|
Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 18, 2023 - Volume 911The Week's News in Access Technology A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology. Subscribers: 10,898 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 169 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Celebrate GAAD And Gain The Skills You Need To Work In Tech With Fable Pathways
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) brings awareness to digital access and inclusion, and the more than one billion people living with disabilities worldwide. Fable is proud to have partnered with industry experts with the goal of bringing free, on-demand tech-sector training for and by people with disabilities. Getting the job you want shouldn't be limited by your disability. With Fable Pathways, you can learn the skills you need to advance your career in tech. Accessible with your assistive technology, Fable Pathways combines education and entertainment. Learn the basics of web development from Microsoft's Kelly Ford, how to move into management with Fable's Kate Kalcevich, and how to advocate for your workplace needs with the late world-renowned disability rights advocate, Judy Heumann. Create your free account easily with only your name and email address. Learn more and sign up today at: https://tinyurl.com/mthk3kpc Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By Support From: A. T. Guys, GuideLights And Gadgets, American Printing House, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store, HumanWare, Freedom Scientific, Pneuma Solutions, Carroll Center for the Blind, HIMS, Inc., Double Tap TV, Clusiv, Fable, Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore, Aira, WayAround, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., Sterling Adaptives, LLC, and AYES.ai. 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.) What's New in Version 1.1 For Users of The Victor Reader Stream 3 (6.6% of all clicks.)A list of what's new and what's fixed in Version 1.1: B.) JAWS Power Tip: Reverse the Last Setting (4.8% of all clicks.)You can see recent JAWS settings you have changed. This enables you to quickly find and reverse changes you did not want to make. Here's how: C.) Jack Examines The C.Crane CC Skywave SSB 2 Radio | Jack Kratoville | The Swing Post (4.7% of all clicks.)I had no intention of purchasing this radio. I already own two of the original Skywaves and, not big into Ham communications, saw little need for the upgrade. But as I was looking at the new SSB 2, my wife walked by and said, “Don't you already have that one?” I told her it was the updated model and it's on sale. "You should get it," she replied. Sometimes it is best to listen to your wife: D.) BlindShell Announces New Free Monthly Wireless Service For The Visually Impaired (3.8% of all clicks.)Introducing Free Monthly Wireless Service. With the BlindShell Mobile powered by Easy Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program, you can stay connected with your loved ones, access important information, and participate in the digital world with ease. The program provides free monthly wireless service to eligible customers, making it easy and affordable to stay connected. Qualifying for the BlindShell Mobile powered by Easy Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program is simple and straightforward. Individuals who are enrolled in a qualifying government assistance program like Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI, are eligible to receive free monthly wireless service through the program. All it takes is a few simple steps to sign up and start enjoying the benefits of staying connected with friends and family, accessing important information, and participating in the digital world with ease. The Affordable Connectivity Program is just one way we are fulfilling that mission: E.) Sponsored By Hable | Hable One Summer Sale 43% Off Until June 16, 2023. Normally Priced At $349, Now $199 (3.5% of all clicks.)Introducing Hable, the external keyboard designed to enhance the usability of smartphones and tablets for individuals with visual impairments. With its intuitive touch commands, navigating your device has never been easier. Your Hable One is small enough to take with you wherever you go, and its impact on your daily device use will be life-changing. You will also be able to easily type messages, passwords, or long emails with the Braille input. With thousands of happy users, this is your chance to try the product at a discounted rate! 2) Sponsored By Clusiv | Level Up Your Technology Skills On Global Accessibility Awareness Day With A New Free Course On The Clusiv Mobile App On JAWS! Click The Link To Download!With the latest update to the Clusiv mobile app, you can now take Clusiv's JAWS beginner course to help you get set up and starting to use JAWS to navigate your computer. IF you are someone that is looking to start using a screen reader or wants to best nail down some of the key basic skills to have with JAWS, then check out this valuable free training and gain a competitive edge in the modern workforce. Click the link to download or search Clusiv on the Apple app store! We are excited to help empower your skills this Global Accessibility Awareness Day so that you can be equipped to go out and make a difference in the world! 3) Sponsored By Pneuma Solutions | Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day: Affordable, Cross-Platform Remote Assistance for EveryoneIn honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), a day dedicated to promoting digital accessibility and inclusion for those with different disabilities, Pneuma Solutions is excited to introduce our latest offering — the Remote Incident Manager (RIM) Personal Community Support package. This new product aligns perfectly with our company's commitment to create reasonably priced accessibility tools for our community and our ongoing dedication to GAAD's mission. This package has been designed with affordability and flexibility at its core, catering to individuals who occasionally provide remote technical support. This package gifts users up to 3 hours of RIM use per day (sans unattended access), in addition to the 30 minutes per day we provide free of charge. Additionally, We have a special offer to mark Global Accessibility Awareness day; sign up now and lock in a $99 annual rate - that's $50 off the regular price!). 4) Sponsorship Package UpdatesAvailability: There are no Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Packages currently available. Waiting List: If you would like to support Top Tech Tidbits by becoming a Sponsor in the future please add your name to our waiting list today. We will add your name to the list, let you know what position you currently hold within it, and then notify you the moment a package becomes available. Waiting List Position: There are currently THREE future Sponsors on the waiting list. List Addition: Just send an email to our Publisher at: 5) Premium Subscriber UpdatesNext Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 5th issue of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits for April, May and June 2023 on Monday, July 3, 2023. Back Issues: There are currently 4 back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to receive a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month: 6) Sponsored Tidbits Now AvailableUse Sponsored Tidbits to reach the access community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsored-tidbits.html. 7) Follow Top Tech Tidbits On Your Preferred ChannelIn 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: 8) Winner and Nominee Announcements For The 2023 GAAD Ad Giveaway Sponsored By Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News!Please join us on this 12th Annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day for a brief history of Top Tech Tidbits along with a quick overview of the 5 different groups that work together to make this publication, and now the Access Information News publication, possible. Understand why we've come together to offer these prizes to Access Influencers in the global access community, and above all, learn the names of the 10 winners of the 2023 GAAD Ad Giveaway sponsored by Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News! Sincerest congratulations to these Top 10 World-Class Access Influencers of 2023: 9) JAWS for Windows with Microsoft Teams Power Tip: Popping Out A ChatCourtesy of Freedom Scientific: 10) AI UpdatesSkip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI. A) The Most Popular Search Engine In The World Is About To Look Different | CNNGoogle is moving forward with plans to bring AI chat features to its core search engine as it works to keep pace with a wave of new artificial intelligence tools that could threaten the company's dominance online for the first time in decades: B) How To Sign Up For Google's Latest AI Features In Labs | May 11, 2023 | 9to5GoogleDuring Google I/O 2023, the