134:

http://blindbargains.com/b/18505

11B) And the Blind Side Podcast #75 (MP3):

http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide75.mp3

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 22, 2018 - Volume 649

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1) If you're an Aira Explorer, and are looking for a job, any activity related to the job search process will not count against your allotment of Aira minutes:

https://medium.com/aira-io/announcing-the-aira-employment-program-5a549a09732a

2) Here is 'A List Of All Accessible Features In Windows 10 & Office 365,' courtesy of Microsoft and the Assistive Technology Blog:

http://assistivetechnologyblog.com/2018/02/microsoft-accessibility-windows10-office365.html

3) The Accessible NCAA Tournament Bracket will be back this year once tournament pairings for the big college basketball tournament are announced on 11 March 2018. Meanwhile, you can view brackets for the years 2012-2017:

http://terrillthompson.com/ncaa/index.php

4A) New versions of ZoomText and Fusion are coming, as is an update to JAWS, and you can inform yourself about it all by listening to FSCast #150 (MP3):

http://podcast.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/episodes/FSCast150-Eric_Damery_talks_about_the_JAWS_February_2018_update,ZoomText_2018_and_Fusion_2018.mp3

4B) In fact, as we write, the JAWS 2018 update is not available for automatic download yet, but you can read about the enhancements and grab it from here:

http://www.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew

5) Audio-Drama, the Guide to Audio Drama Websites, lists 2,483 sites with podcast feeds or links to a variety of productions, from Biblical to science fiction to old-time radio:

http://audio-drama.com/doku.php?do=showtag&tag=free

6A) 'Driving Blind on the Information SuperHighway' is a series in The Braille Monitor, destined to consist of at least four installments, concerning the use of screen readers in the modern web environment. The first two parts are out: Part One:

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm18/bm1801/bm180109.htm

6B) And Part 2: Browsers:

https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm18/bm1802/bm180205.htm

7) The author of the East London Vision Blog lists his favorite Amazon Echo skills and gives more information:

https://eastlondonvision.wordpress.com/2018/02/16/my-top-3-amazon-echo-skills/

8) Microsoft has phased out Skype Version 7, which used to be very accessible in the old days. New versions for the PC are difficult to use. Doug Lee talks here about the situation and provides alternatives:

http://www.dlee.org/skype/skype7phaseout.htm

9) 'Getting Started with Web Design' is the topic for iACast #71:

https://iaccessibility.net/iacast-71-getting-started-web-design

10) iRecorder Pro Audio Recorder is a fully accessible recording app for the iPhone:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/irecorder-pro-audio-recorder/id285750155?mt=8

11) Be My Eyes has launched a new service, called Specialized Help. Users will be able to video conference with cooperating businesses to get assistance from them on products. This service is also free. Microsoft is the first company to offer the service:

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/accessibility/2018/02/21/microsoft-joins-be-my-eyes-app/

12A) Senior Center Without Walls began in 2004 with the goal of providing a community for isolated seniors. What started with two groups and eight seniors has grown into a program that reaches approximately 1000 seniors throughout the United States. Seniors participate in groups via telephone and computer from the comfort of their own homes:�

https://www.seniorcenterwithoutwalls.org/about/

12B) As an outgrowth of this program, there is a closed Facebook group called 'Vision - Walk by Faith'�. This group is for low vision / blind persons and their helpers - created to share resources and help find answers to their questions. For information, email:

wsnhbailey@gmail.com

13) Learn what questions will be answered on Fedora Outlier's FAQ FB Live on Friday, 23 February 2018 by watching this 3-minute video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRWT7MEgZxI

14) The Eyes on Success podcast features tennis for the visually impaired in Episode #1808:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

