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Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology. Masthead logo includes title as well as five stylized access logos, clockwise a long cane user, enlarged print, fingers signing interpreter, full braille cell, hearing aid user.

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Volume 797

The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com/

A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
https://mvsltd.com/

Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology.

This Week's Featured Advertisement: Start Looking Ahead to Better Days With Courses From MacForTheBlind!

A collage of 8 photographs show 8 different blind or visually-impaired adults and children using Apple Technology to accomplish various tasks. In the center is the MacForTheBlind logo.

Are you ready for Spring? There's no time like the present to start looking ahead to better days, and this is exactly what John Panarese is doing. You see John has started his Winter / Spring course offerings and there's still time to take advantage of his courses. Take a moment to refresh your knowledge when it comes to your Mac and iOS devices. John offers tutorials, complete courses, and discounts on his offerings. John is a world-renowned Apple consultant and trainer and he uses his experience to help you get closer to the world of Apple technology. He has years of experience under his belt so no excuse and no time to waste taking advantage of these incredible deals:
https://donorbox.org/macfortheblind.


Dear Tidbits Subscriber,


1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week

A.) How to Fix Windows 10 File Explorer Not Responding: (8.4% of all clicks.)
https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-10/how-to-fix-windows-10-file-explorer-not-responding/
B.) JAWS Power Tip: Using Temporary Place Markers to Copy, Cut, Delete or Just About Anything Else You Might Want: (8.3% of all clicks.)
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/9.html
C.) JAWS with Microsoft Teams Power Tip: Sending and Receiving Chats with JAWS: (5.9% of all clicks.)
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/7.html
D.) New Features in JAWS, ZT, and Fusion: (5.8% of all clicks.)
https://webfriendlyhelp.com/new-features-in-jaws-zt-and-fusion/
E.) Supersense Introduces Super Lidar: (5.0% of all clicks.)
https://www.supersense.app/post/super-lidar-the-first-step-forward

2) Top Tech Tidbits Welcomes New Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter

Please join us in extending a very big thank you and welcome aboard to our newest sponsor, APH ConnectCenter. If you missed this opportunity to join us as a sponsor we encourage you to keep your name on our waiting list and we will notify you again the moment another sponsorship package becomes available. APH ConnectCenter replaces Sprint IP Relay, whom we would also like to thank for their support. The mission of the APH ConnectCenter is to offer curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives. Learn more today at:
https://aphconnectcenter.org/

3) JAWS with Microsoft Teams Power Tip: Opening A File Attachment From A Channel

https://www.toptechtidbits.com/8.html

4) JAWS Power Tip: Create Row and Column Headers for Ranges that Read Automatically for JAWS Users

https://doccenter.freedomscientific.com/doccenter/doccenter/rs25c51746a0cc/2013-09-25_ExcelAndWordHeaders/02_HeadersInExcel.htm

5) ZoomText Power Tip: Zoom In and Out Faster with Favorite Zoom Levels

https://www.toptechtidbits.com/11.html

6) The 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2021

Every year, for the last 20 years, MIT Technology Review has compiled an annual selection of the year's most important technologies. Here's what they've got on their radar for 2021:
https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/02/24/1014369/10-breakthrough-technologies-2021/

7) WSU Professor, Colleagues Work on Creating Comic Book App for the Visually Impaired

They hope to have an app on the App Store and Google Play by next year:
https://www.ksn.com/news/ksn-extra/wsu-professor-colleagues-work-on-creating-comic-book-app-for-the-visually-impaired/

8) 6 Clever Ways to Use the Windows Command Prompt

Wired offers this article which demystifies a venerable Windows feature:
https://www.wired.com/story/6-windows-command-prompt-clever-tips/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_brand=wired&mbid=social_twitter&utm_social-type=owned

9) Microsoft's "Power Automate Desktop" Is Now Free and Can Do Your Work for You

This feature acts as a macro program which doesn't require you to learn any specific language to use it:
https://www.reviewgeek.com/72556/microsofts-power-automate-desktop-is-now-free-and-can-do-your-work-for-you/

