|
Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 22, 2024 - Volume 977 ♿️
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: 23,543 🔢️ opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email.
Sponsors 🏅️
Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By:
This Week's Featured Advertisement 🎯️
Every month brings another chance to advance your cybersecurity career!
The Apex Program offers a comprehensive 10-week training course designed to prepare you for the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certification exams. Tailored for the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities, our program combines informative lectures, video tutorials, hands-on labs, and quizzes, with expert instructor support every step of the way.
Get started today — Classes start on the first Monday of every month!
Upcoming Class Start Dates:
1. Monday, September 9th
2. Monday, October 7th
3. Monday, November 4th
Don't miss this opportunity to join a diverse and inclusive workforce in the cybersecurity sector. Visit TheApexProgram.com to learn more and secure your spot today!
News 📰️
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week 📊️
We've suddenly seen a lot of visually impaired people asking about VPNs. Why you might ask?
A disability campaigner has highlighted what he says is a huge accessibility breakthrough with Voice Control in the latest iPhone and Mac betas. He said that what may sound like a small improvement is a massive improvement to those who, like him, rely on voice to control their iPhone, iPad, and Mac ...
A fun fact and great tip from Michael Babcock regarding Gmail Standard View.
AI is about to make the iPhone lineup a lot more interesting.
We've addressed accessibility issues related to VoiceOver and interaction. VoiceOver labels more accurately state what is presented on the screen. Swiping order of UI elements follows top to bottom, left to right conventions.
There are no Sponsorship Packages currently available. Would your product, service or message benefit from reaching over 30,000 access technology subscribers each week? For just $100 / month? If you're thinking yes, we invite you to try a Sponsorship Package with Top Tech Tidbits. The benefits are amazing. No obligation. Cancel anytime. Join our waiting list today by sending an email to sponsorships@toptechtidbits.com 📧️ and we'll reach out to you the next time a package becomes available.
One time advertisements are available to anyone, with or without a Sponsorship. Would your product, service or message benefit from reaching over 30,000 access technology subscribers? If you're thinking yes, we invite you to check out our one time advertising options. They are cost-effective, targeted and measurable. Scheduling is optional. Learn more today.
Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 10th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles for July, August and September of 2024 on Monday, October 7, 2024. Back Issues: There are currently 9 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 News Articles 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.
1.) AppleVis | 2.) Top Tech Tidbits Surpasses 30,000 Weekly Readers | 3.) Access Information News Surpasses 22,000 Weekly Readers | 4.) No More Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Packages Left | 5.) Top Tech Tidbits Meets Its Sponsorship Cap For The First Time In Its History | 6.) Top Tech Tidbits Opens Waiting List For Future Sponsors | 7.) Top Tech Tidbits Surpasses 400 Followers on Mastodon | 8.) Reminder: Sponsorship Package Price Increase Coming At 30,000 Subscribers.
Please join me in giving a warm Tidbits welcome to Hable, who has so very graciously returned as a Sponsor to secure the very last Sponsorship Package that we had left. If you enjoy reading Tidbits for free every week, it is Sponsors like Hable that make it possible. And that means they deserve your business. Hable is a company focused on creating innovative solutions for individuals with visual impairments. Their flagship product, the Hable One, is a portable Bluetooth controller that simplifies smartphone navigation for blind and visually impaired users. The device is designed to make everyday tasks like texting, calling, and using apps more accessible and efficient, enabling greater independence and ease of use for its users. Hable's mission is to empower those with visual impairments through accessible technology. Learn more today.
9.) AI Updates 🤖️
Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI.
ElevenLabs, a startup developing AI-powered tools to create and edit synthetic voices, is making its Reader app available across the world with support for 32 languages.
Accuracy of 80% claimed for screening of children aged under two based on machine learning.
10.) Apple Updates 🍎️
Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple.
Speech Central has recently expanded its features to include support for open-source Text-to-Speech (TTS) engines. This new functionality allows users to integrate TTS engines that are compatible with the OpenAI API, which Speech Central has already supported for some time.
