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Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology. Masthead logo includes title as well as five stylized access logos, clockwise a long cane user, enlarged print, fingers signing interpreter, full braille cell, hearing aid user.

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, April 27, 2023 - Volume 908

The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com/

A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
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Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology.

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This Week's Featured Advertisement: Top Tech Tidbits And Access Information News Partner To Present: The 2023 Annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day Ad Giveaway!

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Collectively, we have wanted to put together an initiative that gives back to the access community in honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) since we began publishing Top Tech Tidbits back in 2020. But then came Access Information News and the need to flesh out and fund an entirely new publication. This rearranged many of our initial priorities. Some of which I am very happy to report that we are now in a position to readdress.

About The Raffle / Giveaway

Together with Access Information News, Top Tech Tidbits is giving away over $1,000 USD in Sponsorship Packages and Sponsored Ad Placements to support anyone that provides products, services or information to the access community on a regular basis. All prizes will be awarded on May 18, 2023 in honor of the 2023 12th Annual 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 access needs.

Are you, or do you know of, an access person, business, organization, blogger, podcaster, YouTuber or other access influencer that would benefit from scoring some serious exposure? At absolutely no cost? If so, please pass this along.

Deadline To Enter: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 6:00 PM ET. | Raffle To Be Held: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 6:00 PM ET. | Winners To Be Announced: Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 4:00 AM ET in Top Tech Tidbits in honor of the 2023 12th Annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

Review a full list of prizes and eligibility requirements, along with a link to the nomination form here: https://toptechtidbits.com/156.html. Good luck!


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.) How To Send Messages With Effects On Your iPhone | Cool Blind Tech (6.5% of all clicks.)
You may have heard of Message Effects, the fun animations you can add to any text sent through the Messages app by pressing and holding the blue send button. Below are the secret code words that you can type to automatically trigger these iPhone text effects:
https://coolblindtech.com/how-to-send-messages-with-effects-on-your-iphone/

B.) Review: The All Terrain Cane By Awarewolf Gear | The Blind Life | YouTube (5.3% of all clicks.)
The results are in... Sam Seavey, host of the popular YouTube channel The Blind Life, has officially released his review of the new Awarewolf Gear All Terrain Cane. In his latest video, Sam captures the essence of the All Terrain Cane by going for a hike on a local trail followed by a walk on a sunny Southern California beach to see if all the hype about the ATC lives up to expectation. Sedona Dave, the brainchild behind the Awarewolf Gear All Terrain Cane sits down with Sam for a one-on-one interview that takes you through the journey and development of this revolutionary mobility cane:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo0E_4VM1GU

C.) The Redemption Story: The Journey From iOS, To Android, And Back Again | Drew Weber | AppleVis (4.9% of all clicks.)
A few weeks ago I stumbled across a used Android phone, the Galaxy A11 from Samsung. It was $45, so, why not. I'd never truly used the Android OS before. It came, I charged it, and dove in. The Talkback gestures were similar enough to iOS and the ability to pop in an SD card, up to 512 GB, provides mass storage opportunities, no pun intended. I could use face or finger to unlock the same device:
https://www.applevis.com/forum/other-apple-chat/redemption-story-journey-ios-android-back-again

D.) Now Available: Second Edition Of The Windows Screen Reader Primer: All The Basics And More | David Kingsbury | Carroll Center for the Blind (4.7% of all clicks.)
The second edition of my book, "The Windows Screen Reader Primer: All the Basics and More," is now out. Published by my organization, The Carroll Center for the Blind, It is available to you for free in Word and ePub formats. The book is meant to help JAWS, NVDA, and Windows Narrator users work more effectively with the most important PC applications, including the Windows operating system, MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint), and the three most popular web browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox). Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive for Desktop, the three most popular cloud-based file-sharing programs, are also covered. So too is Adobe Acrobat Reader for accessing PDF files. A new chapter on participating in, scheduling, and hosting Zoom meetings is included in this second edition. So too is an appendix on using academic style guides for formatting Word documents. A glossary with over 100 definitions of computer-related terms and a set of practice exercises are also included. The book is intended for both beginners and intermediate users. While all the basics are covered, those already possessing a fair amount of experience using screen reader programs in the Windows environment will find useful tools and techniques to further enhance their skills. You can download the book and make a voluntary donation to the Carroll Center at:
https://carroll.org/the-windows-screen-reader-primer-all-the-basics-and-more-second-edition/

E.) Be My Eyes: How ChatGPT4 Is Helping Visually Impaired People Picture What They Can't See | ITV News | YouTube (4.1% of all clicks.)
AI is being used to help blind and partially-sighted people picture what they can't see. TikTok star Lucy Edwards is one of the first people in the world to use a new iteration of an app that can now not only describe the world around her — but contextualize it too. The 'Be My Eyes' app has been upgraded with ChatGPT4 to help Lucy with everyday life — from reading expiry dates on her food items, to describing the appearance of outfits, a Tube map, or pages in a magazine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUSeFnZGIzY

2) Sponsored By Clusiv: New Career Track Course From Clusiv! If You Are Curious To Work In Customer Service And Gain Key Skills In The Field, You Are In Luck! We Are Excited To Announce The Upcoming Launch Of The Customer Service Career Track!

In this course you will learn key skills and insights in the field of customer service to help equip you for employment. Clusiv training is self-paced, intuitive and has an accessible design for blind or visually impaired users. To learn more about enrolling in this course, or other Clusiv courses that can help you gain the technology, occupational and career skills training you need to succeed in the modern workforce, click the link below and fill out the form. We will reach out with more information and get connected with you and your vocational rehabilitation counselor:
https://bit.ly/3VgExEo

3) Sponsorship Package Updates

Availability: 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:
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4) Premium Subscriber Updates

Next 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:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/premium-subscribers.html

5) Sponsored Tidbits Now Available

Use 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.

