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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Volume 967
The Week's News in Access Technology
Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology.
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
Subscribers: 19,982 🔢️ subscribers were sent this issue via email.
Sponsors 🏅️
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This Week's Featured Advertisement 🎯️
Join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Webinar Team at 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 as we explore several new tools that leverage the power of artificial intelligence.
We'll describe and demonstrate the new Be My Eyes app for Windows, the recent interactive updates to JAWS Picture Smart with generative AI, the new AI-powered maps feature for OKO on iOS, and give an exciting sneak peek into ChatGPT 4o real-time voice and vision features. Don't miss your chance to learn how to harness the power of AI to enhance and improve your access to information.
Register now to secure your spot! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please reach out to questions@lhblind.org 📧️ if you have any questions or need assistance registering for this event.
Dear Tidbits Subscriber, 📰️
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week 🏆️
Earn $22 per hour by evaluating and providing short feedback on AI-generated responses. Work from home at your preferred time; no experience required. Join Project Aralia as a Response Evaluator and start building your career in AI today! Limited slots available.
I compared a bunch of glasses with AI and AI features.
Apple Watch tips and tricks are the best way to get the most out of Apple's iconic wearables line. Whether you are a Watch beginner or a timekeeping expert, there are tips and tricks out there to make your little device just a tad more efficient. WatchOS 10 made a significant amount of changes to the formatting of the software, how some buttons work, and a few shortcuts so now is the perfect time to brush up on your knowledge once you have upgraded to watchOS 10. The thing about Apple Watches is they are such impressive devices that some of their best features can be spotted without a good eye. If you want to get a little more out of it, here are Apple Watch tips and tricks you should know.
Join Sam from The Blind Life as he explores the latest Be My Eyes app for Windows, featuring the powerful Be My AI. Learn how to install, use its tools, and enhance your accessibility. Perfect for the blind community.
Publisher (Di Blasi): This is, in a word, amazing. Just imagine the applications for blind and low vision persons specifically. Today it just takes photos, but it makes one wonder if the future of access assistance might just be a tiny drone that follows you everywhere, constantly feeding your phone data about where you are in real time to help you navigate.
The Blind Life: Meet the Hover Air X1, the flying selfie camera that's a game-changer for accessibility. Fully autonomous, it captures stunning videos and photos effortlessly. With voice-guided modes and just two buttons, it's perfect for everyone, from solo content creators to vacationers. The Hover Air X1 features a 2.7K camera, enclosed propellers for safety, and a compact design that folds like a book. Its accessible companion app allows easy control and settings customization, making it the most user-friendly drone out there. Watch the demo and see why the Hover Air X1 is a must-have.
Please join me in giving a warm Tidbits welcome to Innosearch.ai, who has so very graciously agreed to support Top Tech Tidbits via sponsorship. Innosearch is an innovative online shopping platform that leverages fine-tuned large language models (LLMs) and cutting-edge technology to make your shopping experience easy, accessible and enjoyable. Think ChatGPT for Amazon, with even more retailers than Amazon. Innosearch delivers a seamless end-to-end shopping experience, eliminating the need to search and browse in multiple tabs across retailers. Sign up for a free account and start shopping today!
We're thrilled to announce the launch of Hable's new website! To celebrate, enjoy 48 hours of free shipping on all orders! Visit the new website to explore product reviews, detailed information, and FAQs to see how our assistive device can help you. Don't miss out — take advantage of free shipping for the next 48 hours before the stock runs out!
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Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 9th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked Tidbits for April, May and June of 2024 on Monday, July 1, 2024. Back Issues: There are currently 8 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 Top 60 Most Clicked Tidbits of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month.
Use Sponsored Tidbits to reach the access technology 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.
This article will outline, step-by-step, how you can get free website traffic reporting on any link to your domain (AKA domain name, website or web address) that has been published by Top Tech Tidbits since January 18, 2024, when we launched this feature.
9.) AI Updates 🤖️
Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI.
Apple is integrating ChatGPT into experiences within iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, allowing users to access ChatGPT's capabilities — including image and document understanding — without needing to jump between tools.
Apple is rumored to be on the verge of integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT technology into iOS 18. We're expecting to learn more about the partnership at WWDC on June 10, but until then, here's a way to interact with ChatGPT on your iPhone, whatever you're doing on it.