Apple Podcasts on the web allows listeners to enjoy the full Apple Podcasts experience on any web browser, on any device. They can browse millions of podcasts across dozens of categories, purchase subscriptions to their favorite shows, and more.
Apple released the developer beta version of iOS 18.1 a few weeks back. In this release, they gave us a preliminary look at the new version of Siri and how it will change with all this new Apple Intelligence implementation. I wanted to put it to the test and compare it to the iOS 17 version of Siri. Here is how it fared.
Apple on Wednesday released a new short film called The Relay. The film showcases adaptive athletes with various disabilities in competition, assisted of course with a slew of accessibility features from Apple's panoply of software platforms. They include Point and Speak in the Magnifier app on iPhone, as well as AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch.
Tips, Tutorials, Guides, Reviews, Walk-Throughs and How-To's 📚️
You can adjust font attributes through the Ribbon or with keyboard shortcuts.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that electronic and information technology be accessible to people with disabilities. In my latest blog post, we dive into table accessibility in Microsoft Word, to make your documents compliant with Section 508 standards. Download my Section 508 Checklist for Word here.
Not sure whether you need an ATX, micro ATX, mini ITX, or eATX board for your new PC? We've got you covered.
News, Trends, Updates and Opinion Editorials 📰️
This is one of those cases where circumstances at my job led to needing to document expected behavior in order to create “synthetic” links via JavaScript. Sometimes this sort of thing is regrettably unavoidable.
As the Publisher of Top Tech Tidbits, I, Aaron Di Blasi, do hereby implore David Goodwin, the owner of AppleVis.com, to consider donating the site to the access community at large before or after its scheduled shutdown on August 31, 2024.
You can now jump to apps in the taskbar by pressing a letter on your keyboard, as long as you're on the latest Dev Channel Insider build of Windows 11.
Seeing Hands — A non-profit dedicated to promoting the independence, education, employment, and success of blind individuals, has dedicated its efforts in the project of Braille dictionaries.
Imagine accessing materials by viewing one line of braille at a time. Now, picture interacting with them by intervals of ten lines with the added bonus of displaying tactile graphics. A more robust option than the traditional braille display, the Monarch opens up a plethora of learning possibilities that are often unavailable for students who are blind or have low vision.
Spotlight Advertisement 🎯️
4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. as we explore audio descriptions and the digital accessibility of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more.
We'll hear from Fred Brack, an audio describer, voiceover artist, and webmaster of the largest database of audio-described content.
We'll explore the features and functions of the Audio Description Project using a screen reader and describe how to enable audio descriptions on several devices and services.
Bring your questions and register now to secure your spot. You won't want to miss this interactive and informative webinar!
Steven and Shaun discuss Lotus, a company that aims to make smart tech easier to use. The founder, Deval Patel, talked about his personal experience with limited mobility and the challenges he faced with traditional smart home technology in an interview recently on Access Tech Live. He explained how Lotus has developed a wearable ring that controls objects at home by pointing, eliminating the need for rewiring, apps, and internet. Shaun expresses his amazement at the concept and the guys discuss the potential benefits for various users, including those without internet access. They highlight the convenience and portability of the ring and its potential to retrofit existing appliances.
Publisher (Di Blasi): No mention of AppleVis here, but at the very same age (14 years) perhaps this is an entity that could be trusted to meaningfully fill-in some of those gaps. Hats off to iAccessibility from all of us here at Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News. Thank you for doing this. If there is anything at all that we can do to help, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Michael Doise: iAccessibility: There has been a lot of changes that have happened here at iAccessibility this month, and there will be many more to come. In this post, I want to discuss where we've been, and where we're going as iAccessibility so that we are all on the same page. The Past of iAccessibility. iAccessibility started in 2010 as a blog to review apps called the iAccessibility Report. I, Michael Doise, reviewed apps with VoiceOver on this blog to determine what worked with VoiceOver. The blog then started to have other content regarding technology, and we started a podcast in 2015 called the iACast. In 2016, we started our WhatsApp Community and TeamTalk Server, which later became a Discord community server instead. iAccessibility has also had the chance to work with some amazing podcasters like Unmute Presents and many others.
