Home: Top Tech Tidbits News: Top Tech Tidbits Subscribe: Top Tech Tidbits Donate: Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor: Top Tech Tidbits Facebook: Top Tech Tidbits X (Formerly Twitter): Top Tech Tidbits Mastodon: Top Tech Tidbits LinkedIn: Top Tech Tidbits YouTube: Top Tech Tidbits RSS: Top Tech Tidbits Back to Top

Top Tech Tidbits. The Week's News in Access Technology. Masthead logo includes title as well as five photos, a blind man with a white cane wearing dark sunglasses talking and listening to his mobile phone, a woman with sandy brown to blonde hair wearing a hearing aid, finger tips feeling braille dots on a refreshable braille display, a man making the sign for 'family' in American Sign Language (ASL), and a woman reading text from a tablet using magnification software.

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 26, 2021 - Volume 821

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: One Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Package Available! Please Join Us In Supporting The Ongoing Distribution of this Publication. Join These 11 Industry Leaders and Begin Reaching Over 6,700 Assistive Technology Professionals, Educators and Enthusiasts Each Week!

Dean Martineau logo. ATGuys.com logo. GuideLightsAndGadgets.us logo. American Printing House APH.org logo. LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store logo. Be My Eyes logo.
HumanWare logo. APH ConnectCenter logo. Freedom Scientific logo. Pneuma Solutions logo. Carroll Center for the Blind logo. Available logo.

You can secure our last available package today for just $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 support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Consider showing your support for the world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology, while enjoying some really incredible marketing benefits:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-packages.html


Dear Tidbits Subscriber,


1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week

A.) Windows Update Breaks Alt+Tab: (16.2% of all clicks.)
https://www.windowslatest.com/2021/08/17/windows-10-kb5005033-is-causing-new-issues-for-some-users/
B.) What Is Google's Auditorial Experiment?: (8.1% of all clicks.)
https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-auditorial/
C.) Social Media Accessibility Tips & Tricks: Facebook: (6.5% of all clicks.)
https://abilitytools.org/blog/social-media-accessibility-tips-tricks-facebook/
D.) How to Get AR Walking Directions in iOS 15: (5.9% of all clicks.)
https://coolblindtech.com/how-to-get-ar-walking-directions-in-ios-15/
E.) New Website Resource "Screenless Allies": (5.4% of all clicks.)
https://screenlessallies.com/

2) Top Tech Tidbits "Most Clicked Tidbit" Weekly Contest | $250 USD Annual Cash Prize | Week #34 of 52

Number of Votes Last Week: 12 | Number of Winners Last Week: 2 | Winner Names: Kota Prabhu and Kate Crohan | Current Overall Winners: Maya, Kota Prabhu and Kate Crohan with 2 of 52 points each. | Current 2nd Place Winners: 16 Players with 1 of 52 points each. | How well do you know adaptive technology? Do you think that you could consistently identify adaptive technology trends if given the opportunity? Well here's your chance. You can now cast your vote each week for the one Tidbit that you believe will receive the most clicks. Get it right more than anyone else each week and you win a $250.00 USD cash prize at the end of the year (December 31st 2021). In addition, there may be opportunities for winners to join our editorial team. The premise is simple and voting is easy. Can you pick the one Tidbit out of each issue that will get the most clicks? If you think you can, or at least would like to try, learn everything there is to know about the contest here and start casting your vote today:
Learn More:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/36.html
Vote Now:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/premium-subscribers.html
Leaderboard: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/premium-subscribers.html

3) One Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Package Currrently Available

Please join us in supporting the ongoing distribution of this publication. Join 11 other industry leaders and begin reaching over 6,700 assistive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. All while enjoying some really incredible marketing benefits. If this sounds like you, please reach out to our publisher today at: publisher@toptechtidbits.com 📧️. Or learn more at:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-packages.html.

