Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, December 23, 2021 - Volume 838The Week's News in Access Technology A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology. This Week's Featured Advertisement: No Sponsorship Packages Currently Available. Please Consider Joining Our Waiting List Today. This Issue Made Possible By Sponsorship Support From The Following Sponsors:
This issue made possible by sponsorship support from: A. T. Guys, GuideLights And Gadgets, American Printing House, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store, HumanWare, APH ConnectCenter, Freedom Scientific, Pneuma Solutions, Carroll Center for the Blind, Blind Mice Mega Mall, HIMS, Inc. and Double Tap TV.Dear Tidbits Subscriber,1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last WeekA.) Your Feedback Is Important To Us At Google: (5.6% of all clicks.)https://userresearch.google.com/?reserved=0 B.) JAWS Power Tip: Copy Speech History to the Clipboard: (5.3% of all clicks.) https://www.toptechtidbits.com/45.html C.) The Ultimate Guide To Keyboard Shortcuts In Windows 11: (4.8% of all clicks.) https://www.xda-developers.com/windows-11-keyboard-shortcuts/ D.) How to Use Alexa to Get Help in an Emergency: (4.4% of all clicks.) https://www.makeuseof.com/get-help-with-alexa-emergency/ E.) For Low-Vision People Like Me, Autonomous Driving Could Change Everything: (4.0% of all clicks.) https://groundtruthautonomy.com/how-low-vision-people-benefit-from-autonomous-vehicles/ 2) The Next Wave of Log4J Attacks Will Be Brutal | WiredSo far, Log4Shell has resulted mostly in cryptomining and a little espionage. The really bad stuff is just around the corner:https://www.wired.com/story/log4j-log4shell-vulnerability-ransomware-second-wave/ 3) Hey AlexaA) Want to ask Santa for stories, jokes, songs and more? Just say, "Alexa, enable Hey Santa."B) With your smart plug and Alexa, you can turn on your Christmas lights and play festive music when you say "Alexa, Merry Christmas." Customize the routine using the Alexa app by saying, "Alexa, enable Merry Christmas routine." C) Parents can entertain family with kid-friendly skills this holiday season. To use kid skills, a parent or guardian must first provide permission. Just say, "Alexa, what are your kid skills?" D) No Fireplace? No problem. Listen to ambient fireplace sounds to help you sleep, relax, meditate, relieve stress, or block out unwanted noise. Just say, "Alexa, play Fireplace sounds." 4) Fusion Power Tip: Capture Magnified AreaCourtesy of Freedom Scientific:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/46.html 5) The 7 Best Text-to-Speech Chrome ExtensionsText-to-speech programs can be an incredibly vital tool for many. If you're looking for one, here are the seven best text-to-speech Chrome extensions:https://www.makeuseof.com/best-chrome-text-to-speech-extensions/ 6) With iOS 15.2 Siri Is Back As Always: Voice Commands For The Visually Impaired Have Been ReinstatedHere is a list of the functionalities that were reinstated:https://voonze.com/with-ios-15-2-siri-is-back-as-always-voice-commands-for-the-visually-impaired-have-been-reinstated/ 7) AAPD Is Pleased To Offer The AAPD-Microsoft STEM InternshipThanks to generous support from Microsoft, AAPD is pleased to offer the AAPD-Microsoft STEM Internship Program within the broader 2022 Summer Internship Program for two interns with disabilities with a background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Applications are closed for 2022 but will be opened in the Fall of 2022 for Summer 2023 Internships:https://www.aapd.com/stem-internship-program/ 8) Sirius XM Sued For Failing To Provide Podcast Transcripts For Deaf UsersThis article reports on the National Association for the Deaf's suit claiming that SiriusXM's podcast services are inaccessible because of a lack of transcripts:https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/14/22834002/siriusxm-lawsuit-transcripts-deaf-users-ada-pandora-stitcher-podcast 9) What Is Visual Description? As Events Evolve, Greater Accessibility For The Disability Community EmergesThis blogpost from Microsoft describes the practice of providing visual descriptions during meetings and conferences, something Microsoft employees optionally provided at the recent Ignite Conference:https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2021/11/05/what-is-visual-description-as-events-evolve-greater-accessibility-for-the-disability-community-emerges/ 10) What Is Android Accessibility Suite?This article describes the features in the Android Accessibility Suite:https://fossbytes.com/what-is-android-accessibility-suite/ 11) 4 Common Ways Companies Alienate People with DisabilitiesThis article contains