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In addition to receiving Top Tech Tidbits via email every Thursday morning at 6:00 AM ET you can also pick up the newsletter and its trending articles on any of the following channels:
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7) Top Tech Tidbits RSS Feed Now Updated and Validated

Publisher (Di Blasi): Several readers reached out to us on Mastodon to let us know that the Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News RSS Feeds were not parsing correctly, and as a result, were throwing errors. I am very happy to report that the RSS Feeds for both publications have been validated as of this communication and shall remain validated each week going forward. Feed links below:
TTT RSS Raw Feed Link: https://toptechtidbits.com/tidbits.xml
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8) Top Tech Tidbits Now Verified By VerifiedJournalist.org

Publisher (Di Blasi): I am also incredibly happy to report that both the Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News Mastodon Accounts have been verified by VerifiedJournalist.org. Learn more about the VerifiedX project in its new wave of follow-finding tools in this issue. Verification links below:
Top Tech Tidbits | Verified Journalist: https://www.verifiedjournalist.org/organizations/@news@mastodon.toptechtidbits.com
Access Information News | Verified Journalist: https://www.verifiedjournalist.org/organizations/@news@mastodon.accessinformationnews.com

9) Brian Fischler of That Real Blind Tech Show Talks With Ellison Barber of NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt About The New Capabilities of the Be My Eyes App with ChatGPT4 | April 24, 2023 | NBC Nightly News

Publisher (Di Blasi): We first mentioned the excellent work that these two former Top Tech Tidbits Sponsors were doing in Access Information News on April 10, 2023. But with their most recent exposure on NBC Nightly News last night, we wanted to share these updates with Top Tech Tidbits readers as well.
NBC Nightly News: The app "Be My Eyes" is using AI to provide low vision or blind users with instant audio descriptions of what they are facing. User Brian Fischler says the app allows him to do things on his own without a sighted volunteer:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0_iICKVzhE
Nightly News: https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/new-ai-tool-describes-surroundings-to-visually-impaired-people-171207237511

10) Amazon A11Y: Prime Video Dialogue Boost Launch

Publisher (Di Blasi): This information was shared with us directly from Amazon on April 26, 2023.
Amazon: Amazon's Prime Video team just launched "Dialogue Boost" — an industry-first innovation that lets you self-select dialogue volume levels to suit your needs on any device with Prime Video. This has initially launched on select Amazon Originals worldwide. Dialogue Boost lets you increase the volume of dialogue relative to background music and effects, creating a more comfortable and accessible viewing experience that cannot be found on any other global streaming service. While Dialogue Boost was built with the needs of customers who are hard of hearing in mind, anyone can use the feature to suit their personal listening preferences. How does it work? During playback, customers can view and choose which level of Dialogue Boost they would like to use via the audio and subtitles drop down menu. The audio tracks are labeled “English Dialogue Boost: Medium” and “English Dialogue Boost: High.” You can try it out now on titles like Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Harlem, as well as movies including The Big Sick, Beautiful Boy, and Being the Ricardos. The feature will become available on additional titles this year. As always, we welcome feedback about your experience using Prime Video's accessibility features. If you have any feedback, please send us an email: dialogue-boost-feedback@amazon.com 📧️:
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/prime-video-dialogue-boost

11) How To Turn On Audio Descriptions On Your iPhone Or iPad | Cool Blind Tech

On iPhone or iPad, you can turn on audio descriptions to have scenes in videos described to you:
https://coolblindtech.com/how-to-turn-on-audio-descriptions-on-your-iphone-or-ipad/

12) Apple Makes Headway On Reality Pro Development, Leaves Testers 'Blown Away' | 9to5Mac

Apple is set to unveil its years-in-the-making mixed reality headset at WWDC in June, according to the latest rumors. Not everyone is convinced the product will be a "hit," but a source who has allegedly tried the device says it blew them away:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/04/20/apple-headset-impressions-reality-pro-leak/

13) J-Say Now Supports Dragon 16 | Hartgen Consultancy

https://www.hartgen.org/j-say

14) HomePods Can Now Send A Notification When Your Smoke Alarm Goes Off | TechCrunch

Apple's surprise January resurrection of the original HomePod arrived with a handful of new software features. One of the more intriguing of the bunch was sound recognition for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. When the smart speaker hears the alarm, it will send a notification to your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch:
https://techcrunch.com/2023/04/18/homepods-can-now-send-a-notification-when-your-smoke-alarm-goes-off/

15) Accessibility Features Of Microsoft Teams: Making Meetings More Accessible | Benjamin Roussey | Accessibility.com

Did you ever feel like you missed out on something at a virtual meeting or live event due to accessibility issues? If so, you're not alone. Microsoft Teams has many features that can make virtual meetings and events more inclusive and engaging for everyone. This guide will explore Microsoft Teams accessibility features and share our top tips for making this workplace communication app more usable for people with disabilities:
https://www.accessibility.com/blog/accessibility-features-of-microsoft-teams-making-meetings-more-accessible

16) Convert PDF And Photo Files To Text | Google Drive Help

You can convert image files to text with Google Drive:
https://support.google.com/drive/answer/176692?hl

17) Popular Real-Time AI Voice Changer 'Voicemod' Comes To MacOS | MacRumors

Voicemod, the popular voice changer and soundboard, has just landed on macOS, allowing Mac users to transform their voices and trigger sound effects in real time:
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/04/20/voicemod-voice-changer-comes-to-mac/

18) Google Assistant Will Finally Shut Up And Do What It's Told Instead Of Excessively Narrating Itself | Michael Perrigo | Chrome Unboxed

Besides being dumber than a box of rocks lately, Google Assistant is pretty alright with the basics — turning your smart devices on and off, and answering basic questions (sometimes). Recently, the team responsible for developing and maintaining it was sent to work on Bard AI, the company's new golden child, and the once stellar futuristic helper is now becoming a shell of its former self. Nevertheless, it appears that Google is taking user feedback seriously and updating the Assistant while it''s still with us in its current state to provide quality-of-life improvements where it can:
https://chromeunboxed.com/google-assistant-will-finally-shut-up

19) Accessible Heading Structure | Rian Rietveld | A11y Collective

Publisher (Di Blasi): Adhering to each of the guidelines outlined within this article is precisely how we deliver the most convenient reading experience possible for screen reader users each week. And not just in Top Tech Tidbits, but Access Information News as well. We custom code each newsletter so that we can validate its code and heading structure before we send it to you. Something no template can do on its own.
Rian Rietveld: Headings are the backbone of the content of a page. A visitor should be able to scan the webpage using headings to get a good impression of its content. Heading levels have meaning, especially for screen reader users and search engines. That means one unique first level heading per page, with the other headings representing the page content similar to the index of a book: easily scannable and semantic. Write well-structured headings, because what is good for your reader, is also good for your SEO:
https://www.a11y-collective.com/accessible-heading-structure/

