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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 22, 2020 - Volume 778The Week's News in Access Technologyhttps://toptechtidbits.com/ A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Only 4 Sponsorships Remaining. Join Us and Let Us Show You What Supporting Tidbits Can Do For You. Test Drive A Quarterly Sponsorship Today For Only $325.00 USD.
Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit Access Technology publication that reaches over 15,000 Access Technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Over the last 12 months our 100% legally-compliant opt-in subscriber list has had an Average Open Rate of 37%, an Average Click-Through Rate of 42% and an Average Bounce Rate of 2.8%. We now offer 12 Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication. There are currently only 4 of these 12 packages still available. Secure one of these remaining packages today for only $325.00 USD for the next 3 months, or save $100.00 USD and join us for the year. All Sponsorship Packages are offered on a first-come, first serve basis. Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Consider showing your support for Access Technology over the next 3-12 months while enjoying these incredible benefits: Sponsorship Package Benefits: ➜ 1.) 4 "This Week's Featured Advertisement" Spots Over The Next 12 Months: (Just like this one.) Each Sponsor may choose (from those dates still available within the Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Calendar) up to FOUR (4) "This Week's Featured Advertisement" dates within the calendar year of their sponsorship. That's 4 Issue dates reaching 15,000+ Access Technology subscribers each. ➜ 2.) 48 Classified Ad Spots Over The Next 12 Months: Each Sponsor is also allocated ONE (1) Sponsor Classified Advertisement in every issue of Tidbits (each week) for the full year of their sponsorship. That's 48 Issues reaching 15,000+ Access Technology subscribers each. And that's not all. If you'd like to learn more, please head on over to the Sponsorship Information section of the Top Tech Tidbits website at https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-information.html. If you're ready to secure your Sponsorship today please contact Aaron Di Blasi of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. at: sponsorships@toptechtidbits.com. Greetings,1) Tidbits Welcomes Two New SponsorsWe open this week by welcoming aboard two new Tidbits Sponsors. The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store and T-Mobile's Accessibility Division. Please join us in extending a big thank you to each of our sponsors and supporters. Without their support, Tidbits would not be possible.2) Braillists Foundation EventsThis UK organization promoting Braille offers Braille instruction and information related to Braille. One of their upcoming events will be a discussion of the Orbit Reader on GMT Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 18:00:https://www.braillists.org/events/ 3) How to Search for Products Sold and Shipped By Amazon ItselfHow-To Geek tells us how to do this in case we want to do so:https://www.howtogeek.com/695506/how-to-search-for-products-sold-and-shipped-by-amazon-itself/ 4) A Free Hyperlegible Typeface from the Braille InstituteThis typeface seeks to be significantly more readable for many with low vision:https://kottke.org/20/10/a-free-hyperlegible-typeface-from-the-braille-institute 5) Low Vision and VideoconferencingThis edition of the Parallel Podcast concerns how a low vision coordinator of many videoconferences on different platforms copes with the challenges:https://www.relay.fm/parallel/37 6) How Komplete Kontrol is Empowering Visually Impaired MusiciansThis actually isn't a new post, but for aspiring musicians not already aware of it, it could be a revolutionary discovery:https://blog.native-instruments.com/how-komplete-kontrol-is-empowering-visually-impaired-musicians/ 7) 1PasswordMosen at Large gives us a review and demonstration of this password manager:https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/a69030679a8d434b/review-and-demonstration-of-the-1password-password-manager 8) New Features in NVDA 2020.3As usual, the Web Friendly Help blog keeps us up on the latest screen reader developments:https://webfriendlyhelp.com/new-features-in-nvda-2020-3/ 9) iBUG Apple WorkshopThis free Zoom workshop will be held on GMT Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 19:00:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7428486329?pwd=M003RmZaa3pTbWRlZ00xbSs4YTlmUT09 10) A Treasure-Trove of Music FactsThe Muze is a 50-pound package of JAWS scripts enabling people to get a lot of information about popular music:http://www.hartgen.org/themuze 11) 8 Google Search Tips: Always Find What You're Looking ForThis comes to us from Online Tech Tips:https://www.online-tech-tips.com/google-softwaretips/8-google-search-tips-always-find-what-youre-looking-for/ 12) A Day in The Connected Digital Life on Tek TalkThe founder of TTJ Consulting comes to discuss all Apple makes possible. Join in on GMT Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 00:00:https://zoom.us/j/839935813 13) Using Zoom with a Screen Reader on Eyes on SuccessThe author of a book on the subject is featured in episode #2043:http://eyesonsuccess.net 14) Putting the APH into CareerConnect: A Look at the Past, Present and our Futuristic PlansThe CareerConnect service is reborn at APH:https://aphcareerconnect.org/blog/uncategorized/putting-the-aph-into-careerconnect-a-look-at-the-past-present-and-our-futuristic-plans/ 15) Facebook Mobile with Chrome and EdgeYou might find that this mobile version of Facebook is more accessible