Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, April 28, 2022 - Volume 856The Week's News in Adaptive Technology A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in adaptive technology. Subscribers: 7,211 opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: The FREE, Virtual 2022 National Coding Symposium is Back, May 9-May 13, 2022The FREE, Virtual 2022 National Coding Symposium is Back, May 9-May 13, 2022
Calling all future coders! APH and our partners are pleased to present the 2022 National Coding Symposium. This event connects parents, teachers, and students who are visually impaired with professionals in the coding industry from organizations such as LinkedIn, Vispero, Amazon, Apple, NVDA, Yahoo, HumanWare, Tetralogical, APH, and many more. Through a series of inspirational speakers, panel discussions, presentations, and question and answer sessions, attendees of all ages will be introduced to coding concepts and various pathways to careers in and/or related to coding. Awards and scholarship opportunities are also available! Learn more and register for the 2022 National Coding Symposium today! Dear Tidbits Subscriber,1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week
A.) Enhancements In JAWS 2022.2204.20 | April 2022 (12.2% of all clicks.)
B.) New Sensor Technology Helps Blind And Visually Impaired Pedestrians Avoid Hazards (11% of all clicks.)
C.) Accessible Fitness App (6.4% of all clicks.)
D.) BARD Update (5.3% of all clicks.)
E.) Tech Designed To Aid Visually Impaired Could Benefit From Human-AI Collaboration (4.7% of all clicks.) 2) JAWS for Windows with Microsoft Teams Power Tip: Filtering by Unread ChatsCourtesy of Freedom Scientific: 3) Send to Braille 2.0 ReleasedThe American Printing House for the Blind is pleased to announce the release of an update to its popular Send to Braille application. This is a simple tool which adds options to the right click "Send to" menu to translate documents into braille and vice-versa: 4) Automatic Creation Of Border / Separator Lines In MS-Word: Stopping It / Resuming It If You've Previously Stopped It | Brian Vogel: Office-AccessibilityThere was a recent question on the NVDA Chat Subgroup about the automatic creation of what Word calls border lines, and I often call separator lines, if you type three of certain characters in a row. Three hyphens in a row followed by enter results in a thin solid border line across the width of the page. Three equal signs rather than hyphens creates a double border line. Some people want to stop word from doing this rather than hitting Undo to reverse the creation when it occurs. A quick web search on "change hyphens to line" turns up tons of information on this, but this particular page is both concise and thorough: Office Watch: Making lines in Word and stopping them! It does not, of course, address what a screen reader may, or may not, announce when said border lines are encountered. 5) Google's Accessibility Crackdown Bans Call-Recording Apps From The Play StoreGoogle abandoned plans for a call-recording API in 2020, now it bans workarounds? 6) How To Adjust The iPhone's Screen For Color BlindnessApple gave the iPhone several screen controls, including specific filters that can make colors easier to distinguish for users with color blindness: 7) Blind Hockey Players Need Loud And Strong Pucks. How SLU Engineers Are Building Better OnesBorah and other players are working with engineers at St. Louis University to create and test a better hockey puck for blind players — a deceptively complicated engineering problem: 8) Spacefelt - A New Assistive Technology Innovation For People With Visual ImpairmentI'm Vivian from Grailmaker Innovations. Our startup has developed Spacefelt, a tagging and labelling app for persons with visual impairment. Using it, the user can tag, label and identify objects around them independently. The idea of Spacefelt came up when my friend, Aishwarya, who is a visually impaired tactile artist wanted some technology that will help her identify colors: 9) 10 Popular Smartphone Myths That Aren't TrueDoing these 10 things won't do your smartphone any good: 10) WordPress 6.0 Features Numerous Accessibility ImprovementsWordPress announces that version 6.0 features numerous accessibility improvements that bring it closer to WCAG 2.0 AA compliance: 11) InventHelp Inventors Develop Archery Product for Visually-Impaired Individuals (DNV-315)The invention provides an innovative new product for target archers with visual impairments. In doing so, it offers an improved way to point and fire an arrow at the target. As a result, it enables the user to engage in an activity that might otherwise be difficult or impossible and it could provide a sense of independence and self-reliance. The invention features a lightweight and compact design that is easy to use so it is ideal for visually-impaired individuals. Additionally, it is producible in design variations: 