This is the step-by-step process for joining the early access program for the Meta Ray Ban smartglasses. In this video, we talk about how to find your glasses' serial number and where to add that to the website in order to join the early access program. I will also show you how to enable early access through the Meta AI app once approved.
Shopping online can be hard if you're blind, visually impaired, or not tech-savvy. That's why Innosearch AI created Shop by Phone — a 100% free, voice-only service.
Just call and say what you need:
👉 “Find me a phone charger.”
👉 “Add it to my cart.”
👉 “Check out.”
No apps, no websites — just easy, hands-free shopping from over 500,000 stores.
✔ Free to use
✔ Works anywhere, anytime
✔ Perfect for seniors, blind, and low-vision users
Apple is set to introduce several new accessibility features across its platforms, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels for apps, a Magnifier for Macs, and a Braille Access mode. These tools are designed to enhance user experience for those with disabilities, providing essential functionalities such as real-time captions and improved visual accessibility.
Audible expands its production capabilities by allowing publishers to choose from over 100 AI-generated voices for narrating audiobooks in multiple languages. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility to audiobooks, with a vision of offering every book in every language.
Google's AI model, Gemini, now features camera capabilities that allow it to see and interact with the physical world. Through a recent experience with family and a card game, the author highlights Gemini's impressive speed and accuracy in answering rules questions, suggesting the technology's growing utility in everyday life.
Here ABC15.com reports that the family of Christopher Pelkey, a 37-year-old Army veteran killed in a 2021 Chandler road rage incident, used AI to recreate his likeness and voice for a posthumous victim impact statement, marking a first in Arizona's judicial history and influencing the judge to impose a 10.5-year sentence on the shooter, Gabriel Horcasitas.
The inaugural Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon on May 18, 2025, encourages legally blind birders across the United States to participate in a collective celebration of birding by ear. This 24-hour event aims to foster community and inclusion, demonstrating that birding success is defined not by sight but by the connections formed through shared experiences and knowledge.
Please join me in giving a warm Tidbits welcome to Double Tap. I don't think these folks need an introduction to anyone reading this newsletter, but since doing so is part of my job, I'm going to provide one anyway. In the least words possible, Double Tap is the world's leading assistive technology podcast. In more words than that, they are, in effect, the daily, video version of Top Tech Tidbits. In depth, daily assistive technology news and trends directly from the people, businesses and organizations making them happen. Delivered to you by none other than Steven Scott and Shaun Preece. In case you hadn't heard, I've been working closely with Marc Aflalo, who leads Double Tap's branding, design and broadcast efforts, on a new partnership between Top Tech Tidbits and Double Tap. With Double Tap now supporting the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits financially, you have even more reason than before to adopt them as your primary daily source of AT news and trends. Top Tech Tidbits will still be here to give you the industry run-down each week. Together, with a weekly dose of Access Information News, to keep up on policy and advocacy updates, and you should never have to seek out another current piece of access information ever again. As I always say, these are the businesses and organizations that deserve your dollars, support and promotion more than anyone else in the industry. They see what is missing. They see what is needed. And they're willing to help fund it to make it a reality. These are the people, businesses and organizations that we must remember, especially now. Check out Double Tap today on the web, YouTube or subscribe to receive their upcoming monthly newsletter, Double Tap Digest.
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Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 13th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles for April, May and June of 2025 on Monday, July 7, 2025. Back Issues: There are currently 12 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 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.
Apple is set to release new accessibility features in iOS, including live captions and personal voice replication, aimed at enhancing usability for individuals with vision or hearing impairments. The update also introduces braille improvements and a new app store requirement for developers to disclose the accessibility features of their applications.
This comprehensive guide explores the various settings of VoiceOver, Apple's screen reader, on iOS and iPadOS. It provides detailed explanations on how to customize VoiceOver functionalities, including speech options, braille display configurations, and various adjustments for better accessibility, making it a valuable resource for users.
Levi Gobin provides an in-depth guide to VoiceOver settings in iOS and iPadOS 18.5, detailing customization options for speech, gestures, braille, and verbosity, and offering insights into new features ahead of the iOS 19 beta release.
AppleVis is set to launch a new community bug tracking initiative aimed at enhancing the reporting of accessibility bugs in Apple software. This program will allow users participating in iOS and macOS beta testing to report issues, which AppleVis will track and escalate to Apple if reproducible.
The article features an overview of Google's prototype AI smart glasses, emphasizing their design, functionality, and the new spatialized video feature. The reviewer highlights the integration of Google's AI assistant, Gemini, for tasks and interactions, while reflecting on the challenges and potential of smart glasses technology in real-world applications.
