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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, September 7, 2023 - Volume 927The 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: 10,978 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 182 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Celebrating 1 Million Intersections Crossed And What's New In The OKO Application
Exciting News! We're thrilled to announce that the OKO application has assisted in crossing over 1 million streets safely! That's like walking coast to coast 3 times! What's new in the latest OKO version? 1. Enhanced Audio Feedback: We have added self voicing which speaks out the walk or don't walk signal instead of the usual beep. Users can configure their type of audible signal (beep, voice or voice and beep) as well as the intensity (quiet, normal, loud) in the settings of the app. 2. Enhanced Accessibility: We have improved our application to support dynamic font sizes and improved the contrast of our visual feedback for people with low vision. 3. New Way Of Sharing Feedback: Users can now easily write a text or speak into the app to share their feedback with us. Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/oko-ai-copilot-for-the-blind/id1583614988 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, Glidance, The Accessibility Guy and Wordvoyance.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 Stop Someone From Tracking You On Your Phone | Fox NewsHow would you feel if someone were spying on your every move, possibly listening to your conversations, and maybe even accessing your personal data without your consent? Would you even know if that were happening to you? It's such a great question because the last thing you want is for the wrong person to know your every move. Sharing your location with people from your cell phone should happen only with your consent and only with people you trust, not creeps who have found sneaky ways to track you. Here's how to detect tracking software on your phone and what you can do if you think you've been compromised: B.) JAWS Power Tip: How To Manage Quick Settings and Notifications in Windows 11 with JAWS | Freedom ScientificIn Windows 10, the Action Center (Quick Settings) and Notification area were accessed in the same area by pressing WINDOWS KEY+A. In Windows 11, they are split into two menus: C.) Voice Access Comes To Windows 11 Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) In Recent Insider BuildsMicrosoft has released a feature that allows users to control their computers entirely using their voice, even before they've logged in. This could greatly improve the overall user experience and make computing more inclusive for a wider range of users: D.) Access Both Alexa And Google Assistant On The Same Device. First Of Its Kind. | MS Power UserAlexa and Google Assistant on the same device will be possible with the new JBL Authentics 200, 300, and 500 speakers, coming on September 17, 2023. The devices are the first smart speakers that offer access to both Google Assistant and Alexa at any time, according to Google. And you can easily switch between them as well, at any time by saying the corresponding wake words ("Hey Google" and "Alexa"): E.) People Are Turning Their TVs Into RadiosRadio is seeing another heyday as more people turn to their televisions to tune in. Households can use their smart TVs to access their favorite streaming audio service to listen to music, catch the latest news, and listen to local radio stations: 2) Sponsored By Pneuma Solutions: Happy RIMiversary! Celebrating a Highly Successful Year for the World's First Cross-Platform Accessible Remote Support SolutionIt has been a year since our Remote Incident Manager solution was overhauled into the world's first all-inclusive, fully accessible remote desktop package around. Time flies when you're breaking barriers, and it's been a monumental year for RIM. Among the many additions RIM has gained throughout this year, there exist such historic milestones as Mac OS support, fully customized instant installers, an extremely efficient management dashboard, and extremely affordable purchasing options starting from $10.00! If you haven't yet tried RIM, there's never been a better time than now! Visit http://getrim.app and get started completely free of charge! Here's to another year of innovation and accessibility! 3) Sponsored By Freedom Scientific: Join Us for Sharkvember and Your Chance to Win a $1,000 PrizeAll through the month of November, Freedom Scientific will be celebrating Sharkvember, an event-filled month-long celebration of accessibility, creativity, and community. Dive into the "Next Big Thing," where you can help shape the future of JAWS and ZoomText. What's more, your creativity could net you a $1,000 Amazon gift card. Yes, that's right, a $1,000 prize for your idea! What We're Looking For: Is there a feature you think should be added to JAWS or ZoomText? We're on a mission to find software features that revolutionize the user experience, and we want to hear from you! From September 5, 2023 through October 16, 2023 outline your ideas in a three-minute video. You can make a submission as an individual or as a team of up to three people, all 18 years of age or older. Watch this video to learn more, and visit the Next Big Thing page for submission guidelines: 4) Top Tech Tidbits Launches Online Store For Digital DownloadsPublisher (Di Blasi): I am excited to announce the launch of the Top Tech Tidbits Online Store for digital downloads at: https://toptechtidbits.com/store. Here we plan to offer various compendiums of access technology information for purchase as standalone Microsoft Word documents with no DRM. We have no plans to offer physical products at this time: 5) Top Tech Tidbits Announces New $100 Per Month Payment Option For SponsorsYou asked. We listened. Prior to this announcement Top Tech Tidbits Sponsors had only two payment options. We never considered offering lower payment options in the past because the primary Sponsor benefit, Featured Advertisements, were allocated quarterly. This meant that if a Sponsor signed on at $100 per month, they would not receive a Featured Advertisement. Something that we thought would be unacceptable to Sponsors. But it has come to our attention that many potential Sponsors would be happy to trade a single Featured Advertisement for the flexibility of being able to pay monthly. So as of this announcement, we are now providing that flexibility: 6) Sponsorship Package UpdatesAvailability: There are 4 Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Packages currently available. Join industry leaders and begin reaching over 25,000 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: 7) 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: 8) 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. 