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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 19, 2023 - Volume 933The 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: 11,118 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 184 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Webinar: The Future of Accessibility: AI-Powered Tools for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired | The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. | October 25, 2023 | 7PM ET
Join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. as we explore the world of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential for people who are blind or visually impaired. Discover cutting-edge AI tools and technologies designed to empower independence, accessibility, and inclusion. During this interactive session, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences, and learn how AI can revolutionize the way you interact with and navigate the visual world. Don't miss this chance to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance your life. Register now to secure your spot! Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By Support From: A. T. Guys, GuideLights And Gadgets, HumanWare, Freedom Scientific, Pneuma Solutions, Carroll Center for the Blind, HIMS, Inc., Access Tech Live, 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.) JAWS Power Tip: How To Use Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge | Freedom ScientificImmersive Reader is a Microsoft Edge feature that simplifies the layout of text and reduces clutter. Use it on pages where it is available to read continuously, bypassing ads and other page content. This can include pages containing content such as articles, blog posts, and recipes. JAWS provides notification if Immersive Reader is available when the page loads. To enable Immersive Reader: B.) BrailleNote Touch Outdated OS | Perkins School For The BlindIs your BrailleNote having connectivity issues and/or problems with Google applications? A number of TVIs are reporting that the BrailleNote Touch (and other more current Humanware braille notetakers) are running Android 8.1, an old operating system. This old operating system will no longer connect to most school Wi-Fi networks. It is reported that even the current Humanware braille notetakers are running the old operating system. Google no longer receives security updates and is officially no longer supporting Android 8.1 (Android Oreo) was released in August 2017: C.) My Plain Text Workflow As A Fiction Writer | Robert KingettPlain text workflows are especially useful for screen reader users because, rather than memorizing an inaccessible user interface, the user can just create documents without worrying about formatting. This post by a blind writer covers managing track changes as plain text as well as how one can do text based accounting, and more: D.) What's the Difference Between Outlook, Outlook for Windows, and Outlook.com? | Ask LeoThe short answer is: Outlook, Outlook for Windows, and Outlook.com? are three different things. They don't really relate to each other. They have only three things in common: they're all related to email, they all have the word "Outlook" in their names, and their icons are similar if not identical. That's where the similarity ends. It's frustrating because people often refer to Outlook when they mean Outlook.com: E.) Flying Blind: Taking Flight Simulation To A New Level In Accessibility | HackadaySoftware developers [Andy Borka] and [Jason Fayre] have a love for aviation. They are also both totally blind. They've developed software called Talking Flight Monitor, and it has made flight simulation possible for anyone with impaired vision or blindness, as you can experience in the blurry video below the break. What draws them to aviation and flight simulators? 2) Sponsored By Top Tech Tidbits: The Design + Accessibility Summit | A CreativePro Online Event | November 14-17, 2023Publisher (Di Blasi): I think it important to point out that one of our very own Sponsors will be presenting at this Summit. Shawn Jordison, AKA The Accessibility Guy, will share his techniques for ensuring Word documents are well-structured for accessibility and efficiency. 3) Top Tech Tidbits Needs Your Help. Giving Tuesday Is November 28, 2023. Donate or Earn Commissions On Referrals. Help Top Tech Tidbits Reach Even More Readers For Free in 2024.Are you a longtime Top Tech Tidbits reader? Or a relative newcomer to weekly access technology news and updates? Whether you've been reading since 2004, or just subscribed last week, it is our sincerest hope that you find the weekly information that Top Tech Tidbits provides valuable enough to want to continue reading it each week. And hopefully, valuable enough to want to share it with others that would benefit from it as well. If this sounds like you, and you have either the time or resources to help out this year, below are several low and no-cost ways that dedicated readers can help us to reach even more readers for free in 2024. Thank you in advance for your generosity this year: 