Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 30, 2023 - Volume 904The 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: 10,927 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 157 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Every Traffic Light Accessible With The OKO ApplicationAYES is happy to announce the launch of our new application OKO. OKO uses artificial intelligence and the back camera to recognize the pedestrian traffic light and inform the user of the walk, don't walk and the countdown state. We bring this state back to the user with three types of feedback, visual overlay, vibrations and audio feedback. The application does not rely on any adaptations to the traffic light and runs locally on the smartphone, this means that it works at every intersection. We always recommend to hold the phone at chest level with the camera pointing towards the direction that you want to cross. You can then rotate your chest between 10 to 15 degrees to locate the pedestrian traffic light. The moment we see that light the software immediately reacts. This helps to orient in the right direction and also stops you from veering off into traffic because the moment you veer off the feedback stops, you reorient and receive feedback to continue in the right direction. Download the app today at: https://apps.apple.com/be/app/oko-by-ayes/id1583614988. Dear Tidbits Subscriber,Submit a Tidbit for free, with timing and placement determined by our editors, here: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-news. Submit a Sponsored Tidbit, with timing and placement determined by you, here: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-sponsored-news.1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week🎙 Listen to the podcast.A.) GPT-4's Mind-Blowing New Features | Jim Clyde Monge | Medium (6.2% of all clicks.) B.) The Monarch Could Be The Next Big Thing In Braille | TechCrunch (5.1% of all clicks.) C.) iOS 16.4 Brings Voice Isolation For Cellular Calls, Here's How To Enable It | 9to5Mac (4.9% of all clicks.) D.) How to Use Siri as an AI-Powered Chatbot with OpenAI's ChatGPT | Ghacks.net (4.0% of all clicks.) E.) Unlock the Power of iPhone Shortcuts: Tips and Tricks | ghacks.net (3.4% of all clicks.) 2) Sponsored By: Clusiv | Want To Learn How To Use The Google Suite Apps Like Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive And Gmail, All With JAWS? Then Check Out Training With Clusiv!Google Suite applications are commonly used in the workplace, but they can be confusing to use with JAWS. Our Clusiv training offers a Professional Skills for the Modern Workforce with JAWS course, which covers how to use the Google Suite applications with JAWS. This course will equip you with the necessary skills to effectively use these applications in the workplace. Additionally, our Professional Skills course covers various other topics that are essential for success in your occupation. All our courses are self-paced, online, and accessible through our eLearning platform. To enroll in Clusiv courses, please click on the link to our website and fill out the form. We will then get in touch with you and your vocational rehabilitation counselor: 3) Sponsorship Package UpdatesAvailability: There are no Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Packages currently available. Waiting List: If you would like to support Top Tech Tidbits by becoming a Sponsor in the future please add your name to our waiting list today. We will add your name to the list, let you know what position you currently hold within it, and then notify you the moment a package becomes available. Waiting List Position: There is currently ONE future Sponsor on the waiting list. List Addition: Just send an email to our Publisher at: 4) Premium Subscriber UpdatesNext Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 4th issue of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits for January, February and March 2023 on Monday, April 3, 2023. Back Issues: There are currently 3 back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to receive a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month: 5) Sponsored Tidbits Now AvailableUse Sponsored Tidbits to reach the access community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsored-tidbits.html. 6) Top Tech Tidbits Publisher Updates for March 30, 2023Sponsors and advertisers please take note. Important information this week. Updates this week include: Attention Readers: Newsletter Links Not Working In My Email Client | Attention Sponsors and Advertisers: All Paid Advertisement Link and Character Limits Increased And Standardized | Attention Sponsors: What Happens To My Sponsorship Package Subscription If My Credit Card Expires? | Attention Supporters: All Donation Links Updated And Standardized | Attention Premium Subscribers: Next Premium Issue To Be Released On April 3, 2023: 7) Is GPT-4 Worth the Subscription? Here's What You Should Know | WiredThe new algorithm is exclusive to ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI's subscriber-only service. We signed up and put it to the test: 8) 11 Tips to Take Your ChatGPT Prompts to the Next Level | WiredPublisher (Di Blasi): Here at Mind Vault we've been using OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus to test out the most recent GPT-4 model and see what tasks it might be able to automate for us and our clients. Either now, or in the future. And I'm sure we're not alone. So I wanted to share with all of you a bit of quick information that might help you and your team on this journey. First and foremost I would like to identify something called "prompt engineering." This is the new name for what used to be called "programming" just a few months ago. The "prompts" or "inputs" that you use to make ChatGPT perform this function or that is ultimately what you are trying to compile. These now verbal "prompts" are the new "programs," and they can be created by anyone using standard language. But all prompts are not created equal. I, personally like the genie analogy for this. In almost every tale of this kind a recipient is granted 3 wishes. And without fail they are never able to get exactly what they want because they find themselves unable to describe their wish in enough detail that the genie cannot interpret it in any other way. In this scenario the genie is ChatGPT. And you are the recipient of far more than three wishes. But only if you can figure out how to properly convey your wishes to the genie. So that is what you are trying to do. Perfect your prompts. Many companies and organizations have already begun to list prompts as intellectual property. This article provides some great places to start. 