12) Twitter: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility Q1 2022: Our Global ApproachWe know that Twitter has been in the news lately. Here is a blog post Twitter has published on their accessibility and inclusion efforts from Q1 2022: 13) Add Or Get Subtitle Editor Access In YouTube StudioThis will make it easier for creators to add subtitles and captions for their YouTube videos: 14) TeamViewer Scripts for JAWSBrian Hartgen has released Jaws scripts for TeamViewer, a popular remote desktop solution: 15) Changeling's Guide To Mastodon For Screen Reader UsersThis guide is a work in progress but purports to introduce screen reader users to Mastodon: 16) Unique Job Site Can Help Neurodivergent People Find Meaningful Work - While Being ThemselvesFifty tech companies, including Microsoft, have launched a job portal specifically for neurodivergent workers and employers: 17) Stardew Valley Accessibility Mod Helps Visually Impaired Players Enjoy The Farming SimA blind Stardew Valley player has shared how they are able to play the game and it's all thanks to an accessibility mod: 18) New Sensor Technology Helps Blind And Visually Impaired Pedestrians Avoid HazardsA new patented technology from Intelligent Material Solutions, Inc. is designed to help pedestrians who are blind and visually impaired navigate busy sidewalks and avoid sidewalk hazards. The sensor tech uses a cooperative guidance system to determine the pedestrians' precise geolocation and guide them to public transportation, retail entrances, sidewalk exits and other locations: 19) How to Remap Your Keyboard | PC MagIf you're looking to change key functions on your computer's keyboard in Windows, these three methods can help: 20) Microsoft Mobile App Is Making Bus Stops More AccessibleA team at Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, led by Associate Professor Gang Luo, has been focusing on vision assistive technology for over a decade, running research studies on technology development, intervention, evaluation, and human factors in mobility for people who are blind or low vision. While transit agencies have a mandate to improve accessibility to public transportation as part of the Americans with Disability Act, opportunities exist to improve existing technologies and further remove barriers. Developing a cost-effective tool was paramount for the team in their aim to make bus stops more accessible and easily identifiable to all: 21) AI Could Improve Tech Designed to Aid the Visually ImpairedChallenges with remote sighted assistance technology could be better addressed by humans and artificial intelligence working together, a new study shows: ➜ Press Releases and Other News1) Beyond WCAG: Losing Spoons OnlineHave you heard of Christine Miserandino's spoon theory? Spoon theory is a metaphor in which one's physical and mental capacity for each day is represented by a fixed number of spoons that gets replenished each day. Some people are given more spoons than others, and each time you need to expend mental or physical energy as part of your day, that removes one (or more than one) of your spoons. And once you reach zero spoons, that means that you've exhausted your mental and physical capacity for the day — and there's no more that you can do. Every morning, most [neuro]typical people wake up with infinite spoons. They don't even think of spoons as a resource because they almost never run out. They can easily choose to do this or that without risking much other than time consumption. Sure, they get tired by the end of a full day, but generally they have enough spoons to do all the normal things. It's a gift they take for granted. Those with chronic pain or serious illness or certain types of mental illness, like depression, only get twelve or twenty spoons a day. Each activity, even small things like getting dressed or making breakfast, takes a spoon. Careful choices must be made about how the spoons are spent; otherwise, they will be gone before the day is through. Or worse. A bad spoon-management choice might leave them without spoons for several days: 2) Empathetic Design Is Redefining Accessibility For People With Disabilities And Special Needs-And A Growing Number Of Major Companies Are Adopting ItWhen Raja Rajamannar was a kid, his grandmother, who lived with his family in India, became blind. "My sister and I had to help her navigate every day," he says. "I really felt for her." Still, he acknowledges, he couldn't truly know his grandmother's experience moving around the world after losing sight. Now, Rajamannar works as chief marketing and communications officer and president, Healthcare business at Mastercard. In 2019, he was approached by a member of the company's finance team to create a card specifically for people who are blind and visually impaired. "That was immediately a spark," says Rajamannar: 3) The Business Case For AccessibilityIn an ideal world, products and services would be designed so that every