For users of OpenAI's ChatGPT who value privacy, the AI chatbot can be used without compromising control of your data.
It's OK to be doubtful of tech leaders' grandiose visions of our AI future — but that doesn't mean the technology won't have a huge impact.
AI can precisely anticipate the information needs of digital workers and understand why they need it without them making explicit requests. Without this AI, workers need to query knowledge management systems, which might not give accurate or the most recent information due to limitations like keyword mismatch and outdated documents. Additionally, digital workers dedicate nearly 30% of their time to searching for necessary information, drastically impacting productivity. Yet, the journey toward adopting such AI-driven systems reveals significant challenges like speed and accuracy of AI, change management, cost, data hygiene, privacy and security concerns. Let's dive into these challenges and ways to overcome them to fully harness AI for proactive knowledge accessibility.
10.) Apple Updates 🍎️
Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple.
What exactly is Apple Intelligence? We break down Apple's AI onslaught plus all the features worth talking about in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
Apple's first big salvo in the AI wars makes a bet that people will care about data privacy when automating tasks.
With this Fall's update, hikers can map trails and stay in touch.
Today, Apple told us what to expect in the next round of software updates, coming this fall. While the focus was, unsurprisingly, AI, there is more than just that to be excited about. Let's dive into what you can look forward to on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV later this year. Or next year, in some cases; as has become common in the last few years, Apple announced features it won't be rolling out until well after the software's initial release.
Apple Intelligence will transcribe and summarize your recordings.
iPadOS 18 takes iPad to the next level with Apple Intelligence, the introduction of Calculator with Math Notes, new handwriting tools in Notes, additional ways to customize iPad, and more.
The Mac experience gets better than ever with iPhone Mirroring, big updates to Safari, highly anticipated games, and Apple Intelligence to deliver all-new capabilities
The release introduces all-new customization options, the biggest-ever redesign of Photos, powerful updates for staying connected, and Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system.
Setting a new standard for privacy in AI, Apple Intelligence understands personal context to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant.
This fall, AirPods software updates will transform the way users respond to Siri, take calls with friends and loved ones, and immerse themselves in their favorite games. Delivering a seamless, hands-free experience, Siri Interactions allow AirPods Pro users to privately respond to Siri with a simple head nod yes or shake no. For even clearer call quality, Voice Isolation comes to AirPods Pro, helping ensure the caller's voice is heard in loud or windy environments. AirPods updates also significantly reduce audio latency while gaming, and add Personalized Spatial Audio for even more immersive gameplay.
Here's a quick recap of the most exciting new features that Apple Intelligence puts right at your fingertips. It's a new kind of intelligence that's personal, useful, and built right into the products you use every day. Apple Intelligence draws on your personal context to help you write, express yourself visually, and get things done effortlessly, all while setting a brand-new standard for privacy in AI.
So thought my first post on this side would be about the new release of iOS 18. I just wanted to provide some of my thoughts about today's Keynote.
The company's annual developer event was stacked with demonstrations that showed off the new artificial intelligence capabilities coming to iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Customers in China mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore can pre-order Apple Vision Pro on June 13, 2024, and customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the U.K. can pre-order on June 28, 2024
Apple's next big project could be harder than building a car — making a smart AI robot that can figure out how to navigate my house.
Hearing test and hearing aid features could be coming this year.
Thanks to a new dedicated app, passwords will no longer be buried in Settings with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15. Too many people go through life with one or two passwords they use for everything. This problem has been exacerbated by Apple's tendency to hide necessary functionality, such as a password manager deep in the Settings app. That all changes with iOS 18 and the other new operating systems, according to a report from Bloomberg. Apple will introduce a new dedicated Passwords app for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2.
The ChatGPT iPhone app has been updated so you can keep talking to ChatGPT while multitasking in other apps. This enables a much more powerful, desktop-like experience while using the iPhone.
The "direct-to-watch" feature eliminates the need to keep your phone near for readings. Dexcom is looking into other smartwatches too, the company's COO says.