9) Plugins: A Massive Upgrade That Will Change ChatGPT Forever | The PyCoach | MediumPlugins will let ChatGPT have internet access, file uploads, and third-party services. The result? ChatGPT on steroids: 10) The Tipping Point: ChatGPT Plugins Create New Opportunities And Crush Dreams | March 23, 2023 | Jorge Alcantara Barroso | MediumThe world of artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating at breakneck speed, leaving businesses with little choice but to adapt or risk becoming obsolete. Enter OpenAI's ChatGPT plugins — the game-changing (private) release that has finally made businesses sit up and take notice. Today's release of ChatGPT plugins has unlocked a vast range of use cases and applications, creating a whole new market where 4 months ago there was nothing: 11) OpenAI Supercharges ChatGPT by Adding Web-Browsing Support | PC MagazineThe web-browsing capability arrives through new plugin support for ChatGPT, with services including Slack, Expedia, Instacart, Shopify, and Kayak signing on: 12) Now That ChatGPT Is Plugged In, Things Could Get Weird | WiredPublisher (Di Blasi): I would like to call everyone's attention to a single paragraph within this article, which reads, "Going from text generation to taking actions on a person's behalf erodes an air gap that has so far prevented language models from taking actions. "We know that the models can be jail broken and now we're hooking them up to the internet so that it can potentially take actions," says Hendrycks. "That isn't to say that by its own volition ChatGPT is going to build bombs or something, but it makes it a lot easier to do these sorts of things." 13) GPT-5 Might Make ChatGPT Indistinguishable From A Human | BGRPublisher (Di Blasi): I simply cannot resist interjecting here that AGI, or Artificial General Intelligence, which is defined as, "the ability of an intelligent agent to understand or learn any intellectual task that human beings or other animals can," will not, I repeat not, be achieved in GPT-5. I do however believe that it will ultimately be achieved, but if I had to give it a number based on the current ChatGPT versioning system I would shoot more for something along the lines of ChatGPT 10 to 12. And even that is just an incredibly wild guess. Many different technological innovations are currently underway that will change the landscape of AI going forward. Just as AI will in turn transform those innovations. And only when that loop begins in earnest will we truly be on our way to achieving AGI. 14) Apple Releases MacOS Ventura 13.3, watchOS 9.4, And tvOS 16.4 | AppleVis | March 27, 2023https://www.applevis.com/blog/apple-releases-macos-ventura-133-watchos-94-tvos-164 15) Apple Releases iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 With New Emoji, Bug Fixes, Security Updates, and More | AppleVis | March 27, 202316) iOS 16.4 Is Now Available For Everyone: Here's What's New | 9to5Mac | March 27, 2023iOS 16.4 is now rolling out to everyone, and it includes a number of new features for iPhone users. There are new emoji, more powerful web apps, bug fixes, and much more. Head below for the full release notes: 17) iOS 16.4 Released — What's New? (60+ New Features) | YouTube | Brandon Butchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4fEJLM71zw 18) Apple Reality Pro: Everything You Need to Know | Snazzy Labs | YouTubeApple's releasing a mixed-reality headset this year. Let's talk about what it is and why I think it's Apple's riskiest move since Steve Jobs announced the iPhone: 19) Siri Is Awesome When Combined With ChatGPT: A Tutorial | Proper Honest Tech | YouTubeSiri is good because it's easily accessible on your Apple devices, but it's not that smart. ChatGPT is good because it's really smart, but accessing it isn't as easy as it is to access Siri. That's why in this video, I'm going to show you how you can combine the two, to create essentially Siri, but better, and perform the kind of searches that you saw at the start of this video. Stick with me until the end of the video, even if you think this all sounds a bit complicated, I promise it's easier to do than you think, and I'm going to walk you through the entire process: 20) Apple Music Classical Begins Global Rollout | 9to5MacThe Apple Music Classical app appeared on the App Store for pre-order, with the iPhone maker confirming it would go live on March 28, 2023. Now that this date has arrived in some countries, the app is beginning its global rollout: 21) Amazon Has Just Opened Up Its Sidewalk Network For Anyone To Build Connected Gadgets On — And It's Gigantic | The VergeThe long-range, low-bandwidth network can give any IoT device free low-speed data: 22) Humanware Braille Displays Are Now Part of Microsoft's Designed For Surface Program | HumanWareHumanWare has recently been working with Microsoft to inform users about the 'Designed for Microsoft Surface' certification of our braille displays. This collaboration not only provides equal access to common work and academic tools for people living with visual impairments, but also assists students and professionals in their daily lives by ensuring more independent and active participation. Listen to the testimonial of Maryse, a blindness product owner at HumanWare and a seasoned user of our products: 23) Optelec Introduces the Compact 8 Portable Video MagnifierOn March 28, 2023 Optelec announced the newest addition to the Compact family, the Compact 8, a portable video magnifier packed with advanced features to make everyday living easier — all in a lightweight, low-profile design: 24) Zoom Adds Generative AI To Zoom IQ: Partners With OpenAI | ComputerWorld | March 27, 2023Video conferencing platform Zoom plans to expand its smart companion, Zoom IQ, and will work with OpenAI to bolster a more flexible approach to AI, it said Monday. In addition to adding new features in Zoom IQ, Zoom said it will take a federated approach to AI. This approach means deploying a combination of AI models: those it has developed in house, those developed by leading AI companies such as Open AI, or, for select customers, their own models: 25) For NVDA Users: Code Factory Eloquence and Vocalizer Voices Addon Updated to V1.13; Compatible With NVDA 2023.1 | David Goldfield | Tech-VI ListThose interested in using Code Factory's Eloquence-Vocalizer addon can now do so using the latest version of NVDA. There are a few things to be aware of: 26) We Can Now Read Text Formatting In Braille | Devin Prater | AppleVisIn iOS 16.4, we can now read text formatting in Braille. This is most easily noticed in the Books app. To enable it, go to Braille settings in VoiceOver settings, and enable Text Formatting. You'll now see any italics, bold, ETC in