4) Top Tech Tidbits Senior Editor Dean Martineau Transitions To Guest Contributor

With a little trepidation and a lot of gratitude, I'm announcing that Issue 821 will be the last issue of Tidbits for which I'll be providing content as Senior Editor. Fear not, though, Tidbits will continue, and just keep getting better. When I launched top Tech Tidbits some sixteen and a half years ago...
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/37.html

5) Good Maps Indoor Navigation Video Demo

Traveling the unknown back corridors of the American Printing House building:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw4l8CxLv5Q

6) A Letter to Apple About the Flicktype Situation

Many blind iPhone users benefited from this app, which Apple has essentially killed. Here's one letter about the situation:
https://davidgoldfield.wordpress.com/2021/08/22/my-email-to-phil-schiller-at-apple-regarding-the-current-situation-with-flicktype/

7) Mosen At Large Episode 144, Flicktype Details, Using Braille Screen Input, More

Another thorough and detailed treatment of a controvertial topic. This is the Transcript:
https://mosen.org/malp0144transcript/

8) Typing on iPhone and Rotor

While we're on the subject of typing, this AppleVis Forum covers lots of options:
https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/typing-iphone-and-rotor

9) Reading Recipes with Siri or Apple Watch

This explanation goes into some good detail, to make the reading of recipes or other text really viable on phone or watch:
https://www.jantrid.net/2021/08/24/reading-recipes-with-siri-or-apple-watch/

10) Resources for Whenever Accessibility Goes Belly Up

The most comprehensive list I've seen of accessibility assistance numbers from companies that provide such numbers:
https://webfriendlyhelp.com/resources-for-whenever-accessibility-goes-belly-up/

11) Android Commands and Settings, Android S (12)

A handy compendium, downloadable or on paper. It costs $12 or $14.50 depending on format:
https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/AND-COMMAND-2ED.html

12) Commmand Palette NVDA Add-on

This is an intriguing add-on, allowing you to type part of a command to execute it rather than using a keystroke:
https://github.com/blindpandas/command_palette/releases/tag/v1.0

13) How to Search in Windows

Clear explanations for Windows 10 and 11, from Make Tech Easier:
https://www.maketecheasier.com/how-to-search-in-windows/

14) Step by Step Screen Reader Navigation of the Parts of the Menu Ribbon | Blind Accessibility Tips YouTube Channel

The updating of Microsoft's menu bar to a menu ribbon saw some blind and visually impaired persons struggling to use it. This tutorial is meant to help these people learn how to navigate the menu ribbon with their screen reader, primarily in the Microsoft Word window, but also in the File Explorer window where the menu ribbon is also displayed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA6G1CkN9d8&t=202s

15) Think You Know ALL Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts? Find Out in Our Full List

It can be overwhelming to memorize all the keyboard shortcuts. However, you do not need to learn every shortcut available on Windows 10. You only need to focus on those you need more frequently to make your life a little easier and improve productivity:
https://www.windowscentral.com/best-windows-10-keyboard-shortcuts

16) 5 Often Overlooked Videogame Accessibility Features

Very useful options that are too often left out of games:
https://www.pcgamer.com/5-often-overlooked-videogame-accessibility-features/

17) Why Twitter's New Design Is Inaccessible to Some Disabled People

Twitter has launched a new design for its app and website, including its own font, higher contrast, and less gray space. The update was intended to increase accessibility, but many disabled users and accessibility experts disagree, pointing out that some of the changes have made the site less accessible. Twitter has responded to the concerns with promises to fix some of the key issues:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/twitter-new-accessible-redesign-5197808

18) What's Next for Xbox Accessibility Tech? Microsoft Isn't Sure

The Xbox Adaptive Controller meets many people's accessibility needs, and it's hard to design a follow-up act:
https://www.windowscentral.com/whats-next-xbox-accessibility-tech-microsoft-isnt-sure

19) Xbox Adaptive Controller Inventor Says Gaming Accessibility Has Hit "A Plateau"

