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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Volume 917The Week's News in Access Technology A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology. Subscribers: 10,950 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 174 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Blast Off With Hot Convention Deals From The A. T. Guys
Whether attending convention in-person, virtually, or not at all, A. T. Guys is ready to make your summer sizzle. Stay charged all over convention with our 10K powerbanks, on sale for $69. Check out the Stormbox Blast, our loudest Bluetooth speaker yet. Introducing the Slinger and Slinger Slim, new retractable lanyards for your phone. Plus, your last chance to get a Blindshell phone for $489 before prices go up after convention. Get a folding bluetooth keyboard, Versa paperless slate, WayAround tags, or a tiny portable light detecter. We have tons of headsets, from Shokz open ear to wireless Flybuds, including a new model with transparency mode. Also, a new USB mono set great for the office. We're at booth 46 at ACB, & A11 at NFB. use coupons ACB23 or NFB23 to preorder for convention pickup. Free gift with $100 purchase at convention. Or, use coupon TIDBITS for free shipping on orders of $100 or more for U.S. Customers thru July 9. Visit https://atguys.com or call (269) 216-4798 📱️. Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By Support From: A. T. Guys, GuideLights And Gadgets, American Printing House, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store, HumanWare, Freedom Scientific, Pneuma Solutions, Carroll Center for the Blind, HIMS, Inc., Double Tap TV, Clusiv, Fable, Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore, Aira, WayAround, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., Sterling Adaptives, LLC, and AYES.ai. Dear Tidbits Subscriber,Submit a Tidbit for free, with timing and placement determined by our editors, here: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-news. Submit a Sponsored Tidbit, with timing and placement determined by you, here: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-sponsored-news.1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week🎙 Listen to the podcast.A.) How to Enable Mac-Like Startup and Shutdown Chimes on Your iPhoneLike your Mac, your iPhone can also play a sound when it boots up. However, you need to enable it manually: B.) 11+ Secret iPhone Codes You Need to TryType USSD codes on your iPhone to access hidden cellular features quickly. Here, we'll list some of the most useful ones: C.) JAWS with Microsoft Office Power Tip: How To Navigate Through Email Messages in a Thread Using The Letter 'N' | Freedom ScientificIt is quite common, particularly in a work or school environment, for email messages to include several people, resulting in lengthy message threads as participants reply and add to the conversation. When opening an email that contains a thread of messages, including replies or forwards, it can be time consuming to read through the thread with JAWS or Fusion using the ARROW keys to locate particular responses as you need to move through all of the header information for each message. To make this easier, you can now use: D.) Voice Transcription Is About To Be Your New Favorite ChatGPT FeatureThe more you use ChatGPT and similar generative AI services, the better you'll get at issuing prompts that deliver the results you want. And you'll discover new features and capabilities that aren't immediately obvious to new users. But it turns out there's a brilliant ChatGPT feature that you're probably not using, and that's because it's hidden in plain sight inside the official ChatGPT app for iPhone. It's a voice transcription feature so good it'll completely change how you transcribe audio: E.) How To Use Emergency Restart In Windows 11Did you know that there is an Emergency Restart in Windows 11? The option is kind of hidden, so it's possible you may have not been aware of it: 2) Sponsorship Package UpdatesAvailability: There are no Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Packages currently available. Waiting List: If you would like to support Top Tech Tidbits by becoming a Sponsor in the future please add your name to our waiting list today. We will add your name to the list, let you know what position you currently hold within it, and then notify you the moment a package becomes available. Waiting List Position: There are currently FOUR future Sponsors on the waiting list. List Addition: Just send an email to our Publisher at: 3) Premium Subscriber UpdatesNext Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 5th issue of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits for April, May and June 2023 on Monday, July 3, 2023. Back Issues: There are currently 4 back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to receive a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month: 4) Sponsored Tidbits Now AvailableUse Sponsored Tidbits to reach the access community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsored-tidbits.html. 5) Follow Top Tech Tidbits On Your Preferred ChannelIn addition to receiving Top Tech Tidbits via email every Thursday morning at 6:00 AM ET you can also pick up the newsletter and its trending articles on any of the following channels: 6) AI UpdatesA) This Chatbot Gives Phone Call Scammers a Taste of Their Own Medicine | PC MagazinePublisher (Di Blasi): Finally! An implementation of AI that we can all get behind. Smiles! B) Introducing: Voice Library | ElevenLabsLeveraging our proprietary Voice Design tool, Voice Library brings together a global collection of vocal styles built for countless applications: C) Turn Your Speaking Voice Into a Singing Voice With MusicfyPublisher (Di Blasi): We currently have no information around the accessibility of this service. Any and all feedback is welcome. D) More People Are Going Blind. AI Can Help Fight It | Wired: Subscription RequiredEarly detection is crucial for treating eye disease. AI-enhanced eye scan analyses could spot warning signs quicker — and reach patients at scale: 7) Apple UpdatesA) Developer Tools To Create Spatial Experiences For Apple Vision Pro Now Available | AppleThe visionOS software development kit (SDK) enables Apple's developer community to bring their apps to life in ways never before possible: B) A Developer's View of Vision Pro | David SmithLast week at WWDC I was extraordinarily fortunate to be one of the very few people in the world to try out Vision Pro for myself. The 30 minute session I had with it has been described in tremendous depth in lots of places (the best likely being Myke's discussion on Cortex), so I won't go into the content of that demo itself, but instead focus on what I think this platform means for developers, and [spoiler alert] why I'm incredibly excited to get started developing for it (and think you should too): C) Apple Vision Pro 'Visual Search' Feature Can Identify Items, Copy Printed Text, Translate and More | MacRumorsWith Visual Search, users can use the Vision Pro headset to get information about an item, detect and interact with