Electronic assistive devices, such as magnifiers and screen readers, are vital tools for individuals with visual impairments. These devices enable access to education, employment, and daily activities that might otherwise be challenging. Governments in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. offer various programs to provide financial assistance for these devices, ensuring that individuals can access the necessary technology. This article explores the available subsidies and financial assistance for purchasing a Zoomax electronic assistive device priced at $1,500, including details on coverage amounts and application processes. Please note that these figures are estimates, and final amounts may vary based on specific circumstances.
NV Access is pleased to announce that version 2024.3 of NVDA, the free screen reader for Microsoft Windows, is now available for download. We encourage all users to upgrade to this version.
Alan Cowen, founder of Hume AI, talks to Steven about the importance of empathy in AI and how his company is working to develop AI technology that understands and communicates like a human. The conversation explores the potential benefits and risks of humanizing AI, including the potential for manipulation and the potential for AI to provide support and companionship to isolated individuals. The discussion also touches on the challenges of designing AI with personality and the future of AI in wearables and other devices.
Shopping online as a blind or visually impaired individual can be challenging due to inaccessible websites. In this video, I introduce InnoSearch, a new platform designed specifically for the blind and visually impaired. It integrates with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, providing a cleaner, streamlined experience free of clutter. I'll walk you through my purchase experience and show you how to save $10 using code THEBlindLife! Be sure to try InnoSearch and share your feedback.
When we first added the radio tuner to the BT Speak, radio-browser.info, our provider, offered over 47,000 radio stations. I've been watching that number continuing to increase and today I'm thrilled to report that they are now providing access to over 50,000 stations.
Nearly eight percent of genetic males and half a percent of genetic females have some form of Color Vision Deficiency (CVD). Argonne researchers worked with the CVD community to improve colormaps to be more inclusive and accessible.
Join Florida Outreach Center for the Blind, Inc. and our guest speaker, Katrina Brockway, with the Palm Beach County Library System. She will discuss a myriad of things for you to know about protecting yourself online! What are viruses, ransomware, and phishing scams? How to identify phishing/scam texts, calls, and emails. The importance of keeping personal information private. What is a secure network, and why you should use it. How to choose safe passwords. Why you need to keep your software updated. How to recognize secure websites. Katrina started her career with the Palm Beach County Library System in 2015, working her way up through circulation while attending library school at night. In December 2020, she graduated with her Master's degree in Library and Information Science from Florida State University. Katrina was hired as a librarian in 2021, and in 2022, Katrina was awarded Outstanding New Librarian of the Year by the Florida Library Association. Currently, she is the Assistant Branch Manager of the Lantana Road Branch.
A fix is coming, but data analytics giant Palantir says it's ditching Android devices altogether because Google's response to the vulnerability has been troubling.
29.) Michaels New Setup | Double Tap TV | YouTube.com | August 15, 2024
Steven and Shaun are joined by their good friend Michael to discuss their home office setups and the equipment they use for podcasting and video calls following Michael's recent house move. They talk about the importance of having a dedicated workspace, the simplicity of their setups, and the need for good audio and video quality. They also share tips and recommendations for affordable and accessible equipment.
Google has just rolled out a new set of accessibility features for the visually impaired. The news comes alongside its launch of the latest Pixel 9 series. The most talked about feature is updates to its Magnifier that was rolled out in 2023 so users can make the most of cameras by focusing more on the surroundings.
We are thrilled to announce the release of new realistic multilingual voices optimized for conversations and various domains. This update features 16 brand new voices and enhancements to 14 existing ones, brings the total number of available multilingual voices to 61. All of multilingual voices can speak 50+ languages with accent support up to 91 variants by using SSML. Our multilingual voices allow for seamless communication across languages, enabling everyone to connect regardless of their native tongue. They can be used for call center support, in-car assistants, and telecommunications to serve a wider audience. Additionally, media and education industries can utilize our voices for article readouts and teaching, creating a consistent tone and enhancing the overall user experience.
Registration opens for award-winning annual Accessibility Internet Rally (AIR) competition.