person experienced them in an equitable and comparable way. However, sometimes it is necessary to justify to stakeholders why the proper time, money, and resources need to be dedicated to embed accessible practices: 4) The True Impact Of AccessibilityThe Life of a Blind Girl Blog discusses positive aspects of accessibility: 5) Coachella 2022: Accessible Festivals Assists Over 700 Festivalgoers During Weekend 1This company seeks to make concerts and festivals more accessible: 6) The Most Accessible Best of Beauty Award-Winning Products for People Who Are Blind or Have Low VisionThis list is compiled by Allure: 7) Virtual Assistants: A Help Or Hindrance For People With Disabilities?Laura Moya doesn't like technology very much. In fact, within just a few minutes of talking to her, she'll tell you just how inaccessible it is for anyone with a disability. But Laura isn't letting that stop her. She's currently working on her thesis at the University of Zaragoza in north-eastern Spain. While the digital world has the potential to greatly improve the lives of people with disabilities, she feels there's a long way to go before it's completely accessible and inclusive: 8) The Journey Forward: Impact of COVID-19 on Blind, Low Vision, and Deafblind U.S. AdultsThough COVID-19 restrictions have intermittently eased and many Americans are beginning to venture out to shop, socialize, and work, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives. In July and August 2021, AFB conducted the Journey Forward survey of U.S. adults who are blind, low vision, or deafblind. We gathered data to help us understand the short-term and long-term impact of the pandemic on those with vision loss and learn from their experiences so we can address both COVID-created and systemic issues impacting the lives of those who are blind or have low vision: 9) American Foundation for the Blind to Present Its Highest Honors at Annual ConferenceThe American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) will recognize individuals who have made superb contributions to improving the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired with the presentations of the Migel Medal, the Llura Gund Leadership Award, and the Corinne Kirchner Research Award: 10) UserWay Releases Version 4.0 of its AI-Powered Accessibility SolutionThe cloud-based accessibility solution now includes instant language translations in addition to a personalized user interface: 11) The Most Accessible Best of Beauty Award-Winning Products for People Who Are Blind or Have Low VisionWe have a ways to go before products are universally accessible, but these makeup, skin-care, and hair products show we're moving in the right direction: 12) Physics Professor Creates Planetarium Show For Georgia Academy For The Blind StudentsVisually impaired students from the Georgia Academy for the Blind recently experienced a planetarium show designed especially for them. Instead of looking up at stars projected on a dome, they each held a model of a constellation in their hands. Dr. Matt Marone, associate professor of physics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Mercer University, created the models of the Orion constellation using a 3D printer, keeping the needs of the visually impaired in mind: 13) First Recorded Congenitally Blind Person With Synesthesia Feels Times As TexturesSynesthesia has been found in a congenitally blind person for the first time — or at least the first time on record. There are many different types of synesthesia, but almost all of them — especially the most famous ones — involve sight in some way. The composer Franz Liszt once notably asked his orchestra to play pieces "a little bluer," for example, referring not to the musical style but the literal color blue, while Nobel prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman would read complicated math equations in glorious technicolor. But that doesn't mean the condition requires sight, as a new case study in the journal Neuropsychologia has now proven. The study authors say that their data "fill an important void in the current knowledge on synesthesia and shed light on the mechanisms behind sensory crosstalk in the human mind." 14) Options And Opportunities For Those Who Are Blind Or DeafblindPeople with any disability have an unemployment rate more than twice that of those without a disability. Only around one-third of working-age adults with significant vision loss is employed between the ages of 21 and 64, according to the EEOC. "The largest barrier is societal/employer attitudes and misconceptions about the capabilities of individuals who are blind or DeafBlind," says George Abbott, CEO and president at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., the single largest U.S. employer of DeafBlind employees and the largest employer west of the Mississippi of people who are blind: ➜ Featured Podcast Episodes1) Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 72, Let's Talk About That BatteryApril 23rd 2022 | We demo battery management on Android and tell you what to do If you have problems receiving app notifications. We have another mid-week episode a demo that will help all the musicians on android, amazing slow downer. Rod Maccoux tells us how he got started with Android. We bring another highlights episode from Talkback. Our podcast can be found on all popular podcasting platforms, on smart speakers and on YouTube at: 2) Eyes on Success 2217 Encore of 1715 Audio Book NarratorApril 27th 2022 | You've probably heard her voice on a Talking Book from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Martha Harmon Pardee has narrated over 3,000 books for the NLS. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with her about the process of recording audio books, notable moments in her career, and what else she does as a professional voice artist: ➜ Featured Webinars and Training Courses1) The LyriQ Reading Machine | Free Public Event | Mystic AccessApril 28th 2022 | 5:30 PM PT, 6:30 PM MT, 7:30 PM CT, 8:30 PM ET, 12:30 AM, 4/29 GMT | In a recent podcast episode, we discussed the LyriQ, a compact, fast and accurate reading machine we first learned about at CSUN. We were so impressed that we bought one upon returning home, and use it every single day. Why do two technology geeks who use iOS, Android, and Fire OS, and have access to several scanning apps love this standalone machine so much? Ah, there are so many reasons! The podcast generated so much interest that we decided to make the LyriQ the topic of our April event. We'll take a deep dive, orient you to the device, use it to read a variety of documents, and show you its features, such as reading columns, changing voices, batch scanning, and more. We know a device like this is a considered investment, so wanted to share more about it and answer your questions. Note that this is a public event, so registration is required. You'll be asked for your name, email address, and to answer a specific question about the event. Press Enter on the Register link to submit the form. We'll then manually approve your registration, after which you'll receive all the joining info by email. We're sorry to have to start requiring registration for public events, but after the nightmare of two Zoom bombs during our last public event in November, we see no choice. Thanks for your understanding. Learn about the LyriQ with us on Thursday, April 28, at 8:30 PM ET. Please activate this link to register for the event. we look forward to sharing with you! 2) What Does it Meme?: Understanding and Sharing Visual Culture | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryMay 2nd 2022 | 3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT | Monday May 2, 6:00 - 7:30 PM Eastern
Memes are a rich part of Internet culture but, usually, they're not accessible to blind and low-vision people. Join us as we dive into the meaning and evolution of memes, and explore how concise, evocative description can create equity of access in digital spaces. This event will take place online: 3) The Victor Reader Trek Webinar: New Maps, Efficient Traveling and More!May 2nd 2022 | 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM, 5/3 GMT | Don't miss this upcoming webinar on Monday, May 2 at 8 PM (EST), where Peter Tucic and Mathieu Paquette will be discussing the Victor Reader Trek's new maps, and how to utilize the device to increase your awareness and gain efficiency when traveling. 4) American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference (AFBLC)May 2nd 2022 through May3rd 2022 | Hyatt Regency Arlington, Virginia. Join us for the American Foundation for the Blind's Leadership Conference (AFBLC), which will take place at the Hyatt Regency, Arlington, Virginia this year. We aim to create a world of no limits for people who are blind. We are committed to putting inclusion to work, which will be a major emphasis of our 2022 AFBLC. AFBLC provides a forum in which leaders from a variety of fields-including research, technology, education, corporations, health and government organizations — have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of best practices, refine leadership skills, identify inclusion practices that work, and share concerns and strategies. The Migel Medal, the highest honor in the blindness field, as well as the Corinne Kirchner Research Award and the newly established Llura Gund Leadership Award will be presented at the AFB Leadership Conference. We look forward to gathering with you to explore the conference themes of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility: 5) Envision Glasses: Exploring Additional Features & Answering Questions | Access IngenuityMay 4th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | Did you miss previous presentations on the new Envision glasses but would like an opportunity to learn about them? Perhaps you previously attended, but you want