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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, July 27, 2023 - Volume 921The 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: 10,958 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 183 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: 6 Sponsorship Packages Currently Available. Join Industry Leaders And Begin Reaching Over 33,000 Access Technology Professionals, Educators and Enthusiasts, All Over The World, Each Week. All While Supporting The Ongoing Distribution of Top Tech Tidbits For Those Very Same Readers. Only $100 USD Per Month. While Packages Last. This Issue Made Possible By Support From The Following Sponsors:
Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By Support From: A. T. Guys, GuideLights And Gadgets, 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, Aira, WayAround, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., Sterling Adaptives, LLC, AYES.ai, Echobatix and Glidance.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.) Why Doesn't Apple Want You To Track Your Dog With An AirTag? | iMoreShould you track your dog with an AirTag? Let's face it, we know you're going to do it anyway: B.) Microsoft Releases Its Own System Tuning App for Windows 10, 11File this under, 'What took you so long, Microsoft?!' C.) iOS 17 Solves 'You Need To Unlock Your iPhone First' Accessibility Hurdle | 9to5MaciOS 17 has solved one of the biggest accessibility hurdles for iPhone users with limited movement: the dreaded 'You need to unlock your iPhone first' message: D.) Bing Versus Bard on Reasons Not To Make Software Accessible | The Idea Place | Kelly FordI believe in making software accessible. I also believe in understanding AI technology and how it handles various questions. Today I asked Microsoft's Bing and Google's Bard to give me 10 reasons not to make software accessible. The answers were revealing: E.) Israeli Accessibility Startup Right Hear Wins Social Impact ContestRightHear was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Ra'anana in central Israel. Its accessibility solution is installed in more than 2,300 venues in Israel and worldwide. The small self-powered sensor utilizes Bluetooth technology to alert users of their surroundings via app: 2) Sponsorship Package UpdatesAvailability: There are 6 Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Packages currently available. Join industry leaders and begin reaching over 33,000 access technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. All while supporting the ongoing distribution of Top Tech Tidbits for those very same readers. Only $100 USD Per Month. While Packages Last. Please consider joining us today: 3) Premium Subscriber UpdatesNext Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 6th issue of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits for April, May and June 2023 on Monday, October 2, 2023. Back Issues: There are currently 5 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 UpdatesSkip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI. A) ChatGPT Announces Android AppAnnouncing ChatGPT for Android: B) ChatGPT Can Now Remember Who You Are And What You Want | The VergePublisher (Di Blasi): Now this is the beginning of a truly "personal" assistant. Very excited! 7) Apple UpdatesSkip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple. A) Apple Releases iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 With Bug Fixes and Security Updates | AppleVisApple has released iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 to the public. While these updates seem to be relatively minor, they do bring a few notable bug fixes for Braille and VoiceOver users: B) Apple Says It Would Remove iMessage And FaceTime In The Uk Rather Than Break End-To-End Encryption | 9to5MacPublisher (Di Blasi): I applaud Apple for standing up in this manner. And this isn't the first time. There are many, many things that legislators still do not understand about technology that continues to force them into antiquated thinking. Many in tech believe the only way to get them to understand these new paradigms is to leave them behind. As the saying goes, "you don't miss what you've got, until it's gone." C) Apple's Headset Hinges on Apps, But Don't Expect Developers to Flock to It | BloombergThird-party apps will be crucial to the success of the Vision Pro, but the pricey and niche nature of the device means that developers may not quickly flock to it. Also: Apple races to build generative AI tools to keep up with the latest offerings from OpenAI and others and is planning a major change for buying products at its stores: 8) JAWS with Microsoft Office Power Tip: How To Navigate Track Changes in Microsoft Word | Freedom ScientificTrack Changes is a feature in Word that allows you to view changes made to a document by you or other users. Word tracks changes to both text and formatting, and you have the option to accept or reject them. These changes appear in different colors