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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, December 21, 2023 - Volume 942The 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: 13,075 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 182 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: 4 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. This Issue Made Possible By Support From The Following Sponsors:
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, Hable and Braille Works.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) Google Announces New Features In Talkback 14.1 | DoubleTapGoogle has launched a major new release of TalkBack, the screen reader application included within Android smartphones. The new 14.1 update brings notable updates for braille users, keyboard navigation, and image descriptions: B) JAWS Power Tip: How To Compose and Send Messages in Gmail Standard View with JAWS | Freedom ScientificYou can compose and send messages using Google keyboard shortcuts. One way to do this is with the JAWS Virtual PC cursor toggled off. If it is on, press INSERT+Z to turn it off. To compose a message: C) 6 Things You Can Do With Windows Copilot | HowToGeek.comWindows Copilot is Microsoft's AI-powered assistant that comes integrated into Windows 11, with plans to feature it in Windows 10 at the time of writing. Like a copilot in the cockpit, Windows Copilot can help you with various tasks as you use your computer. Here's what it can do: D) Sony's Latest Access Controller Highlights Major Challenges in Adaptive Gaming | Aaron Di Blasi | Top Tech TidbitsIn a significant move towards inclusive gaming, Sony has unveiled the Access controller, a device specifically designed to cater to the needs of gamers with disabilities. This development marks a pivotal moment in the adaptive gaming hardware landscape, joining the ranks of the Xbox Adaptive Controller and the Nintendo-licensed Hori Flex for current-generation consoles: E) Alphabetical List of VoiceOver Sonoma Commands | Debee | Access Technology Higher Education Network (ATHEN)The table below is an alphabetical list of VoiceOver specific Sonoma commands. I retrieved all these from the latest Sonoma user guide, but I have shortened the command descriptions extensively. The goal is to have a cheat sheet that's quick and easy to read with magnification, speech or Braille, using the fewest words possible: 2) An Open Letter To All Readers That Utilize A Text-Only Email Client: Changes Coming Next Week: Everything You Need To Know | Aaron Di Blasi, PublisherSince the very first week that I became Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits Publication I have received emails from readers who are also assistive technology experts of various specializations asking me when we planned to convert the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter into a "pure HTML format." Well, I am very happy to report, that time has finally come. To help make sense of this request, some quick background: 3) Please Consider Giving This Year. Donate or Earn Commissions On Referrals. Help Us To 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) 50% Discount On All Sponsored Tidbits Through December 31, 2023. Drive Traffic To Your Holiday Promotions Through The End of The Year By Advertising To More Than 12K Access Technology Subscribers Each Week.Would you like to reach more access technology buyers and influencers this holiday season? As of today, November 2, 2023, all Sponsored Tidbits will be 50% OFF through the end of the year. This means that Sponsors can now run a Sponsored Tidbit for just $12.50 USD (50% off $25 USD) and Non-Sponsors can now run a Sponsored Tidbit for just $25 USD (50% off $50 USD): 5) Sponsorship PackagesAre you an access-based person, business or organization whose products, services or message would benefit from reaching over 15,000 access subscribers each week? If so, please consider becoming a Sponsor today for just $100 a month, paid either monthly, quarterly or annually. If you've been looking for a way to consistently reach the largest audience of opt-in access buyers in the world today, at a nearly negligible price point, please consider becoming an Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor while packages last. 6) 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: 7) 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. 