4) Sponsorship Package UpdatesAvailability: There are 5 Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Packages currently available. Join industry leaders and begin reaching over 15,000 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: 5) Premium Subscriber UpdatesNext Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 6th issue of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits for October, November and December 2023 on Monday, January 1, 2024. Back Issues: There are currently 6 back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to receive a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month: 6) Sponsored Tidbits Now AvailableUse Sponsored Tidbits to reach the access community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsored-tidbits.html. 7) Follow Top Tech Tidbits On Your Preferred ChannelIn addition to receiving Top Tech Tidbits via email every Thursday morning at 6:00 AM ET you can also pick up the newsletter and its trending articles on any of the following channels: 8) AI UpdatesSkip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI. A) I'm Totally Blind. Artificial Intelligence Is Helping Me Rediscover the World | Milagros Costabel | SlateIf someone told me, a couple of weeks prior, that I would be taking pictures of everything that crossed my path, I would have laughed in their face. But there I was, sitting on the sidewalk, looking to capture the perfect shot that would allow me to learn a little more about the world I am a part of: the expression of the guide dog who is always by my side; the bustle of a busy street full of buildings, cars, and signs; the box of desserts I just bought, wondering whether it looked appetizing enough to bring to a family dinner. I can't see these things, which are so easy to take for granted, with my own eyes. But A.I. has now brought me as close to being able to do so as I'll probably ever be: B) Leveraging Your Data: The Unsung AI Advantage | Aaron Di Blasi | Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.A remarkable shift is underway in the realm of large language models. As newer models emerge, open source alternatives gain traction, and ecosystems supporting these models flourish, pioneering businesses are reimagining their strategies with AI. Currently, many perceive large language models, including multimodal variants, as standalone entities. You might engage with platforms like Claude or ChatGPT, leveraging their capabilities as language interpreters, knowledge repositories, and response generators in a unified manner. This perception frames these models as colossal enigmas, producing outputs that often appear magical. Such an approach is undeniably effective for numerous applications, especially those that are public-facing, do not involve sensitive information and rely on generalized knowledge. They serve these purposes commendably and should be maximized for such tasks. However, challenges arise when incorporating proprietary or updated data. How do you ensure alignment with your distinct datasets? C) ElevenLabs Launches Voice Translation Tool to Break Down Language Barriers for ContentThis voice translation tool can convert spoken content to another language in minutes, while preserving the voice of the original speaker: D) 10 ChatGPT Chrome Extensions You Should Try | MacworldSearching for ChatGPT Chrome extensions? Check out our selection of 10 ChatGPT extensions for Google Chrome that are worth trying: E) You Can Now Generate AI Images in Google SearchGoogle's Search Generative Experience (SGA) can now create AI images based on Google Search queries. This is very similar to Bing's image-generating functionality — simply enter a prompt like "draw a chicken in the style of Van Gogh" into Google Search, and you'll be met with four AI-generated images. To enjoy this feature, you must opt into SGA through Search Labs: F) FAQs About Privacy Using AI On DropboxThis article answers frequently asked questions about privacy and Dropbox AI: 9) JAWS with Microsoft Office Power Tip: How To Add, Move, and Delete Slides in PowerPoint Using the Thumbnails Pane | Freedom ScientificThe Thumbnails Pane is located on the left side of the PowerPoint application window. Use it to navigate and rearrange slides: 10) How To Browse For Titles With Accessibility Features Like Dialogue Boost and Audio Description on Amazon Prime Video | @JennissaryI just learned there is a NEW feature on #AmazonPrimeVideo which allows you to browse for titles with accessibility features, such as Dialogue Boost and Audio Description! This is fantastic! Steps: 1. On any platform, access the search feature. 2. Instead of typing anything, scroll or hover over the media titles that appear on the search page. 3. Scroll all the way to the bottom, where you should find categories. 4. Select the accessible media category! 