or styles to separate them from other text. JAWS will read the changes in your document as you navigate with reading commands such as the ARROW keys. You can also opt to show all changes in the Reviewing Pane: 9) I Am A Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor. Can You Please Help Me To Understand My Advertising Options? | Aaron Di Blasi | Top Tech TidbitsAs Top Tech Tidbits has grown, so too have the advertising options available to Sponsors. Here I will break down all of the options available to you if you are currently a Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor: 10) How To Install The AirPods Pro Beta And Try The Slick New Adaptive Audio Feature | 9to5MacApple unveiled its exciting new Adaptive Audio feature for AirPods Pro 2 in June that blends its Adaptive Transparency with Active Noise Cancellation and more. However, testing out the feature is a bit trickier than just installing the iOS 17 beta. Here's how to install the AirPods beta to try out the great new capabilities: 11) Labeling Elements on iOS and iPadOS: Uses and How To Do It | Curly | AppleVisThere will always be apps with one or more unlabeled elements or elements that have unclear labels. When we encounter an app of this nature, we may resign ourselves to deleting the app and maybe contacting the developer and hoping they'll fix it, but sometimes you may want to take a step further and label the unlabeled elements. This has come in very useful for me and today I'd like to tell you all how to do it so that you all can experience it's benefits too: 12) Is it Time to Update Your Drivers? | Ask Bob RankinPublisher (Di Blasi): It is very difficult to overstate the importance of having the most current drivers installed on your system at all times. Every single piece of hardware that attaches to your PC, inside or out, requires a "driver" to "talk" to the operating system. Keeping these drivers consistently updated can be a challenging task, even for the technically initiated, without a plan and some serious commitment. Especially if you built your PC yourself. For PC builders you will need to check the driver status of each piece of connected hardware individually. And consistently. Yes. Windows tries to take care of this, and does okay for the most part, but for systems where performance is critical users still opt to update the drivers themselves. One way out of this is to buy your PC from a trusted OEM manufacturer such as Dell, or the like. I have always used Dell. And like other OEMs Dell has a single program, called "Support Assist" that monitors all of the drivers for your system, including BIOS updates, because we all know how to install those manually? Right? I just run "Support Assist" every night along with Windows update and it keeps everything updated for me. "Support Assist" is free, though they will try to sell you on the premium version. 13) Everything You Should Know About The Launchers on Android | Erisilebilir AndroidAndroid device manufacturers attach great importance to the user interface as well as the physical composition of the devices. The experience provided by each device must always outclass the competitor's product in the same segment. Otherwise, if we take a look at the physical frames, all of them are bar type phones, all of them have similar cameras, they can all make phone calls in some way. At this point, manufacturers aspire after attracting the attention of users with their unique touches on the devices they release. From this point of view, the user interface of the devices and the home screen that welcomes the user when the device's screen is unlocked is called Launcher. In this article, we will review exactly what launchers can do and cannot do, and which manufacturers use which launchers: 14) Framework Laptop 13 (2023) Review | PCMag | David Goldfield | Tech-VI ListThis may be of interest to some subscribers as some of the hardware from the Optima Braille Computer from Orbit Research will originate from Framework. I am uncertain as to whether the Optima will be based off of this particular unit: 15) Google Upgrades ChromeOS Accessibility With Image To Text Conversion For PDFs | Android PoliceFor as many incredible things that our phones and computers can do, it's easy to forget that not everyone's able to interact with these systems in the same way. Google has thankfully been a trailblazer when it comes to accessibility, including making web content available to everyone. Chrome's reading mode and PDF viewer are both part of this commitment, and can be invaluable to those with visual impairments. Now a new image-to-text feature in Chrome on ChromeOS will help screen readers work with PDFs, even when images lack alt-text descriptions: 16) Windows 11 23H2 Update Coming This Fall, Here's What's NewAs Microsoft prepares for the imminent rollout of Windows 11 23H2, they've been developing various innovative features designed to improve user experience, streamline workflows, and introduce next-generation functionalities. This