your book. This works with apps that present text in a page format, not separating formatting into different elements. Kindle does not appear to show the text formatting to VoiceOver, only the plain text. Safari and other apps put differently formatted text in a different element on the page: 27) Release Of Acapela TTS Voices For NVDA 1.9http://www.acapela-nvda.com/blog/2023/03/20/release-of-acapela-tts-voices-for-nvda-1-9/ 28) NVDA 2023.1 Releasedhttps://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2023-1/ 29) Best Tips For Bing Chat On Desktop And MobileThe new Bing experience with ChatGPT integration is an amazing tool that will drastically change how we search and get answers online. However, the chatbot can only be useful if you know how to make the most of it: 30) Inclusive XR: Accessible Augmented Reality Experiences | Joe Lamyman | Tetra LogicalIn our second post about creating accessible experiences within Extended Reality (XR), we highlight some key considerations for designing accessible augmented reality (AR) experiences with our AR TetraLogical principles cube: 31) Inaudible Ultrasound Attack Can Stealthily Control Your Phone, Smart Speaker | Bill ToulasAmerican university researchers have developed a novel attack called "Near-Ultrasound Inaudible Trojan" (NUIT) that can launch silent attacks against devices powered by voice assistants, like smartphones, smart speakers, and other IoTs: 32) iPhone 15 Pro Rumor Recap: 10 New Features and Changes to Expect | MacRumorsWhile the iPhone 15 series is still around six months away from launching, there have already been plenty of rumors about the devices. Many new features and changes have been rumored for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in particular: 33) iOS 17 — Wishlist Features | YouTube | iDeviceHelphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn5ugGqDSUI 34) Google Chrome's Reader Mode Arrives with a SurpriseA proper "Reading Mode" is finally coming to Google's Chrome browser, which can remove images and unnecessary background stuff from a webpage, making it easier to read. While Chrome's had a hidden reader mode for months, this version is surprisingly different and available to everyone: 35) Sony Wants To Help Low-Vision Users Enjoy Photography By Shining Lasers In Their Eyes | The VergeA new viewfinder housing from QD Laser for the DSC-HX99 point-and-shoot camera uses retinal lasers to help people see clearly through it, and Sony is helping foot the bill: 36) Microsoft's 'Security Copilot' Unleashes ChatGPT on Breaches | WiredThe new tool aims to deliver the network insights and coordination that “AI” security systems have long promised: 37) If You're Late For A Zoom Meeting, AI Will Let You Know What You Missed | ghacks.netZoom is adding several features lately, one of which is updating you if you're late for a meeting. Developers and owners of the video-conferencing app Zoom aren't about to be left standing in the dust. If they want to be competitive in the modern age of AI, they need to step up. That's exactly what they're doing with some of their latest features, such as letting you know what you missed when late for a meeting: 38) Wearable Technology That May Help Reduce Eye-Pressing | APH FamilyConnectBreaking a habit can be extremely challenging. One such habit common to children who are blind or low vision is eye pressing, poking, or rubbing — a habit that can damage the eye. HabitAware and APH have teamed up to create a device to help children with eye-poking and eye-pressing behavior: 39) AudioTelligence Introduces Orsana Audio Solution For Those With Hearing DifficultyAudioTelligence, a manufacturer of audio solutions headquartered in Cambridge, UK, has release Orsana — a universal assistive listening device created to help those with hearing difficulties hear more clearly in noise with or without hearing aids. According to the company, consumers will be able to add additional hearing enhancement to any brand of Bluetooth Low Energy enabled hearing aids, or to enhance their ability to hear in noise by connecting wirelessly to earbuds — all using the same device: 40) Introducing the Framework Laptop 16 | David Goldfield | Tech-VI ListIt has now been confirmed that the Optima computer from Orbit Research and Access Mind will be using components from Framework. A relevant clip from Framework's recent event can be heard on this episode of Carrie On Accessibility. While the laptop highlighted in the following blog post is not necessarily what will be used for the Optima I thought that readers might be interested to learn more about this company: 41) Possible Windows 12 Hardware System Requirements Revealed | Digital TrendsAfter the debacle over the controversial Windows 11 system requirements, the question of how they would change in future versions remains a point of interest. And now, some of the first details about Windows 12's system requirements are beginning to surface despite its prospective launch still being some time away: 42) AccessWorld For March 2023Updates this month include: Editor's Page: Its March 2023 | Review of the Brave Words Course by Brian Hartgen | Choosing a Workout App: An overview of Aaptiv, Apple Fitness+, and Revision Fitness | A Tale Of Two eReaders: The Good News Launched By NLS | NaviLens: A Unique Wayfinding and Labeling Tool: 43) The Best Mobile Microphones For 2023 | EngadgetHow to record anything and everything with little more than your mobile: 44) Chat-GPT Arrives On A Vintage MS-DOS 1984 IBM PC | ghacks.netOn March 26, 2023 the retro-computing enthusiast based in Singapore, Yeo Kheng Meng, released a Chat-GPT client for an ancient PC from 1984. Yeo is passionate about working on vintage computer development projects. In 2019, Yeo created a Slack client for Windows 3.1, which was initially released in 1992: 45) NV Access In Process for March 24, 2023https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-24th-march-2023/ 46) The Aira Connection — March 2023Spring is here in the northern hemisphere. We start the season with our new apps. Read all about them and our March Explorer Call: ➜ Featured SurveysSubmit your access-related survey for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-survey.Closing: Ongoing | Surveys From APHSurveys help inform APH of the greatest needs in the community so they can gear their efforts toward making sure those needs are met. Ongoing APH surveys can be found here: Closing: March 31, 2023 | Google Survey For US Residents in Mountain View or San Francisco Bay AreaIf you live in the US, are an Android user who has or has not used Lookout OCR, and can do an in-person survey by going to the Google office in Mountain View or San Francisco Bay Area, just