[DSM-Iowa] Hello Federation friends.

[Enrique Mejia]

Hello all,

I am hoping that we are all done recovering from the convention. Let me tell you that I was a little late to the party as United canceled our flight, and we were not able to get in until Saturday. However, we got in just fine. I jumped in with both feet, and it was a really fun time full of learning, friends, family, and lots and lots of fun. By the way, for those of you going next year, we have this thing going with Indiana to see who screams the loudest. In my opinion, Iowa is winning hands down. So if you go to Florida next year, remember that.

At the exhibit hall, I was able to see quite a few new things. First, I saw the Monarch, which could be a game changer for kids in schools all over the country/world. This device has nice firm braille that is not too harsh on the fingers, and a well-designed key placement. It will, of course, not be for most blind people as it costs a paltry 20K per unit. So they are really targeting educational agencies with this device. Anyway, it will be a great tool for our students receiving braille instruction.

I also finally got to play with the new Optima from Orbit Research, and let me tell you, that thing is awesome. The device they had at the convention was just a pre-production unit, but it worked really well. I think that this may really be the best note taker coming to the market next year. I hope that we can get a demo unit out here at some point so that others can try it. What this is, if you did not know, is a note taker that has a real laptop inside, not a sort of laptop or Android software that has been modified, but an actual mainstream laptop that can be upgraded frequently without having to buy a new device every time. In fact, they say that they are working with a mainstream company to have the ability to take your device to any licensed computer shop to get it worked on. This device is going to range from 3 thousand to 6 thousand.

Also, Orbit Research has a new line of magnification devices that start between $150 and $250. So if you are interested in getting a new handheld magnifier, check those out.

The other thing worth noting if you were not listening to the general session is the new Be My Eyes update that is coming later this year. It will have AI-generated descriptions that are actually really good. I have heard it describe comic books, and it did a really good job. Be My Eyes is also going to allow you to create a network of trusted friends and family who can be your reader whenever you need it, rather than a random person when you call the regular phone line.

Anyway, now that I was able to share my nerd report from the convention, I can tell you that I cannot wait for Orlando. It will be very fun.

Anyway, I hope you are all having a great weekend.

See you next month.

Enrique.