article will explore Windows 11 23H2 features, from dynamic lighting to Windows Copilot upgrades: 17) Testing Sites And Apps With Blind Users: A Detailed Cheat Sheet | Slava Shestopalov | Medium: Subscription RequiredYeah, plugins and services for checking accessibility are great, but have you ever observed a real person with a disability walk through your site or app? While compliance with accessibility checklists is essential, it doesn't necessarily mean a pleasant experience. That's why live sessions can give you lots of priceless insights: 18) Accessibility Features Make Mailchimp Work for Everyone | Accessibility BlogPublisher (Di Blasi): As the Sr. Project Management Professional for a digital marketing agency that has been providing compliant email marketing services to clients all over the world for more than 25 years now, I have a few things to say about the "accessibility" of MailChimp, versus one of its rivals, Constant Contact, which is the platform that we use to send out this and every other newsletter that we manage on behalf of our client base. So the question becomes, why do the top two email newsletters in accessibility in the world today choose to use Constant Contact over MailChimp? One simple reason. Because for all of the "accessibility" features that MailChimp boasts, and there are many, there is one incredibly access-crucial functionality missing. MailChimp does NOT allow you to send an email newsletter using your own custom HTML and CSS. That's right. You have to use one of their templates. Which are mostly accessible. But no template can be as accessible as custom HTML and CSS. The ability to send email newsletters using custom HTML and CSS templates that you have written specifically for your audience, and continue to tweak as needed, is now the gold standard for email newsletter accessibility and user convenience. 19) What's New In Google Accessibility | Episode 2 | July 14, 2023 | YouTubeWelcome back to What's New In Accessibility At Google! Hosted by Laura Allen, Head of Strategy & Programs, Accessibility & Disability Inclusion, our latest episode shares some highlights from Google I/O and discusses new features we're launching in products like Google Maps, Android, Chrome, and more: 20) Announcing BrailleBlaster 2.1.0-beta | Tech-VI Listhttps://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/4614 21) Overview of HaptiBraille Communicator The HaptiBraille allows users to speak in a synthesized voice and hear the speech of the interlocutor. "It is designed to solve the communication problem due to the fact that the interlocutors can use accustomed ways of communication. For those who can see and hear, this is spoken language, and for those who cannot see and hear, this is Braille:" 22) NVDA Testimonial Video Montage | July 2023 | NVDASome time ago, we asked users to share their thoughts on NVDA, and they DELIVERED! The testimonials we received from around the world perfectly demonstrate our goal of equal access to technology for blind and vision impaired people worldwide: 23) Sony's New Compact Camera Brings Photography To The Visually ImpairedThe new retinal projection camera uses Sony's HX99 zoom compact and a special viewfinder developed by QD Laser: 24) Vibrating Haptic Suits Give Deaf People A New Way To Feel Live Music | NPRWhen Daniel Belquer was first asked to join a team to make a better live music experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, he was struck by how they had developed work-arounds to enjoy concerts. "What they were doing at the time was holding balloons to feel the vibrations through their fingers, or go barefoot and flip the speakers facing the floor," Belquer said. He thought the team could make something to help hard-of-hearing people enjoy live music even more with the technology now available. "Like, it's not cool. It's kind of limiting. We could do better than that:" 25) Introducing the Redesigned Envision App!Introducing the Redesigned Envision App. Revamped with a focus on features. Easily switch between your favorite features, and personalize the menu to your liking. Make the Envision App truly yours: 26) Duxbury Systems Announces DBT 12.7 | Tech-VI Listhttps://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/4638 27) LibreOffice 7.5.5 Community Available For Download28) FAST Is The Latest Trend In Streaming TV, But What Is It?Save money with free live streaming TV: 30) Xbox Will Soon Let Players Map Keyboard Keys To Controller ButtonsXbox is preparing the ability to map keyboard keys to controller buttons in the future. The new feature has been added to the latest Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead builds of the operating system, which are currently only available to members of the Xbox Insider programme. This is generally done to test the feature and make sure it's working as well as possible before it's rolled out to all Xbox users in a future console system update: ➜ Featured SurveysSubmit your access-related survey