10) Module 7 of JAWS Training for Teachers and AT Instructors

This one is called "Using Surf's Up as a Teaching Tool." It provides a review of surfing the internet with JAWS and shows you how to navigate Surf's Up, access web page elements, navigate web pages, use JAWS Navigation Quick Keys, fill out forms and read tables:
https://blog.freedomscientific.com/module-7-of-jaws-training-for-teachers-and-at-instructors/

11) NV Access In-Process | February 26th 2021

Here is a lot of information about the latest NVDA release among other things:
https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-26th-february-2021/

12) How to Check Your PC's Full Specifications on Windows 10

Windows Central describes five tools for knowing what's in your computer:
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-check-your-computer-full-specifications-windows-10?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wmexperts+%28Windows+Central%29

13) 12 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do in Google Chrome

Dean Martineau is a big fan of the OmniBox, for instance:
https://gizmodo.com/12-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-do-in-google-chrome-1846373120

14) Google Adds Voice Commands to Android TalkBack Screen Reader to Improve Accessibility

Google has added voice commands and other interactive features to the TalkBack screen reader for Android. TalkBack helps people with impaired vision use Android devices, and Google is implementing the new functions based on requests from the blind and low vision community:
https://voicebot.ai/2021/02/25/google-adds-voice-commands-to-android-talkback-screen-reader-to-improve-accessibility/

15) Live Caption Now Available on Google Chrome on Desktops

Whether you're hard of hearing, deaf, in a loud environment, or forget to bring your headphones, Live Caption automatically transcribes any audio coming from your phone for you. We long knew that Live Caption is on its way to Chrome as well, and we just spotted it working on the stable Chrome 88 release - you just need to activate a flag:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/02/25/live-caption-is-now-available-on-google-chrome-on-desktops/

16) Applevis Unlimited | What's New and Noteworthy for February 2021

This is the latest in the monthly series which highlights what's new and noteworthy on the AppleVis website:
https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-and-noteworthy-february-2021

17) Alexa Skills That Are Actually Fun and Useful

Sure, you can add items to your shopping list, check the weather, and get random trivia. Now let's take your Echo to the next level:
https://www.wired.com/story/alexa-skills-that-are-actually-fun-and-useful/

18) Switching From JAWS To NVDA

The purpose of this guide, which continues to receive updates, is to assist users of JAWS (Job Access With Speech) in switching to the open-source screen reader NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) with ease. It assumes prior knowledge of JAWS and that you are proficient in its use. It is not intended to be a replacement of the included user guide, but as a means to make NVDA seem less daunting:
https://github.com/nvaccess/nvda-community/wiki/SwitchingFromJawsToNVDA

19) The Ultimate Guide to Mac Backup in 2021

This article is incredibly thorough and may well live up to its name:
https://thesweetbits.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-mac-backup/

20) VoiceOver? Or NVDA? Which is Better?

Draw your own conclusions and listen to theirs in this opine from iphonegeeks:
https://iphonegeeks.com/nvda-vs-voiceover-which-is-better/

21) Street Fighter V's Latest Patch Broke a Major Feature for Visually Impaired Players

A recent patch to Street Fighter V forces the game's audio into mono, which makes it nearly unplayable for visually impaired players:
https://www.cbr.com/street-fighter-v-audio-blind/

22) Zoom Getting Automatic Closed Captions for All Users — How to Get Early Access

Zoom's free tier is getting a big boost with automatic closed captions:
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/zoom-is-getting-a-killer-update-to-make-life-easier

23) Introducing the "Outdoors With Lawrence Gunther" Podcast Series

This AMI Audio original podcast is directed toward youth living with vision loss, and is meant to inform and inspire such youth to connect with nature. Lawrence Gunther is a life-long outdoor enthusiast and is totally blind himself. He has another popular podcast dealing with fish and fishing and he produces a lot of film and TV content. So if you are a nature enthusiast, please be sure to check out "Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther" for suggestions and tips for getting off the sidewalk and connecting with nature with low or no vision. 19 episodes currently available:
https://lawrencegunther.com/