15) The Blind Bargains crew is back on schedule with Blind Bargains Qast #133:

http://blindbargains.com/b/18477

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 15, 2018 - Volume 648

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1) The February 2018 issue of AccessWorld includes three articles about Smartphones: 'Project Ray: It's a Feature Phone--No, It's a Smartphone!,' 'Smartphone Apps for People New to Vision Loss,' and 'The iPhone X for People with Visual Impairments: Face ID, New Gestures, and Useful Commands.' But that's not all: explore 'Amazon Echo: Toy or Tool?,' 'Keeping It Portable: Comparing Braille Displays on iOS Devices, Part IV,' 'An Exploration and Review of the Blaze ET Multi-Player from HIMS,' and 'ATIA at a Glance: What We Saw at the 2018 Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference:'

http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1902toc

2A) There has been quite a barrage of information and impressions concerning the new Apple speaker, the HomePod. Here is a sampling: David Woodbridge offers a blog post, 'Playing Around with the HomePod - My Thoughts and Suggestions,' which includes links to his podcasts on the topic:

http://davidwoodbridge.blogspot.com.au/2018/02/playing-around-with-homepod-my-thoughts.html

2B) Speaking of podcasts, not surprisingly, Robert Carter brings us a Tech Doctor podcast:

http://www.dr-carter.com

2C) And the Audio Pizza Podcast weighs in:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/audio-pizza-more-than-just-sound-bite-reviews-tutorials/id1170942901?mt=2&i=1000401989730

2D) Finally, we have a HomePod FAQ document:

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2018/02/homepod-faq.html

3) JAWS scripts for the free OEClassic email client have been updated to work with JAWS 2018:

http://www.hartgen.org/OEClassic

4) PC Mag puts together '17 Things to Know About Amazon Prime:'

https://www.pcmag.com/feature/335949/17-things-to-know-about-amazon-prime

5) FSCast #149 showcases the company's activities at the upcoming CSUN conference as well as efforts to keep JAWS working with Firefox (MP3):

http://podcast.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/episodes/FSCast149-CSUN2018,training_workshops,listener_feedback,Jamie_Teh_talks_Mozilla_Firefox.mp3

6) The Fedora Outlier LLC technology training team now offers Frequently Asked Questions Friday on its Facebook page. You can submit questions in various ways, and if you like their page, you get notifications when the event starts:

https://www.facebook.com/fedoraoutlierllc

7) NFB Newsline has added Ebony, Science Daily, Scientific American and Hollywood Reporter to its large list of publications available by phone and online:

https://nfb.org/nfbnewsline

8) The Grapheel Project is considering launching a transcription project for math and science content, among other projects, and is running a survey through the end of February 2018 to gauge interest:

https://www.grapheel.com/2018/01/26/our-shared-vision-your-shared-vision/

9) This YouTube channel contains a growing number of audio described walkthroughs of mainstream games. He describes costumes, gestures and scene changes:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0liuqhnIvfLbMeL-g3THoA

10A) The Mystic Access free class for February 2018 is called The Sound of Sonos, and it will take place on GMT Friday, 23 February 2018 at 00:30. The class will be conducted using Zoom, which means there are a variety of phone, app and PC connection options. To connect using PC, Mac, iPhone or Android:

https://zoom.us/j/700941865

10B) To join the mailing list to get future course announcements:

https://www.mysticaccess.com/teleclasses

11) Mystic Access also offers a nearly three-hour tutorial on web navigation for those who find using the web frustrating:

https://www.mysticaccess.com/

12) Besides the HomePod, Braille literacy is on the agenda in iACast #69:

https://iaccessibility.net/iacast-69-homepod-importance-Braille/

13) The Year in AT 2017, Blind Bargains Qast #131, is ready for listening:

https://www.blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=18386

14A) There are 123 Windows settings that can be launched with specific commands using the Run dialog or by creating shortcuts to them:

https://www.askvg.com/list-of-commands-to-launch-specific-settings-page-directly-in-windows-10/

14B) And in addition, courtesy of MajorGeeks, 'Here Are All the Copy, Paste, General, File Explorer and Windows Logo Keyboard Shortcuts Available in Windows:'

http://www.majorgeeks.com/content/page/here_are_all_the_copypastegeneralfile_explorer_and_windows_logo_keyboard_shortcuts_available_in_windows.html

15) The Brain Station page has audio demos of six accessible games:

http://www.l-works.net/brainstation.php

16) Joseph Lee's recently-completed audio tutorial on NVDA is now available as a DAISY book, via this direct download link:

http://www.josephsl.net/files/nvda18/DB-Welcome_to_NVDA_2018-by-Joseph_lee.zip

17) ComputerWorld brings us 'Cortana explained: How to use Microsoft's Virtual Assistant for Business:'

