|
Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 25, 2023 - Volume 912The 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: 10,925 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 168 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: The A. T. Guys Summer Sale Is Here! Deals On Speakers, Headsets, Light Detectors, Blindshell, And More
Get ready for fun in the sun with the A. T. Guys Summer Sale. Save $10 on our Stormbox & Stormbox Pro Bluetooth speakers, great for a BBQ or summer conventions. Or get the insanely loud Blast speaker with 90 watts of power. Buy 2 and get a free 10K power bank. Get a free case when ordering a BlindShell 2 cell phone, now with Bluetooth keyboard support & even more apps like Spotify, BARD, & Zoom. Save $5 on our portable light detector, helping you shine on video calls, or grab our accessible power bank to charge your gear while on the go. Shokz open-ear headsets are up to $40 off starting Friday, great for taking calls or listening to podcasts on the go. We also have a new USB one-ear headset that's perfect for the office, & wireless earbuds with transparency mode. Take quick notes with the Versa paperless slates, or type on the go with our print or braille keyboards. We also have cables, cases, chargers, WayTags, & more. Shop: BlindShell 2 Cell Phone | Bluetooth Speakers | Shokz Open-Ear Headsets Visit https://www.atguys.com/tidbits for all the deals. Sale ends June 4, 2023. 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.) 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: B.) 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: C.) JAWS for Windows with Microsoft Teams Power Tip: Popping Out A ChatMicrosoft Teams has a feature just like many other chat applications where you can have a specific chat opened in a separate window. Here's how to access it with JAWS: D.) 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! 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. 2) Sponsored By NSITE: A Vision for TalentJoin NSITE's DEI team for a free 1/2 hour webinar to learn about BEI - blindness, equity and inclusion. Check in to recognize unconscious bias, examine all our “blind spots”, look at diverse-abilities, and learn how untapped talent is right in front of your eyes. Mark your calendars: June 27 2:30 to 3:00 pm ET; Sign up by June 15. | NSITE Training | NSITE Connect | Learn more: 3) Sponsored By Clusiv: Are You Blind Or Visually Impaired And Interested In Learning Computer Science And Web Design? Then Learn More About Enrolling In The Fundamentals Of Computer Science With JAWS Course From Clusiv!This course teaches students who are blind or visually impaired basic concepts of web design and the programming languages of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. All content is taught with screen reader navigation in mind as the course teaches how to start coding and designing your first website! This is also a great course to prepare you for our Accessibility Analyst 101 course! To learn more about enrolling, click the link and fill out a form and we will get you more information about enrolling! 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) AI UpdatesSkip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI. A) ChatGPT Now Has an iPhone App | Wired: Subscription RequiredPublisher (Di Blasi): Attention blind and low vision readers. ChatGPT's new mobile incarnation now allows you to talk to the chatbot directly, instead of just typing. OpenAI has added its speech recognition system, Whisper, which the company claims reaches "human-level robustness and accuracy" for English. B) 10 Amazing Prompts That Demonstrate The Capabilities of ChatGPT to Improve The Lives of People With Disabilities | Aaron Di Blasi | Top Tech TidbitsHere are 10 innovative prompts aimed at demonstrating the capabilities of ChatGPT to improve the lives of people with various disabilities. Copy and paste any of these prompts into ChatGPT: C) Google AI Can Now Answer Your Questions About Uncaptioned Images | EngadgetGoogle's latest accessibility features include a potentially clever use of AI. The company is updating its Lookout app for Android with an "image question and answer" feature that uses DeepMind-developed AI to elaborate on descriptions of images with no captions or alt text. If the app sees a dog, for example, you can ask (via typing or voice) if that pup is playful. Google is inviting a handful of people with blindness and low vision to test the feature, with plans to expand the audience "soon:" D) Adobe Wants To Help Make PDF Documents More Accessible With AI-Based Auto-Tag API | Forbes: Subscription RequiredAhead of this year's Global Accessibility Awareness Day, San Jose-based Adobe on Wednesday revealed the all-new Adobe PDF Accessibility Auto-Tag API. In a press release, the company said the tool is powered by its artificial intelligence and machine learning framework, Sensei: E) A Professor Accused His Class Of Using ChatGPT, Putting Diplomas In Jeopardy | The Washington Post: Subscription RequiredPublisher (Di Blasi): I have been answering a continuous series of "confidential" questions from high-level educators for that last couple of months regarding AI. And I am absolutely enamored to finally see someone else saying out loud that "AI-generated writing is impossible to detect" with any reasonable