for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-survey.Closing: Ongoing | Surveys From APHSurveys help inform APH of the greatest needs in the community so they can gear their efforts toward making sure those needs are met. Ongoing APH surveys can be found here: Closing: July 31, 2023 | Survey to Improve Outreach and Communication with Transit Users with Disabilities | Ron Brooks, CEO | Accessible AvenueI am working with an industry colleague and friend, Kristen Joyner, on a book detailing strategies that public transit agencies and transportation providers can use to improve the effectiveness and equity of their outreach and communication with people with disabilities. We are inviting you to complete this survey in order to help us better understand the ways within which individuals with disabilities engage with transit agencies and paratransit providers (referred to as “public engagement”; how agencies are doing, and how they can do better. The survey includes a total of 17 multiple choice questions and should take about ten minutes to complete. Throughout the survey, there are opportunities to make additional comments, and we invite you to do so. At the end of the survey is a section to gather optional demographic information that will help us learn more about people who complete the survey. If you choose to answer the demographic questions, you will be entered into a drawing for one of five $25 Amazon gift cards. This is in appreciation for you taking the time to provide us with your valuable insights. The survey is located at the following link, and it is designed to be accessible for people using assistive technology: ➜ Featured Podcast EpisodesSubmit your access-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode.July 5, 2023 | That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 133: NFB In Person Recap: Not Today, Not Tomorrow, Not EverJoin Brian, Ed, and David Goldstein as they record from the NFB Conference in Houston. They discuss their time at this year's NFB Conference, Brian and Ed's Flight for Sight adventures, take aways from this year's conference, and the interesting people they have met in Houston: July 14, 2023 | Ask Sharky: What's New in June 2023 | Freedom Scientific Training PodcastListen to this live recorded session of Ask Sharky, as we dive into updates to JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText in 2023: July 20, 2023 | Civilian Accessible Radio | LBPD TUGThis month's TUG showcases a review of how visually impaired consumers can use accessible options within the Family Radio Service (FRS),Citizen's band radio (CB), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), and amateur radio (HAM) programs.We will discuss what these programs are, what licenses and equipment you need for each, and their relative accessibility: July 21, 2023 | Navigate and Manage Windows 11 with JAWS | Freedom Scientific Training PodcastAre you new to Windows 11? Looking for ways to manage applications and files more efficiently? In this session, we provide an overview of the Windows 11 interface, and show you how to: Access settings Create and manage folders Navigate File Explorer Navigate the Control Panel Add/remove applications Set default applications: July 21, 2023 | ThunderCast Podcast #3: Behind The Scenes Of SupernovaHello Thunderbird family, and welcome back to a long-overdue episode of the ThunderCast! Ryan, Alex, and Jason get together to talk about the new features and improvements in Thunderbird 115 “Supernova.” But they also share WHY those features were developed, and what's being worked on right now: July 21, 2023 | Technically Working: Traveling And New NetworksOn this episode of “Technically Working,” we catch up on recent events since our last recording at a convention. Damashe shares his experience of a broken cane and contracting COVID-19, while Michael talks about his trip for the ACB National Convention. We discuss using the Aira app for navigation at airports, travel apps like TripIt and Flighty, our new router setup, and alternative transportation methods. Overall, we're happy with our network setup and appreciate our listeners' support. Stay tuned for more episodes and potential guest interviews: July 22, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 137: Conclusion of the Play Store Exploration and the Nothing 2 Phone UnboxingWe first inform listeners that our YouTube Channel has crossed 1000 subscriptions. Thank you for subscribing and sharing the channel with friends. We then conclude the Play Store exploration series and talk about Family Management and Device certification settings. Then the Nothing 2 Phone is unboxed and we comment about it. Stay tuned for the review next week: July 23, 2023 | Unmute Presents: Publishing Your Podcast Episode: A Step-by-Step GuideIn this chat, Michael shows you how to use Pinecast to get your podcast out there. He breaks down all the steps, like uploading your MP3 and adding notes. Also, there's a cool live call every Tuesday in the ACB community where you