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3252218/collaboration/cortana-explained-why-microsofts-virtual-assistant-is-wired-for-business.html

18) This YouTube video offers a comparison of three smart thermostats:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPhg883KCc4

19) Land of Livia is described as 'An Idle RPG and Adventure Game,' for iOS. It is now accessible:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/land-of-livia/id1052641617?mt=8

20) Of course the Blind Side podcast has an episode on the HomePod. Now you can join a mailing list to discuss past episodes and influence future ones by sending a blank message to:

theblindside+subscribe@groups.io

21) The position of WCAG Accessibility Director with United Health in Minnetonka, Minnesota is open:

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/ojob/7dfd7db05c92d500fb99f361a64c77fb

22) In Eyes on Success #1807, we hear about mainstream products becoming more and more accessible:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 8, 2018 - Volume 647

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1) Although we missed the first week of the month last week, there was quite a lot of the material in the monthly post: "AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for January 2018", much of which will still be worth perusing:

https://applevis.com/blog/accessories-advocacy-apple-apple-tv-apple-watch-applevis-braille-gaming-ios-ios-apps-mac-apps

2) AppleVis has launched a new monthly project: A podcast:

https://applevis.com/podcast/episodes/applevis-unleashed-1-lots-apple-news-kick-our-new-podcast

3) Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute is open to testers of the iOS version of YouDescribe, an app that plays audio-described YouTube videos:

https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1177344886?utm_content=buffer43a92&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

4) This blog post from the CNIB carries the title "Lost While Using Voice Over? Now What?"

http://blog.cnib.ca/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?List=9028a3c9-88f2-49e1-bd91-28de3e292019&ID=792&RootFolder=%2FLists%2FPosts&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fblog%2Ecnib%2Eca%2Fdefault%2Easpx&Web=cf0574a6-eb20-48b0-b0f8-124d7617ad52

5) Braille support is now available for two Blindfold Audio iOS games: Blindfold Wild Card and Blindfold Travel Card:

https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=18385

6) Several commenters to the AppleVis forum offer their opinions on the question: "Which is the best app for performing OCR of documents: Envision AI, Braigo Companion, Seeing AI or KNFB Reader?"

https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ios-app-discussion/which-best-app-performing-ocr-documents-envision-ai-braigo-companion

7) This Guardian post answers the question: "Are there any good portable MP3 players for blind and visually impaired people?"

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2018/jan/04/apple-ipod-shuffle-good-mp3-portable-music-players-blind-visually-impaired-users

8) Joseph Lee's free 2018 NVDA tutorial is now complete, and is available as a .ZIP file or as individual sections. It covers the use of NVDA through the forthcoming version 2018.1:

http://www.josephsl.net/tutorials/

9) Every weekday at 07:00 and 19:00 GMT, Jonathan Mosen airs The Daily Fibre, featuring music and particularly the latest tech news. Teasers about the day's broadcast are often found in the Mushroom FM Blog:

http://www.mushroomfm.com/blog

10) We return to AppleVis to read one person's perspective on "Why I'm still on a Mac: A guide for skeptics and those who feel that grass may be greener with Windows:"

https://www.applevis.com/guides/macos-miscellaneous-voiceover/why-im-still-mac-guide-skeptics-and-those-who-feel-grass-may-be

11) An Accessibility toolbar has been added to Facebook. Access by pressing Alt + Slash (Alt + /) on your PC, Option + Slash (Option + /) on your Mac:

https://a11ywins.tumblr.com/post/170270963528/facebook-ax-navbar

12) In the first of two articles on LEASEY, this Lighthouse post gives an overview and touts the advantages of the program in general:

http://www.tylerlighthouse.org/world-of-leasey/

13) A college student with low vision reviews the free iOS Seeing AI app:

https://veroniiiica.com/2018/01/30/microsoft-seeing-ai-low-vision-review/

14) Google has launched an Accessibility Support Team, answering email queries about the accessibility of Google products:

https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=18388

15) The Tech Doctor is back with a podcast on three excellent books:

http://dr-carter.com/

16) The University of Massachusetts Boston will offer a Graduate Certificate in the area of Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments. For information, email:

r.sesslertrinkowsky@umb.edu

17) Eyes on Success #1805 discusses a camp for blind youth, and #1806 addresses overcoming obstacles with STEM:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 1, 2018

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

Greetings,

Top Tech Tidbits will be taking a hiatus this week due to travel for the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference.

