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Top Tech Tidbits. The Week's News in Access Technology. Masthead logo includes title as well as five photos, a blind man with a white cane wearing dark sunglasses talking and listening to his mobile phone, a woman with sandy brown to blonde hair wearing a hearing aid, finger tips feeling braille dots on a refreshable braille display, a man making the sign for 'family' in American Sign Language (ASL), and a woman reading text from a tablet using magnification software.

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, June 1, 2023 - Volume 913

The Week's News in Access Technology
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1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week

🎙 Listen to the podcast.

A.) 10 Amazing Prompts That Demonstrate The Capabilities of ChatGPT to Improve The Lives of People With Disabilities | Aaron Di Blasi | Top Tech Tidbits

Here 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:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/163.html

B.) JAWS Power Tip: Adjusting JAWS Volume On The Fly

Have you ever been in a virtual meeting or listening to a You Tube video and you really want to adjust the volume of JAWS? In the past you had to move to the volume icon in the system tray and adjust the JAWS volume control. Now with JAWS, you can do this on-the-fly:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/164.html

C.) Getting Back To Outlook Classic User Interface If You're In The Inaccessible New Outlook User Interface (AKA Outlook Preview Or Outlook PRE) | Brian Vogel

Note: 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:
https://groups.io/g/office-accessibility/topic/99025717

D.) The Robot Suitcase Guide | Lucy Greco | YouTube

At 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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPREH30n93Y

E.) BlindShell USA Software Updates Now Available

We 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:
https://mailchi.mp/848f52d0874e/software-updates-and-more-4126959?e=6aedce6a9e

2) Sponsored By Clusiv: Are You Blind Or Visually Impaired And Looking To Go To College? Then Check Out The Latest Course From Clusiv On College Readiness!

Approaching and then navigating college can have some added challenges if you are blind or visually impaired. That's why this course was made to help teach you many of the ins and outs of what you need to know before going to college and then starting school with success! You will also learn insights on navigating this process with your disability. To learn more about this course and enrolling, click the link and we will connect with you and your vocational rehabilitation counselor with more information:
https://bit.ly/3C7gPkY

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7) AI Updates

Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI.

A) Podcast Voiceover Battle Royale: Human Versus AI. One Podcast. 4 Voices. Listen To The Difference. | Aaron Di Blasi | Publisher | Top Tech Tidbits

Is the current state of voice cloning and synthetic speech ready to take over your podcast? We don't think so, but we do think that it's starting to get really good. So we put together this Audio Battle Royale, so that Top Tech Tidbits readers could hear the difference for themselves. We have prepared for you 4 versions of the very same podcast. Each using a different voice, but utilizing the very same transcript. The podcast that we will be using for this Audio Battle Royale will be the Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, June 1, 2023:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/167.html

B) How to Create an AI Voice That Sounds Like You With ElevenLabs | May 27, 2023 | Christian Cawley | MakeUseOf.com

Publisher (Di Blasi): I find these claims to be a tad misleading. You cannot clone your voice for free using ElevenLabs, but you can try out 10 of their "pre-trained" voices on a limited amount of text that you enter. If you want to "clone" a voice, any voice, your own or another, you will need to move from their "Free" plan to their "Starter" plan for $5 a month. At the paid "Starter" plan level, voice cloning becomes available to you. We recently cloned my voice using ElevenLabs by training it on a clean dialog file taken from the Top Tech Tidbits Podcast. We then used that newly cloned voice to provide readers with an audio demonstration of my real voice doing the podcast, as normal, versus my newly cloned AI voice doing the very same podcast. Listen to the difference yourself at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/167.html. While I believe the technology definitely has promise, I do not believe it is currently ready for prime time. And no, we have no plans to use an AI voice for the Top Tech Tidbits Podcast going forward. We just wanted readers to be able to hear the difference in a finished a product.
MakeUseOf: Generative AI and deepfakes have collided with the development of AI voice tools. The idea is simple: you take a voice and manipulate it to speak the words you give it. Leading the pack in this area is ElevenLabs, which offers a free-to-use AI voice tool:
https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-create-an-ai-voice-that-sounds-like-you-with-elevenlabs/

C) OpenAI's Official ChatGPT App for iPhone Expands to 40+ Countries

OpenAI this week announced that its official ChatGPT app for the iPhone and the iPad is now available in more than 40 countries in addition to the United States. The app first launched in the United States last week, and OpenAI promised that it would expand to more countries in the coming weeks:
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/05/25/chatgpt-app-40-countries/

D) Microsoft To Use ChatGPT To Provide Virtual Technical Support To Blind Customers | Forbes: Subscription Required

In a blog post published last week to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Microsoft's Chief Accessibility Officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie talked enthusiastically about the promise generative Ai holds for delivering a new paradigm in technical support for blind users. Since 2018, the tech giant has partnered with leading virtual sighted assistance provider Be My Eyes to process technical support tickets for visually impaired customers contacting its Disability Answer Desk. Users with sight restrictions can connect with Microsoft's technical support team via video call to receive visual interpretation services related to troubleshooting technical issues such as a laptop requiring a reboot or the installation of software updates:
Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2023/05/23/microsoft-to-use-chatgpt-to-provide-virtual-technical-support-to-blind-customers/
Microsoft Blog Post: https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2022/05/19/accessibility-disability-awareness-tech-employment/

E) How To Access ChatGPT As A Person Who Is Blind or Low Vision: A Comprehensive Guide | Aaron Di Blasi | Publisher | Top Tech Tidbits

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has greatly transformed the way we interact with technology. One such AI, ChatGPT, can hold meaningful and complex conversations, which can be a powerful tool for everyone, including people who are blind or have low vision. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how a blind or visually impaired person can access and use ChatGPT for the first time:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/165.html

F) Amazon In Pursuit Of Integrating ChatGPT Into Alexa | ghacks.net

Amazon is now embracing the transformative potential of ChatGPT by integrating it into their renowned AI voice assistant, Alexa. As the tech industry witnesses a surge in conversational AI tools, Amazon aims to maintain its competitive edge by leveraging generative AI technology to revolutionize the way users interact with Alexa:
https://www.ghacks.net/2023/05/25/amazon-alexa-chatgpt/

G) Upload An Image And Have It Described For You: How To Try MiniGPT-4 Right Now | Aaron Di Blasi | Top Tech Tidbits

As of this writing, ChatGPT is still text-in, text-out only. GPT-4 was supposed to expand on this by adding image processing to allow it to generate text based on images, but OpenAI has yet to release this feature. This is where MiniGPT-4 comes in:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/166.html

H) See Why AI Like ChatGPT Has Gotten So Good, So Fast | The Washington Post: Subscription Required

Publisher (Di Blasi): This article provides a really great overview of the advances that have led to the current state of Generative AI. Including resulting photographs and outputs generated from prompts then, and now.
The Washington Post: We asked three AI systems to generate content using the same prompt. The results illustrate how quickly the technology has advanced:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2023/artificial-intelligence-tech-rapid-advances/