11) How to Remap Any Key or Shortcut on Windows 10 | How-to-GeekMicrosoft makes it easy to remap keys with PowerToys, a free utility available for download online. Using PowerToys, you can make any key on your keyboard act like any other key — and even remap shortcuts: 12) How to Create Audio Description for YouTube Videos | Rebecca Klein | 3PlayMediaMore than 1 billion hours of videos are watched on YouTube each day. 71% of people with disabilities leave a website immediately if it's not accessible. You don't have to be a mathematician to understand these stats and their implications. If you want your YouTube videos to reach their full potential, you need to make them accessible with captions and audio description. But how? Until 2023, YouTube didn't support audio description in the same way it supported captions. For captions, users could upload an SRT file with their video, but there was no similar solution for audio description. This meant that if a user was going to add audio description, it had to be embedded into the video and uploaded as one version. However, YouTube recently launched the ability to add audio description tracks to videos — a win for media accessibility! While the audio description capabilities are not available to all users yet, YouTube indicates that they will continue to roll this feature out to more creators: 13) Announcing Voice Access | Amazon AccessibilityToday, October 18, 2023, we announced Voice Access, included on our new Fire HD 10 tablet (13th generation), which allows customers with mobility disabilities to interact with a variety of experiences. The feature is available when the device language is set to English and uses speech recognition to perform actions on the device. Fire tablet devices, which provide easy access to millions of movies, TV shows, songs, and audio books, can now be controlled by voice, without touching the screen: 14) 8 Ways We're Making Daily Tasks More Accessible | Eve Andersson, Senior Director, Products for All | Google BlogToday, October 17, 2023, we're rolling out new accessibility features and updates that make accomplishing daily tasks faster and easier — like taking selfies, getting walking directions or searching the web. We recently launched Lookout image Q&A mode and accessibility updates on Android 14 and Wear OS 4. Now we have even more accessible features across our products that are built with and for people with disabilities: 15) Demonstration And Hands on Overview of the Monarch Graphics Braille Tablet From Humanware / APH | David Woodbridge | Editor | Audio Only16) A Guide to Installing Hartgen Consultancy Products into JAWS 2024 | Brian Hartgen | Tech-VI ListJAWS version 2024 will be released towards the end of October. Because we have so many script packages now, it is important to ensure you are ready for when the new version of JAWS is released. This guide is being prepared based upon what has been discovered with using the various packages with JAWS 2024. Please check this list carefully and consider the products you are using: 17) JAWS Scripts for Microsoft Teams Version 2 | Hartgen ConsultancyVersion 2 of the JAWS scripts for Microsoft Teams will be released as soon as possible following the release of JAWS 2024. This not only contains enhancements to speech and Braille output for Microsoft Teams version 1 and 2, but in addition more shortcut keys to improve efficiency overall when using this application. Finally, more help documentation is provided: 18) What's New in Android 14 | Accessible AndroidGoogle has unveiled the stable version of Android 14, marking a significant update to the world's most popular mobile operating system. The release is set to first roll out to Google's Pixel phones, including the newly launched Pixel 8 series, followed by eligible devices from various Android Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Here's What's New in Android 14: 19) Mac VoiceOver Keystrokes With Alphabet And Function Keys In Macos 13 VenturaI have attempted to cover all the mac voiceover keystrokes in combination with the alphabet keys, function keys and along with the modifier keys in the form of a table for ready reference: 20) Some iOS VoiceOver Bugs and Workarounds | Pam Coffey | Tech-VI ListAs I am writing this, we are on iOS 17.0.3. These are some of my reflections on the new operating system, and a few workarounds for dealing with a few bugs and changes. This is by no means an exhaustive list, as there are numerous apps I have never used, and others I haven't used since the update; however, it will hopefully be of some assistance to those yet to update, as well as for less experienced users: 21) AccessiByeBye | A Free Chrome Extension That Blocks All Website Overlays | Pneuma SolutionsPublisher (Di Blasi): David Goldfield reminds us about this free and extremely useful extension. 22) FAST TV: What It Is and Why It Should Matter to You | CNetFAST TV is tucked in between the worlds of cable TV and subscription-based streaming, and it's a billion-dollar industry that's changed how we watch TV. It stands for "Free, Ad-Supported Television," and services such as Tubi and Pluto TV are among the best-known platforms in the game: 23) Virtual Reality Accessibility: How to Implement Multiple Locomotion Styles in Unity | Equal EntryIncorporating diverse locomotion styles in virtual reality (VR) is crucial for creating an inclusive and accessible experience. By offering options such as teleportation, arm swinging, or free movement, VR developers can cater to different preferences, abilities, and comfort levels. People with mobility disabilities benefit from these options, as they can navigate VR environments effortlessly and without physical strain. This article aims to provide insights into how developers can effectively implement multiple locomotion styles to improve the accessibility of their VR applications: 24) The Meta Glassholes Have Arrived | The VergeIt's happening: people are once again walking into public places wearing a video-recording face computer on their heads. Only this time, the faceputer is sold by Meta, not Google. Say hello to Meta's Glassholes: 25) Content Sharing on Android for Beginners | Accessible AndroidWhether you want to send a photo to a friend, use an image description app to identify what your friend has sent you, attach a file quickly to an email, or share a link with a group on a messaging app, the share menu is what you need. On Android, sharing content is a convenient task. Let's discuss some basics of content sharing on Android for beginners: 26) Passkeys: What They Are and Why You Need Them ASAP | PC MagWe tell you what passkeys are, how you can get them, and where you can use them to log in securely without exposing your email address or creating a password: 27) An Almost But Not Quite Incredible Smart Home Controller — Flic Twist Review | David Redmond | National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI)Ever since I first heard of the idea I wanted a Flic Twist. I've been a vocal fan of the Flic Smart Button, and the potential of having that on steroids was right up my street. So, with that in mind, as soon as the product was officially released I made my order. Then, about 10 minutes later I saw the first negative review of the product on YouTube. This could be fun. Let's talk about the Flic Twist, my experience, and if I'll be buying more: 28) Passkeys.Directory - A Community-Driven Index Of Websites, Apps, And Services That Offer Signing In With Passkeys29) Job Hunting Sucks. This Programmer Filled Out 250 Applications to Find Out Why | Wired: Subscription RequiredShikhar Sachdev wanted to reveal what made the process so draining—so he spent 11 hours filling applications. Now he has tips for both job seekers and hiring managers: 30) Comcast to Deliver Multi-Gig Symmetrical Speeds in World-First DOCSIS 4.0 Deployment | October 12, 2023 | ComcastMulti-Gig symmetrical speeds will be delivered to customers over existing connections. Consumers will have access to symmetrical 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps upload and download speeds. The service will be available next week in select neighborhoods of Colorado Springs with areas of Atlanta and Philadelphia coming online soon: 31) Remote Driving Is a Sneaky Shortcut to the Robotaxi | Wired: Subscription RequiredGerman startup Vay is pushing teledriving — in which cars are remotely operated by humans — as easier to achieve than fully autonomous driving: 32) The Whole of the Whole Earth Catalog Is Now Online | Wired: Subscription RequiredThe seminal DIY catalogs, journals, and magazines printed by the techno-hippie publishing house are finally available online in digital form, all for free: 33) Digital Accessibility Blogs and Newsletters | Ricky Onsman | TPGihttps://www.tpgi.com/digital-accessibility-blogs-and-newsletters/ ➜ 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: October 20, 2023 | Paid Google Research StudyWe're currently scheduling participants for a study that takes place October 16, 2023 through October 20, 2023. Sessions will be conducted remotely — you'll need a high-speed Internet connection, an active Gmail account, and a computer with a working video camera, speaker and microphone to participate in the study. If you're interested in participating, please complete the questionnaire below. Details of the study: The duration of the study is 1 hour 30 minutes. You'll receive a $100 USD / $125 CAD gift code by email from our thank you gift distributor, as a token of our appreciation. Their online catalog includes gift cards from VISA, Mastercard, PayPal, donations or a variety of retailers. Retailers and gift card options will vary based on region: ➜ Featured Podcast EpisodesSubmit your access-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode.October 9, 2023 | Tek Talk Welcomes John Gassman And Myrna Votta Of The Tek Talk Planning Committee To Discuss Reading Kindle BooksKindle has over 6 million titles in its US Kindle Store. These books can be read using personal computers, Braille devices, smart phones, and Amazon Echo devices. John and Myrna will provide an overview of using these devices to read Kindle content: October 12, 2023 | White Canes: Fears, Stigmas, and Uses | Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the ExpertsLots of questions, concerns, and stereotypes connected to use of the white cane. In this episode, we address several of them from past discussions on the topic: October 12, 2023 | All Things Lady A — Controlling