[Electronics-Talk] Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 5, 2021 - Volume 818

[Top Tech Tidbits]

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 5, 2021 - Volume 818 Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 5, 2021 - Volume 818 The Week's News in Adaptive Technology https://toptechtidbits.com/ A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication https://mvsltd.com/ About | Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in adaptive technology. Web Version | Read this volume of Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday online at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/tidbits2021/08052021/. Share | Share this volume of Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday on Facebook: http://bit.ly/sharetidbits818. Spam Filter | You have received this email from Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. because you are subscribed to receive the Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter. To ensure that you continue to receive the Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter please be sure to add the following email address to your Address Book, Email Contact List, Trusted Sender's List, and/or Safe Sender's List today: enews at toptechtidbits.com. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Scribe for Meetings: Click, Connect, Control Don't let the uncertainty of the Delta variant disrupt your remote meetings. Add Scribe for Meetings to your toolbox and ensure seamless accessibility to class lectures, professional trainings, product demos, and more. In school, at work, or wherever the road may find you, Scribe for Meetings is there to turn your presentation into the readable text your audience needs. Check out a hands-on demonstration with Jonathan Mosen here: https://bit.ly/ttt-pneuma-08-05-2021 Dear Rolando, 1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week A.) Everything New With Siri in iOS 15: On-Device Processing, Offline Support, Sharing, Improved Context and More: (10.7% of all clicks.) https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-15-siri/ B.) Game-Changing iPhone Features That Make Life With a Disability Easier: (6.6% of all clicks.) https://www.greenwichtime.com/business/article/Game-Changing-iPhone-Features-That-Make-Life-With-16340633.php C.) AccessWorld July 2021: (5.6% of all clicks.) https://www.afb.org/aw/22/7 D.) New Award-Winning App Helps the Visually Impaired Manage Their Wardrobe: (3.7% of all clicks.) https://newsroom.carleton.ca/2021/new-award-winning-app-helps-the-visually-impaired-manage-their-wardrobe/ E.) Audiobooks are Books, Too: (3.5% of all clicks.) http://www.blindscholar.com/2021/07/21/audiobooks-are-books-too/ 2) Top Tech Tidbits "Most Clicked Tidbit" Weekly Contest | Week #31 of 52 | This Week's Odds: 1 of 20 Number of votes last week: 20. | Number of winners last week: 12. | Ka Li, Keith Bundy, Howard Goldstein, Kathy, Mary, Bhrapa Bhrapakaran, Jim Denham, Bill Belew, Michelle McKeller, Austin Pinto, Andre Polykanine and Maya.| How well do you know adaptive technology? Do you think that you could consistently identify adaptive technology trends if given the opportunity? Well here's your chance. You can now cast your vote each week for the one Tidbit that you believe will receive the most clicks. Get it right more than anyone else each week and you win a $250.00 USD cash prize at the end of the year (December 31st 2021). In addition, there may be opportunities for winners to join our editorial team. The premise is simple and voting is easy. Can you pick the one Tidbit out of each issue that will get the most clicks? If you think you can, or at least would like to try, learn everything there is to know about the contest here and start casting your vote today: Learn More:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/36.html Vote Now:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/vote 3) Top Tech Tidbits Welcomes Aboard Carroll Center for the Blind | One Sponsorship Package Currently Available Please join all of us here at Tidbits in welcoming aboard Carroll Center for the Blind, who has so very graciously agreed to support the ongoing distribution of Top Tech Tibdits by becoming a sponsor. If you look forward to Tidbits every week, it is sponsors like Carroll Center for the Blind that make it possible. If you would like to join 11 other industry leaders in supporting Tidbits, while enjoying some really incredible marketing benefits, please reach out to our publisher today at: publisher at toptechtidbits.com ✉. Or learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-information.html. 4) A Call For Disabled Explorers to Experience Zero Gravity! | US Residents Only at Present | Deadline to Apply: August 15th 2021 by 11:59 PM ET Apply Now. Applications are now open for the chance to become an "AstroAccess Ambassador"! In addition to becoming participants on a ZERO-G parabolic flight, AstroAccess Ambassadors will be responsible for sharing their experience with the public. They will become advocates for disability inclusion and equity in space exploration. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following requirements: https://astroaccess.org/apply-now/?mc_cid=9b53922c94&mc_eid=32b1c40763 5) Google Docs is Getting A Major Accessibility Upgrade One of the most important Google Workspace tools is getting a significant software upgrade that should make the productivity suite more accessible than ever. The company has revealed an update to braille mode in Google Docs that it says makes it easier for users of assistive technology to interact with suggestions in documents. This means anyone using a screen reader or refreshable braille displays will be able to get a more interactive experience with Google Docs, with the company saying users will now now hear detailed suggestion information inline with the rest of the text - including whether the suggestion is an insertion or deletion, and the author of the suggestion: https://www.techradar.com/amp/news/google-docs-is-getting-a-major-accessibility-upgrade 6) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for July 2021 The comprehensive summary of iOS developments from AppleVis: https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-and-noteworthy-july-2021 7) New Audio Games Recordings Repository Website This resource comes to us from a reader by the name of Edgar who has started this website with another contributor in which they list recordings of people playing games, mostly audio-only games. These are recordings by members of the visually impaired gaming community that have been collected over the years. Be sure to check back often. It is our understanding that this website will be consistently updated: https://audiogamerecordings.com/ 8) Trying iOS Made Me Appreciate These 8 Android Features A Lot More This comes from Android Police: https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/07/31/trying-ios-made-me-appreciate-these-8-android-features-a-lot-more/ 9) Access RNIB Audio Books Through Alexa For those eligible, this 30,000 book collection can be accessible using Alexa devices: https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-community/connect-technology/access-thousands-audio-books-through-alexa 10) The Thoughts and Ramblings of Steve, Musings, Observations, and Experiences as I Make My Way in the World: This worthwhile blog has frequent accessibility-related posts: https://www.steves.life/ 11) Leading Text-To-Speech iOS App is Now Free for the Blind The paid app Speech Central is now free to VoiceOver users. The app has received considerable positive feedback on the AppleVis forum: https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/leading-text-speech-app-now-free-blind 12) Add Alexa to Your iPhone or iPad Home Screen and Forget You Even Knew Siri This is indeed tempting! https://www.cnet.com/news/best-wireless-security-cameras/ 13) 7 Simple Ways to Speed Up Your Smartphone From the Kim Komando page: https://www.komando.com/smartphones-gadgets/speed-up-a-smartphone/778456/ 14) Accessibility in Gaming Resources This is an extensive Google Doc by Jennifer Kretchmer. A more complete paid version is available: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZFSXz-Yva1KZAsP7NblCdkoiQ6RcjxSV2gj98eXusJs/edit 15) You Need a Budget The YNAB iOS app has been thoroughly inaccessible, but reports are that this has changed dramatically for the better: https://www.youneedabudget.com/ 16) Power of Using TalkBack Voice Commands YouTube about a recent TalkBack feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnSHKYPYG8g 17) 5 Best Dictation Apps for iPhone For this review, SwitchingToMac.com focuses on the best dictation apps for transcribing speech to text on an iPhone: https://www.switchingtomac.com/tutorials/iphone/5-best-dictation-apps-for-iphone/ 18) Winaero Tweaker 1.3 Now Available | Allows You to Move Windows 11 Taskbar And More Several new features and fixes: https://winaero.com/winaero-tweaker-1-30-is-here-allows-you-to-move-windows-11-taskbar-and-more/ 19) Webinar On Demand: Excel Tips and Tricks for JAWS Users by Freedom Scientific Are you looking for ways to navigate in Excel more efficiently with JAWS? Want tips for increasing productivity when creating and editing spreadsheets? Stream or download Freedom Scientific's latest pre-recorded training, "Excel Tips and Tricks for JAWS Users" at: https://blog.freedomscientific.com/excel-tips-and-tricks-for-jaws-users/ 20) Siri To Lose Control Over Some Third-Party Apps in iOS 15 This week, Apple released iOS and iPadOS 15 Public Beta 4 so that the software can still be tested and kinks worked out before the release of the final versions in September. What beta testers have recently discovered is that Siri is going to lose some of her abilities once the next major build of iOS and iPadOS are dropped: https://www.phonearena.com/news/siri-to-lose-some-third-party-app-support-in-ios-15_id133995 