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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Volume 799The Week's News in Adaptive Technologyhttps://toptechtidbits.com/ A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in adaptive technology. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Top Tech Tidbits. The World's #1 Adaptive Technology Publication. Brought to you by:
This issue made possible by sponsorship support from: Dean Martineau @ TopTechTidbits.com, Donna Jodhan @ DonnaJodhan.com, John Panarese @ MacForTheBlind.com, A.T. Guys @ ATGuys.com, Barry Scheur @ GuideLightsAndGadgets.us, American Printing House @ APH.org, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store @ Adaptations.org, Be My Eyes @ BeMyEyes.com, Vorail @ Vorail.com, Dolphin Computer Access @ YourDolphin.com, HumanWare @ HumanWare.com, and APH ConnectCenter @ APHConnectCenter.org.Dear Tidbits Subscriber,1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last WeekA.) Windows 10's Most Annoying Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them: (9.6% of all clicks.)https://www.cnet.com/how-to/windows-10s-most-annoying-problems-and-how-to-troubleshoot-them/ B.) JAWS Power Tip: Using Voice Schemes: (6.2% of all clicks.) https://www.toptechtidbits.com/15.html C.) 15 Best Tips and Tricks for DuckDuckGo Search Users: (5.6% of all clicks.) https://mashtips.com/duckduckgo-search-tips-tricks/ D.) Microsoft's New 'Group Transcribe' iPhone App Offers Free Real-Time Transcription and Translation: (5.3% of all clicks.) https://9to5mac.com/2021/03/03/microsofts-group-transcribe-iphone-app-free-transcription-translation/ E.) HIMS Announces The BrailleSense 6: 32-Cell Android Device Running Android 10: (5.2% of all clicks.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I1642cdvto 2) Starbucks Launches Technology to Aid Visually Impaired at U.S. StoresStarbucks has launched a new service, Aira, designed to aid the visually impaired in U.S. stores. Developed by Aira Tech Corp., the service provides those who are blind or have low vision with visual information, such as the layout of a Starbucks location, through a smartphone app. Starbucks tested Aira in seven U.S. cities earlier this year, including at the Washington D.C. signing store. This summer, Starbucks will bring Braille and large print menus to stores in Canada and the U.S.:https://www.marketwatch.com/story/starbucks-launches-technology-to-aid-visually-impaired-at-us-stores-2021-03-15 3) JAWS Power Tip: Using the Skim Reading Toolhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/13.html4) Recording | Tek Talk Meeting | March 8th 2021 | Deborah Armstrong | What To Do When Your PC Stops TalkingLearn more and listen:https://tinyurl.com/y5u8dsx2 Direct Download: https://tinyurl.com/r7n6h69z 5) JAWS with Microsoft Teams Power Tip: Sending and Receiving Chats with JAWShttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/16.html6) Top Tech Tidbits Blind and Visually Impaired Technology Listserv Directory:We won't post this every week, but we will when there are additions, of which there were several last week. If you are the administrator of a Listserv dedicated to the discussion of Assistive Technology, and would like to have your Listserv included in this free directory, please visit:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 7) ZoomText Power Tip: Learning ZoomText's Key Features and Hotkeys Are Only a Tooltip Awayhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/17.html8) Learn to Use VoiceOver on Your iPhone: A Beginner's GuideThis very thorough and helpful guide comes to us from Geeksmodo:https://geeksmodo.com/learn-to-use-voiceover-on-your-iphone-a-beginners-guide/ 9) Axe-Con Digital Accessibility ConferenceThis conference received positive reviews. It is now over, but registering for it gives you access to the recordings:https://www.deque.com/axe-con/ 10) NV Access In-Process For March 12th 2021Learn more about the latest version of NVDA, and get ready for the Microsoft Ability Summit:https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-12th-march-2021/ ➜ Podcasts1) Braillecast | Getting the Braille you Need in Work or EducationMarch 9th 2021 | This session covered how to obtain braille through the Access To Work and Disabled Students Allowance schemes. We talked about how to advocate for the braille you need and what options you have. We also looked at advocating for braille textbooks and braille signage in work or education:https://www.braillecast.com/podcast/ 2) Blind Android Users 14 | Getting To Know System SettingsMarch 14th 2021 | Shout out back at The Blind Android Users Mailing List for mentioning us in this episode yet again, along with the new Top Tech Tidbits Blind and Visually Impaired Listserv Directory. Thank you! In this episode Warren gives a tour of the settings app, Tabitha AKA Snowsprite unboxes her LG V60, and Warren delves into Shortcut Maker and demonstrates Star Launcher. Finally, Judy Jones talks about her Android journey:https://blindandroidusers.com 3) Say My Meme 7 | Work, Work, Work Work WorkMarch 15th 2021 | Let's face it: If work didn't suck at least a little, they wouldn't have to pay you to show up. We all get frustrated with our jobs, and when we do, the healthy response is to spend an inordinate amount of office time researching the perfect image to encapsulate exactly how much you want to throw your boss into the volcano from Lord of the Rings. In this episode, Caroline from Scribely describes: Work memes!