company announced several new impressive ventures into AI built for productivity. Each of these new Google projects is available in public preview, though you need to sign up for the AI Labs first. Here's how to do that: C) You Can Actually Chat With Images Now! (MiniGPT-4) | Matt Wolfe | YouTubePublisher (Di Blasi): I believe it is now safe to say that the age-old ALT text dilemma has finally been flipped on its head. That's right. Humans don't need to describe images anymore. Why? Because they can now describe themselves in far greater detail than any human being ever would or could. And, in a unique twist of ALT text fate, the ALT text itself can now be used to "CREATE" the image! How's that for reversal? Though I will concede that the quality of these images is still not quite on par with stock photography, but that's only a matter of time now. While this tech will be amazing for everyone, If you are blind or have low vision, you will definitely want to check out what these new models can do! D) A Radical Plan to Make AI Good, Not Evil | Wired: Subscription RequiredOpenAI competitor Anthropic says its Claude chatbot has a built-in "constitution" that can instill ethical principles and keep systems from going rogue: E) Call Annie: Your New AI Best Friend | ApplevisPublisher (Di Blasi): While we've heard (through the access vine) that this app is accessible, we have not yet tested it ourselves. Sighted or not, if you try this app please consider sharing your feedback with us. The app is free. This is just ChatGPT placed behind either an audio or video avatar. It's just a different way to interact with AI. I very strongly believe that once generative AI has evolved a bit more, this will be the preferred way to interact with it. Via avatar. Be that avatar audio or video. Male, female, cartoon or alien. We will each be able to craft our very own personal assistant, and perhaps even a new best friend in the process. Something that could go a very long way toward treating mental health issues such as depression and loneliness. If you've seen or listened to the 2013 Romance / Science Fiction movie "Her" by Spike Jonze, this is one of the very first steps in that direction. F) RIP, Webcams: Google's Project Starline Is A Remote Worker's Dream MachineThe tech giant unveiled the latest prototype for its AI-powered videoconferencing system, which is considerably smaller and simpler, and quite possibly the hero remote workers need right now: G) Amazon's Working On A Secret New Home Robot That Could Be More Like Rosie | The VergeLeaked documents reveal Amazon has a new generative AI technology called Burnham that could make its Astro home robot a whole lot smarter: H) CEO Behind ChatGPT Warns Congress AI Could Cause 'Harm To The World' | The Washington Post: Subscription RequiredIn his first congressional testimony, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called for extensive regulation, including a new government agency charged with licensing AI models: I) Google's Open Source AI Tool Is a Major Step Forward for Accessibility in Gaming | IGN.comProject Gameface uses your head and facial movements to control a mouse cursor: J) Adobe's New AI Automates PDF Accessibility Tags | Will Shanklin | Microsoft StartDepending on who you ask, AI can be mesmerizing, terrifying or some combination of both. But Adobe's accessibility-focused artificial intelligence is a use case that (I hope) any reasonable person can get behind. The company's new Auto-Tag API can remove the tedium from making accessibility-friendly PDFs for people with disabilities: K) Spooked by ChatGPT, US Lawmakers Want to Create an AI Regulator | Wired: Subscription RequiredAt a congressional hearing, senators from both parties and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said a new federal agency was needed to protect people from AI gone bad: 11) Make Siri Listen Longer for Commands on iPhone & iPad | OSX DailyIf you ever find that Siri is cutting you off in the middle of you issuing a command to the virtual assistance, you may want to change the "Siri Pause Time" setting to a longer duration of time: 12) BrailleSense 6 and BrailleSense 6 Mini Firmware Updates Now Available | HIMSHIMS is pleased to announce this patch release for the BrailleSense 6 and BrailleSense 6 mini notetakers. Important Note: This firmware release is available as an online upgrade for users with the latest firmware. If your firmware build is 20220913 or older you should perform an offline update. This new firmware patch includes new e-mail server type: “Exchange MS”, for use with new Microsoft/office365 Exchange servers. The regular Exchange server option should be used for local Exchange protocols. Also, the addition of the second Web Radio database, and the reorganization of the Web Radio application to accommodate that. To access the latest firmware and release notes, visit the page for your specific notetaker: 13) 3 Of The Best Mastodon Apps To Use On iPhone To Help Move On From Twitter | iMore.comEver since Elon Musk took over Twitter and implemented a slate of controversial changes, rival social media platform Mastodon has seen explosive growth. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned Mastodon user or are considering taking the plunge, you might be thinking about how you're going to use the app on iOS. For that, you'll want to kit yourself out with one of the best Mastodon apps you can find. But with such a surge in users, the number of Mastodon clients has absolutely proliferated. Working out which is the best one for your needs is not always easy. That's where our guide comes in. We've sifted through the apps to find three of the best Mastodon clients on iOS right now. Use one of these apps and you'll get a superb experience from your iPhone: 14) An Audio Walk Through Of The Twitter Service With JAWS For Windows, (NVDA Keystrokes And Text Transcript Included) | Rachel Ramos | The Nerd BreakthroughAs there have been recent changes at Twitter, I have seen a lot of questions as to how to continue to use it with a screen reader? I seek to answer some of those questions in this short audio demo of the Twitter application/website on Windows. I use JAWS in this recording, but NVDA keystrokes, (where they differ from JAWS keystrokes) will be mentioned. There is a transcript included as well. The "Play" button for the audio can be found below the transcript. Enjoy: 15) Apple Introduces Tap To Pay On iPhone In Australia | Apple.comNew capability empowers local businesses to seamlessly and securely accept contactless payments, using only an iPhone and a partner-enabled iOS app: 16) New Apple Leak Confirms iPhone 15 Release Shock | Forbes: Subscription RequiredLegally, Apple's most contentious iPhone 15 upgrade is likely to be its locked-down implementation of USB-C. But for iPhone fans, a new leak has all but confirmed the biggest shock on their release will be the cameras. Respected leaker Unknownz21 states they have: "Finally received independent confirmation of this: Periscope lens will be available exclusively on the iPhone 15 Pro Max:" 17) The Next Big Windows 11 Feature Update Is Imminent — Here's What's New | Windows CentralMicrosoft is gearing up to ship yet another feature drop for Windows 11 users in the next handful of weeks, and this one is set to feature lots of quality-of-life improvements to areas such as the Taskbar, Widgets Board, Settings, and accessibility features: 18) Bing Chat Update Brings Bevy Of New Features, Including Visual Answers, Improved Formatting, And Sharing Conversations | Windows CentralMicrosoft announced several new features for Bing earlier this month, including knowledge cards, improved formatting, and sharing capabilities. The improvements should make Bing more engaging and allow the chatbot to communicate more information. Bing Chat recently entered open preview, meaning anyone can sign up for it without having to add their name to a wait list: 19) Father Of Modern VR Says That Apple's Headset Is 'So Good' | Apple InsiderApple's mixed-reality headset has apparently received the seal of approval from one VR luminary, with Oculus founder Palmer Lucky saying it is "so good:" 20) Apple Headset's Capabilities Said to 'Far Exceed' Those of Rival DevicesThe report indicates that Apple plans to unveil the headset at WWDC in June, and says many sessions at the conference will be related to developing software for the headset. However, the news outlet claims that mass production of the headset isn't expected to begin until September due to manufacturing delays. Apple is said to be "anticipating some production issues" with the headset, but there are no specific details: 21) New Firmware For Orbit Reader 20 — Version B0.Xx.00.69rxx Is Now Available | Tech-VI ListWe are pleased to announce the release of firmware version B0.xx.00.69rxx for the Orbit Reader 20: 22) Chela Robles Scans and Reads A Holiday Postcard Using "Ask Envision" | Envision | Chela Robles | YouTubePublisher (Di Blasi): I was fortunate enough to correspond with this reader regarding her Top Tech Tidbits Premium Subscription, only to learn that she is part of the beta group that is currently testing out the "Ask Envision" feature of the Envision glasses. Here is Chela demonstrating the new "Ask Envision" feature of the Envision Glasses. 