Typing on a smartphone is second nature to many of us. But for people who are visually challenged, it can be frustrating and even seem impossible. While virtual keyboards can be helpful, many are limited and difficult to use for people with visual impairment or blindness. However, having a visual impairment doesn't mean that mobile devices aren't useable. Hable One is a new Braille keyboard that is designed to help people type faster, and it's small enough to fit in a pocket or purse.
Centuries before audio deepfakes and text-to-speech software, inventors in the eighteenth century constructed androids with swelling lungs, flexible lips, and moving tongues to simulate human speech. Jessica Riskin explores the history of such talking heads, from their origins in musical automata to inventors' quixotic attempts to make machines pronounce words, converse, and declare their love.
Other News Sources 📰️
It's here, NVDA 2024.3 has arrived.
Featured Events 📅️
Please join us for the 15th Annual ISLAND Conference on Disability and STEM. Attendance is offered both in-person or online in Tampere, Finland August 27 — 28, and Princeton, New Jersey September 12 — 13. The conference showcases technical and methodological solutions on what is possible in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for people with disabilities. Since its founding in 2010 the ISLAND conference has served as a forum for conference attendees to meet, network, and collaborate. It is intended for scholars, educators, and practitioners, and welcomes members of the public. Proceedings are published through the peer-reviewed Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities, which since 1998 has disseminated research and practice related to the education of students with disabilities in the science classroom and laboratory.
4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. as we explore audio descriptions and the digital accessibility of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more. We'll hear from Fred Brack, an audio describer, voiceover artist, and webmaster of the largest database of audio-described content. We'll explore the features and functions of the Audio Description Project using a screen reader and describe how to enable audio descriptions on several devices and services. Bring your questions and register now to secure your spot. You won't want to miss this interactive and informative webinar!
Please join us for the 15th Annual ISLAND Conference on Disability and STEM. Attendance is offered both in-person or online in Princeton, New Jersey September 12 — 13. The conference showcases technical and methodological solutions on what is possible in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for people with disabilities. Since its founding in 2010 the ISLAND conference has served as a forum for conference attendees to meet, network, and collaborate. It is intended for scholars, educators, and practitioners, and welcomes members of the public. Proceedings are published through the peer-reviewed Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities, which since 1998 has disseminated research and practice related to the education of students with disabilities in the science classroom and laboratory.
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.
Researchers at Northeastern University are conducting a research study to understand how blind and low vision people search for and apply to job and develop accessible solutions for enhancing their experiences during job search and application.
What is the purpose of this research? We are asking you to be in a research study because you are blind or low vision and you have encountered or you are aware of conversational large language models. A large language model is a machine learning model that incorporates large amounts of data to create human-like text. We are interested to learn more about how people who are blind or low vision interact with conversational large language models. This study is being conducted by Filipo Sharevski, PhD. We intend to recruit 250 participants for this research.
The University of Washington is researching accessible creative tool design that supports blind creators to more freely and effortlessly author visual digital content. We are inviting blind individuals to participate in our research. To participate, please fill out this 3-question screening survey related to your vision level and background. If you meet our recruitment criteria, we will invite you to participate in a design study to shape future visual editing tools to be more accessible. We will compensate you with $30 per hour through an Amazon gift card or US Bank Visa card for your time and effort.
Featured Podcast Episodes 🎙️
Hard as one might try, success in achieving one's goal isn't always guaranteed. When one misses the goal, however, the question is how one reacts to failure and what one learns from it. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Dave Wilkinson about these issues as they relate to his unsuccessful attempt to complete a 3,000-mile cross country bike race.
Brian and Ed are joined by David Goldstein and Nick D'Ambrosio to discuss why they play fantasy football, give some advice to beginners who are thinking about joining the 70 million people who will be playing this season. They then discuss an all time classic VoiceOver mispronunciation. Also discussed is the possible break up of Google, and what it would mean for consumers, is Apple Intelligence more a concept then a reality, the continued chaos at Sonos, and much more.
Directories 📝️
Buy, Sell or Trade 🛒️
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.
Sponsor Classified Ads 🎯️
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.