your DevicesMulti-room music feature: Control music on multiple Lady A devices throughout your home. ChatGPT: AI program for composing emails, stories, and engaging in conversations. Future AI enhancements: Lady A will improve to answer complex questions without CHAT GPT. Alexa Guard: Lady A as a security device with smart alerts and emergency services contact. Product updates: Enhanced sound quality, improved camera, and accessories available: October 13, 2023 | An Introduction to Google Slides with JAWS | Freedom Scientific Training PodcastAre you new to Google Slides? Want to read, edit, and create presentations more effectively with JAWS? We'll provide an overview of navigating Google Slides with JAWS, plus show you how to: - Turn on accessibility settings and explore the Accessibility menu - Open and navigate a presentation - Create and save a new presentation - Insert and delete slides - Add content to a slide - Edit and format content on a slide - Access Google Slides keyboard commands: October 13, 2023, 2023 | That Real Blind Tech Show: Episode 140: We're Sorry, But Farts Are FunnyJoin the entire gang as we discuss the latest in tech news including the chaos at Twitter, a very unique Ring Doorbell campaign, iOS 17, new iPhone 15's, and a conversation of our top three most used apps. Give us a listen unless you do not like laughing: October 14, 2023 | DoubleTap: Adi Kushner SpecialToday on the show, Steven and Shaun are joined by Adi Kushnir, the man behind the company Access Mind, which has partnered with Orbit Research to build the Optima Braille Laptop. It's a Windows-based system running the latest hardware and is customizable to your needs and contains a laptop-style QWERTY keyboard and a 40-cell Braille display. Adi has spent his career building and developing new technologies to advance people who are blind through education into the workplace and believes a different approach is needed to ensure our success long term. It's an interesting and thought-provoking conversation and we cannot wait to hear your thoughts on it: October 14, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 149: Samsung One UI Part 6, Connected Devices and the Pixel 8 Pro UnboxingIn our Android Basics section, we show you about connected devices in Samsungs one UI. Then we have a dual unboxing of Pixel 8 Pro with a lot of discussion by the crew: October 18, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2342: Timecrest Fantasy Game for iOSJump Into the World of Fantasy with Timecrest. Get a chance to turn back time and save the world as the main character in the Timecrest fantasy game from Sneaky Crab. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Justin Ng, who co-founded Sneaky Crab with Lisa Gu, about how they made the game accessible with Voiceover and received an AppleVis Golden Apple award for Developer of the Year: October 19, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, October 19, 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.October 19, 2023 | An In-Depth Look at the Microsoft Office Ribbon and JAWS | Freedom Scientific9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT October 19, 2023 | FCC Open Meeting to Consider Several Accessibility Items7:30AM PT, 8:30AM MT, 9:30AM CT, 10:30AM ET, 2:30PM GMT October 19, 2023 | An In-Depth Look at the Microsoft Office Ribbon and JAWS | Freedom Scientific9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT October 24, 2023 | Begin Building an Early Tactile Foundation for Graphics Understanding | APH12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM 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 Group11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT October 24, 2023 | Building an Early Tactile Foundation for Graphics Understanding | APH12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT October 25, 2023 | Webinar: The Future of Accessibility: AI-Powered Tools for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired | The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT October 25, 2023 | Accessibility Key Performance Indicators | TPGi9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT October 25, 2023 | Menus v. Ribbons with JAWS (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT November 1, 2023 | ParentConnect: A Family Support Group Offered In Partnership With The Virtual Parent Support Group Chicago Lighthouse For The Blind | APH ConnectCenter4:30PM PT, 5:30PM MT, 6:30PM CT, 7:30PM ET, 11:30PM GMT November 2, 2023 | Career Conversations: Interview With A Blind Audio Engineer | Richard Rueda | APH ConnectCenter3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT 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 9, 2023 | From Classroom to Cash Flow: How Earning in School Can Shape a Brighter Future For Blind And Low Vision Students | Richard Rueda | APH ConnectCenter3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT November 14, 2023 | How Beginners Can Easily Test for JAWS Screen Reader Accessibility | TPGi8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT November 14, 2023 through November 17, 2023 | The Design + Accessibility Summit By CreativeProJoin us at the 3rd annual Design + Accessibility Summit, the essential HOW-TO event for design professionals who need to master accessibility, coming to a device near you November 14-17, 2023. It's no secret that accessibility is a hot topic. In fact, ensuring your documents are accessible is not just a good idea: it's the law. Whether you're extending your company's DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) focus, expanding your market to include the estimated 25% of the population who have disabilities, or safeguarding your company against legal risks, it's important to make accessibility a business priority. Creative professionals must learn how to design documents that are accessible for people with vision and hearing impairments, mobility challenges, cognitive, and other disabilities. And those who ramp up their knowledge and expertise in accessibility will find themselves in high demand supporting their business' efforts; while those who don't will risk falling behind. At The Design + Accessibility Summit, you will learn practical techniques for building accessible documents with InDesign, Acrobat, PowerPoint, and other tools widely used by creative professionals: November 28, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM 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 6, 2023 and December 7, 2023 | Sight Tech Global — Shaping New Technologies to Create a More Accessible World for People with Blindness and Visual Impairments
December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT February 20, 2023 through February 22, 2023 | Axe-Con 2024 | Deque SystemsWhy attend axe-con? Building accessible digital experiences requires a team effort, across design, development, management, testing, accessibility experts, and of course, legal. Axe-con is the first of its kind, dedicating topics to each of these key players. This is not an assistive technology convention. Talks at axe-con will include case studies from enterprise companies leading in large-scale accessibility efforts, as well as best practices and updates from technology leaders around the world. Attendance of axe-con sessions can also be used towards continuing education (CE) towards IAAP certification. Topics of focus will include accessibility in development, accessibility in design, organizational success with accessibility, and a wildcard track. If you'd like to learn more about previous sessions and speakers, you can view last year's schedule here. Join us to learn how to build, test, monitor, and maintain digital accessibility: April 8, 2024 and April 9, 2023 | 24th Annual Multiple Perspective On Access, Inclusion & Disability Conference | The Ohio State University — Columbus, OhioTo be on the mailing list for the conference, send email to: ➜ Directories1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-app-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-game-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directoryhttps://toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-podcast-directory.html ➜ Buy, Sell or TradeList your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD by filling out this short form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-buy-sell-trade.1) FOR SALE: One New HumanWare Brailliant BI40X Talking Braille Display With Built-In Notetaker And Book Reader and InternetListing Date: 9/28/2023 | Price: $1,940.00 USD | Condition: New | Description: Hi, we have an extra Humanware Brailliant BI40X 40 cell talking Braille display and notetaker with book reader and other capabilities we can sell and save you from the big retail price. Just make an offer. Thank you. | Contact: Joe via email at: GoASU492@gmail.com 📧️. | 2) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Ad (Just like this one.)Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD. | Buy an Ad: Fill out this short form to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisement today. | Learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html. ➜ Top Tech Tidbits Online Store For Digital DownloadsAccess & Security: The Top Tech Tidbits Online Store For Digital Downloads is powered by Shopify to provide a fully accessible and completely secure shopping experience for all Top Tech Tidbits readers. Immediate Delivery: All document compendiums that you purchase through the Top Tech Tidbits Online Store For Digital Downloads will be delivered to you via email immediately following your purchase. Support: All of the proceeds generated by the Top Tech Tidbits Online Store For Digital Downloads are used to maintain the ongoing distribution of the weekly Top Tech Tidbits email newsletter.1) Top Tech Tidbits | Top 60 Most Clicked Tidbits | Quarterly Compendiums
60 Most Clicked Tidbits for April, May and June 2022 - Volume 1 2) | JAWS Power Tips | Annual Compendiums2021 JAWS Power Tips Compendium - Volume 1 ➜ Sponsor Classified AdsSponsors may submit or update their Classified Advertisement at any time by submitting this short form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-sponsor-classified.Sponsor: HIMS, Inc.