can get your questions answered. You can even replay past episodes. It's all super easy and they'd love to hear from you on Unmute Presents: XX) Living Blindfully Episode 240: An Apple Podcasts Connectgate Update, Uber Frustrations, And Author Of The Country Of The Blind, Andrew LelandJuly 25, 2023 | Unleashing the Power of Email on the BlindShell Classic 2In the episode "Unleashing the Power of Email on the BlindShell Classic 2," the host demonstrates how to navigate, read, and compose emails on the BlindShell Classic 2 device. Tips are shared on opening, manipulating, and reading messages, as well as composing new emails. The limitations of the email client are discussed, along with suggestions for improvements. Listen to the full episode for a comprehensive guide on using email on the BlindShell Classic 2: July 26, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2330: Navigating the Transition to Sight LossIn his new book "The Country of the Blind: A Memoir At the End of Sight", author and audio producer Andrew Leland chronicles his slow progression from sightedness to blindness due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Andrew about the book, his transition through various stages of sight loss, and what he learned along the way: July 27, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, July 27, 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.July 27, 2023 | International Ally User Group Meeting7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT July 27, 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Responsive Design | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT August 1, 2023 | Creating Accessible Social Media Content | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT August 2, 2023 | Easy Portable Reading — The omniReader (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT August 8, 2023 | Disability Awareness and Etiquette | California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT August 9, 2023 | Create Source Files: MS Word to PDF Remediation (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT August 14, 2023 through August 18, 2023 | 22nd Audio Description Institute | Audio Description Associates, LLC | Audio Description Project of the American Council of the Blind10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT August 16, 2023 | JAWS: Getting Help & Accessing Training Materials (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT August 22, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM GMT Next Day August 23, 2023 | How to Create Accessible Videos (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT August 30, 2023 | JAWS: Testing for Website Accessibility (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT 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 September 29, 2023 | Blindness and Mental Health Webinar | Accessible Pharmacy9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT October 13, 2023 | Blindness and Clinical Trials Webinar | Accessible Pharmacy9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT 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 1, 2023 and December 2, 2023 | Blind Health Expo 2023 | Exhibitor and Attendee Registration Now OpenThe Blind Health Expo is the largest virtual event of healthcare information, products, services, and medication for individuals in the blind, low vision, and disability communities. Exhibitors can: Register for free. Interact with thousands of attendees. Showcase their products and services: 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: Ayes.ai
➜ Classified Advertisement: Every Traffic Light Accessible With The OKO ApplicationAYES is happy to announce the launch of our new application OKO. OKO uses artificial intelligence and the back camera to recognize the pedestrian traffic light and inform the user of the walk, don't walk and the countdown state. We bring this state back to the user with three types of feedback, visual overlay, vibrations and audio feedback. The application does not rely on any adaptations to the traffic light and runs locally on the smartphone, this means that it works at every intersection. We always recommend to hold the phone at chest level with the camera pointing towards the direction that you want to cross. You can then rotate your chest between 10 to 15 degrees to locate the pedestrian traffic light. The moment we see that light the software immediately reacts. This helps to orient in the right direction and also stops you from veering off into traffic because the moment you veer off the feedback stops, you reorient and receive feedback to continue in the right direction. https://apps.apple.com/be/app/oko-by-ayes/id1583614988Sponsor Since: March 16th 2023 Website: https://ayes.ai/ 🌐 App: Download the OKO App from the Apple App Store here. Email: hello@ayes.ai 📧️ About: AYES was founded by three experienced AI engineers that are defining autonomous navigation for blind and visually impaired people. AYES.ai is the creator of the OKO App.