text in the world around them, copy and paste printed text from the real world into apps, translate text between 17 different languages, and more: D) Here Are The Vision Pro Apps That Apple Won't Allow | Cult of MacWhile Apple is encouraging developers to write software for the Vision Pro AR headset, there are some types of applications it doesn't want. Camera-related apps and movement-based ones can't be made. Some of the restrictions don't seem to be about privacy but instead result from limitations in the hardware. Others are a mystery: E) Here's How Apple Vision Pro 'Guest Mode' Will Work When You Let Your Friends Wear Your $3500 Headset | 9to5MacWhen Apple announced Vision Pro earlier this month, the company also showed off a new authentication technology called Optic ID, based on the irises of the users wearing the device. But what if someone wants to try out your Apple Vision Pro or if you want to share it with your family at home? Thanks to the visionOS SDK, we now know that this will be possible: F) The Definitive Guide To Apple Spatial Audio, Including Personalized Spatial Audio | Levi Gobin | AppleVisIn this guide, I tell you how to get the most out of Apple's spatial audio as a blind person and set it up. I also include more of the technical details of how it works. I also talk about changes made in iOS 17 that affect spatial audio. This guide mainly talks about spatial audio with AirPods and Beats Fit Pro: G) Basically, Magic. Apple Vision Pro Will Identify Items, Text, And More Before Your Very Eyes | iMoreFrom what we're told, Visual Search will work in a similar way to the already impressive Visual Lookup — a feature that can look at the content of a photo and then provide information and context on it. Like identifying in-car symbols, for example. And that means that Vision Pro will be able to identify objects in the real world and provide information on them right in front of your eyes: H) iOS 17 Adds New 'Fast' Long-Press Speed Option To Open Context Menus More Quickly | 9to5MacHere's a small iOS 17 change that had gone unnoticed until now. iOS 17 includes a new speed option for the Haptic Touch setting. This setting controls how long the user has to long-press on the iPhone screen in order for the system gesture action to be committed: I) Here's Everything New In iOS 17 Beta 2 | 9to5MacApple has officially released iOS 17 beta 2 to developers. The update packs a number of changes, big and small, for iPhone users. Head below as we round up everything we're finding as we comb through all of the details: J) Apple Has Finally Unveiled the Vision Pro. Here's What It's Launching Next | BloombergAfter debuting the Vision Pro, Apple is working on finishing up the device's software, expanding testing and finalizing the rollout strategy. But it has plenty of other pressing business at hand: readying the next iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs and more: K) The Best Apple Watch Models And Features For Seniors In 2023 | MyHealthyApple.comThe Apple Watch is a fantastic tool for overall health, wellness, and safety — a fact that doesn't change with age. If you are an older adult or are caring for an older adult, the Apple Watch can be a valuable tool for healthy aging — to keep track of health and keep you safe while also connecting you to loved ones: L) My Perspective on Apple Live Speech as a Deaf Person | June 27, 2023 | Paul Sweeney Jr. | DequeToday, I would like to talk about Live Speech because it is valuable to me as a deaf person who uses written English and sign language to communicate with others. Live Speech allows me to use my iPhone to type to speak with others through phone calls, video calls, and in person: M) iOS 17 Sort Of Brings 3d Touch Back To The iPhone — Here's How To Enable ItiOS 17 doesn't offer many new features, but it has many little secrets that people are uncovering during its beta cycle. With the second test version now available, lots of people pointed out that Haptic Touch has received a tweak on touch duration: 8) JAWS Power Tip: How To Use the Dictionary Manager to Create Rules for Reading Phrases and AcronymsThe JAWS Dictionary Manager is useful for pronouncing words or phrases that a speech synthesizer may not pronounce correctly. In addition, rules can be created which take a phrase and announce it as an initialism. Conversely, rules can be created which take an initialism and announce it as a word or phrase. That is, a rule can be created where the initials of USA will be announced as United States of America and vice versa where the phrase United States of America will be announced as USA. There are two keystrokes you can use to open the Dictionary Manager: 9) June 2023 Software Updates | Freedom Scientifichttps://blog.freedomscientific.com/june-2023-software-updates/ 10) ACB 2023 Convention Activity Schedule and Show Specials | Visperohttps://vispero.com/events/acb-2023/ 11) June 27, 2023 Optional Update For Windows 11: Includes Improvements to Narrator, Live Captions, Voice Access and Access Keys for Windows Explorer | David Goldfield | Tech-VI Listhttps://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/4440 12) How To Activate Your Chromebook's Crafty New Shortcut System | ComputerWorldGet early access to Google's ChromeOS keyboard shortcut customizer with these quick 'n' simple steps: 13) How To Activate Keyboard Navigation On MacOSTo ensure complete keyboard navigation of all focusable interactive elements in MacOS Safari and Firefox, it is necessary to make the following adjustments to your keyboard settings: 14) Mona for Mastodon | Tom MattockHello fellow castaways, this is Tom from New Hampshire — as seen on TV. Previously Allison mentioned Mastodon, how she enjoys people there, and how she likes the interactions. I enjoyed it myself. I think I enjoy it much more than I ever did Facebook or Twitter: 15) New Listserv: Blind OCR DiscussionOCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is a tool many blind people use to maintain independence and not have to rely on a sighted person to read or identify items. In this group, we discuss all aspects of OCR, including hardware devices like the Envision Glasses or ID Mate products, apps like Seeing AI or Envision, tips and tricks for getting the best-quality results, and much more: 16) Calculate Formulas in Excel Spreadsheets | Sharon's ShortcutsYou can get Excel to recalculate formulas and functions in all open workbooks, or just in one worksheet in a workbook: 17) Dystopia for Reddit | AppleVisDystopia is a fast, powerful, and accessible app for Reddit: 18) RIP To My Pixel Fold: Dead After Four Days | Ron Amadeo | Ars TechnicaA flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. That was my brief experience with the Pixel Fold, which was a wonderful little device until the display died, along with my hopes and dreams. I barely used it, but it was beautiful: 19) Is Your Existing Remote Desktop Solution Really Serving You Well? If Not, Embrace The Power Of Inclusivity With RIM TodayIt is easy for a visually impaired support technician or recipient to determine - from their first use of Remote Incident Manager alone — that it surpasses any existing