20) Zoom for iPhone Update Delivers Dynamic Island Support, Incoming Call Hiding, Dark Mode For Calendar | 9to5Mac

Zoom is out with an update for its iOS app with the headlining feature being support the iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island. Also arriving are some handy features like the option to hide incoming calls during a meeting, dark mode for Calendar, Zoom IQ Meeting Summary support, and more:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/04/20/zoom-for-iphone-update-dynamic-island-support/

21) VoiceOver's Trackpad Commander on Mac

By default, VoiceOver on a Mac is controlled by keyboard commands. This is different to VoiceOver on iOS or iPadOS, which uses swipe gestures instead (since iPhones and iPads are primarily touch-screen devices). If you like the idea of swiping around an interface using VoiceOver rather than learning all sorts of funky key combinations, Trackpad Commander is worth a try. Essentially, by turning on the Trackpad Commander you're switching from a purely keyboard-driven experience to a touch-driven one. To turn it on:
https://www.tempertemper.net/blog/voiceovers-trackpad-commander-on-mac

22) Gmail App Passwords: What They Are, How To Create One, And Why To Use Them | ZDNet

If third-party apps need to connect to your Gmail account, your regular Google account password may not be enough. Find out how to use the App Passwords feature and why:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/gmail-app-passwords-what-they-are-how-to-create-one-and-why-to-use-them/

23) These GPT-4 Powered Smart Glasses Help You Have Conversations | Cool Blind Tech

Students at Stanford University have developed smart glasses that provide users with appropriate responses for conversations through an optics lens connected to a smartphone running OpenAI's GPT-4 large language model. The smart glasses are called "rizzGPT" — real-time Charisma as a Service (CaaS) ... it listens to your conversation and tells you exactly what to say next ... built using GPT4:
https://coolblindtech.com/these-gpt-4-powered-smart-glasses-help-you-have-conversations/

24) Clipboard On iPhone: How To Access It? | ghacks.net

If you're someone who frequently copies and pastes text and/or files to your Mac, you may have noticed that the clipboard on iPhone is limited. At first, you might even wonder where it is. Unlike on a Mac, there is no option to see your iPhone clipboard by default, and it is only stored in temporary memory, which means it gets wiped out every time you restart the phone. Additionally, storing more than one item in the clipboard is not possible; the original file would be overwritten. Although the clipboard functionality on iPhone may seem limited, it's still a useful feature. In this article, we will show you how to access your clipboard on iPhone and how to improve its functionality in various ways:
https://www.ghacks.net/2023/04/24/how-to-access-clipboard-on-iphone/

25) You Should Try Chrome's Hidden "Quick Commands" | Corbin Davenport | How-To Geek

Google is constantly testing out new features and improvements for Chrome. One feature called Quick Commands has been in the works for a while, and it might be one of Chrome's most useful hidden features:
https://www.howtogeek.com/887884/you-should-try-chromes-hidden-quick-commands/

26) Audacity 3.3 Has Even More Real-Time Audio Effects | Arol Wright | How-To Geek

Audacity is probably one of the best free tools for audio editing out there. With its latest version, version 3.3, it's getting even better with several additions — more importantly, the inclusion of more live, real-time filters:
https://www.howtogeek.com/888028/audacity-3.3-has-even-more-real-time-audio-effects/

27) You Can Now Use One WhatsApp Account On Two Or More Phones | 9to5Mac

If you have more than one phone, and want to be able to use your WhatsApp account on both, you're now in luck: The company has just announced support for multiple smartphones. This could be useful if you have both personal and work phones, and want to be able to use your WhatsApp account on both. The company believes it will also be useful to small businesses, who can now let several employees use the company WhatsApp account. Up to now, the only way to do this was to use the web version of WhatsApp on your second phone, but now you can use the app on both. It uses exactly the same approach as linking a Mac or iPad to the account on your phone, where you scan a QR code to grant access:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/04/25/use-one-whatsapp-account/

28) Vispero ® to Demonstrate Innovative Screen Reader Software for Accessible Point of Sale Systems at National Restaurant Association Conference

Vispero TM and TPGi ® are pleased to announce that the most popular screen reader worldwide, JAWS ®, is now available in kiosks and other self-service devices. This software will allow all enterprises, including restaurants, to increase their revenue by capturing the overlooked, underserved market of customers with visual impairments. It empowers users who are blind or have low vision to enjoy increased independence when performing tasks such as ordering at a quick-service restaurant or cafe:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vispero-to-demonstrate-innovative-screen-reader-software-for-accessible-point-of-sale-systems-at-national-restaurant-association-conference-301805967.html?tc=eml_cleartime

29) AT&T Helps Complete The First 'Space-Based Voice Call' Using A Standard Smartphone | Engadget

On April 25, 2023, AST SpaceMobile, a satellite communications specialist, with the help of AT&T, announced the first two-way audio call using satellites with a standard smartphone. The initial call was placed using AT&T's networks in Midland, Texas, to mobile carrier Rakuten in Japan on an unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone using AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 satellite. The successful AST SpaceMobile test brings consumer access one step closer to reality:
https://www.engadget.com/att-completes-the-first-space-based-voice-call-using-a-standard-smartphone-120012437.html?src=rss

30) Audiology in the Age of AI: How Chat GPT and Related Technologies Will Transform Hearing Healthcare | Hearing Health and Technology Matters

This week, host Dave Kemp explores the potential impact of AI on the future of hearing care — and what that means for clinicians and the patients they serve. He sits down with two leading voices in this area in audiology: De We Swanepoel, PhD and Jan-Willem Wasmann, MSc. They discuss the potential benefits and risks of technologies like ChatGPT for the audiology community and in healthcare in general. They discuss the need for a more community-driven approach to Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, where clinicians and researchers can train the model on specific parameters important for audiology and compile a database of best practices. This approach can help disseminate clinical approaches, provide better access to information for patients, and improve clinical workflows. Overall, the conversation highlights the potential for LLMs to create a new era in healthcare and audiology:
https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/2023/chatgpt-audiology-ai-hearing-technology/

