Apple just unveiled major design changes in iOS 26, and one of the most controversial updates is the new Liquid Glass theme. In this video, I explain what this design shift means, especially for low vision users. From translucent menus to transparent icons, iOS 26 is leaning heavily into aesthetics that could hurt usability. I share my honest thoughts, highlight a few promising updates, and explain why accessibility-minded users might want to proceed cautiously.
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Photosymbols has launched EasyMaker, an AI-powered tool co-designed with users with learning disabilities, that transforms complex content into easy-read formats — combining simplified language and tailored visuals into PDFs, audio, Plain English, mobile and web formats. The tool's custom image generator and user-informed language model aim to make accessible communication a default, particularly in health, education and public services.
Here Dexter Thomas profiles Ross Minor, a blind gamer and advocate who consults on major titles and uses streaming platforms to push for accessibility standards in game development. Shot in the head by his father as a young boy, Ross Minor lost his eyesight at 8 years old. Today, he's a hardcore gamer who runs YouTube and Twitch channels and consults for big studios. This is not — necessarily — an inspirational story.
How can visually impaired individuals access meaningful careers in digital accessibility? Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Tanner Gers, CEO of AccessAbility Officer, about their training program that certifies blind professionals, providing them with real-world skills, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities in digital accessibility testing.
Looking for an accessibility champion who turns compliance into competitive advantage? Gregory Rogers is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies and DHS Trusted Tester with 15+ years helping giants like Verizon, CVS and Sprint design usable, WCAG-conformant experiences. He blends meticulous auditing (he once led his team in defect discoveries) with clear developer coaching, workshop facilitation and agile know-how to embed inclusion from backlog to release. Whether you need remote testing, training or strategic guidance, Gregory's mix of technical rigor, client-facing polish and lived passion for disability inclusion will move the needle on both usability and ROI.
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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.
Apple's introduction of the Liquid Glass theme in iOS 26 has sparked significant debate regarding its impact on low-vision users. With a focus on translucent menus and transparent icons, the aesthetic choices may hinder usability for those reliant on visual accessibility features. Key insights and tips for optimizing the experience for low-vision users are also shared, alongside a discussion of new design elements.
WWDC 2025 emphasized Apple's commitment to accessibility in app development, urging developers to utilize standard controls to ensure compatibility and accessibility. The conference featured labs for direct interaction with engineers, although the experience had limitations, and announced significant upgrades to the Apple Developer Forums to enhance resources for developers.
Apple's visionOS 26 update revamps Vision Pro Personas with more realistic hair, skin, and profile views, and introduces spatial widgets that stay anchored around the home.
The article critiques Apple's new Liquid Glass design introduced at their developer conference, highlighting concerns over accessibility and clarity in design. It emphasizes that while Apple is perceived as a leader in accessibility, many issues remain unresolved, suggesting that the new design could negatively impact millions of users.
Apple announced enhanced features for Apple Intelligence which aims to improve user communication and interaction across its devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. Key updates include Live Translation, enhanced visual intelligence capabilities, and new personalized experiences through a foundation model available to developers.
Apple has announced visionOS 26, a significant update for Apple Vision Pro that enhances user experiences with spatial widgets, realistic Personas, and shared spatial interactions. The update supports immersive features including 3D content playback and new APIs for developers, paving the way for innovative spatial computing applications.
The Meta AI application has raised concerns as it exposes user prompts, often containing sensitive information, in a public feed. Many users, particularly older individuals, are unaware this information is being shared with others, leading to potentially embarrassing or harmful situations.
Microsoft introduces Copilot Vision, enhancing user experience with features like multiple app navigation and the Highlights feature, which guides users on specific tasks. These tools aim to improve accessibility and efficiency, making it easier for users to navigate their computers.
An experiment exploring the effectiveness of AI in creating and describing images reveals significant differences in output between various AI tools. The author reflects on the challenges of conveying emotions through AI-generated visuals, emphasizing the need for accurate representation of feelings that may be lost in translation.
Learn effective techniques for enhancing the accessibility of mathematical content in PDF documents through the use of Mathpix Snip and Adobe Acrobat. This guide emphasizes proper tagging and offers best practices for ensuring that all users can access mathematical information seamlessly.
Exploring the Synapptic SmartWatch Plus reveals a top-tier accessible Android smartwatch tailored for blind and low-vision users, notable for its swift performance and intuitive voice output. A thoughtful interview with Breggz's creators provides insight into their custom earbuds, designed to deliver unparalleled audio clarity while addressing accessibility for audiophiles and users with hearing challenges.
How does a blind athlete turn adversity into opportunity? Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Tanner Gers, a Paralympic athlete and founder of AccessAbility Officer, about his journey from life-changing injury to empowering other blind individuals through employment, digital access, and inclusive athletics like beep baseball.