23) Apple Introduces New Features For Cognitive Accessibility, Along With Live Speech, Personal Voice, And Point And Speak In Magnifier | Apple.comNew software features for cognitive, speech, and vision accessibility are coming later this year: 24) Apple's New 'Personal Voice' Feature Can Create A Voice That Sounds Like You Or A Loved One In Just 15 MinutesAs part of its preview of iOS 17 accessibility updates coming this year, Apple has announced a pair of new features called Live Speech and Personal Voice. Live Speech allows users to type what they want to say and have it be spoken out: 25) New Live Speech, Personal Voice and Point & Speak Features for iOS 17 | What You Need To Know! | YouTube | 9to5MacApple just announced and previewed their new accessibility features coming for iOS 17: 26) Apple Accessibility Improvements Welcomed By Disabled People, With More Opportunities Ahead | 9to5MacMay 16, 2023 saw the announcement of a flurry of Apple accessibility improvements, including a new “Assistive Access” interface option, Live Speech, and Personal Voice. These have been welcomed by people who rely on accessibility features, though they would like to see greater ambition for one of the features: 27) Hardware That My Smart Phone Has Replaced | David Woodbridge | Editor | Top Tech TidbitsI've put together this list of hardware that my smart phone has replaced. If you would like to add to it please send an email to our Publisher: 28) What's New In Microsoft Visual Studio Code Accessibility for April 2023Publisher (Di Blasi): This is my code editor of choice. I've used many over the years such as Notepad++, BBEdit, Homesite, DreamWeaver, Sublime Text, Atom, Bluefish, Brackets and Coda, among others, and this is still my favorite. I use it for everything from HTML, CSS and Javascript to Python, and everything in between. Though I do believe that Replit, which recently partnered with Google, also offers an incredible IDE. 29) This Braille Glove Reads Out Loud For You | Cool Blind TechCo-founder Kushagra Jain was inspired to invent the device while volunteering at an institute for the blind in India, where he discovered that 90% of visually impaired people cannot read braille: 30) What's New In Android Accessibility From Google I/O | Google I/O | Videohttps://io.google/2023/program/dc29f421-2842-4838-bd87-1ac50f1ac00a/ 31) How To Find Your Parked Car On iPhone | Cool Blind TechApple Maps' parked car feature allows you to use Maps to find your car in a sea of vehicles. For this to work, your car will need either CarPlay or a Bluetooth stereo that your iPhone pairs with: 32) Patrizio Uses Speechtexter To Translate Foreign Broadcast Content | The Swing PostIf you are a fan of foreign radio broadcasts (BCL), you may have experienced the difficulty of transcribing the details of the programs, especially if they are in an unknown language. In addition, many radio stations have their own web pages where listeners can input their listening data, but these pages often do not allow the upload of any kind of file, even partial recordings of the broadcasts: 33) A New Version Of Sound Splitter For NVDA Users | Luke Davis | Tech-VI Listhttps://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/4034 34) Wear OS 4 To Bring Animated Tiles, Native Golf Tracking To Galaxy WatchesLast week, Google announced Wear OS 4 during the Google I/O 2023 keynote event. It also released the first Wear OS 4 Developer Preview update that can be used in an emulator. It was revealed that Wear OS 4 brings a new watch face format, improved battery life, and Material You UI: 35) Announcing FigJam Screen Reader Support | FigmaLast year, we launched screen reader support for Figma prototypes and shared insights from our screen reader beta. We are excited to announce another step in this work: screen reader support for FigJam. We sat down with the accessibility team to talk about the journey from beta to official release and share tips for anyone who'd like to use these updates to make their FigJam files more accessible: 36) Google Maps vs. Apple Maps: Which App Is Best for You? | How-To-GeekFor about five years, Google Maps the undisputed king of mapping apps available on smartphones. Then Apple Maps came along and replaced Google Maps on the iPhone, putting Apple squarely in competition with Google. So which service is the best? 37) Apple Launches Satellite Emergency SOS Service In Australia And New Zealand On May 14, 2023 | The GuardianThe feature, rolled out to users in the US and UK last year, can send details including location without phone reception to trained specialists: 38) Amazon Debuts New Alexa-Powered Echo Speakers, Budget Wireless Earbuds | CNETThe new Echo Pop joins the updated Show 5, which has a faster processor and better sound quality: 39) Beyond AirTags For Tracking 'Things', Apple Has Invented Future 'Wearable Tags' Worn On Clothing For Tracking Health, Fitness & More | Patently AppleApple first introduced 'AirTags' in April 2021. On May 2, 2023, Apple and Google announced that they're jointly working on an industry specification to address unwanted tracking. Now we're learning that Apple is working on a new kind of AirTag that Apple simply describes as a 'Wearable Tag." In a newly discovered patent application in Europe this morning, Apple describes an iPhone that could communicate with wearable tags that may be placed on different parts of a user's body or clothing and may be used for one or more health-related functions such as posture monitoring, sun exposure monitoring, physical therapy, running assistance, fall detection, fitness/activity tracking, motion tracking, medical applications, biometric applications, personal training, and other functions: 40) Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre 3? We Tried Them Both! | Diabetes Dailyhttps://www.diabetesdaily.com/blog/dexcom-g7-or-freestyle-libre-3-we-tried-them-both-711035/ 41) Cast Your Vote Now for the 2023 AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame Inducteeshttps://www.applevis.com/newsletter/cast-your-vote-now-2023-applevis-ios-app-hall-fame-inductees 42) It's Time for an Upgrade: Introducing the MATT Connect V2.1Since 2017 the MATT Connect has been a classroom staple for students who benefit from accessing both a magnifier and a smart tablet. Recently, the MATT Connect got a big hardware upgrade — a new tablet: 43) DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) Is Smart and on the Way Up | Radio WorldIt's versatile, flexible and spectrum and energy efficient — so much more so than classic radio broadcast: 44) Creating Accessible iOS Apps: An Action Plan | Equal EntryIt can be overwhelming getting started with accessibility in Apple iOS. The operating system has so many features, tools, and APIs. This is where the action plan will be helpful. The plan has three main points: VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, and good practices: 45) Chipolo's New Item Trackers Are Basically Air Tags For Android | EngadgetThe One Point and Card Point only support Google's Find My Device network: 46) Braille Doodle — A New Way For The Blind To Draw And Learn Braille! | The Blind Life | YouTubeThis is an interview with Daniel Lubiner, the founder of the TouchPad Pro Foundation. and creator of the Braille Doodle. In this interview, Daniel talks about the inspiration behind creating the Braille Doodle, which is a fun and engaging new way for the blind and visually impaired to draw and learn braille: 47) How To Transfer Every Picture From Your iPhone To An External Drive | Cult of MacMost of us store thousands of pictures and videos on our iPhones. There are multiple ways to make backups, but you might not realize that it's easy to copy these onto an external drive straight from your iPhone — assuming you have the right software and adapter. It's even easier from an iPad with a USB-C port. Here's how: 48) Why Developers Are Designing Video Games For Accessibility | PBS News HourWith more than 3 billion estimated players around the world today, the video game industry has grown far beyond its kid-focused, arcade origins. Yet while more people pick up and play, limitations of the games still leave some behind. It used to be rare to have settings to adjust anything beyond volume control. Options for subtitles, the ability to completely remap the controller or change the game's brightness were scarce. But now mainstream developers are leveling up — increasingly considering accessibility when designing their games, whether to accommodate a visual impairment, a motor control issue or an anxiety disorder. The $184 billion game industry's massive growth over the last couple