21) Google is Trying to Limit What Apps Can Use An Accessibility Service (Again) Android offers an Accessibility Service API that exposes certain system events to apps. The API is incredibly powerful, as it lets apps listen for events such as when a user clicks on a link, views a window, and much more. As its name suggests, the API is only meant for apps that solve an accessibility need, but it has been misused by malicious apps in the past. Due to this, Google once tried to restrict apps from using the API back in 2017. And the company is now trying to do it again: https://www.xda-developers.com/google-trying-limit-apps-accessibility-service/ ➜ Press Releases and Other News 1) Cloudflare's Inaccessible Browser Contradicts The Company's Mission | An Open Letter to Matthew Prince, CEO, Cloudflare by Matt Campbell | July 30th 2021 Mr. Prince: About four months ago, Cloudflare launched Browser Isolation during Security Week, without ensuring that the product is accessible to blind people using screen readers. Now, four months later, this problem is still not solved. Cloudflare's neglect of accessibility in this product raises a new barrier to employment for blind people as companies adopt this product to improve the security of their networks: https://mwcampbell.github.io/cloudflare-browser-isolation-letter/ 2) How Accessibility at the Summer's Gaming Events Stack Up While a number of recent announcements highlighted accessibility in games, or offered great options for viewers, there's more work to be done: https://www.wired.com/story/accessibility-summer-gaming-events/ 3) Optic Device Offers Aid To Visually Impaired Swimmers A navigation aid that allows visually impaired competitive swimmers to train safely has been developed by a product design student at Loughborough University: https://www.theengineer.co.uk/optic-visually-impaired-swimmers-navigation-loughborough/ 4) Who Can Be An Astronaut? Accessible Spaceships May Be The Future In February, the ESA sent out an unprecedented call for its next generation of astronauts. The group would include people with physical disabilities that would have otherwise excluded them from the chance to explore the cosmos: https://www.inverse.com/science/being-astronaut-is-no-longer-a-hardcore-male-domain 5) 5 Steps to Design Apps with Keyboard Accessibility in Mind This article comes to us from Shopify, one of the world's premier providers of ecommerce solutions, and as of 2021 the largest publicly traded Canadian company by market capitalization: https://www.shopify.in/partners/blog/keyboard-accessibility 6) Guide Dog Owner Challenged at Vaccine Centre Reveals 'Healthcare Inequalities for Blind People' A man who said he was refused entry to a Covid vaccine centre because of his guide dog is highlighting the challenges blind and visually impaired people face when accessing the jab: https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2021-08-02/i-was-almost-turned-away-from-getting-the-vaccine-because-of-my-guide-dog 7) Ashirase, A Honda Incubation, Reveals Advanced Walking Assistance System for Visually Impaired Ashirase, which debuted as the first business venture to come out of Honda's Ignition program in June 2021, shared details of its in-shoe navigation system for low-vision walkers on Tuesday, July 27th 2021. The system aims to help users achieve more independence in their daily lives by allowing them to feel which way to walk through in-shoe vibrations connected to a navigation app on a smartphone. Ashirase hopes to begin sales of the system, also named Ashirase, by October 2022: https://techcrunch.com/2021/07/28/ashirase-a-honda-incubation-reveals-advanced-walking-assistance-system-for-visually-impaired/ 8) For Its Visually Impaired Competitors, The Game of Goalball Moves at the Speed of Sound The game is called goalball, a team sport designed specifically for the visually impaired. Baldock, who hails from Edmonton, is headed to Tokyo next month to compete with the Canadian team at the Paralympics: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/paralympics-goalball-brieann-baldock-1.6127670 9) 'Society Sometimes Disables Us': Former Paralympian Highlights Issues Faced by Disabled People Although Janice Tillett once competed for Britain in the Paralympics, she told ITV News her disability means she faces avoidable barriers. "Things are not always accessible," says Ms Tillett, who is visually impaired, partially deaf, and has joint issues. She cites accessibility on public transport as an example, a bugbear of many disabled people: https://www.itv.com/news/2021-07-27/government-unveils-100-pledges-as-part-of-16-billion-disability-strategy 10) New Award-Winning App Helps The Blind And Visually Impaired Manage Their Clothes Two Industrial Design students from Carleton University have won an Innovative Designs for Accessibility (IDeA) student competition award from Universities Canada. Liana Meere and Mandy Hui took top honours in the competition's