9) 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: 10) AI UpdatesSkip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI. A) How to Use AI to Talk to Whales — and Save Life on Earth | Wired: Subscription RequiredPublisher (Di Blasi): Dr. Dolittle? Is that you? If you love animals as much as I do, you absolutely have to read this article. How would your feelings for animals change if you could understand what they were saying? B) Designing Generative AI to Work for People with Disabilities | Harvard Business ReviewWhile trust is taking top billing in many discussions about generative AI's design and uses, it's also important to bring inclusivity and accessibility into the thick of things early on. That means ensuring that individuals with disabilities themselves play an active role in shaping the technology's evolution, particularly as it pertains to opening job opportunities and carrying out tasks. The benefits of doing so will lift your company and society. In this article, I explain those benefits and offer some essential guidelines to building inclusivity into the design of this technology: C) Navigating A New Frontier: Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence | Aaron Di Blasi | Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.The conversation surrounding the future of work in this new AI-driven era is far from new, but it's gaining fresh urgency. Questions range from the security of our jobs to the ripple effects of AI on productivity to the essence of work itself. To unpack this complexity it's crucial to delve into the role of generative AI, particularly large language models: D) Sony Explores AI to Make Gaming More Accessible to the Visually ImpairedSony is reportedly working its way to utilize AI in making games more accessible to visually impaired people: E) ElevenLabs' Voice-Generating Tools Launch Out Of Beta | TechCrunchElevenLabs, the viral AI-powered platform for creating synthetic voices, has launched its platform out of beta with support for more than 30 languages. Using a new AI model developed in-house, ElevenLabs says that its tools are now capable of automatically identifying languages, including Korean, Dutch and Vietnamese, and generating “emotionally rich” speech in those languages. In combination with the new model, ElevenLabs customers can leverage the platform's voice-cloning tool to speak across the almost 30 languages without first having to type text: F) Meta Just Released a Coding Version of Llama 2 | Wired: Subscription RequiredCode Llama may spur a new wave of experimentation around AI and programming — but it will also help Meta: 11) Apple UpdatesSkip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple. A) Apple Launches New 'Apps By Apple' Website Promoting Its 'Powerful And Intuitive Apps' | 9to5MacApple has quietly debuted an all-new “Apps by Apple” page on its website designed to promote its own apps for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV. The company highlights key apps like Messages, Photos, Reminders, and more — including teasers on upcoming new features in iOS 17. And more: B) VisionOS Beta 3 Tidbits: New Accessibility Options, Lack Of Mouse Support, More | 9to5MacOn August 29, 2023 Apple launched visionOS beta 3 to developers. Although the update is focused on people who have already got their hands on a Vision Pro Developer Kit, it's also available for Vision Pro Simulator as part of the SDK. Read on as we detail what's new with visionOS beta 3: C) iOS 17: Here Are The Features That Won't Be Available At Launch | 9to5MaciOS 17 is set to be released in September with a number of new features, ranging from upgrades to Messages, major upgrades to autocorrect, and more. There are multiple new iOS 17 features, however, that Apple previewed at WWDC but says won't be available until sometime later this year: D) How To Use iOS 17's New Siri Features And Upgrades | iMoreSiri is getting big upgrades in iOS 17. Apple makes your interactions with the digital assistant smoother and more naturalistic. Barriers are removed, and we get some new brilliantly realistic voice models to test drive. Siri can also turn online articles into mini audiobooks and manages to do a remarkably good job of it, too. Our digital assistant in iOS 17 is more agnostic about the messaging app you use and becomes the sort of steward of a brand-new iPhone feature that turns your phone into a bedside smart display in waiting: E) The Absolute Importance Of Calling Apple Accessibility Directly | Ash Rein | AppleVisSo I would like to relay something that I was told. The Apple accessibility team would actually prefer phone calls: F) Apple Vision Pro Execs Talk About Developer Headset Accessibility | Apple InsiderThe Apple Vision Pro needs to convince developers to create apps for the headset, as well as get consumers to buy into the platform when it is released, with accessibility a big part of Apple's plan to make the device a success: 12) JAWS Power Tip: How To Check the Formatting of a Document with JAWS | Freedom ScientificWhen creating a document with JAWS in a word processing application such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, or text editors such as Notepad and WordPad, you may want to check the formatting to ensure it is correct. To do this, follow these steps: 13) Get to Know More About Widgets on Android: Enhance Your Home Screen Experience | Accessible AndroidWidgets are an essential aspect of the Android operating system, enabling users to personalize their home screens and access relevant information at a glance. These interactive mini-applications provide quick access to important functions, display real-time data, and enhance user productivity. In this post, we'll explore the world of widgets on Android, their capabilities, and how you can make the most of them to create a personalized and efficient mobile experience from