decades includes an expanding number of people with disabilities interested in playing, according to Alec Frey, a senior producer at Obsidian Entertainment: 49) Millions Of Android Phones Are Shipping With Malware Already Installed | TechRadarCybersecurity researchers from Trend Micro have discovered a worrying supply chain attack in which millions of Android devices are infected with "infostealer" malware before they even make it out of the factory. The affected devices are mostly budget smartphones, but the attack also spilled into smartwatches, smart TVs, and other smart devices: 50) Remembering America's First Social Network: The Landline Telephone | NPRThis is a place where self-described technology nerds are preserving and restoring machines that ran America's first landline telephone network: 51) List Of Microsoft Products That Reach End Of Support In 2023 | ghacks.nethttps://www.ghacks.net/2023/05/16/list-of-microsoft-products-that-reach-end-of-support-in-2023/ 52) From the Audio Description Project: Announcing ADP Updates | Tech-VI ListThe ADP is starting a new regular feature on the website. The ADP Update provides a brief summary of the reports that ADP sub-committee chairs share at the monthly Steering Committee meetings. The ADP Update will be a quick and convenient way for you to stay informed about what ADP staff and volunteers are working on. New posts will go up around the first of the month. Check out our inaugural update: 53) TPGi Newsletter | May 12, 2023https://email.tpgi.com/may-accessibility-newsletter-from-tpgi-1 ➜ Featured SurveysSubmit your access-related survey for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-survey.Closing: Ongoing | Surveys From APHSurveys help inform APH of the greatest needs in the community so they can gear their efforts toward making sure those needs are met. Ongoing APH surveys can be found here: Closing: June 1, 2023 | Home Video Audio Description SurveyOur 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: ➜ Featured Podcast EpisodesSubmit your access-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode.May 1, 2023 | Shell Phone Show: Enhancements and Updates: Unlocking New Possibilities with BlindShell Classic 2 | MP3In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, we shared exciting news about the latest system update for the BlindShell Classic 2. The update introduces two fantastic features. Firstly, users can now connect a Bluetooth keyboard to their BlindShell Classic 2, offering more flexibility and ease with typing. Secondly, a new option in the settings menu allows the battery level to be spoken when the back button is pressed and held. These updates aim to enhance accessibility and provide a more user-friendly experience. Stay subscribed to the Shell Phone Show for more news, demos, and upcoming features related to the BlindShell Classic 2: May 2, 2023 | Freedom Scientific Training Podcast: Tips for Organizing Your Outlook Inbox with JAWSAre you looking for ways to manage your Outlook inbox more efficiently with JAWS? Want to learn about features that improve organization and productivity? In this session, we'll show you how to create and manage folders, plus demonstrate how to: Organize messages using Categories. Flag a message for follow up. Simultaneously apply multiple actions to messages using Quick Steps. Manage messages using Quick Actions. Create Rules to specify message actions. Reduce the number of messages in mail folders with the Conversation Clean Up feature: May 9, 2023 | Maryland State Library Agency Bi-Monthly Newsletter: March / April 2023May 9, 2023 | Braille Monitor Vol. 66, No. 5, May 2023May 10, 2023 | NFB Podcast: The MrBeast Cure ControversyThe wealthy and influential YouTube celebrity MrBeast recently caused a stir in our community by posting a video in which he “cured” the blindness of a thousand people by funding cataract removal. In this episode, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen discuss why well-intentioned public efforts like this can be problematic. They also talk about what it means to be "okay with blindness" and about the importance of understanding and respecting individual choices regarding whether to seek or accept medical intervention to improve or restore eyesight: May 11, 2023 | AppleVis Podcast: Introducing Aiko: A Powerful On-Device Transcription Tool for iOS and MacIn this episode, Thomas Domville introduces us to Aiko, a free, high-quality on-device transcription app that can easily convert speech to text from meetings, lectures, and more. The app is powered by OpenAI's Whisper running locally on your device, which ensures that the audio never leaves your device. Whether you need to import an existing audio or video file or record directly within the app, Aiko offers flexibility and convenience. Aiko prioritizes accuracy over speed. Transcriptions can be exported the to various file formats and the app supports over 100 different languages: May 13, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 127: Google IO 2023 or Google AI and a Chat with Zülal Tannur of From My EyesWe first thank our podcast crew member for his priceless efforts of reorganizing our YouTube playlists. We then talk about Google IO and various AI tools and devices launched. We then had a chat with the developer of From Yours which is available for android and IOS. Then in our tip of the week, we talk about disabling absolute volume on Bluetooth devices. Coverage of Google IO | Interview With From Your Eyes | Disable Absolute Volume On Bluetooth Devices | Episode: May 14, 2023 | Living Blindfully Episode 229: Google IO Talks Google AI, Patronising Airline Behaviour, And What Are We Doing About Quiet Electric Cars?May 16, 2023 | That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 125: T-Rex Sex They've Lost Their Mojo, A Look Back at WWDC 22Join Allison, Brian, and Jeanine for a look back at the features and announcements that we were excited about that were announced at WWDC 22. You would be amazed at how few we are still actually using. We discuss what we would like to hear at this year's upcoming WWDC. We talk A.I. because it is all the rage these days. How about a Rosey the robot from Amazon? Is Apple being left behind in A.I. How about an A.I. Steve Jobs? We talk podcast players, and Brian's talks about his meeting with the developers of the impressive OKO app for the blind: May 17, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2320: Firefox Accessibility EnhancementsAccessibility has always been an important factor in the development of the Mozilla Firefox web browser. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Jamie Teh, technical lead for accessibility at the Mozilla Foundation, about recent improvements to both the accessibility and responsiveness of Firefox for those using screen readers as well and how that work is done: May 18, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, May 18, 2023Tune in each week as we announce the Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits of the week. These 5 news items represent the most popular news and trends in access technology today, as voted on by Top Tech Tidbits readers: ➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and EventsSubmit your access-related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-event.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: May 18, 2023 | 12th Annual 2023 Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Ad Giveaway Sponsored By Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News| Winner and Nominee Announcement1AM PT, 2AM MT, 3AM CT, 4AM ET, 8AM GMT May 18, 2023 | Webinar: Accessibility Awareness and Foundations Training | Deque10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT May 18, 2023 | Supporting A Technical and Cultural Shift To Accessibility, Whatever Your Resources | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT May 18, 2023 | Tips For Improving Your Browsing Experience With Chrome And JAWS | Freedom Scientific9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT May 18, 2023, 2023 | Learn How To Make An Impact In Accessibility As Someone Who Is Blind Or Visually Impaired! | Clusiv10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT May 18, 2023 | Tips for Improving Your Browsing Experience with Chrome | Freedom Scientific9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT May 18, 2023 | The Secret to a Sustainable Digital Accessibility Program | Level Access10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT May 23, 2023 | Ask Sharky: Five Tips for Accessing PDFs in Adobe Reader with JAWS9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT May 24, 2023 | Understand How to Create & Review VPATs (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT May 24, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Semantics | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT May 23, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day May 31, 2023 | TOPAZ Magnifiers: Powerful Visual Aids (Assistive Technology Webinar — ACVREP CE Approved) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT June 2, 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 20236AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 1PM GMT July 1, 2023 through July 6, 2023 | NFB 2023 National Convention in Houston, TexasThe 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: June 7th, 2023 | Nothing Inspires People Like Cash! | Total Tech Solutions4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT June 7, 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT June 27, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day July 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day July 25, 2023 | U.S. Access Board Town Hall Meeting in Baltimore10:30PM PT, 11:30PM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 5:30PM GMT August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between: September 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day October 24, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day November 6, 2023 through November 10, 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado: November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT ➜ Directories1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-app-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-game-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-podcast-directory.html ➜ Buy, Sell or TradeList your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD by filling out this short form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-buy-sell-trade.1) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Ad (Just like this one.)Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD. | Buy an Ad: Fill out this short form to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisement today. | Learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html. ➜ Sponsor Classified AdsSponsors may submit or update their Classified Advertisement at any time by submitting this short form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-sponsor-classified.Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind
➜ Classified Advertisement: Attend the Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the BlindLaunch your career in the digital accessibility field! The Carroll Center for the Blind's new 7-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program allows participants to learn and grow their ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers. Want to learn more? Start your journey to becoming a Screen Reader User Tester by visiting: Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 Website: https://carroll.org/ 🌐 Phone: (617) 969-6200 📱️ Fax: (617) 969-6204 ░Shop: https://carroll.org/store/ 🛒 Donate: https://carroll.org/donate ❤ Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living. Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Classified Advertisement: The Next Generation in AccessibilityNeed to quickly access a distant computer with minimal fuss? Need to quickly convert image documents into readable text? Today's students and working professionals demand more of their technology. Employers expect more of their workforce. Pneuma Solutions is bridging the gap using the best in machine learning to connect you to your environment when you need it, how you need it. Give us a try, and experience accessibility on a whole new level: Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐 Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education. Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️ Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️ About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive? Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs. Sponsor: Freedom Scientific
➜ Classified Advertisement: Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille DisplaysOur world-class refreshable Braille displays deliver efficient Braille input and outstanding output for your PC or mobile device. The robust Bluetooth® connectivity provides seamless use with Windows®, Mac®, iPhones®, iPads®, and Android TM smartphones and tablets. Ergonomic navigation features allow quick, natural hand movements for greater productivity. When used with JAWS® screen reading software, they support our popular Braille Study Mode, an interactive tool for teaching and learning Braille. Learn more today: Sponsor Since: April 15th 2021 Website: https://www.freedomscientific.com/ 🌐 Email: info@vispero.com 📧️ Phone: (800) 444-4443 📱️ Facebook | Twitter | YouTube (Training) About: Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand, is a leading worldwide brand of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. We offer products designed to promote independence, allowing blind and low vision individuals the same access to information as their sighted peers. World-renowned JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reading software and ZoomText screen magnification software provide users the independence and ability to seek education and obtain or maintain a career after vision loss. Our expansive product line includes both low vision and blindness technology for all aspects of daily living. The wide range of RUBY, TOPAZ, and ONYX desktop and portable video magnifiers are designed for their ease of use and assist with daily activities. Our impressive line of blindness hardware products include refreshable Braille displays and scanning and reading devices, offering many options tailored to fit individual needs. Sponsor: Humanware
➜ Classified Advertisement: BRAILLIANT Renewed! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series is here!The wait is over! A redefined family of Brailliant refreshable Braille displays has arrived! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series will help you stay connected, download books from many participating online libraries and share information easily with your peers. You will enjoy the intuitive, seamless user experience of KeySoft Lite, the HumanWare flagship accessibility suite designed to make you more productive. Including the Brailliant BI 40X and the Brailliant BI 20X, this is the Brailliant idea you need! Sponsor Since: February 4th 2021 Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐 Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️ YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWVYiggn-w 🎥 About: HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. HumanWare offers a wide range of innovative products, including the BrailleNote Touch, first Google certified braille tablet, the iOS compatible Brailliant braille displays, Victor Reader®, the world's leading family of digital audiobook players, the unique Prodigi® family of desktop and portable vision and reading systems, and the ultra-portable explore line of electronic handheld magnifier. Sponsor: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store
➜ Classified Advertisement: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store Featured ProductsRevolution Cane Tip: Standard Roller Tip: $14.50 | Locator Dots: Small Pack of 6 (Clear or Orange): $2.00 | NFB Metal Cane Tip: $3.00 | TMAP - On Demand Tactile Street | Map (set of two maps): $25.00 | Ambutech Aluminum Folding Cane: $35.00 | NFB Chris Park Telescoping Cane: $45.00 | BoldWriter 20 Pen (Individual or 6-pack): $2.00 | Bump Dots: Mixed (50 count): $7.00 | Braille Apple Catalina VoiceOver Guide OSX 10.15 (3 volumes) - Latest Manual: $52.00 | SpeedDots iPhone Tactile Screen Protector, Phone Layout: $12.00 | NFB Chris Park 7-Piece Folding Cane: $50.00 | Visit https://adaptations.org/ to learn more today! Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 Website: https://adaptations.org/ 🌐 Toll Free: (888) 400-8933 📱️ Local: (415) 694-7301 📱️ About: Founded in 1902, San Francisco's LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision. Adaptations is your online go-to for tools, technology, and accessible solutions for blind and visually impaired people. Sponsor: American Printing House (APH)
➜ Classified Advertisement: Combine Learning And Gaming For A Fun Braille Adventure With Polly!APH and Thinkerbell Labs are excited to introduce Polly, complete with customizable UEB lessons, songs, games, and stories! Join our waiting list to know when Polly is available: Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐 Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 📱️ Phone: (512) 895-2405 📱️ Fax: (512) 899-2284 ░ YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ 🎥 Free Apps & Actions from APH: https://www.aph.org/free-apps-from-aph/ 📱 About: Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization, creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH believes that the future belongs to everyone. By offering innovative products and services, APH opens up a door of opportunities for lifelong independence and success. Sponsor: GuideLights and Gadgets