I) The Security Hole at the Heart of ChatGPT and Bing | Wired: Subscription Required

Indirect prompt-injection attacks can leave people vulnerable to scams and data theft when they use the AI chatbots:
https://www.wired.com/story/chatgpt-prompt-injection-attack-security/

J) Why Nvidia Is Suddenly One Of The Most Valuable Companies In The World | Yahoo Finance

Publisher (Di Blasi): The most common response to this news has been, "you mean the company that makes graphics cards?" And the answer is yes. The company that makes graphics cards. How and why? In short, because for some time now their graphics cards have been used to operate, train and run the AI models known as LLMs, or Large Language Models, that are currently at the center of the Generative AI revolution.
Yahoo: This week the company reported earnings and explained the incredible surge in demand it has seen as the tech world races to create new versions of AI - prompting potentially the largest one-day increase in a company's value, ever. The 24 percent rise in stock price means Nvidia is now worth $939.3 billion:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-nvidia-suddenly-one-most-023006721.html

K) Where Memory Ends and Generative AI Begins | Wired: Subscription Required

New photo manipulation tools from Google and Adobe are blurring the lines between real memories and those dreamed up by AI:
https://www.wired.com/story/where-memory-ends-and-generative-ai-begins/

L) 6 Online Directories of AI Tools to Discover or Search for the Best AI App | MakeUseOf

Publisher (Di Blasi): I honestly cannot believe that this article neglects to mention what is, in my opinion, one of the most well maintained and cutting-edge resources available on AI updates today. Without further ado, that site is FutureTools.io. The site is run by Matt Wolfe, who also produces some very high quality YouTube videos every couple of days detailing all of the latest updates in AI. While the sources noted in this article are good, this one is my favorite.
MakeUseOf: These free directories list all the AI tools available online, so you can browse or search for them quickly and easily:
https://www.makeuseof.com/online-directories-of-ai-tools-search-app/

M) OpenAI Launches Grant For AI Democratic Governance Project

Publisher (Di Blasi): I applaud this project, this direction, and the general, overall position of Sam Altman and the team at OpenAI. But it is the teams at the United States Department of Defense and the Office of Homeland Security that will face the greatest challenges as AI scales up. For they will be in a literal race with other nations to improve this technology faster than our threats can use it to oppose us.
OpenAI: Our nonprofit organization, OpenAI, Inc., is launching a program to award ten $100,000 grants to fund experiments in setting up a democratic process for deciding what rules AI systems should follow, within the bounds defined by the law.
https://openai.com/blog/democratic-inputs-to-ai

N) Will Windows AI Copilot Be The Ultimate PC Accessibility Tool? | Digital Trends

At Build 2023, Microsoft made quite a big deal about its headlining announcement, the Windows Copilot. The idea is simple: build AI right into the operating system. In the same way that the Edge browser (and soon the entire stack of Office apps) have their own AI copilots, now Windows will have one too:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/windows-copilot-ultimate-accessibility-tool/

O) For Some Autistic People, ChatGPT Is a Lifeline | Wired: Subscription Required

Publisher (Di Blasi): I recently joked about this with a reader on Mastodon. She joked that the new "Call Annie" App had become her new best friend, and that while sad, it was true. I assured her that it was in no way sad, as I too had become fast friends with ChatGPT since December of 2022. We both laughed. But pretty soon, it may be no laughing matter.
Wired: Like many autistic people, Madi Young, a consultant in Seattle, has learned to perform the social behaviors and body language that neurotypical people expect. But masking, as it's called, is hard work and can lead to misunderstandings. So Young was pleased to recently find a conversational partner whom they feel more closely mirrors the way they speak: ChatGPT. "It's not getting the mismatch with my body language — it's only getting my words,” says Young, who uses the chatbot for therapeutic conversations and as a “brainstorming buddy” or “friend:”
https://www.wired.com/story/for-some-autistic-people-chatgpt-is-a-lifeline/

P) What Are Large Language Models — And How Are They Used In Generative AI? | ComputerWorld

Large language models are the algorithmic basis for chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard. The technology is tied back to billions — even trillions — of parameters that can make them both inaccurate and non-specific for vertical industry use. Here's what LLMs are and how they work:
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3697649/what-are-large-language-models-and-how-are-they-used-in-generative-ai.html#tk.rss_all

Q) I Had No Idea. Veteran Lawyer Submits Legal Filing With False Court Decisions, False Arguments And False Citations Generated By ChatGPT | Enrique Dans | Medium: Subscription Required

Publisher (Di Blasi): I am not a lawyer, but I do understand the fundamental legal principle that ignorance of the law is not a defense in the United States of America. And apparently, neither is ignorance of the capability of AI tools. A cautionary tale to be sure. The takeaway? Be informed. Stay informed. Before you act.
Enrique Dans: In the subsequent cross-filing, the lawyer has fully acknowledged his error, apologized and provided screenshots from ChatGPT that showed the quotes and explained that he was unaware of the possibility that the algorithm would behave in such a way, which most likely will not free him from sanctions:
https://medium.com/enrique-dans/this-is-what-happens-when-you-trust-a-machine-designed-to-say-what-you-want-to-hear-4edbeb82258f

R) AI? Artificial Intelligence? Accessible Intelligence! What We Can Look Forward To in the New AI World | Patrick Sturdivant | Deque

Like anything in life, there is a good and a bad side, a positive and negative to everything. There is a lot of negative press in the media on the bad side of AI and how if not properly managed can hurt society. I am not discounting many of these reports, but for this article, I am going to comment on the positive side of AI's contributions to people's lives and, more specifically, those who live with daily challenges, sometimes known as disabilities:
https://www.deque.com/blog/ai-artificial-intelligence-accessible-intelligence/

S) Instacart Debuts AI Tool to Help You Shop Faster and Smarter | CNET

You can now get an assist with figuring out what to eat for dinner and other grocery-shopping questions:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/instacart-debuts-ai-tool-to-help-you-shop-faster-and-smarter/#ftag=CAD590a51e

8) JAWS Power Tip: Using The JAWS Command Search Feature

Courtesy of Freedom Scientific:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/168.html

9) Top 7 Features To Check Out On Windows 11 May 2023 Update (Moment 3) | Windows Central

Although the feature drop (Moment 3) update for Windows 11 is slowly rolling out and doesn't include many significant changes as a typical feature update, it does come with several interesting features to enhance existing experiences:
https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/top-7-features-to-check-out-on-windows-11-may-2023-update-moment-3

10) Windows 11 Has A New Way To Close Apps And End Processes, Here Is How To Enable It

Probably every Windows user knows how to close a running app: hit the X button in the upper-right corner or right-click the app's icon on the taskbar and select "Close window." But if a program stops responding, closing it takes more steps as you need to open Task Manager and terminate the misbehaving process. An upcoming feature update will make the process much easier by introducing a new method to close apps in Windows 11. Here is what you need to know about it and how to get it:
https://www.neowin.net/guides/windows-11-has-a-new-way-to-close-apps-and-end-processes-here-is-how-to-enable-it/