Google is re-entering the augmented reality (AR) market with its Android XR platform, partnering with Samsung and Xreal to develop smart glasses that integrate AI capabilities. The initiative aims to enhance user interactivity through real-time information display and assistance, emphasizing an ecosystem that augments existing devices rather than replacing them.
At I/O 2025, Google introduced several updates for the Gemini app, including the launch of version 2.5 Flash, which enhances performance and reduces token usage. The announcement also highlights new features like the Gemini Live camera for iOS, advanced Deep Think capabilities, and various integrations aimed at improving user experience.
Generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, is increasingly used by individuals to navigate personal relationships and conflicts. Users report mixed feelings about its utility, citing concerns over emotional connection and privacy while recognizing the appeal of having a neutral, always-available sounding board for their interpersonal struggles.
Envision highlights how accessibility has driven AI innovation over the past year, showcasing advancements in emotional text-to-speech, mainstream adoption of smart glasses, and proactive AI agents that enhance independence for users with disabilities.
In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), this piece emphasizes the importance of digital accessibility for people with disabilities. It highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring that technology remains inclusive, even with the rise of AI, and stresses the need for responsible design and compliance with accessibility standards.
Audible unveils advanced AI tools for publishers, offering over 100 AI-generated voices and plans for AI-driven translations in multiple languages, aiming to expand audiobook accessibility and reach a broader audience.
In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Google is introducing various updates to enhance accessibility features in Android and Chrome. This includes improved speech recognition capabilities powered by AI and new resources for developers, aiming to make technology more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Microsoft highlights its commitment to making technology accessible for everyone. The article discusses innovative AI technologies, partnerships, and features being implemented to support accessibility improvements across various platforms, including efforts to enhance representation of disabilities in AI systems.
.Lumen has achieved CE certification for its AI-powered Glasses for the Blind, enabling distribution across the European Economic Area and offering a scalable alternative to guide dogs for the visually impaired.
This article provides an in-depth review of the Gemini Live camera streaming and screen sharing features, highlighting both their potential benefits and serious limitations for blind users. While it offers valuable assistance with identifying surroundings, the effectiveness can be compromised by misidentifications and restrictions on certain app functionalities.
Google is enhancing its AI features in accessibility tools, enabling the TalkBack screen reader to utilize Gemini for answering user queries about images. Additionally, updates to Expressive Captions will allow for more expressive speech cues and ambient sound descriptions in videos, enhancing multimedia accessibility for users.
Meta is enhancing its Ray-Ban smart glasses with a new AI feature designed to assist the visually impaired. The AI will provide users with detailed descriptions of their surroundings, responding to specific inquiries. This tool is part of a broader initiative to improve accessibility technologies.
Meta is enhancing accessibility through new features like customizable AI responses for Ray-Ban glasses and a 'Call a Volunteer' option to aid visually impaired users. Ongoing projects involve developing technologies for better human-computer interaction and introducing live captions and speech to support communication in the metaverse.
TikTok is implementing new accessibility features including automatic AI-generated alt text for images, increasing visual support for users with disabilities. Additionally, it introduces a color contrast toggle and bold text display, improving the overall navigability for visually impaired users.
Windows 11 introduces a new feature allowing users to interact with the built-in AI, Copilot, using the wake phrase 'Hey, Copilot'. The integration is currently being tested in the Windows Insider program, where users can verbally command Copilot to launch features with a simple voice prompt, enhancing productivity.
Tips, Tutorials, Guides, Reviews, Walk-Throughs and How-To's 📚️
Focus sessions help you stay on task by minimizing distractions for a set period of time. While Focus is enabled, you will not receive notifications and reminders.
This year's Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) gave us a chance to share perspectives that matter. At TPGi, we contributed to the conversation with a special podcast episode and two thought-provoking webinars focused on the people, tools, and strategies shaping accessibility today.
Steven Scott, Shaun Preece, and Carrie Morales discuss the accessibility implications of Google's Gemini AI unveiled at I/O 2025, examining real-world use cases for blind users, privacy trade-offs, and the evolving role of AI in assistive tech.
Research is key to fighting blinding eye diseases. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Jason Menzo, CEO of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, about advancing treatments for inherited retinal diseases, funding research initiatives, and launching new mental health resources to support individuals with blindness and low vision.
Sam Seavey provides a detailed walkthrough on how to join the early access program for Meta Ray-Ban smartglasses, including steps to locate your glasses' serial number, register it online, and activate early access via the Meta AI app.
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss home updates and tech-enhanced furniture before welcoming Allison Sheridan for a deep dive into highlights from the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, including innovations in magnification, mouth-controlled devices, and retinal projection.
Google I/O 2025 introduced numerous advancements, highlighting the new Gemini AI and its integration into various services like Google Search and Workspace. Notable announcements included updated subscription tiers for AI services and enhanced features for Google Meet and Docs.
