Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 1, 2024 - Volume 948
The Week's News in Access Technology
📰 🧑🦯 🦯 🦮 🧏 🦱 ♿ 🧑🦽 🧑🦼 🦾 🦿
Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology.
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Dear Tidbits Subscriber,
1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week
We have meticulously tested each app to ensure that it meets the highest standards in terms of usability, functionality, and effectiveness. Our decades of experience in assisting visually impaired individuals have given us a unique insight into what works best for this community, so you can trust our recommendations as being thoughtful and well-informed. Stay tuned as we explore these fantastic apps that can transform your everyday tasks and interactions.
Use Text Analyzer when proofreading a document to quickly locate mistakes. This feature helps you improve proficiency when editing documents in and out of the classroom.
International delivery firm DPD is updating its AI-powered chatbot after it gave some unexpected responses during an exchange with a disgruntled customer. Musician Ashley Beauchamp recently turned to DPD's customer-service chatbot in a bid to track down a missing package.
Envision is proud to unveil the Envision Glasses 2.5, marking a significant advancement in assistive technology for the blind and low-vision community. This latest version elevates the 'Describe Scene' feature, offering an unparalleled experience that offers an immediate understanding of your environment with the opportunity to ask more detailed or targeted questions about the scene around you.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to write scripts for the well-known screen-reader JAWS for Windows? Do you work with an application which is only partly accessible and you would like to do more so as to improve the experience? Have you tried scripting yourself but you do not find working through help topics or the Scripting Manual particularly easy? If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, then why not learn scripting in our training course.
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8) AI Updates
Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI.
Meta's multimodal search has promise, but the AI's grasp on "real-time" information is shaky at best.
The Biden administration is using the Defense Production Act to require companies to inform the Commerce Department when they start training high-powered AI algorithms.
9) Apple Updates
Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple.
Apple has introduced a new feature for Apple Podcasts in iOS 17.4 that provides a transcript for seemingly nearly every podcast.
Apple Podcasts enhances inclusivity in iOS 17.4 with auto-generated transcripts, supporting English, French, German, Spanish in over 170 countries. This feature allows easy navigation and editing of transcripts by creators, making podcasts accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. A leap in accessibility, it uses AI to convert audio to text, benefiting all users and promoting empathy and inclusiveness in digital content.
Apple just rolled out iOS 17.3 to iPhones and iPads. Here are the latest updates, including Stolen Device Protection.
Better understand Speech Central's licensing policy across Apple platforms, emphasizing affordability and user convenience. Despite challenges in unifying licensing for macOS and iOS due to historical platform separations, Speech Central upholds a competitive pricing model under Apple's existing frameworks. Committed to innovation and value, we aim to offer robust features at a fraction of competitors' costs, balancing the need for revenue with user affordability. Learn more about our dedication to providing cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
Learn how to navigate the Address Bar in File Manager using JAWS. This guide covers accessing the Address Bar in applications like Word, WordPad, Notepad, and File Explorer, using keystrokes ALT+D or CTRL+L, and efficiently saving or opening files.
What follows is a collection of resources for learning how to use Microsoft Office products with a screen reader.
On a recent Talking Technology podcast we spoke about the Talking Calculator app on iPhone and iPad. David Redmond gave a description of it and a brief demonstration of what it sounds like specifically after he programmed his own voice into the app. That's right, he put his own voice into the calculator, so as you can imagine as well as being a calculator it can be fun to use for kids and adults.
At Accessible Android, our mission extends beyond discussing and praising existing features; it encompasses advocating for the inclusion of what's currently lacking. We diligently address shortcomings, refusing to turn a blind eye, and actively work to enlighten app developers about the critical aspect of screen reader compatibility. However, app developers face a challenge — they cannot enhance accessibility without valuable insights from the community. Regrettably, we frequently hear from developers that the feedback they receive lacks the depth needed to consider the needs of blind Android users, or it lacks the specificity required for efficient issue diagnosis. This underscores the urgency for more detailed and constructive feedback to bridge the gap between developers and the visually impaired community.
Rob Thornton, Vlada Savitskaia, Peter Schofield, B. Antonio Fernandez, Jean H. Weber and Olivier Hallot, volunteers from the LibreOffice Documentation community, are happy to announce the latest version of the Getting Started Guide updated to the features available in LibreOffice 7.6.