GuideLights Will be at ACB, although we don't have an exhibit booth. We have something better; a room on the 4th floor right in the middle of everything. We will be in Main Street 2 Sun. Mon. and Tue. We are calling it the "GuideLights window down" sale with lots of special bargains. Backpacks, 20 cell Braille display cases, and a good selection of headphones will be discounted 30 percent. Come join the fun with Barry; there will be an Orbit Speak given away to a person who registers with us. There will also be a number of "spot" promotions during the convention. I am doing this by myself this year, as Kae is still recovering from some of her surgeries. Looking forward to being with our many customers and friends. For more info, call or email Barry at: (617) 969-7500 📱️ or barry.scheur@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 📱️.
For a limited time, when you purchase a Hable One, you'll receive a FREE OptiCoaster!
The Hable One is a powerful, pocket-sized keyboard that makes phone use easier and more accessible for blind and visually impaired users.
With your Hable One, you'll get the OptiCoaster, a high-contrast, glow-in-the-dark coaster with tactile features, perfect for easily locating and placing your cups on the table.
But hurry! Stock is running low, and we have only a few units left. Once they're gone, this offer ends! Don't miss out on this incredible deal.
Visit our website now to claim your free OptiCoaster before it's too late!
Sponsor Since: August 14, 2024 📅️
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 | Tips and Tricks | Support | Order Hable
Social: Facebook | Instagram | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube | LinkedIn
Are you ready to advance your career in cybersecurity? The Apex Program offers a comprehensive 10-week training course designed to prepare you for the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certification exams. Tailored for the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities, our program combines informative lectures, video tutorials, hands-on labs, and quizzes, with expert instructor support every step of the way.
Get started today — Classes start on the first Monday of every month!
Upcoming Class Start Dates:
1. Monday, September 9th
2. Monday, October 7th
3. Monday, November 4th
Don't miss this opportunity to join a diverse and inclusive workforce in the cybersecurity sector. Visit TheApexProgram.com to learn more and secure your spot today!
Sponsor Since: July 16, 2024 📅️
Website: https://theapexprogram.com 🌐️
About: Unlocking Abilities, Securing Futures. Founded on the principles of inclusivity and opportunity, the Apex Program is a pioneering educational initiative in cybersecurity, tailored for the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities. Created by a Novacoast employee and inspired by his own journey from disability to Security Operations Center manager, the curriculum is designed to create a strong foundation of IT security knowledge, while instilling confidence and ensuring competence in the IT talent pool. Our ten-week program culminates in industry-recognized CompTIA certifications and a guaranteed pathway to employment, courtesy of Novacoast's dedicated IT Staffing division. At Apex, we don't just teach cybersecurity; we transform lives by unlocking potential and advocating for diversity in the IT security workforce.
Mission: The Apex Program is committed to bridging the gap in cybersecurity talent by empowering the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities through inclusive, accessible, and comprehensive training. Our mission is to nurture a diverse workforce equipped with the necessary IT security skills and certifications to thrive in the cybersecurity sector. In partnership with Novacoast, we ensure a solid educational foundation and job placement in the industry, further fostering a future where every individual can focus their distinct abilities on building a more secure digital world.
Novacoast: Novacoast is a cybersecurity and IT services company that helps organizations enhance their security posture. They offer a range of services, including cybersecurity advisory, security engineering, identity and access management, development and integration, penetration testing, managed security services, and incident response. Their managed services include co-managed SIEM, DLP, EDR, vulnerability and patch management, phishing monitoring, and threat operations. Novacoast also provides specialized services for different industries such as finance, healthcare, and gaming. Additionally, they offer staffing solutions and training programs. Learn more today.
Home | A Division of Novacoast | Novacoast Federal | The Program | About Us | Partnerships | Media | Contact
Ensure your organization addresses accessibility issues as they arise with Access Ready's Stand By Me On-Call Consulting Program.
Get 24/7 direct contact with experts, consultations on legislative matters, market analysis, and product development insights.
Access weekly news publications and periodic reports from experts.
