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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 3, 2022 - Volume 844The 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. Subscribers: 7,017 opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Learn More About The Clearview GO From Optelec - A Full-Featured, Foldable, On-The-Go Video Magnifier
ClearView GO offers the same reading comfort, ease of use, and functionality as a desktop video magnifier, but in a compact, foldable design. It's the ideal solution for those who need magnification at different locations. With ClearView GO, you can comfortably read text and view objects, at home, office, classroom, or on the go. Enjoy a crisp, clear, full HD image on the 17.3" screen. The monitor can be fully adjusted in height, so you will always have the right reading angle and height. The ClearView GO has a convenient 3-in-1 rotatable camera that allows you to magnify text and objects up close, in the distance, and even to look at yourself. Simply point the camera to what you want to see and adjust the settings according to your personal preference. ClearView GO is the latest addition to the ClearView product line and the first desktop video magnifier by Optelec that is fully foldable and features a 3-in-1 rotatable camera. Watch the video on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/tCKAsLZXvTg. Dear Tidbits Subscriber,1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week
A.) JAWS Power Tip: Creating and Editing Signatures in Microsoft Outlook with JAWS (6.2% of all clicks.) 2) Top Tech Tidbits Readership Surpasses 7,000 Weekly SubscribersSome thoughts from our Publisher on what made this possible (hint: you) along with some updates on future initiatives intended to grow Tidbits readership: 3) Hey Alexa
A.) You can delete your voice interactions with Alexa by visiting Alexa Privacy Settings or by saying, "Alexa, delete what I just said" or "Alexa, delete what I said today" or "Alexa, delete everything I've ever said." 4) Tidbits Reader Roger Buchanan Outlines His Experience with NaviLens and NaviLensGoSincerest thanks to this Tidbits reader for taking the time to share with us his experiences in using the Navilens and NavilensGo Apps and QR Codes. Roger reached out to us after reading about NaviLens in last week's issue in which our Editor Stephen (Alex) Marositz requested feedback on its effectiveness. Here's what Roger had to say: 5) RealThing AI Launches Latest Smartphone for the Visually Impaired with the RNIB and O2RealThing Ai has announced the launch of its latest fully voice accessible smartphone: the RealSAM Pocket V4, completely designed for those with sight loss: 6) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for January 2022https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-january-2022 7) Finally! iOS 15.4 Lets You Use Face ID With A Mask - And We Tested It | Tom's GuideOur long nightmare of not being able to easily unlock our iPhones with Face ID when wearing a face mask is about to come to an end: 8) Beijing 2022: NBCU To Provide Closed Captioning, Audio Description, and Web Content Accessibility for Winter Olympics, Paralympics"For the Olympic Winter Games, all competitions aired during primetime hours and Prime Plus, along with the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, will include live audio description on the Secondary Audio Program (SAP) channel, provided by Descriptive Video Works." "Viewers can use #NBCOlympicsA11y and #NBCParalympicsA11y on social media to share with others or provide feedback on closed captioning or audio description to NBCUniversal." 9) COVID-19 At-home Test InformationIn the U.S. Aira and NFB have partnered to make at home COVID-19 tests more accessible: 10) Create, Convert, Connect: Take Your Documents To The Next LevelTexthelp has a new service that should make collaborating with PDF documents more accessible in the education setting: 11) Windows 11 Will Be Offered To All Eligible PCs Ahead Of ScheduleMicrosoft changed the rollout status of the Windows 11 operating system to broad deployment on January 26th 2022. The new status means that Windows 11 will be offered to all eligible devices ahead of schedule: 12) Google Assistant Just Got A Big Upgrade That Makes It Easier To Talk ToIf you know how to use Google Assistant, you've probably noticed by now that canceling a request or getting the assistant to shut up isn't exactly easy. It's downright inconvenient. But Google just rolled out an awesome update that makes quieting down Google Assistant less of a hassle: 13) Recording | Vision Australia's Exploring Technology Webinar BlindShell Classic 2 Mobile Phone from January 27th 2022 | YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpzhNypaQpk 14) Instagram Outlines Key Updates to Improve the In-App Experience for Visually Impaired UsersInstagram has shared a new overview of how it's improving its systems for screen readers, in order to enable more people to experience the app in the same way, by focusing on the core elements of utility and action within the Instagram experience: 15) Tutorials and Other Resources for Using Reaper From a Blindness PerspectiveREAPER is an accessible and affordable digital audio workstation (DAW). It can be used to compose, record, edit, mix and master pretty much any musical or audio-based thing you could name. This is the landing page for REAPER Made Easy. On this page you'll find an expanding collection of free training content, all