to explore their capabilities again or learn about the latest features. Join Ian Ramos and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity as we look at the exciting new Envision glasses. Envision glasses use the cutting-edge Google Glasses platform as a way for visually impaired users to gain access to their environment. They give you the ability to scan text, be it handwritten notes, books, or your favorite recipe. Using the built-in camera, you can call someone and have them see from your point of view to help you pick out the perfect outfit or help you navigate a challenging obstacle. Learn more about the additional features these glasses offer and how they differ from other wearable technologies currently on the market. Attendees from previous presentations on the glasses can still benefit from this since we will introduce new features. Last time the focus was Read and Call features, and this one will primarily focus on Identify and Find features and the various settings. Learning Outcomes: How Scene Description can offer more independence. How the glasses use cutting-edge technology to help you do more. Explore new features since our last Envision glasses presentation. Answer your additional questions. Meeting ID: 875 9380 4702 | Passcode: 205319 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,87593804702#,,,,*205319# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: 6) Intro to Facebook with Accessibility in Mind | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryMay 5th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Thursday May 5th 2022 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM ET. We'll go over the basics of navigating Facebook with confidence on mobile and the web. Learn how to create posts including links and photos, navigate the News Feed, access important settings, handle messages and more. This hybrid event will take place online and in person. Please RSVP to chanceyfleet@nypl.org ✉ to attend in person, or register for the Zoom: 7) iPhone Chat for Voiceover Beginners | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryMay 7th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | First Saturdays (April 2, May 7, June 4) 1:00 - 2:15 PM ET. If you're new to using Voiceover on the iPhone or if you're still working toward confidence, this discussion group is for you. We'll spend some time going over the theory of how screen readers work, gestures everyone needs to know, and some strategies for getting help. Then, we'll open it up for questions and networking. This event will take place online: 8) iPhone Chat for Voiceover Users: Beyond the Basics | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryMay 7th 2022 | 11:30AM PT, 12:30AM, 1:30PM CT, 2:30PM ET, 6:30PM GMT | First Saturdays (April 2, May 7, June 4) from 2:30 - 4:00 PM ET. Talk about customizing gestures and settings, exploring new apps, choosing accessories, dealing with bugs, and whatever else comes to mind. This is a space for any and all Voiceover topics that go beyond the basics of using common gestures and built-in apps. This event will take place online: 9) 2022 National Coding Symposium | APH and PartnersMay 9th 2022 through May 13th 2022 | The FREE, Virtual 2022 National Coding Symposium is Back, May 9-May 13, 2022. The FREE, Virtual 2022 National Coding Symposium is Back, May 9-May 13, 2022 Calling all future coders! APH and our partners are pleased to present the 2022 National Coding Symposium. This event connects parents, teachers, and students who are visually impaired with professionals in the coding industry from organizations such as LinkedIn, Vispero, Amazon, Apple, NVDA, Yahoo, HumanWare, Tetralogical, APH, and many more. Through a series of inspirational speakers, panel discussions, presentations, and question and answer sessions, attendees of all ages will be introduced to coding concepts and various pathways to careers in and/or related to coding. Awards and scholarship opportunities are also available! Learn more and register for the 2022 National Coding Symposium today! 10) The Web is Inherently Accessible | AccessU 2022 | TPGiMay 10th 2022 | 6:30AM PT, 7:30AM MT, 8:30AM CT, 9:30AM ET, 1:30PM GMT | Rachele DiTullio. Expand your accessibility knowledge by checking out some of the excellent sessions at AccessU. The schedule includes one day of pre-conference workshops followed by three days of live training and Q&A sessions. All times are US Central Time. Join TPGi's accessibility experts as they share their knowledge and present on some excellent topics. 11) Using the JAWS Screen Reader to Create Better Digital Content | AccessU 2022 | TPGiMay 10th 2022 | 11:45AM PT, 12:45PM MT, 1:45PM CT, 2:45PM ET, 6:45PM GMT | Rachele DiTullio. Expand your accessibility knowledge by checking out some of the excellent sessions at AccessU. The schedule includes one day of pre-conference workshops followed by three days of live training and Q&A sessions. All times are US Central Time. Join TPGi's accessibility experts as they share their knowledge and present on some excellent topics. 