8) 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: 9) Looking For AT-Related Sales? Deals? Promotions? And Discounts? Be sure to shop the weekly Top Tech Tidbits Classified Ads section located at the very bottom of every Top Tech Tidbits weekly newsletter. Here you will find sales, deals, promotions and discounts on a wide variety of assistive technology products and services offered by Top Tech Tidbits Sponsors: 10) AI UpdatesSkip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI. A) Did GPT-4.5 Secretly Roll Out In ChatGPT? | Matt Wolfe | YouTubeExploring all the latest rumors around GPT 4.5. Is the hype real? Or just hallucinations? B) OpenAI Releases Guide To Prompt Engineering | OpenAIThis guide shares strategies and tactics for getting better results from large language models (sometimes referred to as GPT models) like GPT-4. The methods described here can sometimes be deployed in combination for greater effect. We encourage experimentation to find the methods that work best for you. Some of the examples demonstrated here currently work only with our most capable model, GPT-4. In general, if you find that a model fails at a task and a more capable model is available, it's often worth trying again with the more capable model. You can also explore example prompts which showcase what our models are capable of: C) Democratizing Access To AI-Enabled Coding With Colab | Google BlogOn December 19, 2023 Google announced the expansion of code assistance features to all Colab users, including users on their free-of-charge plans. Anyone in eligible locales can now try AI-powered code assistance in Colab: D) ChatGPT Plus Subscriptions Have Been Turned Back On | December 13, 2023 | Sam Altman | XSam: We have re-enabled ChatGPT Plus Subscriptions! Thanks for your patience while we found more GPUs: E) Google DeepMind Utilizes Large Language Model to Solve Previously Unsolvable Mathematics Problem | Aaron Di Blasi | Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.In a groundbreaking development, Google DeepMind has successfully employed a large language model to decipher a previously unsolved problem in pure mathematics. According to a paper published in Nature on December 14, 2023, this marks the first instance where a large language model has been instrumental in discovering a solution to a longstanding scientific conundrum, thereby generating verifiable and novel information that was hitherto unknown. "It's not in the training data — it wasn't even known," asserts Pushmeet Kohli, Vice President of Research at Google DeepMind: F) ChatGPT Is Not Ready To Handle Web Accessibility Remediation | Karl GrovesRecently a friend shared with me a “Custom GPT” called "Accessibility Copilot". This is one of many interesting applications of ChatGPT that are arriving to market at breakneck speed, but is unfortunately not something I would rely on for effective remediation of accessibility issues: G) 2023: The Year AI Transformed the World for Blind Individuals | Aaron Di Blasi | Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.Here I highlight the significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) in 2023 with regard to assistive technologies for the visually impaired. The 2023 Sight Tech Global conference recently showcased many of these innovations, including the collaboration between Be My Eyes and OpenAI's GPT-4, leading to the development of Be My AI. Other notable advancements included AYES.AI's OKO app for street navigation, Envision's smart glasses integrated with GPT-4, and Meta's AI-enabled wearable technologies offering voice navigation and AI-assisted interactions. The conference also highlighted the ethical challenges of AI in accessibility, emphasizing the need for responsible development and consideration of privacy and ethical integrity in technological advancements: H) 12 Things Microsoft Copilot Can Do On Windows 11 That You Really Should Know About | Mauro Huculak | WindowsCentral.comCopilot can do much more than answer questions on different topics, and in this guide, I'll show you features to get the most out of the chatbot AI: I) Thanks To Suno On Copilot, You Can Now Use AI To Make Music | MSPowerUser.comA new plugin has just arrived on Copilot. It's called Suno. Suno lets you create music using AI regardless of your musical background/knowledge. Simply toggle the plugin on and then write your prompts: J) Seleste Glasses — Hands-Free AI Assistive Technology For The Blind | Carrie on Accessibility | YouTubeIn this recent episode of the Epic Ally Podcast, Carrie from “Carrie on Accessibility” delved into the world of assistive technology through an enlightening interview with Shubh Mittal, CEO of Seleste. The focus was on the innovative Seleste Glasses, a product that stands at the forefront of assistive tech development. Carrie's excitement about the product's potential was palpable as she explored its features and implications for the visually impaired community: K) Apple Isn't Standing Still On Generative AI, And Making Human Models Dance Is Proof | Apple InsiderApple has released a research paper discussing what it calls HUGS, a generative AI technology that can create a digital human avatar from a brief video in about 30 minutes: L) Now You Can Talk to an AI Santa Claus With Fixie's HiSanta.ai | David GoldfieldI couldn't resist writing about this very cool Santa AI. HiSanta.ai is a conversational AI from Fixie, which provides conversational AI chat agents. HiSanta consists of two different Santa Claus personas, the nice, friendly Santa and the grumpy bad Santa. Deselecting the check box on the main page gives you access to the grumpy Santa, which I found to be extremely entertaining. It honestly had me laughing harder than I've laughed in quite some time. This service took me back to that nostalgic excitement that I remember as a kid when I heard about new phone numbers offering some new form of phone-based entertainment. To use this service you'll need to ensure that your browser has permission to use your device's microphone, at least on this particular site. Enjoy! 