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/say-my-meme/id1554583264 4) Blind Tech Guys 77 | Dolphin, The Right Of ReplyMarch 16th 2021 | On this episode, Neill from Dolphin Access responds to our critique of their screenreader, Thomas reviews how accessible Netflix is on both Android and iPhone and Kirt demonstrates voiceover command settings, a powerful feature for iPhone customization:https://www.blindtechguys.com/77 5) Eyes on Success 2112 | Steering the Course to a Career In ScienceMarch 17th 2021 | Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey first interviewed Rebecca Alford in 2011 when she was in high school. Despite being visually impaired she went on to win the Intel Science competition and we’ve been following her progress ever since. Now with a Ph.D. in chemical and biomechanical engineering, having started her first job, she shares her experiences with us.:https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show%20notes/show%20notes%202112.htm ➜ Webinars and Training Courses (Upcoming)1) Freedom Scientific Webinar: Using JAWS with Gmail in Standard ViewMarch 18th 2021 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | There are two views available for displaying Gmail in your web browser, Basic HTML and Standard. In December 2019, we discussed how to use Gmail in Basic HTML view. In our upcoming webinar, we show you how to use Gmail in Standard view, which is chosen by default. Standard view allows you to use all of the included Gmail features, and is navigable with JAWS. Register here:https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PjR6_TCcQ9-CL0wNQVkddw 2) ACB Community Call: Vispero Presentation: Free Product Training Sessions And ResourcesMarch 18th 2021 | 12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 8PM GMT | Join Jeff Bazer to discuss Free Product Training Sessions and Resources. Sponsored by Vispero. | One tap mobile: +13126266799,,88275409010# | Phone: (312) 626-6799 ☎ | Webinar ID: 882 7540 9010 | Passcode: 974968 | Join the webinar:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88275409010?pwd=dlZ1VFozQWlEcHZtSXBBZ25EQzRZdz09 3) Guidelights and Gadgets Product Demonstrations for The Florida Outreach Center for the BlindMarch 18th 2021 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Zoom meeting. | This workshop is committed to describing and demonstrating unique products within three categories: gadgets and electronics, leather bags and pouches of all types and "all things dog" for handlers and their companions. One tap mobile: +13126266799,,#,# | Direct Dial: +1 (312) 626-6799 ☎ | Meeting ID: 561 642 0005 | If the system prompts you to enter a participant code just press the pound key. Join at:https://zoom.us/j/5616420005 4) ACB Community Call: Apple Presentation: What About The Mac, Part 2March 19th 2021 | 12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 8PM GMT | Join certified Apple Teacher Matt Vollbrecht and the TTJ Instructor Team as they provide an overview, complete with demonstrations of course, of how to use Mac OS with Voiceover. Learn the basics of setting up a Mac, navigating with both a keyboard and a TrackPad, and where to go to learn more. Sponsored by The Tech Juggernaut. | One tap mobile: +13126266799,,84439933345# | Phone: (312) 626-6799 ☎ | Webinar ID: 844 3993 3345 | Join the webinar:https://acb-org.zoom.us/j/84439933345 5) ACB Community Call: Exploring NVDA: Google DocsMarch 20th 2021 | 12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 8PM GMT | Let's explore Google Docs. Each week we will go through the ins and outs of NVDA, a free and open source screen reader for Windows. | One tap mobile: +13126266799,,85748494298# | Phone: (312) 626-6799 ☎ | Meeting ID: 857 4849 4298 | Passcode: 272636 | Join the call:https://acb-org.zoom.us/j/85748494298?pwd=QXY4ZmtJU045bWxvZXBIb2JldTEvQT09 6) Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey | Making the Most of iOS Voice Control in Conjunction with VoiceOverMarch 24th 2021 | 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT | VLANJ Tech Talks- virtual online monthly topic-based evening event. Presented by VLANJ instructors or guest speakers on various to, which include pics include accessible technologies, helpful apps, etc.https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAucOygqDwtHtP5XldL3JPoufPS2FclYGKP 7) Mystic Access: Free Question and Answer Session About Evo E10 DAISY Media PlayerMarch 26th 2021 | 5:30PM PT, 6:30PM MT, 7:30PM CT, 8:30PM ET, 12:30AM GMThttps://mysticaccess.zoom.us/j/87625412547?pwd=YkFLNFBVWk5VenJxaEdEY3h6M09yUT09 8) Mystic Access: Extend Your Browser With Browser ExtensionsMarch 27th 2021 | 5:30PM PT, 6:30PM MT, 7:30PM CT, 8:30PM ET, 12:30 AM GMT | A Mystic Access