a lot of good advice for anyone looking to improve the accessibility of their digital products and services:https://hbr.org/2021/11/4-common-ways-companies-alienate-people-with-disabilities 12) Emojis and Accessibility: The Dos and Don'ts of Including Emojis in Texts and EmailsThis article gives some dos and don'ts for emoji in messages and social media for accessibility:https://blog.easterseals.com/emojis-and-accessibility-the-dos-and-donts-of-including-emojis-in-texts-and-emails/ 13) How to Limit What a Toddler Can Do When You Hand Over Your iPhone or iPadThis article shows you how to use the lesser-known accessibility feature, Guided Access, to limit what someone can do on your iPhone or iPad:https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/lock-iphone-ipad-in-single-app/ 14) Halo, Forza, And 5 More Games That Pushed Accessibility Forward In 2021These seven major video games set the standard for accessibility in 2021:https://www.inverse.com/gaming/accessibility-in-games-2021-halo-infinite-forza-horizon-5 15) Ray-Ban Stories Update Makes The Glasses A Lot More Useful For MessagingA recent update to the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses adds voice access to Messenger and more:https://www.androidcentral.com/ray-ban-stories-update-messenger-hands-free-support 16) How to Use the Zoom Feature on iPhoneThis popular accessibility feature on iPhones and iPads can magnify any screen content and reduce visual fatigue:https://www.idropnews.com/how-to/how-to-use-the-zoom-feature-on-iphone/175482/ 17) Windows 11 Build 22523 (And Earlier): Everything You Need To KnowWindows Central provides a comprehensive overview of what's in the latest Windows 11 preview builds so you can decide if they're worth installing:https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-build-22523-and-earlier-everything-you-need-know 18) How To Share Your Wi-Fi PasswordThis short and sharp Apple support video shows you how to easily share your Wi-Fi password with a fellow Apple user:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjPeuBVcMyg 19) Google Invites Users To Test New App That Helps People With Atypical Speech Communicate Easily (Video)Google are still looking for volunteers with atypical speech to help advance speech recognition technology through Project Relate:http://attoday.co.uk/video-google-invites-users-to-test-new-app-that-helps-people-with-atypical-speech-communicate-easily/ 20) Tips for Hosting with Vision Loss | Recording | Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts Podcast | December 17th 2021Hadley learner Sharon Noseworthy shares tips and tricks for hosting get-togethers of any type or size, no matter your vision. Sharon has always loved the role of hostess and has learned to adjust her approach now that her own vision has declined:https://hadley.edu/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/tips-hosting-vision-loss 21) Voice Dream Reader for MacOS Now in BetaYou need the latest MacOS, Monterey. Sign up here:https://testflight.apple.com/join/bizyFnIn 22) NVDA 2021.3.1 ReleasedThis release introduces support for the new HID Braille specification. This specification aims to standardize support for Braille Displays without needing individual drivers. There are updates to eSpeak-NG and LibLouis, including new Russian and Tshivenda tables. Error sounds can be enabled in stable builds of NVDA via a new advanced settings option. Say all in Word now scrolls the view to keep the current position visible. There are lots of improvements when using Office with UIA. One UIA fix is that Outlook now ignores more types of layout tables in messages. Download at:https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2021-3-1/ 23) Jon Jon on the Job: Tech Hacks for the Blind or Visually Impaired | Video | ABC Cincinnati Channel 9 WCPOTexttoreplace.https://www.wcpo.com/marketplace/cincylifestyle/jon-jon-on-the-job-tech-hacks-for-the-blind-or-visually-impaired 24) 10 Amazing Apple iPhone Accessibility Tips You Might Not Be Aware OfHere are the top ten of Apple's amazing iPhone accessibility features you can use to wow your whole family with this Christmas:https://www.hellomagazine.com/news/20211217129234/apple-iphone-accessibility-tips/ ➜ Press Releases and Other News1) Industry Leading HR and Payroll Company ADP Works with LightHouse to Enhance Accessibility of Products to Blind UsersThe LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco and blind LightHouse staff members reached an agreement with the Professional Employer Organization ADP TotalSource® to enhance the accessibility and usability of the ADP Workforce Now® solution to LightHouse staff who are blind or have low vision and use screen-reading