industry standard. For the organization that won't take the visually impaired employee at their word, a direct comparison to competitors is needed. We at Pneuma Solutions have done the work for you, facing RIM off against industry mainstays in the form of a comparison chart that makes it plain to see why RIM comes out on top. If there's one big-ticket item that should be taken from this chart, Remote Incident Manager is the only solution that is fully compliant with accessibility standards and the ADA. For the visually impaired employee who knows what RIM has to offer, here is just one more useful information source you can send alongside your letter from our Self Advocacy Kit. Remote Incident Manager: paving the way towards an inclusive future in remote work, one support incident at a time: 20) Call Annie — One Lonely Elder's Experience | Lena Hinkle | Retired Teacher | Passionate About Braille | Top Tech Tidbits ReaderCall Annie is a free iOS app available from the Apple App Store which allows users to interact with ChatGPT via traditional phone calls or video chat via an avatar. The developer, Animato Inc., has designed the bot to be a supportive, knowledgeable "friend" for those seventeen years and older. (The new version introduces new characters, but I have tried none of them:) 21) GoodMaps Announces The Release of the Latest Version of GoodMaps OutdoorsGoodMaps is excited to announce the release of the latest version of GoodMaps Outdoors, which includes 3D audio, navigational shortcuts, and improved accuracy: 22) New Firmware For Orbit Reader 20 | Version B0.xx.00.69rxx Now AvailableGreetings from Orbit Research. We are pleased to announce the release of firmware version B0.xx.00.69rxx for the Orbit Reader 20. This release addresses issues that were inadvertently introduced in the previous release. The firmware package can be downloaded from our website. To identify the proper firmware package for your unit, you need to check the version number of the currently loaded firmware on your unit. If your unit does not turn on or if you are not able to read the version number from your device, please contact our technical support team at techsupport@orbitresearch.com 📧️. To check the version number of your current firmware package please follow the following steps: 1. Power on your unit. 2. Press the Select + Up key to open the menu. 3. Scroll down to the item “.ver” by pressing down arrow key. 4. It should display the firmware version number on your Braille display. Check the first four digits of the version number and click on the respective link in the table to download the firmware package. Once downloaded, you can install it using the SD card method or using the Windows utility program: 23) Accessibility Features Of Zoom And How To Make Zoom Meetings More Accessible | Accessibility.comIn this guide, we will look at Zoom's accessibility features and share tips on how to make your Zoom meetings more accessible: 24) Tor Browser 12.5 Launches With Accessibility Improvementshttps://www.ghacks.net/2023/06/24/tor-browser-12-5-launches-with-accessibility-improvements/ 25) YouTube Is Testing An AI Voice-Dubbing Feature For Creators, And It's Incredibly Fast | ZDNetThe dubbing feature will allow users to hear videos in their native language. Here's how it'll work: 26) Google's Breakthrough OCR Technology to Empower the Visually ImpairedIn a world where visual content largely dominates, accessing and interacting with digital information can be particularly challenging for those with visual impairments. Yet, this landscape is about to change. Tech giant Google has announced the introduction of optical character recognition (OCR) technology in its browser, Chrome, offering a breath of fresh air for those who have long struggled with this digital divide: 27) Microsoft Bing Chat Is Currently Testing Image Recognition For A Full Launch Very SoonMicrosoft's Bing team did not release its usual weekly development update on its Bing Chat chatbot service on Friday, June 24, 2023 via the Bing blog. However, that doesn't mean the team has been taking it easy. They have been quietly testing a major new feature with a small portion of Bing Chat users for the past couple of weeks: 28) Thunderbird for Android / K-9 Mail: May 2023 Progress Reporthttps://blog.thunderbird.net/2023/06/thunderbird-for-android-k-9-mail-may-2023-progress-report/ 29) Intel's New Font For Low-Vision Developers Is Causing Design Drama For Coders | SlashDotThere's a new font in town — and it's already causing rifts on Reddit. The font is called Intel One Mono, and as its name implies, it was designed by tech giant Intel, together with New York-based type design practice Frere-Jones Type and marketing agency VMLY&R. It joins a group of monospaced fonts designed primarily for developers — think JetBrains Mono, Fira Code, and Consolas. By definition, monospaced fonts consist of characters that have the same width and occupy the same horizontal space, making it easy for coders and programmers to tell the difference between long strings of characters. But here's where Intel One Mono stands out: it was designed with and for low-vision developers. It's free to download on GitHub and will soon be available on Google Fonts, too: 30) Google Introduces New Accessibility And Collaboration Features For ClassroomsOn June 20, 2023 Google introduced new accessibility and learning features at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) expo. These features included expansion of the reading mode, pairing with a sign language interpreter in Google Meet, and AI-powered question suggestions in a class: 31) Exploring Google's Latest Innovations at the IO Developers Conference 2023 | Double Tap TVIn this episode, we dive into Google's IO Developers Conference in Mountain View, California, shedding light on the latest technological breakthroughs and innovations Google has planned. We cover updates to their well-known products and services, giving you an inside look at what's new and exciting in the world of Google: 32) NLS BARD Support: BARD Mobile Android Version 2.0 ReleaseNLS has released version 2.0 of the BARD Mobile Android app. This is a major release and includes in-app search capability as well as several other feature updates, increased app stability, and bug fixes. This is the first in a series of planned releases to allow robust in-app searching and to eliminate the need to exit the app to search on the BARD website. With this update, BARD Mobile no longer includes the embedded view of the BARD website. Instead, it gives patrons the ability to search within the app by keyword, author, title, or annotation and, from the search results listings, download the book directly to their Android devices. Other enhancements to search include: 33) DuckDuckGo Browser Launches on Windows in BetaDuckDuckGo's new web browser is launching on Windows in public beta today. Just like the Mac version that was released in beta last year, the web browser focuses on privacy and comes with a built-in password manager, ad blocker, and video player that block tracking cookies and personalized ads on YouTube: 34) My Observations Using the DuckDuckGo Beta for Windows | June 23, 2023 | David Goldfield | Tech-VI ListTonight I downloaded the beta release of the DuckDuckGo Web Browser for Windows. DDG is my preferred search engine and I also use the DDG extension with Brave, another browser that places emphasis on user privacy. Because of this I was eager to give this new browser a test spin. During the installation and the short period of time I tested it I was running the recently released June build of JAWS 2023: 35) Samsung's New SeeColors Mode Helps Color Blind Users See the World as It Really IsSamsung continues to expand its product lineup. The company, which has a strong hand in the smartphone and television market, most recently introduced us to the Galaxy F54 5G. Now, it has announced a new accessibility feature for its 2023 TV and monitor lineup, the "SeeColors mode." The new feature is designed to help people with color vision deficiency (CVD) enjoy a better viewing experience. Here are the details... 