31) The FCC Wants to Speed Up The Rollout of Free ATSC 3.0 Nextgen TV

On April 24, 2023 FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced plans to try and help speed up the rollout of ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV, according to TVNewsCheck. ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV offers the promise of 4K TV, better signal coverage, improved alerts, on-demand, and more all through your antenna. For now, though, the slow rollout has frustrated many consumers and many in the industry. Now it seems that the FCC wants to speed up that rollout:
https://cordcuttersnews.com/the-ffc-wants-to-speed-up-the-rollout-of-free-atsc-3-0-nextgen-tv/

32) What Reading Tools Are Teachers Using in Their Classrooms? | Bookshare Blog

Here are the most popular apps and assistive tech teachers use with Bookshare to support students with learning differences in their classroom:
https://blog.bookshare.org/2023/04/what-reading-tools-are-teachers-using-in-their-classrooms/

33) A Next Generation Of Follow-Finders For Mastodon | The Fediverse Report

Publisher (Di Blasi): As we provide you with this update we have just finished adding both the Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News Publications for consideration to both the fedi.directory, as well as VerifiedJournalist.org.
The Fediverse Report: Recently multiple new tools to find people to follow have launched. This is part of a more focused awareness of the need to improve the onboarding experience for new users, as well as improving the experience for current users. One of the side effects of not having algorithmic discovery on the fediverse is that content discovery is harder, and requires more active input from users. This mainly happens by putting in more effort in finding interesting accounts to follow. Before the large inflow of new users that happened during the Twitter Migration of November 2022, the main follow-finding tools were the popular FediFollows account (with the accompanying fedi.directory), and the directory on fediverse.info. The FediFollows account is still one of the most influential follow-finder tool, with its posts getting significant traction on the feeds:
https://fediversereport.com/a-next-generation-of-follow-finders/

34) Celebrating 75 Years of Transforming Lives: Honoring Volunteers' Impact on Struggling Readers | David Goldfield | Tech-VI List

Learning Ally was originally Recording for the Blind and later became Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. It contains nearly 80,000 recorded books. I have been able to locate titles from this service which I haven't been able to locate from other sources:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3891

35) What Could 'Voice Cloning' Technology Mean For Society? | BBC News | YouTube

In January 2023, ElevenLabs released a trial version of its AI speech software intended for dubbing movies. Given a minute of a person speaking, the software can quickly put together a 'clone' of that person's voice. It went viral, with the public using the technology to clone the voices of celebrities and politicians. The BBC's James Clayton investigates the impact voice cloning technology could have on society — from scams to the 2024 US election:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-1A8XoA3Qo

36) An Inside Look At Accessibility From Microsoft Product Manager Jeff Bishop | APH CareerConnect

The third Thursday of May is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), when people worldwide can learn and talk about access and inclusion for all people with disabilities. Here, Jeff Bishop shares about his career in accessibility and the APH ConnectCenter invites you to a Career Conversation with Jeff:
https://aphcareerconnect.org/blog/careerconnect-blog/an-inside-look-at-accessibility-from-microsoft-product-manager-jeff-bishop/

37) iBreathe App for Relaxation, Medication and Breath Work

Editor (Woodbridge): A simple guided breathing app for meditation that works well with VoiceOver on iOS/M1/2 Macs.
iBreathe: iBreathe is a simple yet powerful app to guide you through deep breathing exercises and breath work. Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, insomnia, or are trying to meditate and relax, iBreathe provides an easy-to-use beautifully designed user interface. Unlike other apps, iBreathe is designed with simplicity in mind and does not contain any bloat or clutter:
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/ibreathe-relax-and-breathe/id1296605806

38) AI for the IA | Internet Archive

What was once a tedious process — transcribing hard-to-decipher words on records — has been made more efficient using freely-accessible artificial intelligence tools. Now, various extracted texts from century-old 78rpm records are available to view on the Internet Archive. Learn more about the technology and its specific use case from a blog by Founder and Digital Librarian Brewster Kahle. Explore the tech:
https://blog.archive.org/2023/04/12/aiia-extracting-words-sung-on-100-year-old-78rpm-records/

39) How to Choose the Right Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid | CNET

Before you buy OTC hearing aids, make sure they will keep up with your lifestyle. Here's how to find the best hearing aid for you:
https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/how-to-choose-the-right-over-the-counter-hearing-aid/

40) Meet Zelda, An Auslan-Speaking Virtual Assistant For Deaf People, And Her Developers

Our digital world is increasingly reliant on voice-activated technology. Deaf people risk being left behind, so a project is developing an Auslan-speaking virtual assistant named Zelda:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2023-04-25/deaf-people-virtual-assistant-auslan-development-zelda/101789566

41) Video: Smart Glasses Introduce AI To Provide Virtual Assistance For People With Vision Impairments | AT Today UK

Envision, which creates wearable assistive technology for people who are blind or have vision impairments, has launched a powerful new feature on its smart glasses that provides virtual assistance to the wearer about the world around them. The Envision Glasses now incorporate a "game-changing" feature called Ask Envision, which leverages GPT-4 by OpenAI to provide virtual assistance to the wearer to better access information and navigate the environment around them:
https://attoday.co.uk/video-smart-glasses-introduce-ai-to-provide-virtual-assistance-for-people-with-vision-impairments/

42) Designing Accessibility For Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

For Cal Kestis' return, Respawn Entertainment worked hard to ensure that as many players as possible could embrace the fantasy of being a Jedi Knight in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. "With Jedi: Survivor, we've been able to build on what we learned from Fallen Order," says Jonas Lundqvist, Senior Director of Development. "We were fortunate to receive great feedback from the community when we released the original game back in 2019, enabling us to keep improving the game after launch. That experience, and those learnings, have been hugely important in getting us to where we are today as they've influenced our process as well as specific features on Jedi: Survivor, and so we'd like to thank our community for that as together we are opening the game up for more players to enjoy:"
https://www.ea.com/games/starwars/jedi/jedi-survivor/news/designing-accessibility-for-star-wars-jedi-survivor