software to access digital content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/industry-leading-hr-and-payroll-company-adp-works-with-lighthouse-to-enhance-accessibility-of-products-to-blind-users-301447059.html 2) Retailers To Lose $828 Million Of Sales Over Christmas Due To Inaccessible WebsitesResearch undertaken by UserWay, a leader in website accessibility automation, has identified that e-commerce retailers stand to lose an estimated $828 million in revenue this Christmas as a result of poor website accessibility:https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2021/12/19/retailers-to-lose-828-million-of-sales-over-christmas-due-to-inaccessible-websites/?sh=73cd580635b5 3) Gifts For People Who Are Blind And The People Who Love ThemHere's a few ideas for holiday giving this year, with a special focus on small businesses and visually impaired entrepreneurs from Perkins School for the Blind:https://www.perkins.org/resource/gift-ideas-for-people-who-are-blind/ 4) Holiday Braille Box: New Purdys Release Offers Accessible Chocolate ExperienceCreated for and with the blind and partially sighted community in mind, Canadian chocolatier Purdys released the Holiday Braille Box earlier this month. Global News Weekend's Mike Arsenault and Aalia Adam have more, including YouTuber Molly Burke's take on the box:https://globalnews.ca/video/8461800/holiday-braille-box-new-purdys-release-offers-accessible-chocolate-experience 5) Disabled Passengers Were Promised Autonomous Vehicles — They're Still WaitingThis article highlights some of the challenges and opportunities in autonomous vehicles for users with disabilities and is worth a read:https://www.theverge.com/22832657/autonomous-vehicles-disabled-accessible-challenges-design 6) Navigational Apps for the Blind Could Have a Broader AppealA proliferation of new apps designed to help blind and low vision people could prove useful for everyone:https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/20/technology/navigational-apps-blind-low-vision.html 7) Feds Adopt Better Street Accessibility Guidelines — But Will They Make a Difference?Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed more than 40 years ago, we have never had official accessibility standards tailored to things like sidewalks, curb ramp, and pedestrian push buttons. That's about to change:https://usa.streetsblog.org/2021/12/17/opinion-feds-adopt-better-accessibility-guidelines-for-city-streets-but-will-it-make-a-difference/ 8) Halo, Forza, And 5 More Games That Pushed Accessibility Forward In 2021Not every game is for everyone, but these titles make inclusivity a priority:https://www.inverse.com/gaming/accessibility-in-games-2021-halo-infinite-forza-horizon-5 9) Translink Begins Installing Braille Signs On All 8,400 Bus StopsBus passengers who are blind or partially sighted will greatly benefit from the installation of braille signs with helpful information on every bus stop in Metro Vancouver:https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/translink-bus-braille-signs-tactile-surface-installation 10) FCC Proposes New Rules To Make Emergency Alerts More Accessible For People Hard Of HearingIt wants broadcasters to use internet alerts instead of TV alerts whenever possible:https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/15/22837546/fcc-proposes-new-rules-emergency-alerts-accessible-deaf-hearing 11) CT Universities Pilot Career Program For People With DisabilitiesThe Connecticut State Colleges and Universities announced this week a careers program in digital accessibility. Specialists suport the production of accessible content and materials, from alternative text on images that are read aloud to blind users, to fonts legible for people with dyslexia:https://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/CT-universities-pilot-career-program-for-people-16707780.php?t=fe96839ed4 12) Translink To Install Braille Signage And Tactile Walking Surface Indicators At Bus StopsThe signage and surface indicators are part of TransLink's larger initiative to become one of the most accessible systems in the world:https://www.masstransitmag.com/technology/passenger-info/signage-and-displays/press-release/21250538/translink-translink-to-install-braille-signage-and-tactile-walking-surface-indicators-at-bus-stops 13) Accessible Pharmacy Wins the FCC Award for Advancement in AccessibilityThe FCC hosted a virtual ceremony December 1st to honor this year's winners of the FCC Chair's Award for Advancement in Accessibility (Chair's AAA). The ceremony featured a keynote address from FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and acceptance speeches from each of the award