degree of accuracy. And any degree of accuracy that may have been possible before is quickly disappearing. But that's not even what this is about. In lieu of one of those expensive prognostication programs (which do not work) this instructor simply input student papers directly into ChatGPT, and asked the genie itself if it had written said verbiage. To which, surprisingly, it provided responses. Wholly inaccurate responses, mind you, which the instructor then subsequently used to "grade" each student for cheating. I cannot even begin to explain how incredibly dangerous and misdirected this line of reasoning is. Please, if you have any choice whatsoever, don't subject student futures to this type of mathematical roulette. It simply cannot be trusted. F) Microsoft Leverages Power Of AI To Improve Accessibility For Disabled People | AT Today UKAs part of GAAD 2023 Microsoft revealed some of its latest advancements in AI, Microsoft Office, gaming, and people, with new skilling and non-profit partnerships, that are improving accessibility: G) AI Is Strengthening The Future Of Accessibility | Chris Barry | President | Microsoft CanadaAt Microsoft, we believe that technology like artificial intelligence can empower people of all abilities and unlock new opportunities at the workplace, within the community, and in daily life. From helping people with low vision to navigate the world around them with Seeing AI to real-time speech-to-text transcription which is facilitating easier communication for people that are hard of hearing: H) Apple Posts 28 New AI Positions In May 2023, Says Generative AI Will 'Transform' iPhone | 9to5MacIt surfaced on May 18, 2023 that Apple has banned the use of AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT, however, that doesn't mean the company isn't working diligently on its own generative AI plans. In the first three weeks of May alone, Apple has added 28 new AI-focused jobs as it looks for senior engineers, research scientists, special project managers, and more. Looking at the big picture, the company says it expects generative AI to "transform Apple's mobile computing platforms:" I) When It Comes To Advanced Math, ChatGPT Is No Star Student | ArsTechnicaPublisher (Di Blasi): Academically I find the title of this article to be misleading. It is now common knowledge that ChatGPT does not know a correct answer from an incorrect one. At least, not yet. No one ever claimed that it did. In addition, the article discusses only the "advanced math" which ChatGPT has learned all on its own simply by reviewing public "text" available about advanced math. They didn't even activate the Wolfram Alpha plug-in, which I think we all know would have generated drastically different results. In short, of course ChatGPT is currently lacking in the nuances of mathematics. It hasn't been trained on them yet. J) 10 Mind Blowing ChatGPT Prompts That You Can Use To Test The Intelligence of ChatGPT | Aaron Di Blasi | Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.Copy and paste any of these 10 prompts into ChatGPT to grow your understanding of what the current state of Generative AI can do, or, rather, think: K) Microsoft Builds Its Copilot AI Assistant Straight Into Windows 11 | CNETPublisher (Di Blasi): While I'm pretty sure none of us are surprised by this move, nor the one described in the next Tidbit, I think we can all feel Google shuffling uncomfortably in their seat. L) Bing Search Is Coming To ChatGPT | EngadgetIt will act as the 'default search experience' for users: M) Google Will Soon Show You AI-Generated AdsPublisher (Di Blasi): Here we get a sense for how Google will likely survive, despite Microsoft's best attempts to wrest AI browser share from them. 9) JAWS Power Tip: Adjusting JAWS Volume On The FlyCourtesy of Freedom Scientific: 10) An Opportunity From ElevenLabs | Living BlindfullyHi everyone. You may remember the demonstration of and discussion with ElevenLabs, the voice cloning company, in Episode 215. ElevenLabs has reached out to say they are inviting their blind users to try their new professional voice cloning feature along with access to the Creator tier for free. This will create a high quality voice which ElevenLabs says is indistinguishable from your own. Access to the tier and the voice will be free for the first three months. If you find it useful, you can retain access by subscribing to one of the paid plans. To register your interest, visit: 11) Introducing Eleven Multilingual v1: Our New Speech Synthesis Model | ElevenLabsWe're thrilled to launch Eleven Multilingual v1 - our advanced speech synthesis model supporting seven new languages: French, German, Hindi, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish. Building on top of the research that powered Eleven Monolingual v1, our current deep learning approach leverages more data, more computational power, and novel techniques inside an increasingly sophisticated model, capable of understanding textual nuances and delivering an emotionally rich performance. This advancement expands the creative horizons for creators, game developers, and publishers, and it paves the way for using generative media to create more localized, accessible, and imaginative content: 12) Hands-Free Coding: How I Develop Software Using Dictation And Eye-Tracking | Josh ComeauEarlier this year, I