12) Hiring for Cognitive Diversity in Tech | AccessU 2022 | TPGiMay 10th 2022 | 1:30PM PT, 2:30PM MT, 3:30PM CT, 4:30PM ET, 8:30PM GMT | LE Silveus McNamara. Expand your accessibility knowledge by checking out some of the excellent sessions at AccessU. The schedule includes one day of pre-conference workshops followed by three days of live training and Q&A sessions. All times are US Central Time. Join TPGi's accessibility experts as they share their knowledge and present on some excellent topics. 13) Introduction To Creating Accessible PDFs | TPGiMay 10th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | Presenters: Evan Burnett, Document Accessibility Lead. PDFs and other electronic documents are essential elements for online communication. As we strive to create an accessible digital experience for all users, we must not neglect the electronic documents hosted on websites. Ensuring such documents are accessible is a critical aspect of a comprehensive, accessible experience. Join TPGi's Document Accessibility Lead, Evan Burnett for an introductory webinar that will provide a high-level overview of how to remediate electronic documents (specifically PDFs) for accessibility. We will review the fundamental concepts of PDF remediation and techniques that you can implement in your documents upon completion of the webinar: 14) Save, Open & Browse Files with JAWS Using Speech or Braille (ACVREP CE Approved) | Access IngenuityMay 11th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | In many cases, the ability to save, open, or browse for files within various Windows programs uses a very similar interface. The key is to understand this interface while working with JAWS using either a QWERTY keyboard or Focus braille display to help you become more efficient with the above tasks. Join Rachel Reeves, Marisa Church, and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity with Joe McDaniel from Vispero to explore the Save As, Open With and Browse dialog boxes to understand how it works with JAWS and Windows. It is important to note that this presentation will benefit those who want to know how to manage files while using JAWS with either a QWERTY keyboard or a Focus braille display. 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: Understand the difference between Save and Save As. Explain the three main questions in the Save As, Open With, and Browse dialog boxes and the default answers. Explore more efficient ways to work with the TreeView and ListView to locate files since just using shortcuts may not be available when browsing. Introduce key commands for working with JAWS using a QWERTY keyboard or Focus braille display. Meeting ID: 834 2828 1678 | Passcode: 911989 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,83428281678#,,,,*911989# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting: 15) Making Streaming Video Inclusive | AccessU 2022 | TPGiMay 11th 2022 | 6:30AM PT, 7:30AM MT, 8:30AM CT, 9:30AM ET, 1:30PM GMT | Carolina Crespo, Rachele DiTullio, Charu Panhdi. Expand your accessibility knowledge by checking out some of the excellent sessions at AccessU. The schedule includes one day of pre-conference workshops followed by three days of live training and Q&A sessions. All times are US Central Time. Join TPGi's accessibility experts as they share their knowledge and present on some excellent topics. 16) Premium Services Using Alexa and Google | Technology User GroupMay 14 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET. Alexa and Google are adding premium services to their skill set. How do you subscribe to these services and use them? 17) Introducing the TOPAZ Ultra (ACVREP CE Approved) | Access IngenuityMay 18th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | Join Ian Ramos from Access ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero to explore the features of the TOPAZ Ultra. The TOPAZ Ultra is the next generation of portable magnifiers. With its unique folding design, it's easy to take with you wherever you go. The TOPAZ Ultra offers the same reading comfort, ease of use, and functionality as a desktop video magnifier in a compact and portable design. TOPAZ Ultra is ideal for individuals who need a lightweight magnification solution in different locations - at home, in the office or classroom, and on the go. Use the TOPAZ Ultra right out of the box to magnify text and objects up close, in the distance, and even look at yourself with its convenient 3-in-1 camera. 