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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, April 6, 2023 - Volume 905The 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. 160 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Want To Work In Digital Accessibility? Explore The Field Of Accessibility, Start Learning Key Skills, And Understand How To Use Your Lived Experience To Be A Champion For Accessibility With Clusiv's New Accessibility Analyst 101 Course!
The world is becoming more and more digital, and unfortunately, much of it is not accessible. That's why we need more people like you, who have lived experience as someone who is blind or visually impaired, to help lead the charge in making the digital world more accessible. With Clusiv's newly released Accessibility Analyst 101 course, you will be introduced to the field of accessibility, learn key skills like accessibility testing, and explore how to use your lived experience as a competitive edge in accessibility. There can be a lot to learn when it comes to accessibility, and with Clusiv, there are a variety of courses to help reach your career goals, such as the Professional Skills for the Modern Workforce with JAWS and Fundamentals of Computer Science with JAWS. To enroll in the new Accessibility Analyst 101 course, go to clusiv.io/students, fill out the form, and we will get back to you with more information and connect you with your vocational rehabilitation counselor. Request Clusiv Training: http://bit.ly/3KBdKi8. 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.) Siri Is Awesome When Combined With ChatGPT: A Tutorial | Proper Honest Tech | YouTube (5.9% of all clicks.) B.) iPhone 15 Pro Rumor Recap: 10 New Features and Changes to Expect | MacRumors (4.7% of all clicks.) C.) Is GPT-4 Worth the Subscription? Here's What You Should Know | Subscription Required: Wired (4.3% of all clicks.) D.) iOS 16.4 Is Now Available For Everyone: Here's What's New | 9to5Mac | March 27, 2023 (3.9% of all clicks.) E.) Apple Releases iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 With New Emoji, Bug Fixes, Security Updates, and More | AppleVis | March 27, 2023 (3.7% of all clicks.) 2) 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: 3) Premium Subscriber UpdatesNext Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 5th issue of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits for April, May and June 2023 on Monday, July 3, 2023. Back Issues: There are currently 4 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: 4) 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. 5) JAWS Power Tip: Attach A File To An Email Message Using Copy and PasteCourtesy of Freedom Scientific: 6) The WebAIM Million 2023 Report On The Accessibility Of The Top 1,000,000 Home PagesPublisher (Di Blasi): If you work in access development, remediation or marketing, this report is absolutely packed with incredible insights into exactly what makes the most accessible websites in the world so accessible. And perhaps just as importantly, what does not. 7) The Top New Features in Apple's iOS and iPadOS 16 | Subscription Required: WiredThe latest versions for iPhones and iPads are now available, complete with a revamped lock screen, Freeform, and Apple Pay Later: 8) iPhone 15 Pro Buttons Will Work With Gloves And Have User-Adjustable Sensitivity | 9to5MacThe iPhone 15 Pro buttons, which will be capacitive rather than mechanical, will still work with gloves, according to a reliable leaker: 9) Apple Patents New AirPods Case With Interactive DisplayApple's AirPods have gained a bunch of new features since their first generation in 2016. However, they're still essentially earbuds that require an iPhone or other device nearby. But that may change in the future, as Apple has patented a new AirPods case with an interactive display: 10) Apple to Cut Off Services for Devices Running iOS 11, macOS High Sierra, More [Rumor] | iClarifiedApple will reportedly cut off access to Apple Services, excluding iCloud, for devices running iOS 11, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, watchOS 4, and tvOS 11 next month: 11) Soundly Announces New Online Live Listen Tool | The Hearing ReviewSoundly, an online-based company that provides education, tests hearing products, and researches hearing care methods, announces its live listen feature. Users can now compare the actual sound of hearing aids side-by-side online: 12) Hands-Free Haptic Braille Display Is Making Waves | Hackaday.comIn the last few months, most of the world's population has shied away from touching as many public things as possible. Unfortunately, anyone with low vision who relies on Braille signs, relief maps, and audio jacks doesn't have this luxury — at least not yet: 13) Do You Like Asking ChatGPT Questions? You Could Get Paid (A Lot) For It | ZDNETPublisher (Di Blasi): If this topic interests you, I've recently compiled some of the most current and accurate information on prompt engineering presently available anywhere. Check out the next Tidbit for details. 14) How to Improve Your AI Prompts | Aaron Di Blasi | Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.Whether you're looking for some tips to up your prompt engineering game, or still aren't sure exactly what a prompt is, I've compiled some information here that should help to sort things out: 15) ChatGPT Comes To iPhone With Perplexity, Offering Its Own AI Assistant On iOSWe've already seen a bunch of similar apps arrive on the Mac and Apple Watch, but this is one of the first apps for iOS that you can use without enabling a Siri Shortcut: 16) Microsoft 365 vs. Office 2021: What's the Difference? | How-To-GeekMicrosoft 365 is a subscription that gives you access to the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps on up to five devices. Office 2021 is a single license of Office for one PC or Mac. Microsoft 365 also offers additional features, like 1TB of OneDrive storage and access to Microsoft Editor. You can get a Microsoft 365 Family plan for up to six people, too: 17) New Natural Voices For Narrator — Microsoft Windows Screen Reader | Blind Life | YouTubeMicrosoft has released new natural-sounding voices for its screen reader Narrator. With three new voices to download, Narrator, a part of Microsoft accessibility, now has a more natural, human-like, voice: 18) Edge Adds Command Palette for Controlling the Browser | Kelly Ford | The Idea PlaceA mistaken press of CTRL+Q when browsing recently alerted me to a very helpful change in Microsoft Edge. This brings up a feature billed as Command Palette, which allows you to enter a wide range of browser commands into an edit box: 19) How to Restore Old Classic Notepad in Windows 11 | Ramesh | WinHelpOnline.comWindows 11 comes with the modern Notepad app that automatically replaces the old/classic Notepad program. The new Notepad UWP app supports color emojis, dark mode, RichEdit editing enhancements, Ctrl+} for toggling between matching brackets/parentheses, multilevel undo, drag & drop, and automatic URL detection. 