Discover Speechify, the leading text-to-speech program ideal for individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, or learning disabilities. Convert text to natural-sounding speech using its Chrome extension, iOS/Android apps, or website. Easy to use: type, paste, edit, or drag and drop files.
Elon Musk's Neuralink has successfully implanted their brain technology in a human patient for the first time. This groundbreaking development marks a significant milestone in the field of neurotechnology. Discover insights on how this innovation could revolutionize treatments for neurological disorders and enhance human-computer interactions.
Explore a breakthrough in robotics with the University of Cambridge's development of a robot that reads Braille at double the speed of humans. This innovative research extends beyond assistive technology, showcasing advancements in robotic sensitivity as well as the replication, and subsequent augmentation, of human tactile abilities.
This Video focuses on the brand new Zoomax e-Reader hot off the presses, sent to Me from the NLS. I waited over four months to get. Join Me to learn what comes in the Box.
Question: how do you set up an Android phone if you're blind and cannot speak English in 2024? first option: ask someone to lend their sight and give them your passwords, and you're good to go. The second option might be a bit costly but offers an exhaustive solution: buy a plane ticket to any English-speaking country, set up your phone, and come back.
I've updated the spreadsheet I use for tracking accessibility audits with three big additions.
Discover the latest update to The SnowMan's Scripts for Reaper, now at Build 71. This update addresses issues with slider value readings and Osara's shortcut help, and introduces JAWS support for track volume announcements, braille support for Shift+L envelopes listing, and more. Ensure REAPER is closed during installation and update to the latest version of REAPER, SWS REAPER extensions, and OSARA for optimal performance.
TalkBack, a screen reader developed by Google for Android, has undergone exciting cycles throughout the years. One of the decisions that created a lot of buzz in the visually impaired Android community was the surprising announcement from Google few years ago to close the TalkBack public beta, relying instead on a trusted tester program. Initially limited to the United States, it slowly expanded to a very few other countries. While geo-restricting services or privileges is not something new, applying a similar restriction to TalkBack's beta testing wasn't a wise decision. This article aims to discuss the reasons why.
These over-the-counter hearing aids are tough to wrangle into your ears, and don't do much once they're in there.
Learn all the ways Alexa can interact with your home security device — and even make you safer with the right voice commands.
Pneuma Solutions and Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS) proudly announce a landmark partnership. This collaboration aims to redefine independence for the blind by integrating state-of-the-art remote capabilities across various platforms. "Empowering the BITS family through technology is a core value for us," says Jeff Bishop, BITS President. "By integrating Remote Incident Manager (RIM), we'll enhance the way our members interact with technology, supporting their personal and professional aspirations." RIM offers seamless control of remote computers with under 99ms latency. As a platform-agnostic tool, RIM provides an immersive experience, enabling simultaneous application and document access, hassle-free text and file exchanges, and crystal-clear voice communication. Active BITS members will have access to an additional 30 minutes of usage added onto the existing 30 minute daily allotment, encouraging autonomy and social engagement.
With a built-in DAC these new models make any phone Apple Music Hi-Res Lossless ready.
Pneuma Solutions is preparing to discontinue support for the following operating systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012.
This change is scheduled to take effect on February 14, 2024.
The Hobbes OS/2 Archive has been an institution for over three decades. Soon, it'll be gone.
NLS has released BARD Mobile Android version 2.1.0, introducing enhanced features and improvements.
➜ Featured Surveys
Surveys 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.
The 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.
Take our survey and help us improve JAWS! As a valued member of the JAWS and ZoomText community, your insights are crucial to us. I'm Ryan Jones, Vice President of Software at Freedom Scientific, and I'm reaching out to gather your thoughts on why and in what environments you use JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion. We hope you can share your experience with us by taking a brief survey. It should only take 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and your feedback will directly influence our future product development. To participate, please use the following link. Note that this survey is different from the WebAIM screen reader survey that is publicly available and open at this time.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites members of the National Federation of the Blind to participate in an Accessible Data Visualization Research Study Survey. This study aims to enhance data visualization systems for Blind and Low-vision individuals. Participants should be over 18, legally blind, use assistive technology, and be located in the U.S. The voluntary survey takes approximately 10 minutes and ensures privacy, with no personal information collected. Interested individuals can access the survey here, and are encouraged to share the invitation with others who meet the criteria.