accessibility perspective: 14) How To Make Charts And Graphs More Accessible | PopeTechNo matter how a user interacts with data, the goal is to make sure everyone can perceive the trend or information the data conveys. In this article, we'll start with what charts and graphs need to be considered accessible. But, just because it's accessible, doesn't mean it's the best user experience for all types of users. So, we'll also go over opportunities for creating more usable data visualizations: 15) Select A Range In Excel Office 365 With Shortcut Keys For Visually Impaired | MicrosoftHi, We have a visually impaired gentleman working for us who used to be able to use shortcut keys and then select a specific range with cell addresses. My research for Office 365 says to use Ctrl 6 but that only takes you to the first cell. He used to use F5 and then could type in the range A1.F8 for example. How does he do this in Microsoft 365 without having to push enter many times and then right key to select a range? 16) How Can I Create A Key Combo And Assign It To A Voiceover Keyboard Commander? | Oliver Kennett | AppleVisSo here is my goal, to create a more useable shortcut combo for VOCR. For those who don't know, VOCR is an OCR script for VoiceOver that is awesome! The trouble with it is, the shortcuts are a bit digit gymnastic for my liking. Command, control, shift W to scan a window, which is just a bit messy. My desire is to create a VoiceOver keyboard commander, using the right option key with / to scan: 17) Using a Braille Display on iOS: an Introduction | Scott Davert | AppleVisAny iOS Device that runs VoiceOver can support a large variety of Bluetooth braille displays. Common models include Humanware's Brailliant line, the Focus displays from Vispero, displays from Orbit Research, Alva, VissioBraille, HIMS, and other companies. Please see Apple's official list of supported braille displays. You may also find this page listing common braille commands for iOS to be helpful. If you are on a mantis Q40, you may find this list of Bluetooth keyboard commands may be of more value, since the Mantis has a QWERTY keyboard. These commands also apply to the QWERTY keyboard when in use on the Activator: 18) Get To Know Accessibility Actions, The Useful Yet Overlooked Screen Reader Feature | Accessible AndroidWhen interacting with an item on your phone, whether it's a chat message, an icon, an email, or a file, it is essential to easily access specific options related to that element. These options are typically accessed by long-pressing the item (for screen reader users, double-tap and hold), or by using a button that opens the available options related to each item. Some apps also offer the ability to swipe a particular item to perform actions, such as swiping on a message to reply. In addition to those standard methods, Google had introduced 'actions,' which are shortcuts to access options specific to a focused item. Those options are displayed in an accessible menu using a screen reader: 19) The 28 Best Mac Apps That Will Make Your Life Easier | Wired: Subscription RequiredSink your teeth into these juicy third-party apps for better writing, organization, and more: 20) Browser Video Players Review | Adrian RoselliBrowsers each provide built-in video players for the "video" element. Nearly four years ago Scott Vinkle wrote How accessible is the HTML video player?, where he compared these to one video player product. I decided it was time to test for myself. I structured my test and reporting a bit differently and I am not comparing to any product, so this is not a true follow-up on Scott's work: 21) NVDA 2023.2 Releasedhttps://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2023-2/ 22) Google's Lookout App Adds Detailed, AI-Powered Image Descriptions | CNETThe app is designed to help blind and low-vision users understand their surroundings. People can also ask follow-up questions for more information about an image: 23) USENET, The OG Social Network, Rises Again Like A Text-Only Phoenix | The RegisterThe USENET management committee has reconvened and there are green shoots of growth in the original, pre-World Wide Web social network: 24) Read Aloud Voice Changes Coming To Word | Office WatchThere are some interesting and useful changes coming to Read Aloud in Microsoft Word. More voices and languages, reading speed and (at last!) text scrolls as it's being read: 25) Fairphone 5 Launched: Up To 10 Years Of Software SupportFairphone has announced the Fairphone 5. The company says it wants to support the device for ten years. Expect to pay £619 (~$780) for the Fairphone 5 when it launches: 26) Fairphone 5 Hands-On: Feels Like The Best Phone For A Small Group Of People | Android AuthorityThe Fairphone 5 is the anti-smartphone. It's designed to be kept for a very long time by being easily repairable, easily upgradeable, and kept up-to-date with software for an ambitious ten years. In other words, Fairphone wants you to buy this phone and then not buy another until well into 2030. That's not the message we get from pretty much any other brand. At IFA 2023, we had a chance to go hands-on with the new Fairphone 5. Here are our thoughts: 27) What's New in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2024 Public Beta | Freedom Scientifichttps://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/PublicBeta 28) Working With The iOS User Guide | Deborah Armstrong | AppleVisDid you know that you can read the entire iPhone user manual through your browser online? This is also true for Mac, iPad, Apple watch and even the older iPod: 29) From Zen, To TicWatch To Samsung Galaxy Watch: This Is My Adventure | Accessibility On The GoWhy A Smart Watch? This is not a simple answer for me, nor is it a simple answer for many people. That being said, I wanted to get a better grasp on my physical health, separate just a little bit from my phone, and have functionality in doing it. This is what drove me into searching up the most accessible smart watches, and did I find a lot. This is my journey from smart watch curious to smart watch obsessed from the Zen to the Galaxy: 30) Soundscape Community | AppleVisWelcome to Soundscape Community. We are a diverse consortium of organizations and individuals committed to improving access and inclusion for everyone, in partnership with a global community of users and open source