We'll be back next week with an issue packed full of Tech Tidbits.

In the meantime, we'd like to invite you to join our friends at AIRA this week as they chronicle one blind man's adventures independently taking in the Super Bowl game this coming Sunday using this life-changing technology!

Visit http://go.aira.io/super-bowl-0 for more details!

With Much Respect
Larry L. Lewis, Jr.
President, Flying Blind LLC

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, January 25, 2018 - Volume 646

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Flying Blind, LLC is Standing By to Meet All of Your Presentation Needs - Flying Blind, LLC Online Store

Flying Blind, LLC's Founder, Larry Lewis, in suit and tie prior to conducting a presentation, stands smiling in front of a large, wall-sized projection of the Flying Blind, LLC Logo.

Now that we're off and running in 2018, we would like to take a moment while you are in the throes of planning your State, Regional, and National Conferences, to remind you that Flying Blind, LLC stands ready, willing, and able to meet your Keynote Speaking, General Session, Break-Out Session, and Assistive Technology and accessibility Workshop needs.

With over 40 years of personal, and 25 years of professional experience in the Industry, Flying Blind, LLC's Founder, Larry Lewis, enjoys presenting on a number of topics specific to integrating a variety of desktop and mobile assistive technologies into educational, vocational, and community settings, providing guidance on how to best leverage the power and versatility that many accessibility solutions have to offer.

He is more than pleased to customize any presentation to ensure that it is specific to the implementation of solutions deemed appropriate in promoting both independence and efficiency.

In addition to providing a wealth of information to diverse audiences, Larry likes to keep the tone of each presentation upbeat, informative, and above all, entertaining!

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Greetings,

1A) This is a good compendium of information for the new user of a Chromebook, with videos and links to more resources:

https://blindbites.wordpress.com/2017/11/19/my-first-chromebook-what-ive-learned/

1B) The same author explains the accessories he has found useful for his Chromebook:

https://blindbites.wordpress.com/2018/01/23/my-chromebook-accessories/

2) The January 2018 Issue of AccessWorld updates us on what's new in WatchOS 4, MacOS High Sierra, and TVOS 11, and provides reviews of the Braille Sense Polaris, the Orbit Reader, two Braille displays with iOS11, and the current state of Braille with Windows Narrator:

http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw1901toc

3A) Some news in the audio description arena. The Audio Description Project's 'Master AD List' now includes TV Series with Audio Description from the nine FCC-mandated TV networks. It currently lists nearly 1,800 movies and TV Series with description:

http://acb.org/adp/masterad.html

3B) A lot of YouTube videos can benefit from audio description, and YouDescribe has several videos explaining how all can assist in making these videos accessible:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNJrbI_nyy9sjqZ-Wcn6sX868i9KtdNrT&disable_polymer=true&utm_content=buffer6ba41&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

4A) Three items about web accessibility. This informative article from 24 Accessibility is entitled 'So You Want to Become an Accessibility Specialist':

https://www.24a11y.com/2017/want-become-accessibility-specialist/

4B) Perkins School invites you to assess 'How much do you know about Web Accessibility?'

http://www.perkins.org/solutions/access/accessibility-quiz

4C) And this post from Braille Works reminds us 'Why Web Accessibility Still Relies on Human Action:'

https://medium.com/@BrailleWorks/why-web-accessibility-still-relies-on-human-action-4e4d5c318dc5

5A) Perhaps you'll find a useful resource for acquiring books that you were unaware of: '50+ Ways To Get Free Books: For Educators, Clubs, And More:'

https://bookriot.com/?p=149092

5B) And this one might help you save some money on audio books, though it does come with an annoying auto-played video:

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/ways-to-save-money-on-audiobooks/

5C) Speaking of audio books, you can now get them in the Google Play store, and no monthly membership is required:

https://play.google.com/store/books/category/audiobooks

6A) Here is one writer's collection of 'VoicOver iPhone Tips,' along with suggestions for other learning resources:

https://www.thinkingoutloud-sassystyle.com/voiceoveriphone-tips/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork