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: Features walkthrough of the TOPAZ Ultra. Differences from previous TOPAZ portable models. How the TOPAZ Ultra can be an effective reading tool. Meeting ID: 898 9510 6641 | Passcode: 641890 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,89895106641#,,,,*641890# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting: 18) Where in the World: Accessible Wayfinding and Mapping for iOS | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryMay 18th 2022 | 12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT | Wednesday May 18th 2022 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM ET. We'll explore accessible mainstream apps like Apple and Google Maps, which can give you walking or transit directions and help you discover points of interest in your city. Plus, we'll explore Microsoft Soundscape and GoodMaps, two apps built to give you precise, accessible guidance. This event will take place in person and online. To attend in person, please RSVP to ChanceyFleet@nypl.org ✉ or register via Zoom to join online: 19) The National Transition Conversation 2022: APH Transition Hub & Pre ETS Program Field UpdatesMay 19th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | The National Transition Conversation 2022: APH Transition Hub & Pre ETS Program field updates Lisamaria Martinez, Richard Rueda. ACVREP credits available. Wondering how can APH Transition Hub support and increase the number of families that are directed to your summer residential program? Learn the latest innovations from APH CareerConnect. Join the National Transition Conversation as the APH ConnectCenter unveils the latest features of the Transition Hub project, and shares updates on CareerConnect. Just in time for summer programming across the United States, the National Transition Conversation will provide three mini forums spotlighting some of our partner transition programs and services. The second hour will provide a forum for practitioners, rehabilitation personnel, transition specialists and program administrators to share their own program successes and learn from other programs. Register here: 20) OrCam Free Demo Day | AdaptiVisionMay 20th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | AdaptiVision is delighted to offer a free OrCam Demo Day on Friday, May 20th 2022. Attendees will have the chance to try out the latest OrCam assistive devices for low vision and blindness, including the OrCam MyEye and the OrCam Read Smart. These high-tech devices use artificial intelligence to convert visual information into audio, helping the user read text, recognize faces, distinguish colors and currency, and identify products. They are small, discreet, and easy to use. Notably, the Read Smart, a handheld reader designed for people with low vision, dyslexia, or other reading challenges, was named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Best Inventions of 2021. The demo day will be held at The Carroll Center for the Blind, one of the nation's preeminent vision rehabilitation centers. Event details: Date: Friday, May 20, 2022. Location: The Carroll Center for the Blind, 770 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458. Time: 10:00 AM. Cost: Free. Pre-registration is required. Visit the link below to learn more and register: 21) A Webinar Of Anxiety: Developments In Accessibility For People With Anxiety And Panic Disorders | TPGiMay 24th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, XXX GMT | Presenter: Dr. David Swallow, Lead UX Consultant and Senior Accessibility Engineer. Awareness of the impact of online accessibility for people with anxiety and panic disorders has grown in recent years. High-pressure sales tactics and deceptive patterns have caught the attention of lawmakers. Banks have introduced new measures to support vulnerable customers. Social media companies have recognized the impact of their services on users' mental health. But has this made any difference? In this webinar, TPGi's Dr. David Swallow, Lead UX Consultant and Senior Accessibility Engineer will provide an update on developments in understanding this often-overlooked aspect of web accessibility. He'll explore aspects of user interface and user experience design that contribute to feelings of anxiety and panic. He'll also examine whether the web is still as anxiety-inducing as ever, highlight recent initiatives aimed at addressing anxiety-related issues, and share recommendations on what organizations can do to improve the user experience for people with anxiety and panic disorders: 22) Basics of PowerPoint Remediation | Access IngenuityMay 25th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | Join Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity to learn how to make your PowerPoint file as accessible as possible for screen readers. Learning Outcomes: Highlight the use of Office formatting features and how to leverage them to create the most accessible end product possible. Explore the accessibility tools in PowerPoint such as the Reading Order pane and how to add alternative text. Go through the steps in creating a clean PowerPoint Accessibility Check. Meeting ID: 819 7420 5040 | Passcode: 255996 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,81974205040#,,,,*255996# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: 