developed Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, a repetitive-strain injury, in both of my elbows. As a result, I pretty much can't use a mouse or keyboard; after a few minutes, I get a burning pain shooting down my arms. Even if I try to limit my computer usage to 60-second bursts, I wind up inadvertently making the situation worse. As you might imagine, this was a pretty big deal; as a software developer, my entire career is based on being able to use a keyboard! After many failed attempts at solving the problem with physiotherapy, ergonomics, braces, diet and supplements, prescription medications, supplements, surgical consultations, and a bunch of other stuff, I've found a solution that allows me to be productive without using my arms at all. I now work almost exclusively using a microphone and an eye-tracker: 13) JAWS Scripts for Twitter! | Hartgen ConsultancySince the demise of the majority of the specialist third party clients to support the Twitter social networking tool, people have been attempting to navigate the official web site or Windows app with varying degrees of success. It is achievable but very unsatisfactory. There is a great deal of additional verbosity, there is no way of discerning how many characters of a tweet have been typed and there is the need to move in and out of the JAWS Forms Mode frequently, to name but three aspects. Third party Twitter clients made it possible for screen-reader users to access the social network in a convenient and efficient way. While those days are gone, we can at least improve the experience somewhat by a set of JAWS scripts to support both access to the Twitter web site or app. Through the use of more logical shortcut keys and a little creativity, we have a solution which at the very least will allow you to access Twitter with some logic and efficiency: 14) How To Record A Phone Call On Android: 3 Ways | ZDNetWhen you want to record a phone call on your Android device, you'll need to know how. We've got you covered: 15) How To Use Passkeys On Your iPhone Or Mac | LifeHackerA seamless login future is coming for all Apple users. Starting with iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, Apple offers built-in support for passkeys. You can add these new cryptographically generated keys directly to your iCloud Keychain and they'll sync across all your devices using end-to-end encryption: 16) An Audio Walk-through of the Twitter Service with JAWS for Windows, (NVDA Keystrokes and Text Transcript Included) | May 11, 2023 | Rachel Ramos | The Nerd BreakthroughHi Everyone! As 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! 17) A Conversation with David Niemeijer of AssistiveWare About Personal Voice, Assistive Access, and Developing Apps for Accessibility | May 18, 2023 | John Voorhees | MacStoriesEarlier this week, Apple announced a series of new accessibility features coming to its OSes later this year. There was a lot announced, and it can sometimes be hard to understand how features translate into real-world benefits to users. To get a better sense of what some of this week's announcements mean, I spoke to David Niemeijer, the founder and CEO of AssistiveWare, an Amsterdam-based company that makes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps for the iPhone and iPad, including Proloquo, Proloquo2Go, and Proloquo4Text. Each app addresses different needs, but what they all have in common is helping people who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. What follows is a lightly edited version of our conversation: 18) Windows 11 Version 23H2: Microsoft Previews Big New Features Coming Later This Year, Including A New AI Assistant | Windows CentralAI, RGB, and Taskbar ungrouping are on the way: 19) Google Announces New Accessibility Features Across ProductsGoogle has released a slew of new accessibility features for GAAD 2023. These include Lookout, Wheelchair Accessibility, and more, with a mix of AI capabilities: 20) Getting Back To Outlook Classic User Interface If You're In The Inaccessible New Outlook User Interface (AKA Outlook Preview Or Outlook PRE) | Brian VogelNote: The New Outlook interface is NOT accessible and most of the keyboard shortcuts you are accustomed to are not available. To change back to the Outlook Classic user interface from the New Outlook user interface follow these steps: 21) The Robot Suitcase Guide | Lucy Greco | YouTubeAt CSUN 2023 I took a robot for a test run. Please enjoy this glimpse of one of the future tools being created to help blind people. On this Global Accessibility Awareness Day I thought it would be a fun thing to show how working with blind users can have an impact on the product design process: 22) How to Turn Off TalkBack on Android Devices | MakeUseOf.comOne of the best accessibility services built into the Android operating system is TalkBack. It's an eyes-free feature that lets you navigate your device's interface using a host of options such as text-to-speech, vibration, and spoken feedback. While this is undoubtedly a useful feature to have, it can get annoying at times. Here's how you can disable or turn off the TalkBack feature on your Android device: 23) New Shortcuts Coming To Microsoft Office 365 For Windows | Office WatchNew shortcuts are coming to Microsoft Office 365 for Windows which will help navigate larger pull-down menus