Accessibility in video games has thankfully improved greatly in recent years, with developers and hardware manufacturers increasingly offering players with disabilities options ranging from colour-blind modes to modifiable inputs. However, a key figure in the creation of the Xbox Adaptive Controller, a bespoke and customisable controller to allow better physical access, has said efforts to further expand access have hit "a bit of a plateau":
https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/xbox-adaptive-controller-inventor-says-gaming-accessibility-has-hit-a-plateau-3027532


➜ Press Releases and Other News


1) Canadian Geographic Announces the Largest Accessibility Project in North America

Congratulations are in order for Ashley Nemeth, motivational speaker, writer, and blogger for her feature in Canadian Geographic's magazine issue announcing the largest accessibility project in North America. In this article, Ashley shares her experience as an individual who is totally blind navigating through Wascana Park, Regina, and the enrichment that the BlindSquare app now offers to this experience:
https://www.blindsquare.com/2021/08/24/canadian-geographic-announces-the-largest-accessibility-project-in-north-america/

2) EA Opens Some of its Most Important Accessibility Patents

EA has announced that it is now offering its accessibility patents to anyone who wants to use them. Is about a paradigm shift for the video game industry, by allowing anyone to access accessibility tools, even your competitors:
https://www.cvbj.biz/2021/08/24/ea-opens-some-of-its-most-important-accessibility-patents/

3) Disabled Couple 'Full Of Rage' After Being 'Asked To Leave Theme Park Due To Guide Dog'

Outraged Paul and Kaylie Newbury, from Essex, claim they were approached about their Labrador by security at the theme park - who said dogs are supposed to wear muzzles:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/disabled-couple-full-rage-after-24830320

4) Paralympics: Who is the World's Fastest Blind Athlete?

David Brown lost sight at 13 but discovered sprinting talent at high school:
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/paralympics/paralympics-tokyo-blind-sprinter-brown-b1907558.html

5) Friendship Between Visually Impaired Girl and Her Bus Driver Goes Viral on TikTok

A North Texas fourth grader and her bus driver are new buddies thanks to her determination and his kindness:
https://www.fox4news.com/news/friendship-between-visually-impared-girl-and-her-bus-driver-goes-viral-on-tik-tok

6) Handhelds Still Aren't Designed for Disabled Gamers

Valve's new Steam Deck looks fantastic — but for players with vision or dexterity difficulties, it's just more of the same challenges:
https://www.wired.com/story/valve-steam-deck-handhelds-not-designed-disabled-gamers/

7) New Windows 10 Update Breaks One of Its Most Useful Features for Some Users — What's Going On?

Some people who have downloaded the July 2021 preview (KB5004296) and the August 2021 update (KB5005033) are unable to use the Alt-Tab feature properly:
https://www.techradar.com/news/new-windows-10-update-breaks-one-of-its-most-useful-features-for-some-users-whats-going-on


➜ Featured Podcast Episodes


1) Behind the Scenes of Hadley's Adjusting to Vision Loss Series

August 20th 2021 | Doug Walker, Hadley co-director of R&D, and Ed Haines, Hadley Chief Program Officer, chat about the making of Hadley's "Adjusting to Vision Loss" workshop series. The series guides people through the emotional aspects of vision loss. Doug serves as the series' personal storyteller and narrator:
https://hadley.edu/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/behind-scenes-hadleys-adjusting-vision-loss-series

2) Blind Android Users 37 | Life's Hit When You Stay Fit

August 21st 2021 | Listeners can now register on our website and post Android-related guides. We gave our thoughts about Pixel 5A & Sony Xperia 1. We discuss about all thing's health on this show, the following apps were discussed Medi safe Pill Reminder, Medication Tracker, Mango Health & My Therapy, there is also Tab Time Vibrating Pill Box & Med Minder. We demo, my diary mood tracking app, Google Fit, Freestyle Libre app For the diabetics, Mobvoi app for tick watch users. We have the next episode of Commentary screen reader:
http://www.blindandroidusers.com/