Attitudinal/Systemic barriers category for their concept Closet, a label system that enables people with visual disabilities to independently manage their clothes: https://coolblindtech.com/new-award-winning-app-helps-the-blind-and-visually-impaired-manage-their-clothes/ 11) The Apps That Are Redefining Accessibility For those of us with disabilities, the digital divide predates the pandemic. But new tools are opening new pathways for participation: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-29/the-apps-and-technology-helping-people-with-disabilities ➜ Featured Podcast Episodes 1) Blind Android Users 34 | You've Got E-Mail and Is Your Phone Water Resistant? July 31st 2021 | In this episode we first discuss the new policy of Google that will remove apps from the play store if they have not been updated by the developer for a long time. We demo popular email clients in our must have apps section. We then show what is new in the latest update of Commentary screen reader. We then demo an app in our app of the week section called water resistant which tells you if your phone is water resistant: https://blindandroidusers.com/ 2) Mosen At Large 141 August 1st 2021 Staying in step with a cane, is blindness your dominant culture, weird iOS mispronunciations and more: https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/c2a7e626/staying-in-step-with-a-cane-is-blindness-your-dominant-culture-weird-ios-mispronunciations-and-more 3) Eyes on Success 2132 | Making Astronomy Accessible August 4th 2021 Astronomy is generally thought to be a very visually oriented field, but with some thought, it can be made accessible to those who are blind. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Noreen Grice, founder and president of You Can Do Astronomy, about how she makes astronomical concepts and features engaging for those who can't see: https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show%20notes/show%20notes%202132.htm 4) That Real Blind Tech Show 46 | Audio Description Czar, A Conversation with Carl Richardson August 4th 2021 Brian and Ed welcome Carl Richardson, Co-Chair of the Audio Description Project for the American Council of the Blind to the show. We start off discussing how Carl came to be at the ADP and what his role is at the ADp. We then discuss the panel that Carl moderated at this year's ACB National Conference on Audio Description. All 8 major streaming services were represented on the panel about Audio Description. We then discuss some of Carl's favorite features of Audio Description, and the age old question with Audio Description should the describer describe it before or after it happens? Carl and Brian then share some of their more interesting experiences with Audio Description at the movie theater. What's a movie theater? It's a big room where people used to conjugate to all watch the same movie at the same time, but that's not important right now: https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-46-audio-description-czar-a-conversation-with-carl-richardson ➜ Featured Webinars and Training Courses 1) Step-By-Step: An Interactive Guide to Mobility Techniques | APH August 5th 2021 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | Updated digital instruction is now available for both future O&M Specialists and those currently providing direct services to individuals with visual impairments. Attend this webinar and explore APH's newly revised product, Step-by-Step: A Guide to Mobility Techniques. This interactive computer curriculum provides demonstrations of how mobility skills are performed, visual observation skills used by professionals to spot common performance errors made by new learners who are blind, and methods for correcting errors most efficiently: https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9bk4Hky6TaGz41QgYcxbVw 2) Flipped Classroom - Building Accessible Word documents and PowerPoints | APH August 10th 2021 | 1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT | Let's flip the webinar and use our time wisely! Register and watch two courses, Building Accessible PowerPoints and Building Accessible Word Documents, in the APH Hive and then join us in this meeting to practice working through accessibility assignments together: https://aph.