with keystrokes. Plus the screen-reader labels are being improved: 24) How Firefox's Accessibility Boost Gives You a Much Faster BrowserFirefox's latest update enhances speed and accessibility while making the web more inclusive for everyone: 25) Take Your Ultrawide Monitors Everywhere With an AR Laptop | Wired: Subscription RequiredYou can now harness the power of a multi-monitor setup with a pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses and a keyboard. Created by a new company called Sightful, founded by former executives of Magic Leap, Spacetop does exactly that. As the world's first AR laptop, it delivers the convenience of a virtual 100-inch screen with the ability to display as many windows and apps as you need to get work done from wherever you are: 26) Top 5 Uses For The OrCam READ | May 18, 2023 | The Blind Life | YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP0451Zr3jA 27) Orientation to an iPhone | Rita Howells | Tech-VI ListOrientation to an Apple iOS device using an iPhone with VoiceOver: 28) Creating Accessible iOS Apps: An Action Plan | Daniel Devesa Derksen-Staats | Accessibility NYC | YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NlYq2smkxk 29) iOS 16.6 Beta Lays Groundwork for iMessage Contact Key VerificationiMessage Contact Key Verification lets Apple device owners verify that they are messaging with the people they intend to message rather than a malicious entity that has intercepted a message or is eavesdropping on a conversation. In a conversation between two or more people who have enabled iMessage Contact Key Verification, Apple will send an alert if the cloud servers are ever breached and a conversation is vulnerable to an intrusion. Users who enable this feature can also compare a Contact Verification Code in person, on FaceTime, or through another secure app to further verify their identity and who they are communicating with. Apple said that iMessage Contact Key Verification would be available on the iPhone and other Apple devices at some point in 2023, and it is one of the last features we are expecting to see in iOS 16: 30) For Users of The BrailleSense 6 — Comments From Scott Davert — Live Transcribe and the BS6: My Findings | Tech-VI ListI've been playing around a bit on Android with my Pixel 7 and installed the Live Transcribe app. First, it has some braille challenges, but is the most accurate captioning app I've found on iOS and Android: 31) Apple Created Its New Voice Feature For — And With — People With ALS | Fast CompanyTo help those living with ALS digitize their unique voices, Apple leveraged cutting-edge AI — and did a lot of listening: 32) A Beginner's Guide to Accessibility Tools on Windows | MakeUseOf.comWindows Accessibility tools help people with a variety of disabilities every day. Here's a quick overview of all the tools: 33) This Company Can Help You Control Your Electronics With Your Tongue | Cool Blind TechPeople with mobility impairments might need assistance with typing, scrolling, or gaming. These disabilities can affect someone's ability to work or connect with others socially. Corten Singer and Tomás Vega, co-founders of Augmental, an MIT Media Lab spinoff, are determined to give people with disabilities more control — and that's where a new assistive technology called MouthPad could have a big impact: 34) Google Is Working On A Dash Cam Mode For Pixels, And Here's How It Works | Android AuthorityThis dash cam mode has some thoughtful features, but will Pixel phones overheat when using it? 35) Google Will Delete Accounts, Including Gmail & Photos, That Haven't Logged On In 2 Years | 9to5GoogleIn 2020, Google said it would remove content stored in an inactive account (but not the account itself) to preserve storage space. Google is now updating its inactivity policy so that old, unused accounts will be deleted starting later this year: 36) Samsung Enhances Galaxy Buds2 Pro with New Ambient Sound Feature for Improved Hearing Accessibility | May 17, 2023 | Hearing, Health and Technology MattersIn celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Samsung has unveiled an updated feature called Ambient Sound for its Galaxy Buds2 Pro earbuds, aimed at providing better auditory experiences for individuals with hearing loss. This enhancement offers users the ability to listen to their favorite music while remaining aware of their surroundings, or alternatively, to block out external noise when desired. The latest version of the Ambient Sound feature includes two additional levels of customization, bringing the total to five amplification levels.1 This expansion enables even more users to benefit from improved hearing experiences: 37) You Can Now Hail An Uber By Calling This Number | May 17, 2023 | TechCrunchUber's making it easier to hail a ride — no app required. The company announced Wednesday at its annual Go-GET event in New York City that it's launching a new ride-hailing option for people who aren't as familiar navigating a smartphone. By dialing the toll-free number 1-833-USE-UBER 📱️| +1 (833) 873-8237 📱️ in the U.S., customers can speak with an agent in English or Spanish to request a ride on-demand or reserve one for a future trip: 38) Google AI Can Now Answer Your Questions About Uncaptioned Images | EngadgetGoogle's latest accessibility features include a potentially clever use of AI. The