Meet Project Astra: A research prototype exploring breakthrough capabilities for Google products — on the way to building a Universal AI Assistant. Google and Aira have partnered to develop and refine Project Astra for blind and low-vision users. Now, Google and Aira have integrated Project Astra into the Aira Explorer app to create Aira AI Visual Interpreter powered by Project Astra (Aira AI for short). We're offering a Trusted Testers program for early access to the prototype — with visual interpreters supervising for safety. If you would like to be one of Project Astra's Trusted Testers, fill out the form below to join the waitlist. Participants in the Trusted Testers program will be able to explore and experiment with Aira AI for conversational visual interpreting.
Brodie Robertson highlights the persistent accessibility challenges within the Linux ecosystem, pointing out the lack of developer attention to tools and support for blind users despite widespread acknowledgment of its importance.
The TweeseCake team is inviting users to join an early alpha testing group focused on the GUI-based Mastodon and Feeds services in their rewritten platform, seeking feedback on their current, incomplete state.
Tennessee's Sound Sites initiative enhances the travel experience for blind and visually impaired visitors by providing inclusive, audio-described content that brings the state's scenic attractions to life through accessible technology.
Glidance CEO Amos Miller announced that shipping for the Glide device is now expected in Spring 2026, following strategic hardware redesigns and supply chain adjustments aimed at enhancing durability and affordability. Beta testing begins this August with select U.S. users, while software advancements like Freestyle Navigation are already enabling greater mobility in real-world settings.
Hadley's Vision, Loss, Help, and Hope blog now features a step-by-step guide for setting up and using BARD, the free Braille and Audio Reading Download service for those with print disabilities. The post includes guidance on applying for an account, downloading books, and using the platform, along with audio and text formats and customizable website settings.
Sam Seavey introduces Luna, the AI assistant built into the BlindShell Classic 3, showcasing its voice command capabilities and smart features designed to enhance accessibility and simplify daily tasks for blind and visually impaired users.
From Mac magnifiers and file automation to video doorbells and screen recognition rants, Michael and Damashe are back with their usual mix of chaos and cleverness. Hear about rage-quitting Todoist, accessibility quirks on TikTok, and a Finder tip you'll wish you knew sooner. They debate podcast chapters, share thoughts on Belkin's tracking stand as a DIY CCTV, and preview new site features for Tip Jar supporters. No music, just banter. Grab it now.
To ensure that self-service kiosks in food and hospitality settings are accessible, businesses should meet ADA compliance standards by implementing physical access solutions, incorporating screen reader technology, providing visual communication for deaf customers, and conducting usability tests with people with disabilities. By enhancing accessibility, businesses can improve customer satisfaction and expand their clientele.
Microsoft unveiled significant innovations for AI and development tools at Build 2025, including Copilot Tuning and a new framework for customizing AI agents. The updates aim to enhance the developer experience on Windows 11 and expand the capabilities of Azure's cloud platform.
Dolphin Computer Access introduces EasyReader Version 12, featuring an enhanced user interface, AI-powered assistance, and new educational tools designed to improve accessibility for individuals with dyslexia, vision impairments, and other print disabilities.
This tutorial focuses on using the WordPress Block Editor with keyboard and screen readers, covering essential concepts like blocks, accessibility, and keyboard shortcuts. It aims to assist users relying on assistive technologies to navigate and utilize the block editor effectively.
Sam Seavey of The Blind Life YouTube channel shares a behind-the-scenes look at his home studio and reviews the NearHub OD20 electric standing desk, highlighting its features and functionality for users with visual impairments.
Wesley Martin reviews the DA2 digital talking book player, praising its Bluetooth support, USB-C charging, improved speaker, and responsive controls, while noting areas for improvement such as Wi-Fi reliability, startup time, and text-to-speech quality.
This YouTube playlist features tutorials for the new DA2 player from the National Library Service, offering guidance on setup, navigation, and advanced features.
Steven and Shaun introduce a new newsletter and exclusive podcast feed for Double Tap fans, while Steven reviews the Logitech K950 keyboard, comparing it to the MX Keys with a focus on accessibility for blind users. Listener feedback covers tech issues from iOS to AirTags and beyond, with humor and honesty throughout.
To mark 30 years of JAWS for Windows, this user questionnaire invites feedback on how the screen reader has impacted daily life. Responses may help shape future updates and be featured in anniversary content, with all personal information kept confidential unless consent is given.
Be My Eyes has released a complete rebuild of its Windows app, introducing enhanced accessibility, cross-platform chat history syncing, and a more robust foundation for future desktop features.