developers: 31) Big Update For Accessible Android App: Complete Android 13 Support And 4 Times Faster Navigation | Accessible AndroidWe're thrilled to announce that the Accessible Android app has been updated to fully support Android 13 and has some cool improvements for stability and simplicity: 32) Discover a World of Inclusive Technology on the NCBI Labs YouTube Channel | National Council of the Blind IrelandWould you like to stay up to date with the latest product releases, apps, and technology news people with sight loss? The NCBI Labs YouTube channel is the home of great tech content for people with sight loss, including our Talking Technology Podcast, tech teacher videos, Braille device demonstrations, and reviews of all the latest gadgets. We regularly add new content to the Labs YouTube channel and are working towards building the number of subscribers all the time by keeping this content fresh and engaging. Subscribe today for all the latest tech content from NCBI Labs: 33) Microsoft Is Killing WordPad In Windows After 28 Years | BleepingComputerMicrosoft has announced that it will deprecate WordPad with a future Windows update as it's no longer under active development, though the company did not specify the precise timing of this change. WordPad is a basic text-editing application that allows users to create and edit documents with formatted text and include images and links to other files: 34) Jaw Muscles is Back! | Hartgen ConsultancyBy very popular request our training course Jaw Muscles returns! Following the Jaw Muscles training course in 2022, we've had plenty of suggestions as to topics to cover and they have been taken on board. Here is a complete list of what was covered last year. Join us this year and continue the JAWS adventure: 35) Hands-On With The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Phone | The National Council for the Blind of IrelandThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a foldable flagship smartphone from Samsung. It features a 6.7-inch display, a 12MP main camera, and a 10MP selfie camera. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ chip which is equivalent to the standard iPhone 14. It is available in 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB storage. The battery capacity is 3700 mAh which is a bit low for a flagship phone: 36) The Bellboy and the History of Telephone Pagers | RetroistThe pager changed the way we kept in touch and would lead to the smartphone you carry around in your pocket today: 37) September 2023 Training Events List | Freedom Scientifichttps://blog.freedomscientific.com/join-us-for-our-september-2023-training-events/ 38) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for August 2023https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-august-2023 ➜ 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: September 8, 2023 | Research: Smart Speaker And Skill Use: What Do We Know? | University of PittsburghThe purpose of this research study is to learn about how people with disabilities use smart speakers and understand the benefits and challenges you experience. The findings will help develop training materials and improve smart speaker functions. You May Qualify If You Are: 18 years of age or older. Self-reporting using a smart speaker at least 3 times per week. Self-report of presently living with a physical disability, low-vision or blindness, or mild cognitive disability. Score of 18 or higher on the MiniMental State Exam OR score of 12-22 on MMSE Blind. Live in a community-based setting. Participation Involves: 1. Complete a demographic survey and a questionnaire about your experiences using a smart speaker. 2. Engage in a focus group (no more than 90 minutes) with other participants to discuss your thoughts and ideas relative to using your smart speaker in day-to-day life. Location: Focus groups sessions will occur either via Zoom (video or audio) or in person at a mutually agreed setting familiar to participants and/or the study team. Compensation: You will be compensated $25 for your participation in this study. For more information email: Closing: September 8, 2023 | Study: Analyzing User Experiences In Mobile Health Applications | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Accessible Healthcare LabHello. My name is Soyoung Choi, and I am Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Director of the Accessible Healthcare Lab. The Accessible Healthcare Lab is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and usability of mobile health technologies for everyone. We particularly want to understand the experiences of blind and low-vision adults aged older than 50 when they use smartphone apps to manage health behaviors (e.g., exercise, sleep, diet) or to track health metrics (e.g., blood pressure, blood glucose levels, heart rate). If you have advanced expertise in accessibility, or if you're an individual with blindness or low vision who uses a screen reader, we invite you to participate in our research. Your insights are crucial as we strive to develop a more accessible mobile health ecosystem. Please see below participant eligibility criteria: 1) Age: 50 years and above. 2) Diagnosis: Must have low vision or blindness, as confirmed by a physician. 3) Assistive technology: Must be able to use a screen reader. 4) Mobile health: Regularly uses smartphone apps to track health data. 5) Residence: Must be residing in the United States. *If you possess expertise in testing the accessibility of mobile health apps and are not visually impaired, please reach out to soyoung@illinois.edu 📧️. Once we confirm your eligibility, we will schedule a Zoom interview at a time convenient for you. These interviews will last approximately 60-80 minutes. As a token of our appreciation, participants will receive a $40 Amazon e-Code upon completion of the interview. Closing: September 8, 2023 | State of Digital Accessibility Survey 2023 | Level AccessThank you for participating in our 2023 State of Digital Accessibility Survey! This survey, conducted annually by Level Access in partnership with the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICT's (G3ict), is aimed at better understanding how organizations are currently approaching digital accessibility, along with their priorities and challenges. The entire survey should take fewer than 15 minutes to complete, and your