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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, April 13, 2023 - Volume 906The 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: 10,899 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 159 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: The Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc. Presents "Lights, Camera, Audio Descriptions!" on April 19, 2023 at 4PM PT
Join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. for an explosive and interactive webinar on accessibility and inclusion in TV, film and entertainment. We'll go behind the scenes with Joe Strechay, blind Producer, consultant and entertainment accessibility expert for Netflix and Apple TV+ to explore a little history on audio descriptions for the blind and visually impaired, the current state of accessibility in the entertainment industry, the variety of content available in 2023, and how to enable audio descriptions on apps like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime. You'll leave this webinar with the tools and knowledge you need to consume your content of choice in an inclusive and accessible way, cutting the guesswork out of your entertainment experience. Sign up now to reserve your spot at this blockbuster webinar!
Register in advance for this webinar using the link below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please contact Tim Paulding at tpaulding@lhblind.org 📧️ if you have any questions or need assistance registering for this event: 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.) JAWS Power Tip: Attach A File To An Email Message Using Copy and Paste (5.1% of all clicks.) B.) New Natural Voices For Narrator — Microsoft Windows Screen Reader | Blind Life | YouTube (4.8% of all clicks.) C.) ChatGPT Comes To iPhone With Perplexity, Offering Its Own AI Assistant On iOS (4.5% of all clicks.) D.) Every AirPods User Should Try This Crazy Hidden Feature (3.7% of all clicks.) E.) Video: Using Voiceover With The Weather App | Shelly Brisbin | Six Colors (3.4% of all clicks.) 2) Sponsored By Jonathan Mosen: The Mosen At Large Podcast Is Now Living BlindfullyMosen at Large has a new name, a new website, but the same quality content. Living Blindfully is the podcast about living your best life with blindness or low vision. The new website makes it easy to access the wealth of information available. It includes a search engine, the ability to skip straight to the part of an episode you want, full transcripts, and simple URLs to select a specific show. There's a new premium tier, Living Blindfully Plus, which gives you episodes 72 hours ahead of general release and helps to keep the podcast viable. After you join Plus, just paste your personal RSS feed into any podcast app to enjoy your Plus benefits. For cutting edge technology demos, in-depth interviews with movers and shakers in the field, and lively discussion with our global Living Blindfully community, be sure to visit us on the web or follow us wherever you get your podcasts: 3) Sponsored By Jane: For Sale: One Gently Used VR Stream TREKListing Date: 4/13/2023 | Price: $650 USD | Condition: Gently Used. | Description: One year old VR Stream TREK in perfect condition, comes with a leather executive products case. | Contact: Jane via email at: jflower418@gmail.com 📧️ or by phone / text at: (415) 858-8436 📱️. 4) Sponsored By Clusiv: Are You Blind Or Visually Impaired Seeking Employment? Enroll In Clusiv Training To Get The Technology, Occupational, And Career Skills You Need For Success In The Modern Workforce!Navigating the employment journey can be challenging if you are blind or visually impaired. The technology is hard to learn, there isn't much quality accessible training, and many other unique challenges. Through Clusiv training you will get equipped for employment and gain crucial skills. Courses will teach you how to use business software with assistive technology, disclosing your disability, resume and interview prep, Accessibility Analyst or Customer Service career skills, and even more options. To enroll in Clusiv training, click the link or head to Clusiv.io/students to fill out a form and you will hear from us very soon with more information and we will get in touch with your vocational rehabilitation counselor for enrollment: 5) 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: 6) 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: 7) 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. 8) Top Tech Tidbits Publisher Updates for April 13, 20231.) Top Tech Tidbits Surpasses 10,000 Weekly Subscribers | 2.) Top Tech Tidbits Podcast Updates | 3.) Sponsor Classified Advertisement Becomes #1 Most Clicked Tidbit For The First Time Ever | 4.) All Sponsored Tidbits Now Purchased Via A Single Form | 5.) Form Submissions Soon To Become Standard For All Content Contributors: 9) April 2023 Software Updates For JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2023 Now Available | Freedom Scientifichttps://blog.freedomscientific.com/the-april-2023-software-updates-are-here/ 10) Don't Override Screen Reader Pronunciation | Adrian RoselliWhen many devs, testers, and authors first start listening to content through a screen reader, they are surprised to hear dates, pricing, names, abbreviations, acronyms, etc. announced differently than they expect. With the best of intentions (or branding panic) they may seek to force screen readers to announce content as they (are told to) expect. But they are seeking to solve a problem that does not exist. Instead, these efforts can make interfaces and content harder to use and, in some cases, inaccessible. Broadly, screen