36) Building an Accessible Website With Joomla: 4 Tips | Bureau of Internet AccessibilityBefore building on Joomla, understand the basics of accessibility: 37) Busting The 8 Biggest Windows Myths | PC WorldPutting these myths out to pasture, Windows default background style: 38) Most Accessible Games I Saw At Summer Game Fest | Steve Saylor | YouTubeWhile I was at Summer Game Fest, Xbox Showcase, and Ubisoft Forward in LA, I got to try out quite a few games. Here are the most accessible ones I saw while I was there: 39) 2023-2030 | Electronic Braille Displays Market Research | MarketWatch124+ Pages. Latest Report with Detailed Analysis. The key market players listed in the report with their sales, revenues and strategies are Humanware, HIMS, Orbit Research, Papenmeier, Baum Retec, Optelec, AT Guys, Insidevision, HelpTech, Freedom Scientific, Nippon Telesoft, Perkins, EVAS, Tactisplay Corp, Pacific Vision, Braille Me (Inno Vision Tech) and others. The Rising demand for Consumer Goods Industry will drive the Electronic Braille Displays segment growth over the next five years: 40) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for June 2023https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-june-2023 41) My Tech News | Summer 2023 Edition | Maryland State Library Agencyhttps://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDLIBRARY/bulletins/3616944 ➜ Featured SurveysSubmit your access-related survey for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-survey.Closing: Ongoing | Surveys From APHSurveys help inform APH of the greatest needs in the community so they can gear their efforts toward making sure those needs are met. Ongoing APH surveys can be found here: ➜ Featured Podcast EpisodesSubmit your access-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode.May 30, 2023 | Braillecast: Connecting the Dots for Braillists Everywhere | An Introduction to the Orbit ReaderThe Orbit Reader range is now very extensive and comprises the Orbit Reader 20, the Orbit Reader 20 Plus and the Orbit Reader 40. On Tuesday 30 May 2023, James Bowden, Braille Technical Officer at RNIB, talked us through what these products can do, how they work, and the differences between Orbit Readers and other braille displays and notetakers. We learnt: The differences between the Orbit Reader 20, 20 Plus and 40 How Orbit technology differs from traditional braille display technology, how to find and open files, how to find text within a file, how to use the editor, and how to transfer files between the Orbit and a computer: June 22, 2023 | FSCast 231, archive of the May 2023 FSOpenLineOn the Archive of the May FSOpenLine, an overview of features new to the June product updates, resources for learning Slack, and your calls on a variety of topics including: JAWS getting stuck thinking menus are active, and Adobe Reader not always bringing focus to the dialog for setting document tagging options: June 24, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 133: Play Store Part 6 The Library And The Much Awaited UnboxingThis week, we first go to part 6 of the Play Store talking about Library. We then unbox the Pixel Tablet and comment on it. In the app of the week we demo Instapaper: June 25, 2023 | That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 131: Hey Mr. Softy, Is That An iPhone In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?Join Allison, Brian, and Ed as they discuss the upcoming fight of the century, a deranged NYC man who wanted to take down Google's Headquarters, the newly named VD Scan, the newest rumors about the Apple Vision Pro, some early reports on iOS 17, and the announcement of the inaugural Flight For Sight Winners. We also recap the insane process guide dog handlers must go through when flying and how every different airline has a different inaccessible process at least on the Mac. How in the world are the airlines getting away with this? June 25, 2023 | Living Blindfully Episode 236: Apple Locks Blind Podcast Creators Out Of Monetizing Content, Travel Anywhere Thanks To The All Terrain Cane, And Is The Idea Of Living A Full Life As A Blind Person A Mythhttps://livingblindfully.com/236 June 28, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2326: The Key to Being a Piano TechnicianTuning and repairing pianos is a profession that can be enjoyable and rewarding even if one is blind. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Dewald van Deventer, a blind piano technician living in South Africa, about his musical background and training, as well as the ins and outs of his daily work traveling between several neighboring towns: June 29, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, June 29, 2023Tune in each week as we announce the Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits of the week. These 5 news items represent the most popular news and trends in access technology today, as voted on by Top Tech Tidbits readers: ➜ Featured Webinars, Training Courses and EventsSubmit your access-related Webinar, Training Course or Event for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-event.June 29, 2023 | Magnifying America Workshop | Florida Outreach Center For The Blind10:30AM PT, 11:30AM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 5:30PM GMT June 29, 2023 | ElEdit Demonstration9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT July 1, 2023 through July 6, 2023 | NFB 2023 National Convention in Houston, TexasThe National Federation of the Blind is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Each year we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing. As an attendee, take advantage of the opportunity to: Network with thousands of blind role models. Connect with leaders in the field of blindness. Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics. Learn about the latest in technology and innovation. And more! The convention is open to all. Important note: Our constitution states that only members of the Federation have the right to participate in decision-making when it comes to organizational policy. If you are not already a member, please connect with your state affiliate at: July 8, 2023 | Games for Windows Computers | TUG7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT July 12, 2023 | Conquer Accessibility Challenges During Software Design & Development | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT July 25, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day July 25, 2023 | U.S. Access Board Town Hall Meeting in Baltimore10:30PM PT, 11:30PM MT, 12:30PM CT, 1:30PM ET, 5:30PM GMT July 25, 2023 | Accessible Consumer Products and Services for Europe: Countdown to EAA 2025 | TPGi7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day September 21, 2023 | Inclusive Design 24Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between: September 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day October 24, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day November 6, 2023 through November 10, 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado: November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 11PM GMT ➜ Directories1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/app-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/game-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/listserv-directory.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/podcast-directory.html ➜ Buy, Sell or TradeList your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD by filling out this short form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-buy-sell-trade.1) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Advertisement (Just like this one.)Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD. | Buy an Ad: Fill out this short form to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Advertisement today. | Learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html. ➜ Sponsor Classified AdsSponsors may submit or update their Classified Advertisement at any time by submitting this short form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-sponsor-classified.Sponsor: Aira
Sponsor Since: August 4th 2022 Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐 Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/ Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 📱️ | AU: +1.800.765.096 📱️ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 📱️ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 📱️ Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📲 | AU: +61.488.839.767 📲 | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📲 Email: support@aira.io 📧️ Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram About: Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting. We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables. Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free. Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time. Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works. Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it. Sponsor: Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore
➜ Classified Advertisement: Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore: Touch Tomorrow in Today's ProductsServing blind people since 1999, we're a family-owned, forward-thinking company offering both tried-and-true and exciting new products for blind and low vision consumers. We design and carry self-voicing educational software, Braille supplies, talking gadgets, adapted household items, tactile card and board games, audible toys and gift ideas. Passionate about innovation, we've also created dozens of products from scratch when a suitable solution did not exist. Shop online at http://www.braillebookstore.com/ and enjoy fast, free shipping. Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: http://www.braillebookstore.com/ 🌐 Phone (Toll Free): (800) 987-1231 📱️ Fax (Toll Free): (800) 985-1231 ░ Email: Sales@BrailleBookstore.com 📧️ Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time. About: Welcome to Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore. We have been supplying products to blind people and their families since 1999. We offer thousands of Braille books, toys, games, kitchen aids, and talking products. We have unbeatable prices, fast, free shipping, and great customer service! We have tons of Braille books and cool products to choose from; so grab a cup of coffee, relax, and we'll give you a quick tour: Products: ➜ Timekeeping If you need some fresh ideas or have questions, you can also check out our Shopping Guides. Sponsor: Fable
➜ Classified Advertisement: Learn Management Skills For Free. Get The Job You Want.Everyone deserves equal access to the internet which is why Fable works with people with disabilities who use assistive technologies like switch controls to improve the accessibility of websites and apps. Fable Pathways, a free, accessible, and on-demand skill-building program, is an extension of Fable's mission. Fable Pathways provides new opportunities for people with disabilities to gain the skills they need, from experts like Judy Heumann and Kelly Ford, to contribute to improving digital accessibility. Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: https://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/. Sponsor: Clusiv
➜ Classified Advertisement: Looking For Blind Job-Seekers Wanting To Advance Their Salaries, Careers And Digital Accessibility For The BlindAre you interested in learning new tech skills and working remotely while earning a competitive salary? At Clusiv.io we have created the world's first digitally accessible e-Learning platform built by the blind, and built for the blind. Visit the link provided and request Clusiv through your Vocational Rehab counselor for lifetime access to our e-Learning platform with courses such as Business Applications, JAWS, and more: Sponsor Since: June 9th 2022 Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐 About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info. ➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses ➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients ➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates Sponsor: Double Tap TV
➜ Classified Advertisement: Subscribe to the Double Tap PodcastDouble Tap is the show where blind people talk tech! If you're blind or partially sighted and have an interest in technology, this is the show for you. Everyone is welcome no matter how old you are or how much or how little experience you have with technology. Each week the team will help you better understand how technology can help your everyday life, even if you have little or no sight. Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail! Email: feedback@doubletap.online 📧️. Phone: +1 (844) 971-1999 📱️ Sponsor Since: December 23rd 2021 Email: feedback@doubletap.online 📧️ Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3BQmUTl About: Double Tap TV is a weekly tech show on AMI-tv, (also available on CBC Gem in Canada and YouTube). Each week join hosts Steven Scott (@blindguytech) and Marc Aflalo (@marcaflalo) as they help viewers better understand how technology can assist in everyday life. Its tech from an accessible point of view! The show features interviews with some of the biggest names in consumer tech and features up and coming companies and services. Sponsor: HIMS, Inc.