3) Mosen At Large 144

August 21st 2021 FlickType has gone and Apple is to blame, how to use Braille Screen input, more on alternative iOS calendar apps:
https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/dcdd9e6a/flicktype-has-gone-and-apple-is-to-blame-how-to-use-braille-screen-input-more-on-alternative-ios-calendar-apps

4) Eyes on Success 2135 Getting Around as an Entrepreneur

August 25th 2021
Fernando Albertorio is a blind chemist turned entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is also a co-founder of the Sunu Band, a device worn on the wrist to provide tactile navigation cues to the blind. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Fernando about his journey, philosophy, and how his drive and motivation have opened up opportunities for him:
https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show%20notes/show%20notes%202135.htm


➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events


1) FSOpenLine

August 26th 2021 | 2PM PT, 3PM MT, 4PM CT, 5PM ET, 9PM GMT | FSOpenLine, Freedom Scientific's global call-in show, will take place Thursday, August 26th at 5:00 PM Eastern time with a sneak peek into Fusion Suite 2022. Do you have questions about our products or an idea you'd like to share? Join us and have your voice heard by key members of Freedom Scientific's product management and engineering teams. During the May FSOpenLine, we discussed keystrokes for navigating Outlook messages in email threads with JAWS and Fusion, told you about the Quick Access Bar in ZoomText and Fusion, and answered your questions:https://blog.freedomscientific.com/join-us-for-fsopenline-6/

2) Enabling an Accessible SDLC - People, Process and Technologies | TPGi

August 31st 2021 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | Join TPGi's Chase Aucoin, Chief Architect, and Mark Miller, Director, Emerging Accounts & Platform. In this session, we'll discuss how DevOps can play a crucial role in ensuring your products are accessible to all users. We will also review some hands-on examples of how TPGi makes collaboration on the accessibility process easy for software engineers, product managers and DevOps professionals so they can make any product accessible:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-august-31-enabling-an-accessible-sdlc-people-process-and-technologies/

3) iBUG Introductory Mac Training Course

September 7th 2021 This 12-week course is free, and you are expected to work, attend and participate. It starts Tuesday, September 7th 2021. Email by August 27th 2021 to see the requirements you have to adhere to, and provide the model or year of your Mac:
chanellem.allen@gmail.com 📧️

4) Can Everybody See My Screen?

September 22nd 2021 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | After more than a year of adjusting to a remote work environment, we still rely heavily on technology to present and collaborate among teams. However, it's important to remember that different people perceive information, well, differently. And virtual communication is no exception. Join TPGi Accessibility Engineer, Doug Abrams, WAS, to discuss what it means to be inclusive when presenting over video calls. In our introductory webinar, we will discuss some of the challenges people with visual disabilities may encounter when attending a virtual presentation, as well as helpful techniques to make your presentation more accessible. Register today!
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-september-22-can-everybody-see-my-screen/

5) Native Mobile Application Testing

September 30th 2021 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | The number of apps for mobile devices is ever-growing. It's important that mobile apps be accessible and inclusive, but it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of incorporating them into your accessibility-evaluation strategy. Join TPGi Accessibility Engineer Laurie Pagano for an introduction to some of the mobile-device settings, assistive technologies, and other tools that you can add to your accessibility-testing toolbox. Set yourself up for success so you can start testing native mobile apps for accessibility conformance today. Register today!
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-september-30-native-mobile-app-testing/

6) 2021 M-Enabling Summit - Promoting Accessible Technologies and Environments

October 4th - 6th 2021 | The M-Enabling Summit Conference and Showcase is dedicated to promoting digital environments and assistive technologies for senior citizens and users of all abilities. It is an annual meeting place for all who implement digital inclusion strategies or develop assistive solutions and accessible digital contents and services for workplaces, learning environments or consumer markets:
https://m-enabling.com/

7) Sense-Ability. Using the BrailleSense 6! | Paid Course | Hartgen Consulting

October 6th 2021 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6 GMT | While the BrailleSense 6 is a relatively new product, largely due to previous devices offered by its manufacturers it has already established itself as a power house for work and entertainment. Find out how it works in a way which makes Braille Sense!
http://hartgen.org/braillesense