20) Audio with Microsoft's Quick Assist | Kelly Ford | The Idea PlaceA while ago I wrote about a somewhat complicated way to use Windows Quick Assist to connect to another computer for offering technical assistance that worked around the lack of audio redirection in the Quick Assist environment. That is, audio playing on the remote computer wasn't heard on the local computer. I just discovered that audio redirection now appears to be supported with Quick Assist. I'm still learning what's supported here myself so if you try any of this, be aware I'm writing from a couple of hours of trial in my personal environment: 21) Discover All The Function Key Goodies For PowerPointHere's a complete list of the PowerPoint Function Key features from fast access to Help, jumping around the presentation, doc panes, spelling, grammar and guidelines. What you can do with the F-keys labelled F1 through F12 on your keyboard: 22) T-Mobile Customers Can Now Use Alexa To Make Hands-Free Calls | Android AuthorityAmazon's virtual assistant, Alexa, has the ability to make and receive calls. However, this feature wasn't available to people who subscribe to T-Mobile. But that's changing as Amazon is now teaming up with the US carrier: 23) Braigo — A Lego Braille Printer | HackadayAccessibility devices tend to be prohibitively expensive, and it's always nice to see a hacker apply their skills to making these devices more affordable. BRAIGO is a low cost braille printer by Shubham Banerjee. He built the printer using parts from the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit, with a few additions. This LEGO kit retails for $349, and a standard braille printer costs over $2000. The BRAIGO print head uses weights and a pin to punch holes in standard calculator paper rolls. LEGO motors are used to feed the paper and align the head for accurate printing. It takes about 5 to 7 seconds to print each letter, which are entered on the Mindstorms controller: 24) Video: Using Voiceover With The Weather App | Shelly Brisbin | Six ColorsHey there, I'm Shelly Brisbin and I'm here to demo a new feature in iOS 16.4. Specifically, it's in the Weather app, and even more specifically than that, it is for people who use the VoiceOver screen reader that's part of iOS: 25) Every AirPods User Should Try This Crazy Hidden FeatureiPhone users who also own Apple's AirPods have plenty of iPhone tricks to discover once they get their first pair. But most of them concern the regular audio experience, whether listening to audio content or talking on the phone. However, there's a great iPhone accessibility called Sound Recognition that could serve AirPods users in addition to the target audience: 26) ChromeOS Multi-Paste Is About To Change For The Better | Robby Payne | Chrome UnboxedIf you are a regular keyboard shortcut user you likely use one of the absolute most common shortcuts available: CTRL+V to paste copied content. Along with CTRL+C (copy) and CTRL+X (cut), CTRL+V to paste likely rates in the top 5 most-used keyboard shortcuts out there (if there is such a list, anyway). And it wasn't that long ago that Google added a much-needed, frequently-used, multi-paste function to ChromeOS, allowing users to hit the SEARCH+V key combo to bring up a list of the last 5 items that were either copied or cut. It has become my go-to way to paste after copying, and I love being able to copy or cut a few things at once and paste them in the order I choose afterwards: 27) Freedom Scientific April 2023 Training Eventshttps://blog.freedomscientific.com/join-us-for-our-april-2023-training-events/ 28) 12 Incredible Apple Watch Tricks You'll Wish you Knew Sooner | Subscription Required: MediumThe little device isn't "little" inside: 29) The Best Assistive Tech Gadgets To Create An Equitable Workforce |Sherin Shibu | ZDnet.comMy picks for the best assistive technology can help employers accommodate disabilities in the workplace and foster a more inclusive environment: 30) A Look Inside Google's 'Reading Mode' Accessibility Feature For ChromeOS, Chrome Browser | Steven Aquino | Subscription Required: ForbesIn a blog post published on March 28, 2023, Google announced numerous new education-oriented software enhancements for ChromeOS and Google Classroom. The features were introduced coincident with the company attending this year's BETT conference: 31) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for March 2023Welcome to the March 2023 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, your monthly digest of the latest and most notable content on the AppleVis website. This edition features a curated selection of community-submitted updates, including new app entries, updates, news, and podcasts: 32) Moving to a New Online Bookmarking Service: RainDrop.io | Deborah Edwards-Onoro | Lireo DesignsIn 2006, after years of saving bookmarks in the browser, I started using an online bookmarking service. I was tired of opening up one of the three browsers I used, only to remember the bookmarks I saved were in another browser. An online bookmarking service meant I wouldn't need to use one specific browser, which was one of my goals. As well as being better able to tag, organize, and collect my bookmarks. Having a separate bookmarking service has worked