➜ Classified Advertisement: Order Now! Get The Most Powerful Android Notetaker Available, the BrailleSense 6 From HIMS. It's Simply The Best.The time is now to get your all-new BrailleSense 6 notetaker, the most powerful and user-friendly notetaker on the market. Running Android 10, with 128 GB of Storage, 6 GB of Memory, and an 8-Core CPU, the BrailleSense 6 is the ultimate braille notetaker. Learn more today at: Sponsor Since: September 30th 2021 Website: https://hims-inc.com/ 🌐 Shop All Products: https://hims-inc.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒 Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo Sales Email: sales@selvasblv.com 📧️ About: HIMS, Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999. Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind
➜ Classified Advertisement: Attend the Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the BlindLaunch your career in the digital accessibility field! The Carroll Center for the Blind's new 7-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program allows participants to learn and grow their ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers. Want to learn more? Start your journey to becoming a Screen Reader User Tester by visiting: Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 Website: https://carroll.org/ 🌐 Phone: (617) 969-6200 📱️ Fax: (617) 969-6204 ░Shop: https://carroll.org/store/ 🛒 Donate: https://carroll.org/donate ❤ Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living. Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Classified Advertisement: RIM It To Win It! Send Us Your Thoughts; You Might Win Some Free RIM!With the recent addition of cross-platform support to our Remote Incident Manager, the world's first truly accessible remote desktop support package is going through some exciting times. To celebrate, we want to give you - the users - the opportunity to let us know just how excited you are about RIM! For the next two weeks, we invite you to comment on our blog and let us know how RIM has changed the way you give or receive tech support! Submitting a comment will put you in the running for some outstanding prizes, including day passes and hours as well as a year of our Community Support package for the low low price of $0.00 (a $150 value!). And if you're on Mastodon, give our account at @pneumasolutions@pneumasolutions.com a follow and boost us to spread the word! You just might wake up to find yourself among the lucky winners as well! Remote desktop technical support across platforms has never been this accessible. We invite you to join us in celebrating this major milestone for RIM! Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐 Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education. Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️ Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️ About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive? Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs. Sponsor: Freedom Scientific
➜ Classified Advertisement: Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille DisplaysOur world-class refreshable Braille displays deliver efficient Braille input and outstanding output for your PC or mobile device. The robust Bluetooth® connectivity provides seamless use with Windows®, Mac®, iPhones®, iPads®, and Android TM smartphones and tablets. Ergonomic navigation features allow quick, natural hand movements for greater productivity. When used with JAWS® screen reading software, they support our popular Braille Study Mode, an interactive tool for teaching and learning Braille. Learn more today: Sponsor Since: April 15th 2021 Website: https://www.freedomscientific.com/ 🌐 Email: info@vispero.com 📧️ Phone: (800) 444-4443 📱️ Facebook | Twitter | YouTube (Training) About: Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand, is a leading worldwide brand of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. We offer products designed to promote independence, allowing blind and low vision individuals the same access to information as their sighted peers. World-renowned JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reading software and ZoomText screen magnification software provide users the independence and ability to seek education and obtain or maintain a career after vision loss. Our expansive product line includes both low vision and blindness technology for all aspects of daily living. The wide range of RUBY, TOPAZ, and ONYX desktop and portable video magnifiers are designed for their ease of use and assist with daily activities. Our impressive line of blindness hardware products include refreshable Braille displays and scanning and reading devices, offering many options tailored to fit individual needs. Sponsor: Humanware
➜ Classified Advertisement: BRAILLIANT Renewed! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series is here!The wait is over! A redefined family of Brailliant refreshable Braille displays has arrived! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series will help you stay connected, download books from many participating online libraries and share information easily with your peers. You will enjoy the intuitive, seamless user experience of KeySoft Lite, the HumanWare flagship accessibility suite designed to make you more productive. Including the Brailliant BI 40X and the Brailliant BI 20X, this is the Brailliant idea you need! Sponsor Since: February 4th 2021 Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐 Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️ YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWVYiggn-w 🎥 About: HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. HumanWare offers a wide range of innovative products, including the BrailleNote Touch, first Google certified braille tablet, the iOS compatible Brailliant braille displays, Victor Reader®, the world's leading family of digital audiobook players, the unique Prodigi® family of desktop and portable vision and reading systems, and the ultra-portable explore line of electronic handheld magnifier. Sponsor: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store