fill out this form first to receive a $240 gift card: Closing: April 1, 2023 | Robotics Institute at OSU is Testing A New Navigation Aid, The Optiband | Oregon State UniversityResearch Study: Navigation Aid, The Optiband. The Robotics Institute at OSU is testing a new handheld navigation aid, the Optiband, which uses vibrations to help a user understand their environment better. The Optiband was designed with a blind stakeholder to be more than an obstacle avoidance device, and helps users gain spatial and depth perception. We are interested in talking to blind/visually impaired (BVI) persons about our device, and whether or not they are willing to test out a model of the device. We are running a study and are actively recruiting participants, to whom we will provide a device as well as cash compensation for their time. If you are interested or have any questions/concerns, please contact Jai'La Crider by emailing: criderj@oregonstate.edu 📧️ or texting (937)960-9078 📱️: Closing: April 7, 2023 | Microsoft Seeking Developer Feedback About ARIA Live RegionsIf you use a screen reader, there's a good chance you've used a web technology known as a live region. The short version of what this technology does is that it allows web developers to have screen readers automatically read certain text. This might be automatic reading of chat messages in a chat environment, notification about the number of characters you've entered in an edit box as you type each character and much more. While live regions are not the only technology that can cause this automatic reading, the vast majority of what you've likely experienced does come as part of a live region. Microsoft is seeking feedback on live regions in some of their work with the W3C standards organization: Closing April 7, 2023 | Microsoft Seeking Screen Reader Users' Feedback About Live RegionsIf you use a screen reader, there's a good chance you've used a web technology known as a live region. The short version of what this technology does is that it allows web developers to have screen readers automatically read certain text. This might be automatic reading of chat messages in a chat environment, notification about the number of characters you've entered in an edit box as you type each character and much more. While live regions are not the only technology that can cause this automatic reading, the vast majority of what you've likely experienced does come as part of a live region. Microsoft is seeking feedback on live regions in some of their work with the W3C standards organization: Closing: April 23, 2023 | Independent Living Skills Survey | Nadine RichesHi all. I am looking for people who are blind or have low vision to complete a survey for me. I am exploring how this community develops independent living skills currently, and how this could be improved in the future, as this is something I have been hugely passionate about for some time. The survey is open to anyone who is blind or has low vision, regardless of the country they reside in. It is open until Sunday the 23rd of April, and you can opt into a draw to win a voucher valued at $200 AUD (or foreign currency equivalent) for your time and insights. You'll find the link below, and please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions or concerns. I'd also love you to share this with your own networks, as the more responses I get the better. Thanks heaps for any help you can provide! Closing: April 24, 2023 | Survey on Technology Used by Visually Impaired Translators and InterpretersA visually impaired student in Translation Studies conducting a research for her dissertation would appreciate if blind or visually impaired translators and/or interpreters would fill in this survey about the technology they use to fulfill their translation-related tasks. She is especially interested in the types of technology used and their influence on the translators' and interpreters' productivity: Closing: April 30, 2023 | PDF Remediator's Survey 2023 | Karen McCall, Independent Researcher and Document ExpertI'm launching another iteration of the PDF Remediator's Survey. The last one was done in 2018 or 2019. The survey closes April 30, 2023, at 6 PM EST. This is a survey for individuals who remediate PDFs for their organizations. Please share this survey with anyone who remediates PDFs: ➜ Featured Podcast EpisodesSubmit your access-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode.March 25, 2023 | Mosen At Large Episode 220: Going In-Depth On The Optima, More On Well-Being, And The Blindness Portable Player Discussion ContinuesMarch 25, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 120: System, Languages, Gestures and MoreIn our announcements section, we ask listeners who have not already checked out the accessible Android app, to do so. The app has 500+ downloads from the Play Store. In our Android Basics segment we take a look at the System section of the Settings app, where you can control language, input, gestures, etc. and have a brief discussion on that. In our tip of the week segment we see how to restore some lost audio settings from the phone app of Zoom including how to turn on original sound. You can find this episode on YouTube at: March 29, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode: 2313 Innovations from the DAISY ConsortiumThe DAISY Consortium is an international organization that aims to improve access to information for people with print disabilities around the world. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with George Kerscher and Richard Orme about their impact on e-pub standards and their latest work to reach more people in underdeveloped countries: March 30, 2023 | The Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, March 30, 2023Tune in each week as we announce the Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits of the week. These 5 news items represent the most popular news and trends in access technology today, as voted on by Top Tech Tidbits readers: ➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and EventsSubmit your access-related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-event.March 30, 2023 | Ten Power Tips for Tackling Teams with JAWS | Freedom Scientific9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 4, 2023 | You Are What You Eat, Understanding the Accessibility Menu | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 4, 2023 | Online Graduate Programs in Special Education Webinar | Ball State University4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT April 5, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT April 8, 2023 | How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT April 12, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Structure | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 12, 2023 | Earn it, Plan it, Keep it | Financial Literacy Course | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT April 13, 2023 | BARD: Open Access | Many Faces of BARD Program4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT April 19, 2023 | 2023 Helen Keller Achievement Awards | American Foundation for the BlindApril 20, 2023 | Webinar: ADA Legal Update: What Your Restaurant Needs to Know About Digital Accessibility9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 20, 2023 | Book Talk: Digital Copyright | Internet Archive and Author / Professor Jessica Litman10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT April 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day April 26, 2023 | How To Build A Positive Credit Score And History | LBPD Financial Literacy Course | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT April 27, 2023 | International Ally User Group7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT April 28, 2023 | Navigating Finances for Older Individuals With Vision Loss | OIB-TAC12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT May 3, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT May 9, 2023 through May 12, 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | KnowbilityJoin us virtually or in Austin, TX. John Slatin AccessU is an annual conference where tech professionals, content creators, policymakers, and advocates come together for deep learning in accessible digital design: May 13, 2023 | Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD)7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT May 16, 2023 through May 18, 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | NomensaNomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference: May 18, 2023 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day Help us celebrate the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments: June 2, 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 20236AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 1PM GMT May 23, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day June 7, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT June 27, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day July 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between: September 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day October 24, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day November 6, 2023 through November 10, 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado: November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT ➜ Directories1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/app-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/game-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/listserv-directory.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/podcast-directory.html ➜ Buy, Sell or TradeList your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD by filling out this short form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-buy-sell-trade.1) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Advertisement (Just like this one.)Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD. | Buy an Ad: Fill out this short form to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Advertisement today. | Learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html. ➜ Sponsor Classified AdsSponsors may submit or update their Classified Advertisement at any time by submitting this short form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-sponsor-classified.Sponsor: A. T. Guys➜ Classified Advertisement: 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: Ayes.ai➜ Classified Advertisement: Every Traffic Light Accessible With The OKO ApplicationAYES is happy to announce the launch of our new application OKO. OKO uses artificial intelligence and the back camera to recognize the pedestrian traffic light and inform the user of the walk, don't walk and the countdown state. We bring this state back to the user with three types of feedback, visual overlay, vibrations and audio feedback. The application does not rely on any adaptations to the traffic light and runs locally on the smartphone, this means that it works at every intersection. We always recommend to hold the phone at chest level with the camera pointing towards the direction that you want to cross. You can then rotate your chest between 10 to 15 degrees to locate the pedestrian traffic light. The moment we see that light the software immediately reacts. This helps to orient in the right direction and also stops you from veering off into traffic because the moment you veer off the feedback stops, you reorient and receive feedback to continue in the right direction. https://apps.apple.com/be/app/oko-by-ayes/id1583614988Sponsor Since: March 16th 2023 Website: https://ayes.ai/ 🌐 App: Download the OKO App from the Apple App Store here. Email: hello@ayes.ai 📧️ About: AYES was founded by three experienced AI engineers that are defining autonomous navigation for blind and visually impaired people. AYES.ai is the creator of the OKO App. Simply point the back camera of the phone towards the intersection that you want to cross and the OKO application will instantly detect the traffic light and inform the user through audio and haptic feedback. The OKO application can provide multiple services for your company, city or your country, all independent of physical infrastructure. This can increase your accessibility to 100%, overnight. OKO provides an accessible traffic light at every intersection. And, best of all, all OKO data is completely anonymized, ensuring your personal privacy at all times. The OKO app is fully independent from infrastructure and does not require a Wi-Fi or Cellular connection to operate at full capacity. The algorithm runs locally on your device, meaning that it works consistently and reliably every single time. The application has been trained on more than 150,000 images and continues to improve. Download the app today. Sponsor: Sterling Adaptives, LLC➜ Classified Advertisement: Limited Time Introductory Pricing On The New Victor Reader Stream 3!With the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3, it's so easy to take your books, music, and more wherever you go. Imagine being able to listen to the latest novels, magazines, or your favorite music, podcasts, and your own voice recordings, all in the palm of your hand. With its sleek, compact design and easy-to-grip edges, the digital media player gives you hours of listening wherever you are and a superior text-to-speech experience in multiple