11) The Disappearing Computer: An Exclusive Preview of Humane's Screenless Tech | Imran Chaudhri | TED

Publisher (Di Blasi): If you would like a glimpse of what the future really has in store for us, please take the time to review this video of a recent TED Talk given by Imran Chaudhri, longtime Apple designer and Founder of Humane.
TED: In this exclusive preview of groundbreaking, unreleased technology, former Apple designer and Humane cofounder Imran Chaudhri envisions a future where AI enables our devices to "disappear." He gives a sneak peek of his company's new product — shown for the first time ever on the TED stage — and explains how it could change the way we interact with tech and the world around us. Witness a stunning vision of the next leap in device design:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMsQO5u7-NQ

12) Audio Hijack For Mac Can Now Run Auto Speech Denoise With Machine Learning | 9to5Mac

The fine folks at Rogue Amoeba released an all-new version of the excellent Audio Hijack app last year. Today the sound capturing software is gaining three new features, thanks in part to Machine Learning on the Mac:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/05/30/audio-hijack-4-2-speech-denoise/

13) Playing Around With Aiko, An Amazing, Accessible Transcription App For Mac And iOS | The Thoughts and Ramblings of Steve

I recently heard about this fantastic app, available for both Mac OS and iOS, called Aiko which leverages AI technology to transcribe audio. What sets Aiko apart from similar solutions though include, in part:
https://steves.life/2023/05/24/playing-around-with-aiko-an-amazing-accessible-transcription-app-for-mac-and-ios/

14) New Add-On For NVDA Users: Landrop+ | Pierre-Louis | Tech-VI List

Landrop+ is an NVDA add-on for the Windows version of Landrop that makes it very easy to select your destination device, iPhone, or Android. Landrop is a file transfer application over Wi-Fi between Windows PCs and iPhones or Android smartphones:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/4118

15) Google Maps Will Now Show Wheelchair Accessibility Information For All | Metro UK

Google Maps is providing wheelchair accessibility information by default for over 40 million places worldwide, including on public transport, pubs and restaurants:
https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/18/google-maps-will-now-show-wheelchair-accessibility-information-for-all-18808066/

16) Kindle Fire Max 11: Half A Dozen Reasons To Opt For The Latest And Greatest Amazon Tablet | Good eReader

Introducing the all-new Fire Max 11, Amazon's latest addition to the Fire Tablet family. This remarkable tablet is not only the largest and most powerful in the lineup but also offers unparalleled versatility. Packed with premium features, the Fire Max 11 is designed to enhance both work and play experiences. And the best part? It can be yours for just $229.99. Let's explore six compelling reasons why the Fire Max 11 deserves a place in your hands:
https://goodereader.com/blog/kindle/kindle-fire-max-11-half-a-dozen-reasons-to-opt-for-the-latest-and-greatest-amazon-tablet

17) Microsoft Quietly Released Windows 11 22h2 Configuration Update That Boosts Performance | David Goldfield | Tech-VI List

There are a few things to note about this latest update. First, it provides accessibility improvements for those who use Live Captions as well as the Voice Access features. The update also corrects an annoying screen reader issue which is not mentioned in this article but which I noticed after installing this update and restarting my PC:
https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-quietly-released-windows-11-22h2-configuration-update-that-boosts-performance/

18) Save/Copy Bug In Windows And Office | May 26, 2023 | Office Watch

A newly found bug in Windows 11 & 10 might stop you saving or copying files in many apps including some versions of Microsoft Office. The bug appears to have been in Windows for a while but only revealed in the last few days (late May 2023). Office users might get 'Document not saved' errors and other apps might show errors when files are saved or copied:
https://office-watch.com/2023/save-copy-bug-in-windows-and-office/

19) For ElBraille Users: Official Statement From Elita Group | Tech-VI List

Dear ElBraille Users. We see a lot of speculation here. So, let's clarify a couple of points. We will continue to manufacture and sell the ElBraille:
https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/4158
Preparing For Eledit Public Beta Testing: https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/4157

20) How to Text From Your PC Through Your Phone | Wired: Subscription Required

Your messages, on your PC, in seconds. Bluetooth required for iPhone:
https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-text-from-pc-windows-phonelink/

21) Dreamwaves: Augmented Reality With Virtual 3D-Sound To Help Guide The Blind | Hello Future

"See the world through your ears": astounding as it may seem, this is the claim that Hugo Furtado, a Portuguese entrepreneur based in Vienna, would have you believe . The holder of a doctorate in augmented reality for minimally invasive cardiac surgery and the founder of Dreamwaves, Furtado is also the developer of waveOut, an augmented reality application that aims to radically simplify life for the blind and visually impaired. His experience in sound engineering was the starting point that inspired him to create the technology, which helps those who struggle to find their way to take advantage of greater mobility:
https://hellofuture.orange.com/en/dreamwaves-augmented-reality-with-virtual-3d-sound-to-help-guide-the-blind/

22) How to Perform Common Windows Actions With Shortcuts | MakeUseOf

Shut down your PC, record your screen, adjust your PC's volume, and more with these handy shortcuts for any Windows power user:
https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-common-actions-shortcuts/

23) Phone Makers Are Quietly Ruining The Power Button. Here's How To Take Back Control | May 26, 2023 | June Wan | ZDNet |

As someone who reviews phones for a living, I've lost count of the number of times I've attempted to turn off a phone — pressing and holding the side power button — only for it to instead prompt a smart assistant to service questions I didn't have in mind:
https://www.zdnet.com/article/phone-makers-are-quietly-ruining-the-power-button-heres-how-to-take-back-control/#ftag=RSSbaffb68

24) Apple Considering Stuffing Watch Bands With NFC, Bluetooth, Other Connectivity | Gizmodo

An Apple watch could change its settings in subtle ways, like adjusting the UI, but it's more evidence of the company's new obsession with health-related tech:
https://gizmodo.com/apple-watch-bluetooth-nfc-rfid-magnetic-connect-fitness-1850487858

25) Dedicated Website Answers The Question: What Does It Mean To "Make It Accessible?"