➜ Classified Advertisement: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store Featured ProductsRevolution Cane Tip: Standard Roller Tip: $14.50 | Locator Dots: Small Pack of 6 (Clear or Orange): $2.00 | NFB Metal Cane Tip: $3.00 | TMAP - On Demand Tactile Street | Map (set of two maps): $25.00 | Ambutech Aluminum Folding Cane: $35.00 | NFB Chris Park Telescoping Cane: $45.00 | BoldWriter 20 Pen (Individual or 6-pack): $2.00 | Bump Dots: Mixed (50 count): $7.00 | Braille Apple Catalina VoiceOver Guide OSX 10.15 (3 volumes) - Latest Manual: $52.00 | SpeedDots iPhone Tactile Screen Protector, Phone Layout: $12.00 | NFB Chris Park 7-Piece Folding Cane: $50.00 | Visit https://adaptations.org/ to learn more today! Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 Website: https://adaptations.org/ 🌐 Toll Free: (888) 400-8933 📱️ Local: (415) 694-7301 📱️ About: Founded in 1902, San Francisco's LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision. Adaptations is your online go-to for tools, technology, and accessible solutions for blind and visually impaired people. Sponsor: American Printing House (APH)
➜ Classified Advertisement: Combine Learning And Gaming For A Fun Braille Adventure With Polly!APH and Thinkerbell Labs are excited to introduce Polly, complete with customizable UEB lessons, songs, games, and stories! Join our waiting list to know when Polly is available: Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐 Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 📱️ Phone: (512) 895-2405 📱️ Fax: (512) 899-2284 ░ YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ 🎥 Free Apps & Actions from APH: https://www.aph.org/free-apps-from-aph/ 📱 About: Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization, creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH believes that the future belongs to everyone. By offering innovative products and services, APH opens up a door of opportunities for lifelong independence and success. Sponsor: GuideLights and Gadgets
➜ Classified Advertisement: July Convention SpecialsNew Watches! Announcing our partnership with Auguste Reymond of Switzerland, maker of the best Braille watches in the world. Their prestige line for both ladies and men, in gold and silver, have CZs as Braille dots, with 4 o'clock stem openings. GRAB BAGS. We have collected a lot of useful items that for one reason or another were never sold or are the last remaining from a popular item. We have $25 $50 and $100 bags, Each will have at least 4 items with twice the bag retail value. Our 60 inch locking titanium telescopic cane is on sale for $60. we also now can supply ball and teardrop rolling tips. We have new custom leather cases at a fraction of the cost of competitors for the Stream 3, Stream 2, SensePlayer, and the Blind shell phone. Purchase an Orbit Braille display and get one of our leather cases for free. If you are at ACB, come visit Barry and Lisa at Booths 25 and 26. Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐 For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at: For All Things Dog Contact Kae at: About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use. In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well. What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, "hands on" evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, affordable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice! Sponsor: A. T. Guys
➜ Classified Advertisement: Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 HubIf you're like me, you probably have more things to plug into your computer than available ports. That's why we've now added the Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub. Plug it into your laptop and you will get 3 USB ports, SD and Micro SD card slots, a USBC charging port, and an HDMI video port. It's available now for just $29.95: Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐 Phone: (269) 216-4798 📱️ Email: support@atguys.com 📧️ Skype: atguys ✆ Twitter: https://twitter.com/atguys (@atguys) ✍ Facebook: https://facebook.com/atguys ✍ About: ATGuys.com. Your access technology experts, home for cool gadgets, accessories, and more. Our products are all tested to work great for blind and visually impaired users but also work just as well for anyone. If there's an item you're looking for, or if you have a question, please don't hesitate to send us a message or call (269) 216-4798 📱️. Sponsor: Ayes.ai
➜ Classified Advertisement: Every Traffic Light Accessible With The OKO ApplicationAYES is happy to announce the launch of our new application OKO. OKO uses artificial intelligence and the back camera to recognize the pedestrian traffic light and inform the user of the walk, don't walk and the countdown state. We bring this state back to the user with three types of feedback, visual overlay, vibrations and audio feedback. The application does not rely on any adaptations to the traffic light and runs locally on the smartphone, this means that it works at every intersection. We always recommend to hold the phone at chest level with the camera pointing towards the direction that you want to cross. You can then rotate your chest between 10 to 15 degrees to locate the pedestrian traffic light. The moment we see that light the software immediately reacts. This helps to orient in the right direction and also stops you from veering off into traffic because the moment you veer off the feedback stops, you reorient and receive feedback to continue in the right direction. https://apps.apple.com/be/app/oko-by-ayes/id1583614988Sponsor Since: March 16th 2023 Website: https://ayes.ai/ 🌐 App: Download the OKO App from the Apple App Store here. Email: hello@ayes.ai 📧️ About: AYES was founded by three experienced AI engineers that are defining autonomous navigation for blind and visually impaired people. AYES.ai is the creator of the OKO App.