Steven and Shaun host a GAAD 2025 special featuring Matt Ater, Mike Buckley, Patrick Long, and Sarah Herrlinger, highlighting new accessible tech from Vispero, Be My Eyes, InnoSearch, and Apple. Innovations include accessible chip-and-pin devices, voice-driven AI shopping, and Apple's Braille Access and Vision Pro enhancements.
Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's Director of Accessibility, outlines major updates for GAAD 2025 including Vision Pro's new Zoom mode, Braille Access tools, and App Store Accessibility Labels. Additional features like Magnifier for Mac and the Accessibility Reader show Apple's commitment to inclusive design for all users.
Join us for an exclusive look at Innosearch AI, a groundbreaking accessible digital platform designed to make online shopping, travel booking, and essential services effortless for blind and visually impaired users. We'll highlight the common accessibility struggles faced today and showcase how Innosearch revolutionizes the experience with its streamlined, AI-powered interface. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the future of accessible digital services.
Be My Eyes CEO Mike Buckley and Innosearch founder Patrick Long announce a new partnership focused on enhancing shopping accessibility for blind users, featuring a cashback program and AI-powered phone support. The initiative highlights how agile startups can deliver real-world tools tailored to the low vision community.
This blog post celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day by highlighting significant updates and features introduced in Microsoft 365 over the past year. It emphasizes the enhancements in AI capabilities and accessibility that have made Microsoft 365 apps and services more useful and inclusive for users with disabilities.
A mod for The Sims 4 that eliminates diversity by changing Black and LGBT characters to white and straight has resurfaced despite EA's attempts to remove it. The mod's impact has spurred widespread criticism and reflection on the game's history of inclusivity and ongoing censorship issues in gaming communities.
Deque introduces the axe MCP Server, integrating accessibility expertise directly into development environments, allowing developers to identify accessibility issues and apply suggested fixes seamlessly. This innovation aims to significantly reduce the barriers faced in achieving digital equality, promoting a more accessible web.
Joe Devon shares the origin of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, the essential contributions of co-founder Jennison Asuncion, and the need to shift accessibility from symbolic gestures to sustained action. He also addresses the employment gap, prioritizing usability, and how entrepreneurship can drive inclusion.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day emphasizes the significance of digital access and inclusion for over a billion people with disabilities. The post highlights the difference between awareness and meaningful action in achieving true accessibility, stressing the necessity for designers and developers to understand the implications of their markup choices.
Introducing Access Ableton, a new podcast created and hosted by Zach Bennoui to help screen reader users get the most out of Ableton Live. Each week, he'll talk about a different aspect of producing music in Live, starting with the basics and going from there. After he covers all the major features, he'll move on to a more relaxed show where he discusses news, production techniques, and whatever else comes to mind as it relates to creating music in a DAW. If that sounds good to you, feel free to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. The fun starts June 1, 2025.
At the National Deaf Center, we're still here — and continuing to share resources, updates, and strategies to support your work with deaf people. And now, we've made it even easier to get the info that matters most to you.
Matt Ater marks three decades of JAWS with new innovations from Vispero, including AI-powered features like the AI Labeler and accessible chip-and-pin terminals developed with Adyen and Stripe. He highlights the importance of real-world application and long-term corporate investment in accessibility.
ISO Capacity Building is hosting webinars centered on the developments and standards outlined by ISO/TC 173 in assistive products. These sessions aim to foster greater participation in standardization from global stakeholders, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and will address current issues in wheelchair standards and cognitive fields.
Cassette tape sales have surged by 443% in the U.S., driven by Gen-Z's interest in retro music formats, particularly from artists like Metallica and Taylor Swift. Despite the nostalgic appeal, cassettes are noted for their quick degradation and lack of audiophile status compared to vinyl records.
This article explores the complexities of managing required fields in forms, particularly when dealing with grouped elements like radio buttons and checkboxes. It discusses best practices for indicating required statuses, ensuring clarity for both visual and assistive technology users, thereby enhancing overall user experience.
Steven and Shaun respond to listener feedback on MagSafe's accessibility, document scanning challenges, and favorite music memories. Topics include Seeing AI interface issues, the strengths of Voice Dream Scanner, and the benefits of blind-developed tools like DocuScan Plus and Pneuma Solutions.
The article provides an in-depth exploration of the Android Accessibility Suite, designed to enhance device accessibility for individuals with disabilities through various integrated tools. It highlights the importance of keeping the suite updated to ensure optimal performance and functionality.
JAWS Inspect just got faster, leaner, and even more aligned with the latest assistive technology. The May 2025 update introduces key performance improvements through the JAWS Inspect Browser Extension and maintains full compatibility with JAWS 2025. These behind-the-scenes enhancements are all about one thing: giving accessibility testers a smoother, more reliable experience — especially when time and accuracy matter most. Let's break down what's new.