Join now and demonstrate your commitment to accessibility.
Contact Chief Consultant Douglas George Towne today to learn more and take the first step towards an inclusive future.
Sponsor Since: June 27, 2024 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: +1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
About: Access Ready, Inc. is a nonprofit advocacy organization founded on October 17, 2018, dedicated to ensuring the accessibility of information and communications technologies (ICT) for all individuals, regardless of ability. The organization aims to integrate ICT accessibility as a fundamental aspect of society.
Mission: Promote policies that ensure ICT accessibility.
Vision: Create a society where ICT is inherently accessible to everyone.
Core Values: Integrity, Planning, Consideration, Opportunity
Key Milestones: 2018: Established Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws. 2020: Received 501(c)(3) status. 2019: Formed the Access Ready Strategic Social Purpose Corporation to develop accessible technologies.
Initiatives: Developed inclusion guidance documents with legal and policy experts and proposed the Tax Recovery Act to provide tax credits for developers making ICT accessible.
Leadership: Douglas George Towne, Chair and CEO. Access Ready, Inc. is supported by various notable individuals and organizations.
Contact: Douglas George Towne, Chari-CEO, Access Ready, Inc., chair-ceo@accessready.org 📧️.
Access Ready, Inc. strives to make ICT accessible through policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions, fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.
Ensure your organization addresses accessibility issues as they arise with Access Ready's Stand By Me On-Call Consulting Program.
Get 24/7 direct contact with experts, consultations on legislative matters, market analysis, and product development insights.
Access weekly news publications and periodic reports from experts.
Join now and demonstrate your commitment to accessibility.
Contact Chief Consultant Douglas George Towne today to learn more and take the first step towards an inclusive future.
Sponsor Since: June 27, 2024 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: +1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
About: Access Ready, Inc. is a nonprofit advocacy organization founded on October 17, 2018, dedicated to ensuring the accessibility of information and communications technologies (ICT) for all individuals, regardless of ability. The organization aims to integrate ICT accessibility as a fundamental aspect of society.
Mission: Promote policies that ensure ICT accessibility.
Vision: Create a society where ICT is inherently accessible to everyone.
Core Values: Integrity, Planning, Consideration, Opportunity
Key Milestones: 2018: Established Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws. 2020: Received 501(c)(3) status. 2019: Formed the Access Ready Strategic Social Purpose Corporation to develop accessible technologies.
Initiatives: Developed inclusion guidance documents with legal and policy experts and proposed the Tax Recovery Act to provide tax credits for developers making ICT accessible.
Leadership: Douglas George Towne, Chair and CEO. Access Ready, Inc. is supported by various notable individuals and organizations.
Contact: Douglas George Towne, Chari-CEO, Access Ready, Inc., chair-ceo@accessready.org 📧️.
Access Ready, Inc. strives to make ICT accessible through policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions, fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.
Ensure your organization addresses accessibility issues as they arise with Access Ready's Stand By Me On-Call Consulting Program.
Get 24/7 direct contact with experts, consultations on legislative matters, market analysis, and product development insights.
Access weekly news publications and periodic reports from experts.
Join now and demonstrate your commitment to accessibility.
Contact Chief Consultant Douglas George Towne today to learn more and take the first step towards an inclusive future.
Sponsor Since: June 27, 2024 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: +1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
About: Access Ready, Inc. is a nonprofit advocacy organization founded on October 17, 2018, dedicated to ensuring the accessibility of information and communications technologies (ICT) for all individuals, regardless of ability. The organization aims to integrate ICT accessibility as a fundamental aspect of society.
Mission: Promote policies that ensure ICT accessibility.
Vision: Create a society where ICT is inherently accessible to everyone.
Core Values: Integrity, Planning, Consideration, Opportunity
Key Milestones: 2018: Established Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws. 2020: Received 501(c)(3) status. 2019: Formed the Access Ready Strategic Social Purpose Corporation to develop accessible technologies.
Initiatives: Developed inclusion guidance documents with legal and policy experts and proposed the Tax Recovery Act to provide tax credits for developers making ICT accessible.