languages. Take advantage of our introductory pricing on the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3! Order today or call (415) 878-2922 📱️. Use promo code TOPTECH for Free Shipping! https://sterlingadaptives.com/products/humanware-victor-reader-stream-3rd-generation Sponsor Since: March 9th 2023 Website: https://sterlingadaptives.com/ 🌐 Shop: https://sterlingadaptives.com/collections/vision-products Phone: (415) 878-2922 📱️ Email: info@sterlingadaptives.com 📧️ Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram About: Based in California, Sterling Adaptives supplies the most technologically advanced equipment and software currently available. We serve those who are blind or have visual impairment and also others with disabilities. We have a showroom in Santa Rosa and can also meet in the comfort of your home. We supply a full range of computer hardware, software, peripherals, and assistive technology products. We are able to provide demonstrations, installations, troubleshooting, and ongoing product training. We work with private individuals, non-profit agencies, private organizations, educational establishments, and commercial enterprises. We help our customers fully realize their potential. We are known for providing you and your clients with the standards of service that you demand and that result in the right product at the right time and with the right backup service. We look forward to hearing from you and being afforded the opportunity to show you just how Sterling our service is! Sponsor: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.Sponsor Since: December 29th 2022 Website: https://lhblind.org/ 🌐 Phone: (800) 914-7307 📱️ Fax: (206) 329-3397 ░ Contact Us: https://lhblind.org/contact-us/ About: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to people who are blind in our community since 1918. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a successful manufacturing organization with over 60 years of experience in precision machining. We produce an array of machined parts and plastic injection molding for various aerospace manufacturers, as well as a host of office products and hydration equipment sold to the Federal Government and the U.S. Military. We also own and operate stores on military bases along the West Coast. Our products and services include: • Manufacturing: We are a successful manufacturing organization committed to making jobs accessible to individuals who are blind. Our manufacturing operations center on making quality products for the Federal Government under the AbilityOne Program and producing parts for aerospace manufacturers. • Managed Services: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. offers a variety of services to our commercial, federal, and military customers. These include Contract Management Support (CMS) services for government contracting offices. • Base Supply Centers: We operate 12 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) that offer easy customer access to Lighthouse products, direct feedback and communication with customers, and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind in geographic areas not served by larger nonprofit agencies. Sponsor: WayAround➜ Classified Advertisement: Try Talking Labels That Work With Your Smartphone For Just $9.99!Get all the different types of WayTags so you can try the BEST accessible labeling system around. Use the coupon code TryTags to get a WayTag Sampler Pack for just $9.99. Plus, you get FREE shipping. Use the WayTags along with the free mobile app to label your things with a description and other important details, so you can spend less time figuring out what things are, and more time getting things done. Sponsor Since: January 5, 2023 Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐 General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️ About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence. All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®. Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence. Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8 Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround Sponsor: AiraSponsor Since: August 4th 2022 Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐 Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/ Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 📱️ | AU: +1.800.765.096 📱️ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 📱️ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 📱️ Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📲 | AU: +61.488.839.767 📲 | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📲 Email: support@aira.io 📧️ Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram About: Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting. We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables. Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free. Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time. Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works. Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it. Sponsor: Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore➜ Classified Advertisement: Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore: Touch Tomorrow in Today's ProductsServing blind people since 1999, we're a family-owned, forward-thinking company offering both tried-and-true and exciting new products for blind and low vision consumers. We design and carry self-voicing educational software, Braille supplies, talking gadgets, adapted household items, tactile card and board games, audible toys and gift ideas. Passionate about innovation, we've also created dozens of products from scratch when a suitable solution did not exist. Shop online at http://www.braillebookstore.com/ and enjoy fast, free shipping. Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: http://www.braillebookstore.com/ 🌐 Phone (Toll Free): (800) 987-1231 📱️ Fax (Toll Free): (800) 985-1231 ░ Email: Sales@BrailleBookstore.com 📧️ Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time. About: Welcome to Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore. We have been supplying products to blind people and their families since 1999. We offer thousands of Braille books, toys, games, kitchen aids, and talking products. We have unbeatable prices, fast, free shipping, and great customer service! We have tons of Braille books and cool products to choose from; so grab a cup of coffee, relax, and we'll give you a quick tour: Products: ➜ Timekeeping If you need some fresh ideas or have questions, you can also check out our Shopping Guides. Sponsor: Fable➜ Classified Advertisement: Learn Management Skills For Free. Get The Job You Want.Everyone deserves equal access to the internet which is why Fable works with people with disabilities who use assistive technologies like switch controls to improve the accessibility of websites and apps. Fable Pathways, a free, accessible, and on-demand skill-building program, is an extension of Fable's mission. Fable Pathways provides new opportunities for people with disabilities to gain the skills they need, from experts like Judy Heumann and Kelly Ford, to contribute to improving digital accessibility. Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: https://makeitfable.com/ 🌐 Email: community@makeitfable.com 📧️ Phone: (888) 212-3532 📱️ Extension 810 About: Just like curb cuts help everyone get on and off sidewalks, designing digital products with accessibility in mind helps make the internet more accessible for everyone. Fable is an accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities. Fable connects people with disabilities to accessibility managers, user researchers, designers, and developers to build incredible and accessible user experiences. Opportunities: ➜ Fable Pathways: Fable Pathways is a free skill development program for people with disabilities interested in working in the tech sector. Sign up to take your career to the next level. Courses include "Getting started in web development" taught by Kelly Ford, a screen reader user, and Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, and "Becoming a manager" taught by Fable's Head of Accessibility Innovation, Kate Kalcevich. Instructors are subject matter experts in their fields and have lived experience with disability. Pathways courses are free, self-paced and assistive-technology-friendly. Sign up now at https://makeitfable.com/. ➜ Fable's Community of Accessibility Testers: Work from home to contribute to real changes in digital accessibility and make the internet a more accessible place for everyone. Ever leave a website because it was too hard to navigate? Because it was missing button labels? Because it didn't respond to voice commands? Us too. Our community of testers who use assistive technologies work from home and contribute to real changes in digital accessibility with recognizable brands. Earn money to share your feedback on websites and apps of your favorite brands and work with companies that care. No experience required and no resume required. Fable is looking for assistive technology users in the USA and Canada to work the hours that they want, from the comfort of their own homes. Learn more at https://makeitfable.com/community/. Sponsor: Clusiv➜ Classified Advertisement: Looking For Blind Job-Seekers Wanting To Advance Their Salaries, Careers And Digital Accessibility For The BlindAre you interested in learning new tech skills and working remotely while earning a competitive salary? At Clusiv.io we have created the world's first digitally accessible e-Learning platform built by the blind, and built for the blind. Visit the link provided and request Clusiv through your Vocational Rehab counselor for lifetime access to our e-Learning platform with courses such as Business Applications, JAWS, and more: Sponsor Since: June 9th 2022 Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐 About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info. ➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses ➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients ➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates Sponsor: Double Tap TV➜ Classified Advertisement: Subscribe to the Double Tap PodcastDouble Tap is the show where blind people talk tech! If you're blind or partially sighted and have an interest in technology, this is the show for you. Everyone is welcome no matter how old you are or how much or how little experience you have with technology. Each week the team will help you better understand how technology can help your everyday life, even if you have little or no sight. Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail! Email: feedback@doubletap.online 📧️. Phone: +1 (844) 971-1999 📱️ Sponsor Since: December 23rd 2021 Email: feedback@doubletap.online 📧️ Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3BQmUTl 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.➜ Classified Advertisement: 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@selvasblv.com 📧️ About: HIMS, Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999. Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind➜ Classified Advertisement: Attend the 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➜ Classified Advertisement: The Next Generation in AccessibilityNeed to quickly access a distant computer with minimal fuss? Need to quickly convert image documents into readable text? Today's students and working professionals demand more of their technology. Employers expect more of their workforce. Pneuma Solutions is bridging the gap using the best in machine learning to connect you to your environment when you need it, how you need it. Give us a try, and experience accessibility on a whole new level: Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐 Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education. Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️ Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️ About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive? Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs. Sponsor: Freedom Scientific➜ Classified Advertisement: 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 Android TM 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: Humanware➜ Classified Advertisement: 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➜ Classified Advertisement: 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)➜ Classified Advertisement: Combine Learning And Gaming For A Fun Braille Adventure With Polly!APH and Thinkerbell Labs are excited to introduce Polly, complete with customizable UEB lessons, songs, games, and stories! Join our waiting list to know when Polly is available: 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➜ Classified Advertisement: Crazy Content Appearing Near You!We have exciting news. The "No-Bouncey" Pouchy is here; it's weighted enough to keep the pouch from breast bouncing; 2 sturdy pockets; holds your phone securely; $35 and, yes, our own Victor Stream 2 and 3 cases, using very soft leather wallets with commercial Velcro attachments to the case and back of the stream. When done listening, just flip it over into the case; $35; also a phone stream combo case for $40. Both have side pockets for media/earphones. Finally, the Gigunda Leather Waist Pack, all 18 by 9 by 6 inches of it, is here. 6 pockets; will easily hold Touch Plus or BS 6; $65. Call Barry or Kae at: (617) 969-7500 📱️ or (781) 286-1696 📱️ or email us at bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com 📧️ or guidelightdogs@gmail.com 📧️. We love to talk and help our customers find what they need and, what will work! 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, affordable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice! Your Name Here