Michael Feir has released the third edition of his free ebook for blind users of iPhones. Numerous formats are available including a version narrated by a high quality AI voice from Eleven Labs.
Steven Scott speaks with accessibility advocates John Dyer and Carrie Morales about Android's growing appeal to blind users, focusing on features like TalkBack's Gemini AI integration, the challenges of UI accessibility, and whether AI can be trusted for daily independence. The discussion also considers rising iPhone prices, the potential of Android smart glasses, and what it might take for users to switch ecosystems entirely.
The article emphasizes the importance of integrating accessibility from the start of product development, rather than addressing it reactively after product launch. Through a collaborative effort with disabled individuals, Firefox aims to enhance user experience and accessibility features, exemplified by its new profile management feature.
Steven and Shaun break down Apple's latest accessibility innovations, including new features like Accessibility Nutrition Labels, a powerful Magnifier app for Mac, and Braille Access tools across devices. Updates to Vision Pro bring live object recognition and hands-free assistance, while improvements to personal voice cloning and Apple Watch captions reflect a major leap in inclusive design.
Steven and Shaun highlight Apple's latest accessibility updates, including iOS 19's Braille note-taker, App Store nutrition labels, and Vision Pro's object recognition. Later, John Dyer and Carrie Morales join to discuss Android's growing appeal thanks to AI-driven features, sparking a debate on whether it's time for blind users to switch platforms.
Audible is utilizing AI technology to enhance audiobook production and translation, allowing publishers to create audiobooks in multiple languages. The initiative aims to broaden accessibility and offer every book in every language, with options for both fully managed and self-service production pathways.
The blog entry emphasizes the importance of embedding accessibility at every organizational level, highlighting user-centered design principles in information architecture. It provides insights from lead information architects about best practices, common pitfalls, and the necessity of continuous improvement to meet users' diverse needs.
This article explores how accessible design system components can inadvertently lead to inaccessible designs. It introduces the concept of annotations as a solution to enhance communication among teams and address potential accessibility issues in design systems.
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Join Jason Goldfield with the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind for a free Zoom workshop exploring the new Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Discover how these hands-free glasses offer text messaging, voice commands, audio features, and real-time assistance with tasks like navigation, translation, media, and more using Meta technology embedded in classic Ray-Ban frames. Meeting ID: 835 8160 5488 | Passcode: 182630.
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Join Jason Goldfield with the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind for an informative Zoom lecture on the new Meta Smart glasses by Ray-Ban. The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are a fusion of fashion and functionality, combining Meta's tech with Ray-Ban's iconic eyewear. Of the many things these glasses can do for you hands-free, you can ask it to tell you what is in front of you, connect to your phone and text, send voice messages and make calls, play music, ask questions, take photos and video, get directions and descriptions, translate foreign languages, get recipes and have it tell you what is in your refrigerator, learn the history of a landmark, and so much more. On the audio front, the glasses feature discreet open-ear speakers and a five-microphone system, ensuring crystal-clear calls, immersive sound, and precise voice recognition.
. Meeting ID: 835 8160 5488 | Passcode: 182630.
AccessNow transforms David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto into a buzzing, barrier-free hub of activity with AccessFest, a one-day celebration of disability inclusion featuring mainstage performances, real talks, immersive art installations, and accessibility-first community experiences.
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Ian Ramos and Joe McDaniel show how to pair JAWS Convenient OCR with the portable PEARL camera to streamline workflow. TVIs attending are eligible for ACVREP continuing-education credit.
Available online and free for all developers, WWDC25 runs from June 9 to 13 and showcases the latest Apple software innovations. The week includes a keynote, video sessions, online labs with Apple experts, and an exclusive in-person event at Apple Park on June 9 for select attendees.
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Michael Parker outlines key practices for accessible video publishing across platforms, focusing on captions, audio descriptions, and descriptive text transcripts.
Join the 8th Annual Accessibility Summer Camp, a one-day digital conference dedicated to advancing accessibility in education and professional spaces. Experts will lead sessions on digital accessibility, inclusive teaching practices, software tutorials, and creating a culture of accessibility. Live captions and ASL interpretation will be available, ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees. Registration is now open, with a $15 attendance fee.
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Rachel Reeves covers foundational techniques for building accessible Word documents that convert more cleanly to PDFs, including structure, headings, lists, and styles.
The National Federation of the Blind hosts its 2025 National Convention from July 8 — 13 in New Orleans, offering a week of networking, informative sessions, and advocacy. In-person and virtual registration options are available, with programming that includes a career fair, childcare, and volunteer opportunities such as ambassador and support service provider roles.
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Ian Ramos leads a virtual tour of the newest Envision Glasses capabilities, including GPT-4-powered features designed for natural-language interaction.
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Rachel Reeves details the steps for converting accessible Word files into fully accessible PDFs, including manual tag cleanup and final fixes in Adobe Acrobat.