well over the years, especially when services added mobile bookmarking apps. Given how things change in the digital world, it's fascinating to me I've only used three bookmarking services in the past 17 years. And now I'm moving to my fourth service: 33) How To Make Your Google Document Or Presentation More Accessible | Benjamin Roussey | Accessibility.comMillions of people across the world use Google Docs for creating online documents. While it is widely considered an alternative to MS Word, people with disabilities might find it challenging to use, as it lacks certain key accessibility functionalities that MS Word has. With that said, you can make your Google Docs more accessible to people with disabilities by taking the following steps: 34) Google Assistant Might Be Doomed: Division “Reorganizes” To Focus On Bard | Ars TechnicaThe Google Assistant makes no money and hasn't released hardware in two years: 35) Keyboard Shortcuts In Word, Add, Change Or Remove | Office WatchSpeed up your work by adding and changing keyboard shortcuts to Word commands, styles, fonts and even symbols that aren't on the keyboard. You can even override or remove Word's in-built shortcuts so they do what you want (or nothing). We'll show how to find the more useful and interesting commands that are hidden away: 36) Testing Two New Mastodon Clients | Deborah Edwards-Onoro | Lireo DesignsIt's been almost three months since I started using Mastodon, the open-source decentralized social media network many Twitter users turned to after Twitter's change of ownership in October 2022: 37) How Do I Discover Accounts To Follow On Mastodon And The Fediverse?If you want to discover new accounts from people you don't know, this page has lots of suggestions for how to do this: 38) A Group Of Students Is Using Artificial Intelligence To Help Blind And Partially Sighted People Navigate | Cool Blind TechRudransh Goyal, Vinayak Maheshwari, and Mustafa Zahid make up Team Guiding Eyes, which was recently named one of the five finalists of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest. The contest asks Canadians between the ages of 16 and 25 to solve problems in their communities using STEM skills: 39) West Bengal Student Creates AI-Based 'Smart Glasses' for Visually-impaired at Just Rs 200 | MSNArko Biswas, a student from Majdia College in Nadia, has developed an innovative wearable device known as Smart Vision Glasses. These glasses, equipped with various components such as sensors, micro speakers, and batteries, can be described as smart glasses. They are designed to assist people who are visually impaired or have low vision to navigate their surroundings, read, and recognize objects and people: 40) With Amazon Alexa's Future In Peril, Fire TVs Offer A Glimmer Of Hope | Scharon Harding | Arstechnica.comAlexa, how can you continue to be relevant and stop sucking money from Amazon? ➜ 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: 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 | That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 118: A Conversation with Be My Eyes Founder Hans Jorgen Wiberg and CEO Mike Buckley About the Virtual VolunteerBrian sits down with the Founder and CEO of Be My Eyes to discuss their exciting new Virtual Volunteer powered by Chat GPT4. They discuss the early feedback from people involved with the closed beta, how the Virtual Volunteer originated, and Brian's thoughts of using the Virtual Volunteer: April 1, 2023 | The Real Blind Tech Show Episode 119: Farfegnugen The TSA, Guide Dog Stories And MisadventuresAllison, Brian, and Jeanine sit down to discuss the state of blind justice. War stories from being a guide dog handler. They discuss Brian's recent cruise and what surprises he encountered with his guide dog. They discuss their latest fun times with Uber and cab refusals because of their guide dog. Brian tells his story of his latest experience with the Miami TSA, and they discuss some of the fun encounters they have had with people over the years saying and acting bizarre because of their guide dogs. It's an all guide dog episode here: April 1, 2023 | Mosen at Large Episode 221: An Upcoming Webinar Announcing The Future Of This Podcast, The Be My Eyes Virtual Volunteer, Sonos Has New Speakers And FeaturesApril 1, 2023 | AppleVis Extra #91: A Conversation With One of the Creators of OKO — AI Copilot for the BlindIn this episode of AppleVis Extra, Thomas Domville chats with Willem Van de Mierop, one of the creators behind the innovative iOS app called OKO — AI copilot for the blind. OKO is a smart camera app that uses artificial intelligence to provide real-time feedback to help people with visual impairments safely use pedestrian traffic lights at intersection by providing haptic and audio feedback to inform users of the current state of the light. Tune in to hear Willem discuss the development process and vision behind OKO, as well as the impact it's had on the visually impaired community: XX) Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 121: About Phone, Tips, Support and MoreWe hit 900 subscribers on our YouTube Channel. Our accessible Android app has been downloaded 775 times. In our Android basics, we talk about the last 2 settings on pixel phones, about phone and tips and support. After a long time, we have the CSR section return with demo on how to type when browse by touch is suspended. In our app of the week, we intro the good lock app which can be downloaded from the Samsung Store. In the tip of the week, we demo how to play long WhatsApp voice message and how to move back and forward using the seek bar: April 3, 2023 | Technically Working: Standing With Networks | Payown Media, LLCIn this episode, Damashe and Michael talk about: Networking and different networking solutions they both have explored. Plans for smart home transitions and the measurements used in light bulbs. A new USB Type A to 2 lightning, 1 USB Type C, and one Micro USB cable that Michael got. Standing desks and their benefits and challenges. NumPad commander and how it can enhance VoiceOver productivity and customization. The possibility of dual eSIM on iPhone 12 and the workarounds available. HomeKit automation and how it can make life easier and more fun: April 5, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2314: Memoirs of a Guide DogMark Carlson is familiar with blindness as it runs in his family. He has come to view his lack of sight as second nature and approaches life with a positive outlook and sense of humor. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Mark about his life and the books he has written about his guide dogs as well as his other passion, military strategy: April 6, 2023 | The Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, April 6, 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.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 11, 2023 | Ask Sharky: Customize Word Pronunciations Using The Jaws Dictionary Manager | Freedom Scientific9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 12, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Structure | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 12, 2023 | TOPAZ Ultra — Portability and Magnification Power (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM 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 18, 2023 | JAWS Inspect Testing for Developers and QA Teams | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT April 19, 2023 | 2023 Helen Keller Achievement Awards | American Foundation for the BlindApril 19, 2023 | Creating Accessible Emails & Using Mailchimp (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT April 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 21, 2023 | 3D-Printed, DIY Assistive Technology | NOAT11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM 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 | WCAG 2.2 Overview (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT 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 July 25, 2023 | U.S. Access Board Town Hall Meeting in Baltimore10:30PM PT, 11:30PM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 5:30PM GMT 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/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-app-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-game-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-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 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 USD. | Buy an Ad: Fill out this short form to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Classified 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: GuideLights and Gadgets
➜ Classified Advertisement: The No-Bouncey Pouchey for Hands Free Phone and Camera Use is HereNeck pouches and lanyards move as you walk, and they move more as the front facing anatomy gets larger. Our new weighted cowhide pouch is perfect for keeping movement to a minimum; also great blocking out extraneous noise for hearing aid users. Works for Blind Shell and all size iPhones: $35. New Stream, Trek, and SensePlayer Cases. Don't pay $86 when you can pay $35 and get a functional protective leather case that will enclose your device and allow you to operate all controls. Pre-attached for use with Velcro on the outside of the case. Slip it back in when finished listening. People who have already bought them love it, both the sturdiness and the price, just $35. 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! 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: Aira
Sponsor 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://fablepathways.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://fablepathways.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://fablepathways.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@hims-inc.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. Your Name Here
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➜ Top Tech Tidbits News Team
Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)
Volunteer Publisher Since: June 4th 2020
Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)
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
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
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Editorial Contributor: John Hanlin (Volunteer)
Volunteer Editor Since: June 4th 2020
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)
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.
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
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Editorial Contributor: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)
Volunteer Editor Since: June 4th 2020
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)
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
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐
Email: editors@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
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Editorial Contributor: Stephen (Alex) Marositz (Volunteer)
Editor Since: October 7th 2021
Location: Los Angeles, California
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
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
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Accessible Technology Coordinator
California State University, Dominguez Hills
https://csudh.edu 🌐
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Editorial Contributor: Ben Moxey (Volunteer)
Editor Since: January 1st 2022
Location: Newcastle, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
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
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Access and Technology Advisor
Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT)
https://nsw.guidedogs.com.au 🌐
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Editorial Contributor: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)
Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6, 2023
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
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
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
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 15,000 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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