with modern Windows browsers:https://mbasic.facebook.com/ 16) Kellogg's Makes Cereal Boxes Designed for the Blind with Inclusive PackagingThis cereal box features a UK-first technology that a smartphone can detect in order to read aloud the labelling and allergen information to people with sight loss. The first-of-its-kind packaging was created in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), following research that revealed that 9 in 10 blind and partially sighted people feel the information on food packaging is difficult or impossible to read:https://coolblindtech.com/kelloggs-makes-cereal-boxes-designed-for-the-blind-with-inclusive-packaging/ 17) Arizona Attorney General Issues Warning to Consumers About OTC Hearing AidsArizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich has issued an announcement on his website cautioning consumers to watch out for "misleading sales tactics from companies selling over-the-counter hearing amplifiers." Over the past year, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) said it has received approximately 140 complaints about over-the-counter hearing aids. Learn more at:.https://www.hearingreview.com/inside-hearing/regulation/az-attorney-general-issues-warning-to-consumers-about-otc-hearing-aids 18) Microsoft Announces Breakthrough AI Image Captioning for Word, PowerPoint, OutlookMicrosoft revealed last week that it has achieved a breakthrough in using artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically caption images. In its tests using a novel object captioning benchmark, Microsoft says its AI model managed to describe images as well as humans can. If this is true, the model could help improve accessibility across the web and in apps by providing automatic image captions. Learn more at:.https://blogs.microsoft.com/ai/azure-image-captioning/ 19) Jeopardy! Makes Online Test Accessible to the BlindThe National Federation of the Blind commended Jeopardy Productions and Sony Pictures Television last week for making the online test for the beloved gameshow Jeopardy! fully accessible to blind people who use screen reader technology. The modifications to the online test were implemented as a result of negotiations among the producers, the National Federation of the Blind, and a blind man who sought to be a contestant but was unable to successfully take the online test because it was not compatible with his screen reader technology. Learn more at:.https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/jeopardy-makes-online-test-accessible-blind 20) RNIB Creates Accessible Pregnancy Test Prototype to Raise Awareness of Accessible DesignIn 2020 there is still no fully accessible pregnancy test, meaning that blind and partially sighted women must ask for help to read their tests, and are therefore never the first to know what is happening to their own bodies. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has unveiled the first accessible pregnancy test prototype that allows women with sight loss to know their results privately for the first time. The groundbreaking test allows the user to feel their results, producing raised nodules to indicate a positive result. Learn more at:.https://www.dexigner.com/news/33351 21) Tidbits Opinion Polls Update. Goodbye Polls for Pages. Hello SurveyMonkey.In the event you are not up to speed on our former struggles with poll accessibility, I (Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher) released a quick update last week addressing concerns that many readers posed over being forced to have a Facebook account in order to view poll results. In this vein, I am very happy to report that Top Tech Tidbits will no longer use Polls for Pages. All Top Tech Tidbits Polls, from this issue forward, will now be served from the SurveyMonkey platform. This has many benefits. Learn more about them here:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/2.html 22) Tidbits Opinion Poll ResultsLast week we asked, "How would you rate your overall accessibility experience with Microsoft Outlook on a scale of 1 (Inaccessible) to 5 (Completely Accessible)?" So far we've received 13 answers for a composite score of 4.2. This included one vote giving a 2, one vote giving a 3, six votes giving a 4, and five votes giving a solid 5. We will ask this question again in the future so that all readers may have the opportunity to participate.23) New Tidbits Opinion Poll. No Facebook Account Required. Real Time Results Link Included.Answers provided for this poll will be used in a future poll to rank each entry. A reader asks, "In your experience and opinion which is the best all-around Braille Notetaker? Price notwithstanding?" 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 or share results:Respond to the Poll: https://toptechtidbits.com/poll-1 Review / Share The Results: https://toptechtidbits.com/poll-results-1 24) Future Tidbits Opinion PollsDo you have an intriguing AT-related question that you'd like to see posed to the Tidbits community?Send your AT-related questions to: polls@toptechtidbits.com Answer past Poll questions you may have missed at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/polls.html Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads:Sponsor: Donna Jodhan➜ This Week's Classified Ad:This week's featured Home & Garden article from Donna's Subscription Library! Quiz: Spendthrift or Skinflint? Test your spending habits and make the necessary changes. Donate to any one of my special causes and receive free unlimited access to all 3 of my subscription libraries! Visit https://donnajodhan.com/donate.html to learn more today! Your support makes the difference in keeping our children connected, healthy and part of our community.