Guide Dogs for the Blind and APH Career Connect present a weeklong immersive experience designed for transition-age young adults who are blind or have low vision. Hosted at the Hull Foundation & Learning Center in Sandy, Oregon, this free program explores career options, networking, mobility strategies, vocational resources, and hands-on experiences with guide dogs. Participants will engage in engaging learning opportunities while making new connections and enjoying the scenic Pacific Northwest. Applications are DUE on or before March 31, 2025. Applications received after this date will be put on a waitlist. We recommend you apply early as summer programs are popular and fill up quickly.
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Marisa Church and Ian Ramos walk through essential file-management tasks using JAWS, including navigating File Explorer and accessing cloud storage services like OneDrive, SharePoint, and Google Drive.
Shopping online can be hard if you're blind, visually impaired, or not tech-savvy. That's why Innosearch AI created Shop by Phone — a 100% free, voice-only service.
Just call and say what you need:
👉 “Find me a phone charger.”
👉 “Add it to my cart.”
👉 “Check out.”
No apps, no websites — just easy, hands-free shopping from over 500,000 stores.
✔ Free to use
✔ Works anywhere, anytime
✔ Perfect for seniors, blind, and low-vision users
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.
In this latest installment, we dive deep into a scanned PDF from the San Jose City College website. The verdict? A whopping 0 out of 10 on our accessibility scale — but don't worry, we fix it.
What's Inside:
Scan & OCR
Auto-tagging
Manual tagging
Converting a complex table into an accessible format
Fixing an inaccessible list structure
Using the Accessibility Checker to find and correct even more hidden issues
This isn't theory — it's real-world remediation, shown step by step. If you're learning how to make PDFs accessible or training others, this series is a goldmine.
Episode 20 shows that even the most inaccessible docs can be remediated — with patience, the right tools, and a keen eye. Perfect for educators, admins, and accessibility pros in the making.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About: At Aira, we believe access to information is a human right. Aira breaks down accessibility barriers by providing on-demand video remote interpreting for both the blind and low-vision community, and the Deaf Community. People can download the Aira Explorer app or the Aira ASL app, and be instantly connected to a professional interpreter. Available 24/7/365, interpreters work with callers to facilitate more efficient communication and accomplish tasks together. Aira is proud to lead the way in delivering secure, on-demand, inclusive services that transform lives and open doors to new opportunities for all.
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.
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.
Come visit Selvas BLV at two upcoming conferences in June!
First, we will be at the Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF) Conference June 25-28. This will take place at the Radisson Blue Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Then, you can find us at the Braille N'Tech Showroom June 26-28! This will take place at USC in Los Angeles.
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.
About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living.
We are proud to introduce the New and Improved #ScribeForDocuments! We've given Scribe's engine quite the tune-up. The result? Remediation speed like you've never seen before, with no compromises on accuracy! Gone are the days of waiting several minutes to read your document. Upload your material to Scribe, and within a mere instant, it will be ready to read! While you read, Scribe continues plugging away at your document until it's fully remediated, at which point you can produce your very own, offline copy of the document in our wide variety of conversion formats. Never before has document accessibility been this instant! We've also given Scribe its very own browser extension, natural multilingual voices and a host of under-the-hood updates! Give it a try today at https://scribeit.io.
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.
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.
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.
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 📱️.
About: Founded in 2017 as “Double Tap Canada” on AMI-audio, Double Tap has grown into a weekday podcast, radio show and YouTube series whose tagline proudly declares it "The Podcast Where Blind People Talk Tech." Its Glasgow-based creator Steven Scott, Manchester-based producer-co-host Shaun Preece and Canadian executive producer Marc Aflalo now helm more than 600 episodes that drop every weekday at noon ET, alongside written articles and video clips on DoubleTapOnAir.com.
Each episode blends mainstream gadget news with deep dives into assistive tools, all filtered through the lived experience of blind hosts. Listener emails, voicemails and WhatsApp messages are woven into the conversation, while spin-offs such as Shaun of the Shed (beginner tutorials) and past TV projects like Access Tech Live extend the brand across platforms in partnership with Accessible Media Inc. The result is a vibrant, multi-platform ecosystem that reaches audiences via AMI-audio, every major podcast app, YouTube and even specialist players like the Victor Reader Stream.
The community's enthusiasm shows: Double Tap recently surpassed one million cumulative downloads and, in March 2025 alone, attracted nearly 27K listeners generating 38K downloads; Apple Podcasts users rate it around 4.8 / 5. Authentic insights, daily consistency and professional production continue to position Double Tap as an essential, trusted voice at the intersection of mainstream tech and accessibility.