tailored toward using REAPER with screen reader software: 16) What Does a Forehand Winner Sound Like? Clink, Blip-Blip-Blip!At the Australian Open tennis tournament, new technology is translating the movement of the ball into sounds to help blind and low-vision fans follow the action: 17) Label Maker With A Braille Input Allows Visually-Impaired To Print Tactile Touch-Friendly LabelsHere's a design exercise that can really help develop your skills — take a product and see if it's disability-proof. If it isn't, you've got yourself a rather nifty design brief! Take, for instance, the label maker — a pretty useful product... as long as you can see and read. To overcome this accessibility gap, the Braille Label Maker allows you to print labels in braille that the visually impaired can touch to read: 18) Recording | 3 Ways to Set Up an Android Phone for the Visually Impaired by Voxmate and Blind Android Users from January 21st 2022 | YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtbN0O0Mics 19) You Can Ditch The Microsoft Teams Icon From The Taskbar To Speed Up Windows 11You won't just save screen space, Microsoft Teams is also a RAM hog: 20) How Some Features In Apple's AirPods Max Are A Huge Game Changer And Seamlessly Fit Into The Workflows Of Voiceover UsersMany articles have been written about how the AirPods Max sound, good or bad, this post isn't at all about that. Sometimes there is a feature in a product that flies under most of our radars. For most of us, this feature is either never used or never thought about. For some though, it is a huge game changer the rest of us will never fully realize. People who design such features totally deserve a raise, and when these features are revealed more to those who don't benefit from them it helps us all think beyond our narrow use cases. When we all design anything outside of our own experiences, situations we as individuals may never even know about may be made easier for others: 21) Top Ten Most Common Web Accessibility Issues | TPGiIf you are just starting your digital accessibility journey, you may feel overwhelmed with all the information on the topic. Don't worry: this article will help you understand some of the most common web accessibility issues you will encounter as you start reviewing and testing your website and applications for accessibility errors: 22) How to Use the Secret Safari Browser Hidden on Your Apple WatchDid you know your Apple Watch is hiding a built-in web browser? Here's how to find and use it: 23) Digitally Accessible Math Worksheets | Paths to LiteracyMany math worksheets are not accessible to people who use screen readers. The worksheets found at this link are accessible to people who use screen readers. Please note that they will be adding new worksheets on an on-going basis, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back to see what's new: 24) Microsoft's PowerToys Adds A Tool To Help People With Visual ImpairmentsMicrosoft's PowerToys just got even more powerful with the addition of three new tools: 25) 42 Ways Google Assistant Can Make You More Efficient On AndroidGoogle Assistant has some genuinely useful productivity tools for professionals — but it's up to you to learn how to use them: 26) How To Enable (And Use) Clipboard History In Windows 11Soon after Windows 10 was released Microsoft made a very useful upgrade to the Clipboard via a new tool called Clipboard History. Clipboard History is also included with Windows 11, but as with Windows 10 it's disabled by default. Luckily, it's very easy to enable the Clipboard History feature in Windows 11: 27) What's New in Leasey Version 7Leasey Version 7 is just a few weeks away: 28) Google Maps for Android Loses Voice Navigation Because We All Know WhyAt first glance, Android 12 is a must-have update given the long list of improvements and new features it brings to users out there. But when it comes to the experience drivers end up struggling with, this new operating system version is a release some might want to avoid: 29) Idaho commission for the Blind Seeks Instructor for the Blind, Senior | Deadline To Apply: February 19th 2022This position will instruct the blind in skill areas such as reading and writing Braille, travel methods, communications, home economics, and alternative daily living practices; counsel students in adjusting to blindness; perform related work further outlined here: 30) Smartsheet Recruiting For Accessibility ResearchAt Smartsheet we are determined to create a great user experience for those with accessibility needs. To do this, we need people to test our product and provide feedback during the design and development process in order to learn how to make them usable and intuitive. If you are interested in participating in this type of research, follow the link below to sign up. Experience using Smartsheet is not required: ➜ Press Releases and Other News1) AccessReady Reporter Newsletter for January 27th 2022 | A Top Tech Tidbits Partner PublicationTopics this month include: Accessready.Org And Top Tech Tidbits Announce Their Partnership To Provide Current Assistive Technology News And Trends To Their Joint Readership | 2021 Year End Report - App & Web Accessibility Lawsuits Break Records | Forum Shopping For A Website Lawsuit Over The Holidays? Look No Further Than The SDNY | Five 2022 Accessibility Trends | Crystal Ball 2022: More Aggressive DOJ Enforcement, More Lawsuits, And Maybe A New Rulemaking: 2) I Have Met the Enemy, and He is Blind | Joe OrozcoThe high cost of assistive technology sometimes drives people to purchase used items on the open market, but this case study serves as a reminder that consumers should always be careful with how they make purchases: 3) The Case For Describing Race In Alternative Text AttributesThis is an excellent article by Tolu Adegbite on why we need to get more descriptive in some alternative text descriptions: 4) Flicktype's Lawsuit Against Apple And Its App Store Is Moving ForwardAnother lawsuit against Apple is moving forward: 5) The Crisis Is Real: Where Are The Web Accessibility Professionals?Like everyone in the web accessibility field, WebAIM has a vested interest in a sufficiently-sized community comprised of skilled professionals. The shortage of qualified talent is felt by all of us. But from where will these individuals come, and how can we accelerate their availability? 6) What Kind of Writer Accuses Libraries of Stealing?A wrangle on the topic of Controlled Digital Lending: 7) Workplace Technology: Accommodations and AccessibilityAmerican Foundation for the Blind (AFB) released a study of 317 participants who requested accommodation during the hiring process. It was a comprehensive survey, and the entire report is worth a read: 8) Hitting The Books: The Decades-Long Fight To Bring Live Television To Deaf AudiencesEngadget has a write up on a new book by Harry G. Lang on the history of closed captioning in the United States: 9) New Memoir "Snow Blind" Celebrates The Power Of Skiing For The Visually ImpairedJohnson's new memoir is a beautiful tribute to the uplifting joy of skiing and an inspiring tale of human resilience: 10) A Blind Tech Consultant Finds His CallingLegally blind from birth, Julian Vargas's old cell phone led him to a new career in training other blind people how to use technology: 11) How Digital Content Empowers Braille LiteracyBraille is an essential tool that promotes literacy for individuals who are blind. It provides a means of reading and writing at home, in school, and in the workplace that can't be substituted by any other means of accessibility: 12) Action Request: American Council of the Blind Seeks Update on Accessible At-Home COVID TestingDear Acting Director Lawrence Tabak: As the President of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), we need your help. I write to you on behalf of our members and the blind and low vision community, to urge the National Institutes of Health to develop accessible testing right away: 13) Aussie Device That Gives Eyes To The Blind Fast-Tracked In USA world-first bionic eye that restores partial vision to the blind has been given "breakthrough" designation by the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA): 14) 3 Ways Focusing on Office Accessibility Can Boost Your Reputation and ROIMaking your office maximally accessible to people with disabilities or limitations is not just the right thing to do — it also gives teams additional communication and productivity tools: 15) NBCUniversal Enhances Accessibility for 2022 Winter Olympic & Paralympic GamesNBCUniversal's Winter Games coverage will be more accessible to viewers of all abilities than ever before, providing the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games through closed captioning, audio description, and digital content accessibility: 16) Butler Museum Embraces Use of Aira App for the Visually ImpairedPeople who are blind or have low vision can enjoy The Butler Institute of American Art through an online service that describes art: 17) This Remarkable Tech Can Actually Improve The Eyesight Of The Visually ImpairedA gene-editing treatment known as CRISPR appears to have positive results for people suffering from a rare visual disorder. According to new reports, researchers injected seven volunteers with CRISPR to treat a rare vision disorder. Unlike other treatments, scientists designed CRISPR to fight diseases at a genetic level. Following the experiment, some of the volunteers noted a marked improvement in their eyesight. The affected individuals were all born with vision disorders, however, thanks to CRISPR, they're now able to see better: 18) Blind And Low-Vision Fans Benefiting From New Technology At Australian OpenDevelopers hope the Action Audio system will be adopted by other grand slams: 19) Blind Institute Of Technology Partners Up With Be My Eyes To Assist Professionals With DisabilitiesThe Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) has announced its partnership with Be My Eyes, an innovative app that provides real-time video assistance for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Starting on February 2, 2022, the Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) team will be able to field calls from the Specialized Help section of the app: 20) A New Wave of Lawsuits Accuses 50 Art Galleries of Allegedly Violating the Americans With Disabilities ActDealers complain that a lack of clear guidelines has opened the door to a flood of lawsuits: 21) Why Technology Accessibility Is Key For Disability Inclusion At WorkTechnology, like video conferencing tools and online messaging systems, has gained prominence in workplaces across the country, especially during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as many businesses have switched to remote and hybrid models. In fact, more than half of U.S. workers rely on technology to complete their jobs. For workers with disabilities, tools for accessibility, like screen readers