6B) Incidentally, there are now eight podcasts in the iPhone 101 series from Blind Abilities:

http://blindabilities.com/category/technology/iphone101/

7) The VFO Group has grown again with the acquisition of Enhanced Vision:

https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=18356

8A) NCBI, the National Council of the Blind of Ireland, holds a Virtual Technology Club. Their first meeting is on the day of release of this newsletter (01/25/2018) at 19:00 GMT. They use the Zoom meeting platform, so access is possible from throughout the world. The link for the first meeting, if you get it in time, is:

https://zoom.us/j/995412665

8B) You can read the Virtual Technology Club User Guide here (DOCX):

http://www.ncbi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Virtual-technology-Club-User-Guide.docx

8C) And for more information about the schedule of upcoming meetings, write to:

stuart.lawler@ncbi.ie

9) Hear about eSight Eyewear, glasses which can enhance the functional vision of people with many eye problems, on Eyes on Success Issue #1804:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

10) Duxbury Systems has released DBT WIN 12.02 SR1, with some new Braille embosser support, improved math support, and other enhancements:

https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=18346

11) That Blind Tech Show #11 features discussion about smart glasses, Facebook accessibility, and more:

http://blindabilities.com/uncategorized/that-blind-tech-show-11-rolling-back-skype-facebook-timeline-smart-glasses-is-apple-really-innovating/

12) Linson Productions offers a candid look at the Kindle Fire HD7:

http://www.linsonproductions.com/lppodcast/2018/1/22/the-fire-has-only-embers-left

13) The webinar 'Enhance Your Productivity with Free Assistive Technologies from Microsoft' will take place on Tuesday, 30 January 2018 at 20:00 GMT:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2k9pkjPvRtaXL1EQPv3O_Q

14) We're still waiting for the Blind Bargains 2017 Year in Review Qast, which is near to release, but in the meantime, the Consumer Electronics show and other matters come up for discussion in Program #130:

http://blindbargains.com/b/18353

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, January 18, 2018 - Volume 645

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1A) Joseph Lee continues to add to his comprehensive new tutorial on NVDA. Now we can listen to over three hours on all the NVDA preferences. The whole series, and more tutorials, is here:

http://www.josephsl.net/tutorials/

1B) Several announcements about this tutorial series, and other interesting related matters, are in this post:

https://nvda.groups.io/g/nvda/topic/welcome_to_nvda_2018_nvda/8138790?p=,,,20,0,0,0::recentpostdate%2Fsticky,,,20,2,0,8138790

2) Firefox version 58 is due to be released on 23 January 2018. This post explains that it should improve functionality greatly with NVDA, and also discusses the JAWS interface to Firefox:

https://www.marcozehe.de/2018/01/16/nvda-firefox-58-team-regaining-strength/

3) We now have a pretty accurate transcript of the podcast "Reach Out and Touch the New Braille Features in iOS 11:"

https://www.applevis.com/podcast/episodes/reach-out-and-touch-new-Braille-features-ios-11

4) If you're running Chrome OS and using the ChromeVox screen reader, you can now use Google Sheets with a Braille display to read and edit cell contents and navigate the sheet. Support for other operating systems is said to be coming:

https://support.google.com/docs/answer/6057417?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

5) The iOS11 edition of Shelly Brisbin's book 'iOS Access for All' is a 700-page book covering all the accessibility features of iOS11, including use of mainstream apps and reviews of other accessible apps. It is available for $19.50 in EPUB, PDF and from iBooks:

http://www.iosaccessbook.com/ios-11-edition-released/

6) The Braigo Accessibility Companion is a free iOS app that extracts text from pictures for reading and identification:

https://www.braigolabs.com/blog/braigo-labs-launches-braigo-accessibility-companion-app-for-iphones-and-ipads/

7) This Adobe blog post is called "Accessibility in Acrobat DC: Ensure the Accuracy of a Tagged PDF:"

https://theblog.adobe.com/accessibility-in-acrobat-dc-ensure-the-accuracy-of-a-tagged-pdf/s