company is updating its Lookout app for Android with an "image question and answer" feature that uses DeepMind-developed AI to elaborate on descriptions of images with no captions or alt text. If the app sees a dog, for example, you can ask (via typing or voice) if that pup is playful. Google is inviting a handful of people with blindness and low vision to test the feature, with plans to expand the audience "soon." It will also be easier to get around town if you use a wheelchair — or a stroller, for that matter. Google Maps is expanding wheelchair-accessible labels to everyone, so you'll know if there's a step-free entrance before you show up. If a location doesn't have a friendly entrance, you'll see an alert as well as details for other accommodations (such as wheelchair-ready seating) to help you decide whether or not a place is worth the journey: 39) Shortwave DB: A New Database Of HF Radio Schedules | The Swing Posthttps://swling.com/blog/2023/05/shortwave-db-a-new-database-of-hf-radio-schedules/ 40) Hearing Care vs. Over the Counter Hearing Aids: A Consumer's Perspective | May 17, 2023 | Stephen O. Frazier | Hearing, Health and Technology MattersI almost let the call go to voice mail. I was busy proof reading a piece that needed to be in the hands of an editor by the end of the day. I thought I recognized the number, though, so I took the call. I was wrong — I didn't know the caller but when he told me why he was calling I couldn't not continue the conversation. The caller was looking for help for his eighty year old father who had just gotten his first pair of hearing aids. The son told me his father's hearing aids were “tiny things,” and that he had difficulty putting them in and taking out. He was having trouble adapting to them and frustrated at his increasing inability to hear, to participate in his favorite activities. His growing isolation resulting from his inability to talk to friends and family on the phone bore down on the whole family — recalling Dr. Mark Ross's dictum that if one person in a family has a hearing problem, the whole family has a hearing problem: 41) Walmart is Offering Free Phones In Partnership With VerizonVerizon recently revealed three new phones for the network's Straight Talk Wireless brand, exclusively sold at Walmart. New prepaid Verizon members can get a free phone with in-store activation: 42) Bing Chat Gets A New Wave Of Updates, Including (Finally) Chat History | ZDNetMicrosoft adds several long-awaited features to its chatbot. Here's what you need to know: 43) How To Design Services For People Who Need Help With Numbers | AccessibleNumbers.comLow numeracy affects half of the adults in the UK. Many live with the limitations of not understanding numbers and the impact that has on everyday life, like managing money, arranging appointments, doing calculations and telling the time. Use the accessible numbers project to design services for people who need help with numbers: 44) 7 Common Accessibility Errors On Websites And How To Fix Them | HelenKeller.orgLearn about the most common accessibility errors on websites and how to improve them to build better website pages or call out issues on existing websites: 45) CRASH! BARK! BOOM! The USC Sound Effects Library | Internet ArchiveWhile there are plenty of items at the Internet Archive that have no obvious home elsewhere online, there are also cases where we hold a copy of a frequently-available set of material, but we can provide it for much easier distribution and preview, including the ability to download the entire original set of files in one fell swoop. Such it is with the USC SOUND EFFECTS LIBRARY, a collection of .WAV files taken from rapidly crumbling magnetic tape and presented for reference, enjoyment and even projects: 46) The Best Mastodon Apps for 2023 | PC MagEscape the tyranny of Twitter with the best apps for Mastodon, a decentralized and free social media platform: 47) Review: Enhance Accessibility with the Cutting Edge Hable Keyboard for Non Touchscreen Smartphone Users | The Blind Life | YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVKJXmQGzGE 48) The Tech Industry's Accessibility-Related Products And Launches This Week In Commemoration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day | Engadget49) BlindShell USA Software Updates Now AvailableWe are thrilled to announce some exciting updates to the BlindShell Classic 2 software that will significantly enhance your experience. With these latest features, you can now enjoy even more functionality and convenience. Read on to discover what's new: 50) NextGuide Cane Guides Blind Users Via A Pointer Under Their Thumb | New AtlasBlind people using white canes are limited in how fast they can walk, as they have to wait for the tip of their cane to hit obstacles before going around them. The NextGuide cane is different, in that it preemptively steers users around obstacles that they have yet to reach: 51) Microsoft Teams Now Lets You Assign Breakout Rooms SpontaneouslyAt the height of COVID-19, Microsoft announced a new feature coming to Teams to further enhance the meeting experience for users. The breakout rooms feature is designed to allow meeting organizers to split a group video or audio call into divergent sessions for smaller group discussions: 52) ChromeOS Canary Reworks Accessibility Toggles To Be