Seeking blind and low vision adults age 18 and over. We are researchers from the Center for Accessibility and Inclusion Research at the Rochester Institute of Technology and TU Dublin conducting a research survey on the use of accessibility overlays. We are seeking insights from blind and low vision computer users who are 18 years or older about experiences using accessibility overlays. We are offering a raffle of $100 to a winner drawn from up to 2000 survey respondents. Accessibility Overlays are a broad term for technologies that aim to improve the accessibility of a website. Some claim to fix any problems in the site's code that are preventing assistive technology from being used easily. Examples include; AccessiBe, UserWay and EqualWeb. If you have used accessibility overlays, you may qualify for this study. For questions or inquiries about this research, please contact Tlamelo Makati at txmgbl@rit.edu 📧️
➜ Featured Podcast Episodes
Sheri Wells-Jensen is a fully blind Associate Professor of Linguistics at Bowling Green State University who spent six days with four crew members in a hermetically sealed habitat at Biosphere 2, learning about what it would be like living on Mars or the Moon. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Sheri about the experience and what was learned.
In a recent episode of 'The Two Blind Mice Show' podcast, RightHear's CEO, Idan Meir, engaged in a heartwarming conversation with Justin Whittington, Phillip Sotelo, and Alpo. Together, they shared their vision for a more inclusive world, making this interview a touching journey into accessibility, technology, and the real impact of RightHear's solutions..
In the latest episode of Human Potential at Work, Debra Ruh converses with special education teacher and disability advocate, Jacob Levy, who is also the founder of Searchable LLC. Jacob, himself a person with a learning disability acquired at birth, leverages his unique information-processing style to help neurodiverse and disabled job seekers navigate the job market. He emphasizes the significance of education, the evolving job search landscape, and the role of storytelling in job applications. The episode invites listeners to explore Jacob's free resources on https://searchablellc.com and encourages contributions to Billion Strong, an empowerment organization for people with disabilities.
In this Episode, we bring you the following apps: "Tasty, by BuzzFeed." This is about food. Learn to cook tasty foods at home. Next up, "Telz, by Telz International Calls" makes it possible for those times that you want to make regular phone calls. In the heels of "Telz," your next app is the "SMS Backup and Restore" (free version) and Premium, by SyncTech Pty Ltd. Next up, it's the "Skit, app manager (free version) and Premium version by Pavel Rekun."
Our last app for this 1st Quarter 2024 "App Bonanza" is the popular e-Reader, “@Voice Aloud Reader", by Hyperionics Technology.
Brian sits down with Dr. Bryan Wolynski to discuss this year's CES and ATIA Conferences. We discuss the new apps OOrion and From Your Eyes. We discuss self driving cars, robot dogs, Apple's appearance at ATIA, and much more.
➜ Featured Events
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Now that you've created an online survey, let's test it for accessibility. Join Michael Parker from Access Ingenuity to learn how to do manual testing with a keyboard, screen reader, manual code inspection, and automated accessibility testing. Learning Outcomes & Zoom Webinar Information: Basic steps to test surveys for accessibility. Keyboard accessibility testing steps. The steps for testing screen reader accessibility. Error message testing process.
7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
The Technology User Group (TUG) at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled would like to introduce you to artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is being used for the blind community. On Saturday, February 10th at 10 AM, you will be shown numerous apps and web sites that use AI and learn about the remarkable benefits available through this medium. Who Should Attend This Event: Those individuals with a smart phone or computer. Anyone who would like to receive detailed information regarding mail, brochures, fliers or other material. People who wish to receive details about their surroundings or purchased products. People curious about AI and its future effect on society. The meeting will begin at 10 AM and last about 60 minutes. Meeting ID: 656 203 7293 | Call in: +1 (301) 715-8592 📱️ | Meeting ID: 656 203 7293#
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
The video magnifier has a 10-inch touchscreen and three dedicated cameras, and it can magnify letters, magazines, labels, and photos. The swing-out arm allows you to view items in your hand and write. When extended, it also enables full-page OCR. With a button, you can scan pages and have them read aloud. The third camera can see objects at a short distance, such as signs and menus on a wall. Users can utilize cutting-edge magnification features with industry-leading OCR to maximize the reading experience. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero as they demonstrate the advanced capabilities of the latest low-vision solution from Freedom Scientific, the RUBY 10. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), ACVREP continuing education credit is approved for this presentation. Learning Outcomes & Zoom Webinar Information: How RUBY 10 uses cutting-edge view modes not seen in any other device. Discover different uses of the RUBY 10. How the RUBY 10 differs from the other models. Why having OCR in a portable unit can be a game-changer.