➜ Classified Advertisement: NewsMultiple 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 Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐 For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at: For All Things Dog Contact Kae at: About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use. In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well. What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, "hands on" evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, affordable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice! Sponsor: A. T. Guys
➜ Classified Advertisement: Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 HubIf you're like me, you probably have more things to plug into your computer than available ports. That's why we've now added the Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub. Plug it into your laptop and you will get 3 USB ports, SD and Micro SD card slots, a USBC charging port, and an HDMI video port. It's available now for just $29.95: Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐 Phone: (269) 216-4798 📱️ Email: support@atguys.com 📧️ Skype: atguys ✆ Twitter: https://twitter.com/atguys (@atguys) ✍ Facebook: https://facebook.com/atguys ✍ About: ATGuys.com. Your access technology experts, home for cool gadgets, accessories, and more. Our products are all tested to work great for blind and visually impaired users but also work just as well for anyone. If there's an item you're looking for, or if you have a question, please don't hesitate to send us a message or call (269) 216-4798 📱️. Sponsor: Ayes.ai
➜ Classified Advertisement: Every Traffic Light Accessible With The OKO ApplicationAYES is happy to announce the launch of our new application OKO. OKO uses artificial intelligence and the back camera to recognize the pedestrian traffic light and inform the user of the walk, don't walk and the countdown state. We bring this state back to the user with three types of feedback, visual overlay, vibrations and audio feedback. The application does not rely on any adaptations to the traffic light and runs locally on the smartphone, this means that it works at every intersection. We always recommend to hold the phone at chest level with the camera pointing towards the direction that you want to cross. You can then rotate your chest between 10 to 15 degrees to locate the pedestrian traffic light. The moment we see that light the software immediately reacts. This helps to orient in the right direction and also stops you from veering off into traffic because the moment you veer off the feedback stops, you reorient and receive feedback to continue in the right direction. https://apps.apple.com/be/app/oko-by-ayes/id1583614988Sponsor Since: March 16th 2023 Website: https://ayes.ai/ 🌐 App: Download the OKO App from the Apple App Store here. Email: hello@ayes.ai 📧️ About: AYES was founded by three experienced AI engineers that are defining autonomous navigation for blind and visually impaired people. AYES.ai is the creator of the OKO App.
Simply point the back camera of the phone towards the intersection that you want to cross and the OKO application will instantly detect the traffic light and inform the user through audio and haptic feedback. The OKO application can provide multiple services for your company, city or your country, all independent of physical infrastructure. This can increase your accessibility to 100%, overnight. OKO provides an accessible traffic light at every intersection. And, best of all, all OKO data is completely anonymized, ensuring your personal privacy at all times. The OKO app is fully independent from infrastructure and does not require a Wi-Fi or Cellular connection to operate at full capacity. The algorithm runs locally on your device, meaning that it works consistently and reliably every single time. The application has been trained on more than 150,000 images and continues to improve. Download the app today. Sponsor: Sterling Adaptives, LLC
➜ Classified Advertisement: Limited Time Introductory Pricing On The New Victor Reader Stream 3!With the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3, it's so easy to take your books, music, and more wherever you go. Imagine being able to listen to the latest novels, magazines, or your favorite music, podcasts, and your own voice recordings, all in the palm of your hand. With its sleek, compact design and easy-to-grip edges, the digital media player gives you hours of listening wherever you are and a superior text-to-speech experience in multiple languages. Take advantage of our introductory pricing on the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3! Order today or call (415) 878-2922 📱️. Use promo code TOPTECH for Free Shipping! https://sterlingadaptives.com/products/humanware-victor-reader-stream-3rd-generation Sponsor Since: March 9th 2023 Website: https://sterlingadaptives.com/ 🌐 Shop: https://sterlingadaptives.com/collections/vision-products Phone: (415) 878-2922 📱️ Email: info@sterlingadaptives.com 📧️ Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram About: Based in California, Sterling Adaptives supplies the most technologically advanced equipment and software currently available. We serve those who are blind or have visual impairment and also others with disabilities. We have a showroom in Santa Rosa and can also meet in the comfort of your home. We supply a full range of computer hardware, software, peripherals, and assistive technology products. We are able to provide demonstrations, installations, troubleshooting, and ongoing product training. We work with private individuals, non-profit agencies, private organizations, educational establishments, and commercial enterprises. We help our customers fully realize their potential. We are known for providing you and your clients with the standards of service that you demand and that result in the right product at the right time and with the right backup service. We look forward to hearing from you and being afforded the opportunity to show you just how Sterling our service is! Sponsor: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Sponsor Since: December 29th 2022 Website: https://lhblind.org/ 🌐 Phone: (800) 914-7307 📱️ Fax: (206) 329-3397 ░ Contact Us: https://lhblind.org/contact-us/ About: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to people who are blind in our community since 1918. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a successful manufacturing organization with over 60 years of experience in precision machining. We produce an array of machined parts and plastic injection molding for various aerospace manufacturers, as well as a host of office products and hydration equipment sold to the Federal Government and the U.S. Military. We also own and operate stores on military bases along the West Coast. Our products and services include: • Manufacturing: We are a successful manufacturing organization committed to making jobs accessible to individuals who are blind. Our manufacturing operations center on making quality products for the Federal Government under the AbilityOne Program and producing parts for aerospace manufacturers. • Managed Services: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. offers a variety of services to our commercial, federal, and military customers. These include Contract Management Support (CMS) services for government contracting offices. • Base Supply Centers: We operate 12 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) that offer easy customer access to Lighthouse products, direct feedback and communication with customers, and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind in geographic areas not served by larger nonprofit agencies. Sponsor: WayAround
➜ Classified Advertisement: Try Talking Labels That Work With Your Smartphone For Just $9.99!Get all the different types of WayTags so you can try the BEST accessible labeling system around. Use the coupon code TryTags to get a WayTag Sampler Pack for just $9.99. Plus, you get FREE shipping. Use the WayTags along with the free mobile app to label your things with a description and other important details, so you can spend less time figuring out what things are, and more time getting things done. Sponsor Since: January 5, 2023 Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐 General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️ About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence. All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®. Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence. Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8 Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround Sponsor: Aira