More, Well, Accessible | Chrome UnboxedThanks to the ChromeOS Material You redesign, Google's laptop operating system is undergoing a complete transformation. Clearly, the company aims to embody their new vision for Chromebooks as versatile and enjoyable devices for everyone, rather than mere Chrome browsers confined to a box: 53) WhatsApp Just Added A Major Update To Its Messaging Systemhttps://dailyhive.com/canada/whatsapp-update-edit-messages 54) You Can Use Nearby Share On Windows To Copy Text To An Android Device, Here's How | 9to5GoogleAs simple as Nearby Share is for Windows, the tool has a couple of hidden features. One of which is the ability to copy and paste text or links in Nearby Share to send to your Android devices from a PC, or vice versa: 55) Here Are The Biggest Announcements Coming Out Of Microsoft Build 2023 | Windows CentralThese are the headlines from Microsoft's annual developer conference: 56) Amazon Announces New Fire Max 11 Tablet — Its Largest & Most Powerful Tablet EverAmazon has announced a new 11″ tablet that is more powerful than any tablet they have ever made. This new Fire Max 11 tablet has 14 hours of battery life, 125GB of storage, and a 2000 x 1200 resolution. It also has an 8 MP front and rear cameras. The tablet is powered by an octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM: 57) iOS 17 Probably Won't Have A ChatGPT-Like Siri Upgrade, But I Have High Hopes For The Future | Chris Smith | BGRGenerative AI continues to be the talk of the town, with May alone having delivered several great surprises from OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google. You can access ChatGPT, GPT-4, and Google Bard for free almost anywhere in the world on all sorts of devices, including Apple. The iPhone has various ChatGPT and Bard apps. But Siri doesn't have generative AI powers like ChatGPT, and I don't think iOS 17 will deliver them. But I certainly have great hopes for the future, as Apple is already working on generative AI products that could benefit Siri on iPhone and all other Apple devices. It's not just speculation, as we've already seen a report claiming that Apple is indeed developing ChatGPT-like tech. And there's proof to support that. Apple is currently looking for several AI engineers for generative AI-related positions: 58) AppleVis Community Inducts GoodMaps Explore and lire Into Its iOS App Hall of Famehttps://www.applevis.com/blog/applevis-community-inducts-goodmaps-explore-lire-its-ios-app-hall-fame 59) Sorry Bing, Samsung's Sticking With Google As Its Default Mobile Search Engine | The VergePublisher (Di Blasi): You can almost hear 3 billion different sighs of relief when reading this article. Isn't it amazing how quickly a leading, world-class, mega tech company can go from unquestionable domination to questionable future viability in just 6 months? Sometimes, being too careful can cost you First Place. Which only really matters when you're already First Place. Because even if you bring a better product later, it can remain difficult to compete with the perception of First Place. A painful lesson that Google is currently learning first hand. 60) Blizzard Reveals Diablo 4 Will Have Over 50 Individual Accessibility Features | IGNMaking Diablo 4 as accessible as possible was a 'flame that guided' Blizzard throughout development: 61) Xbox Celebrates Commitment to Accessibility on Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2023In celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day this year, Xbox announced a slew of accessibility-oriented updates. In a press release, the company touted new happenings centered around features, partnerships, progress, a revamped web experience, and much more: 62) Brace Yourself For The Braille Revolution | CNBC International TV | YouTubeSouth Korean start-up Dot Inc. has developed new movable Braille technology that gives visually impaired people the power to access digital maps, diagrams, charts, and illustrations: 63) Apple Shares WWDC 2023 Schedule Ahead Of Special Event At Apple Park | 9to5MacWe're less than a month away from WWDC 2023, Apple's annual conference for developers. Ahead of the special event in Apple Park, the company has now sent out the event schedule for invited developers. Read on as we detail what to expect for WWDC 2023: 64) Apple's New Accessibility Features: Voice Cloning, Letting Your iPhone 'See' For You — An Advocate's Verdict | Chris Keall | NZHerald.co.nzApple has previewed a raft of new vision, hearing and mobility features to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Most are due for release by the end of the year. One is Personal Voice, which allows you to create a synthetic version of your voice, that sounds like you, in as little as 15 minutes. Developed in partnership with US non-profit Team Geason, it's designed for people diagnosed with a condition like myotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or who otherwise know there's a risk they'll lose their ability to speak over time 65) New Nitro PDF Pro Release Enables Accessible, Inclusive and Compliant PDFs for All | May 18, 2023 | Business WireIn partnership with Level Access, Nitro announces the latest Nitro PDF Pro release on Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Our built-in accessibility features are designed to empower every person and organization with