In today's fast-paced world, safety and health are paramount, and the Apple Watch stands out as a cutting-edge device designed to enhance your well-being. Equipped with advanced technology, the Apple Watch offers a suite of safety features that can be lifesaving in emergencies. From detecting hard falls and severe car crashes to providing critical medical information at a glance, these features ensure that help is just a tap away.
Tips, Tutorials, Guides, Reviews, Walk-Throughs and How-To's 📚️
When multiple monitors are connected to your computer, you can extend your Windows desktop across them. Because you can place multiple desktop icons and applications where you like on your main and secondary monitors, this capability can increase productivity. However, if you are running ZoomText at a high zoom level, navigating the extended desktop can be a challenge since you cannot see all of it at once. This is where the new Single Desktop mode setting is helpful.
Stop Windows from seeing everything you do.
News, Trends, Updates and Opinion Editorials 📰️
This is a recording of a recent episode of I Love Braille. Learn about the BT Speak Pro from Blazie Technologies. For more information, you can visit Blazie Technologies on the Web at www.BlazieTech.com. Reach out with your questions by phone at +1 (772) 214-1616 📱️. There is also a public support list where you can ask questions and interact with BT Speak customers. To subscribe, send email to BTSpeak+subscribe@groups.io 📧️.
Dear Community Members. Recently, NV Access was approached by an Australian organization to develop custom scripting for the NVDA screen reader, enabling its use in a specific call centre environment. The task involves making NVDA compatible with the Genesys call centre software. NV Access is keen to expand the NVDA scripting ecosystem. We are eager to identify individuals or organizations in Australia capable and willing to undertake this work. This is an excellent opportunity to help reduce employment barriers for blind and vision impaired individuals. From what we understand, the Genesys software is quite inaccessible, often relying on colors and shapes to convey information instead of text labels. This project will likely require on-site work to address these specific accessibility challenges. If you are based in Australia and possess the expertise and willingness to perform this work, please contact us at info@nvaccess.org 📧️. In your email, include details of any previous NVDA scripting projects you have completed for corporate or large organizations.
Innosearch.ai is set to transform online shopping with its AI-driven platform, offering personalized product recommendations, comprehensive information, and seamless accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities, ensuring a smarter, faster, and more efficient shopping experience.
Technology giant Microsoft has announced some of its latest accessibility features and projects, which include a modular adaptive gaming kit and a touchpad that allows users to control their laptop with different parts of their limbs.
The other day I was searching for a headset which I could use for work and entertainment, when I came across the JVC gaming wireless GG-01W. This headset, with a few extra features, adds an extra layer of accessibility. This headset incorporates features which can be a game changer for people with visual impairment and for people with certain physical disabilities, however, these features can be useful for all.
Today, we compare the 2024 Raycon Everyday Earbuds and Everyday Headphones! Discover the best fit for your lifestyle: portability of earbuds or the immersive experience of headphones? Both offer long battery life, USB-C charging, ANC, and awareness mode.
The AI image recognition and description field is demonstrating AI's strength in transforming the lives of blind people, particularly with the increasing number of services and apps utilizing AI image service models for the convenience of blind users. Recently, a new image description app was introduced called PiccyBot. The app is not just another description service added to the market; it stands out with its noticeable potential and ambitious approach. Let's take a look at the PiccyBot app, how to use it, what makes it worth attention, and some observations and remarks.
During the first week of an online graduate school class, students were prompted to create a biometric password with BioSig-ID, which would serve as an additional security measure for accessing course websites. I didn't realize it at the time, but my first week of class would include a lesson on BioSig-ID accessibility for visual impairment and handwriting difficulties, as my dual diagnoses of low vision and dysgraphia meant that I couldn't use the tool with its default settings and had to research solutions with my professor. Here is what I learned about BioSig-ID accessibility for low vision and dysgraphia, and how I requested disability accommodations to use it.
Microsoft is adding the ability for Voice Access to automatically pick itself up should the service fall over. The feature has appeared for some in the Windows Insider Canary Channel via build 26231. Depending on the feedback Microsoft gets, it will gradually be rolled out to all Insiders.
Since late January 2024, Gmail has discontinued basic HTML mode which many screen reader users loved because of its easy navigation with screen reader keystrokes. This forced users who use Gmail on a browser to use the standard version of Gmail which is not that screen reader friendly without adjusting some settings.