reader users are already familiar with how their screen reader(s) announce these kinds of content (acronyms and all). Mis-pronunciations are fine. These are not bugs. Do not try to override these default announcements: 11) The New Winamp Player Will Launch On April 13, 2023The next iteration of Winamp Player, a once popular music player, will be released today, April 13, 2023. The announcement comes from the official Winamp Twitter account, which shared some images of the new version: 12) Why Midjourney's New Image-to-Text Generator Is an Accessibility Home Run | Charlie Sorrel | LifewireMidjourney now offers a clever twist on its AI image software, using its powerful machine-learning algorithms to generate text descriptions of already-existing images. This makes detailed image captions trivially easy to make and could totally change the game for blind people when it comes to pictures: 13) How To Jump To The Top Of The Screen For Any App On iOSDon't waste time scrolling all the way back up to the top of an app. You can use this tip on any app, platform, or page on your iPhone: 14) Announcing the Integration of the Framework Ecosystem into the Optima Braille Laptop Computer | Orbit Research | Tech-VI ListWe're excited to announce that the Optima TM Braille Laptop Computer will integrate the Framework Ecosystem! The highly customizable, upgradable and repairable platform will offer unprecedented flexibility and performance to assistive technology products: 15) ChatGPT vs. Bing vs. Google Bard: Which AI Is the Most Helpful? | CNetPublisher (Di Blasi): ChatGPT may finally be seeing some competition from Bing and Bard, but it still seems to outperform them. This has definitely been my experience as well. 16) Introducing Spotify on the BlindShell Classic 2We are excited to introduce the popular music app, Spotify, to our growing list of applications. With this new feature, our visually impaired users can now enjoy their favorite songs and playlists with ease and accessibility. You can listen to music and podcasts with high-quality sound, while enjoying an accessible interface: 17) Changing the Speed of a YouTube Video | Paths To LiteracyYouTube can be a great learning tool but some students may benefit from a slower playback speed: 18) HuggingGPT is a Messy, Beautiful Stumble Towards Artificial General Intelligence | Thomas Smith | Medium: Subscription RequiredPublisher (Di Blasi): If you would like to understand exactly how we will ultimately advance from Generative AI, which is where we are now, to Artificial General Intelligence, or AGI, at some point in the future, this is what that beginning looks like. 19) Major Apple Devices Will Not Be Getting iOS17 or iPadOS17 | 9to5Mac | YouTubeLooks like there are some major Apple devices that will not be getting the latest version of iOS this year. Here is everything you need to know. The rumor is that the 2015 12.9in iPad Pro will not get the update. But 2018 iPad Pros will: 20) My Kids And I Just Played D&D With ChatGPT4 As The DM | Obie Fernandez | March 30, 2023 | Medium: Subscription RequiredPublisher (Di Blasi): If you are a Dungeons and Dragons fan, you just might find this article to be life changing. If you are not yet a Dungeons and Dragons fan, I very excitedly encourage you to check out its most recent upgrade. Ladies and gentleman, I give you ChatGPT, your new Dungeon Master. An upgrade that, quite frankly, might just change absolutely everything. 21) Use Emojis That Translate Well Across DevicesUse emojis that translate well across devices. How emojis are presented depends on the device and operating system. To make sure the emoji you choose will display as you intended across different devices and systems, check its variations at: 22) Recording: Blind Centered Audio Description Chat: AD 101 for Content Creators | Reid My Mind | March 8, 2023In this conversation from March 8, 2023, we bring film makers and other content creators together with Blind consumers. We provide some introduction into audio description and invited Blind and Low Vision consumers to explain the importance of quality AD in film. Plus we talk about why it's important to think beyond compliance, explore the artistic nature of AD and more: 23) How To Get Siri To Decline A Call | Cool Blind TechGetting unwanted calls while your hands are otherwise occupied? Use this hands-free method to decline incoming calls with a Siri voice command: 24) Accessibility Features Of Amazon In Their e-Commerce Platform And Digital Devices | Accessibility.comAs we move towards a more digitized world, Amazon, one of the world's largest e-commerce platforms and digital device providers, is trying to make its offerings accessible to all. From its website to its digital devices, Amazon has incorporated features to make the user experience more seamless for persons with disabilities. Here are some of Amazon's accessibility features for their various devices and digital services: 25) New Assistive Technology Of 2023 — Conference Highlights | The Blind Life | YouTubeHere are some of the new assistive technology that I've seen at conferences so far this year: 26) Experimenting With AI-Generated Audio Reading | Alex Hort-Francis | Medium: Subscription RequiredPublisher (Di Blasi): This is a topic being followed closely by many Tidbits readers so we thought it might help to hear how the technology is progressing. Is it indistinguishable from a human voice? Not quite yet. Is it close? Very. Did it take this person a lot of effort to make it sound this good? Not a lot. But some. How long will it be before it takes no effort at all? A year? Maybe two? 27) NV Access In-Process For April 6, 