responses will be anonymous. Participation in this research is voluntary. Results will be published in aggregate in the 2023 State of Digital Accessibility Report: ➜ Featured Podcast EpisodesSubmit your access-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode.August 28, 2023 | Tek Talk: Welcomes Earle Harrison, HIMS National Account Manager, To Discuss The Latest Firmware Release For The SensePlayer Portable Book Reader, Multimedia Player And Field RecorderPlease once again join us in welcoming HIMS National Account Manager Earle Harrison as he discusses the latest firmware release for the SensePlayer portable book reader, multimedia player and field recorder. The most notable improvements include the ability to customize navigation and speech parameters within the DAISY player and Document Reader, the inclusion of the HIMS Mobile Screen Reader and the ability to access third-party apps such as BARD, Audible and so much more. Presenter Contact Info Earle Harrison | National Account Manager | HIMS, Inc. | 4616 West Howard Lane Suite 960 Austin, TX 78728 | Phone: (512) 914-1925 📱️ | Fax: (512) 837-2011 ░ | Email: earle@hims-inc.com 📧️ Website: http://hims-inc.com. Listen on Apple Podcasts: August 30, 2023 | FSCast 234, A Demo Of JAWS Face In View, And An Interview With Billy Henry Of The Northwest Association For Blind AthletesOn FSCast 234, guest host Brett Lewis offers up a preview of what's coming in the public betas of JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText. He'll also do a demonstration of the new JAWS Face in View feature, and visit with Billy Henry, the President and CEO of the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes: August 31, 2023 | Vision Loss and Caring for Pets: Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the ExpertsListen in as we chat with animal lovers Debbie Worman and Sheri Robinson about the joys and challenges of caring for a pet when you have vision loss: August 31, 2023 | Unmute Presents: Exploring the Echobatix App with Gary and MiaEchobatix 1.0 provides text accessibility and touch screen interaction. The Explore feature reads the word at the end of your index finger such as the name of a button on a control panel. With the Find feature you speak into your device's built-in microphone to tell the app what word you want to find. This episode of Unmute features an enlightening conversation with Gary and Mia the creators of the innovative Echobatix app. The duo shares the inspiration behind the app and the unique features it offers for touchscreen accessibility. They also delve into the challenges they encountered during the development process and reveal exciting future plans for Echobatix, including a potential subscription model. The episode wraps up with a special giveaway and an opportunity for listeners to connect directly with Gary and Mia for further discussions: August 31, 2023 | Exclusive: SoundScape Is Back | DoubleTap TVToday on the show, Steven and Shaun share an exclusive story about the relaunch of the popular SoundScape app that was previously created by Microsoft. The tech giant made the decision to turn it into an open-source project late last year and developers have since started building their own versions, including Voice Vista and Open-Scape (which is still in beta at this time). But how sustainable are these individual apps without backing from major groups or organizations? That's the question the Scottish Tech Army posed when considering bringing the application back to life. Today, we meet Kirsty McIntosh from the Scottish Tech Army to explain how their project got involved with SoundScape, and what they are doing to ensure the app returns to its former glory and is also sustainable in the longer term. Plus we get an instant reaction from long-time user of SoundScape, AMI-audio's own Becki Zerr, who drops in to give her thoughts following her comments to Double Tap earlier this year after the news Microsoft was retiring the project: September 2, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 143: One UI Part 1 (Setting Up A Device, Oneplus10t Review And MoreIn our announcements segment, we inform the listeners that the app of our partner site, AccessibleAndroid has got a huge update. This week, we bring you the first part of OneUi in our series looking at Samsung, with Warren showing you how to set up a Samsung phone and tips if your phone runs an older version of OneUI.
In the spotlight segment, we review and discuss the OnePlus 10T. In our app of the week, our listener Mike Bernard demos how to use near by share on android and a windows computer. For the tip of the week, as Samsung Galaxy watches don't come with Google Assistant by default, John demonstrates how to install Google Assistant on a Samsung Galaxy Watch. Accessible Android App | OnePlus10T | Near By Share | Listen: September 5, 2023 | Technically Working Episode 24: Pizzas, Phones, and Podcast ProgressIn this episode, we cover a range of topics and make exciting announcements. We ask listeners for shout-outs to Doug, introduce a new segment, and discuss our smartphone experiences. We talk about fitness competitions, pizza, food delivery fees, and automatic tipping systems. We also address a bug with the Smart Vision 3 phone and provide updates on contacting us: September 6, 2023 | Shell Phone Show: Adding a Podcast to the Podcast AppIn this episode, we provide step-by-step instructions for listeners to locate and add a podcast to their podcast application. We guide them on how to open the app and add a podcast, as well as how to initiate dictation using the side button on their phone. After adding the podcast, we discuss the options available, such as subscribing, accessing the list of episodes, and getting details of the podcast: September 6, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2336: See The World The Way You Want With The Rebokeh AppRebecca Rosenberg felt that none of the built-in accessibility features in her smart phone were designed to address her particular needs and vision disorder so she got to work. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Rebecca about how she started a company that developed an iOS app that helps her and others interact with and see the "real world": September 7, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, September 7, 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.September 7, 2023 | Using JAWS Inspect and JAWS Connect for Testing | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT September 7, 2023 | Zoom Basics Using JAWS | Computers For The Blind | Marci Duty and Stephen Guerra4:30PM PT, 5:30PM MT, 6:30PM CT, 7:30 PM ET, 11:30PM GMT September 7, 2023 | Leveraging Your Disability to Find a Job: How to Make Your blindness or Low Vision a Strength When Job Seeking | National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision (NRTC)12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT September 9, 2023 | The Low Vision Shop | TUG Meeting7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT September 12, 2023 | Ask Sharky: Get the Most Out of Message Center | Freedom Scientific9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT September 12, 2023 | Case Study: Creating Accessible Cultural Experiences | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT September 13, 2023 | Connect 12's New Dictionary Powered By Oxford Languages HumanWare9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT September 13, 2023 | RUBY Handheld Magnifiers: The Portable Vision Solution (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT September 14, 2023 | The Many Faces of BARD: Using Your Braille Display to Read Braille BARD Books on Your iPhone4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT September 19, 2023 | The Accessible Forms Checklist | TPGi9:30AM PT, 10:30AM MT, 11:30AM CT, 12:30PM ET, 4:30PM GMT September 20, 2023 | Creating Accessible PDF Fillable Forms (Digital Accessibility 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 27, 2023 | Basic Internet Browsing with JAWS (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT September 27, 2023 | How to Write an Accessibility Statement | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT September 29, 2023 | Blindness and Mental Health Webinar | Accessible Pharmacy9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT October 4, 2023 | FEMA Nationwide EAS Test11:20AM PT, 12:20PM MT, 1:20PM CT, 2:20PM ET, 6:20PM GMT October 13, 2023 | Blindness and Clinical Trials Webinar | Accessible Pharmacy9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT October 24, 2023 | Creating a Sustainable Digital Accessibility Business Plan | Accessibility.com10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM 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 Gently Used Braille Sense 6Listing Date: 8/31/2023 | Price: $4,000.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used. | Description: This item is in perfect condition and will only be shipped to someone in the US. | Contact: Grace via email at: grace.alpren@gmail.com 📧️. | 2) FOR SALE: One Gently Used Victor Reader Stream TrekListing Date: 8/31/2023 | Price: $450.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used. | Description: One gently used VR Trek in perfect working order and includes an executive products case. | Contact: Jane via email at: jflower418@gmail.com 📧️ or by phone / text at: (415) 492-4176 📱️. | 3) FOR SALE: One Gently Used Braille Labeled Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK MixerListing Date: 8/24/2023 | Price: $950.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used. | Description: Price includes shipping in USA. Product still under warranty. Dive into a world of superior audio mixing and recording with the Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK. This analog mixer is in like-new condition, having been carefully maintained and presenting no signs of wear or tear. The detailed pictures, available upon request, clearly showcase the immaculate state of this unit. Features: Multi-Track USB Interface. Iconic Soundcraft Ghost Mic Preamps. Soundcraft Sapphyre British EQ. Lexicon Effects Engine. High-Quality Metal Construction. Braille Labeling (can be removed if not required). The Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK offers a comprehensive mixing solution for both live and studio environments. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring audio engineer, this mixer is sure to elevate your creative endeavors. | Contact: Mike via email at: mike@mikecalvo.com 📧️ or by phone / text at: (612) 246-4818 📱️. | 4) 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: 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: Wordvoyance
➜ Classified Advertisement: FREE: Wordvoyance: A Scrabble Game For Screen ReadersIntroducing: The first and only scrabble app that blind and sighted players can play together! Completely ad-free and based on the classic board game, Wordvoyance is the perfect choice for everyone from schools and young families to grizzled word game veterans. Play against the single-player CPU or challenge your friends online. The game can be played in any web browser, even on your phone, with Android and iOS apps available in select regions: Sponsor Since: August 3, 2023 Website: https://www.themisgames.com/wordvoyance/ 🌐 About: Wordvoyance is a multiplayer crossword-building game similar to Scrabble and Words With Friends. It has been carefully crafted to be playable by everyone, and it includes multiple accessibility features for people with blindness and other disabilities. For players with unhindered sight, the game will play exactly as you expect. You can drag and drop tiles to form words on the board and rack up points. For everyone else, the game is fully compatible with popular screen readers and can be played with a number of different input methods including keyboards, assistive technology, and even game controllers. Play Game (Web Browser): https://www.themisgames.com/wordvoyance/menu Play Game (iOS App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wordvoyance/id1672135719 Play Game (Google Play Store): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.exceptionullgames.wordvoyance Play Game (Other): For iOS users outside of our soft launch regions you can download the app via Apple's TestFlight Store at: https://testflight.apple.com/join/UsNLOulZ Game Manual: https://www.themisgames.com/wordvoyance/manual Sponsor: The Accessibility Guy