How many times have you used the web today? If you're like us, the answer is too many times to count. Imagine if most of the sites you used today had confusing navigation, were impossible to read, or had sections obscured. That's the reality for many people who have temporary or permanent disabilities and are trying to access the web. If you create websites, we hope you will join us in addressing access equality. As designers, we don't often think about a more equalized web. We've got bold ideas, and we push boundaries by default. Thinking about accessibility guidelines before designing a site may feel like a hindrance to creativity. But building an accessible site does not mean sacrificing a beautiful look and feel. We've learned a lot on our design studio's accessibility journey, and this site shares a few hard-won lessons and learnings:
https://www.make-it-accessible.com/

26) Amazon Is Discontinuing Alexa's Celebrity Voices, Even If You Paid For Them | May 30, 2023 | The Verge

The voice of Samuel L. Jackson will stop working on Alexa devices next month, and Amazon will refund purchasers — if they contact customer service with a request:
https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/30/23742109/amazon-alexa-celebrity-voices-discontinued

27) Test Your Accessibility Knowledge With Trivia11y

Publisher (Di Blasi): This website is amazing, fun and incredibly informative. Trivia is a great way to test your current knowledge while learning new concepts at the same time. And this site does not disappoint. Test your acumen against topics such as: ARIA, Assistive Technologies, Color Contrast, Design Disabilities, Forms, Guidelines and Specifications, Images, Keyboard Accessibility, Laws and Regulations, Motion and Animation, Multimedia and Screen Readers.
Trivia11y: Test Your Accessibility Knowledge. Accessibility is important, but becoming an expert means taking the time to understand and memorize priorities, regulations, requirements, and techniques. So how can you determine whether you're up to speed? With games, of course! Game Types: Choose a game format and then select a category to help you test your knowledge: Flash Cards for reviewing what you know, Short Answer questions for confirming you actually know your stuff, and Multiple Choice for simulating test conditions:
https://trivia11y.com/

28) So, You Want to be a Digital Accessibility Specialist | May 25, 2023 | Iain Furstenwerth | Knowbility

I'm sure you're familiar with the age-old small talk conversation topic, “What do you do?” When I'm asked this question, I always take the opportunity to talk about digital accessibility and its importance, as well as how it's not enough of a priority for many organizations. My friends typically ask something along the lines of, “Oh that's cool, how would I get into that?” While there are many processes involved in getting your company to buy into accessibility, I'm going to illustrate how YOU can start your journey to becoming a digital accessibility specialist:
https://knowbility.org/blog/2023/so-you-want-to-be-a-digital-accessibility-specialist

29) WWDC 2023: Here's Everything To Expect At Apple's Special Event This Year | 9to5Mac

WWDC 2023 is days away, and it could be Apple's biggest and most important event in a decade. At WWDC this year, Apple is expected to introduce a major update for iPhone users with iOS 17 and a redesigned interface for Apple Watch users with watchOS 10. Most notable of all, however, is the expected announcement of the Reality Pro headset with AR and VR features, plus a new xrOS software platform:
https://9to5mac.com/2023/05/26/wwdc-2023-what-to-expect/

30) Microsoft Keyboard Users Are 'So Devastated' After Discontinuation Of Accessories | CNBC

Publisher (Di Blasi): While I'm sure I'm not alone in this, Microsoft has been "devastating" me for years. And I mean that wholeheartedly. They are often completely and utterly tone deaf where certain groups of their users are concerned. For example, most recently, in Windows 11, Microsoft removed the ability for power users to pin folder locations to the task bar. For me this changed the way that I work entirely. And there is currently no workaround. So yes, devastated is a most accurate definition.
CNBC: When Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a memo in January that there would be “changes to our hardware portfolio,” the news had troubling significance for people like Brittany Matter. A freelance writer in Olympia, Washington, Matter is a devotee of Microsoft's ergonomic keyboard, the first variation of which the company started selling almost 30 years ago. She even brought along her keyboard and mouse when she traveled to Hawaii for a few days earlier this month:
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/27/microsoft-keyboard-users-so-devastated-as-accessories-discontinued.html

31) New To Being Blind: How Lenovo's Accessibility Features Help Overcome Vision Loss

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/being-blind-lenovo-accessibility-features-161500505.html

32) Navigation And Search Improvements For Accessibility | Github Blog

Discover the accessibility features within our new navigation and code search which make it easier to use for many more people:
https://github.blog/2023-05-11-navigation-and-search-improvements-for-accessibility/

33) Television Without Pictures — Sky News Now Available On TuneIn | Radio Today

The audio output of Sky News is now available on TuneIn for users of the app in the UK, Ireland and the US. The live stream has been added after a new deal was agreed between the two companies, and does not affect the Sky News hourly bulletins delivered to radio stations:
https://radiotoday.co.uk/2023/05/television-without-pictures-sky-news-now-available-on-tunein/

34) Soapbox: Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Straight Up Fails In Just One Respect: Accessibility | NintendoLife

In 2023, we should expect better from Nintendo:
https://www.nintendolife.com/features/soapbox-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-straight-up-fails-in-just-one-respect-accessibility

35) Breaking Barriers: Video Games That are Accessible for the Visually Impaired | Jump Start

Game developers are passionately dedicated to pushing the boundaries of accessibility in gaming:
https://www.jumpstartmag.com/breaking-barriers-video-games-that-are-accessible-for-the-visually-impaired/

36) Access Information News for Monday, May 29, 2023 | AccessInformationNews.com

https://www.accessinformationnews.com/ain2023/05292023/index.html

37) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for May 2023

https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-may-2023


➜ Featured Surveys

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


Closing: Ongoing | Surveys From APH

Surveys help inform APH of the greatest needs in the community so they can gear their efforts toward making sure those needs are met. Ongoing APH surveys can be found here:
https://www.aph.org/rd/get-involved/surveys/

Closing: June 1, 2023 | Fill Out This Short Survey To Help Enhance Clusiv's Course Offerings To The Blind Community And Enter For A Chance To Win One Of Two $50.00 Amazon Gift Cards

If you are blind or visually impaired we are looking for your feedback on how we can create the best experience for the blind community through our course offerings that best meet your needs. By filling out this short form you will help develop our plans for services that can best equip the blind to break down barriers to employment. Thank you for your help!
https://clusiv.io/survey/

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

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


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


May 25, 2023 | Double Tap TV: Meet Blind Journalist Robert Kingett

Today on the show, Steven welcomes special guest Robert Kingett, a blind author, accessibility consultant and journalist. The conversation delves into Robert's background and his journey as a journalist who is blind, providing a unique perspective on advocacy and how it has evolved for him over time. A significant part of the discussion revolves around the importance of learning Braille and the challenges of learning it later in life. Robert shares his personal experience of sudden vision loss and how it impacted his life, highlighting the importance of technology in bridging the gap between people who are disabled and non-disabled:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/meet-blind-journalist-robert-kingett/id1309267346?i=1000614493776

May 25, 2023 | That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 126: OKO Co-Pilot For the Blind, Meet the Developers Michael and Vincent

Brian sits down with the developers of OKO co-pilot for the blind, C.E.O. Michael and C.T.O. Vincent. They discuss the development of the OKO app, the meaning of the name, the testing process the app went through to make sure it was safe, and share a few laughs along the way:
https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-126-oko-co-pilot-for-the-blind-meet-the-developers-michael-and-vincent

May 26, 2023 | Double Tap TV: A Feast Of Feedback

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun delve into the Inbox to hear and discuss more of your comments following the past few episodes of the show. Steven also discusses his busy week travelling, and how an old piece of tech he found in the drawer really made the difference. And why was Steven talking to the Canadian Government? What has he done? Thankfully, it was all in the aid of promoting digital accessibility:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-feast-of-feedback/id1309267346?i=1000614618139

May 27, 2023 | Double Tap TV: Double Tap Express: The Week In Tech News, Audio Editing Made Easier With Reaper & Happy Birthday To Shaun