the ability to create inclusive, compliant PDF documents: 66) #GAAD 2023 Game Accessibility Trivia | Ian Hamilton20 game-related questions for Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2023! There are some pretty tricky ones in there, but hopefully all with some interesting facts behind them, so be sure to click through to see your results as full detail is given there. If 20 questions isn't enough for you, you can also check out the versions from previous years: 67) France Is Fighting to Save Your iPhone From an Early Death | Wired: Subscription RequiredWith iPhones getting harder and more expensive to repair, French prosecutors have launched an investigation into the scourge of planned obsolescence: 68) Summer Series Of Assistive Technology (AT) And Braille Classes At The DC Public Library Center For Accessibility | Where It's ATWould you like to learn or teach JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack, or Braille? Students and volunteer trainers are welcome to register at the DC Public Library Center for Accessibility for summer assistive technology (AT) classes. The Center for Accessibility at DC Public Library sponsors AT classes both remotely and in-person. The in-person classes are held on the 2nd floor, Room 205 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and include Braille, JAWS for Windows, VoiceOver for iPhone, and a TalkBack for Android drop-in clinic. Remote AT training is held by phone or Zoom. Remote Volunteer Trainers and students are both needed: 69) The KIM-1 That Sounds Like Stephen Hawking (Or: "jitbanging" DECtalk) | Old Vintage Computing ResearchMy 1976 briefcase Commodore/MOS KIM-1, a 1 MHz single-board computer with a 6502 CPU and 1K of RAM, has learned to talk — with a familiar-sounding voice. The KIM-1's serial lines are connected to the last and smallest member of Digital Equipment Corporation's true DECtalk hardware speech synthesizers, the 1994 DECtalk Express. The DECtalk's classic default voice heard in this video is Perfect Paul, which (with adjustments) was the voice of Dr Stephen Hawking as produced with the 1988 Speech Plus CallText 5010: 70) Web Axe: Reading List May 2023Recommended resources on web accessibility from over the last several months: 71) NV Access In-Process For May 19, 2023https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-19th-may-2023/ 72) Paths To Literacy Newsletter for May 23, 2023https://pathstoliteracy.cmail19.com/t/d-e-vlykkiy-iikluuklut-r/ ➜ 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 19, 2023 | Engadget Podcast: How Apple And Google Are Highlighting AccessibilityThis week, we're focusing on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), an annual event meant to promote the need for accessible tech solutions. Cherlynn returns to tell us what Apple, Google, Adobe and others are doing to make their products more useful for people with disabilities (and, it turns out, many general users too). We also discuss Sam Altman's trip to Congress, and why we're not entirely impressed with the OpenAI CEO's calls for AI regulation. Finally, we explain why the BlackBerry movie is one of the best films about tech ever made (take that, Tetris!): May 20, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode128: Navigating the Play Store Part 3, And GAAD Google A11y Awareness DayIn this episode, we first talk about the Play Store, we demo the category tabs and more. Then we discuss GAAD and talk about all the new announcements from Google for GAAD. We have the app of the week, which is SpeechNotes. And to close the episode there is a demo of CSR Custom Aliases. All The Whats New in GAAD 2023 | Speech Notes App Play Store Link | Donate to Blind Android Users Podcast | Episode: May 21, 2023 | Living Blindfully Episode 230: Apple's Accessibility Announcements, Google's Music LM, Microsoft's Audio Transcription, And What's New With Hable OneMay 24, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2321: Awarewolf Gear All Terrain CaneThe All Terrain Cane (ATC) is a sturdy folding cane designed for blind hikers. Made of lightweight titanium and having an adjustable length, the ATC is suitable for a variety of terrains. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Sedona Dave, founder of Awarewolf Gear, about how he came up with the idea, and the benefits of using it for hiking and other outdoor activities: May 25, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, May 25, 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 25, 2023 | Envision's May Update And Summer Show Schedule | Envision9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT May 25, 2023 | JAWS For Beginners Webinar | Computers For The Blind5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT on 5/26 May 25, 2023 | Explore the Compact 8 — Free Training Webinar | Optelec9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT 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 13, 2023 | Ramping Up Your Accessibility Testing: A Beginner's Guide | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT June 21, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: ARIA9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT June 27, 2023 | Blind, Equity, Inclusion Free Webinar | NSITE11:30AM PT, 12:30PM MT, 1:30PM CT, 2:30PM ET, 6:30PM 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: HIMS, Inc.