winners:https://www.openpr.com/news/2502114/accessible-pharmacy-wins-the-fcc-award-for-advancement 14) Inclusive Collaboration: Making Webex Accessible to All UsersTips for hosting more inclusive Webex meetings:https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/CISCO-SYSTEMS-INC-4862/news/Inclusive-Collaboration-Making-Webex-Accessible-to-All-Users-37346125/ 15) #GamesForBlindGamers Initiative To Create Better Games For Blind PlayersThe 31-day jam, hosted on itch.io and launched by Nightblade on Twitter, is focused on bringing attention to a largely marginalized group of the gaming community, blind gamers, as well as bringing awareness to accessibility in gaming in general:https://gaminglyfe.com/gamesforblindgamers-initiative-to-create-better-games-for-blind-players/ 16) Visually Impaired M'sian Woman Starts Cooking Channel, Thanks To Safer Modern Kitchen TechTen years ago, Sharifah Shafiza Said Salleh lost her vision due to Amblyopia or the lazy eye disorder, but she refused to let this disability stop her from living a normal life:https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2021/12/17/visually-impaired-woman-starts-cooking-channel-thanks-to-safer-modern-kitchen-tech 17) Christmas Fund: Visually Impaired Mother Gets A Little Help From Her KidsWhen I walk with my two older kids, they're the ones who tell me if it's a green light or red light. It's the opposite of most families:https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/christmas-fund-visually-impaired-mother-gets-a-little-help-from-her-kids 18) The Universal Symbol System Making Beauty Products Accessible To Blind ConsumersVictoriaLand Beauty's CyR.U.S. System is a tactile solution making beauty packaging and products accessible for blind and partially sighted consumers. Using raised symbols and embossed QR codes, consumers can navigate VictoriaLand's portfolio through touch and audio information on the product type, usage, and ingredients:https://packagingeurope.com/making-beauty-products-accessible-blind-consumers/ 19) It's A True Frontier Of Game Design: How Naughty Dog And Insomniac Games Think About AccessibilityChallenge and accessibility can coexist in harmony with the right design choices:https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-12-18-its-a-true-frontier-of-game-design-how-naughty-dog-and-insomniac-games-think-about-accessibility 20) Letters To Santa In Braille: How A Lancaster Nonprofit Is Helping Kids Who Are Visually Impaired This ChristmasThe week before Christmas is Santa's busiest time of year. And as he prepares to circle the globe on his annual gift-giving trip, he relies on some trusty helpers. One of Santa's special helpers is Erika Rothermel, 28, who teaches children who are blind and visually impaired with VisionCorps' early intervention program. This year she has another job title: Santa's helper with letters written in Braille:https://lancasteronline.com/features/entertainment/letters-to-santa-in-braille-how-a-lancaster-nonprofit-is-helping-kids-who-are-visually/article_ac5f7914-5f3c-11ec-930e-1707e72174ca.html ➜ Featured Podcast Episodes1) Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther 40 | Holiday Trees and Accessible GiftsDecember 12th 2021 | On episode 40 of the AMI Audio podcast "Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther" we are getting ready for the holidays. Ms. Lilly goes over some holiday tree options - artificial and real. Lawrence and Lilly review cool outdoor accessible gift options for adults and youth, and Lawrence reviews the new landmark GPS navigation feature recently made available in the Microsoft SoundScape app. Tune in and find out what the pair have to offer and kick off your holidays on the right foot:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-40-holiday-trees-and-accessible-gifts/id1530444764?i=1000544738113 2) Mosen At Large 162December 18th 2021 Blind people teaching iPhone to the sighted, more on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 carbon, and a little festive fun.https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/8f53ba60/blind-people-teaching-iphone-to-the-sighted-more-on-the-lenovo-thinkpad-x1-carbon-and-a-little-festive-fun 3) Blind Android Users 54 | One-Year Anniversary CelebrationDecember 19th 2021 | This week, it is our one-year anniversary celebration! Join us as we celebrate one year of the Blind Android Users podcast with some of our listeners! And discuss things from Androids to floppies dialup and beyond. To listen to the podcast, please visit:https://blindandroidusers.com/category/bauposts/shownotes/ 4) DM85 | Cooky Ideas | MP3December 20th 2021 | In the latest episode of the DM series, we talked about cookies and the importance of them