8) Accessing Higher Ground Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference by Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

November 15th - 19th 2021 | Presented and hosted by AHEAD, Accessing Higher Ground is conducted in collaboration with ATHEN:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

9) 2nd Annual Sight Tech Global 2021

December 1st & 2nd 2021 | 100% free. 100% virtual. Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility. Registration is now open:
https://sighttechglobal.com/


➜ Directories


1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directory

https://www.toptechtidbits.com/listserv-directory.html

2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directory

https://www.toptechtidbits.com/podcast-directory.html

3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directory

https://www.toptechtidbits.com/game-directory.html


➜ Buy, Sell or Trade


1) FOR SALE: One Focus 14 Braille Display

Listing Date: 8/19/2021 | Price: $850.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used. | Description: This Braille display was only used during a couple of training sessions. Carrying case and all adaptors/charger included. | Contact: Email jflower418@gmail.com 📧️ or call Jane at (415) 858-8436 📱️. |

2) FOR SALE: Mathcaster for Amazon Alexa. Just Say "Alexa, Open Mathcaster"

Listing Date: 8/19/2021 | Price: $1.00 USD | Condition: New. | Description: Mathcaster is suitable for ages between 8-12 and is free to play. This Alexa Skill is a perfect resource to help children improve and develop their math skills. Learn more at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094NDXMKF?ref&ref=cm_sw_tw_r_as_dp_KypaG8Iu9kJBy. | Contact: Email nicksawka@wanderword.net 📧️ or call Nicholas at (724) 466-2087 📱️. |

3) FOR SALE: Escape from 63rd & Wallace. Just say "Alexa, Open Escape 63rd"

Listing Date: 8/19/2021 | Price: $4.00 USD | Condition: New. | Description: Escape from 63rd is an horror audio adventure that takes the listener on a journey to Chicago in 1893, following Charlene, a young woman searching for her sister. Learn more at: https://poptale.com/releases/escape-from-63rd-and-wallace/. | Contact: Email nicksawka@wanderword.net 📧️ or call Nicholas at (724) 466-2087 📱️. |

4) FOR SALE: The Cursed Painting Audio RPG. Just say "Alexa, open the Cursed Painting"

Listing Date: 8/19/2021 | Price: $1.00 USD | Condition: New. | Description: Explore ancient ruins in order to uncover the secret of the Cursed Painting, and stop the undead curse plaguing the kingdom in this Interactive Fantasy Adventure Game, inspired by classic tabletop RPG's. Learn more at: https://poptale.com/releases/the-cursed-painting/. | Contact: Email nicksawka@wanderword.net 📧️ or call Nicholas at (724) 466-2087 📱️. |

5) FOR SALE: One BrailleSense Polaris Mini

Listing Date: 8/5/2021 | Price: $2,000.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used. | Description: This 20-cell Android notetaker is in mint condition and needs a new forever home. Has new mother board, all original packaging, accessories and documentation including braille quick start guide along with an Executive Products case. | Contact: Email dave@speedyturtle.net 📧️ or call Dave at (918) 527-0688 📱️. |

2) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Advertisement (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 Advertisement today. | Learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html 🌐 |


Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads:


Sponsor: Freedom Scientific

➜ Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille Displays
Our world-class refreshable Braille displays deliver efficient Braille input and outstanding output for your PC or mobile device. The robust Bluetooth® connectivity provides seamless use with Windows®, Mac®, iPhones®, iPads®, and AndroidTM smartphones and tablets. Ergonomic navigation features allow quick, natural hand movements for greater productivity. When used with JAWS® screen reading software, they support our popular Braille Study Mode, an interactive tool for teaching and learning Braille. Learn more today:
https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/blindness/focus-blue-family/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=Top%20Tech%20Tidbit

Freedom Scientific logo.

Sponsor Since: April 15th 2021 Calendar icon.