Steven Scott and Shaun Preece explore the significant enhancements in Android 16 and TalkBack 16, featuring insights from John Dyer of Blind Android Users. Engaging discussions on accessibility in smart home technology and fair compensation for disabled professionals offer impactful perspectives on real-world challenges.
Accessibility is about far more than wheelchair ramps or live captioning. The field has emerged as a bustling innovation hub, an educational imperative and, unapologetically, an untapped business opportunity.
The United States Blind Chess Association has released a detailed tutorial for using LiChess.org's Blind Mode, supporting accessibility on one of the most inclusive chess platforms available.
Innosearch offers an online shopping experience that makes it easy to shop for and purchase products from many popular retailers all on one website. Join us and members of Innosearch as we discuss this accessible platform.
This article outlines critical insights for digital accessibility consultants, emphasizing that many organizations view accessibility as an afterthought. It highlights the challenges consultants face, such as tight budgets, resistance from stakeholders, and the need for ongoing commitment to accessibility practices beyond mere compliance with standards.
HumanWare has been honored as part of the Forbes Accessibility 100 list, showcasing its commitment to improving the lives of individuals with vision loss through innovative solutions. This recognition emphasizes the company's dedication to accessibility as a fundamental right.
In 2025, Mastodon focuses on restructuring the organization, growing the user base, and achieving financial sustainability. The aim is to ensure that Mastodon remains community-owned and to enhance its appeal and usability to a broader audience, while diversifying income sources to support long-term operations.
Steven and Shaun explore the latest tech updates and accessibility news, featuring insights from Matthew Horspool on the future of tactile graphics and braille technology. The episode addresses the closure of the Speech Radio app, major updates in screen readers, and listener advice on choosing braille note takers for everyday use.
Learn how to create a reusable, accessible agenda template in Word that can be expertly converted to Adobe PDF. Key steps include defining the template structure, organizing headings, and setting useful metadata for optimal accessibility.
Most traditional Braille translation software is great at what it does, but one of the things it was never truly designed to do is to handle a just-in-time Braille conversion gracefully. And while last-minute surprises are far from ideal, they are unfortunately inevitable, thus the need for a software package that will maximize simplicity while not at all compromising on quality.
"When one billion people are locked out of the tools that unlock their talent, every balance-sheet bleeds." In boardrooms and Cabinet chambers alike, I lead with that line because it fuses moral urgency with economic fact. Assistive technology, whether a screen reader, a pediatric wheelchair, or a smart hearing aid, isn't a luxury; it is the ignition switch for human productivity. Yet today those switches sit out of reach for almost half the people who need them, draining global GDP and stunting careers before they begin.
Paige Connect is an innovative device that transforms traditional braille writers by providing digital output through a physical board with optical sensors. It connects to smart devices via Bluetooth and offers instant audio feedback, making it a beneficial tool for braille learners and their families.
NV Access is pleased to announce that version 2025.1 of NVDA, the free screen reader for Microsoft Windows, is now available for download. We encourage all users to upgrade to this version.
Here Lucy Greco critiques the reliance on "accessibility overlay" tools that promise quick fixes, arguing they often fail disabled users, incur ongoing costs, invite lawsuits, and ultimately undermine genuine inclusive design efforts.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA), guiding newcomers through its fundamental concepts and practical applications. It aims to clear up misconceptions and provide essential tips for utilizing ARIA effectively in web accessibility endeavors.
Scribe now offers new features for Braille conversion, including customizable page size for quick remediations and easy formatting options. This enhancement allows users to efficiently create ready-made Braille documents, improving accessibility and reducing the time spent on document preparation.
Support the recovery journey of Charlie Collins through his Go Fund Me campaign. Learn how your contributions can make a significant difference in his life as he navigates this challenging time.
Tiflotecnia has updated its Cerence TTS voice package, formerly known as Vocalizer, to be compatible with NVDA 2025.1 RC 1, though the software remains a paid offering for new users. At the time of this writing, the Tiflotecnia website still contains the older text-to-speech add-on for older versions of NVDA. However, if you have installed the older version, the add-on updater will allow you to update to the newer add-on.
Testing the IVUE Glide 1 Camera Glasses reveals their capabilities as wrap-around video camera sunglasses, featuring full 1080P HD video and audio recording. This comparison emphasizes their performance alongside the widely popular Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.
This blog post critiques a job advertisement for a UX Accessibility Specialist position at JD Sports, highlighting multiple red flags, including a lack of realistic job scoping, inadequate incentives for proper work, and unclear requirements. The author emphasizes that accessibility work requires cultural investment and a long-term commitment, not a quick fix as suggested by the role's short-term nature.