and subtitles for video meetings, are extremely important and necessary for workplace inclusion: 22) Video: Audio Devices Fitted In Dozens Of Rail Operator's Toilets To Help Visually Impaired VisitorsDozens of toilets at Northern Rail's stations will be fitted with a new device to help blind and visually impaired people navigate the toilets more confidently. RoomMate is a wall-mounted device that gives blind and visually impaired visitors bespoke audio description in an accessible toilet. It will be installed in 44 locations across the rail operators' network. If audio guidance is required, a wave of the hand over the unit triggers a detailed explanation of the room in order of typical use: ➜ Featured Podcast Episodes1) Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther 43: SCUBA Diving Blind and Wrecks of the St. Lawrence |January 23rd 2022 | On episode 43 of the AMI Audio podcast "Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther" we explore SCUBA for blind and low vision divers with Hubert Chretien, executive director of Freedom at Depth. Ms. Lilly shares the details of a number of notable shipwrecks that have occurred over the past 300 years on the St. Lawrence River. Lawrence and Hubert discuss tips and tech used by vision impaired SCUBA divers and their sighted dive partners, and Lawrence reflects on some of the professional blind SCUBA divers he's met over the years. If you want to learn to SCUBA, sign up with Freedom at Depth now before dive season starts: 2) Blind Android Users 60 | Network and InternetJanuary 29th 2022 | This week we start talking about settings in Android. We talk about network and connections in android and mainly focus on hotspot. We are then joined by Charles Leclercq, CEO of ArxVision, developer of the soon to be launched ARxWear Headset which enables a user to have their surroundings described such as the contents of a document, a storefront, or items on a shelf. In our app of the week segment, we demo universal copy app. You can listen to our podcast on all smart speakers, popular podcast playing apps and Youtube.To listen to the podcast on our wqebsite, please visit: 3) DM87 - Tracking Voice ToysFebruary 1st 2022 | In the latest episode of the Damashe and Michael, Just Talking Tech Series we start out with Michael demoing one of the new narrator voices. Damashe shares info about how you can now type either / or to get to a url. This takes us into a conversation about focus modes and automating the use of these. Damashe and Michael discuss the problem with a unified design for credit and debit cards. This takes us into a conversation regarding the Lookout app on Android and how effective it is. You can listen in on our conversation about backups and what we are using to keep our digital lives backed up. This then takes us to a conversation about Damashe's new toy, let us know what you think of it! This then takes us into a discussion about this being the year of tracking. And Damashe closes our chat out with a way he's using AIRA: 4) Eyes on Success 2205 Taking Charge of Your HealthFebruary 2nd 2022 | As a result of being born prematurely, Jeff Bishop had to deal with a number of medical issues including becoming a diabetic. Hosts Nancy and Peter talk with Jeff about his journey to control his diabetes by making a series of lifestyle changes that included sticking to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and developing the drive to succeed: ➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and Events1) Accessible Signage | U.S. Access BoardFebruary 3rd 2022 | 11:30AM PT, 12:30PM MT, 1:30PM CT, 2:30PM ET, 7:30 PM GMT | What type of signs are covered by the ADA and ABA Standards? Which ones must be tactile? Are signs required where none are planned? These are just some of the questions that frequently come up when addressing access to signs under the ADA and ABA. The Access Board will soon issue a new technical bulletin on signs that clarifies scoping and technical requirements in the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards for signs, answers common questions, and provides best practice recommendations. This session will review the new bulletin and requirements for tactile signs, directional and information signs, required accessibility symbols, and pictograms. Presenters will also explain ways to meet various provisions and common sources of confusion about accessible signage. This webinar will include video remote interpreting (VRI) and real-time captioning. Questions can be submitted in advance of the session or can be posed during the live webinar. Webinar attendees can earn continuing education credits. Continuing Education Recognition Available: 2) Washington Seminar Career Fair | NFBFebruary 7th 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | The National Federation of the Blind will hold the 2022 Washington Seminar Career Fair virtually on Monday, February 7, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. eastern. Connect with diverse and dynamic employers and job seekers from across the United States. This event is organized by the National Federation of the Blind Employee Committee. The NFB Employment Committee runs employment activities during the year. It is our goal to bring employers who are interested in hiring blind people in contact with blind people who are looking for employment. We do seminars and other activities to help blind job seekers develop interviewing and other skills. We also help answer employer