24) MiniVision2 Big Button Cell Phone For Individuals Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

A couple months ago we covered the BlindShell Classic, which is a cellphone made specifically for individuals with visual impairments. If you or a loved one are in the market for a new phone that caters to individuals with visual impairments, another available option is the MiniVision2 Cell Phone:
https://www.eastersealstech.com/2021/02/23/minivision2-cell-phone-for-visually-impaired-blind/

25) MantisTM Q40 & ChameleonTM 20 Release Notes

New features and fixes:
https://www.aph.org/release-notes/

26) Apple Stores Offering Free Sign Language Interpreter Appointments

Apple is now offering prescheduled support from sign language interpreters at hundreds of its retail stores in nearly a dozen countries. The service is provided to customers by appointment at no cost:
https://9to5mac.com/2021/02/25/apple-retail-store-sign-language-interpreter-appointments/

➜ Podcasts

1) Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther 19 | Greenhouse Gases, Wind Power, Blind Sailing and Lake Superior's Sleeping Giant

February 19th 2021 | In this episode Lawrence talks Lake Superior and it's Sleeping Giant. Why the lake is changing and what we can do. Also, tips and stories about sailing blind:
https://www.stitcher.com/show/outdoors-with-lawrence-gunther/episode/episode-19-greenhouse-gasses-wind-power-blind-sailing-and-lake-superiors-sleeping-giant-81790430

2) Sight and Sound Technology Podcast | Scribe for Windows

February 25th 2021 | Hear from the Sight and Sound Technology podcast about Pneuma Solutions and their product line:
https://pneumasolutions.com/mike-and-matt-on-sight-and-sound-technology-podcast/

3) That Real Blind Tech Show 21 | Conversation with Niv Shah Developer for Ottoneu Fantasy Baseball

February 27th 2021 | Brian welcomes Niv Shah, Founder and Developer of Ottoneu Fantasy Baseball, a dynasty baseball format with more of an advanced analytics approach to fantasy. Niv discusses the format of the game, where the unique name to the game comes from, and his role with Ottoneu:
https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-21-a-conversation-with-niv-shah-developer-for-ottoneu-fantasy-baseball

4) Blind Android Users 12 | Android Basics Revisited & Enlightened by Zen UI

February 28th 2021
https://blindandroidusers.com

5) Blind Tech Guys 75 | A Deep Dive Into Dolphin ScreenReader

On this episode Nimer demonstrated the Dolphin ScreenReader, Marco ran through how to use Samsung Health and Kirt showed off Hotspot, plus they welcome a special guest to the show:
March 2nd 2021
https://www.blindtechguys.com/

6) Eyes on Success 2110 | Some Favorite Tips of the Week

March 3rd 2021 | Every episode of Eyes On Success starts with a "Tip of the Week". These tips offer suggestions from people we interview about anything from the benefits of participating in sports to the importance of learning blindness skills. This week hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey share some of their favorite tips from the past 10 years with our listeners:
https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show%20notes/show%20notes%202110.htm

➜ Webinars and Training Courses (Upcoming)

1) American Foundation for the Blind Centennial Gala Celebration

March 4th 2021 | 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT, 3/5 | The Art of Inclusion: AFB100 Concert & Celebration. An award-winning lineup of performers and other special guests. Available to stream via https://www.afb.org/ArtOfInclusion. Advance registration suggested at https://www.afb.org/100signup. Learn more:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-foundation-for-the-blind-announces-centennial-gala-celebration-301230831.html

2) Introduction to WeWalk

March 4th 2021 | 2AM PT, 3AM MT, 4AM CT, 5AM ET, 10AM GMT | This demo and discussion of the WeWalk Cane comes from Sight and Sound Technologies and SeaScape in the UK. Register here:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fyiQPZKWQPi7TVtEgOWlMg

3) Intracortical Visual Prosthesis Project Clinical Trial | Informational Session and Recruitment