11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT
Are you making the most of your smartphone, or is it a source of frustration? Knowing the accessibility features can help you make the most of your smartphone. We'll talk about some of our favorite features, and make sure you know the difference between voice assistants (like Siri or Google) and screen readers (like VoiceOver or TalkBack).
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT
Have you ever wanted to learn how to write scripts for the well-known screen-reader JAWS for Windows? Do you work with an application which is only partly accessible and you would like to do more so as to improve the experience? Have you tried scripting yourself but you do not find working through help topics or the Scripting Manual particularly easy? If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, then why not learn scripting in our training course.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Are you adding graphs or charts to your documents? It is crucial to ensure that your charts, such as bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts, meet the necessary Color Contrast Requirements. This includes meeting the requirements for the use of color (WCAG 1.4.1), text contrast (WCAG 1.4.3), and non-text contrast (WCAG 1.4.11). All images will also need meaningful alternative text to be considered accessible. Join Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity to look at good and bad examples of bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, and maps to learn how to have accessible graphs and charts. Learning Outcomes & Zoom Webinar Information: Review the accessible design of graphs and charts. Discuss solutions for common color contrast failures. Discover best practices when creating alternative text.
Why 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.
11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT
Bring your questions, tips and tricks and talk with other Voiceover users! This workshop will take place online.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Are you new to using Excel with JAWS, or are you an experienced JAWS user looking to improve your Excel skills? Join Marisa Church and Michael Vitagliano from Access Ingenuity to learn how to navigate and work with JAWS and Excel. We will cover navigating worksheets, editing cells, basic formulas, formatting, and helpful ribbon options. Learning Outcomes & Zoom Webinar Information: Briefly describe columns and rows. Talk about Windows and JAWS commands for navigating within a worksheet. Explain useful commands for editing text within cells. Demonstrate basic formulas, the format feature, and some ribbon options.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT
Workshop series hosted by Pandas, NumFOCUS, and Iota. Weekly from Tuesday, February 6, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024. 1PM - 3PM EST. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Seats may be limited. Recordings will be provided to all registrants. Workshops will be hosted on Zoom. A Windows desktop or laptop is required. The NVDA screen reader will be used during the workshops. This five-workshop series will teach the fundamentals of data analysis and sonification using nonvisual tools and technologies. The workshops are designed for those who are blind, low vision, or who otherwise have difficulty accessing visual tools for data science. The workshops will cover some basics of the Python programming language, an introduction to the Pandas data science library, working interactively to explore data, preparing a data set for sonification, and using sonification to represent data. The workshop series will use the NVDA screen reader on Windows, and will be taught by blind / low vision practitioners. No prior experience with Python or data science is needed, but some familiarity with Windows and NVDA will be helpful.
Ability Summit is a one-day, free digital event experience on March 7, 2024. It celebrates people with disabilities, allies, and accessibility leaders who will provide learning opportunities at the event. Are you interested in how you and your organization can imagine and build a more inclusive culture while including voices across the disability spectrum? Register to learn about leading accessible technology, discover real-life stories of empathy and vulnerability, get exclusive access to thought leadership discussions on how accessibility empowers everyone in your organization, and so much more.
Whether you have been attending the conference for years or are planning to attend your first, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, also known as the CSUN Conference, is the ultimate community experience and the premier forum on technology for all persons with disabilities. For over 38 years, California State University, Northridge's Center on Disabilities has sponsored the conference, providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, educators, exhibitors and more from around the world, to engage with each other and share knowledge, innovations and best practices to promote inclusion for all.
11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT
Bring your questions, tips and tricks and talk with other Voiceover users! This workshop will take place online.
To be on the mailing list for the conference, send email to: ADA-OSU@osu.edu 📧️
6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 2PM GMT
Power Up is an annual conference held by Missouri Assistive Technology providing individuals an opportunity to learn more about assistive technology for home, school, work, and at play. Sessions range from funding assistive technology, to requesting & supplying accommodations, how to use the technology more effectively, maintaining independence, accessible gaming, AAC, accessibility amongst various platforms, making low tech solutions in A.T., and more. No conference is complete without meeting a few new folks so network with the vendors, peers, and experts in their field. Power Up is April 8-9, 2024 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, MO.