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrdu-tqTIsHdeb_niuiM5GenHVLijQcH4q 3) Teaching Screen Readers the Fun Way with Cody Laplante: Part 3 of 4 | APH August 10th 2021 | 1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT | It's time to practice those screen reader skills! In part 3 of this 4-part series, join Cody Laplante, founder of eye.t, to learn about creating practice activities for your screen reader lessons. Learn multiple ways to incorporate fun into your practice activities and explore activities that take the intimidation out of learning JAWS, NVDA or Chromevox: https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CVaXOpgqTa6eKOPypioXQw 4) Typing in iOS on Tech Time August 11th 2021 | 1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT | We've mentioned Tech time, the monthly Zoom smartphone training, before. During this webinar, learn ways to input text on an iPhone, with emphasis on braille screen input: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9357099741?pwd=YVhxTVg0Nm1KQytCQ0xJM1JvZDhYUT09 5) Wired Wednesday: AT Bits & Bytes with TFL and WATAP August 11th 2021 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Tools for Life, Georgia's Assistive Technology Act Program, has joined forces with the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) to provide a free live demonstration of assistive technology! We will be demonstrating different assistive technology solutions! Join us for a 45-minute webinar with a Q&A directly following: https://gatfl.gatech.edu//event.php?i=1066 6) Revenue Models for AT Reuse from AT3 August 11th 2021 | 12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT | This webinar will revisit to revisit what underpins the financial stability of reuse programs. We'll look at what new and traditional support strategies state and territory AT programs are using; what, if any of those have changed post-COVID; examine key staffing to promote sustainability; and explore how programs use outcomes data to promote sustainability: https://www.at3center.net/repository/callswebinars 7) Telework In Action: A Disability Inclusion Practice Whose Time Has Arrived from EARN August 12th 2021 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies quickly transitioned to telework. As a result, much has been learned about conducting business in a teleworking environment. Once considered a workplace accommodation or employee benefit, telework has now become a common workplace practice. This webinar will focus on how organizations and employees have adapted to telework and how it will remain an integral part of the workplace of the future. Guest speakers will discuss the many benefits of telework, including cost savings, increased productivity of employees, and expanded access to a qualified talent pool of people with disabilities. Participants will also learn about providing accommodations remotely and ensuring accessibility of recruiting, onboarding, communication, and training platforms: https://askearn.org/webinar-registration-august-12-2021/ 8) Introduction to Audio Description from 3Play Media August 12th 2021 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | This webinar will cover the basics of how to add audio description to online video, legal requirements for audio description, video player compatibility, examples and demos, how to create audio description, and benefits of audio description outside of accessibility: https://go.3playmedia.com/wbnr-08-12-2021-ad 9) Technology User Group Helps You Prepare for the Changes Coming to Your iDevice and Computer August 14th 2021 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | On On Saturday, August 14th 2021 the Technology User Group helps you prepare for the changes coming to your iDevice and computer. This September, iOS 15 will be released. Is your phone eligible for the upgrade? What new features can you expect? Is Siri going to have added skills and abilities? Also, we will look at the expected changes to Jaws and Zoomtext as they move toward a new Beta version debuting in October. You do not have to RSVP for this event. The presentation will last about 90 minutes. We look forward to meeting with you virtually and hope that you will join us for other exciting events we have planned for 2021. This presentation will be virtual and may be joined by calling: (319) 527-4994 ☎ 10) Fun Activities Using Music with Technology from AbleNet August 18th 2021 | 12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT | This presentation features remote class activities highlighting the use of music with technology. The activities are tailored to students with special needs, including the types of devices to consider: https://ablenetinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eJniiye1TeKvo8Z8DrNLoA 11) Tech for Teens Club: LEGO Stop-Motion Videos from PACER August 21st 2021 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, XXX GMT | Using just a mobile phone and LEGO brand toys, we'll be learning how to create stop-motion style videos that you can share with your family and friends. Learn the techniques to create smooth animation using the Stop Motion Studio app (iPhone & Android). Then create your own stories and bring your characters to life! https://www.pacer.org/workshops/ 12) Speech recognition for communication impairments from CallScotland August 25th 2021 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | Project Euphonia is a Google Research initiative focused on helping people with atypical speech be better understood. The approach is centred on analysing speech recordings to better train speech recognition models. The aim is for people living with dysarthria or