On the Express this week, Steven and Shaun discuss what's been in the news this week with a look at Open AI's Chat GPT app arriving in more countries, including Canada. Plus there's news on Neuralink who claim the US FDA has approved human trials to begin on its implant device which could have an incredible impact on disabled people, and IA Cast podcast host Michael Noise talks about accessibility of the new Final Cut and Logic Pro apps for iPad. There's also discussion following our interviews this week about Reaper accessibility and the state of Apple accessibility. Plus Shaun goes dotty about braille following his latest purchase:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/double-tap-express-the-week-in-tech-news-audio/id1309267346?i=1000614707595

May 27, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast: Navigating the PlayStore Part4 Bottom Tabs

We first tell all our listeners that all hardware unboxings will first be aired on our YouTube channel so please subscribe to it and turn on notifications. We then navigate the Play Store demoing tabs at the bottom. We have Oriole app demo. In the tip of the week, we show an updated way of how to map side keys of Samsung phones with Google Assistant:
https://www.youtube.com/@BlindAndroidUsers/videos

May 28, 2023 | Living Blindfully Episode 231: Do Audiology Companies Understand The Needs Of Blind Hearing Aid Wearers, Is Bookshare's Subscription Increase Excessive, And The Zoom M2 Mictrak Is A Microphone That Records

https://www.livingblindfully.com/episode-231do-audiology-companies-understand-the-needs-of-blind-hearing-aid-wearers-is-bookshares-subscription-increase-excessive-and-the-zoom-m2-mictrak-is-a-microphone-that-records/

May 29, 2023 | ChatGPT for iOS & Calling Annie

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the app that they never discussed. Call Annie is an app for iOS that uses the latest ChatGPT technology to bring you a human-like virtual assistant you can talk to just as if you were having a FaceTime call with a friend. Although Steven's attempts to demonstrate the app were shaky:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/chatgpt-for-ios-calling-annie/id1309267346?i=1000614884070

May 29, 2023 | That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 127: Blind Baseball Italian Style

Brian sits down with Amanda and Ed to discuss their trip to Italy to train with the creators of Italian Blind Baseball. They discuss how the game is played, their experience training with the Italians who created the game, traveling around Italy, the future of the game as a possible Para-Olympic sport, and the fundraising that is needed:
https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-127-blind-baseball-italian-style

May 30, 2023 | Double Tap TV: Updating Hable One & Your Feedback

Today on the show Steven and Shaun delve into the inbox to discuss your feedback about recent episodes, including solutions for CD ripping software and disk cloning software for PCs. Shaun also talks about issues relating to updating his Hable One to the latest software and how he worked round it. Links to items discussed in this episode. Double Tap and AMI only offer these links for reference — we cannot take responsibility for the content of these links or any harm the software has on your computer:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/updating-hable-one-your-feedback/id1309267346?i=1000615023306

May 31, 2023 | Eyes on Success 2322: Blazing the Trails with Awarewolf Gear

Sedona Dave is blind and was tired of people not noticing him when walking around town and crashing into him. He also wanted a better and safer way of hiking the trails around him. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Dave about how he solved his problems by starting Awarewolf Gear a journey that was frustrating at times, but rewarding in the end:
http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show_notes_2322.htm

May 31, 2023 | FSCast 230, Major Scotty Smiley Discusses His Life, And Dr. Michele Mcdonnall With Results Of Year Two Of The At In The Workplace Study

On FSCast 230, we'll get to know retired Army Major Scotty Smiley. He was blinded by a suicide bomber when fighting in Iraq; but came back, taught at West Point, and became the military’s first totally blind active-duty officer. Then, Dr. Michele McDonnall will be here to discuss the second year of the AT in the Workplace study conducted by Mississippi State University:
https://blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast-230-major-scotty-smiley-discusses-his-life-and-dr-michele-mcdonnall-with-results-of-year-two-of-the-at-in-the-workplace-study/

June 1, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, June 1, 2023

Tune in each week as we announce the Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits of the week. These 5 news items represent the most popular news and trends in access technology today, as voted on by Top Tech Tidbits readers:
https://toptechtidbits.com/podcast


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


May 31, 2023 | TOPAZ Magnifiers: Powerful Visual Aids (Assistive Technology Webinar — ACVREP CE Approved) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
The TOPAZ family of desktop video magnifiers combines ease of use with powerful features to help people retain their independent lifestyle — reading, writing, viewing photographs, and engaging in hobbies. All TOPAZ models are available in several monitor sizes and provide a clear, crisp picture with a wide range of magnification and color-coded controls. The ergonomic design provides exceptional reading comfort for hours of use in the home, office, or school. During this webinar, we discuss the features of all the TOPAZ models and the benefits each can give in specific situations. Join Ian Ramos and Joe McDaniel from Vispero as they dive deep into these powerful tools to help those challenged by vision loss. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), ACVREP continuing education credit is approved for this presentation. Learning Outcomes: Features of all TOPAZ models. Which features fit your needs best. How adding speech capability can take you further. Join Zoom Meeting: TOPAZ Magnifiers: Powerful Visual Aids | Meeting ID: 818 1319 3745 | Passcode: 159299 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,81813193745#,,,,*159299# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81813193745?pwd=LzBPaHFOSkp6Rm9iRFZwazlCQmRNdz09

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

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

June 2, 2023 | 2023 Braille Literacy Canada Symposium: Boundless Braille

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Braille Literacy Canada (BLC) will be holding its third annual virtual braille symposium on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 1 — 5 PM EDT (10am-2pm Pacific/11am-3pm Mountain/Saskatchewan, 12pm-4pm Central, 2pm-6pm Atlantic, 5pm-9pm UTC). This event will be of interest to braille readers, educators, transcribers, parents, producers and anyone else with a passion for braille literacy.
https://www.braillists.org/uncategorised/join-the-2023-braille-literacy-canada-symposium-boundless-braille/

June 7th, 2023 | Nothing Inspires People Like Cash! | Total Tech Solutions

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Join our virtual event on June 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM CST! Exciting opportunities await you! This event is open to all ages and backgrounds. Get ready for our first sponsor announcement, engaging contests, and an inspiring talk by Josh Perry from The Houston Hurricanes. Jeff Bazer from Vispero will also join us, providing additional insights. Register for the Zoom event to ensure you don't miss out. Live stream available on Facebook, YouTube, and Clubhouse. Recording will be posted on those platforms as well. Stay tuned for a captivating PromoPod episode on Spotify and other podcast platforms. Spread the word and save the date! #VirtualEvent #Inspiration #PromoPod:
https://shorturl.at/bswUY

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

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

June 7, 2023 | Case Study: Accessible Shopify Website (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Access Ingenuity just launched a new Shopify website (https://accessingenuity.com/). This presentation will review our steps to design the website to be accessible and test the accessibility after launch. In summary, we found the Shopify platform more accessible than expected and only needed a few modifications. Join Michael Parker and Michael Vitagliano to learn how to make an accessible Shopify website. Learning Outcomes: Key accessibility design considerations for Shopify sites. Product page modifications. How to test your Shopify site for accessibility. Meeting ID: 829 5155 7470 | Passcode: 882703 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82951557470#,,,,*882703# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82951557470?pwd=WGJYRGNtNHNmRGRnb0FCdjhIL0JOZz09&mc_cid=83e69f69f3&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