Sponsor Since: August 4th 2022 Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐 Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/ Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 📱️ | AU: +1.800.765.096 📱️ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 📱️ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 📱️ Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📲 | AU: +61.488.839.767 📲 | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📲 Email: support@aira.io 📧️ Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram About: Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting. We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables. Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free. Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time. Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works. Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it. Sponsor: Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore
➜ Classified Advertisement: Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore: Touch Tomorrow in Today's ProductsServing blind people since 1999, we're a family-owned, forward-thinking company offering both tried-and-true and exciting new products for blind and low vision consumers. We design and carry self-voicing educational software, Braille supplies, talking gadgets, adapted household items, tactile card and board games, audible toys and gift ideas. Passionate about innovation, we've also created dozens of products from scratch when a suitable solution did not exist. Shop online at http://www.braillebookstore.com/ and enjoy fast, free shipping. Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: http://www.braillebookstore.com/ 🌐 Phone (Toll Free): (800) 987-1231 📱️ Fax (Toll Free): (800) 985-1231 ░ Email: Sales@BrailleBookstore.com 📧️ Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time. About: Welcome to Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore. We have been supplying products to blind people and their families since 1999. We offer thousands of Braille books, toys, games, kitchen aids, and talking products. We have unbeatable prices, fast, free shipping, and great customer service! We have tons of Braille books and cool products to choose from; so grab a cup of coffee, relax, and we'll give you a quick tour: Products: ➜ Timekeeping If you need some fresh ideas or have questions, you can also check out our Shopping Guides. Sponsor: Fable
➜ Classified Advertisement: Learn Management Skills For Free. Get The Job You Want.Everyone deserves equal access to the internet which is why Fable works with people with disabilities who use assistive technologies like switch controls to improve the accessibility of websites and apps. Fable Pathways, a free, accessible, and on-demand skill-building program, is an extension of Fable's mission. Fable Pathways provides new opportunities for people with disabilities to gain the skills they need, from experts like Judy Heumann and Kelly Ford, to contribute to improving digital accessibility. Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: https://fablepathways.com/ 🌐 Email: community@makeitfable.com 📧️ Phone: (888) 212-3532 📱️ Extension 810 About: Just like curb cuts help everyone get on and off sidewalks, designing digital products with accessibility in mind helps make the internet more accessible for everyone. Fable is an accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities. Fable connects people with disabilities to accessibility managers, user researchers, designers, and developers to build incredible and accessible user experiences. Opportunities: ➜ Fable Pathways: Fable Pathways is a free skill development program for people with disabilities interested in working in the tech sector. Sign up to take your career to the next level. Courses include "Getting started in web development" taught by Kelly Ford, a screen reader user, and Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, and "Becoming a manager" taught by Fable's Head of Accessibility Innovation, Kate Kalcevich. Instructors are subject matter experts in their fields and have lived experience with disability. Pathways courses are free, self-paced and assistive-technology-friendly. Sign up now at https://fablepathways.com/. ➜ Fable's Community of Accessibility Testers: Work from home to contribute to real changes in digital accessibility and make the internet a more accessible place for everyone. Ever leave a website because it was too hard to navigate? Because it was missing button labels? Because it didn't respond to voice commands? Us too. Our community of testers who use assistive technologies work from home and contribute to real changes in digital accessibility with recognizable brands. Earn money to share your feedback on websites and apps of your favorite brands and work with companies that care. No experience required and no resume required. Fable is looking for assistive technology users in the USA and Canada to work the hours that they want, from the comfort of their own homes. Learn more at https://fablepathways.com/community/. Sponsor: Clusiv
➜ Classified Advertisement: Looking For Blind Job-Seekers Wanting To Advance Their Salaries, Careers And Digital Accessibility For The BlindAre you interested in learning new tech skills and working remotely while earning a competitive salary? At Clusiv.io we have created the world's first digitally accessible e-Learning platform built by the blind, and built for the blind. Visit the link provided and request Clusiv through your Vocational Rehab counselor for lifetime access to our e-Learning platform with courses such as Business Applications, JAWS, and more: Sponsor Since: June 9th 2022 Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐 About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info. ➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses ➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients ➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates Sponsor: Double Tap TV
➜ Classified Advertisement: Subscribe to the Double Tap PodcastDouble Tap is the show where blind people talk tech! If you're blind or partially sighted and have an interest in technology, this is the show for you. Everyone is welcome no matter how old you are or how much or how little experience you have with technology. Each week the team will help you better understand how technology can help your everyday life, even if you have little or no sight. Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail! Email: feedback@doubletap.online 📧️. Phone: +1 (844) 971-1999 📱️ Sponsor Since: December 23rd 2021 Email: feedback@doubletap.online 📧️ Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3BQmUTl About: Double Tap TV is a weekly tech show on AMI-tv, (also available on CBC Gem in Canada and YouTube). Each week join hosts Steven Scott (@blindguytech) and Marc Aflalo (@marcaflalo) as they help viewers better understand how technology can assist in everyday life. Its tech from an accessible point of view! The show features interviews with some of the biggest names in consumer tech and features up and coming companies and services. Sponsor: HIMS, Inc.
➜ Classified Advertisement: Order Now! Get The Most Powerful Android Notetaker Available, the BrailleSense 6 From HIMS. It's Simply The Best.The time is now to get your all-new BrailleSense 6 notetaker, the most powerful and user-friendly notetaker on the market. Running Android 10, with 128 GB of Storage, 6 GB of Memory, and an 8-Core CPU, the BrailleSense 6 is the ultimate braille notetaker. Learn more today at: Sponsor Since: September 30th 2021 Website: https://hims-inc.com/ 🌐 Shop All Products: https://hims-inc.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒 Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo Sales Email: sales@hims-inc.com 📧️ About: HIMS, Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999. Your Name Here
|
||||
 |
 |
|
|
Why: Top Tech Tidbits Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication.
Benefits: All Top Tech Tidbits Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Top Tech Tidbits website.
In addition, all Top Tech Tidbits Supporters automatically become Premium Subscribers as well, and therefore enjoy all of the benefits that a Premium Subscription has to offer.
One Time Donation: If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.
Annual Donation: If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.
Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible.
Platinum Supporters:
Become a Top Tech Tidbits Platinum Supporter today.
1.) Gary Lee
Platinum Supporter since June 25, 2020
2.) Anonymous Donation
Platinum Supporter since July 9, 2020
3.) Pshon Barrett
Platinum Supporter since January 28, 2021
4.) Robin Millar
Platinum Supporter since April 6, 2023
Gold Supporters:
Become a Top Tech Tidbits Gold Supporter today.
1.) Howard Goldstein
Gold Supporter since June 4, 2020
2.) David Goldstein
Gold Supporter since June 12, 2020
3.) Katherine Crohan
Gold Supporter since January 14, 2021
4.) Neil Jarvis
Gold Supporter since April 28, 2022
Silver Supporters:
Become a Top Tech Tidbits Silver Supporter today.
1.) Your name here. Help support Tidbits today.
Bronze Supporters:
Become a Top Tech Tidbits Bronze Supporter today.