➜ Classified Advertisement: Braillesense 6 Notetaker By HIMS Inc.The BrailleSense 6 is a cutting-edge assistive technology that combines the functionality of a notetaker, braille display, and accessible tablet into a single, compact unit. Its robust suite of features includes web browsing, email, document creation, and media playback, making it a versatile tool for education, work, and daily life. With built-in connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, users can seamlessly access online resources and connect with other devices. Currently compatible with Android 10, but will soon be upgrading to Android 12! Two sizes are available, the BrailleSense 6 with 32 cells, and the BrailleSense 6 mini with 20 cells. Sponsor Since: September 30th 2021 Website: https://hims-inc.com/ 🌐 Shop All Products: https://hims-inc.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒 Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo Sales Email: sales@hims-inc.com 📧️ About: HIMS, Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999. Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind
➜ Classified Advertisement: Attend the Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the BlindLaunch your career in the digital accessibility field! The Carroll Center for the Blind's new 7-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program allows participants to learn and grow their ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers. Want to learn more? Start your journey to becoming a Screen Reader User Tester by visiting: Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 Website: https://carroll.org/ 🌐 Phone: (617) 969-6200 📱️ Fax: (617) 969-6204 ░Shop: https://carroll.org/store/ 🛒 Donate: https://carroll.org/donate ❤ Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living. Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
➜ Classified Advertisement: 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: GuideLights and Gadgets
➜ Classified Advertisement: We're Already Thinking Ahead For The Holidays!Our Victor Stream Bundle, with leather case, bone conduction headphones, and 256 gb SD card; $625, including shipping; SensePlayer OCR Bundle; same accessories as above; $875, incl. shipping. All 3 accessories for less than the Exec Products case alone! Leather Stream or SensePlayer case, $35; Telescopic Locking 60 and 54 inch titanium canes; $70 and $65, plus shipping; Hands free no-bounce leather pruch, $35; or our original 3 pocket hands-free leather pouch for Be My Eyes or AIRA, $30. Talking Medical Bundle with Leather case; $140 incl. shipping. Zip-around RFID Italian leather wallets; $35.00. Call or email Barry at: (617) 969-7500 📱️ or barry.scheur@gmail.com 📧️. Call or email Kae at: (781) 286-1696 📱️; or guidelightdogs@gmail.com 📧️. 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, 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://fablepathways.com/ 🌐 Email: community@makeitfable.com 📧️ Phone: (888) 212-3532 📱️ Extension 810 About: Just like curb cuts help everyone get on and off sidewalks, designing digital products with accessibility in mind helps make the internet more accessible for everyone. Fable is an accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities. Fable connects people with disabilities to accessibility managers, user researchers, designers, and developers to build incredible and accessible user experiences. Opportunities: ➜ Fable Pathways: Fable Pathways is a free skill development program for people with disabilities interested in working in the tech sector. Sign up to take your career to the next level. Courses include "Getting started in web development" taught by Kelly Ford, a screen reader user, and Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, and "Becoming a manager" taught by Fable's Head of Accessibility Innovation, Kate Kalcevich. Instructors are subject matter experts in their fields and have lived experience with disability. Pathways courses are free, self-paced and assistive-technology-friendly. Sign up now at https://fablepathways.com/. ➜ Fable's Community of Accessibility Testers: Work from home to contribute to real changes in digital accessibility and make the internet a more accessible place for everyone. Ever leave a website because it was too hard to navigate? Because it was missing button labels? Because it didn't respond to voice commands? Us too. Our community of testers who use assistive technologies work from home and contribute to real changes in digital accessibility with recognizable brands. Earn money to share your feedback on websites and apps of your favorite brands and work with companies that care. No experience required and no resume required. Fable is looking for assistive technology users in the USA and Canada to work the hours that they want, from the comfort of their own homes. Learn more at https://fablepathways.com/community/. Sponsor: Clusiv
➜ Classified Advertisement: Looking For Blind Job-Seekers Wanting To Advance Their Salaries, Careers And Digital Accessibility For The BlindAre you interested in learning new tech skills and working remotely while earning a competitive salary? At Clusiv.io we have created the world's first digitally accessible e-Learning platform built by the blind, and built for the blind. Visit the link provided and request Clusiv through your Vocational Rehab counselor for lifetime access to our e-Learning platform with courses such as Business Applications, JAWS, and more: Sponsor Since: June 9th 2022 Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐 About: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info. ➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses ➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients ➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates Sponsor: Access Tech Live
Sponsor Since: December 23rd 2021 Website: https://accesstechlive.com/ 🌐 Email: feedback@accesstechlive.com 📧️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@accesstechlive Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3BQmUTl About: Formerly Double Tap TV, Access Tech Live is a weekly tech show on AMI-TV, (also available on CBC Gem in Canada and YouTube). Join hosts Steven Scott (@blindguytech) and Marc Aflalo (@marcaflalo) each week as they help viewers better understand how technology can assist them in their everyday lives. 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. Facebook: https://facebook.com/accesstechlive X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/accesstechlive Instagram: https://instagram.com/accesstechlive LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/accesstechlive 5 of 24 Sponsorship Packages Currently AvailableTop Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 15,000 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 5 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 15,000 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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