➜ Classified Advertisement: Order Now! Get The Most Powerful Android Notetaker Available, the BrailleSense 6 From HIMS. It's Simply The Best.The time is now to get your all-new BrailleSense 6 notetaker, the most powerful and user-friendly notetaker on the market. Running Android 10, with 128 GB of Storage, 6 GB of Memory, and an 8-Core CPU, the BrailleSense 6 is the ultimate braille notetaker. Learn more today at: Sponsor Since: September 30th 2021 Website: https://hims-inc.com/ 🌐 Shop All Products: https://hims-inc.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒 Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo Sales Email: sales@hims-inc.com 📧️ About: HIMS, Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999. Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind
➜ Classified Advertisement: Attend the Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the BlindLaunch your career in the digital accessibility field! The Carroll Center for the Blind's new 7-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program allows participants to learn and grow their ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers. Want to learn more? Start your journey to becoming a Screen Reader User Tester by visiting: Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 Website: https://carroll.org/ 🌐 Phone: (617) 969-6200 📱️ Fax: (617) 969-6204 ░Shop: https://carroll.org/store/ 🛒 Donate: https://carroll.org/donate ❤ Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living. Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Classified Advertisement: The Next Generation in AccessibilityNeed to quickly access a distant computer with minimal fuss? Need to quickly convert image documents into readable text? Today's students and working professionals demand more of their technology. Employers expect more of their workforce. Pneuma Solutions is bridging the gap using the best in machine learning to connect you to your environment when you need it, how you need it. Give us a try, and experience accessibility on a whole new level: Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐 Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education. Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️ Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️ About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive? Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs. Sponsor: Freedom Scientific
➜ Classified Advertisement: Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille DisplaysOur world-class refreshable Braille displays deliver efficient Braille input and outstanding output for your PC or mobile device. The robust Bluetooth® connectivity provides seamless use with Windows®, Mac®, iPhones®, iPads®, and Android TM smartphones and tablets. Ergonomic navigation features allow quick, natural hand movements for greater productivity. When used with JAWS® screen reading software, they support our popular Braille Study Mode, an interactive tool for teaching and learning Braille. Learn more today: Sponsor Since: April 15th 2021 Website: https://www.freedomscientific.com/ 🌐 Email: info@vispero.com 📧️ Phone: (800) 444-4443 📱️ Facebook | Twitter | YouTube (Training) About: Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand, is a leading worldwide brand of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. We offer products designed to promote independence, allowing blind and low vision individuals the same access to information as their sighted peers. World-renowned JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reading software and ZoomText screen magnification software provide users the independence and ability to seek education and obtain or maintain a career after vision loss. Our expansive product line includes both low vision and blindness technology for all aspects of daily living. The wide range of RUBY, TOPAZ, and ONYX desktop and portable video magnifiers are designed for their ease of use and assist with daily activities. Our impressive line of blindness hardware products include refreshable Braille displays and scanning and reading devices, offering many options tailored to fit individual needs. Sponsor: Humanware
➜ Classified Advertisement: BRAILLIANT Renewed! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series is here!The wait is over! A redefined family of Brailliant refreshable Braille displays has arrived! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series will help you stay connected, download books from many participating online libraries and share information easily with your peers. You will enjoy the intuitive, seamless user experience of KeySoft Lite, the HumanWare flagship accessibility suite designed to make you more productive. Including the Brailliant BI 40X and the Brailliant BI 20X, this is the Brailliant idea you need! Sponsor Since: February 4th 2021 Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐 Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️ YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWVYiggn-w 🎥 About: HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. HumanWare offers a wide range of innovative products, including the BrailleNote Touch, first Google certified braille tablet, the iOS compatible Brailliant braille displays, Victor Reader®, the world's leading family of digital audiobook players, the unique Prodigi® family of desktop and portable vision and reading systems, and the ultra-portable explore line of electronic handheld magnifier. Sponsor: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store
➜ Classified Advertisement: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store Featured ProductsRevolution Cane Tip: Standard Roller Tip: $14.50 | Locator Dots: Small Pack of 6 (Clear or Orange): $2.00 | NFB Metal Cane Tip: $3.00 | TMAP - On Demand Tactile Street | Map (set of two maps): $25.00 | Ambutech Aluminum Folding Cane: $35.00 | NFB Chris Park Telescoping Cane: $45.00 | BoldWriter 20 Pen (Individual or 6-pack): $2.00 | Bump Dots: Mixed (50 count): $7.00 | Braille Apple Catalina VoiceOver Guide OSX 10.15 (3 volumes) - Latest Manual: $52.00 | SpeedDots iPhone Tactile Screen Protector, Phone Layout: $12.00 | NFB Chris Park 7-Piece Folding Cane: $50.00 | Visit https://adaptations.org/ to learn more today! Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 Website: https://adaptations.org/ 🌐 Toll Free: (888) 400-8933 📱️ Local: (415) 694-7301 📱️ About: Founded in 1902, San Francisco's LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision. Adaptations is your online go-to for tools, technology, and accessible solutions for blind and visually impaired people. Sponsor: American Printing House (APH)
➜ Classified Advertisement: Combine Learning And Gaming For A Fun Braille Adventure With Polly!APH and Thinkerbell Labs are excited to introduce Polly, complete with customizable UEB lessons, songs, games, and stories! Join our waiting list to know when Polly is available: Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐 Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 📱️ Phone: (512) 895-2405 📱️ Fax: (512) 899-2284 ░ YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ 🎥 Free Apps & Actions from APH: https://www.aph.org/free-apps-from-aph/ 📱 About: Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization, creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH believes that the future belongs to everyone. By offering innovative products and services, APH opens up a door of opportunities for lifelong independence and success. 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: HURRY — Stock Up on WayTags Before Prices Increase on June 1!WayAround is the best way to label things if you're blind or have low vision. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more. Prices on WayTags will increase on June 1, so stock up today on your favorite tags. 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. 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.
