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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, November 21, 2024 - Volume 990 ♿️
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: 30,246 🔢️ opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email.
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The reality check of the election has a lot of disability and civil rights advocates asking "What now?"
This is not about politics, it is about competing visions of the future.
With a new power clearly in charge of Washington and many concerned that what we have fought for during the past five decades is in jeopardy, how do we move forward?
We dig in and hold the line. We do what must be done to protect what is and we work to advance what still needs to be.
We call on the conscience, morality and passion of all concerned to seek the right outcome.
We partner with anyone necessary to get the job done. More than just individuals with disabilities benefit from the policies that protect our rights. The many involved in the business of disability/accessibility also benefit economically from our rights.
We all must lock arms and move forward. It is time to get up off the mat and close ranks.
Access Awareness: Metrics That Matter ♿️
" Increase in Disability-Related Benefits in the UK: Starting April 6, 2025, the UK government will increase working-age benefits, including Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and Universal Credit, by 1.7%. This adjustment aims to address the financial needs of disabled individuals and their caregivers. " — The Sun (UK) — November 2024
News 📰️
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week 📊️
Patrícia Gonçalves, legally blind since childhood, became the first in the UK to undergo an AI-powered Lasik eye surgery, which enabled her to achieve vision better than 20/20. This revolutionary procedure, performed at London's Focus Clinics, used ray-tracing and laser optimization technology to restore her eyesight beyond conventional standards.
This article highlights several underutilized Microsoft Word features, including Smart Lookup, Voice Typing, Document Comparison, and Quick Parts, which can significantly streamline productivity. Each feature is explained with practical applications, offering valuable tools for both beginners and experienced users to improve their workflow in Word.
The second-generation Clicks Keyboard for iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max introduces MagSafe compatibility, improved key design, and data pass-through support, resolving key issues from its first version. With upgraded materials and functionality, it offers enhanced usability, making it an ideal accessory for keyboard enthusiasts and frequent iPhone users.
This gift guide offers curated recommendations for accessible and assistive technology tailored to blind and low-vision users, including items like Apple's iPhone SE, Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, and Apple HomePod Mini. These products aim to empower users through technology, providing tools for communication, accessibility, and independence.
After updating to Windows 11 24H2, users report that using the Alt + Tab shortcut causes a 10-second black screen delay. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue, promising a patch in December 2024. Meanwhile, affected users can attempt to fix the bug by disabling Game Mode or consider reverting to an earlier Windows version if the problem persists.
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This article outlines, 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.
7.) AI Updates 🤖️
Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI.
Here, Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher for the AI-Weekly, Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News weekly newsletters, breaks down how artificial intelligence is transforming accessibility for people with disabilities, from adaptive learning tools to generative creativity platforms. The article explores the technical, societal, and ethical dimensions of AI's potential, while addressing challenges such as bias, scalability, and regulatory frameworks, offering a roadmap to a more inclusive future.
Artificial intelligence is enhancing accessibility for Boston's disabled community, offering tools that improve daily life and promote independence.
XRHealth has introduced an AI-powered extended reality platform designed to create personalized 360-degree therapeutic environments, aiming to improve patient engagement and clinical outcomes across various treatments.
Virgin Media O2 has introduced Daisy, an AI tool designed to frustrate scammers by mimicking an elderly woman's voice and engaging in lengthy conversations to waste their time. Trained with help from scam baiter Jim Browning, Daisy uses language models to hold fraudsters on the line for up to 40 minutes, preventing them from targeting real victims and revealing their common tactics.
Physical Intelligence, a robotics startup valued at over $2 billion, is advancing AI by teaching robots physical skills through vast data sets and innovative models. With $400 million in funding and a team of top robotics experts, the company aims to revolutionize the physical capabilities of AI, enabling robots to perform tasks with humanlike dexterity.
Oasis, the first entirely AI-generated video game, uses a transformer model to dynamically create its surreal and ever-shifting world based on user inputs. Developed by Decart and Etched, the game demonstrates the potential of generative AI in gaming, sparking viral interest despite its unpredictable and uncanny gameplay.
A new system combining high-speed video and an AI-powered algorithm may enable quick, contactless screenings for high blood pressure and Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes without the need for blood tests, cuffs, or expensive devices. This method could facilitate at-home health monitoring and early detection for individuals who avoid traditional medical exams.
8.) Apple Updates 🍎️
Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple.