➜ Classified Advertisement: Expert Document Accessibility Remediation: Compliant, Multilingual, & InclusiveUnlock the power of inclusivity with our specialized document accessibility remediation services. With over 100,000 documents transformed and compliant with standards such as Section 508, WCAG 2.1 AA, HHS, AODA, and PDF/UA, we are your go-to accessibility experts. No document is too complex! What To Expect: Screen Reader Testing: We test all documents with industry-leading tools like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, CommonLook Validator, and PAC3. Turnaround Time: Our standard time is 5 business days. Expedited options are available. Forms Handling: We specialize in making static PDFs accessible to screen readers. Languages Supported: Offering remediation in over 50 languages. File Types Supported: Word, PDF, PowerPoint. Custom Reports: Available for an additional fee. Learn More: https://theaccessibilityguy.com/document-remediation/ Sponsor Since: August 3, 2023 Website: https://theaccessibilityguy.com/ 🌐 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheAccessibilityGuy 📹 About: My name is Shawn Jordison and I love helping others learn the ins and outs of digital accessibility. I have made over 100 thousand documents accessible, provided hundreds of trainings in the areas of accessibility and document remediation, and reviewed many websites and mobile applications for accessibility. I have developed and reviewed VPATs, LMS courses, and other pieces of training. I am the accessibility swiss army knife. Let me be your personal accessibility expert. ➜ Over 13 years of experience in the field of accessibility. ➜ Passionate about providing equal access to information for everyone. ➜ Wide range of project experience, including document accessibility, training, and more. ➜ Expertise in captioning, assistive technology, and accessibility best practices. I'm here to help you create a more accessible world. The Blog: This blog covers topics like making Word, PDF & PowerPoint files accessible, Closed Captioning, assistive technology, and other important accessibility topics. Training and Consulting: Offering customized training and consulting for implementing accessibility best practices. Accessible Document Service: Providing top-tier document remediation services for all types of files, ensuring compliance with WCAG, 508, and PDF UA standards. 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. 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: Have You Tried The Best Way to Label Things if You're Blind or Have Low Vision?WayAround is a smartphone-based labeling app that works with your preferred accessibility settings. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags ® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more. If you want to label something that's inside, outside, wet, dry, hot, or cold, there's a WayTag that will attach securely. WayTags come as stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips. Each of the different styles of WayTags work exactly the same. Simply choose the WayTag that's best for what you want to label. ➜ Label your kitchen, clothing, or medication. Keep adding more WayTags! Use any style of tag, in any order. There's no limit to the number of WayTags you can use. So you can rely on one system to label all your things. Try our Starter Pack to experience ALL of the different types of WayTags! 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: HIMS is Hiring!HIMS, Inc. is the manufacturer and distributor of industry leading blindness and low vision technology solutions serving the assistive technology needs of the United States, Canada and outlying U.S. territories. Come enjoy the best in music, world-class dining and rich cultural diversity that the city of Austin Texas has to offer while having a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve. If you are a hard worker and would like to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, then we hope you will consider a career with HIMS, Inc. Currently we have 2 positions to consider. If you are interested in, please email your cover letter and resume to: randy@selvashc.com 📧️. Please note that all applicants will be subject to reference verification and a background check prior to employment start date. Positions can be found 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. 4 of 24 Sponsorship Packages Currently AvailableTop Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 25,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Access Technology: Broadly encompasses technologies that enable access to information and communication systems for a wide range of users, including those with disabilities. It's about making existing systems like computers and the internet more accessible. Adaptive Technology: A subset of Access Technology, specifically tailored or modified for people with disabilities. It's designed to assist individuals in performing tasks that might otherwise be challenging due to their particular disabilities. Assistive Technology: This term is often used interchangeably with Adaptive Technology but can have a broader scope. Assistive Technology includes any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges. While Adaptive Technology is primarily focused on modifications for disability-specific needs, Assistive Technology can also include tools and devices used by the elderly, those recovering from injuries, or individuals with temporary impairments. Examples include hearing aids, wheelchairs, and voice recognition software. The key aspect of Assistive Technology is its role in enhancing functional capabilities and improving quality of life for individuals facing a variety of challenges. Top Tech Tidbits offers a total of 24 Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication. ➜ Availability: There are currently 4 of 24 Sponsorship Packages available. All 24 Sponsorship Packages are offered on a first-come, first serve basis. ➜ Waiting List: If you would like to become an Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor but there are no sponsorship packages currently available, we encourage you to join our waiting list by sending an email to: sponsorships@toptechtidbits.com 📧️. Once you have joined our waiting list we will notify you the next time a current sponsor decides not to renew. You will then have 72 hours to secure your sponsorship before it is offered to the next sponsor on the list. ➜ Payment Options: When available you can secure one of these packages for just $100.00 USD per month, $300 USD per quarter or $1,200.00 USD per year. ➜ Payment Option Benefits: Monthly Sponsors receive Zero (0) Featured Advertisements. Quarterly Sponsors receive One (1) Featured Advertisement per quarter. Annual Sponsors receive Five (5) Featured Advertisements per year. All other benefits remain the same. ➜ Top Tech Tidbits SupportersWe couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!