11) Apple UpdatesSkip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple. A) Apple To Halt Apple Watch Series 9 And Apple Watch Ultra 2 Sales In The Us This Week | December 18, 2023 | 9to5MacIn a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple has announced that it will soon halt sales of its flagship Apple Watch models in the United States. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will no longer be available to purchase from Apple starting later this week: B) Apple's 2024 Will Be About Moving Beyond the iPhone | Mark Gurman | BloombergThe iPhone will take a back seat to Apple's wearables business in 2024, with the Vision Pro, watch and AirPods getting more attention: C) Apple Introduces Stolen Device Protection For iPhone With iOS 17.3 Beta | Ghacks.netIn its latest update, iOS 17.3 beta, Apple has unveiled the Stolen Device Protection feature for iPhones, aiming to enhance security against theft. This feature requires biometric verification for critical actions like altering Apple ID passwords or accessing iCloud Keychain, eliminating the use of passcodes as a fallback. It also introduces a delay for changing sensitive settings, further securing devices against unauthorized access. Expected to be available for iPhone XS and newer models, this feature emphasizes safeguarding personal data over the device itself: 12) JAWS Power Tip: How To Open And Read Messages In Gmail With JAWS | Freedom ScientificTo open a message, follow these steps: 13) Ten Tips for Transitioning from Basic HTML View to Standard View in Gmail with JAWS, Part 1 | Freedom ScientificChanges are coming in 2024 to Google Gmail. Learn about them now by streaming or downloading this pre-recorded training, "Ten Tips for Transitioning from Basic HTML View to Standard View in Gmail with JAWS, Part 1." Part 2 will be available for stream or download by December 29, 2023 on our Webinars On Demand page: 14) Templates In The Wayaround App — Helpful Tips | Jessica Hipp | Wayaround.comSo, you have some WayTags ® and are ready to start labeling the things around you. The next step is to add information to your WayTags. This is where things get really exciting. WayAround's app features multiple options on how to add information about the item you want to label. You can choose to add a simple description, or you can add additional details by selecting a Template. Deciding whether or not you need a Template is an important step in determining what information will go on your WayTags: 15) How to Use Live Text on Mac: A Complete Guide | Varun Mirchandani | GuidingTech.comApple's macOS is one of the best operating systems loaded with plenty of useful features. Unfortunately, most folks aren't aware of this. One such feature is Live Text. Live Text is a powerful feature in macOS that allows you to interact with text directly within images and photos. It can recognize and extract text from images. You can then use live text on your Mac to copy, paste, translate, search the web, and more: 16) Empowering Blind Students: The 5 Best Education Apps for Learning | The Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc.As technology continues to evolve, blind students are finding more accessible and inclusive tools to aid their education journey. Apps that cater to the needs of people who are blind make returning to school or college a more seamless and productive experience. These apps range from assisting with document creation and organization to providing customized reading experiences: 17) A Guide To Securing Your Online Accounts With iCloud Keychain On MacOS | Tyler | AppleVisIf you're like most people, you likely have many online accounts with usernames and passwords. In this guide, I will describe how iCloud Keychain, the password manager built into macOS and other Apple platforms, can help you create, use, and manage strong credentials for your online accounts: 18) Tips For Using The Envision App With Low Vision | Veroniiiica.comI'm always looking for new functions and ways to use different features in visual assistance applications, and first downloaded the Envision app a few years ago when my friend was raving about its text recognition features at a low vision accessibility event we were both attending. When Envision became free for all users in 2022, I began recommending Envision and Envision AI more often for users looking for a visual assistance app that would work on multiple platforms and support helpful features like file upload, multiple languages, and recognizing faces. Here are my tips for using the Envision app with low vision for a variety of tasks: 19) Be My Eyes Integrates New Feature to Receive Visual Assistance From Friends and Family MembersBe My Eyes has announced the integration of a brand new feature in the Be My Eyes app, called Be My Eyes Groups. With Be My Eyes Groups, individuals who are blind or have low vision can build their own custom network of people to help with everyday tasks, like reviewing a paper mail or reading