Apple's AirPods, including the Pro 2nd generation, offer significant accessibility features such as easy reconnection, touchless Siri commands, and the FDA-approved Hearing Aid Feature for low to moderate hearing impairments. The lineup also includes options for active noise cancellation, adjustable fits, and enhanced battery life, catering to diverse user needs.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 earbuds now offer hearing tests and features to assist with hearing health, including mild hearing aid capabilities. Users have found these tools beneficial for everyday conversations and ear protection, though they may not fully replace traditional hearing aids for everyone.
Tips, Tutorials, Guides, Reviews, Walk-Throughs and How-To's 📚️
Pressing Windows + A opens the Quick Settings panel in Windows 11, providing access to essential controls like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and volume. Use the Tab key to navigate through options and the Spacebar to toggle settings. To close the panel, press Escape.
This video provides a comprehensive guide to creating accessible presentations using Venngage, focusing on template selection, font choices, color contrast, reading order, and alt text adjustments to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Freedom Scientific celebrates 'Sharkvember' by offering daily keyboard command tips for JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion users, enhancing accessibility and productivity for individuals with visual impairments.
ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive guide to installing its VPN service directly onto a router, ensuring that all devices connected to the network benefit from enhanced security and privacy. The article details the selection of compatible routers, the setup process, and the advantages of router-based VPN protection, including coverage for devices that don't natively support VPNs.
Difficulty hearing dialogue in movies and shows can be addressed by adjusting settings within streaming apps, such as enabling closed captions or utilizing features like Amazon Prime Video's Dialog Boost. Additionally, modifying audio settings on devices, including enhancing dialogue options on Apple TV 4K or Sony Bravia TVs, and ensuring proper surround sound configurations can improve clarity. Using headphones or soundbars with speech amplification features also enhances the listening experience.
JubileeTV is a set-top box designed to assist families in caring for elderly relatives remotely by providing video calls, sharing family photos, and offering medication and appointment reminders. While it simplifies staying in touch and elder care responsibilities, it requires HDMI-compatible TVs, Wi-Fi, and incurs an initial hardware cost of $199 plus a subscription fee of $29 monthly or $699 for lifetime service.
Microsoft Word users often encounter challenges such as unwanted AutoCorrections and AutoFormatting, a cluttered user interface, disappearing toolbars, AutoRecover failures, file corruption, and slow performance with large documents. Addressing these issues can enhance the overall user experience.
News, Trends, Updates and Opinion Editorials 📰️
Pedro, a blind immigrant, recounts his journey toward education and a career in social work. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Pedro and Set Hernandez, director of the documentary "Unseen: Life as a Blind Immigrant," which describes Pedro's journey. They delve into the obstacles, anxieties, and challenges Pedro encountered along the way.
3D tactile maps enhance traditional tactile mapping by using height and depth to create intuitive and realistic representations of environments. These durable maps provide greater accessibility, especially for visually impaired users, offering detailed features like scaled structures and vertical space efficiency while being more informative and easier to interpret.
Back in March 2024, I penned an ambitious "Blueprint for Google" to revolutionize Android accessibility in ten areas that, let's be honest, were desperately in need of some TLC. It's been quite a few months since then, and with great anticipation (and perhaps a smidge of wishful thinking), I've been keeping an eye on Google's progress. Spoiler alert: there's been a lot of... watching and not enough doing. But let's give credit where it's due — there have been a few flickers of hope amidst the darkness.
Steven and Shaun discuss listener feedback on topics such as the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, comparisons between wearables and mobility aids, AI's role in accessibility, and the evolution of assistive technology like Glide. The episode emphasizes independence and the challenges of navigating with technology.
This episode of Double Tap covers Steven Scott's purchase of the new Mac Mini, the upcoming release of the Orbit Player in India, and the integration of Be My Eyes with Meta Glasses. The hosts also discuss accessibility in technology, updates on Meta Ray-Ban innovations, and listener feedback.
This review examines the Joyusing V600 4K Document Scanner, highlighting its dual functionality as a document camera and webcam with features like zoom, lighting controls, and OCR. While the hardware impresses with its design and versatility, limitations in software accessibility and OCR functionality may reduce its appeal for low vision users.
Adapting to vision loss can be challenging, but specialized training offers essential skills for daily living and communication. Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) provide instruction in areas like assistive technology, braille, and personal care. With the rise of virtual platforms, many agencies now offer remote training, enabling individuals to regain independence from home.