Why: Top Tech Tidbits Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication. Benefits: All Top Tech Tidbits Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Top Tech Tidbits website. In addition, all Top Tech Tidbits Supporters automatically become Premium Subscribers as well, and therefore enjoy all of the benefits that a Premium Subscription has to offer. One Time Donation: If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right. Annual Donation: If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support. Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible. Platinum Supporters:Become a Top Tech Tidbits Platinum Supporter today. 1.) Gary Lee 2.) Anonymous Donation 3.) Pshon Barrett 4.) Robin Millar Gold Supporters:Become a Top Tech Tidbits Gold Supporter today. 1.) Howard Goldstein 2.) David Goldstein 3.) Katherine Crohan 4.) Neil Jarvis Silver Supporters:Become a Top Tech Tidbits Silver Supporter today. 1.) Timothy Gorbold Bronze Supporters:Become a Top Tech Tidbits Bronze Supporter today. 1.) Steven Wettlaufer ➜ Top Tech Tidbits News TeamPublisher: 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) Publisher (2022-Present) Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present) Email: publisher@toptechtidbits.com 📧️ Editorial Contributor: John Hanlin (Volunteer)Volunteer Editor Since: June 4th 2020 Location: Boulder, Colorado Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6) In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, John also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons. John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. John Hanlin, Esq. Editor (2020-Present) Editor (2022-Present) Board of Trustees (2006 - Present) Email: editors@toptechtidbits.com 📧️ Editorial Contributor: Jenna Lang (Volunteer)Volunteer Editor Since: June 4th 2020 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5) In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits, Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News Publication and runs her own advocacy foundation. Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology. Jenna Lang, PMP Editor (2020-Present) Editor (2022-Present) Project Management Professional (2022 - Present) Email: editors@toptechtidbits.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) Accessible Technology Coordinator Email: editors@toptechtidbits.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) Access and Technology Advisor Email: editors@toptechtidbits.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 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) Editorial Contributor (2023-Present) National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present) Email: editor@toptechtidbits.com 📧️ ➜ Subscription InformationABOUT:Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 25,000 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. RELEASE SCHEDULE:Top Tech Tidbits is released every Thursday morning at 6:00 AM ET. SUBSCRIBE:Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter on the Top Tech Tidbits Website at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter. It's that easy. PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER:Top Tech Tidbits Premium Subscribers receive additional benefits throughout the year, in addition to supporting upgrades to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication. Please consider joining us today! Premium Subscribers make new feature requests possible. SPONSOR:If you would like to become 1 of only 24 Top Tech Tidbits Sponsors whose ongoing support makes the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible, we offer you the following advertising benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor. SUPPORT:If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your support: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate. WEBSITE:Visit the Top Tech Tidbits website online at: https://toptechtidbits.com. STORE:Are you blind or do you live with low vision? Are you deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind? Do you require a wheelchair for mobility? Do you consider yourself to be neurodivergent or otherwise disabled? We specialize in information that can improve your quality of life. Learn more today at: https://toptechtidbits.com/store. FACEBOOK:Are you on Facebook? Stop by and "Like" Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your Facebook News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook. X (FORMERLY TWITTER):Are you on X? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your X News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/x. MASTODON:Are you on Mastodon? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your Mastodon News Feed by visiting https://mastodon.toptechtidbits.com/@news or searching for @news@mastodon.toptechtidbits.com on your server today. LINKEDIN:Are you on LinkedIn? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your LinkedIn News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin. YOUTUBE:Are you on YouTube? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your YouTube Video Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/youtube. RSS:Do you prefer RSS? Follow Top Tech Tidbits via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology using your choice of news aggregator: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml. QUESTIONS:Tidbits are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular Tidbit brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit. ARCHIVERead the most recently released issues at: https://toptechtidbits.com/#new. Visit the Top Tech Tidbits Archive at: https://toptechtidbits.com/archive where you can grab back issues. CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS:Any information for future issues of Top Tech Tidbits may be submitted online via our Top Tech Tidbit Submission Form at: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-news or directed to our Editors at: editors@toptechtidbits.com. 
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