personal documents such as financial statements, bank communications or medical prescriptions: 20) End of an Era: Google Groups to Drop Usenet Support | Rob Pegoraro | PCMag.comA social-networking fossil looks even more embedded in sedimentary rock now that Google plans to retire the Usenet gateway it's maintained at its Google Groups site since 2001: 21) The ScripTalk Mobile App is Now Available on Blindshell Classic 2The popular ScripTalk Mobile App is now available on the BlindShell Classic 2. This addition will allow the BlindShell Classic 2, a multi-purpose accessible cell phone, to read ScripTalk Talking Labels available at no cost at thousands of participating pharmacies throughout the U.S. and Canada: 22) When Will Thunderbird For Android Be Released?When will Thunderbird for Android be released? This is a question that comes up quite a lot, and we appreciate that you're all excited to finally put Thunderbird in your pocket. It's not a simple answer, but we'll do our best to explain why things are taking longer than expected: 23) Announcing BrailleBlaster 2.1.3-Stable | Michael Whapples | APH BrailleBlaster List via the Tech-VI ListIts been over a year since the last stable BrailleBlaster release. I am pleased to announce the release of BrailleBlaster 2.1.3-stable and with the many improvements I think the wait has been worth it. Although we have not changed the major version number, this update is definitely a major improvement. When compared with the previous stable release the file handling is significantly improved, many more NIMAS files correctly open, table handling is very much improved and an overhauled find and replace tool. There are many more improvements and bug fixes. We recommend all users to update to this latest version, even beta users should upgrade as there have been important bug fixes since the last beta version: 24) NVDA 2024.1beta1 Available For Testinghttps://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2024-1beta1/ 25) The Road to Accessible Drag and Drop (Part 1) | TPGiWelcome to the first in a mini-series of articles, published over three days, where I'll be exploring solutions for truly accessible drag and drop. This implies a good deal more than simply, keyboard accessible: 26) Tech Hasn't Removed All Workplace Roadblocks For Those With Low Vision | Michele McDonnall | The Washington Post: Subscription RequiredAssistive technologies like screen reader software go a long way toward closing the gap between people who are blind or have low vision and their sighted peers. But the technologies often hit roadblocks because the information they are designed to work with — documents, websites and software programs — don't work with them, leaving the information inaccessible: 27) Talkback Actions On Android Vs. Rotor Actions On iOS: A Tale Of Google's Unfulfilled Vows | Accessible AndroidGoogle develops more accessible apps for iOS! On the face of it, the allegation sounds uncanny and subjective. How can Google which controls Android and claims to be committed to its accessibility develop more accessible and standards-compliant apps for its rival OS, the iOS operating system? After all, if you rival Apple — which Google does, you definitely want to grab the attention of users, including visually impaired customers, to make them gravitate toward your very own operating system, Android. Ironically, though, Google doesn't do that, either willfully or unintentionally, and actively shirks this responsibility. Let's elaborate: 28) Enhancements in JAWS 2024.2312.53 (December 2023) | Freedom Scientifichttps://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS/JAWSWhatsNew#Enhancements 29) Enhancements in ZoomText 2024.2312.26 and Fusion 2024.2312.8 (December 2023) | Freedom Scientifichttps://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/ZoomText/ZoomTextWhatsNew#enhancements 30) Updates from Accessible Android: Introducing the Telegram Channel and Welcoming a New Team Member➜ 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: January 31, 2024 | WebAIM Screen Reader User Survey #10The following survey is a follow-up to previous WebAIM Screen Reader User Surveys. This survey is primarily intended to collect new information and track updates/trends from previous surveys. By completing this survey you will help inform development choices for those creating accessible web content and web standards. All screen reader users, even those who use screen readers only for evaluation and testing, are invited to participate.: ➜ Featured Podcast EpisodesSubmit your access-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode.December 14, 2023 | Hadley Insights & Sound Bites Podcast: "The Secret was Killing Me"This week Angela shares how she struggled to get around due to vision loss, how she tried to hide it from others, and what helped her: December 14, 2023 | This Week in Accessibility: Reviewing the Year in Accessible Video Games | DelgadilloAccess.comGaming journalist and accessibility consultant Victor Dima joins the show and looks back at 2023 in accessible video games. From adaptive accessories like the PlayStation Access Controller to mainstream titles like Forza Motorsport and Mortal Kombat 1 building accessibility into their games' infrastructure, this year felt like there are more accessible gaming options for people of all abilities. But while some companies are embracing weaving accessibility into their titles, for others disabled players feel like a mere blip on their radar. We'll dig into some real flops this year for disabled gamers, including Bethesda's lack of transparency regarding Starfield, and our list of features for the new Nintendo Switch console rumored for 2024. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Listen: December 16, 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 158: 3rd Anniversary Celebration of Blind Android Users PodcastEpisode 158: Party Time! This week, we celebrate the 3-year anniversary of the Blind Android Users podcast! Join the co-hosts and guest listeners as we come together and discuss what phones we have, our likes and dislikes about Android and so much else! December 20, 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2351: Foresight Adventure Guides for the BlindForesight provides accessible and affordable outdoor recreation like skiing and snowboarding for individuals with blindness or low vision, promoting fun, safety, and independence. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with board member and guide Bill Murphy, board member and participant Kevin Foster, and blind skier Claire Schultz about the program and their experiences: December 21, 2023 | Top Tech Tidbits Podcast for Thursday, December 21, 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.December 26, 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT December 28, 2023 | Get Started with WayAround Webinar | Michael Doise & Jessica Hipp11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT December 28, 2023 | Zoom Meeting Regarding Accessibility And Requirements To Be A Blind Voice Writing Court Reporter | Eden Kizer5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 12AM, 12/29 GMT January 3, 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 January 11, 2023 | Career Conversations: an interview with Claire Stanley, Public Policy Analyst for National Disability Rights Network | APH ConnectCenter3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT January 17, 2024 | Creating Accessible and Inclusive Presentations | A11yTalks.com9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT January 17, 2023 | PixBlaster: Enhancing Braille and Graphics with TSS 8.1 | APH ConnectCenter1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM 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 Gently Used Humanware Connect 12 Electronic Magnifier, Bluetooth, Keyboard, And Camera (New Generation)Listing Date: 12/19/2023 | Price: £2,200 / $2,799.00 | Condition: Gently Used | Description: My son briefly used this device, but due to his deteriorating vision, it's no longer beneficial for him. In excellent condition, complete with its original packaging. The device appears brand new, and its battery life remains as good as new. | Contact: Abdul Khalil via email at: khalil_latifi@hotmail.co.uk 📧️. or by text / phone at: +44 7405140821 📱️ | 1) 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. 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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: 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: You Can Still Save 10% On WayTags — Use "joy10" At Checkout Through December 20, 2023This holiday season, enjoy an extra layer of joy by adding joy10 to any of your WayTag orders, and receive a 10% discount. Some of our most popular items include the Kitchen Starter Pack, Oval Hole Buttons, and WayClips. If you need ideas, email connect@wayaround.com 📧️ and we can help you decide on the perfect gift! There is still time to order for Christmas! The last day to order is December 16, 2023 for Expedited Shipping. Note: The "joy10" coupon code applies only to purchases of WayTags on WayAround.com. The WayLink Scanner is not eligible. Offer ends December 20, 2023. https://www.wayaround.com/shop/?utm_source=AssistiveTech&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AccessInfoNewsSponsorAdSponsor 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 Sponsor: HIMS, Inc.
➜ Classified Advertisement: HIMS BrailleSense 6 & 6 Mini Upgrade Released!This upgrade updates the operating system from android 10 to Android 12, ensuring greater longevity of the BrailleSense, and the ability to install and use modern applications for years to come. This upgrade also adds a new To Do List application, brings the same games offered in the U2 to the BrailleSense 6, makes several improvements and enhancements to the e-mail program, and adds and optional Chat GPT interface. Please find the complete list of fixes and improvements in the release note. Please visit our BrailleSense 6 Download Page or BrailleSense 6 mini Download Page to gather the complete list of improvements through the release notes, as well as links to the firmware and upgrade instruction. Visit us on the web 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@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: RIMFest Is In Full Force, And There's Free Admission! Provide Accessible Remote Support With Remote Incident Manager Completely Free Of Charge Until January 2nd. Lock In Unlimited Weekend Support For $50!In the spirit of the holiday season, we proudly offer all users of Remote Incident Manager (RIM) all the time you want, when you want it, from now until January 2nd, 2024! During this time, you will have access to all features and functionalities of the Remote Incident Manager, giving you an excellent opportunity to make the most out of the world's only fully accessible remote support application! There's never been a better time to get in on the action! Simply download your copy to your PC or Mac today, click the “Provide Help Now” button, register, and the free access is yours! But Wait, There's More! During this twelve day event, you can cash in on an opportunity to ring in the new year with more unlimited RIM time! Back by popular demand, our weekend support package can once again be yours for a discounted annual rate of $50! Whatever you do, we at Pneuma Solutions wish all of you the happiest of holidays, and many fulfilling hours of accessible remote technical support! https://pneumasolutions.com/on-the-first-day-of-rimfest-we-at-pneuma-give-to-you/ 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 pouch, $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: Braille Works
Sponsor Since: November 17, 2023 Website: https://brailleworks.com/ 🌐 Email: info@brailleworks.com 📧️ Phone: +1 (813) 654-4050 📱️ About: Dedicated to making the world a more readable place, Braille Works is one of the nation's leading providers of reading materials for people who are blind, visually impaired, or reading impaired. Making The World A More Readable Place™ has been our mission from day one. We are creative and innovative because our customers expect it. Your projects are given careful consideration to make every page easy to read and handle. This gives your blind and visually impaired customers the respect and independence they rightly deserve. At Braille Works, attention to detail drives everything we do. From the layout of your braille document to the format of a large print document, the scripting of an audio document, or the full compliance and accessibility of your PDF, we seek to exceed the expectations of your customers. Products and Services: 508 Compliance | Audio | Braille | Large Print Industries We Serve: Government Agencies | Banking & Financial | Translation Agencies | Healthcare & Insurance | Restaurants | Utilities Request A Quote: Contact Braille Works today to discuss your project. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific needs and the quality solutions we provide. Click here to get started or call us today at +1 (813) 654-4050 📱️. Social: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube Sponsor: Hable
➜ Classified Advertisement: Portable Keyboard Recognized as a Worldwide Awardee at the United Nations 2024We're thrilled to share some big news that's close to our hearts. We're taking a bold step forward in our mission for digital accessibility and inclusion — we've reached out to the United Nations as a Zero Project Awardee for 2024! Our incredible braille keyboard, the Hable One, was selected among 523 nominations from 97 countries for its innovation, impact, and scalability! This recognition comes from an international peer-review board through a multi-stage process. We believe in building Hable not just FOR you, but WITH you. That's why we're bringing you into the loop about our latest endeavor. Read the entire article to know all about this amazing recognition for our brand and our community! To know more about the product visit our Amazon Store in the USA or our website. Hable Reached the United Nations To Advocate For Visually Impaired Community! Sponsor Since: November 16, 2023 Website: https://www.iamhable.com/ 🌐 About: At Hable we empower people with visual impairment in the digital world. Inclusivity at the core and innovation at the fingertips. Our keyboard for the blind has redefined cellphone and tablet experiences and accessibility for over 5,000 visually impaired people globally. Hable is an external keyboard designed to make using a smartphone simpler and more convenient for those with visual impairments, allowing for easy operation and accessibility. Order: Ready to experience the convenience and accessibility of Hable for yourself? Order Hable today at: Website: Home | Experiences | Tips and Tricks | Support | Order Hable Social: Facebook | Instagram | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube | LinkedIn 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/. 4 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. ➜ 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 One Time Supporters:One Time Supporters donate an amount of their choosing — one time to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits Publication. Become a Top Tech Tidbits One Time Supporter today. 1.) Beth Wright 2.) Your name here. ➜ 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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