Our best-in-class live journalism, exclusive content, and trusted insights from leading industry experts — now in London. Join us for the inaugural EmTech Digital Europe in April 2024.
Now in its 12th year on the iconic MIT Campus, EmTech Digital is where we gather to determine what the future of AI looks like for business and what it means for society. Join us.
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1) Top Tech Tidbits | Top 60 Most Clicked Tidbits | Quarterly Compendiums
60 Most Clicked Tidbits for April, May and June 2022 - Volume 1
60 Most Clicked Tidbits for July, August and September 2022 - Volume 2
60 Most Clicked Tidbits for October, November and December 2022 - Volume 3
60 Most Clicked Tidbits for January, February and March 2023 - Volume 4
60 Most Clicked Tidbits for April, May and June 2023 - Volume 5
60 Most Clicked Tidbits for July, August and September 2023 - Volume 6
2) | JAWS Power Tips | Annual Compendiums
2021 JAWS Power Tips Compendium - Volume 1
2022 JAWS Power Tips Compendium - Volume 2
➜ Sponsor Classified Ads
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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!
If 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.
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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 Since: January 25, 2024
Website: https://biped.ai/ 🌐
Email: hello@biped.ai 📧️
Get Your Biped: European and US orders (including Switzerland) can already be dispatched (usual production and shipping time is 9 weeks). Biped is only available in Europe and in the US for now, but we are expanding the list of supporting countries quickly.
Check Out The Demo: Check out the Biped.ai video demo here.
About: Biped.ai is an innovative company that specializes in creating advanced mobility aids for people with vision loss. Their flagship product is the biped smart harness, a groundbreaking device designed to aid visually impaired individuals in navigating their surroundings with greater ease and safety.
Company Overview: Biped.ai operates under the umbrella of Fusion Lab Technologies SÃ rl, a company based in Switzerland. The company was established with a commitment to enhancing mobility and independence for those with vision impairments. Biped.ai has made significant strides in this field by leveraging cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence.
Product Description: The biped smart harness is a lightweight (900 grams) and wearable device designed to be worn on the shoulders. It's equipped with three cameras positioned on the left side of the chest, a battery located behind the neck, and a small computer on the right side of the chest. These components work in tandem to provide a self-driving car-like experience for pedestrians.
The harness is capable of detecting a wide range of obstacles, including holes, branches, traffic signs, pedestrians, bicycles, and electric scooters. It utilizes artificial intelligence to predict collision risks and provides auditory warnings through Bluetooth headphones. These warnings are issued as short "beeps" to alert the user of potential dangers. Additionally, the device is equipped with GPS functionality to offer turn-by-turn navigation instructions, which are also relayed through the headphones.
Features and Functionality:
Obstacle Detection: The harness uses its cameras to scan a 170-degree field of view, functioning effectively both day and night. It can identify various obstacles and provides auditory warnings to the user.
GPS Navigation: The device integrates GPS to deliver navigation instructions and is capable of detecting crosswalks and traffic lights for enhanced navigation support.
Design: Weighing just 900 grams, the biped is designed for comfort and ease of use. It is worn on the shoulders, with strategically placed components for optimal functionality.
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 Placeâ„¢ 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
In the past decade, we've shifted from computers to phones and tablets for a good reason: they're smaller, more mobile, and just as powerful. However, this change has its downsides: typing on a screen can be slow, learning smartphone gestures is time-consuming, and using voice commands for private information in public isn't ideal. But imagine a solution where you can control your phone quickly and effortlessly without even touching it!
In our latest article, with some insights from Shaun of the Shed's video from Canada, we talk about just that.
Eager to learn more? Visit our website for the full article. For those in the USA, this empowering information is also accessible on our Amazon store. Embrace the new era of smartphone accessibility now!
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: Amazon in the USA: https://amzn.to/3MEvLN5 | Other Countries: https://bit.ly/3sq4kjz.
Website: Home | Experiences | Tips and Tricks | Support | Order Hable
Social: Facebook | Instagram | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube | LinkedIn
Unlock 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.
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 Since: July 20, 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 Glide will guide you to your destination or just keep you to a safe path and leave it to you to steer the way, giving you full autonomy and independence.