43) TEFI, The Robot Dog To Guide Blind People, Developed By CESIC | Arthur Morgan

Publisher (Di Blasi): As one reader so profoundly remarked on Twitter, it would seem that AI will not only affect human jobs, but canine jobs as well.
Arthur Morgan: The CSIC, the Higher Council for Scientific Research, has developed a robot guide dog for blind people called TEFI, which can also help people with Alzheimer's, memory problems, or who live alone. And we are now looking for funding on KickStarter. Few people know that flesh and blood guide dogs are very rare, and that they cost £ 30,000. The reason is that it takes several years to train them. Blind people have to sign up for a list with years of waiting, and only a few can access one. Even more complicated, it can be financed by an NGO or Foundation like ONCE:
https://www.gearrice.com/update/tefi-the-robot-dog-to-guide-blind-people-developed-by-cesic-video/

44) NV Access In-Process For April 21, 2023

https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-21st-april-2023/

45) April 2023 Accessibility Newsletter | TPGi

https://email.tpgi.com/march-accessibility-newsletter-from-tpgi-1


➜ Featured Surveys

Submit your access-related survey for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-survey.


Closing: Ongoing | Surveys From APH

Surveys 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:
https://www.aph.org/rd/get-involved/surveys/

Closing: April 30, 2023 | PDF Remediator's Survey 2023 | Karen McCall, Independent Researcher and Document Expert

I'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:
https://forms.office.com/r/mAFuZ36nJz

Closing: June 1, 2023 | Home Video Audio Description Survey

Our braille production company is dedicated to providing accessible materials to those with print disabilities. We offer braille, large print and audio materials, and low-tech assistive technology solutions. We believe that everyone should have equal access to information and entertainment, regardless of their level of vision. In this unpaid survey, we are seeking feedback on personalized videos for home, wedding, and school or other life events. We want to know if consumers like you want these videos to be audio described, with a human narrator, and what aspects of audio description are most important to you. We believe that audio description of home movies, school/other functions, and wedding videos can help bring families together to experience cherished memories. Please share your opinions and help us improve our one-of-a-kind service. Thank you for taking the time to support our mission of accessibility for all:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2ZWS93J


Submit your access-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode.


April 8, 2023 | LBPD TUG: Windows 11

On Saturday, April 8th , the Technology User Group (TUG) demonstrated how to get your existing computer to upgrade to Windows 11. We also displayed the changes that you can expect and what you need to know in order to use JAWS and other screen reading software:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lbpd-tug-windows-11/id1633488438?i=1000609960354

April 20, 2023 | NFB Podcast: U.S. Currency to Become Easier to Use

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, United States Treasury Department, is close to producing paper currency with tactile features to make it more easily identifiable by the blind beginning with a new ten-dollar bill in 2026. Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen discuss how blind people currently use paper money and the long journey to this announcement. But first, they do some myth-busting about the historical position of the National Federation of the Blind on changing our country's paper money:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-s-currency-to-become-easier-to-use/id1531941451?i=1000609999307

April 20, 2023 | Unmute Presents — AI With Lynn

In another episode of Unmute Presents Podcast, Michael, Marty, and Lynn dive deeper into the topic of AI and how they use it in their everyday work. They discuss the benefits of using chat GPT and how it helps to boost their creativity and broaden their horizons. They also emphasize the importance of prompting and how it's essential to ask the right questions when using AI. Lynn shares her workflow and how she uses chat GPT to write professional customer service letters and public service announcements. Michael explains the concept of prompting and how it helps to better assist him. If you're interested in learning more about AI and how it can be used in your work, this episode is definitely worth a listen:
https://pnc.st/s/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/66fcea02/unmute-presents-ai-with-lynn

April 21, 2023 | Unmute Presents: Friday Finds, Batteries, Book Sharon Netflix

Hello and welcome to the latest episode of Unmute Presents Podcast. In this episode, Michael and Marty are joined by Lynn for a new segment called Friday Fines. Each week, we'll be bringing you three new stories and a quick in-depth overview of each news article. For our first episode, we covered a range of topics, including a battery recall for continuous glucose devices, Bookshare price increases, and the news that Netflix will no longer be sending out DVDs. We're excited to bring you this new format and would love to hear your feedback. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please don't hesitate to share them with us. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy the show:
https://pnc.st/s/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/ac373202/unmute-presents-friday-finds-batteries-book-sharon-netflix

April 22, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 124: Navigating the Play Store Apps and Device

In our Android Basic, we start a new mini series on the Play Store. In our CSR segment we demo word exclusion and simple handling settings. In our My Android Journey segment, Harshit tells us how he got started with Android. Stay tuned for episode 125, which is our quarterly app bonanza. To submit android app demos recorded by you which will be featured in episode 125, send the recording to contactus@blindandroidusers.com 📧️. This episode can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5iI0uwraRqoD6SJLNorJyE_GrJoeD_Xk

April 23, 2023 | Unmute Presents: Mac Whisper: The Ultimate Audio-to-Text Transcription Tool | MP3

In this episode, we explore the powerful Mac app called Mac Whisper, which allows you to transcribe audio files into text with ease. Our host Damashe takes you through the application interface and demonstrates how to use it to transcribe a YouTube video into text using the Tiny model. You'll learn about the different models available in Mac Whisper, how to select the right one for your needs, and how to use the app to transcribe audio files from your computer or record app audio. Whether you're a content creator, a journalist, or simply someone who needs to transcribe audio files on a regular basis, Mac Whisper is an essential tool that can save you time and effort. So tune in to learn more about this amazing app and start transcribing like a pro:
https://pinecast.com/listen/2964aa75-1801-475e-b238-8df729714c4b.mp3

April 26, 2023 | Living Blindfully Episode 225: Its Long Past Time For Key Players In The Blindness Field To Get On Mastodon, And Blind Novel Writer Adrian Spratt

https://www.livingblindfully.com/episode-225its-long-past-time-for-key-players-in-the-blindness-field-to-get-on-mastodon-and-blind-novel-writer-adrian-spratt/

April 26, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2317: Trailblazing for Inclusivity

Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Greg Daniels, who has been blind since youth, about his journey of overcoming challenges and achieving success as a computer programmer for over 35 years. Before "inclusion" was popular, Greg's story exemplifies the power of determination, resilience, and the importance of the support of family, teachers, and employers:
http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show_notes_2317.htm

XX) That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 122: Trendsetters, A Conversation with Preece, Shaun Preece

Brian and Ed welcome in Double Tap's Shaun Preece. You hear him all the time, but now get to know Shaun Preece's backstory. We discuss how Shaun lost his vision, his early days with assistive technology, and becoming a podcast God at Double Tap. It is a light hearted interview with a ton of laughs:
https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-122-trendsetters-getting-to-know-preece-shaun-preece

April 27, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, April 27, 2023

Tune 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:
https://toptechtidbits.com/podcast


Submit your access-related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-event.