8) The new Section 508 guidelines take effect on 18 January 2018, and this article, the second in a series with a link to the first one, explains:

https://developer.paciellogroup.com/blog/2018/01/section-508-refresh-part-2/

9) On the subject of web accessibility, this YouTube video is called "Accessibility Testing with the NVDA Screenreader:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx1vSd5uYS8

10) There is an update to KNFBReader for Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sensotec.knfbreader&hl=en

11) Here's a sensible-looking article on keeping iPhone batteries alive as long as possible:

http://lightningfastcells.com/keep-your-phone-from-dying-fast/

12) Talking about batteries, PC Mag brings us "Charging Your Phone Overnight: Battery Myths Debunked:"

https://www.pcmag.com/news/357987/charging-your-phone-overnight-battery-myths-debunked

13A) While we don't usually mention local activities, this one covers two localities. Sendero Group is testing an indoor wayfinding system in Chicago and Baltimore. They are looking for testers. For Chicago information:

http://senderogroup.com/about/chifieldtestapp.asp

13B) For Baltimore information:

http://senderogroup.com/about/nfbfieldtestapp.asp

14) Dolphin Computer Access has made it possible to use its EasyReader app for iOS and Android to read documents and books from the web, as well as your own stored documents:

https://yourdolphin.com/news

15) And finally, Eyes on Success #1803 bears the title "Building Electronics Projects:"

http://eyesonsuccess.net

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, January 11, 2018 - Volume 644

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1) Amazon continues to enhance the accessibility of the reading experience of its books as well as the use of its devices. Now, NVDA users can read Accessible Math on Kindle eBooks, and new Gestures come to VoiceView on Fire:

https://blog.aboutamazon.com/introducing-new-accessibility-features-on-kindle-and-fire

2) Since we're talking about Amazon, this article offers perspectives on 'Why Amazon's Alexa Is 'Life Changing' for the Blind:'

http://uk.pcmag.com/news/92743/why-amazons-alexa-is-life-changing-for-the-blind

3) I suppose it's worth noting that not everybody is excited about Alexa. Some don't want it in their homes:

https://gizmodo.com/yes-your-amazon-echo-is-an-ad-machine-1821712916

4) Moving on, many Windows users have become frustrated with the accessibility challenges of the latest edition of Skype. If you're one of them, here's how to get an earlier version which will likely work better:

https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA34825/accessibility-features-in-the-new-skype-for-windows-mac-and-linux

5) J-Say 16.0 has been released! You can read about what's new here:

http://www.hartgen.org/j-sayupgrade

6) The MS Windows 10 Upgrade Offer for Assistive Technology Users has been extended until January 16, 2018, according to:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade

7) There is a discussion happening in the web standards community. It relates to the way HTML should be used, and how screen reader users expect to navigate and understand the primary content of a web page. It's vital that we collect as much information as possible from people who use screen readers. Please take this two question survey and help us make an informed decision. But act quickly, as the survey closes at the end of the day on Friday, 12 January 2018:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bK2n1rXwlCwzs4uITheFzGHiBx8dJ6RKqgba1RD9lTY/viewform

8) The Web Axe Blog and Podcast on Web Accessibility gave a concise summary of the recent WebAIM screen survey results:

http://www.webaxe.org/screen-reader-user-survey-7-results-from-webaim/

9) Open Culture informs us of '1,300 Free Online Courses from Top Universities:'

http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses

10) Dolphin Computer Access has launched EasyConverter Express, for converting Word documents into large print, Braille, MP3 and DAISY formats, and is available for free in developing countries. American and UK English, French and Portugese are supported:

https://yourdolphin.com/easyconverter-express

11) We get one person's 'Impressions of the iPhone X' from the Linson Production Podcast:

http://www.linsonproductions.com/lppodcast/2018/1/8/impressions-of-the-iphone-jx

12) Here's a Demo of how David Woodbridge uses Google Home/Chromecast Audio devices for listening to music around the house whilst enjoying an Audible book, all on his iPhone (MP3):

https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/mf/web/cr3iti/Google_Home_and_Audio_Books.mp3