March 9th 2021 | 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT, 3/10 | Zoom meeting. Link to Zoom session will be sent following registration. Conducted By: Illinois Institute of Technology & The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. | Learn from the researchers about an experimental device intended to restore visual perception for individuals who are blind. Learn about the intracortical visual prosthesis device, the study, expectations, possible risks and benefits, and post implant requirements. Interested individuals will receive contact information to speak with study personnel after the educational session is over. For more information and to reserve your spot please contact: Kelsey Stipp at (312) 567-5304 📱️, or ICVP@iit.edu 📧️. For more details:
https://chicagolighthouse.org/icvp/

4) Wayaround App on Maryland Technology Group Call

March 13th 2021 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | The Wayaround App. Makes labeling with a smartphone easy. To hear about this app, dial into the program by calling (319) 527-4994 📱️:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx

5) Free iPad Course for VoiceOver Geared Toward Middle School / High School Students

March 16th 2021 | This six-session course invites students to come and play games using their iPad with VoiceOver. Through game-based learning, students will learn and reinforce VoiceOver specific skills and explore apps helpful to the VoiceOver user. Through scavenger hunts, murder mysteries, and escape rooms, students will make friendships and connect with peers who are also VoiceOver users. Learn more about this and other California School for the Blind Short Courses here:
https://www.csb-cde.ca.gov/outreach/shortcourses/index.aspx

6) Free Training Course from Humanware and the California School for the Blind (CSB) | BrailleNote Touch Plus Notetaker for Teachers and Professionals

March 17th 2021 | 3:30 PM PT, 4:30 PM MT, 5:30 PM CT, 6:30 PM ET, 11:30 PM GMT | Presented by: Rachel Feinberg, West Coast Blindness Product Specialist on behalf of HumanWare Technologies. The very full agenda will cover: Introduction and orientation to the BrailleNote Touch Plus. Who benefits from use of the BrailleNote. Skills needed to prepare for BrailleNote use. Efficiency of the BrailleNote with built-in keyboard short-cuts as a "braille first" product. Use of BrailleNote vs. iPad with braille display. Overview of Google Drive/Google Docs. How to upload files to Google Drive/download files from Google Drive for editing in KeyWord. Explore EasyReader+. Download books from Bookshare and navigate contents. Web browsing using Chrome . Discussion of remote viewing of the BrailleNote screen including TeamViewer as well as other screen-sharing options. Overview of KeyMath. Q and A throughout training. Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2LZDZ1PQVsGVFyP9G-CI_icKbizjOvzok-Vis9lGlZgOmqQ/viewform

7) Training Course from Hartgen Consultancy | Winning Teams! Using Microsoft Teams with JAWS for Windows

March 17th 2021 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | Cost: £150.00 / $205.00 USD | Four training sessions starting on Wednesday, March 17th 2021 and then weekly each Wednesday thereafter. If you cannot make a live session, you will have access to the recording of it shortly after. Requirements, registration and what you will receive available here:
http://www.hartgen.org/teams

8) Free Training Course from Humanware and the California School for the Blind (CSB) | BrailleNote Touch Plus Notetaker for Students, Teachers and Families.

March 31st 2021 | 3:30 PM PT, 4:30 PM MT, 5:30 PM CT, 6:30 PM ET, 11:30 PM GMT | Presented by: Rachel Feinberg, West Coast Blindness Product Specialist on behalf of HumanWare Technologies. The format of the training will be primarily question and answer.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzzuwVaRWiWtgsBmN_XPYsihhJ8b_vXAc8eYCV19CJrwNfcQ/viewform

9) TravelAbility Launches the World's First Pitchfest Featuring Adaptive Technology + Products from 9 Countries

April 1st 2021 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | TravelAbility LaunchPad will be the first of four TravelAbility events in 2021. TravelAbility is sponsored by Google, Expedia, AccessiBe and Design Sensory. Think "Shark Tank" at the intersection of travel and disability. LaunchPad will be promoted internationally to provide exposure to prospective investors, grant funders and travel industry professionals that may become possible distribution partners. Registration is $195. Check out the agenda and register here:
http://travelability.net/agenda/