questions about hiring blind people. Registration open. Register by January 25, 2022, 8 p.m. eastern time: 3) Meet the New RUBY 10 (ACVREP CE Approved) | Access IngenuityFebruary 9th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joe McDaniel and Mike Wood from Vispero to meet the new RUBY 10. During this webinar, we will demonstrate the advanced capabilities of the latest low vision solution from Freedom Scientific, the RUBY 10. The video magnifier has a 10-inch touchscreen and three dedicated cameras, and it can magnify letters, magazines, labels, and photos. The swing-out arm allows you to view items in your hand and write, and when extended, it also enables full-page OCR. With a touch of a button, you can scan pages and have them read aloud to you. The third camera can see objects at a short distance, such as signs and menus on a wall. Users can utilize cutting-edge magnification features with industry-leading OCR to maximize the reading experience. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), this presentation is approved for ACVREP continuing education credit. Learning Outcomes: How RUBY 10 uses cutting-edge view modes not seen in any other device. Discover different uses of the RUBY 10. How the RUBY 10 differs from the other models. Why having OCR in a portable unit can be a game-changer. Meeting ID: 843 8747 2637 | Passcode: 269697 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,84387472637#,,,,*269697# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: 4) 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:. 5) Jaw Muscles: A Guide to Increased Productivity Using JAWS for Windows | Hartgen ConsultancyFebruary 14th 2022 | While many people can use computing applications with the keyboard at a basic level, we want to kick your screen-reading skills into shape. We'll show you plenty of strategies you probably didn't know about. Once you've completed our new training course, you will be able to show everyone your screen-reading muscles! Course Delivery: Jaw Muscles will commence week beginning Monday 14 February 2022 and weekly thereafter. The cost of the course is £50 which is currently 68 US dollars. Purchase JAW Muscles Online. While it is by no means a requirement for course participation, we are offering an additional package if you do not have our Leasey product. One of the main advantages of Leasey is to add even more productivity tools to those already available within JAWS and this year, we intend to add even more of these. JAW Muscles with Leasey is available at a substantially reduced rate for a combined total of £80 which is approximately $108 US. Purchase Jaw Muscles With Leasey Online. Alternatively, anyone can purchase either package by sending an email to jaws@hartgen.org 📧️, whereupon a fully accessible electronic invoice will be sent to you which can be paid through PayPal or any major credit or debit card. 6) Working with Tables & JAWS | Access IngenuityFebruary 16th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Many screen reader users face challenges with navigating tables. However, some specific methods and commands make navigating tables much simpler. Join Zhi Huang, Marisa Church, and Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity to explore working with tables using the JAWS screen reader. Learning Outcomes: Introduce the different ways to read and edit tables in Microsoft Word. Discover how to navigate tables in HTML, such as on a web browser or reading a PDF with Adobe Reader. Explore the JAWS quick settings to customize the way JAWS behaves with tables. Meeting ID: 839 1156 9156 | Passcode: 811726 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,83911569156#,,,,*811726# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: 7) Prep and Proof Word Documents Using Track Changes and Comments with JAWS | Freedom ScientificFebruary 17th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Track Changes is a feature in Microsoft Word that allows you to view changes made to a document by you or other users. Comments in a Word document provide information from reviewers or collaborators without altering the document's text. This feature is great for asking questions or making suggestions. Join us on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at noon Eastern Time as we describe and demonstrate how to use the Track Changes and Comments features in Word. We'll show you how to: Turn on and navigate Track Changes. Accept or reject changes. Keep Track Changes turned on. Add and read comments. Reply to comments. Register: 8) What Are Focus Braille Displays and the ElBraille Notetaker? (ACVREP CE Approved) | Access IngenuityFebruary 23rd 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | The Focus Braille displays have been around for quite a long time. However, many may not know about the fifth-generation features. In addition, the 40-cell version can work in conjunction with the ElBraille Notetaker. Join Ian Ramos, Marisa Church, and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero to learn about the Focus Braille displays and ElBraille Notetaker running on Windows to help determine if one or both these products would be beneficial to you. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), this presentation is approved for ACVREP continuing education credit. Learning Outcomes: Discuss the Focus Braille displays, the new features, and the differences of the fifth-generation products. Introduce the ElBraille Notetaker that runs on Windows 10 and 11, coupled with the Focus fifth-generation Braille display. Discuss the features of the Focus Braille display and ElBraille Notetaker and provide scenarios where it is ideal to have only a Focus Braille display or both. Provide demonstrations and orientations of both the Focus and the ElBraille. Meeting ID: 845 9035 5826 | Passcode: 951549 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,84590355826#,,,,*951549# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: 9) Taking Your Accessibility Statement To The Next LevelFebruary 24th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | The accessibility statement is a familiar public expression of an organization's commitment to digital accessibility. In the European Union, legislation mandates public organizations provide a web accessibility statement in a particular format. Elsewhere, accessibility statements are often limited to a generic and vague expression of a future ideal, or present overly detailed technical information (which can quickly becomes dated and inaccurate). But they can be so much more. Join David Sloan, head of UX at TPGi and a 20-year accessibility veteran, in an exploration on how your organization can take advantage of the many opportunities an effective accessibility statement or microsite can bring to your accessibility efforts. For example, you can use it to: Describe accessibility features you provide. Effectively report on your progress and plans. Provide a trusted communication channel for people with disabilities. We'll also look at strategies for managing your accessibility statement content as it evolves over time. Don't pass up this exciting chance to learn how you can take advantage of an accessibility statement's possibilities. If you are using Internet Explorer and have cookies disabled (either via privacy mode or decline cookies on the website), you may not be able to register through this form. If you are still unable to register, please email ida@tpgi.com 📧️ with your name and contact information. Ida will arrange the registration on your behalf: 10) Breast Cancer Webinar for Women Who Are Blind | Accessible Pharmacy Services for the BlindFebruary 25th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | On February 25, 2022, please join Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind as we discuss accessible breast cancer information, detection and prevention for blind women and their families with these expert presenters: Dr. Kim Kubek, MD: Pennsylvania Diagnostic Breast Cancer Center and https://www.breastcancer.org/. Dr. Kristen Capece, PharmD, BCGP: Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind. Dr. Jill Lykon, PharmD, BCOP: University of Miami Hospital. Agenda: 12:00 - Welcome. 12:05 - Dr. Kim Kubek: Breast Cancer Overview and How to Self-Exam. 12:50 - American Cancer Society: Accessible Cancer Resources. 1:00 - Dr. Kristen Capece: Cancer Medications. 1:15 - Dr. Jill Lykon: Impact of Chemotherapy on Medication and Diabetes. This webinar will have captioning and a live ASL interpreter. Eligible attendees can receive CE credit for participating. If you are unable to attend, still be sure to register to receive access to the webinar audio and video after the event, as well as an audio description of a breast self-exam for women who are blind or have low vision: 11) Virtual Assistive Technology Expo | School of Medicine Columbia | University of South CarolinaMarch 1st 2022 | 5:30AM PT, 6:30AM MT, 7:30AM CT, 8:30AM ET, 1:30 PM GMT | Join us March 1, 2022 for a full day of fast-paced sessions showcasing the latest assistive technology for people with a wide range of disabilities. This year's expo will be presented virtually and two $50 gift cards will be given away after each session so register today: 12) Accommodation Solutions for Executive Functioning Deficits | AskJanMarch 10 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT | Executive functions are high-level mental processes or abilities that influence and direct more basic abilities like attention and memory. Join JAN Cognitive/Neurological Team consultants Melanie Whetzel and Alexis Popa for a discussion about accommodation solutions that address limitations affecting attention, time management, memory, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and getting to work on time. This training will be a live question and answer session but will include JAN accommodation examples to prompt thinking about the topics and generate questions about the difficulties you or your employees are experiencing on the job that involve attention, meeting deadlines, productivity standards, and more: 13) Screen Reader User Tester Training Program | Carroll Center for the Blind | Become a Screen Reader User Tester and Launch Your Career in Digital AccessibilityMarch 14th 2022 | Want to break into the field of digital accessibility as a screen reader user tester? A new session of the Carroll Center for the Blind's popular 7-week, face-to-face Screen Reader User Tester Training program starts on March 14, 2022. Come learn and grow your ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers during this intensive training program. If you're interested in gaining the foundation to develop a solid career path in the digital accessibility field while making a difference as a screen reader user tester, reach out today. Spots are filling up fast! To learn more, visit the Screen Reader User Tester Training Program page at: https://carroll.org/screen-reader-user-tester-training-program/. To apply, please reach out to the admissions team at the Carroll Center by emailing admissions@carroll.org 📧️ or by calling (617) 969-6200 📱️, extension 216. 