Portable, Light And Versatile Glide uses advanced technology to help you safely and smoothly weave your way among obstacles and people, and make your way to a near by door, steps or a park bench.
Easy To Use
Smart technology for effortless mobility.
Affordable
No fancy back flips, just what you need to get back out there.
Quick To Learn
Our friendly design means you'll be up and running in no time.
Feel Confident
Without hesitation, anxiety, or getting lost.
Get started with Glide today at: https://glidance.io/.
Sponsor Since: July 20, 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.
AYES 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.
Sponsor Since: March 16, 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.
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!
Sponsor Since: March 9, 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 Since: December 29, 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.
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.
Purchase a 25-pack of any style of WayTag and get a free Sampler Pack so you can try all seven different WayTags. Enter the coupon code SAMPLE at checkout and the Sampler Pack will automatically be added to your cart. This is a $14.99 value! Limit one Sample pack per order.
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 Since: August 4, 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.
https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/
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.
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 30, 2022
Website: https://makeitfable.com/ 🌐
Email: community@makeitfable.com 📧️
Phone: (888) 212-3532 📱️ Extension 810
About: Just like curb cuts help everyone get on and off sidewalks, designing digital products with accessibility in mind helps make the internet more accessible for everyone. Fable is an accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities. Fable connects people with disabilities to accessibility managers, user researchers, designers, and developers to build incredible and accessible user experiences.
Opportunities:
➜ Fable Pathways: Fable Pathways is a free skill development program for people with disabilities interested in working in the tech sector. Sign up to take your career to the next level. Courses include "Getting started in web development" taught by Kelly Ford, a screen reader user, and Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, and "Becoming a manager" taught by Fable's Head of Accessibility Innovation, Kate Kalcevich. Instructors are subject matter experts in their fields and have lived experience with disability. Pathways courses are free, self-paced and assistive-technology-friendly. Sign up now at https://makeitfable.com/.
➜ Fable's Community of Accessibility Testers: Work from home to contribute to real changes in digital accessibility and make the internet a more accessible place for everyone. Ever leave a website because it was too hard to navigate? Because it was missing button labels? Because it didn't respond to voice commands? Us too. Our community of testers who use assistive technologies work from home and contribute to real changes in digital accessibility with recognizable brands. Earn money to share your feedback on websites and apps of your favorite brands and work with companies that care. No experience required and no resume required. Fable is looking for assistive technology users in the USA and Canada to work the hours that they want, from the comfort of their own homes. Learn more at https://makeitfable.com/community/.
Sponsor Since: December 23, 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
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.
Sponsor Since: September 30, 2021
Website: https://hims-inc.com/ 🌐
Shop All Products: https://hims-inc.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒
Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo
Sales Email: sales@selvasblv.com 📧️
Support Email: support@selvasblv.com 📧️
About: HIMS, Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999.
Launch 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 today.
Sponsor Since: August 5, 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.
We're excited to announce that Scribe for Meetings is now available at no cost for public webinars worldwide, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. In today's digitally-driven world, seminars and conferences are increasingly virtual, and Pneuma Solutions is committed to ensuring that everyone has equal access to these vital resources. In today's digital landscape, ensuring inclusivity in online meetings and webinars is not just a courtesy, but a necessity. Various forms of accommodation, such as closed captioning, ASL, etc. play crucial roles in achieving this goal. Enter Scribe for Meetings: An innovative tool that transforms visual content into accessible formats. Scribe for Meetings converts PowerPoint presentations and other visual aids into formats that are readable by screen readers including those with Braille displays, making the content accessible in real-time. And now, it's completely free for all public-facing webinars, big and small!
Sponsor Since: June 3, 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.
Our 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 15, 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.
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 4, 2021
Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐
Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️
Phone (Australia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️
Phone (Canada): +1 888 723-7273 📱️
Phone (Europe): +44 1933 415 800 📱️
Phone (International): +44 1933 415 800 📱️
Phone (Ireland): +01 8307033 📱️
Phone (New Zealand): +027 700 1674 📱️
Phone (United Kingdom): +01933 415800 📱️
Phone (United States): +1 800 722-3393 📱️
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 Since: Today
Website: https://toptechtidbits.com/dearsponsor 🌐
Phone: (855) 578-6660 📱️
Email: enews@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
About: Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 29,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here. Review the most recent issues here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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