Our Inclusive Dice Series features braille and high-contrast print side-by-side enabling blind, low-vision, and sighted players to roll together seamlessly. Available in standard or jumbo size bundles or even in a polyhedral boxed set, these dice are more than game pieces — they promote education, inclusivity, and community. Level up your game night and bring inclusive gaming to your table.
About: Inclusive Imagination engineers and manufactures universal design tabletop games and accessories that bring people together. We believe that game night should be a shared experience for everyone — especially those with sensory and physical disabilities or who are neurodivergent. By integrating access technology and universal design from the very beginning, we create games where all players can engage fully and equally — playing the same game, at the same table, together.
Designed with feedback from gamers who are blind, low vision, and sighted, this deck combines universal design with premium quality to make game night more fun — and more accessible — for all. This premium deck features our signature Colored UV Braille — tactile, vibrant, and easy to read — paired with high-contrast large print and a jumbo-sized card layout (3x5″) for easy handling and visibility. Available in Black, Blue, or Red Card back.
Bring accessible fun to every game night with Inclusive Imagination's Dice Bundles! Whether you choose the 2-Player Standard Dice Bundle or the 1-Player Jumbo Dice Bundle, you'll receive everything you need — including snappable dice trays and colorful, tactile, and high-contrast dice designed for all ages and abilities.
Our universal version of the quest-building, power-bestowing, and spell-bending polyhedral dice set. Whether delving dungeons or casting fireballs, this set brings inclusion and accessibility to the forefront of every battle in a brilliant, galactic colorway! Each set includes 8 pieces ranging from our crystal shard D4 to the behemoth D20 in a premium felt-lined box to keep your dice rolling for even the longest quests!
In addition to our physical games and tools, Inclusive Imagination offers free digital resources designed for accessibility. Our web-based gaming apps are built with adaptive switch users and screen reader users in mind, making it easy for everyone to join the fun — no downloads or logins required. It's just one more way we're working to make play truly inclusive for all.
About: Awarewolf Gear is built on innovation, resilience, and a passion for adventure — especially for those in the blind and low vision community.
Awarewolf Gear is dedicated to redefining mobility through high-performance, thoughtfully engineered canes.
With the core belief that everyone deserves to explore confidently, our mission is encapsulated in our tagline, "Power for Life's Adventure."
Our product line, community initiatives, and inspirational storytelling all work in tandem to empower users to navigate diverse terrains with ease and independence.
Design & Purpose: The All Terrain Cane was originally engineered for the rugged trails of Sedona, Arizona. Made from durable titanium alloy, it is built to handle everything from sandy beaches to rocky mountain paths. Its adjustable 16-inch handle and high-performance roller ball tip provide stability and versatility across varied surfaces.
Innovation & Versatility: Merging the rugged design of the ATC with enhancements for urban mobility, the Urban Xplorer Cane features an adjustable handle and a specially designed "Dome" cane tip. Available in multiple sizes (small, medium, large and extra-large), this lightweight, robust cane is ideal for navigating busy city streets as well as more challenging environments.
Customization & Performance: Awarewolf Gear's Cane Tips are designed to elevate your mobility experience by ensuring smooth, reliable navigation across all terrains. Crafted for both durability and style, these premium replacement tips allow users to personalize their canes while enhancing performance.
Customization & Expression: Beyond canes, Awarewolf Gear offers a range of accessories — such as colorful replacement cane tips designed for visibility and personal expression — and apparel that carry the brand's adventurous spirit.
About: At Case For Vision, we design and manufacture assistive devices, for visually impaired people or those who suffer age-related vision loss.
Purpose: Leveraging technology with precision engineering and optics. We want to return the purchasing power to people, and disrupt the existing practice by replacing expensive proprietary devices or components with ubiquitous, mass-produced, powerful smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Case For Vision ( CFV ): The first device that we have launched is built for the iPhone. Find out how Case For Vision can aid you in everyday life.
The Case For Vision is an innovative iPhone-based optical mechanical case that functions as a hands-free local or distance high-quality magnifier when used with the Case For Vision 2.0 specialized software application. Designed to resemble a standard smartphone protective case, it is a powerful magnification tool for people with vision loss.
Case for Vision comes with a Lifetime Warranty and a Free Upgrade if you get a new phone.
About: Vision Tech Academy is a website, platform and online directory dedicated to empowering blind and low-vision individuals by connecting them with trusted assistive technology educators for free.
Inspired by the legacy of John Panarese, the Academy website serves as a hub for accessible learning, offering a free directory of access educators, live and recorded courses, and resources to foster learning independence and success.
With an ongoing mission to provide high-quality, trusted, personalized training on tools like VoiceOver, JAWS, NVDA and Braille technology, Vision Tech Academy bridges the gap between technology and accessibility, ensuring inclusive and accessible education for all.