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Volunteer Publisher Since: June 4th 2020
Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio
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In addition to serving as Publisher for Top Tech Tidbits Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Access Information News Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Top Tech Tidbits as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editor to Top Tech Tidbits.
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
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Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
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Volunteer Editor Since: June 4th 2020
Location: Boulder, Colorado
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In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, John also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.
John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
John Hanlin, Esq.
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Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
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Location: Des Moines, Iowa
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In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and runs her own advocacy foundation.
Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.
Jenna Lang, PMP
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
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Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
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Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
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Editor Since: October 7th 2021
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In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Alex is also an Accessible Technology Coordinator for California State University, Dominguez Hills. He has worked in accessibility in higher education since 2005, is certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, and in his spare time plays for the San Gabriel Valley Panthers Beep Baseball Team. He can be reached on twitter at: @samarositz.
Stephen (Alex) Marositz
Editor (2021-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
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Accessible Technology Coordinator
California State University, Dominguez Hills
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Editor Since: January 1st 2022
Location: Newcastle, Australia
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In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Ben is also an Access and Technology Advisor for Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT).
Hi, Tidbits readers, my name's Ben Moxey and I'm based in Newcastle, Australia. I'm really happy to be part of the Tidbits Team and look forward to supporting this valuable publication.
A bit about me and how I came to work in the BVI area. I grew up with very low vision in one eye due to retinal issues and relied on magnification and speech throughout school. They also tried to teach me Braille, but let's just say that I wasn't the best student! I was determined to use my remaining vision, no matter how impractical it was becoming.
When I was 20, the other retina came off and I've now been totally blind for about 21 years. This is when my love for assistive technology, and technology in general, really kicked in. I'll be honest, I was a bit of a computer nerd anyway, but I could quickly see how technology was my key to enhanced independence and lifestyle. I embraced screen readers, early smart phones and mobility aids. I even finally realised the huge value of Braille and finished off the course, though I'm still pretty slow!
Long story short (not one of my strong points), I've worked in the BVI area for 12 years with much of that spent reviewing, recommending and teaching assistive technology that suits the individual. I'm currently a proud employee of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT where I was the Practice Lead for the assistive technology service, and I've now moved into an Access and Technology Advisor role. Basically, this involves a strong focus on accessibility and technology innovation.
Feel free to look me up on LinkedIn, but I'll warn you in advance that I haven't given my profile the recommended attention!
All the best and happy reading!
Ben Moxey
Editor (2022-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
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Access and Technology Advisor
Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT)
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A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://mvsltd.com
Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6, 2023
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
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In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, David also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.
In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.
He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.
David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.
David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.
As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.
Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
In addition to his weekly contributions to Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.
David Woodbridge
Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
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National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/ 🌐
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Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit Access Technology publication that reaches over 23,000 assistive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Sign up here. Review the archive here. Adaptive Technology refers to items that are specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Assistive Technology. Adaptive Technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, Stephen (Alex) Marositz, and Ben Moxey. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor and reader supported publication.
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