when used properly. We then transition into a discussion of keeping ideas straight, some of our best ideas come to us at the strangest times. The most important thing however is to have a system in place that allows you the ability to get those ideas out of your head and into a tool you can reference later. Michael explains how he was using Todoist to capture his ideas and how that didn't quite work out. Michael also talked about exploring One Note as his ideas come to him and don't care what platform he's on. Our conversation then transitions into a brief discussion of why Damashe is switching from Audible and what he's going to do. Michael is switching the application he uses to track packages both personally and for work. You learn why he switched from deliveries to parcel, and what his initial thoughts are. To listen to the podcast, please visit:https://storage.pinecast.net/podcasts/ee48a2ba-0fb2-4a6d-9f0f-207e3f3ca541/audio/afd47f6f-a117-4fd4-b022-b8ba070f7c3b/DM85_-_Cooky_Ideas.mp3 5) Eyes on Success 2152 Apple HomeKit and the Smart HomeDecember 22nd 2021There are a myriad of devices based on the Apple Home Kit, but how are they used and which have the functionality you might be looking for? Hosts Peter and Nancy Torpey talk with Dustin Boggus, who is visually impaired himself, about his "MyHomeKitHome" videos, blog, and website that aim to show users what can be expected from such devices and how they work: https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show%20notes/show%20notes%202152.htm ➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events1) Assistive Technology for Blind Individuals Overview: Screen Readers | Access IngenuityJanuary 5th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | It is not uncommon for individuals to associate a screen reader with the wrong operating system. In some cases, some do not even know a screen reader exists for a specific device. Join Zhi Huang, Mark Schafer, and Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity as they provide an overview of the different screen readers. Learning Outcomes: Provide an overview of the different screen readers for various operating systems. Explain the different devices the screen readers and operating systems support. Briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different combinations of a screen reader with an operating system. | Meeting ID: 861 2992 0015 | Passcode: 693640 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,86129920015#,,,,*693640# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86129920015?pwd=VDBwQ1dSNXliK0dJRFNYdG1xS0hSUT09 2) A Tour of Microsoft Outlook | Sight And Sound TechnologyJanuary 5th 2021 | 6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 2PM GMT | We're kicking off January by delving into one of the most popular applications in the Microsoft Office suite. Outlook is an Information management system, used for processing mail, calendar appointments, tasks, notes, contacts and so much more. It is used everywhere and, you won't be surprised to know that it has lots of keyboard shortcuts. Join us for our first Webinar Wednesday of 2022 when Sight and Sound Technology's Sharon Lyons takes us on a tour of Microsoft Outlook and shares some top tips for success with this application. Register here:https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tx7gvzTOS06C3KKaFZid9g 3) Remote Tools: Zoom Remote Control vs. JAWS Tandem | Access IngenuityJanuary 12th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Although many have been using remote tools to connect with each other recently, there are still individuals who have questions about using remote tools with assistive technology. Join Ian Ramos, and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to compare the Zoom Meetings Remote Control tool versus the JAWS Tandem feature. Learning Outcomes: Explain the requirements of both tools. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Zoom Remote Control versus JAWS Tandem. Provide a demonstration of both features. | Meeting ID: 820 1996 4784 | Passcode: 251037 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82019964784#,,,,*251037# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82019964784?pwd=WG90ZVdpQWNVTXFNOVJCbVZhSXRtQT09 4) Google Drive and Docs with JAWS | Access IngenuityJanuary 19th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | While Google Drive and Docs have grown in popularity over the past few years, this is not necessarily the case for many JAWS users. The reason is likely because some specific set up is required to work with these Google products on Windows with assistive technology. While this is documented in Google's help, unfortunately, not everybody