In this comprehensive 2.5-hour tutorial, Jay Pellis explores the built-in accessibility of the Zoom H2Essential portable audio recorder, along with recording, playback, audio-interface use and iOS remote control. The session is available on YouTube and as a downloadable ZIP of MP3 files linked in the video and playlist descriptions.
ACB Media listeners are advised that the ACB Media Alexa skill is currently incompatible with Amazon's new Alexa Plus, and users who rely on this skill are encouraged to decline the upgrade or disable Alexa Plus to restore functionality.
Steven and Shaun explore the intriguing concept of AI-generated code, known as "vibe coding," and its implications for app development in light of Apple's recent WWDC updates. Engaging listener feedback sparks discussions on accessibility, technology frustrations, and the ongoing debates around blind pride narratives.
Windows 11 features a Voice Typing tool that offers surprising accuracy for voice-to-text dictation without prior training. This tool supports multiple languages and can help users reduce strain from extensive keyboard use.
David Goldfield shares a potential fix for users struggling to sign in to Bookshare, suggesting they look for a login button instead of a traditional link due to a recent interface change.
Our flagship All Terrain Cane (ATC) is officially back in stock — now with new enhancements that push the boundaries of strength, performance, and real-world reliability. Built for bold explorers like Awarewolf Global Ambassador Julius Mbura, who used his ATC to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, this cane is ready to take you further — wherever "all terrain" takes you.
Here HumanWare introduces the Victor Reader Stream 3 version 1.5 update, bringing enhancements like note-renaming, bookmark alerts, Bookshare integration, and refined tactile navigation to improve user experience for individuals with visual impairments.
The Case for Vision is a hands-free magnifier designed to transform smartphones into powerful accessibility tools for individuals with vision loss. Launching on Kickstarter, this campaign aims to reduce costs associated with assistive technology while expanding compatibility to Android devices and introducing new product features, promoting inclusive design and usability.
This article provides an updated guide for enhancing the accessibility of social media posts, focusing on critical elements like alt text, fonts, hashtags, and content warnings. It emphasizes practical tips to create inclusive content that can be navigated by individuals using screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Neptune is an innovative scan and read device designed for portability and ease of use, featuring a lightweight screen and adjustable reading settings to assist users with varying vision levels. Its unique design allows quick and accurate reading of printed documents, making it suitable for students and adults alike. The device, expected to launch in summer 2025, also supports external storage for ease of access to scanned materials.
This post emphasizes the importance of context when using auto-scanning tools for accessibility testing. It highlights how misunderstanding context can lead to false positives and offers guidance on ensuring controls are appropriately labeled according to the screen they appear on.
This article explores the persistent issues surrounding ARIA attributes and their effectiveness when dealing with Shadow DOM, highlighting that referencing elements across different DOM contexts remains problematic. It emphasizes the need for workarounds and advocates for using standard HTML controls where possible to ensure better accessibility.
The focus management in modal dialogs can greatly impact user experience, particularly regarding how messages and forms are perceived upon opening. This post outlines the considerations necessary for setting focus appropriately, including the user's familiarity with the task and the complexity of the content displayed.
The aria-selected attribute is crucial for improving web accessibility by indicating which elements are currently selected in interactive components like tabs, listboxes, and grids. This article discusses its practical usage and best practices for ensuring all users can navigate and understand selection states effectively.
This article examines the WCAG 1.2.9 success criterion for live audio-only content, emphasizing the importance of providing real-time captions for accessibility. It discusses various testing methods—automated, AI, and manual—highlighting their benefits and limitations in ensuring accurate and inclusive access to live audio events.
The article explores the state of accessibility in personal websites, highlighting the need for inclusivity while acknowledging the whimsical nature of many personal online spaces. It offers practical advice for improving accessibility without compromising personal expression or artistry.
Captions and transcripts play a critical role in making video and audio content accessible, especially for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those in noisy environments or non-native speakers. By improving comprehension and engagement, boosting SEO, and supporting legal compliance, ensuring the availability of captions and transcripts enhances digital communication for everyone.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this informative session, Vispero's Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan share practical strategies for optimizing the OneDrive experience with JAWS, including how to locate and access files efficiently, open shared files in the desktop app, use OneDrive in Teams, and manage Favorites. ACVREP credits are available for live attendees.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Rachel Reeves covers foundational techniques for building accessible Word documents that convert more cleanly to PDFs, including structure, headings, lists, and styles.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this free webinar, TPGi Accessibility Engineer Wes Estes examines how semantics, design patterns, and attributes contribute to accessible digital content. Attendees will learn to assess whether elements convey the correct purpose and value programmatically, ensuring that assistive technologies interpret interfaces as intended.