Leadership: Douglas George Towne, Chair and CEO. Access Ready, Inc. is supported by various notable individuals and organizations.
Contact: Douglas George Towne, Chari-CEO, Access Ready, Inc., chair-ceo@accessready.org 📧️.
Access Ready, Inc. strives to make ICT accessible through policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions, fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.
Welcome to a new era of inclusive shopping where you never have to leave our site. Our marketplace is designed to offer an all-in-one shopping experience tailored for the blind and visually impaired community.
Here's what makes us stand out:
➜︎ Comprehensive Shopping Experience: Everything you need in one place. From groceries to gadgets, clothing to cosmetics, explore our extensive range of products without ever navigating away from our user-friendly site.
➜︎ AI-Powered Customer Service: Have a question or need clarification on a product description? Our advanced AI customer service is here to assist you 24/7. Get instant answers, detailed explanations, and personalized recommendations with ease.
➜︎ Unbeatable Deals and Quality: Find the best deals on the highest quality products. We offer competitive prices and exceptional value, ensuring you get the best shopping experience on the net.
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.
Are your PDFs actually accessible?
There's a lack of regulation in this industry. Without a governing body ensuring PDF remediation companies are remediating correctly, anyone can claim to know what they're doing!
Too many PDF remediation companies rely solely on automation. But, full accessibility requires manual testing.
Braille Works will review the accessibility of your PDF free of charge.
If your PDF is not accessible, we'll tell you where it falls short. If it is accessible, we'll celebrate with you!
Upload your PDF today and know for sure if it's accessible and compliant.
Sponsor Since: November 17, 2023 📅️
Website: https://brailleworks.com/ 🌐️
Email: info@brailleworks.com 📧️
Phone: +1 (813) 654-4050 📱️
About: Dedicated to making the world a more readable place, Braille Works is one of the nation's leading providers of reading materials for people who are blind, visually impaired, or reading impaired. Making The World A More Readable Place™ has been our mission from day one. We are creative and innovative because our customers expect it.
Your projects are given careful consideration to make every page easy to read and handle. This gives your blind and visually impaired customers the respect and independence they rightly deserve. At Braille Works, attention to detail drives everything we do. From the layout of your braille document to the format of a large print document, the scripting of an audio document, or the full compliance and accessibility of your PDF, we seek to exceed the expectations of your customers.
Products and Services: 508 Compliance | Audio | Braille | Large Print
Industries We Serve: Government Agencies | Banking & Financial | Translation Agencies | Healthcare & Insurance | Restaurants | Utilities
Request A Quote: Contact Braille Works today to discuss your project. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific needs and the quality solutions we provide. Click here to get started or call us today at +1 (813) 654-4050 📱️.
Social: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that electronic and information technology be accessible to people with disabilities.
In my latest blog post, we dive into table accessibility in Microsoft Word, to make your documents compliant with Section 508 standards.
Download my Section 508 Checklist for Word here.
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.
App Training Videos: https://www.echobatix.com/training/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@echobatix.inc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@echobatix
About: The Echobatix app for iPhone offers text accessibility for touch screens at your fingertip and for text on objects in your hand. We combine hand detection with optical character recognition so that you can interact quickly with text. No WiFi or cell connection is required.
If you have difficulty reading text, or if you find touch screens and product labels completely inaccessible, give the Echobatix app a try. The app supports large fonts and VoiceOver. You can provide feedback from within the app itself. We'd love to read your suggestions.
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.
To download and try the Echobatix app, click this link: https://apple.co/3NZC3GZ
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 📧️
About: Fable is an accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities, connecting them to accessibility managers, user researchers, designers, and developers to build accessible user experiences.
Opportunities:
➜ Accessibility Tester: Testers drive meaningful change in digital accessibility by sharing feedback on the websites and apps of the companies that care. As a Tester, earn a competitive tech industry wage, learn valuable transferrable skills, and grow your career. Fable is looking for assistive technology users in the US or Canada to work the hours that they want, completely from home. No experience or resume required.