reads this information. Join Zhi Huang, Marisa Church, and Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity to explore key settings and tips to better work with Google Drive and Docs with JAWS. Learning Outcomes: Compare the Google Drive website to the desktop app and discussed the advantages of each while working with a screen reader. Explore the settings in Google Docs that are critical while using assistive technology. Explore basic Google Docs features including menus, getting help, searching for commands, and editing text. Meeting ID: 836 7127 4943 | Passcode: 248634 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,83671274943#,,,,*248634# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83671274943?pwd=ZE9kQTRPbWxZZXVWTmpTRCt4UGpZUT09 5) Windows 11 with JAWS | Access IngenuityJanuary 26th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Since the recent release of Windows 11, there have been many questions regarding JAWS' compatibility with this new version of Windows. Join Ian Ramos, and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore Windows 11 with JAWS basics. Learning Outcomes: Discuss requirements for automatic eligibility for Windows 11. Explain some things you will gain and lose. Explore the different methods of performing this upgrade. Provide a demonstration of Windows 11. | Meeting ID: 836 5787 8970 | Passcode: 588932 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,83657878970#,,,,*588932# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83657878970?pwd=OUVvTEhuVUpLNkNDU2RnMXhjZ2p2dz09 6) ATHEN (Access Technology Higher Education Network) 1st Annual "Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Accessibility: Starting with Math"February 10th 2022 and February 11th 2022 | This virtual conference will take place on February 10th and 11th 2022. We are striving to create a diverse conference where experts can share their best practices, solutions, techniques, etc. for accessing and creating accessible STEM content in higher education. Join us! | Call for Proposal (Google Form) (Open now!) | Brush up by taking a sneak peek into the complexities in creating accessible STEM content in the YouTube video "Factors Involved in Making STEM Content Accessible" (10-minutes). | Conference Details, Dates, Registration, Cost:.https://athenpro.org/content/athen-virtual-conference 7) Axe-Con 2022March 15th 2022 through March 17th 2022 | Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences. Register for Axe-Con 2022, it's free! Join us for this three-day, multi-track conference to help further your digital accessibility efforts. Hear from the top experts in the field, for your area of interest with none of the noise. Learn more about why you should attend or get started by saving your seat by registering now:https://www.deque.com/axe-con/ ➜ Directories1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/listserv-directory.html2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/podcast-directory.html3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/game-directory.html➜ Buy, Sell or Trade1) 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: GuideLights and Gadgets➜ GuideLights And Gadgets: New Leather Bags To End The Year With A Bang!
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https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=331 Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐 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: Double Tap TV➜ Subscribe to the Double Tap TV YouTube Channel
Double Tap TV is a weekly tech show on AMI-tv, (also available on CBC Gem in Canada and YouTube). Each week join hosts Steven Scott (@blindguytech) and Marc Aflalo (@marcaflalo) as they help viewers better understand how technology can assist in everyday life. Its tech from an accessible point of view! The show features interviews with some of the biggest names in consumer tech and features up and coming companies and services. Subscribe to the Double Tap TV YouTube Channel today at:
https://bit.ly/321OUEy Sponsor Since: December 23rd 2021 Email: feedback@doubletap.online 📧️ YouTube: https://bit.ly/321OUEy About: Double Tap TV is a weekly tech show on AMI-tv, (also available on CBC Gem in Canada and YouTube). Each week join hosts Steven Scott (@blindguytech) and Marc Aflalo (@marcaflalo) as they help viewers better understand how technology can assist in everyday life. Its tech from an accessible point of view! The show features interviews with some of the biggest names in consumer tech and features up and coming companies and services. Sponsor: HIMS, Inc.➜ Order Now! Get The Most Powerful Android Notetaker Available, the BrailleSense 6 From HIMS. It's Simply The Best.