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.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Ian Ramos leads a virtual tour of the newest Envision Glasses capabilities, including GPT-4-powered features designed for natural-language interaction.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Lindsey Angst, MS, OTR/L, CLVT, shares a combination of strategies and adaptations designed to support older adults with hand function decline and vision impairment. Discover practical tools to promote independence and safety in daily living tasks for those living with these dual challenges.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Rachel Reeves details the steps for converting accessible Word files into fully accessible PDFs, including manual tag cleanup and final fixes in Adobe Acrobat.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 AM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Discover how ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode empowers blind and low-vision users with real-time emotional AI, voice interaction, and visual grounding. Join Dr. Kirk Adams and Aaron Di Blasi for a groundbreaking demo and learn how this cutting-edge tech enhances accessibility, productivity, and inclusion.
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.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
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.
2:00 PM PT, 3:00 PM MT, 4:00 PM CT, 5:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM GMT
Think AI is just hype? Think again — it's already shaping disability access, often without your voice. Join Mai Ling Chan, CCC-SLP, for a candid, interactive 1-hour session that will challenge what you think you know about AI and disability advocacy. Discover where AI is getting it wrong, how biased data and inaccessible tools are creeping into hiring, healthcare, and education, and — most importantly — how you can take back control. You'll learn practical ways to influence AI, protect yourself and your clients, and stop being sidelined by systems built without your input. Perfect for disability professionals, educators, content creators, and advocates ready to lead, not follow. Don't let AI create a future without you — step up, get informed, and be part of the solution. Reserve your spot now — and be a part of this epic event!
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this in-person showcase hosted by Helen Keller Services, assistive technology vendors, innovators, and users come together for a day of interactive demonstrations, in-depth discussions, and community connection focused on advancing access and independence for the blind, DeafBlind, and low vision communities.
Are you ready to advance your career in cybersecurity? The Apex Program offers a comprehensive 12-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, and quizzes, with expert instructor support every step of the way.
Get started today — Classes start on the first Monday of every month!
Don't miss this opportunity to join a diverse and inclusive workforce in the cybersecurity sector. Visit https://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.
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.
Creating accessible templates in Microsoft Word is essential for organizations that publish documents like meeting agendas, notices, or forms. My guide outlines the process of designing a reusable, accessible agenda template in Word that can be efficiently exported to Adobe PDF while preserving structure and functionality.
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 find Selvas BLV at two upcoming events in June, as well as at the most popular summer shows of the year in July! We will be offering our biggest promotions of the year at ACB and NFB, as well as holding a product presentation at both!
Find all the details below:
1️⃣ Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF) Conference June 25-28
Radisson Blue Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota
2️⃣ Braille N'Tech Showroom June 26-28
USC in Los Angeles
3️⃣ ACB National Convention July 4-11
Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas, Texas
Booth Number 72
*Please join us for a product presentation in room Sanger on Sunday, July 6 from 2:30-3:45PM
4️⃣ NFB National Convention July 8-13
New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans, Louisiana
Booth Number B6 and B7
*Please join us for a product presentation in room Galerie 5 on Wednesday, July 9 from 9 - 10AM
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.
Making documents accessible should be straight-forward and simple, the way a well-designed kitchen appliance is simple. If you've used Scribe for Documents, you have no doubt come across our kitchen-appliance-like interface simplicity. With easy-access dials and buttons, a clear and logical user-experience flow, and help available when needed, Scribe's workflow has been designed to make document conversion as easy as 1, 2, 3. As such, we are proud to bring this signature user-experience simplicity to #Braille remediation! Our Braille document remediation now offers the ability to directly control the cells-per-line, as well as optional page-splitting with configurable lines-per-page. This makes Scribe the first product that supports truly end-to-end conversion from inaccessible pdf to BRF, along with some much needed fine-tuning ability for hardcopy Braille production!
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.
Going somewhere? Bring along our Clever travel accessories that will keep you organized and fashionable wherever your journeys take you. Our 3-piece Travel Ready Jewelry Case and Care set includes a mini zip-around jewelry box, polishing cloths, and anti-tarnish tabs to keep your jewelry sparkling all vacation long. The many colorful choices in our 3-piece makeup bag, lipstick case, and coin purse set will help you find your smaller items quickly in a tote or handbag. Headed to the NFB convention? Carry our special keytag that features a carabiner clip, a split ring for keys, a USA shaped charm braille-embossed with 2025 and a steel dog tag with the NFB motto "live the life you want" embossed in grade 2 braille. Finally, whether you'll be exhibiting, presenting, or networking, keep your calling cards, ID, or credit cards in one of our classy metal business card cases. Call +1 (702) 605-1265 or shop online at https://elegantinsightsjewelry.com. Bon voyage!
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)
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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In addition to serving as Publisher for Top Tech Tidbits Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Access Information News and AI-Weekly newsletters, PR-Director for the AT-Newswire Press Release News Distribution Service, and President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Top Tech Tidbits on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
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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.
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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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