Elegant Insights has great ideas perfect for Father's Day or graduation gifts. Our Card Guard Metal Wallets feature a money clip, RFID protection, and a super cool metal construction that can be braille-embossed or engraved with a name or initials. Our braille copper, brass, or aluminum bookmarks are beautifully embellished for a classy gift that will be loved by bookworms and scholars alike. Get your graduate's career started off right with our selection of business card cases that can be customized with a name, business name, or a combination of braille and engraving. Finally, check out our "In Vino, Veritas" collection for wine glass charms and identifiers, perfect for dad's home bar. Elegant Insights offers a distinctive collection of jewelry, gifts, and accessories, all handcrafted, made in the USA, and embossed in braille or with precision engraving. Call +1 (702) 605-1265 or shop online at https://elegantinsightsjewelry.com.
About: Elegant Insights Braille Creations, founded by Laura Legendary, offers a distinctive collection of handcrafted jewelry and accessories embossed with crisp, readable braille.
Inspired by a personal experience, Laura, who is blind, established the brand to merge style with accessibility, providing beautiful and inclusive products. Each piece is made in the USA and can often be personalized or custom-designed to meet individual preferences.
Beyond her work with Elegant Insights, Laura co-founded The Fashionability Channel podcast, which provides beauty, fashion, and lifestyle information for people with disabilities. She also maintains two blogs: the Accessible Insights Blog, offering information on products and services for individuals with low or no vision, and the Sparkle On Blog, which provides jewelry education, design trends, and style information.
Laura's dedication to accessibility and advocacy extends to her role as a speaker, author, and educator specializing in these areas. Her multifaceted efforts aim to empower individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to stylish, functional, and meaningful products and information.
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!
My pottery pieces are designed to inspire your creativity and imagination! Each piece is crafted with care, offering a unique touch to your home and dining experience. Whether you're looking for elegant dinnerware, functional art, or custom pieces, I can help you bring your vision to life. From rustic charm to modern elegance, I specialize in creating pottery that fits your personal style and elevates your dining table. Let me customize a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects your taste and enhances your space, adding beauty and warmth to every meal.
And check out the highlight of the month.
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)
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!
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.
We find ourselves navigating an era where advocacy itself seems vulnerable, caught between political pressures and financial realities. Nonprofits facing scrutiny and potential funding consequences, grapple with maintaining both their mission integrity and their financial stability. But I firmly believe these pressures should not and cannot compromise our unwavering commitment to disability rights and equality.
Strategic confidential collaborations between nonprofit organizations and industry leaders are not just possible, they are absolutely essential. By working together, quietly yet powerfully, we can safeguard our advocacy efforts and advance accessibility and disability rights without risking organizational credibility or financial security.
If we wish to preserve the progress we've made, we cannot retreat into caution or silence; extraordinary times require equally extraordinary courage and innovation.
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.
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.
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.
We find ourselves navigating an era where advocacy itself seems vulnerable, caught between political pressures and financial realities. Nonprofits facing scrutiny and potential funding consequences, grapple with maintaining both their mission integrity and their financial stability. But I firmly believe these pressures should not and cannot compromise our unwavering commitment to disability rights and equality.
Strategic confidential collaborations between nonprofit organizations and industry leaders are not just possible, they are absolutely essential. By working together, quietly yet powerfully, we can safeguard our advocacy efforts and advance accessibility and disability rights without risking organizational credibility or financial security.
If we wish to preserve the progress we've made, we cannot retreat into caution or silence; extraordinary times require equally extraordinary courage and innovation.
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.
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.
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.
We find ourselves navigating an era where advocacy itself seems vulnerable, caught between political pressures and financial realities. Nonprofits facing scrutiny and potential funding consequences, grapple with maintaining both their mission integrity and their financial stability. But I firmly believe these pressures should not and cannot compromise our unwavering commitment to disability rights and equality.
Strategic confidential collaborations between nonprofit organizations and industry leaders are not just possible, they are absolutely essential. By working together, quietly yet powerfully, we can safeguard our advocacy efforts and advance accessibility and disability rights without risking organizational credibility or financial security.
If we wish to preserve the progress we've made, we cannot retreat into caution or silence; extraordinary times require equally extraordinary courage and innovation.
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.
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.
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.
About: Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 40,000 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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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.
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 persons who are blind or low-vision.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 40,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here. Access Technology broadly encompasses technologies that enable access to information and communication systems for persons with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Access Technology designed to assist individuals in performing tasks that might otherwise be challenging due to their particular disabilities. Assistive Technology includes any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, Stephen (Alex) Marositz, Ben Moxey, David Woodbridge and Vicki Walton. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor, reader and advertiser supported publication.
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Tidbits are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular Tidbit brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.