The time is now to get your all-new BrailleSense 6 notetaker, the most powerful and user-friendly notetaker on the market. Running Android 10, with 128 GB of Storage, 6 GB of Memory, and an 8-Core CPU, the BrailleSense 6 is the ultimate braille notetaker. Learn more today at:
https://hims-inc.com/product/braillesense-6/ Sponsor Since: September 30th 2021 Website: https://hims-inc.com/ 🌐 Shop All Products: https://hims-inc.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒 Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo Sales Email: sales@selvasblv.com 📧️ About: HIMS, Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999. Sponsor: Blind Mice Mega Mall➜ DannyBoy Portable Smart Phone & Device Stand Save 20% Now $39.99
The DannyBoy Portable Stand holds your Smart Phone stationary so it's camera can view items and documents clearly providing stability for excellent recognition & clarity. Take perfect pictures and scan images. Read documents quickly and easily. Great for anyone with motor disabilities, too! Made with the Blind In Mind! Lightweight & Portable. Ready To Use or Collapses In Seconds. Read All About the DannyBoy Portable Stand at DannyBoy.com in BlindMiceMegaMall.com at:
https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Item_Detail?itemid=5156439 Sponsor Since: September 23rd 2021 Website: https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/ 🌐 Blind Mice Order Center Phone: (866) 922-8877 📱️ Blind Mice Order Center Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST/CDT (GMT-5) Monday through Friday Mall Directory of Stores: https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Directory 🛒 Join The Today's Cheese Newsletter: Join the Today's Cheese newsletter to get Members' Only sales & Unadvertised Specials from the merchants at Blind Mice Mega Mall. You can save money with these unadvertised specials! Send an email to: TodaysCheese+Subscribe@Groups.io 📧️ Blind Mice Swap Shop: Sell, Swap, and Buy. The Mice receive calls everyday asking if we buy or sell used or unwanted items. The Mice don't sell used products but to help our members, we created the Blind Mice Swap Shop! The Blind Mice Swap Shop is the place for Sellers, Traders, & Buyers to find each other! Do you ... have something you don't want anymore... Post it for sale on the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Got something you just don't use... Post it for sale on the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Got something new to sell... Post it for sale on the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Provide a service that might be helpful to other Blind and Visually Impaired folks... Post it to the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Have an announcement about an upcoming event beneficial to the Blind & Visually Impaired Community... Post it to the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Joining the Blind Mice Swap Shop is free and as easy as sending an email to: BlindMiceSwapShop+Subscribe@Groups.io 📧️ About: Welcome to Blind Mice Mega Mall! The Mall with the Blind In Mind! Blind Mice Mega Mall is designed for use with a screen reader and low vision software for visually impaired shoppers. Each store is an independent business owned / managed by a member of the Blind / Low Vision Community. Please browse & shop the merchants at Blind Mice Mega Mall. You will find great items and unique offerings from our merchants. You help the Blind Community every time you make a purchase from any of the merchants at Blind Mice Mega Mall. Every purchase made at Blind Mice Mega Mall gives back to the Blind and Visually Impaired Community. Proceeds from sales fund the MouseHole Scholarship Program, the Cooking In The Dark Show and The Movie Vault. Blind Mice Mega Mall accepts American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Checks, and Money Orders. Purchase Orders From State Agencies are also welcome. Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind➜ New Spring Session of Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the Blind
Launch your career in the digital accessibility field! The Carroll Center for the Blind's new 7-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program allows participants to 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. Want to learn more? Start your journey to becoming a Screen Reader User Tester by visiting:
https://carroll.org/screen-reader-user-tester-training-program/ Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 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➜ Give the Gift of Equal Access!
This holiday season, give the gift of access to the world's most fundamental right, the right to information. Scribe for Personal Documents is a cloud based service that takes previously inaccessible digital material and renders it into accessible formats in seconds. Help out someone in your life whom you know could use the access, or secure the access for yourself here:
https://scribeit.io/ Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 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. 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 Sponsor Since: April 15th 2021 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: 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/ 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➜ 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/122320211100-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: 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!
Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 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)➜ Coding is Easy and Accessible with Colby the Code & Go Robot Mouse
Code & Go Mouse introduces coding concepts and tactile graphics as users program Colby to race through a maze toward the cheese. Colby lights-up, makes sounds, and features two speeds along with colorful buttons for easy programming and sequencing.
https://www.aph.org/product/accessible-code-and-go-mouse/ Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐 Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 📱️ Phone: (512) 895-2405 📱️ Fax: (512) 899-2284 ░ YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ 🎥 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. Your Name Here
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