Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, July 23, 2020 - Volume 765
The Week's News in Access Technology
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Greetings,
1) Spanish Videos on NVDA
This site contains several training videos on NVDA in Spanish, with more to follow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtz2QZpvBrg
2) Microsoft PowerPoint with NVDA Training Module, and More
This week's In Process newsletter unveils this new training module, and discusses the status of NVDA 2020.2:
https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-20th-july-2020/h
3) New Features in NVDA 2020.2
And the Web Friendly Help podcast fills you in about the new version:
https://webfriendlyhelp.com/new-features-in-nvda-2020-2/
4) Keyboard Power
Read about one reader's keyboard and all the customization power it offers:
http://alexhall.blot.im/explaining-my-crazy-new-keyboard
5) ATW360 Enters The Virtual Matrix at the NFB-2020 Convention
This podcast hits some of the accessibility highlights from the recently-concluded online event:
<https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vfxe2-e409b8?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share
6) Very Accessible Freeware
The author of this set of programs announced them on a mailing list. You might like this windows freeware, including a countdown timer, a dictionary and a calculator:
https://www.bestfreewaredownload.com/a-kevin-sisco-42641-freeware.html
7) Five Resources to Teach Keyboarding Skills
The author of this Paths to Technology post says the article is some two years old but still contains useful information:
https://www.perkinselearning.org/technology/blog/five-resources-teach-keyboarding-skills
8) When Your Ears Can't Help You See: Strategies for Blind and Low Vision Individuals with Hearing Loss, on Tek Talk
Deborah Kendrick will discuss her new book on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 28 July 2020 at 00:00:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813
9) How To Use The Volume Buttons to Take Pictures With Your iPhone
This is the latest instructional post on The Tech Juggernaut:
https://ttjtech.net/2020/07/20/how-to-use-the-volume-buttons-to-take-pictures-with-your-iphone/
10) FSCast #186
A new training podcast, a demo of the new feature allowing JAWS to work with Bluetooth earphones, information about summer sales, and more:
http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/4/c/c/4ccfd0c7f2b4c89b/FSCast186-July2020.mp3?c_id=78969182&cs_id=78969182&destination_id=699950&expiration=1595467192&hwt=e556d081776c429d1a19e8e9bdff6b01
11) Optelec Compact 10 and the L-Braille on Blind Abilities
Learn about these newest FS products and the Summer specials:
https://blindabilities.com/?p=6015
12) How To Install & Remove An iOS Beta
This DoubleTap Online post demystifies this process:
https://doubletap.online/how-to-install-ios-beta
13) Castro Podcast Player Demonstration
This iOS podcast player was recently highlighted in 9 to 5 Mac, so this is a replay of a Mosen At Large demonstration of it:
https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/3312305883534f1e/castro-podcast-player-the-best-podcast-app-for-ios-i-ve-ever-used
14) Using Text Replacement in iOS
The DoubleTap Online crew dubbs these quick tutorials "High Speed How To's"
https://doubletap.online/hsh2-text-replacement-ios
15) Text to Speech Engine Preferences, Buying Braille Displays and More on Mosen At Large #51
Several topics on this 2-hour audience-participation podcast:
https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/94f98dc1cc3f4d04/the-text-to-speech-engines-you-love-and-loathe-things-to-know-when-buying-a-braille-display-and-the-controversy-surrounding-iaap
16) Anatad Podcast #43
Here, the topics are VPN, OnePlus and Fun:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1163732/4621052
17) Tidbits Poll Results: Do you have physical disabilities other than blindness that require you to use Assistive Technology in addition to a screen reader or Braille display?
Last week we asked Tidbits subscribers, "Do you have physical disabilities other than blindness that require you to use Assistive Technology in addition to a screen reader or Braille display?" For those that said yes, we asked "Please share with us, if you are willing, the names of the Assistive Technologies that you use, in addition to a screen reader and/or Braille display." So far 26 readers have weighed in with 17 votes for (A) No. I use only a screen reader and/or a Braille display. and 9 votes for (B) Yes. I use other assistive technology in addition to a screen reader and/or a Braille display. The names of the additional Assistive Technologies that these readers identifed were: (A) I only use enlargened display on my phone. Could use assistance in reading screens more proficiently. (B) Darci USB, an alternative input device that uses switch interface. (C) Bluetooth hearing aids. (D) Hearing aid with ComPilot. You can still weigh in, or review the breakdown here:
https://poll.app.do/at-other-than-screen-reader-or-braille-display
18) New Tidbits Poll: As an AT-user in search of the most accessible experience, are you more likely to use a mobile app or a website for tasks such as online shopping or banking?