Simply point the back camera of the phone towards the intersection that you want to cross and the OKO application will instantly detect the traffic light and inform the user through audio and haptic feedback. The OKO application can provide multiple services for your company, city or your country, all independent of physical infrastructure. This can increase your accessibility to 100%, overnight. OKO provides an accessible traffic light at every intersection. And, best of all, all OKO data is completely anonymized, ensuring your personal privacy at all times. The OKO app is fully independent from infrastructure and does not require a Wi-Fi or Cellular connection to operate at full capacity. The algorithm runs locally on your device, meaning that it works consistently and reliably every single time. The application has been trained on more than 150,000 images and continues to improve. Download the app today. Sponsor: Sterling Adaptives, LLC
➜ Classified Advertisement: Limited Time Introductory Pricing On The New Victor Reader Stream 3!With the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3, it's so easy to take your books, music, and more wherever you go. Imagine being able to listen to the latest novels, magazines, or your favorite music, podcasts, and your own voice recordings, all in the palm of your hand. With its sleek, compact design and easy-to-grip edges, the digital media player gives you hours of listening wherever you are and a superior text-to-speech experience in multiple languages. Take advantage of our introductory pricing on the NEW Victor Reader Stream 3! Order today or call (415) 878-2922 📱️. Use promo code TOPTECH for Free Shipping! https://sterlingadaptives.com/products/humanware-victor-reader-stream-3rd-generation Sponsor Since: March 9th 2023 Website: https://sterlingadaptives.com/ 🌐 Shop: https://sterlingadaptives.com/collections/vision-products Phone: (415) 878-2922 📱️ Email: info@sterlingadaptives.com 📧️ Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram About: Based in California, Sterling Adaptives supplies the most technologically advanced equipment and software currently available. We serve those who are blind or have visual impairment and also others with disabilities. We have a showroom in Santa Rosa and can also meet in the comfort of your home. We supply a full range of computer hardware, software, peripherals, and assistive technology products. We are able to provide demonstrations, installations, troubleshooting, and ongoing product training. We work with private individuals, non-profit agencies, private organizations, educational establishments, and commercial enterprises. We help our customers fully realize their potential. We are known for providing you and your clients with the standards of service that you demand and that result in the right product at the right time and with the right backup service. We look forward to hearing from you and being afforded the opportunity to show you just how Sterling our service is! Sponsor: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Sponsor Since: December 29th 2022 Website: https://lhblind.org/ 🌐 Phone: (800) 914-7307 📱️ Fax: (206) 329-3397 ░ Contact Us: https://lhblind.org/contact-us/ About: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to people who are blind in our community since 1918. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a successful manufacturing organization with over 60 years of experience in precision machining. We produce an array of machined parts and plastic injection molding for various aerospace manufacturers, as well as a host of office products and hydration equipment sold to the Federal Government and the U.S. Military. We also own and operate stores on military bases along the West Coast. Our products and services include: • Manufacturing: We are a successful manufacturing organization committed to making jobs accessible to individuals who are blind. Our manufacturing operations center on making quality products for the Federal Government under the AbilityOne Program and producing parts for aerospace manufacturers. • Managed Services: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. offers a variety of services to our commercial, federal, and military customers. These include Contract Management Support (CMS) services for government contracting offices. • Base Supply Centers: We operate 12 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) that offer easy customer access to Lighthouse products, direct feedback and communication with customers, and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind in geographic areas not served by larger nonprofit agencies. Sponsor: WayAround
➜ Classified Advertisement: HURRY — Stock Up on WayTags Before Prices Increase on June 1!WayAround is the best way to label things if you're blind or have low vision. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more. Prices on WayTags will increase on June 1, so stock up today on your favorite tags. Sponsor Since: January 5, 2023 Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐 General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️ Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️ About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence. All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®. Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence. Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8 Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround Sponsor: Aira