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

Email: info@vispero.com 📧️

Phone: (800) 444-4443 📱️

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube (Training)

About: Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand, is a leading worldwide brand of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. We offer products designed to promote independence, allowing blind and low vision individuals the same access to information as their sighted peers. World-renowned JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reading software and ZoomText screen magnification software provide users the independence and ability to seek education and obtain or maintain a career after vision loss. Our expansive product line includes both low vision and blindness technology for all aspects of daily living. The wide range of RUBY, TOPAZ, and ONYX desktop and portable video magnifiers are designed for their ease of use and assist with daily activities. Our impressive line of blindness hardware products include refreshable Braille displays and scanning and reading devices, offering many options tailored to fit individual needs.


Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter

➜ VisionAware Resources Including the Directory of Services
APHConnectCenter has resources to help blind and low vision people thrive. In addition to the Reader's Digest Getting Started with Vision Loss Guide You can also check out the Directory of Services to locate resources in your community for living with blindness and low vision. https://visionaware.org/

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.


Sponsor: Humanware

➜ 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/082620211100-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 📱️
Phone (Ireland): +01 8307033 📱️
Phone (New Zealand): +027 700 1674 📱️
Phone (United Kingdom): +01933 415800 📱️
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: Be My Eyes

➜ 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

➜ 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)

➜ Build A Foundational Understanding Of Construction And Electronics With BRIC: Structures® Access Kit From APH - An Adapted Version Of An Educational Elenco® Product For Students Who Are Blind And Visually Impaired!
The BRIC: Structures® Access Kit combines ordinary building bricks with Snap Circuits® to create 26 projects, such as circuits and real-world structures, that run on electricity. Visit https://www.aph.org/product/bric-structures-access-kit/ to learn more.

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

➜ GuideLights And Gadgets: August Specials
(1) New 5 pocket cowhide neck pouch for hands free phone use and access to the camera; easily carry your essentials for the day; $45.00 incl. shipping. (2) Our new 7 section aluminum telescopic non-collapsing canes in 59 or 48 inch lengths; $55 incl. shipping. (3) New 17x12 inch leather rucksack backpack made of heavy duty cowhide that will last many years. Fold over flap with cord for closing with 3 additional pockets; $90 incl. shipping. (4) Ultimate 20 cell Braille display protection; re-purposed leather concealed weapons case is the best to safely use and carry your display; $75.00 incl. shipping. New Catalog: https://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/Gadgets.html. Call Barry (617) 969-7500 📱️ or email bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.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

➜ 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: Dean Martineau

➜ 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: Carroll Center for the Blind

➜ Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the Blind
Want to break into the digital accessibility field as a screen reader user tester? Through the Carroll Center for the Blind's all new 6-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program, participants can learn and grow their ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers. To learn more about the User Tester program, visit:
https://carroll.org/screen-reader-user-tester-training-program/

Carroll Center for the Blind logo.

Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: https://carroll.org/ 🌐

Phone: (617) 969-6200 📱️

Fax: (617) 969-6204

Shop: https://carroll.org/store/ 🛒

Donate: https://carroll.org/donate

Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram

About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living.


Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions

➜ 3 Easy Steps To Accessible Shared Content For Your Remote Presentations: Rid Digital Darkness For Blind Attendee's Forever!
It's as easy as 1-2-3. Upload content... Copy a link... and paste the link in chat. Attendees never wonder what's shared on screen during online presentations. Upload slides within 5 minutes of presenting. Attendees can download content in multiple formats to view later. Eliminate digital darkness at your next online event with Scribe for Meetings. Get in on our, "Accessible Meetings and webinars for Life," introductory offer. Reseller opportunities available to expand your businesses accessibility offerings.
https://scribeformeetings.com/

Pneuma Solutions logo.

Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐

Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education.

Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️

Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️

About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?

Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs.


Your Name Here
1 of 12 Sponsorship Packages currently available.

Photo indicating no profile photo or logo is present.

Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 29,000 access technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week.

Top Tech Tidbits offers a total of 12 Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication.

There are  1  of  12  packages currently available.