Author, Donna Jodhan Publications 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. Sponsor: Dean Martineau➜ This Week's Classified Ad:Would you like to learn to control your computer with your voice, or to create documents using your voice rather than the keyboard? There are several tools to accomplish these objectives. I can provide training in their use. Write to me at topdot@gmail.com if interested.Editor, Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter
Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/ 🌐 About: Dean Martineau is the Founder and a Contributing Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter. Sponsor: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store➜ This Week's Classified Ad:Featured Products: Revolution Cane Tip: Standard Roller Tip: $14.50 | Locator Dots: Small Pack of 6 (Clear or Orange): $2.00 | NFB Metal Cane Tip: $3.00 | TMAP - On Demand Tactile Street | Map (set of two maps): $25.00 | Ambutech Aluminum Folding Cane: $35.00 | NFB Chris Park Telescoping Cane: $45.00 | BoldWriter 20 Pen (Individual or 6-pack): $2.00 | Bump Dots: Mixed (50 count): $7.00 | Braille Apple Catalina VoiceOver Guide OSX 10.15 (3 volumes) - Latest Manual: $52.00 | SpeedDots iPhone Tactile Screen Protector, Phone Layout: $12.00 | NFB Chris Park 7-Piece Folding Cane: $50.00 | Visit https://adaptations.org/ to learn more today!
Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 Website: https://adaptations.org/ 🌐 Toll Free: (888) 400-8933 📱️ About: Founded in 1902, San Francisco's LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision. Adaptations is your online go-to for tools, technology, and accessible solutions for blind and visually impaired people. Sponsor: T-Mobile Accessibility Division➜ This Week's Classified Ad:T-Mobile is committed to providing products and services that meet a variety of communication needs. T-Mobile will provide accessible support for wireless network service and billing inquiries. T-Mobile offers accessible services and device options supported by the following operating systems: GARI, Android, Apple, Windows, and Blackberry. Our visuals provide alternate billing options and a Directory Assistance Program. Our speech includes Real-Time Text (RTT) and Text-to-911 Service. For seniors we offer easy-to-use handsets, alternate billing options and T-Mobile Location Services. Learn more today at:https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/accessibility-policy
Sponsor Since: October 22nd 2020 Website: https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/accessibility-policy 🌐 Accessibility Customer Care: (844) 375-8107 📱️ About: In 2019 T-Mobile received its first 100 percent score on the Disability Equality Index (DEI), making T-Mobile a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. The index is a rigorous benchmark of inclusion practices administered by the U.S. Business Leadership Network and the American Association of People with Disabilities. In its third year, the index recognizes companies that are advancing their disability inclusion efforts to people with disabilities throughout their workforces, marketplaces, and supply chains. T-Mobile is one of only 68 companies to score 100! Sponsor: American Printing House (APH)➜ This Week's Classified Ad:APH's Braille Trail Reader LE refreshable braille display will start your students' braille journey with a positive technology experience that allows them to discover the joys of reading and writing. This 14-cell braille display features a Windows app for easy file transfer between teachers and students. Also perfect for the working adult: users can take notes, and create, edit and read text and braille files. Learn more at https://www.aph.org/product/braille-trail-reader-le/.
Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐 Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 📱️ 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. Sponsor: GuideLights and Gadgets➜ This Week's Classified Ad:GuideLights And Gadgets: Great Buys, Choices, Service! New: Spectacular Promotion: InsideOne Windows 10 Braille Computer with 32 Cell Display; $3,900 through December 31st with $500 upgrade to new model. Orbit Writer Bundle, $140; Our own leather case, neck pouch, and tutorial. Roomy leather "biker" chest pack with hands free phone holder for AIRA, etc. also fits 20 cell display, $55.00. Our own new Orbit Writer & Phone Leather Case: Tough enough for a biker, $20; 3 Multi-Pocket Leather Cross-Body Bags, $36 with free shipping! New Soundbox Stereo Model: Listen on the Go; No Wires; Great Sound; 4AA batteries, $50.00. Call Barry at (617) 969-7500 📱️ for full details.Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us
Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐 For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at: For All Things Dog Contact Kae at: 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! Sponsor: A. T. Guys➜ This Week's Classified Ad:If you're like me, you probably have more things to plug into your computer than available ports. That's why we've now added the Plugable USBC 7-in-1 Hub. Plug it into your laptop and you will get 3 USB ports, SD and Micro SD card slots, a USBC charging port, and an HDMI video port. It's available now for just $29.95:https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=331
Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐 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 📱️. Sponsor: John Panarese➜ This Week's Classified Ad:John Panarese and his team are pleased to announce their support via email offering! 10 emails and 2 responses per email! Take advantage of this unique package today! Visit https://macfortheblind.com to learn more.
Director, https://www.MacForTheBlind.com Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Website: https://www.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. Your Name Here
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