Sponsor Since: August 4th 2022 Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐 Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/ Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 📱️ | AU: +1.800.765.096 📱️ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 📱️ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 📱️ Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📲 | AU: +61.488.839.767 📲 | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📲 Email: support@aira.io 📧️ Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram About: Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting. We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables. Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free. Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time. Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works. Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it. Sponsor: 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: Only $60/Year! BlindShell Classic 2 Now Integrates Sero for Accessible Audio Content & MoreFor just $60 a year until September 30th, 2023, users of the BlindShell Classic 2 phone can now leverage the robust Sero platform, creating an accessible, user-friendly experience for the visually impaired. Sero provides streaming radio, thousands of hours of audio content, news, forums, podcasts, and voice chat rooms, fostering an empowered community. Use the BlindShell's famous t9-driven interface, or ditch the keypad entirely and leverage Alexa on the BlindShell for hands-free access to your Sero content! This collaboration between BlindShell and Pneuma Solutions, Sero's developers, unlocks productivity features and entertainment options that enhance digital lifestyles. The future of accessible tech is here! Integrate the feature-rich Sero platform into your BlindShell device phone for only $60 a year! 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: 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 ✆ X (Formerly 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: Glidance
Sponsor Since: July 20th 2023 Website: https://glidance.io/ 🌐 About: Fun and easy, you'll just love going out. You walk with confidence, and Glide will simply guide you where you want to go. Just Grab Your Glide And Walk With Confidence Portable, Light And Versatile Easy To Use Affordable Quick To Learn Feel Confident Get started with Glide today at: https://glidance.io/. Sponsor: Echobatix
Sponsor Since: July 20th 2023 Website: https://echobatix.com/ 🌐 App: Download the Echobatix App from the Apple App Store here. About: Echobatix develops accessibility products and indoor navigation systems for the blind, the DeafBlind, and those with low vision. Our technology complements the use of a cane or guide dog and your existing Orientation and Mobility (O&M) skills. Our first app is an accessibility tool for printed text, touch screens, kiosks, and signage. Read what's at the end of your finger. Speak to search for a word. Your Name Here
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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 🌐
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A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://mvsltd.com
Editorial Contributor: Stephen (Alex) Marositz (Volunteer)
Editor Since: October 7th 2021
Location: Los Angeles, California
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Alex is also an Accessible Technology Coordinator for California State University, Dominguez Hills. He has worked in accessibility in higher education since 2005, is certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, and in his spare time plays for the San Gabriel Valley Panthers Beep Baseball Team. He can be reached on twitter at: @samarositz.
Stephen (Alex) Marositz
Editor (2021-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Accessible Technology Coordinator
California State University, Dominguez Hills
https://csudh.edu 🌐
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A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://mvsltd.com
Editorial Contributor: Ben Moxey (Volunteer)
Editor Since: January 1st 2022
Location: Newcastle, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Ben is also an Access and Technology Advisor for Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT).
Hi, Tidbits readers, my name's Ben Moxey and I'm based in Newcastle, Australia. I'm really happy to be part of the Tidbits Team and look forward to supporting this valuable publication.
A bit about me and how I came to work in the BVI area. I grew up with very low vision in one eye due to retinal issues and relied on magnification and speech throughout school. They also tried to teach me Braille, but let's just say that I wasn't the best student! I was determined to use my remaining vision, no matter how impractical it was becoming.
When I was 20, the other retina came off and I've now been totally blind for about 21 years. This is when my love for assistive technology, and technology in general, really kicked in. I'll be honest, I was a bit of a computer nerd anyway, but I could quickly see how technology was my key to enhanced independence and lifestyle. I embraced screen readers, early smart phones and mobility aids. I even finally realised the huge value of Braille and finished off the course, though I'm still pretty slow!
Long story short (not one of my strong points), I've worked in the BVI area for 12 years with much of that spent reviewing, recommending and teaching assistive technology that suits the individual. I'm currently a proud employee of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT where I was the Practice Lead for the assistive technology service, and I've now moved into an Access and Technology Advisor role. Basically, this involves a strong focus on accessibility and technology innovation.
Feel free to look me up on LinkedIn, but I'll warn you in advance that I haven't given my profile the recommended attention!
All the best and happy reading!
Ben Moxey
Editor (2022-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits
The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐
Access and Technology Advisor
Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT)
https://nsw.guidedogs.com.au 🌐
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A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://mvsltd.com
Editorial Contributor: David Woodbridge (Volunteer)
Volunteer Editorial Contributor Since: February 6, 2023
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, David also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.
In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.
He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.
David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.
David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.
As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.
X (Formerly 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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A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication: https://toptechtidbits.com
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Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 33,000 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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