1.) Steven Wettlaufer
Bronze Supporter since July 16, 2020
➜ Top Tech Tidbits News Team
Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)
Volunteer Publisher Since: June 4th 2020
Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)
In addition to serving as Publisher for Top Tech Tidbits Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Access Information News Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Top Tech Tidbits as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editor to Top Tech Tidbits.
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐
Email: publisher@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Subscribe: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe
Facebook: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook
Twitter: https://toptechtidbits.com/twitter
LinkedIn: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin
RSS Feed: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml
Donate: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate
Sponsorship Information: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor
Archive Search: https://toptechtidbits.com/search
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://mvsltd.com
Editorial Contributor: John Hanlin (Volunteer)
Volunteer Editor Since: June 4th 2020
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, John also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.
John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
John Hanlin, Esq.
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐
Email: editors@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Subscribe: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe
Facebook: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook
Twitter: https://toptechtidbits.com/twitter
LinkedIn: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin
RSS Feed: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml
Donate: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate
Sponsorship Information: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor
Archive Search: https://toptechtidbits.com/search
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://mvsltd.com
Editorial Contributor: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)
Volunteer Editor Since: June 4th 2020
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and runs her own advocacy foundation.
Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.
Jenna Lang, PMP
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐
Email: editors@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Subscribe: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe
Facebook: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook
Twitter: https://toptechtidbits.com/twitter
LinkedIn: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin
RSS Feed: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml
Donate: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate
Sponsorship Information: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor
Archive Search: https://toptechtidbits.com/search
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://mvsltd.com
Editorial Contributor: Stephen (Alex) Marositz (Volunteer)
Editor Since: October 7th 2021
Location: Los Angeles, California
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Alex is also an Accessible Technology Coordinator for California State University, Dominguez Hills. He has worked in accessibility in higher education since 2005, is certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, and in his spare time plays for the San Gabriel Valley Panthers Beep Baseball Team. He can be reached on twitter at: @samarositz.
Stephen (Alex) Marositz
Editor (2021-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Accessible Technology Coordinator
California State University, Dominguez Hills
https://csudh.edu 🌐
Email: editors@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Subscribe: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe
Facebook: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook
Twitter: https://toptechtidbits.com/twitter
LinkedIn: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin
RSS Feed: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml
Donate: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate
Sponsorship Information: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor
Archive Search: https://toptechtidbits.com/search
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://mvsltd.com
Editorial Contributor: Ben Moxey (Volunteer)
Editor Since: January 1st 2022
Location: Newcastle, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Ben is also an Access and Technology Advisor for Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT).
Hi, Tidbits readers, my name's Ben Moxey and I'm based in Newcastle, Australia. I'm really happy to be part of the Tidbits Team and look forward to supporting this valuable publication.
A bit about me and how I came to work in the BVI area. I grew up with very low vision in one eye due to retinal issues and relied on magnification and speech throughout school. They also tried to teach me Braille, but let's just say that I wasn't the best student! I was determined to use my remaining vision, no matter how impractical it was becoming.
When I was 20, the other retina came off and I've now been totally blind for about 21 years. This is when my love for assistive technology, and technology in general, really kicked in. I'll be honest, I was a bit of a computer nerd anyway, but I could quickly see how technology was my key to enhanced independence and lifestyle. I embraced screen readers, early smart phones and mobility aids. I even finally realised the huge value of Braille and finished off the course, though I'm still pretty slow!
Long story short (not one of my strong points), I've worked in the BVI area for 12 years with much of that spent reviewing, recommending and teaching assistive technology that suits the individual. I'm currently a proud employee of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT where I was the Practice Lead for the assistive technology service, and I've now moved into an Access and Technology Advisor role. Basically, this involves a strong focus on accessibility and technology innovation.
Feel free to look me up on LinkedIn, but I'll warn you in advance that I haven't given my profile the recommended attention!
All the best and happy reading!
Ben Moxey
Editor (2022-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Access and Technology Advisor
Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT)
https://nsw.guidedogs.com.au 🌐
Email: editors@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Subscribe: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe
Facebook: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook
Twitter: https://toptechtidbits.com/twitter
LinkedIn: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin
RSS Feed: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml
Donate: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate
Sponsorship Information: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor
Archive Search: https://toptechtidbits.com/search
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://mvsltd.com
Editorial Contributor: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)
Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6, 2023
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, David also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.
In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.
He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.
David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.
David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.
As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.
Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
In addition to his weekly contributions to Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.
David Woodbridge
Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/ 🌐
Email: editor@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Subscribe: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe
Facebook: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook
Twitter: https://toptechtidbits.com/twitter
LinkedIn: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin
RSS Feed: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml
Donate: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate
Sponsorship Information: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor
Archive Search: https://toptechtidbits.com/search
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://toptechtidbits.com
➜ Subscription Information
ABOUT:
Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit Access Technology publication that reaches over 15,000 assistive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Sign up here. Review the archive here. Adaptive Technology refers to items that are specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Assistive Technology. Adaptive Technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, Stephen (Alex) Marositz, and Ben Moxey. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor and reader supported publication.
RELEASE SCHEDULE:
Top Tech Tidbits is released every Thursday morning at 6:00 AM ET.
SUBSCRIBE:
Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter on the Top Tech Tidbits Website at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter. It's that easy.
PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER:
Top Tech Tidbits Premium Subscribers receive additional benefits throughout the year, in addition to supporting upgrades to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication. Please consider joining us today! Premium Subscribers make new feature requests possible.
SPONSOR:
If you would like to become 1 of only 24 Top Tech Tidbits Sponsors whose ongoing support makes the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible, we offer you the following advertising benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor.
SUPPORT:
If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your support: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate.
WEBSITE:
Visit the Top Tech Tidbits website online at: https://toptechtidbits.com.
FACEBOOK:
Are you on Facebook? Stop by and "Like" Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your Facebook News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook.
X (FORMERLY TWITTER):
Are you on X? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your X News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/x.
MASTODON:
Are you on Mastodon? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your Mastodon News Feed by visiting https://mastodon.toptechtidbits.com/@news or searching for @news@mastodon.toptechtidbits.com on your server today.
LINKEDIN:
Are you on LinkedIn? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your LinkedIn News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin.
YOUTUBE:
Are you on YouTube? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your YouTube Video Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/youtube.
RSS:
Do you prefer RSS? Follow Top Tech Tidbits via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology using your choice of news aggregator: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml.
QUESTIONS:
Tidbits are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular Tidbit brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.
ARCHIVE
Read the most recently released issues at: https://toptechtidbits.com/#new. Visit the Top Tech Tidbits Archive at: https://toptechtidbits.com/archive where you can grab back issues.
CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS:
Any information for future issues of Top Tech Tidbits may be submitted online via our Top Tech Tidbit Submission Form at: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-news or directed to our Editors at: editors@toptechtidbits.com.