2023https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-6th-april-2023/ 28) Free Android Accessibility Code Samples Now Available | Jan Jaap de Groot | Appt.orgA total of 56 code samples in 8 categories: accessibility, element, input, keyboard, linting, media, screen and text: 29) The 12 Top New Android 14 Features | Wired: Subscription RequiredHere's what Google has planned for the next version of its mobile operating system: 30) How to Use Apple's New All-In-One Password Manager | Wired: Subscription RequiredYour iPhone, iPad, and Mac now have a built-in password feature, complete with two-factor authentication: 31) Gentler Streak Fitness App Updates With New Accessibility Features | Cool Blind TechGentler Streak has become one of the most popular fitness apps for iPhone and Apple Watch. And to ensure that everyone can use the app to track their health, Gentler Streak has now been updated to fully support iOS accessibility features. Gentler Streak helps users to monitor their exercise and to better understand their health data. The app was awarded the 2022 App of the Year for Apple Watch by Apple. Gentler Streak has been available for iPhone since 2021 and was released for Apple Watch in 2022: 32) Hands-On: Klack App Brings Delightful Mechanical Keyboard Sound Effects To Your MacDo you like the sound of a mechanical keyboard but don't necessarily want to use one? Or maybe you'd prefer to use one but can't when you're traveling with your MacBook? A polished new app called Klack brings satisfying and realistic mechanical keyboard sound effects to your Mac: 33) These Top 20 Thunderbird Feature Requests Need Your VoteWe're actively monitoring your Thunderbird feature suggestions at Mozilla Connect, but "voting up" ideas from the community is crucial. There are currently 287 Thunderbird ideas at Connect, many of which need wider discussion and votes: 34) Best Android Launchers For Senior And Visually Impaired Users | The Tech AdvocateAs technology is advancing and everything is getting smarter day by day, the android launchers are getting smarter as well. Android launchers play an essential role in the interface of the android mobile phone. It changes the look and manages the functionality of the device. Different android launchers have different features that make them unique. But the real challenge is to find the best android launchers for senior and visually impaired users. In this article, we will discuss some of the best android launchers which are easy to navigate and use for senior and visually impaired users: 35) Why Does FaceTime Caption Only One Side of the Call? | Shari Eberts | Living With Hearing LossIt's wonderful that Apple's latest iOS now includes built-in auto-captioning. It has been a long time coming, and more work is needed, but it is great to see accessibility for people with hearing loss finally taking center stage. One of my favorite ways to use this capability is on FaceTime. For most conversations, I use Zoom — especially if I am at home and can access it from my computer. But when I am on the go and using my iPhone, I prefer FaceTime. It's a quicker and easier way to communicate while still enjoying the benefits of seeing the person's face for speech reading cues. And the captions just make it better: 36) Google TV Adds Over 800 Free TV Channels, Revamps Live Tab | Android AuthorityGoogle TV is bolstering its service with over 800 new TV channels from Tubi, Plex, and Haystack News. The Live tab has also been redesigned to browse through channels without having to jump to different apps. These changes will come to Android TV as well later this year: 37) Sony Is Adding More Accessibility Information To Games On The Playstation Store | The VergeThe new Accessibility Tags will let you see an overview of accessibility options in a game while browsing the store on PS5: 38) NewHaptics Awarded NSF SBIR Phase II Grant to Develop Microfluidic Technology for a Multiline Braille and Graphical Tactile DisplayNewHaptics, an innovative tactile display technology company, announced today it has been awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This $1M grant is the fourth SBIR award received by NewHaptics to date and supports the company's continued progress towards delivering a multiline refreshable braille display for the blind at an accessible price point: 39) The Importance Of Alt Text For Screen Reader Users: A Guide To Best Practices And Accessibility | Casey Mathews | Virtual Tech Advisor And Research AssistantEarlier last month, I was approached by a fellow author with the question, "How can I educate the authors I work with concerning accessible tech and how to make their writing available for readers who are blind, visually impaired, or who have some other print disability?" After giving this some thought, I decided the first course of action would be to explain just what accessible tech is. If you missed that introduction, please read: 40) For Users Of The Duxbury Braille Translator: Using Tags In Refreshable Braille To Control Print Output | Caryn NavyBack in December 2022 I shared a link to the project by my coworker (and husband) David Holladay for DBT to work with a new braille file format. This new format uses one line per braille paragraph, with simplified html commands. The idea is that this new tool in DBT would allow you to use this file format to control ink print format and text entirely from a braille device. You would write such a braille file on your braille device, open it in DBT using this new type of import, translate into ink print, and export to Word. David has plans to incorporate a Word template for the margins, fonts, and line spacing for preparing an academic thesis. We