June 13, 2023 | Ramping Up Your Accessibility Testing: A Beginner's Guide | TPGi

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenters: Gigi Etienne, Associate Accessibility Engineer. As an experienced accessibility professional that is new to accessibility testing, Gigi Etienne will share the learnings of this past year, the mistakes she's made, and pass on the most useful tips and feedback she's received. The goal is for you to leave with a better understanding of how accessibility testing works and the key things you should be looking for when testing a website or app. She will present you with a practical and simplified approach to the testing process so you can get started and quickly become a better and more efficient accessibility tester. Whether you are new to accessibility testing, are looking to become an accessibility auditor, or simply want to have the skills to do some accessibility testing as part of your job, this session is for you. Register today:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-june-13-at-12pm-et-ramping-up-your-accessibility-testing-a-beginners-guide/

June 14, 2023 | Meet the New RUBY 10 (Assistive Technology Webinar — ACVREP CE Approved) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
The video magnifier has a 10-inch touchscreen and three dedicated cameras, and it can magnify letters, magazines, labels, and photos. The swing-out arm allows you to view items in your hand and write. When extended, it also enables full-page OCR. With a button, you can scan pages and have them read aloud. The third camera can see objects at a short distance, such as signs and menus on a wall. Users can utilize cutting-edge magnification features with industry-leading OCR to maximize the reading experience. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero as they demonstrate the advanced capabilities of the latest low-vision solution from Freedom Scientific, the RUBY 10. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), ACVREP continuing education credit is approved for this presentation. Learning Outcomes. How RUBY 10 uses cutting-edge view modes not seen in any other device. Discover different uses of the RUBY 10. How the RUBY 10 differs from the other models. Why having OCR in a portable unit can be a game-changer. Meeting ID: 836 5396 6007 | Passcode: 101322 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,83653966007#,,,,*101322# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83653966007?pwd=djNaTXhzWlhJWmRiOFZyNThhNGc3Zz09&mc_cid=83e69f69f3&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

June 21, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: ARIA

9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenters: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. TPGi's Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) platform empowers teams to solve common accessibility issues while growing their understanding over time. The monthly “Understand, Test, and Solve” webinar series covers fundamental concepts in accessibility. Attendees learn how to address the set of WCAG Success Criteria for each concept. Over the course of this series, teams achieve full WCAG coverage in their testing:
https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-june-21-at-12pm-et-understand-test-solve-aria/

June 21, 2023 | Canva: Is Accessible Content Possible? (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Explore the Canva program to author documents and discover how posters, flyers, and other files made in Canva can have accessibility hurdles. Join Rachel Reeves to learn about the possibility of creating accessible content on Canva. Learning Outcomes: Using Canva to create Graph/Chart images and meet Color Contrast Requirements. How does Canva impact accessibility? How to create accessible documents with Canva. | Meeting ID: 821 5591 4679 | Passcode: 600843 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,82155914679#,,,,*600843# US (San Jose). Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82155914679?pwd=K1BjcG9JV29RbFhSSUdYZTdJeUZMdz09&mc_cid=83e69f69f3&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

June 27, 2023 | Blind, Equity, Inclusion Free Webinar | NSITE

11:30AM PT, 12:30PM MT, 1:30PM CT, 2:30PM ET, 6:30PM GMT
Learn about BEI (Blind, Equity & Inclusion) and how you can increase your ROI. Recognize unconscious bias; examine "blind spots" in your diversity hiring; recognize "diverse abilities"; identify the bottom line and ROIs of hiring this talent. Presented by NSITE's DEI Team Rikki Howie & Doug Goist:
https://bit.ly/NSITE-BEI

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

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

June 28, 2023 | JAWS: Tables in Word & HTML (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Many JAWS users avoid tables in both Word and the internet because they don't have training in navigating tables using JAWS. Along with not navigating a table, people also believe that creating a table in Word is not accessible with JAWS. Join Michael Parker and Marisa Church to learn techniques, apply settings, navigate tables, and create tables using JAWS. Learning Outcomes: Navigating tables in Word. The different ways of navigating a table. Demonstrating column and row titles and how to set them using the JAWS quick settings. Inserting and deleting columns and rows. How to create a table. Navigating tables in HTML. Using smart navigation. | Meeting ID: 867 2021 6234 | Passcode: 157521 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,86720216234#,,,,*157521# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86720216234?pwd=c1R2R3VRQ3J5RXZFd0QrNkRjOEtVdz09&mc_cid=83e69f69f3&mc_eid=90429c1885#success

July 1, 2023 through July 6, 2023 | NFB 2023 National Convention in Houston, Texas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24

Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between:
https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/

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

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

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

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

November 6, 2023 through November 10, 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado:
https://accessinghigherground.org/

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

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

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

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


➜ Directories


1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directory

https://toptechtidbits.com/app-directory.html

2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directory

https://toptechtidbits.com/game-directory.html

3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directory

https://toptechtidbits.com/listserv-directory.html

4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directory

https://toptechtidbits.com/podcast-directory.html


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Double Tap is the show where blind people talk tech! If you're blind or partially sighted and have an interest in technology, this is the show for you. Everyone is welcome no matter how old you are or how much or how little experience you have with technology. Each week the team will help you better understand how technology can help your everyday life, even if you have little or no sight. Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail! Email: feedback@doubletap.online 📧️. Phone: +1 (844) 971-1999 📱️
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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.



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➜ Classified Advertisement: Order Now! Get The Most Powerful Android Notetaker Available, the BrailleSense 6 From HIMS. It's Simply The Best.

The time is now to get your all-new BrailleSense 6 notetaker, the most powerful and user-friendly notetaker on the market. Running Android 10, with 128 GB of Storage, 6 GB of Memory, and an 8-Core CPU, the BrailleSense 6 is the ultimate braille notetaker. Learn more today at:
https://hims-inc.com/product/braillesense-6/

Sponsor Since: September 30th 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: https://hims-inc.com/ 🌐

Shop All Products: https://hims-inc.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒

Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo

Sales Email: sales@selvasblv.com 📧️
Support Email: support@selvasblv.com 📧️

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



Carroll Center for the Blind logo.

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

Launch your career in the digital accessibility field! The Carroll Center for the Blind's new 7-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program allows participants to learn and grow their ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers. Want to learn more? Start your journey to becoming a Screen Reader User Tester by visiting:
https://carroll.org/screen-reader-user-tester-training-program/

Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: https://carroll.org/ 🌐

Phone: (617) 969-6200 📱️

Fax: (617) 969-6204

Shop: https://carroll.org/store/ 🛒

Donate: https://carroll.org/donate

Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram

About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living.