April 27, 2023 | Tips for Organizing Your Outlook Inbox with JAWS | Freedom Scientific

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Vispero Presenters: Elizabeth Whitaker, Ron Miller, and Rachel Buchanan. Summary: Looking for ways to manage your Outlook inbox more efficiently with JAWS? If so — this webinar is for you! We'll show you how to create and manage folders, plus demonstrate how to: Organize messages using Categories. Simultaneously apply multiple actions to messages using Quick Steps. Reduce the number of messages in mail folders with the Conversation Clean Up feature. And much more. Register for this webinar on Zoom. ACVREP credits will be available for those who attend the live webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LhFwKedcQne9t9LgQ_6IhA

April 27, 2023 | International Ally User Group

7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
Digital Accessibility presents a range of challenges to those of us working in Higher Education, but we are not alone! In the April 27, 2023 meeting of the International Ally User Group we will learn from the experiences of colleagues working in this area in our first panel discussion. As the "International" Ally User Group, it's important to consider the global perspective. We are lucky to be joined by panelists from six countries that span across eight time zones. The roundtable will cover four themes: Alternative formats and students. Encouraging staff to create accessible content. Institutional policy and challenges. Celebrating success. After one or two starting questions for each theme we will open to the audience to ask their questions and to share their own answers. Our panelists are from around the world and their institutions are at various levels of accessibility maturity. Sharon Austin, Academic Technology Accessibility Specialist, University of Tampa, Terry Greene, Senior eLearning Designer, Trent University, Canada, James Northridge, "Inclusive UCC" Project Manager, University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, Dr Tharindu Liyanagunawardena, Digital Accessibility Officer, University of Reading, UK, Esin Caglayan, Ph.D., Director of Teaching and Learning Center, Izmir University of Economics, Turkey, Sarah Whittaker, Senior Manager Teaching with Technology, working in United Arab Emirates. Join our first panel discussion for an inspiring global perspective around how we can rise to the challenges and opportunities of digital accessibility. Find sign-up and joining details on the Ally Community site:
https://usergroup.ally.ac/content/perma?id=58015

April 28, 2023 | Navigating Finances for Older Individuals With Vision Loss | OIB-TAC

12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT
Join us for a webinar with Penny Forward on how older blind individuals can continue to manage their finances with vision loss. Our experienced panel, including Chris Peterson, Liz Bottner, and MOe Carpenter, will guide you through small changes your clients can make to adapt to their changing vision, low-tech solutions that are still effective, and high-tech solutions that can make managing their finances easier than ever before. We'll discuss how self-advocacy is critical to maintaining your clients' independence. Plus, learn about Penny Forward, a nonprofit organization that offers accessible financial education and counseling for individuals with vision loss. Don't let vision loss hold your clients back from managing their finances with confidence. Join us for this informative and empowering presentation:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcOytrTwrG9eXb-eE_kJSY1RM4_8amlEU

April 28, 2023 | Getting More Contrast Out of Life: Applying Contrast to Everyday Routines | APH ConnectCenter

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT
What is contrast sensitivity? Learn how lighting, color contrast, organization techniques and existing features built into mainstream technology, make living with low vision in your home easier. The presenter will also discuss how to measure contrast sensitivity in a clinical evaluation:
https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OY2QoiBsRtKemcgtyCWDRA#/registration

May 2, 2023 | The Importance of Accessible Payment Systems to Long-Term Business Success | TPGi

8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT
Presenters: Vispero's Matt Ater, Vice President of Business Development, and Stripe's Greg Rose, Product Manager. Ensuring everyone has equal access and ability to participate in commerce is critical for inclusion and long-term business success. From creating a positive experience for all guests to expanding your customer base and strengthening your brand identity, accessible technology is a benefit to food service operators, staff and guests alike. Learn from accessibility experts on how implementing smart reader payment devices can help you provide a best-in-class customer experience for users who are blind and have low vision and why this is a critical step for both your customers and your bottom line:
https://www.tpgi.com/the-importance-of-accessible-payment-systems-to-long-term-business-success/

May 3, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH

8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT
Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/

May 9, 2023 | Design for Accessibility | Accessibility.com

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
It starts at the storyboard before a single line of code is written. When it comes to designing for accessibility, planning is essential for success. Learn how to master the design stage of your project and create your own digital accessibility master plan:
https://www.accessibility.com/event/2023/design-for-accessibility

May 9, 2023 through May 12, 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | Knowbility

Join 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:
https://knowbility.org/programs/john-slatin-accessu-2023

May 10, 2023 | Develop for Accessibility | Accessibility.com

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Script and sequence your accessibility action plan. Developing for accessibility requires diligence in executing the design plan to complete objectives through measuring and monitoring processes and checkpoints. Discover the most effective ways to accomplish your design plan through these development strategies:
https://www.accessibility.com/event/2023/develop-for-accessibility

May 10, 2023 | Accelerate Your Accessibility Journey Through Integrations | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenters: Justin Stockton, Product Manager, and Charlie Pike, Platform Success Lead. Get an overview of the Accessibility Resource Center's integration services: ARC API, Zapier, and the Node SDK. As part of this overview, we'll review typical usage scenarios: Getting your raw data out of ARC to use in custom dashboards. Integrating ARC data into your development platform. Publishing your Engagement findings to JIRA, Google Sheets, etc. Integrating ARC into your test processes::
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-may-10-at-12pm-et-accelerate-your-accessibility-journey-through-integrations/