10) Microsoft 2021 Ability Summit

May 5th & 6th 2021 | The Microsoft Ability Summit is a two-day, free digital event experience that brings together people with disabilities, allies, and accessibility professionals to Imagine, Build, Include, and Empower the future of disability inclusion and accessibility. We encourage all to join and spread the word. Registration will open in March. In the meantime, learn more and check out the Ability Summit 2021 announcement video here:
https://sway.office.com/Dbr2Uz14PIn31Dq8

11) National Federation of the Blind 2021 National Convention

July 6th 2021 through July 10th 2021 | Register for free to attend the largest gathering of blind people and take advantage of the opportunity to network with thousands of blind role models, connect with leaders in the field of blindness, attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics, and learn about the latest in technology and innovation. Learn more and register here:
https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention

➜ Job Announcements

1) Membership Services Administrative Assistant | American Council of the Blind

Location: Remote (Work from home.) Compensation: $40,000 Annual Salary.
https://acb.org/jobs#MembershipServices-Admin

2) Virtual Career Fair For People With Disabilities

March 23rd 2021 | Are you a person with a disability, looking for a career opportunity or internship? This Virtual Career Fair is free for career seekers with disabilities to attend. Experienced professionals, recent college graduates and college students with disabilities meet online with employers across the nation to discuss competitive career opportunities. Candidates are invited to interact with employers via chat sessions. Learn more and register here:
https://www.careereco.com/Fair/EventDetails?fairId=6a058ac1-e837-4b18-a883-ac4e0161fe77

➜ Press Releases and Other News

1) COVID Vaccine Websites Create Inequity for the Blind

Many COVID vaccination registration and information websites at the federal, state and local levels violate disability rights laws, hindering the ability of blind people to sign up for a potentially lifesaving vaccine, a KHN investigation has found:
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/safety-quality/covid-vaccine-websites-violate-disability-laws-create-inequity-blind

2) It's Impossible for Blind People to Go Supermarket Shopping — That Needs to Change

Carley Gregory, who lost her eyesight aged 10, has started a petition to get manufacturers to make changes, while the RNIB reveals how technology can improve accessibility:
https://inews.co.uk/news/real-life/blind-partially-sighted-visually-impaired-braille-supermarkets-products-kelloggs-navilens-874323

3) Microsoft's Investments Make Xbox a Leader in Gaming Accessibility, and Others Should Follow

Recent updates and a new developer-friendly service make Microsoft the current leader in gaming accessibility:
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsofts-investments-make-xbox-leader-gaming-accessibility

4) Can Technology Open Spaceflight to Disabled Astronauts?

The European Space Agency wants to make sure its new astronaut class is more diverse. But it will take redesigned gear to make space accessible to everybody:
https://www.wired.com/story/can-technology-open-spaceflight-to-disabled-astronauts/

➜ Buy, Sell or Trade

1) FOR SALE: Brailiant BI 14 Portable Braille Display

Listing Date: 2/25/2021 | Price: $375.00 USD | Condition: Gently used. | Description: This display has a new main board , and a new battery. Comes with Executive Products Carrying Case. I will ship with in the Continental US. | Contact: jimoneill1@verizon.net 📧️ or (215) 317-9877 📱️ |

2) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Ad (Just like this one.)

Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5.00 USD. | Buy an Ad: Fill out this short 10-step form ✔ to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisement today. | Learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html 🌐 |


Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads:


Sponsor: Humanware

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

BRAILLIANT Renewed! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series is here!
The wait is over! A redefined family of Brailliant refreshable Braille displays has arrived! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series will help you stay connected, download books from many participating online libraries and share information easily with your peers. You will enjoy the intuitive, seamless user experience of KeySoft Lite, the HumanWare flagship accessibility suite designed to make you more productive. Including the Brailliant BI 40X and the Brailliant BI 20X, this is the Brailliant idea you need!
http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/newsletter/070120211100-BrailliantBIX-Launch-US.htm

Humanware logo.