If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor, but there are no sponsorship packages currently available, we encourage you to join our waiting list by sending an email to: sponsorships@toptechtidbits.com 📧️.

Once you have joined our waiting list we will notify you the next time a current sponsor decides not to renew. You will then have 72 hours to secure your sponsorship before it is offered to the next sponsor on the list.

When available you can secure one of these packages for just $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 the world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology while enjoying these incredible benefits. Learn more today at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-packages.html.


Top Tech Tidbits Supporters:


We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!

Tidbits Supporters donate an amount of their choosing on an annual basis in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication.

If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.

In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Tidbits possible:


Platinum Supporters:

Become a Tidbits Supporter today.

1.) Gary Lee
Platinum Supporter since June 25, 2020

2.) Anonymous Donation
Platinum Supporter since July 9, 2020

3.) Pshon Barrett
Platinum Supporter since January 28, 2021


Gold Supporters:

Become a Tidbits Supporter today.

1.) Howard Goldstein
Gold Supporter since June 4, 2020

2.) David Goldstein
Gold Supporter since June 12, 2020

3.) Katherine Crohan
Gold Supporter since January 14, 2021


Silver Supporters:

Become a Tidbits Supporter today.

1.) Your name here. Help support Tidbits today.


Bronze Supporters:

Become a Tidbits Supporter today.

1.) Steven Wettlaufer
Bronze Supporter since July 16, 2020

2.) Shaun Everiss
Bronze Supporter since September 10, 2020


Top Tech Tidbits Subscription Information:


ABOUT:

Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit Access Technology publication that reaches over 29,000 assistive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Sign up here. Review the archive here. Adaptive Technology refers to items that are specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Assistive Technology. Adaptive Technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor and reader supported publication.

RELEASE SCHEDULE:

Top Tech Tidbits is released every Thursday morning at 6:00 AM ET.

SUBSCRIBE:

Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter on the Top Tech Tidbits Website at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter. It's that easy.

SPONSOR:

If you would like to become 1 of only 24 Top Tech Tidbits Sponsors whose ongoing support makes the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible, we offer you the following advertising benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor.

SUPPORT:

If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate.

WEBSITE:

Visit the Top Tech Tidbits website online at https://www.toptechtidbits.com.

FACEBOOK:

Are you on Facebook? Stop by and "Like" Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your Facebook News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook.

X (FORMERLY TWITTER):

Are you on X? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your X News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/x.

MASTODON:

Are you on Mastodon? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your Mastodon News Feed by visiting https://mastodon.toptechtidbits.com/@news or searching for @news@mastodon.toptechtidbits.com on your server today.

LINKEDIN:

Are you on LinkedIn? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your LinkedIn News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin.

YOUTUBE:

Are you on YouTube? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your YouTube Video Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/youtube.

RSS:

Do you prefer RSS? Follow Top Tech Tidbits via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology using your choice of news aggregator: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml.

QUESTIONS:

Tidbits are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular Tidbit brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.

ARCHIVE

Visit the Top Tech Tidbits Archive at: https://toptechtidbits.com/archive where you can grab back issues.

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS:

Any information for future issues of Top Tech Tidbits may be submitted online via our Top Tech Tidbit Submission Form at: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-news or directed to our Editors at: editors@toptechtidbits.com.


Five stylized access logos, a long cane user, hearing aid user, full braille cell, fingers signing interpreter, and enlarged print.
Home: Top Tech Tidbits News: Top Tech Tidbits Subscribe: Top Tech Tidbits Donate: Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor: Top Tech Tidbits Facebook: Top Tech Tidbits X (Formerly Twitter): Top Tech Tidbits Mastodon: Top Tech Tidbits LinkedIn: Top Tech Tidbits YouTube: Top Tech Tidbits RSS: Top Tech Tidbits Back to Top

Information provided by:
Top Tech Tidbits
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/  🌐

1284 SOM Center Road, PMB 194
Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124
  Google Maps icon.
(855) 578-6660 📱️