13) And we have a demo of Andre Lewis' Samsung UE50MU6120 Smart TV, and it's VoiceGuide features for visually impaired users (MP3. 48.8 MB):

http://www.andrelouis.com/media/Samsung_UE50MU6120_VoiceGuide_Demo.mp3 #A11Y #fb

14) Ducking into UEB is a Braille curriculum that teaches Unified English Braille. It contains assessments, activities, exercises, rules throughout the book, and more! After you purchase the teacher edition, the student textbbook and other materials are free. Free materials are available in electronic format only, but the teacher edition is available on Kindle for $9.00 and also in hardcopy form for $50:

https://www.amazon.com/Ducking-Into-UEB-Anita-Adkins/dp/1983579203

15) Taylor Arndt is a blind web designer, and in this video, he answers the question, how can a blind designer create attractive pages?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLA87a8BNaU

16) Hadley is featuring an all new series of low vision iFocus instructional videos that teach how to get the most out of the vision accessibility features on your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. You can find them at:

http://www.hadley.edu/instructionalvideos.asp

17) And finally, learn about concepts for daily living such as Tactile Maps, Touch Pens and YouDescribe from a developer at Smith Kettlewell Eye Research Institute in Episode 1802 of Eyes on Success:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, January 4, 2018 - Volume 643

The Week's News in Adaptive Technology

A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/

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Greetings,

1) We may have mentioned this before, but it's worth a look now as then: 'Intro to Chrome & Chrome OS Accessibility Video Series:'

http://attraining.org/atdaily/2017/12/29/intro-chrome-chrome-os-accessibility-video-series-youtube/

2) Exclusive Android gives us a hand up with 'Getting Started and How to use a Samsung Phone with Talkback:'

https://www.inclusiveandroid.com/content/getting-started-and-how-use-samsung-phone-talkback?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

3) And, more generally, 'Just Got A New Android Device - Here Is A Great Article To Get You From 0 to 60 in No Time:'

https://www.inclusiveandroid.com/content/just-got-new-android-device-here-great-article-get-you-0-60-no-time

4) From the UK, InfoSound marks its 10th Birthday by inaugurating its around-the-clock rolling information service:

http://www.infosound.org.uk/listen-now

5) The chapter on using NVDA on the web has been added to the evolving NVDA 2018 tutorial package:

http://www.josephsl.net/tutorials/

6A) Meanwhile, two new add-ons are available for NVDA: IndentNav makes navigation of indented text a whole lot more efficient, useful for everyone from Python programmers to readers of web comments:

https://addons.nvda-project.org/addons/indentNav.en.html

6B) And BrailleExtender is an add-on that'll change your mind about NVDA's Braille support, including reversing Braille scroll keys, automatic review cursor tethering for selected apps and much more:

https://addons.nvda-project.org/addons/BrailleExtender.en.html

7) This enlightening tweet lists all the technology we have now that didn't exist in 2003. Considering that Tidbits started rolling off the presses in late 2004, I imagine the picture wouldn't look a lot different for our inauguration time:

https://twitter.com/jimharris/status/948264000466374657

8) I think we missed this from a couple weeks ago: Ever wondered why one website can behave so differently with the same operating system, same browser, different machine? Read the Freedom Scientific blog post on responsive web design and how best to work with it:

http://blog.freedomscientific.com/2017/12/21/responsive-web-design-why-one-site-can-behave-differently-on-different-pcs-and-browsers/

9) A Bitcoin Whitepaper Braille Version Is Now Available, and other efforts are under way to make Bitcoin more usable by the blind:

https://coolblindtech.com/a-bitcoin-whitepaper-Braille-version-is-now-available/

10) Thanks to AppleVis Unlimited we learn 'What's New and Noteworthy for December 2017 in the Accessible Apple World:'

https://www.applevis.com/blog/advocacy-apple-applevis-ios-ios-apps-mac-apps-news-opinion/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-and

11) Eyes on Success finished 2017 with episode #1753, all the ins and outs of how Eyes on Success is created, distributed and maintained. To start 2018, Episode #1801 consists of an interview with Jamie Teh, co-founder of NVDA, who now works for Mozilla:

http://eyesonsuccess.net

12) A fundraiser is alive to provide more audio-described movies:

https://www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/make-movies-available-for-the-blind

13) The Blind Bargains Qast crew tends to finish off each year by letting us hear various flubs and humorous moments that didn't make it into the year's more straight-laced episodes. So, we have episode #129:

https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=18263

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