Sponsor Since: February 4th 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐

Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️
Phone (Australia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️
Phone (Canada): +1 888 723-7273 📱️
Phone (Europe): +44 1933 415 800 📱️
Phone (International): +44 1933 415 800 📱️
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Phone (United States): +1 800 722-3393 📱️

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWVYiggn-w 🎥

About: HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. HumanWare offers a wide range of innovative products, including the BrailleNote Touch, first Google certified braille tablet, the iOS compatible Brailliant braille displays, Victor Reader®, the world's leading family of digital audiobook players, the unique Prodigi® family of desktop and portable vision and reading systems, and the ultra-portable explore line of electronic handheld magnifier.


Sponsor: Dolphin Computer Access

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

Introducing SuperNova Kiosks
Deliver a positive experience to all of your customers by making your self-service stations accessible for all levels of sight. Choose SuperNova Kiosks and empower people with partial sight to explore the screen in comfort and provide complete access for people who are blind. Learn more about SuprNova Kiosks at:
https://yourdolphin.com/en-gb/supernova-kiosks

Dolphin logo.

Sponsor Since: January 28th 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: https://yourdolphin.com/ 🌐

Phone (USA & Canada): +1 (866) 797-5921 📱️

Phone (UK, Europe & Asia): +44 01905 754577 📱️

Phone (Nordic & Baltic Contries): +46 0515 82175 📱️

Download a FREE 30-Day Trial of GuideConnect
GuideConnect Trial

Download a FREE 30-Day Trial of SuperNova
SuperNova Trial

About: Dolphin Computer Access offers a wide array of solutions for students, people in the workforce, and at home who are blind, visually impaired or have dyslexia. Each product is purposefully designed to help users, with varying levels of technology experience, do everyday things EASILY on computers and tablets. Founded in 1986 and located in Worcester England, Dolphin has grown to become a global market leader worldwide.


Sponsor: Vorail

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

The true beauty of a person lies within and if you hear our voices, you'll quickly understand.
24-hour peer-to-peer tech support in voice, and much more. Get answers to just about anything you need to know, whether it is blindness related or not, and make incredible friends. Follow who you like, mute those you don't. We're not alone in this blindness thing. Ask-alls range from "How to do X from an accessibility standpoint?" to "What do you keep in your bed other than yourself?" to "What word would you use to describe 2020? to "What word to describe your hopes for 2021?". Vorail is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
https://vorail.com/toptechtidbits

Vorail logo.

Sponsor Since: January 21st 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.vorail.com/toptechtidbits/ 🌐

Download The App (iOS):
Vorail for iOS - From the Apple App Store 📱

Download The App (Android):
Vorail for Android - From the Google Play Store 📱

Mission: Vorail is the only platform in the world for the low vision and blind community where everybody can join conversations by voice on equal footing. Every day members of the Vorail community create ask-alls (questions) about life (news, health, technology, religion, sports and more) that allow us to see the world differently, and connect in a way that is deeper than 'liking' a photo. Vorail is an audio-only experience, voice is the window into a human soul. It does not matter if you are tall, short, wide, thin, white, or black when nobody sees your picture. Without the visuals, what counts is who you are, the person inside. That is the mission of Vorail, to create an extended family where we are judged for who we are, not what we look like.


Sponsor: Be My Eyes

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

Accessible Pharmacy Joins Be My Eyes
Accessible Pharmacy, the new, home delivery pharmacy with a blind founder, is bringing its full range of support and services to Be My Eyes. Users of the Be My Eyes app can now call Accessible Pharmacy directly to get support with medication, medical devices, and even home delivery COVID testing. With a fully trained and discreet pharmacy staff on call from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Pacific, Accessible Pharmacy is the new way for blind and low vision consumers to get an easy, frictionless pharmacy experience. Call today — and you'll never have to take an Uber to the drugstore again.
https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog/accessible-pharmacy-joins-be-my-eyes.

Lead Contact: Will Butler, VP of Community

Be My Eyes logo.