Publisher (Di Blasi): We currently have no information about the accessibility of this app, or this social network. If you're looking to create a new and interesting piece of content that readers are currently curious about, please consider reviewing one or both.
WindowsCentral: Microsoft software engineer Daniel Paulino has developed Beeskie, a free native Windows 11 client for the social network Bluesky, offering users a streamlined experience with features like real-time development updates and a user interface aligned with Windows 11's design aesthetics.
Siblings Mayumi and Richard Chinchihualpa, engineering students at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College, are developing a 'sound bulb' to assist visually impaired students in physics labs by converting light signals into auditory cues, enhancing accessibility in scientific education.
Neuralink's experimental BlindSight implant has been granted 'breakthrough device' status by the FDA, potentially enabling individuals who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to regain some form of sight, provided their visual cortex remains intact.
Google has introduced three new Gemini AI features for its Google Home app and Nest devices, including AI-powered activity descriptions, smart video search capabilities, and natural language-driven automation setup. These tools are initially rolling out for English-speaking Nest Aware Plus subscribers, showcasing how advanced AI can enhance home security and smart home management.
This video by Sam of The Blind Life demonstrates the accessible flight booking feature on InnoSearch.ai, tailored for the blind and visually impaired community. It highlights the platform's high-contrast, screen-reader-friendly design, walks through the booking process, and reviews the features, user feedback, and planned improvements.
This special episode of Double Tap features Steven Scott and Shaun Preece hosting a Q&A with Amos Miller and Kyle Buzzard from Glidance. Topics include indoor navigation, public transport challenges, repairability, affordability, and potential advancements for airport navigation and user experience improvements.
With Black Friday approaching, it's crucial for e-commerce websites to ensure accessibility for all users, including those who rely on screen readers. Key considerations include conveying price changes in a screen reader-friendly manner, providing accessible promotion codes, and ensuring alternative page designs are navigable for users with disabilities.
With the resurgence of retro physical media, companies like We Are Rewind and Fiio have introduced modernized cassette and CD players. Despite added features like USB-C and Bluetooth, their bulky designs lack the compact efficiency of vintage counterparts from the early 2000s.
This comparison analyzes Android and iOS across 14 key features, highlighting areas such as hardware diversity, customization, security, and ecosystem integration. While both systems are polished and feature-rich, iOS emerges as the overall winner due to its superior software updates, security features, and seamless integration across Apple devices.
The first Windows drive is labeled "C:" due to historical naming conventions from the era of floppy disks, where "A:" and "B:" were reserved for floppy drives. As floppy drives faded from use, "A:" and "B:" were retired, leaving "C:" as the starting point for hard drives and later storage devices in modern Windows systems.
LibreOffice 24.8.3 has been released, featuring over 80 bug fixes, enhanced stability, and added support for Visio template format VSTX. Designed for privacy-conscious users, it offers strong compatibility with open and proprietary formats and includes enterprise-class support options for professional deployments.
As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are advised to be vigilant against online scams, including brand impersonations, credit card skimming, and malvertising, to protect their personal information and finances.
This guide explores the functionality of PowerToys Run, a Windows utility offering a command-line-like interface to perform tasks such as switching between open windows, searching settings, performing calculations, and more. Practical examples and shortcuts are shared to enhance productivity and accessibility, particularly for screen reader users.
Neuralink and other brain-computer interface companies are advancing technology to restore vision for patients with severe vision loss, including age-related macular degeneration. Neuralink's Blindsight has received FDA fast-track approval, and Science has reported positive clinical trial results for its own vision restoration efforts.
Other News Sources 📰️
Welcome to a jam packed In-Process. We have a release, a survey, several expos, an award finalist and more add-on info.