23) iPhone Chat for Voiceover Beginners | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryJune 4th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | First Saturdays (April 2, May 7, June 4) 1:00 - 2:15 PM ET. If you're new to using Voiceover on the iPhone or if you're still working toward confidence, this discussion group is for you. We'll spend some time going over the theory of how screen readers work, gestures everyone needs to know, and some strategies for getting help. Then, we'll open it up for questions and networking. This event will take place online: 24) iPhone Chat for Voiceover Users: Beyond the Basics | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryJune 4th 2022 | 11:30AM PT, 12:30AM, 1:30PM CT, 2:30PM ET, 6:30PM GMT | First Saturdays (April 2, May 7, June 4) from 2:30 - 4:00 PM ET. Talk about customizing gestures and settings, exploring new apps, choosing accessories, dealing with bugs, and whatever else comes to mind. This is a space for any and all Voiceover topics that go beyond the basics of using common gestures and built-in apps. This event will take place online: 25) Using iOS Shortcuts | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryJune 9th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Thursday June 9, 2:00 - 3:30 PM Eastern. Shortcuts can be used to automate tasks and save time. Join us to explore examples of effective shortcuts and learn to create your own. This event will take place in person and online. Email ChanceyFleet@nypl.org ✉ to RSVP in person, or register to participate online: 26) Gadgets and Apps for Safe Navigation | Technology User GroupJune 11th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET. There are many apps and devices that can aid a visually impaired traveler through the unknown. Avoid low-hanging obstacles and other obstructions. Which ones can you afford and which ones offer the best protection? 27) Tactile Drawing from Still Life | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryJune 11th 2022 | 10:30 AM PT, 11:30 AM MT, 12:30 PM CT, 1:30 PM ET, 5:30 PM GMT | Saturday June 11th 2022 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern In this hands-on workshop, we'll explore still life scenes of 3D objects and then create accessible tactile drawings. A variety of tactile media will be offered. This hands-on event will take place in person. Please email ChanceyFleet@nypl.org ✉ to RSVP. 28) Intro to Google Translate | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book LibraryJune 15th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Wednesday June 15th 2022 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern. Take a deep dive into this powerful cross-platform tool for translation. We'll explore how to translate from speech, text, handwriting and the camera; how to build a list of phrases you use often; and what you need to know about conversational and continuous translation. This event will take place in person and online. Email ChanceyFleet@nypl.org ✉ to attend in person, or register to participate online: 29) Eye Drop Webinar | Accessible PharmacyJune 22nd 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | This webinar will have a live ASL interpreter, and closed captioning. If you are unable to attend, still be sure to register to receive access to the webinar audio and video via email afterwards. Please join us as we discuss tips and techniques for using eye drops as well as trends in eye drop refill legislation. Speakers will include experts from The Chicago Lighthouse and Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind. Questions? Please contact info@accessiblepharmacy.com ✉. To read about the speakers and to register, click the link below: ➜ 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: Put A New 32 Cell Braille Display in Your Braillenote for CheapListing Date: 4/28/2022 | Price: $925.00 USD | Condition: New. | Description: Is your Braillenote Touch Plus 32 or Touch 32 or Apex 32 not as perfect as it was when new? Then just replace it with a brand new perfect one for only $925. We also take trade-in Braille devices to further help you with the price for the new display. | Contact: Joe via Email at: newbraille32@gmail.com ✉ or by phone at:(726) 777-9536 ☎. | 2) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Ad (Just like this one.)Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5.00 USD. | Buy an Ad: Fill out this short 10-step form ✔ to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisement today. | Learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html 🌐 | Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads:Sponsor: 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. 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Learn more and register for the 2022 National Coding Symposium now! 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. 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