May 11, 2023 | Deploy for Accessibility | Accessibility.com

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
It started with a storyboard, then you added a script and sequence. Now it's time to render your accessibility plan into action. Learn methods for deploying accessibility across your organization that takes your design and development to fruition. Determine the best processes for measuring success and how to sustain accessibility as your organization grows:
https://www.accessibility.com/event/2023/develop-for-accessibility

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
Whether you are traveling to another city, state or country, we will look at tools and resources that will help you get the most assistance for your venture. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 📱️ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 📱️ or via email jerry.price1@maryland.gov 📧️

May 16, 2023 | Why is Web Accessibility Important? | Amy Albin | Vispero Learning and Development Coordinator

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Accessibility ends with "y". But it also needs to begin with "why". Just as important as having the right accessibility techniques is knowing why accessibility is important. Amy Albin (she/her), a member of Vispero's Human Resources team, an industrial/organizational psychologist and a blind JAWS user, will present reasons for making your software offerings accessible to users with and without disabilities. You will learn: Why inaccessible technology is costing you and the concept of ROA (Return On Accessibility). The difference between reactive and proactive approaches to accessibility. How a blind person can perform job tasks by integrating Vispero's assistive technology with mainstream software. One thing you can do in less than five minutes to make documents more accessible and perceive the difference you can make from the perspective of a real JAWS user! Additionally, you will hear personal stories of the impact of accessibility and the lack of it on a wide range of life activities. Whether or not you work directly with software development, this informative, insightful experience will inspire you to critically examine your why. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-may-16-at-12pm-et-why-is-web-accessibility-important/

May 16, 2023 through May 18, 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | Nomensa

Nomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtua11y-web-accessibility-conference-2023-tickets-505953880677

May 17, 2023 | Nonvisual Tips for Successful Travel | NFB of Maryland Senior Call

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Please come join our conversation to explore the nuts and bolts of traveling as a blind person. Learn how to manage different modes of transportation and how to orient yourself in unfamiliar environments. We will share tips for individuals with various levels of changing vision. Where: NFB of Maryland Conference Call: (339) 209-4083 📱️ All are welcome! For more information about this event or the NFB of Maryland Senior Division please contact: Marguerite Woods at (443) 271-1668 📱️ / mwoods719@gmail.com 📧️.

May 17, 2023 | The Business of Accessibility — Expert Panel | TPGi

8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT
Presenter: Mark Miller, Director of Sales. In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), TPGi is bringing together an expert panel of top accessibility experts to discuss how businesses benefit from creating accessible experiences, the return on accessibility efforts, the current state of accessibility and much more! Join host TPGi's Mark Miller, Director of Sales, with accessibility experts: Dena WainWright Vice President/Digital Accessibility Practice Owner, Personal Investing at Fidelity, Christopher Patnoe, Head of Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, Jaunita George, DA Digital Program Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union, Michelle Lana, Visual Designer IV at Navy Federal Credit Union. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-may-17-at-11am-et-business-of-accessibility-expert-panel/

May 18, 2023 | 12th Annual 2023 Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)

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:
https://accessibility.day/

May 18, 2023 | Supporting A Technical and Cultural Shift To Accessibility, Whatever Your Resources | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Learn how you can start small and steady, and build up to making a profound shift towards embedding accessibility in your organization, both in terms of technical process and — most importantly — becoming part of the culture of your teams. What changes can people in different roles make right now to get the ball rolling? How can you keep that ball rolling with minimal resources? What should you concentrate on as you get more resources to dedicate to accessibility? And what's the most important thing your team can do to make these changes stick? We'll give you practical examples and answer your questions about how to grow capacity and keep the momentum going, no matter where you're starting from:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-may-18-at-12pm-et-supporting-a-technical-and-cultural-shift-to-accessibility-whatever-your-resources/

May 24, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Semantics | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenter: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. The monthly “Understand, Test, and Solve” webinar series covers fundamental concepts in accessibility. Attendees learn how to address the set of WCAG Success Criteria for each concept. Over the course of this series, teams achieve full WCAG coverage in their testing. The latest webinar in this series covers Semantics — how to ensure modern user interfaces, with custom elements, beyond what's available in native HTML, are properly conveyed to assistive technologies. Attendees will: Know which UI elements require additional development to be consistent with WCAG. Gain fluency using Chrome Developer Tools to view the semantic information exposed by UI elements. Learn how to use ARC's KnowledgeBase to confidently and accessibly create modern UI components from progress bars to combo boxes. This session is 30-minutes. Stay after the call for our 30-minute Q&A:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-may-24-at-12pm-et-understand-test-solve-semantics/

June 2, 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023

6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 1PM GMT
We would love for you to share your accessibility knowledge during our sixth annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023! As in former years, this virtual conference is FREE for all attendees. This year's ASC event will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 8:00-4:00 CST. As a conference participant you will be able to attend sessions and engage in valuable networking with like-minded professionals. We are soliciting presentations from all experience levels and backgrounds, so please visit the ASC Conference Home Page for more information and to submit a proposal. The session proposal deadline is Friday, February 17th, 2023. What is Accessibility Summer Camp (ASC)? The Accessibility Summer Camp is a FREE annual conference with the goal of connecting professionals and educators with best practices in accessibility and Universal Design. Over the past few years, the ASC conference has grown to become one of the most popular accessibility conferences in the country. Our mission is to provide accessibility professional development that empowers attendees to create high quality, accessible learning environments while removing barriers for all individuals who have a desire to learn:
https://www.accessibilityict.org/

May 23, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

July1, 2023 through July 6, 2023 | NFB 2023 National Convention in Houston, Texas

The National Federation of the Blind is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Each year we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing. As an attendee, take advantage of the opportunity to: Network with thousands of blind role models. Connect with leaders in the field of blindness. Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics. Learn about the latest in technology and innovation. And more! The convention is open to all. Important note: Our constitution states that only members of the Federation have the right to participate in decision-making when it comes to organizational policy. If you are not already a member, please connect with your state affiliate at:
https://nfb.org/about-us/state-affiliates

June 7, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH

8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT
LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great:
https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/