Pneuma Solutions logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: The Next Generation in Accessibility

Need to quickly access a distant computer with minimal fuss? Need to quickly convert image documents into readable text? Today's students and working professionals demand more of their technology. Employers expect more of their workforce. Pneuma Solutions is bridging the gap using the best in machine learning to connect you to your environment when you need it, how you need it. Give us a try, and experience accessibility on a whole new level:
https://pneumasolutions.com/

Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐

Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education.

Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️

Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️

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.



Freedom Scientific logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille Displays

Our 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:
https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/blindness/focus-blue-family/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=Top%20Tech%20Tidbit

Sponsor Since: April 15th 2021 Calendar icon.

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.



HumanWare logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: BRAILLIANT Renewed! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series is here!

The wait is over! A redefined family of Brailliant refreshable Braille displays has arrived! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series will help you stay connected, download books from many participating online libraries and share information easily with your peers. You will enjoy the intuitive, seamless user experience of KeySoft Lite, the HumanWare flagship accessibility suite designed to make you more productive. Including the Brailliant BI 40X and the Brailliant BI 20X, this is the Brailliant idea you need!
http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/newsletter/123020211100-BrailliantBIX-Launch-US.htm

Sponsor Since: February 4th 2021 Calendar icon.

Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐

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

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWVYiggn-w 🎥

About: HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. HumanWare offers a wide range of innovative products, including the BrailleNote Touch, first Google certified braille tablet, the iOS compatible Brailliant braille displays, Victor Reader®, the world's leading family of digital audiobook players, the unique Prodigi® family of desktop and portable vision and reading systems, and the ultra-portable explore line of electronic handheld magnifier.



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

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

Revolution Cane Tip: Standard Roller Tip: $14.50 | Locator Dots: Small Pack of 6 (Clear or Orange): $2.00 | NFB Metal Cane Tip: $3.00 | TMAP - On Demand Tactile Street | Map (set of two maps): $25.00 | Ambutech Aluminum Folding Cane: $35.00 | NFB Chris Park Telescoping Cane: $45.00 | BoldWriter 20 Pen (Individual or 6-pack): $2.00 | Bump Dots: Mixed (50 count): $7.00 | Braille Apple Catalina VoiceOver Guide OSX 10.15 (3 volumes) - Latest Manual: $52.00 | SpeedDots iPhone Tactile Screen Protector, Phone Layout: $12.00 | NFB Chris Park 7-Piece Folding Cane: $50.00 | Visit https://adaptations.org/ to learn more today!

Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://adaptations.org/ 🌐

Toll Free: (888) 400-8933 📱️

Local: (415) 694-7301 📱️

About: Founded in 1902, San Francisco's LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision. Adaptations is your online go-to for tools, technology, and accessible solutions for blind and visually impaired people.



American Printing House (APH) logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Combine Learning And Gaming For A Fun Braille Adventure With Polly!

APH and Thinkerbell Labs are excited to introduce Polly, complete with customizable UEB lessons, songs, games, and stories! Join our waiting list to know when Polly is available:
https://www.aph.org/polly-wait-list/

Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐

Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 📱️

Phone: (512) 895-2405 📱️

Fax: (512) 899-2284

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ 🎥

Free Apps & Actions from APH: https://www.aph.org/free-apps-from-aph/ 📱

About: Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization, creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH believes that the future belongs to everyone. By offering innovative products and services, APH opens up a door of opportunities for lifelong independence and success.



Guidelights and Gadgets logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: News

Multiple choice of tips for titanium telescopic locking cane: roller ball, marshmellow, NFB metal tip, and others. Pre-installed on new canes. Power Travel Cube is back: 3 usb, 3 outlets, and overload protection; $35. Leather: Braille Display Waistpacks; 20, 32, and yes, 40 cells! Cane holster waistpack, $35. New Blindshell, Hable One, Stream 2 and 3, and SensePlayer cases, $35 - $45. No Bouncey Pouchey neck pouch, keep the jiggle factor down; $35. Call Barry or Kae at: (617) 969-7500 📱️ or (781) 286-1696 📱️ or email us at bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com 📧️ or guidelightdogs@gmail.com 📧️. We love to talk and help our customers find what they need and, what will work!

Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us

Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Calendar icon.

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

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

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

About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use. In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well.

What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, "hands on" evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, affordable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice!



A. T. Guys logo.

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

If you're like me, you probably have more things to plug into your computer than available ports. That's why we've now added the Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub. Plug it into your laptop and you will get 3 USB ports, SD and Micro SD card slots, a USBC charging port, and an HDMI video port. It's available now for just $29.95:
https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=331

Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐

Phone: (269) 216-4798 📱️

Email: support@atguys.com 📧️

Skype: atguys ✆

Twitter: https://twitter.com/atguys (@atguys) ✍

Facebook: https://facebook.com/atguys

About: ATGuys.com. Your access technology experts, home for cool gadgets, accessories, and more. Our products are all tested to work great for blind and visually impaired users but also work just as well for anyone. If there's an item you're looking for, or if you have a question, please don't hesitate to send us a message or call (269) 216-4798 📱️.



Ayes.ai logo.

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

AYES is happy to announce the launch of our new application OKO. OKO uses artificial intelligence and the back camera to recognize the pedestrian traffic light and inform the user of the walk, don't walk and the countdown state. We bring this state back to the user with three types of feedback, visual overlay, vibrations and audio feedback.

The application does not rely on any adaptations to the traffic light and runs locally on the smartphone, this means that it works at every intersection.

We always recommend to hold the phone at chest level with the camera pointing towards the direction that you want to cross. You can then rotate your chest between 10 to 15 degrees to locate the pedestrian traffic light. The moment we see that light the software immediately reacts. This helps to orient in the right direction and also stops you from veering off into traffic because the moment you veer off the feedback stops, you reorient and receive feedback to continue in the right direction.

https://apps.apple.com/be/app/oko-by-ayes/id1583614988

Sponsor Since: March 16th 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://ayes.ai/ 🌐

App: Download the OKO App from the Apple App Store here.

Email: hello@ayes.ai 📧️

About: AYES was founded by three experienced AI engineers that are defining autonomous navigation for blind and visually impaired people.

AYES.ai is the creator of the OKO App.

OKO App logo.

Simply point the back camera of the phone towards the intersection that you want to cross and the OKO application will instantly detect the traffic light and inform the user through audio and haptic feedback.

The OKO application can provide multiple services for your company, city or your country, all independent of physical infrastructure. This can increase your accessibility to 100%, overnight. OKO provides an accessible traffic light at every intersection. And, best of all, all OKO data is completely anonymized, ensuring your personal privacy at all times.

The OKO app is fully independent from infrastructure and does not require a Wi-Fi or Cellular connection to operate at full capacity. The algorithm runs locally on your device, meaning that it works consistently and reliably every single time. The application has been trained on more than 150,000 images and continues to improve. Download the app today.



Sterling Adaptives, LLC logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Limited Time Introductory Pricing On The New Victor Reader Stream 3!