Simply point the back camera of the phone towards the intersection that you want to cross and the OKO application will instantly detect the traffic light and inform the user through audio and haptic feedback. The OKO application can provide multiple services for your company, city or your country, all independent of physical infrastructure. This can increase your accessibility to 100%, overnight. OKO provides an accessible traffic light at every intersection. And, best of all, all OKO data is completely anonymized, ensuring your personal privacy at all times. The OKO app is fully independent from infrastructure and does not require a Wi-Fi or Cellular connection to operate at full capacity. The algorithm runs locally on your device, meaning that it works consistently and reliably every single time. The application has been trained on more than 150,000 images and continues to improve. Download the app today. Sponsor: Sterling Adaptives, LLC
➜ Classified Advertisement: Limited Time Introductory Pricing On The New Victor Reader Stream 3!With the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3, it's so easy to take your books, music, and more wherever you go. Imagine being able to listen to the latest novels, magazines, or your favorite music, podcasts, and your own voice recordings, all in the palm of your hand. With its sleek, compact design and easy-to-grip edges, the digital media player gives you hours of listening wherever you are and a superior text-to-speech experience in multiple languages. Take advantage of our introductory pricing on the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3! Order today or call (415) 878-2922 📱️. Use promo code TOPTECH for Free Shipping! https://sterlingadaptives.com/products/humanware-victor-reader-stream-3rd-generation Sponsor Since: March 9th 2023 Website: https://sterlingadaptives.com/ 🌐 Shop: https://sterlingadaptives.com/collections/vision-products Phone: (415) 878-2922 📱️ Email: info@sterlingadaptives.com 📧️ Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram About: Based in California, Sterling Adaptives supplies the most technologically advanced equipment and software currently available. We serve those who are blind or have visual impairment and also others with disabilities. We have a showroom in Santa Rosa and can also meet in the comfort of your home. We supply a full range of computer hardware, software, peripherals, and assistive technology products. We are able to provide demonstrations, installations, troubleshooting, and ongoing product training. We work with private individuals, non-profit agencies, private organizations, educational establishments, and commercial enterprises. We help our customers fully realize their potential. We are known for providing you and your clients with the standards of service that you demand and that result in the right product at the right time and with the right backup service. We look forward to hearing from you and being afforded the opportunity to show you just how Sterling our service is! Sponsor: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Sponsor Since: December 29th 2022 Website: https://lhblind.org/ 🌐 Phone: (800) 914-7307 📱️ Fax: (206) 329-3397 ░ Contact Us: https://lhblind.org/contact-us/ About: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to people who are blind in our community since 1918. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a successful manufacturing organization with over 60 years of experience in precision machining. We produce an array of machined parts and plastic injection molding for various aerospace manufacturers, as well as a host of office products and hydration equipment sold to the Federal Government and the U.S. Military. We also own and operate stores on military bases along the West Coast. Our products and services include: • Manufacturing: We are a successful manufacturing organization committed to making jobs accessible to individuals who are blind. Our manufacturing operations center on making quality products for the Federal Government under the AbilityOne Program and producing parts for aerospace manufacturers. • Managed Services: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. offers a variety of services to our commercial, federal, and military customers. These include Contract Management Support (CMS) services for government contracting offices. • Base Supply Centers: We operate 12 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) that offer easy customer access to Lighthouse products, direct feedback and communication with customers, and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind in geographic areas not served by larger nonprofit agencies. Sponsor: WayAround
➜ Classified Advertisement: HURRY — Stock Up on WayTags Before Prices Increase on June 1!WayAround is the best way to label things if you're blind or have low vision. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more. Prices on WayTags will increase on June 1, so stock up today on your favorite tags. Sponsor Since: January 5, 2023 Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐 General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️ About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence. All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®. Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence. Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8 Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround Your Name Here
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➜ Top Tech Tidbits News Team
Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi (Volunteer)
Volunteer Publisher Since: June 4th 2020
Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)
In addition to serving as Publisher for Top Tech Tidbits Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Access Information News Publication and is also the President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Top Tech Tidbits as a not-for-profit project on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Aaron also serves as a Volunteer Editor to Top Tech Tidbits.
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
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 🌐
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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)
Editor Since: October 7th 2021
Location: Los Angeles, California
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Alex is also an Accessible Technology Coordinator for California State University, Dominguez Hills. He has worked in accessibility in higher education since 2005, is certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, and in his spare time plays for the San Gabriel Valley Panthers Beep Baseball Team. He can be reached on twitter at: @samarositz.
Stephen (Alex) Marositz
Editor (2021-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Accessible Technology Coordinator
California State University, Dominguez Hills
https://csudh.edu 🌐
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Editorial Contributor: Ben Moxey (Volunteer)
Editor Since: January 1st 2022
Location: Newcastle, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Ben is also an Access and Technology Advisor for Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT).
Hi, Tidbits readers, my name's Ben Moxey and I'm based in Newcastle, Australia. I'm really happy to be part of the Tidbits Team and look forward to supporting this valuable publication.
A bit about me and how I came to work in the BVI area. I grew up with very low vision in one eye due to retinal issues and relied on magnification and speech throughout school. They also tried to teach me Braille, but let's just say that I wasn't the best student! I was determined to use my remaining vision, no matter how impractical it was becoming.
When I was 20, the other retina came off and I've now been totally blind for about 21 years. This is when my love for assistive technology, and technology in general, really kicked in. I'll be honest, I was a bit of a computer nerd anyway, but I could quickly see how technology was my key to enhanced independence and lifestyle. I embraced screen readers, early smart phones and mobility aids. I even finally realised the huge value of Braille and finished off the course, though I'm still pretty slow!
Long story short (not one of my strong points), I've worked in the BVI area for 12 years with much of that spent reviewing, recommending and teaching assistive technology that suits the individual. I'm currently a proud employee of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT where I was the Practice Lead for the assistive technology service, and I've now moved into an Access and Technology Advisor role. Basically, this involves a strong focus on accessibility and technology innovation.
Feel free to look me up on LinkedIn, but I'll warn you in advance that I haven't given my profile the recommended attention!
All the best and happy reading!
Ben Moxey
Editor (2022-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Access and Technology Advisor
Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT)
https://nsw.guidedogs.com.au 🌐
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Editorial Contributor: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)
Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6, 2023
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, David also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.
In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.
He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.
David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.
David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.
As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.
Twitter: @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
In addition to his weekly contributions to Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.
David Woodbridge
Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Editorial Contributor (2023-Present)
Access Information News
The Week's News in Access Information
https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐
National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
https://www.visionaustralia.org/ 🌐
Email: editor@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
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ABOUT:
Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 29,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here. Review the most recent issues here. Access Technology broadly encompasses technologies that enable access to information and communication systems for persons with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Access Technology designed to assist individuals in performing tasks that might otherwise be challenging due to their particular disabilities. Assistive Technology includes any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, Stephen (Alex) Marositz, Ben Moxey, and David Woodbridge. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor and reader supported publication.
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