I liked the lightning connector. It was small, versatile, and worked across most Apple devices. Even though everyone seemed to love USB-C I wasn't immediately sold. This started to change when I started using a USB-C iPhone last year, and now that my iPad is joining the USB gang I am starting to see the benefits.
Summer Game Fest kicked off with an event focused on games that can be played by everyone.
Uber Health has announced Uber Caregiver, a new service launching in summer 2024 designed to support caregivers by allowing them to manage rides, grocery deliveries, and health benefit payments through the Uber app. This innovative solution aims to reduce the financial and logistical burdens on caregivers, providing real-time updates and a three-way chat feature for better coordination. By partnering with Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial health insurers, Uber Caregiver offers a streamlined approach to navigating ancillary healthcare benefits, ultimately enhancing the caregiving experience and supporting millions of caregivers across the United States.
Publisher (Di Blasi): I would absolutely L-O-V-E to own one of these.
The Guardian: A large team of tech nostalgia enthusiasts have made a PiDP-10, a replica of the PDP-10 mainframe computer first launched by the Digital Equipment Corporation in 1966.
LibreOffice 24.2.4 Community, the fourth minor release of the free, volunteer-supported office suite for personal productivity in office environments, is now available.
28.) Glidance Mobility | Double Tap Video | YouTube.com | June 3, 2024
Amos Miller, the creator of Glidance, discusses the development and features of the autonomous mobility aid for the blind. The conversation covers the functionality, navigation, integration with maps, user feedback, and the impact of the device on the blind community. The product's debut at CES and the encounter with Stevie Wonder are also highlighted.
As discussed on Mozilla Connect, Firefox 130 will introduce an experimental new capability to automatically generate alt-text for images using a fully private on-device AI model. The feature will be available as part of Firefox's built-in PDF editor, and our end goal is to make it available in general browsing for users with screen readers.
Learn how to make CAPTCHA accessible in accordance with WCAG regulations and balance effective security with accessible web practices.
Presenter: Dave Williams, Inclusive Design Ambassador, RNIB. Host: RNIB Tech Talk. Founder: BrailleCast, Braillists Foundation. Former Director of ACB Radio, American Council of the Blind. The session notes and resources provided by Dave Williams are included below. The recording is available as TAVIP's first podcast, produced using the guidance shared in the session.
The Stellar Trek is a standalone GPS device with offline maps, text recognition, compass, crosswalk detection, and more made by Humanware. Here's my unboxing and first impressions of the device.
Other News Sources 📰️
In this issue of FOCUS on AFB, we bring you highlights from the 2024 Helen Keller Achievement Awards; updates on the ADA Title II Final Rule by AFB's Public Policy and Research Institute (PPRI); the latest news on the award-winning documentary Possibilities; a tribute to AFB family member Gil Johnson; changes to the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB); and a roundup of the latest PPRI research activities.
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.
You may participate in this study if you are a person with a visual impairment who is 18 years of age or older and lives in the United States. Your participation will require you to complete a survey that will take approximately 15 minutes. This research study will take place online using Qualtrics, which has built-in accessibility features. Participants will have the opportunity to put their names in for a drawing for a $25 gift card.
NSITE is assisting a team of young inventors from Aquinas American School in Madrid, Spain. These high school students are developing an innovative indoor and outdoor wayfinding app specifically designed for blind and visually impaired users. Insight: utilizes LiDAR technology, which employs pulsed laser beams to precisely measure distances and create a detailed map of the user's surroundings. This information is then translated into clear and concise audio instructions, guiding users safely and efficiently through their environment. The team is aiming to finalize their prototype by June 2024 and is currently seeking design feedback from individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Your insights will be invaluable in shaping the app's functionality and user experience. How You Can Help: If you are blind or visually impaired and interested in participating, please complete this brief survey.
APH is recruiting field evaluators for the VR Cardinal, a GPS and book player in one device. We are looking for teachers and VI professionals with students/clients middle-school aged through adult with availability to field test during July. If you are interested in field testing this product, please complete this application by June 24, 2024. Selected field evaluators will receive a monetary incentive for successfully completing the field test by the August 2, 2024 deadline.