14) 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: 15) Section 508 Questions and Answers | U.S. Access BoardMarch 29th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Technical questions can arise in applying the Section 508 Standards to the various types of information and communication technologies (ICT) that they cover in the federal sector. In this webinar, Section 508 Specialists at the U.S. Access Board and the General Services Administration (GSA) will provide answers to common questions about the 508 Standards. They will address use of the 508 Standards in ICT acquisitions, validating conformance with the standards, available Section 508 tools and resources, the 2021 revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, development of an ICT Testing Baseline portfolio, and other topics. This session is intended for entry-level to intermediate audiences, but all are welcome to join. This webinar will include video remote interpreting (VRI) and real-time captioning. Questions can be submitted in advance of the session or can be posed during the live webinar. Continuing Education Recognition Available: 16) The 21st Annual Multiple Perspective Conference at The Ohio State UniversityApril 11th 2022 and April 12th 2022 | Conditions permitting, we will meet in person, provisions will be made for presenters with travel restrictions. "If I were just a woman, he could not do this to me; if I were only a person of color, he would not be able to do this to me; my conclusion was that the only reason that you are able to take this unfair advantage is because I also have a disability." "My own personal identity is very much tied into who I am as a woman of color and as a disabled person, and I try not to distinguish between the three identities anymore". These quotes from Johnnie Lacy capture the flavor to this year's theme for Multiple Perspective's ongoing exploration of disability as a reflection of the human condition. A lived experience seen through multiple lenses of identity, work, school, human rights, theory, discipline, and law. Preference will be given to presentations that explore parallels, distinctions, lessons and impacts of disability across and within identity groups and models: ➜ Directories1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-app-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-game-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directoryhttps://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-podcast-directory.html ➜ Buy, Sell or Trade1) 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: Freedom Scientific➜ Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille DisplaysOur 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:
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: The Reader's Digest Getting Started Guide to Vision LossAPHConnectCenter has resources to help blind and low vision people thrive.?Share the Reader's Digest Getting Started with Vision Loss Guide with people who need to know about living with vision loss.
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!
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 ProductsRevolution 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 MouseCode & 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.
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. Sponsor: GuideLights and Gadgets➜ GuideLights And Gadgets: New For You in 2022!(1) New protective hands-free leather pouch for larger phones Pro and Pro Max and Android) 5 by 8 inches; 4 compartments; $30. (2) New single-ear headphone design with easy to locate buttons and all day comfort: $45. (3) Talking Medical Bundle Sale - (infrared thermometer, BP unit with cuff, and oximeter, ending Jan. 31: $130. (4) Many new leather bag styles for laptops, tablets, and Braille displays. Call Barry at (617) 969-7500 📱️ | bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com 📧️ or Kae at (781) 286-1696 📱️ | guidelightdogs@gmail.com 📧️. Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us
Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐 For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at: For All Things Dog Contact Kae at: About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use. In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well. What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, "hands on" evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, afforable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice! Sponsor: A. T. Guys➜ Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 HubIf 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:
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 ChannelDouble 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:
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:
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@hims-inc.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 $39.99The 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:
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 BlindLaunch 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:
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:
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. Your Name Here
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