free event. Here is the link to attend:https://mysticaccess.zoom.us/j/84337036730?pwd=cGZ6amdQZWpkV2d6ZmMrU1I5cGYvdz09 9) Free Training Course from Humanware and the California School for the Blind (CSB) | BrailleNote Touch Plus Notetaker for Students, Teachers and FamiliesMarch 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 10) TPGi Webinar | Accessibility and Higher Education Institutions: What You Need to KnowMarch 31st 2021 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Join Brian Landrigan from TPGi and special guest Jeff Mills, founder of GrackleDocs, for a webinar on how higher education institutions can achieve their accessibility goals:https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-31-accessibility-and-higher-education-institutions-what-you-need-to-know/ 11) TravelAbility Launches the World's First Pitchfest Featuring Adaptive Technology + Products from 9 CountriesApril 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/ 12) TPGi Webinar | ARC Test Initiatives & the API: Aligning Accessibility Goals with DevOps to Achieve MoreApril 20th 2021 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Are you fed up with remediating accessibility issues after they crop up during integration testing? Have you found it difficult to prevent and resolve accessibility issues at the earliest stages of software development? Join Kurt Mattes, Senior Accessibility Engineer with TPGi's ARC Platform, to learn about ARC's Test Initiatives and API.https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-april-20-arc-test-initiatives-the-api-aligning-accessibility-goals-with-devops-to-achieve-more/ 13) Microsoft 2021 Ability SummitMay 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 14) National Federation of the Blind 2021 National ConventionJuly 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 Announcements1) Virtual Career Fair For People With DisabilitiesMarch 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 News1) Cable News Networks, ESPN Get FCC Audio Description ExemptionThe FCC has officially approved requests from CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and ESPN to be exempt from audio description rules that are required of top national non-broadcast networks, based on the amount of non-live linear programming the networks offer per calendar quarter:https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/cable-news-networks-espn-get-fcc-audio-description-exemption 2) What Assistive Technologies Can Do To Make STEM More Inclusivehttps://science.thewire.in/the-sciences/what-assistive-technologies-can-do-to-make-stem-more-inclusive/3) Super.com Partners with Mars Vision to Improve Access for Visually Impaired Gamershttps://venturebeat.com/2021/03/10/super-com-partners-with-mars-vision-to-improve-access-for-visually-impaired-gamers/4) 4 Signs Your Product Is Not As Accessible As You Thinkhttps://techcrunch.com/2021/03/15/4-signs-your-product-is-not-as-accessible-as-you-think/5) Social Media Has Upped its Accessibility Game. But Deaf Creators Say it Has a Long Way to GoCaptioning on social media can be hit or miss, making the experience sometimes alienating for deaf users:https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/03/15/social-media-accessibility-captions/ ➜ Buy, Sell or Trade1) FOR SALE: Brailiant BI 14 Portable Braille DisplayListing 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: 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 for Thursday Email 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 for Thursday Email Newsletter. Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter➜ This Week's Classified Ad:
VisionAware Resources: Low Vision Exam
What is it? Who Needs it? What comes next? Join Dr. Alexis G. Malkin of the New England College of Optometry and David Bradburn of HumanWare on March 31st at 2:00 PM EST as they explore the difference between a regular eye exam and a low vision exam and discuss low vision aids or devices to help with hobbies and daily activities: https://visionaware.org/
Sponsor Since: March 4th 2021 Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐 Email: connectcenter@aph.org ✉ APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line: 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. 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
Sponsor Since: February 4th 2021 Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐 Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 ☎ 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
Sponsor Since: January 28th 2021 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 Download a FREE 30-Day Trial of SuperNova 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
Sponsor Since: January 21st 2021 Website: https://www.vorail.com/toptechtidbits/ 🌐 Download The App (iOS): Download The App (Android): 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
Sponsor Since: November 5th 2020 Website: https://www.bemyeyes.com/ 🌐 Download The App (iOS): Download The App (Android): 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
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