Whether you're providing technical support, training, or managing devices remotely, your feedback as a RIM user is crucial to us. We invite you to share your thoughts through our customer feedback survey open to both our free and paid users. Your insights will help us improve and understand how RIM supports your needs.
To thank you for your time, we'll send you a $20 coupon redeemable on any individual purchase from our store.
Featured Podcast Episodes 🎙️
The Guiding Emily series of books tells the story of how a woman who is suddenly blinded adjusts to life coping with divorce, pressures of a professional career, family relations, and more. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with author Barbara Hinske about the inspiration for the series and how the first book in the series was turned into a movie.
The latest episode of Starkey Sound Bites is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and find relief from tinnitus. It features an in-depth interview with Dr. James Henry, a leading tinnitus research scientist with decades of experience in evaluating and treating this pervasive condition.
Welcome to Episode 183. Announcements: For this week's Announcements, we salute Google's Android 15 Beta 2.2, where 6 issues were resolved. Android Basics: We continue our exploration of the Settings section of Samsung One UI6.x, with this week's focusing on the "General Management" section where we discuss "date and time" and "Keyboard." App Of The Week: In this week's "App of the Week" segment, we take a look at "Audify Read Aloud Web Browser" by "Tangerine Software House."
In Episode 32 of the Accessibility Solutions Podcast, Linda Hunt interviews Idan Meir, co-founder and CEO of RightHear, about their innovative approach to making public spaces accessible for individuals with spatial orientation challenges, including the blind and visually impaired.
Featured Events 📅️
9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Join us for the first annual Blindness and Mental Health Summit! The Summit is the largest online gathering of organizations and consumers sharing information, resources, and services focusing on mental health in the blindness, low vision, and disability communities. It is 100% virtual and will have ASL interpreters. Providers will also be able to earn CE credit.
9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Vispero Presenters: Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan. Summary: Are you looking for ways to navigate and manage Zoom meetings more efficiently with JAWS? If so — this webinar is for you! We'll show you how to navigate the Zoom interface plus perform several meeting-related tasks. Learn how to: Schedule and join a meeting. Manage participants. Access audio and video settings. And much more. ACVREP credits will be available for those who attend the live webinar.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
We'd like to invite you and your friends to join us for Glide's first ever "Virtual" Demo Day, on Monday, June 24th at 10-11:30 am PST! As our Gliders community has grown rapidly in anticipation of our pre-order launch this summer, we wanted to take a moment to properly welcome new community members and host an event specifically for those who may not know a lot about Glide yet. If you've been with us since the beginning (firstly, thank you!), then this is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends, family, colleagues, relevant organizations, and others in the blind and low-vision community to join us to meet our team and get a full walk-through description of Glide, its features and its capabilities. The session will be recorded, so please register even if you are unable to attend! Please register. All are welcome. Feel free to invite friends.
9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT
Presenter: Leilani Mason, Solutions Engineer. Older adults are a growing demographic of technology users. As society shifts more online, the need for older adults to use technology is increasing rapidly. When designing products, it is important to design with accessibility in mind but also design with different age groups in mind.
Directories 📝️
Buy, Sell or Trade 🛒️
Listing Date: 6/6/2024 | Price: $550.00 Each | Condition: Gently Used | Description: I have two of these and I'm asking $550 per device. Both are in excellent cosmetic and working condition but do not include the AC power adapter; only the USB cable. Also includes carry case and SD card. I can receive Zelle, Apple Pay, Venmo, or Cash App. | Contact: wolfm3813@gmail.com 📧️.|
Listing Date: 5/30/2024 | Price: $1,200.00 | Condition: Gently Used | Description: The Merlin ultra offer full HD color and contrast, resulting in sharp crystal clear images. We have upgraded to a newer machine. This desktop reader (22" screen) is in excellent, but used condition. User manual included. Pick-up only in The Villages, Florida (Postal code 32162). Available for inspection during afternoon and evening hours. | Contact: Steve via email at: buymyreader_villages@rushpost.com 📧️.|
Listing Date: 5/23/2024 | Price: $1,600.00 | 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: Steve via email at: steve.sullivan119@gmail.com 📧️.|
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.
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The Echobatix app offers monthly and yearly subscriptions with a one-week free trial. When you first start the app you'll be prompted to select a subscription, but the first week is free, and you can cancel at any time.