Featured Events 📅️
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
The NLS Patron Engagement Section introduces a program to help patrons utilize the My Talking Book Skill on smart speakers. The session includes a brief presentation on accessing and playing talking books through BARD, followed by a Q&A segment. This program is part of a limited series designed to enhance access to this new technology.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Join this live webinar to explore the latest updates in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2025, with demos of new features and guidance on downloading and installing the software. ACVREP credits are available for attendees.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
Trisha Johnson, president of Building Wings, presents a training on the Monarch Reader e-book platform for educational professionals. Attendees will explore practical applications of accessible books, understand Monarch Reader's impact on literacy, and learn about its unique features like adaptability and engagement tools. This session is designed for educators and advocates aiming to enhance literacy in diverse learning environments.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
The Library of Congress presents an open forum for the "That All May eRead" program, where participants can ask questions about accessing and using NLS BARD services. This one-hour session will be recorded and offers a chance to engage directly with the presenters.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity provides a comprehensive guide to making PowerPoint presentations accessible for screen readers. Topics include structuring documents, adding alternate text to complex images like flowcharts, and implementing best practices for accessibility.
Sight Tech Global invites you to experience a groundbreaking virtual event showcasing how autonomous driving is transforming mobility for blind and low-vision individuals. Witness the accessibility features in action as two Vista Center staff members embark on their first autonomous Waymo ride, featuring audio navigation, descriptive cues, and wayfinding assistance. Waymo's technology has driven millions of miles, advancing independence and accessibility in cities like San Francisco. Register now for this free virtual event streaming December 4-5, 2024.
5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 1:00 AM GMT
Michal Kopera, Ph.D., presents a talk on the advantages and limitations of high-order Galerkin methods for ocean modeling, contrasting them with traditional low-order methods. He will discuss modeling assumptions, governing equations, and the fundamental forces that influence fluid motion on Earth's surface.
7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT
The world's largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, and services for individuals, organizations, and companies in the health, blindness, and disability communities.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Ian Ramos and Marisa Church from Access Ingenuity discuss the latest features and updates for JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion, including enhancements in the 2025 versions and notable improvements over the past few years. This webinar is ideal for those utilizing these assistive technologies.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
The Technology User Group presents a demonstration of the BARD Alexa skill, highlighting how to read books on Alexa devices and troubleshoot common issues. Attendees will also explore this year's top apps and websites for low vision and blind users. The session runs for 60 minutes and will be recorded.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Join our virtual seminar for tips and tricks for success at the career fair. You will receive Zoom details for this event when you complete the Jobseeker registration form. Please contact Janice Forbes at janiceforbes2012@gmail.com 📧️ by January 13 with accommodation needs, such as captioning and Spanish translation.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Register as a job seeker for the 2025 National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar Career Fair, held in person on February 3, 2025, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern. Registrants will also gain access to the Maximizing Your Career Fair Experience Webinar on January 21, 2025, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Eastern via Zoom. Ensure accuracy while completing the form, as employers will use it to match you to available jobs.
As a movement, digital accessibility has never been as powerful or impactful as it is today. We are at an amazing inflection point that will define the future of inclusion across the globe. All of us at Deque are so honored to be a part of this mission, and we are incredibly excited to announce that the fifth annual axe-con conference will return next year on February 25-27, 2025! Axe-con is the world's largest digital accessibility conference. Last year, over 30,000 people registered to attend, representing more than 12,000 organizations. We hosted over 75 expert presenters, and today, we're elated to announce our first 2025 keynote speaker, Alice Wong! Alice Wong is a disabled activist, writer, editor, and community organizer. She is the founder and director of the Disability Visibility Project, an online community dedicated to creating, sharing, and amplifying disability media and culture. Alice's activism has been celebrated by Time Magazine and Marie Claire, and her 2022 memoir was one of USA Today's “Must-Read” books. Alice is the recipient of multiple awards, was named a Disability Futures fellow by the Ford Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to be a member of the National Council on Disability.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Multiple Perspective Conference, hosted by The Ohio State University, delves into the ongoing evolution of access and inclusion. This conference fosters interdisciplinary discussions on disability, focusing on new tools, equitable approaches, and universal design principles in digital and physical spaces.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
The University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the University of Michigan, is hosting a virtual event for Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on May 15, 2025. Centered on the theme "Committing to Change," the event emphasizes integrating accessibility into communication, design, and innovation. The planning committee seeks passionate speakers to share insights and experiences, with an honorarium offered. Proposals are due by January 3, 2025. Contact gaad-conference@umn.edu 📧️ for inquiries.
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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.
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Creating accessible presentations is essential for ensuring all audiences, including those using assistive technologies, can access and benefit from the content.
This guide covers step-by-step methods to create, customize, and export a presentation in Venngage that meets accessibility standards, from template selection and customization to font, color, and alt text adjustments.
Join my exclusive accessibility courses and community today!