➜ Survey Respondent: Survey Respondents enjoy a remote, low-commitment income opportunity, all while contributing to accessibility research. Surveys are typically sent out once a month, and you can earn $5 to $50 per survey. Apply today if you identify as having a disability and live in the US or Canada. You do not need to use assistive technology to apply.
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
Meet the Selvas BLV SensePlayer — a game-changer in accessible technology. This compact multimedia player device offers advanced text-to-speech functionality with exceptional clarity, making it easier than ever to read documents, access digital content, and manage everyday tasks. With its user-friendly interface and customizable features, SensePlayer adapts to your unique needs, providing a smooth and efficient experience. Not to mention you can download third-party apps directly to your device!
Transform how you interact with the world of multimedia and experience the power of the Selvas BLV SensePlayer today!
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.
Aira, one of the world's leading remote visual interpretation services, has launched a landmark integration that will make the process of receiving remote technical support even more accessible! Aira has deployed our cross-platform, fully accessible Remote Incident Manager across its entire team of agents dedicated to providing top notch visual interpretation.
Aira, one of the world's leading remote visual interpretation services, has launched a landmark integration that will make the process of receiving remote technical support even more accessible! Aira has deployed our cross-platform, fully accessible Remote Incident Manager across its entire team of agents dedicated to providing top notch visual interpretation!
As an Aira explorer, help with inaccessible computer tasks has always been possible, however this has required the use of off-the-shelf remote support tools with varying degrees of inaccessibility. IN recent years, the inaccessibility has made the process of establishing a connection for the support recipient quite difficult. Remote Incident Manager (RIM), by contrast, has been specially designed by and for blind and visually impaired users, yet can be used just as effectively by anyone! Download the free RIM application on your Windows or macOS machine today, and experience the best in accessible remote assistance!
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.
Join: Waiting List 📋️
Sponsor Since: Today 📅️
Website: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor 🌐️
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 30,000 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.
Top Tech Tidbits Supporters 🤝️
We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!
Why: Top Tech Tidbits Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication.
Benefits: All Top Tech Tidbits Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Top Tech Tidbits website.
In addition, all Top Tech Tidbits Supporters automatically become Premium Subscribers as well, and therefore enjoy all of the benefits that a Premium Subscription has to offer.
One Time Donation: If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.
Annual Donation: If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.
Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible.
Become a Top Tech Tidbits Platinum Supporter today.
1.) Gary Lee
Platinum Supporter since June 25, 2020
2.) Anonymous Donation
Platinum Supporter since July 9, 2020
3.) Pshon Barrett
Platinum Supporter since January 28, 2021
4.) Robin Millar
Platinum Supporter since April 6, 2023
Become a Top Tech Tidbits Gold Supporter today.
1.) Howard Goldstein
Gold Supporter since June 4, 2020
2.) David Goldstein
Gold Supporter since June 12, 2020
3.) Katherine Crohan
Gold Supporter since January 14, 2021
4.) Neil Jarvis
Gold Supporter since April 28, 2022
Become a Top Tech Tidbits Silver Supporter today.
1.) Timothy Gorbold
Silver Supporter since July 19, 2023
2.) Vojtech Polasek
Silver Supporter since December 29, 2023
Become a Top Tech Tidbits Bronze Supporter today.
1.) Steven Wettlaufer
Bronze Supporter since July 16, 2020
2.) Lions Clubs International
Bronze Supporter since July 13, 2020
One Time Supporters donate an amount of their choosing — one time to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits Publication.
Become a Top Tech Tidbits One Time Supporter today.
1.) Beth Wright
One Time Supporter on November 28, 2023
2.) Your name here.
One Time Supporter on ...
➜ Top Tech Tidbits News Team 🗞️
Distribution Since: 2004
As of June 4, 2020 the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters, our Advertisers and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.
Any time the Top Tech Tidbits Publication carries less than its Sponsor limit, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.
Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Learn more about the benefits of Sponsorship today.
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.
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Email: publisher@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Toll Free: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️
PR Director (2024-Present)
AT-Newswire 🌐
Access Technology's Digital Newswire
Publisher (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Certified:
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
|