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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
HIMS, Inc. has officially changed their "Doing Business As" (DBA) name to Selvas BLV (Blind and Low Vision). You can find us at www.selvasBLV.com. Please note that all of our products are still the same and our business will be run as usual, the only reason for the name change is to separate us from another HIMS company that is in pharmaceuticals. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to build our relationship and giving you the best possible blind and low-vision products!
Sponsor Since: September 30, 2021 📅️
Website: https://selvasblv.com/ 🌐️
Shop All Products: https://selvasblv.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒️
Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo
Sales: sales@selvasblv.com 📧️
Support: support@selvasblv.com 📧️
About: SelvasBLV 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.
The world's first accessible cross-platform remote support package is now more affordable than ever! Remote Incident Manager proudly serves a number of use cases, from the support recipient to the full-time technician. But what if you only have occasional tech support gigs? What if you've been brought on to a training initiative in your state's blindness organization, and you're only providing the training for two weeks? Here's where our Pro passes come in handy. These passes allow you to leverage all of RIM's pro features, including unattended targets, without the need for a subscription. For as little as $35, you can store an entire week of Pro in your account, to be activated exactly when you need the service. $60 gets you two weeks, and $120 gets you a month pass! You can accumulate several of these passes if desired, and if you configure any unattended targets during the duration of one of your passes, they will still be present when you activate your next pass! Sign up today!
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.
We have the lowest prices on Victor Stream 3 and the SensePlayers from SelvasBLV in the United States. Why can we say that at GuideLights with such certainty? Because our Stream 3 bundle is $509, which includes the Stream 3, our own leather case, and your choice of either an open ear / bone conduction pair of headphones or a 256GB media card. Our SensePlayer OCR bundle is $729; the non-OCR bundle is $599, and that also includes the case and your choice of either card or headphones. Shipping is a flat fee, usually around $12. Only good in the U.S. We also have several new hands free pouches. 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 25, 2020 📅️
Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐️
For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at:
Phone: (617) 969-7500 📱️
Email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com 📧️
For All Things Dog Contact Kae at:
Phone: (781) 286-1696 📱️
Email: guidelightdogs@gmail.com 📧️
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!
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.
Sponsor Since: June 11, 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 Since: June 7, 2024 📅️
Website: https://www.innosearch.ai 🌐️
Email: info@innosearch.ai 📧️
About: Innosearch is an all-in-one shopping platform augmented with a cutting-edge AI-powered shopping assistant. This innovative feature mimics the experience of shopping in real life by allowing you to interact with the assistant using natural language. It aggregates millions of products from top US online retailers, bringing them directly to you. With this advanced generative AI, Innosearch offers personalized product recommendations, highlights the best deals, and provides comprehensive information including reviews, total prices, shipping options, and more. Innosearch delivers a seamless end-to-end shopping experience, eliminating the need to search and browse in multiple tabs across retailers.
Key Features: Key Features of the Innosearch All-in-One AI Shopping Platform include:
➜ Research Products: Easily compare products across retailers, or weigh pros and cons of similar products to make informed decisions.
➜ Uncover the Best Deals: Never miss a door buster, coupon, or clearance sale again. Get notified about the best prices and offers.
➜ AI Summarized Trusted Reviews: See what others are saying and make confident purchases.
➜ All in One: Innosearch brings millions of products from top online retailers directly to you, allowing you to shop the best deals with easy checkout and personalized AI assistance.
➜ Shop with Confidence: Rest assured, Innosearch has you covered with free shipping and returns on every purchase.
➜ Know Before You Buy: Innosearch equips you with expert buying guides, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.
How To Shop: Simply create a free account and start shopping today!
Sponsor Since: May 30,2024 📅️
Website: https://www.fourbadeyes.com/ 🌐️
Email: podcast@fourbadeyes.com 📧️
About: Two blind dudes collide to bring you an entirely different perspective on life. Dan Mancina, a Professional Blind Skateboarder who lost his vision at age 22, and Anthony Ferraro, a Paralympic hopeful on the Road to Paris 2024 who was born blind team up to bring you the backbone of the Four Bad Eyes podcast. Accompanied by hilarious short-form videos the podcast brings new life and perspective to anyone searching for hope or just a simple laugh. Join us as we enter our second year of podcasting. New episodes every Sunday late late night. Keep pushing and one love!