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.
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The Blog: This blog covers topics like making Word, PDF & PowerPoint files accessible, Closed Captioning, assistive technology, and other important accessibility topics.
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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.
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Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐️
General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️
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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.
⚫️ BrailleSense 6:
Option 1: Receive a FREE PMA ($650 value) plus an extra $200 OFF!
Option 2: Take $700 OFF!
⚫️ BrailleSense 6 mini:
Option 1: Receive a FREE PMA ($650 value) plus an extra $100 OFF!
Option 2: Take $600 OFF!
⚫️ Braille eMotion:
Option 1: Receive a FREE PMA ($490 value)!
Option 2: Take $350 OFF!
⚫️ SensePlayer or SensePlayer OCR:
Option 1: Receive a FREE Executive Carrying Case ($93 value) with your purchase!
Option 2: Take $80 OFF SensePlayer OCR or $65 OFF SensePlayer non-OCR.
⚫️ QBraille XL:
Take $300 OFF!
Don't miss out on these limited-time offers! Order now and empower your holiday season with innovation and accessibility.
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.
Recent changes in macOS Sequoia have created some challenges for our Remote Accessibility Module, which allows seamless assistance without revealing the technician's disability. Due to changes in how VoiceOver settings are managed in macOS Sequoia, visually impaired technicians may experience issues that disrupt their ability to perform tasks discreetly. We've identified these problems and are working with Apple to find a long-term solution, but we need your help to make sure this issue is prioritized. If you've experienced difficulties using RIM on Sequoia, we encourage you to contact Apple's Accessibility department — accessibility@apple.com 📧️ — and politely but firmly advocate the prioritization of an API that allows for safe, controlled adjustments to VoiceOver. Together, we can push for better accessibility and maintain the tools that empower visually impaired professionals, while fully preserving their dignity by preventing non-consensual disclosure of disability.
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.
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 📱️.
Sponsor Since: October 13, 2024 📅️
Website: https://floridareading.com/ 🌐️
About: Florida Vision Technology is officially celebrating its 20th anniversary. When I started in February 2000, the assistive technology industry was young, and there were just a handful of manufacturers.
Opening the business felt right, and I was ready to jump in. The biggest challenge, in the beginning, was getting a used bulky desk into the shed in my backyard, which my daughters named "Lesa Berg Kretschmer World Headquarters."
Three years later, in June of 2003, we moved into our first offsite location and opened a low vision superstore!
Home | Shop | Blogs | About Us | Contact Us
Sponsor Since: September 20, 2024 📅️
Website: https://accesspark.shop 🌐️
About: Access Park is your premier destination for accessible shopping.
At Access Park, we offer a curated selection of products aimed at enhancing the daily lives of persons with disabilities.
Whether you're looking for accessible tech gadgets, specialty assistive devices, or just everyday essentials, you'll find them here.
Access Park provides a shopping experience that prioritizes keyboard navigability, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast visuals for those with visual impairments, in addition to other enhancements that provide an elevated shopping experience to users of various assistive technologies.
Access Park. Where inclusivity is always in stock. (TM)
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
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
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.
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
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.
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
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.
At Innosearch, we believe that shopping should be inclusive for everyone, especially the blind and visually impaired. Our platform is specifically designed to provide a simple, intuitive, and fully accessible experience for all users.
Why Choose Innosearch?
Accessible Shopping: Our website is screen-reader friendly, making it easy to navigate and shop for millions of products across over 500,000 retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Unbeatable Prices: Enjoy the best prices on the web without the hassle. We ensure you get great deals on everything you need!
Fast and Free Shipping: Don't worry if you don't have Amazon Prime or Walmart Plus — we offer the fastest shipping and free returns on all purchases, passing these benefits directly to you.
Available Worldwide: Shop with confidence from the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada.
Exclusive Offer: Use coupon code OFF5 to receive $5 off orders over $20!
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.
YouTube Review By Sam Seavey: https://youtube.com/watch?v=-rjL-HAwaZY.
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
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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.
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➜ 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.
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Publisher Since: June 4, 2020
Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio
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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 📧️
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PR Director (2024-Present)
AT-Newswire 🌐
Access Technology's Digital Newswire
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AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
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Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
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Certified:
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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
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The Week's News in Access Technology
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Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
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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)
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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)
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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)
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The Week's News in Access Information
Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges 🌐
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