Sponsor Since: November 5th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.bemyeyes.com/ 🌐

Download The App (iOS):
Be My Eyes for iOS - From the Apple App Store 📱

Download The App (Android):
Be My Eyes for Android - From the Google Play Store 📱

About: Be My Eyes is a free mobile app that allows anyone who needs video support to get assistance from a dynamic range of volunteers and company customer support professionals from around the world. With more than 4 million volunteers and dozens of companies offering on-demand visual interpretation and support, Be My Eyes is a free, unlimited way to bridge gaps and get access to whatever information you need — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in any language. Download the app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play.


Sponsor: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store 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!

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store logo.

Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://adaptations.org/ 🌐

Toll Free: (888) 400-8933 📱️

Local: (415) 694-7301 📱️

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: American Printing House (APH)

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

Get Coding with Code JumperTM
Code JumperTM is a fully accessible and inclusive computer coding innovation, originally designed by Microsoft® and developed by APH (for Windows, Chromebook, and Android devices)! With Code Jumper, students across the vision spectrum can learn the basics of computer programming and computational thinking by tactually creating computer code that can tell stories and make music. Learn more at:
https://www.aph.org/product/code-jumper/.

American Printing House (APH) logo.

Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Calendar icon.

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 🎥

Free Apps & Actions from APH: https://www.aph.org/free-apps-from-aph/ 📱

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
Customers say that our new Non-Contact Infrared Talking Thermometer is by far the most consistent, accurate unit available; check out our demo, as well our new BP meter http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ $50 each and with quantity discounts. Our new Evo 10 Media and Daisy Player with Internet and FM Radio, Podcatcher, audio editor, Ivona voices, and lots more; $230 with Mystic Access 10 hour tutorial. New adjustable size phone case, and many other bag specials! Call Barry: (617) 969-7500 📱️; bscheur@scheur.com 📧️.

Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us

GuideLights And Gadgets logo. The silhouette of a man with a cane in one hand and the harness of a trained guide dog in the other walk together through the grass at sunrise. GuideLights And Gadgets. Personal. Affordable. Responsive. Trusted.

Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐

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!


Sponsor: A. T. Guys

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub
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 Pluggable USB-C 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

A. T. Guys logo.

Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐

Phone: (269) 216-4798 📱️

Email: support@atguys.com 📧️

Skype: atguys ✆

Twitter: https://twitter.com/atguys (@atguys) ✍

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 📱️.


Sponsor: John Panarese

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

Mac For The Blind Tutorials and Courses
COVID has brought us some very daunting challenges! But this has not stopped John Panarese from solving the great mystery! His technical offerings will help you to better understand and navigate the world of Apple devices! Visit https://macfortheblind.com/ to learn more today!

MacForTheBlind.com logo.

Director, https://www.MacForTheBlind.com
Authorized Apple Business Affiliate
Apple Certified Support Professional
Apple Certified Trainer
Assistive Technology Consultant

Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.macfortheblind.com/ 🌐

Donate Course Time: https://donorbox.org/macfortheblind

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.


Sponsor: Donna Jodhan

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

Donna J. Jodhan is your newest sight loss coach! She is unique! She is here to help make a difference in your lives! Donna uses her vast knowledge and expertise as an advocate, author, blogger, entrepreneur, law student, and podcast commentator! Visit her at https://donnajodhan.com/.

Author Donna Jodhan logo.

Author, Donna Jodhan Publications
President, Sterling Creations
President, Barrier Free Canada / Canada sans Barrieres

Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://donnajodhan.com/ 🌐

Donate: https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

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:

Voice Training
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 if interested at:
topdot@gmail.com

Editor, Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter

Top Tech Tidbits logo.

Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/ 🌐

About: Dean Martineau is the Founder and a Contributing Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter.


Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter

APH ConnectCenter logo.

Sponsor Since: March 4th 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐

Email: connectcenter@aph.org 📧️

APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line:
(800) 232-5463 📱️

Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET

Facebook (CareerConnect) | Facebook (FamilyConnect) | Facebook (VisionAware) | Twitter | YouTube

About: The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives.


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