Donate: Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anthony-ferraro65/support.
TikTok (133.4K): https://www.tiktok.com/@fourbadeyes
YouTube (4.28K): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrlpwAc7W68j68iP0dQraA
Instagram (103K): https://www.instagram.com/fourbadeyes/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uredZcxfMba2S84G38mob
RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/db16ff7c/podcast/rss
Mobility can be tricky. Ultrasound obstacle detectors to detect upper body obstacles, handheld GPS for turn-by-turn navigation, smart glasses to read building numbers or get scene descriptions... What if all of that was done by a single device? biped is the world's first all-in-one mobility harness. It's worn on the shoulders, has cameras on the left side of the chest, a small AI computer on the right side, and batteries behind the neck. The device can detect obstacles (head or ground level, including holes), provide GPS navigation with turn-by-turn instructions, and upon the press of the "AI button" on the right side of the chest, generate descriptions of your surroundings. biped was developed in Switzerland, with 250 beta-testers, O&M trainers, and autonomous driving researchers.
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 Sàrl, 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: 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 27,000 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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As of June 4, 2020 the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.
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Publisher Since: June 4, 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 and AI-Weekly newsletters, PR-Director for the AT-Newswire Press Release News Distribution Service, and President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Top Tech Tidbits on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
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Email: publisher@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
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Digital Marketing Associate
Meta Certified (2022 - Present)
Social Marketing Professional
Hootsuite Certified (2020 - Present)
Email Marketing Professional
Constant Contact Certified (2019 - Present)
Specializing in:
Digital Strategy and Content Marketing
Social Media Advertising
Online Fundraising
ADA, WCAG and Section 508 Compliance
Editor Since: June 4, 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 and AI-Weekly newsletters 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 (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Editor Since: June 4, 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 and AI-Weekly newsletters 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 (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Editor Since: October 7, 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 the Accessible Technology Coordinator for California State University, Dominguez Hills. He has worked in accessibility in higher education since 2005, is certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, and in his spare time plays for the San Gabriel Valley Panthers Beep Baseball Team. He can be reached on twitter at: @samarositz.
Stephen (Alex) Marositz
Editor (2021-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Accessible Technology Coordinator
California State University, Dominguez Hills 🌐
Editor Since: January 1, 2022
Location: Newcastle, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits Ben is also an Access and Technology Advisor for Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT).
Hi, Tidbits readers, my name's Ben Moxey and I'm based in Newcastle, Australia. I'm really happy to be part of the Tidbits Team and look forward to supporting this valuable publication.
A bit about me and how I came to work in the BVI area. I grew up with very low vision in one eye due to retinal issues and relied on magnification and speech throughout school. They also tried to teach me Braille, but let's just say that I wasn't the best student! I was determined to use my remaining vision, no matter how impractical it was becoming.
When I was 20, the other retina came off and I've now been totally blind for about 21 years. This is when my love for assistive technology, and technology in general, really kicked in. I'll be honest, I was a bit of a computer nerd anyway, but I could quickly see how technology was my key to enhanced independence and lifestyle. I embraced screen readers, early smart phones and mobility aids. I even finally realised the huge value of Braille and finished off the course, though I'm still pretty slow!
Long story short (not one of my strong points), I've worked in the BVI area for 12 years with much of that spent reviewing, recommending and teaching assistive technology that suits the individual. I'm currently a proud employee of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT where I was the Practice Lead for the assistive technology service, and I've now moved into an Access and Technology Advisor role. Basically, this involves a strong focus on accessibility and technology innovation.
Feel free to look me up on LinkedIn, but I'll warn you in advance that I haven't given my profile the recommended attention!
All the best and happy reading!
Ben Moxey
Editor (2022-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Access and Technology Advisor
Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT) 🌐
Editor 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.
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
X (Formerly Twitter): @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
Editor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Editor (2023-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor
(1990 - Present)
Vision Australia 🌐
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
Editor Since: January 9, 2024
Location: Benton City, WA
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
IIn addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits Vicki also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News publication and works as a Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Vicki Walton
Editor (2024-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Editor (2024-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges 🌐
Better Jobs, Brighter Futures, a Stronger Washington
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