seem to have hit a roadblock. This promising new feature cannot be fast-tracked into DBT without some enthusiasm from the community. Have you downloaded it? Did you like it? Would you want this feature in DBT? Do you have some suggestions to make it more relevant for your own needs? Do you think it's all garbage? We would greatly appreciate your frank comments. Here is the link: 41) He's An Instructor For The Blind And Visually Impaired Explaining How "Blindness Is A Spectrum," While Also Showing You What That Can Look LikeThere are several beliefs about blindness and blind people that simply aren't true. And they seem to be derived mainly from an unfamiliarity with the way blindness works. For example, many people seem to think that to experience blindness, all you need to do is close your eyes. Mike Mulligan (@blindonthemove) is an orientation and mobility specialist, and he's raising awareness and debunking myths about the blind and visually impaired community on TikTok. In a viral video that has received 21 million views, Mike demonstrates what people with varying visual impairments might see through different simulation glasses: ➜ 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 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 25, 2023 | Google Survey | Research-Study For People Who Use A Keyboard To Manage Things On Youtube, Search And DiscoverStudy Name: Google Accessibility Talk Series. Length of Study: pre-session video call (30 minutes), pre-session task (30 minutes), and a panel discussion with 1-2 other accessibility users (90 minutes). Date(s): April 25th, 2023. Participant must be a keyboard user (screen reader users will not be selected for this study). Participants will be asked to describe their familiarity with managing ad settings on Google Search, Youtube, Discover. Incentive: $175 USD or local equivalent. Location: Remote USA/ Canada. Link for participating: 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.April 6, 2023 | Freedom Scientific Training Podcast: Ten Power Tips for Tackling Teams with JAWSIn this session, we provide an overview of the Teams interface, and show you how to manage chats, meetings, and files more efficiently. Tips include: Navigate to different areas in Teams using keyboard commands Read and manage chat messages Change your status Copy an entire chat Access files Attach a file to a message Download an attachment from a message Schedule a meeting Navigate the calendar and join meetings Access a list of keyboard commands in Teams: April 8, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 122: Exploring the Developer Options and CSRIn this episode we first inform our listeners about the Google Survey which you can register for by filling out this form. We then take a trip around the developer settings on an Android phone and explain the best features. We then have a CSR demo in which we have tapping to move focus and passthrough modes. This episode can be found at: April 9, 2023 | Living Blindfully (Formerly Mosen at Large) Episode 223: The Future Of Mosen At Large Is Living BlindfullyThis is a special episode containing Jonathan Mosen's presentation on the future of Mosen at Large, which from now on will be called Living Blindfully: April 10, 2023 | Tek Talk Accessible World: Tek Talk Welcomes Ron Miller Of The Vispero Training Department To Discuss Managing Your Outlook Inbox With JAWSLearn how to create folders and move messages; use basic rules to manage conversations; and use the Clean Up feature to manage your Inbox. Join Ron Miller from the Vispero training department: April 12, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2315: The Beat Goes On — The Life of a Blind Music ProducerScott Chesworth is a blind music producer who also offers mixing and mastering services for his clients. He can often be found tutoring and training others. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Scott about his journey into music, his passion for working with others and his commitment to making music accessible for people with disabilities: April 13, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, April 13, 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 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 18, 2023 | Live Webinar | Accessible Design Systems: CarMax's Driving Force for Online Inclusion10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT April 19, 2023 | Lights, Camera, Audio Descriptions! | The Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc.4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM 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 20, 2023 | The CSUN Takeaway | Envision9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM 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 Gently Used VR Stream TREKListing Date: 4/13/2023 | Price: $650 USD | Condition: Gently Used. | Description: One year old VR Stream TREK in perfect condition, comes with a leather executive products case. | Contact: Jane via email at: jflower418@gmail.com 📧️ or by phone / text at: (415) 858-8436 📱️. 2) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Ad (Just like this one.)Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 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: 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: 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. 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 🌐
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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
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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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