June 27, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

July 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

July 25, 2023 | U.S. Access Board Town Hall Meeting in Baltimore

10:30PM PT, 11:30PM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 5:30PM GMT
The U.S. Access Board will hold a public town hall meeting at the national headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. Presidentially appointed Access Board members and representatives from other federal member agencies will be present to hear from the local community about the state of accessibility in Baltimore and the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. Following the town hall meeting, there will be a reception and networking opportunity from 3:30 — 4:30 (ET), sponsored by the Maryland Department of Disabilities. The town hall meeting and reception are open to all members of the public. Please register for in-person attendance by July 1, 2023. To register, send an email to events@access-board.gov 📧️ with your name and organization. The Access Board invites in-person oral comments on accessibility. Registrants who wish to make in-person oral comments must indicate their request to speak when emailing events@access-board.gov. Public commenters will be allotted two minutes to make their comments

August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

Inclusive 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:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/

September 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

October 24, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

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:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out

December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group

5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT
4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out


➜ Directories


1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directory

https://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-app-directory.html

2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directory

https://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-game-directory.html

3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directory

https://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html

4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directory

https://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-podcast-directory.html


➜ Buy, Sell or Trade

List 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 New Braillenote Touch Plus

Listing Date: 4/20/2023 | Price: $2,440.00 USD | Condition: New. | Description: We have a Humanware Braillenote Touch Plus 32 that is basically new because it has only been turned on to keep the battery in good condition once in a while. You get all the accessories in its retail box. Asking $2440 or best offer. Call, text or email anytime day or night. Thank you. | Contact: Chris via email at: helpful01@gmail.com 📧️ or by phone / text at: (956) 622-5374 📱️.

2) FOR SALE: One Gently Used VR Stream TREK

Listing 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 📱️.

3) 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.


Sponsors may submit or update their Classified Advertisement at any time by submitting this short form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-sponsor-classified.



HumanWare logo.

➜ 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!
http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/newsletter/123020211100-BrailliantBIX-Launch-US.htm

Sponsor Since: February 4th 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐

Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️
Phone (Australia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️
Phone (Canada): +1 888 723-7273 📱️
Phone (Europe): +44 1933 415 800 📱️
Phone (International): +44 1933 415 800 📱️
Phone (Ireland): +01 8307033 📱️
Phone (New Zealand): +027 700 1674 📱️
Phone (United Kingdom): +01933 415800 📱️
Phone (United States): +1 800 722-3393 📱️

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.



LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store Featured Products

Revolution 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 Calendar icon.

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.



American Printing House (APH) logo.

➜ 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:
https://www.aph.org/polly-wait-list/

Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Calendar icon.

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.



Guidelights and Gadgets logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: News

Multiple choice of tips for titanium telescopic locking cane: roller ball, marshmellow, NFB metal tip, and others. Pre-installed on new canes. Power Travel Cube is back: 3 usb, 3 outlets, and overload protection; $35. Leather: Braille Display Waistpacks; 20, 32, and yes, 40 cells! Cane holster waistpack, $35. New Blindshell, Hable One, Stream 2 and 3, and SensePlayer cases, $35 - $45. No Bouncey Pouchey neck pouch, keep the jiggle factor down; $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 Calendar icon.

Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐

For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at:
Phone: (617) 969-7500 📱️
Email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com 📧️

For All Things Dog Contact Kae at:
Phone: (781) 286-1696 📱️
Email: guidelightdogs@gmail.com 📧️

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!



A. T. Guys logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub

If 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:
https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=331

Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Calendar icon.

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 📱️.



Ayes.ai logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Every Traffic Light Accessible With The OKO Application

AYES 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/id1583614988

Sponsor Since: March 16th 2023 Calendar icon.

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.

OKO App logo.

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.



Sterling Adaptives, LLC logo.

➜ 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 Calendar icon.

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!



Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. logo.

Sponsor Since: December 29th 2022 Calendar icon.

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.



WayAround logo.

➜ 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.
https://www.wayaround.com/shop/sampler-pack/?utm_source=AssistiveTech&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TopTechTidbitsSponsorAd

Sponsor Since: January 5, 2023 Calendar icon.

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



Aira logo.

Sponsor Since: August 4th 2022 Calendar icon.

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.
https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/

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.



Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore logo. Logo of stick figure walking confidently with white cane, surrounded by print words Blind in Mind - The Braille Superstore, with Blind in Mind spelled out in contracted Braille dots at bottom. To the right is a photo of a miniature shopping cart filled with two packages sitting atop a laptop keyboard. The Braille Superstore shows on a laptop screen in the background.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore: Touch Tomorrow in Today's Products

Serving 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 Calendar icon.

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
Housewares
On The Go
Low Vision Products
Toys and Games
Gift Shop
Braille Workshop
Braille Bookstore
Greeting Cards
Copy Center
Computer Lab
Popular Products
New Products

If you need some fresh ideas or have questions, you can also check out our Shopping Guides.



Fable logo.

➜ 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.
https://tinyurl.com/3x7d7t3v

Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Calendar icon.

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/.



Clusiv logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Looking For Blind Job-Seekers Wanting To Advance Their Salaries, Careers And Digital Accessibility For The Blind

Are 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:
https://clusiv.io/

Sponsor Since: June 9th 2022 Calendar icon.

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



Double Tap TV logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Subscribe to the Double Tap Podcast

Double 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 📱️
https://bit.ly/3BQmUTl

Sponsor Since: December 23rd 2021 Calendar icon.

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.



HIMS, Inc. logo.

➜ 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:
https://hims-inc.com/product/braillesense-6/

Sponsor Since: September 30th 2021 Calendar icon.

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 📧️
Support Email: support@hims-inc.com 📧️

About: HIMS, Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999.



Carroll Center for the Blind logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Attend the Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the Blind

Launch 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:
https://carroll.org/screen-reader-user-tester-training-program/

Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 Calendar icon.

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.



Pneuma Solutions logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: The Next Generation in Accessibility

Need 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:
https://pneumasolutions.com/

Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Calendar icon.

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 📱️

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➜ Top Tech Tidbits News Team


Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)


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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
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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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Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
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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.
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Editorial Contributor: Stephen (Alex) Marositz (Volunteer)


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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)


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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)
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Editorial Contributor: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)


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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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