Share your opinion with us on this, and future AT-related polls, on the Top Tech Tidbits website where you can weigh in and view results:
https://poll.app.do/pg/more-accessible-mobile-app-or-website
Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads:
➜ This Week's Classified Ad: Now accepting preorders! A T Guys is pleased to be taking orders for the Orbit Writer, the new, compact $99 Bluetooth Braille keyboard that works with your smartphone or computer via Bluetooth and USB. Also available for preorder is the upgraded Orbit Reader 20 Plus and the just-announced Orbit Reader 40 Braille displays, now with built-in translation, clock, calendar, and calculator. To learn more, visit the link below or call (269) 216-4798 📱️.
https://www.atguys.com/orbit
Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020
Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐
Phone: (269) 216-4798 📱️
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Facebook: https://facebook.com/atguys
About: ATGuys.com. Your access technology experts, home for cool gadgets, accessories, and more. Our products are all tested to work great for blind and visually impaired users but also work just as well for anyone. If there's an item you're looking for, or if you have a question, please don't hesitate to send us a message or call (269) 216-4798 📱️.
Editor, Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter
➜ This Week's Classified Ad: Summer Special: Four training sessions for the price of five, $100: Windows, J-Say, iOS, many applications. Write to me and we can evaluate how well we can work together: topdot@gmail.com
Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020
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About: Dean Martineau is the Founder and a Contributing Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter.
➜ This Week's Classified Ad: Introducing APH's NEW Chameleon 20TM: A sleek, 20-cell refreshable braille display with Perkins-style keyboard, designed especially for students. Chameleon connects to multiple devices via Bluetooth®, and includes an editor, book reader, calculator, clock, and file manager - enhancing student engagement and productivity in and out of the classroom. Learn more about Chameleon's full suite of features at: https://www.aph.org/product/chameleon-20/.
Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020
Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐
Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 📱️
Phone: (512) 895-2405 📱️
Fax: (512) 899-2284 📱️
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ
About: Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization, creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH believes that the future belongs to everyone. By offering innovative products and services, APH opens up a door of opportunities for lifelong independence and success.
Author, Donna Jodhan Publications
➜ This Week's Classified Ad: Donna Jodhan! Sharing her home and garden tips!Summer is here and never too late to start your home and garden tasks! Learn how Author Donna Jodhan can help you to brighten up your home and make your garden the envy of your friends and neighbors!
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President, Sterling Creations
President, Barrier Free Canada / Canada sans Barrieres
Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020
Website: https://donnajodhan.com/ 🌐
About: My name is Donna J. Jodhan and I have been blind all my life, but that has not prevented me from living independently as someone who takes care of my own home and garden, travels regularly for my job, and runs my own business. I am an entrepreneur, blogger, author, audio mystery writer, advocate, podcaster, and law student. I enjoy cooking, ice skating, playing chess, composing on my electronic keyboard, and communicating with nature.
Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us
➜ This Week's Classified Ad: GuideLights And Gadgets: Great Buys, Great Choices! Orbit Writer Bundle: writer, case, neck pouch, and tutorial by Lisa Salinger: $140. Leather Bags and Protective Travel Cases for Your Notetakers and Braille Displays: Protect Your Investment! Our Soundbox Amplifiers: Listening on the go; No Wires; Great Sound; 5 models! We Love Our Customers, Answer Our Phone, And Give Great Advice: Not What To Buy, But What You May Need! Call Barry: (617) 969-7500 📱️. http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/.
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For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at:
Phone: (617) 969-7500 📱️
Email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com 📧️
For All Things Dog Contact Kae at:
Phone: (781) 286-1696 📱️
Email: guidelightdogs@gmail.com 📧️
About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use.
In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well.
What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, "hands on" evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, afforable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice!
Director, https://www.MacForTheBlind.com
➜ This Week's Classified Ad: It's not easy to find a trainer who knows how to work with blind students. John Panarese knows how and he has been doing it for several years now. He is a recognized Apple Trainer and Consultant. To learn more, visit:
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Authorized Apple Business Affiliate
Apple Certified Support Professional
Apple Certified Trainer
Assistive Technology Consultant
Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020
Website: https://www.macfortheblind.com/ 🌐
Email: john@macfortheblind.com 📧️
About: Macfortheblind.com is a place specifically for blind people who are either users or potential users of Macintosh computers or iOS devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, Apple Watch and Apple TV. I am a blind individual who has used the Mac ever since VoiceOver became available in OS 10.4 Tiger, and I own an iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Book Pro laptop computer, an iPhone 6S, an iPad Air, an Apple Watch and an Apple TV 4th Generation. In addition, I am an Authorized Apple Business Affiliate, and as an Apple Certified Support Professional and an Apple Certified Trainer, I offer training and technical support for individuals, agencies and organizations on the mac and all iDevices, as well as offering assistive technology consulting.
Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-packages.html 🌐
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