With the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3, it's so easy to take your books, music, and more wherever you go. Imagine being able to listen to the latest novels, magazines, or your favorite music, podcasts, and your own voice recordings, all in the palm of your hand. With its sleek, compact design and easy-to-grip edges, the digital media player gives you hours of listening wherever you are and a superior text-to-speech experience in multiple languages.

Take advantage of our introductory pricing on the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3! Order today or call (415) 878-2922 📱️. Use promo code TOPTECH for Free Shipping!

https://sterlingadaptives.com/products/humanware-victor-reader-stream-3rd-generation

Sponsor Since: March 9th 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://sterlingadaptives.com/ 🌐

Shop: https://sterlingadaptives.com/collections/vision-products

Phone: (415) 878-2922 📱️

Email: info@sterlingadaptives.com 📧️

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time

Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

About: Based in California, Sterling Adaptives supplies the most technologically advanced equipment and software currently available. We serve those who are blind or have visual impairment and also others with disabilities.

We have a showroom in Santa Rosa and can also meet in the comfort of your home. We supply a full range of computer hardware, software, peripherals, and assistive technology products. We are able to provide demonstrations, installations, troubleshooting, and ongoing product training.

We work with private individuals, non-profit agencies, private organizations, educational establishments, and commercial enterprises. We help our customers fully realize their potential.

We are known for providing you and your clients with the standards of service that you demand and that result in the right product at the right time and with the right backup service.

We look forward to hearing from you and being afforded the opportunity to show you just how Sterling our service is!



Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. logo.

Sponsor Since: December 29th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://lhblind.org/ 🌐

Phone: (800) 914-7307 📱️

Fax: (206) 329-3397

Contact Us: https://lhblind.org/contact-us/

About: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to people who are blind in our community since 1918.

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a successful manufacturing organization with over 60 years of experience in precision machining. We produce an array of machined parts and plastic injection molding for various aerospace manufacturers, as well as a host of office products and hydration equipment sold to the Federal Government and the U.S. Military. We also own and operate stores on military bases along the West Coast. Our products and services include:

Manufacturing: We are a successful manufacturing organization committed to making jobs accessible to individuals who are blind. Our manufacturing operations center on making quality products for the Federal Government under the AbilityOne Program and producing parts for aerospace manufacturers.

Managed Services: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. offers a variety of services to our commercial, federal, and military customers. These include Contract Management Support (CMS) services for government contracting offices.

Base Supply Centers: We operate 12 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) that offer easy customer access to Lighthouse products, direct feedback and communication with customers, and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind in geographic areas not served by larger nonprofit agencies.



WayAround logo.

➜ Classified Advertisement: 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.
https://www.wayaround.com/shop/?utm_source=AssistiveTech&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AccessInfoNewsSponsorAd

Sponsor Since: January 5, 2023 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐

General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️

Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️

Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️

About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence.

All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®.

Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence.

Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8

Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround



Aira logo.

Sponsor Since: August 4th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐

Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store

Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/

Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 📱️ | AU: +1.800.765.096 📱️ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 📱️ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 📱️

Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📲 | AU: +61.488.839.767 📲 | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📲

Email: support@aira.io 📧️

Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

About: Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting.

We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables.

Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free.
https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/

Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time.

Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works.

Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it.



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

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

Serving blind people since 1999, we're a family-owned, forward-thinking company offering both tried-and-true and exciting new products for blind and low vision consumers. We design and carry self-voicing educational software, Braille supplies, talking gadgets, adapted household items, tactile card and board games, audible toys and gift ideas. Passionate about innovation, we've also created dozens of products from scratch when a suitable solution did not exist. Shop online at http://www.braillebookstore.com/ and enjoy fast, free shipping.

Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: http://www.braillebookstore.com/ 🌐

Phone (Toll Free): (800) 987-1231 📱️

Fax (Toll Free): (800) 985-1231

Email: Sales@BrailleBookstore.com 📧️

Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time.

About: Welcome to Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore. We have been supplying products to blind people and their families since 1999. We offer thousands of Braille books, toys, games, kitchen aids, and talking products. We have unbeatable prices, fast, free shipping, and great customer service! We have tons of Braille books and cool products to choose from; so grab a cup of coffee, relax, and we'll give you a quick tour:

Products:

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

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



Fable logo. Pink shield logo with Fable in black text.

➜ Classified Advertisement: Learn Management Skills For Free. Get The Job You Want.

Everyone deserves equal access to the internet which is why Fable works with people with disabilities who use assistive technologies like switch controls to improve the accessibility of websites and apps. Fable Pathways, a free, accessible, and on-demand skill-building program, is an extension of Fable's mission. Fable Pathways provides new opportunities for people with disabilities to gain the skills they need, from experts like Judy Heumann and Kelly Ford, to contribute to improving digital accessibility.
https://tinyurl.com/3x7d7t3v

Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://makeitfable.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://makeitfable.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://makeitfable.com/community/.



Clusiv logo.

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

Are you interested in learning new tech skills and working remotely while earning a competitive salary? At Clusiv.io we have created the world's first digitally accessible e-Learning platform built by the blind, and built for the blind. Visit the link provided and request Clusiv through your Vocational Rehab counselor for lifetime access to our e-Learning platform with courses such as Business Applications, JAWS, and more:
https://clusiv.io/

Sponsor Since: June 9th 2022 Calendar icon.

Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐

About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info.

Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients

Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates



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➜ Top Tech Tidbits News Team


Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)


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Volunteer Publisher Since: June 4th 2020

Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)

In addition to serving as Publisher for Top Tech Tidbits Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Access Information News Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Top Tech Tidbits as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editor to Top Tech Tidbits.

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
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Editorial Contributor: John Hanlin (Volunteer)


Volunteer Editor Since: June 4th 2020

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)

In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, John also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.

John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

John Hanlin, Esq.

Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Email: editors@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
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Editorial Contributor: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)


Volunteer Editor Since: June 4th 2020

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)

In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and runs her own advocacy foundation.

Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.

Jenna Lang, PMP

Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Email: editors@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Subscribe: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe
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Editorial Contributor: Stephen (Alex) Marositz (Volunteer)


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Editor Since: October 7th 2021

Location: Los Angeles, California

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)

In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Alex is also an Accessible Technology Coordinator for California State University, Dominguez Hills. He has worked in accessibility in higher education since 2005, is certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, and in his spare time plays for the San Gabriel Valley Panthers Beep Baseball Team. He can be reached on twitter at: @samarositz.

Stephen (Alex) Marositz

Editor (2021-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Accessible Technology Coordinator
California State University, Dominguez Hills
https://csudh.edu 🌐

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Editorial Contributor: Ben Moxey (Volunteer)


Photo of Ben Moxey holding Ferris, Guide Dog in Training.

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 📧️
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Editorial Contributor: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)


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Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6, 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)

In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, David also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.

In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.

He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.

David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.

David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.

As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.

Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

In addition to his weekly contributions to Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.

David Woodbridge

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/ 🌐

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Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit Access Technology publication that reaches over 27,000 assistive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Sign up here. Review the archive here. Adaptive Technology refers to items that are specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Assistive Technology. Adaptive Technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, Stephen (Alex) Marositz, and Ben Moxey. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor and reader supported publication.

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