other speech difficulties to be better understood by speech recognition technology such as Google Assistant. In this webinar, Richard will discuss the Euphonia project and how people living with speech impairment can participate. With the forecast being that by 2024, there will be more devices that can interact with voice than the global population, it is vitally important that everyone is included in the development of the technology behind speech recognition: https://www.callscotland.org.uk/professional-learning/webinars/WEB194/ 13) 2021 M-Enabling Summit - Promoting Accessible Technologies and Environments October 4th - 6th 2021 | The M-Enabling Summit Conference and Showcase is dedicated to promoting digital environments and assistive technologies for senior citizens and users of all abilities. It is an annual meeting place for all who implement digital inclusion strategies or develop assistive solutions and accessible digital contents and services for workplaces, learning environments or consumer markets: https://m-enabling.com/ 14) Accessing Higher Ground Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference by Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) November 15th - 19th 2021 | Presented and hosted by AHEAD, Accessing Higher Ground is conducted in collaboration with ATHEN: https://accessinghigherground.org/ 15) 2nd Annual Sight Tech Global 2021 December 1st & 2nd 2021 | 100% free. 100% virtual. Sight Tech Global is the first global, virtual conference dedicated to fostering discussion among technology pioneers on how rapid advances in AI and related technologies will fundamentally alter the landscape of assistive technology and accessibility. Registration is now open: https://sighttechglobal.com/ ➜ Directories 1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-podcast-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-game-directory.html ➜ Buy, Sell or Trade 1) FOR SALE: One BrailleSense Polaris Mini Listing Date: 8/5/2021 | Price: $2,000.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used. | Description: This 20-cell Android notetaker is in mint condition and needs a new forever home. Has new mother board, all original packaging, accessories and documentation including braille quick start guide along with an Executive Products case. | Contact: Email https://dave@speedyturtle.net ✉ or call Dave at (918) 527-0688 ☎. | 2) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Ad (Just like this one.) Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5.00 USD. | Buy an Ad: Fill out this short 10-step form ✔ to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisement today. | Learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html 🌐 | Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads: Sponsor: Be My Eyes ➜ Accessible Pharmacy Joins Be My Eyes Accessible Pharmacy, the new, home delivery pharmacy with a blind founder, is bringing its full range of support and services to Be My Eyes. Users of the Be My Eyes app can now call Accessible Pharmacy directly to get support with medication, medical devices, and even home delivery COVID testing. With a fully trained and discreet pharmacy staff on call from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Pacific, Accessible Pharmacy is the new way for blind and low vision consumers to get an easy, frictionless pharmacy experience. Call today — and you'll never have to take an Uber to the drugstore again. https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog/accessible-pharmacy-joins-be-my-eyes. Lead Contact: Will Butler, VP of Community Sponsor Since: November 5th 2020 Website: https://www.bemyeyes.com/ 🌐 Download The App (iOS): Be My Eyes for iOS - From the Apple App Store 📱 Download The App (Android): Be My Eyes for Android - From the Google Play Store 📱 About: Be My Eyes is a free mobile app that allows anyone who needs video support to get assistance from a dynamic range of volunteers and company customer support professionals from around the world. With more than 4 million volunteers and dozens of companies offering on-demand visual interpretation and support, Be My Eyes is a free, unlimited way to bridge gaps and get access to whatever information you need — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in any language. Download the app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Sponsor: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store ➜ LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store Featured Products Revolution Cane Tip: Standard Roller Tip: $14.50 | Locator Dots: Small Pack of 6 (Clear or Orange): $2.00 | NFB Metal Cane Tip: $3.00 | TMAP - On Demand Tactile Street | Map (set of two maps): $25.00 | Ambutech Aluminum Folding Cane: $35.00 | NFB Chris Park Telescoping Cane: $45.00 | BoldWriter 20 Pen (Individual or 6-pack): $2.00 | Bump Dots: Mixed (50 count): $7.00 | Braille Apple Catalina VoiceOver Guide OSX 10.15 (3 volumes) - Latest Manual: $52.00 | SpeedDots iPhone Tactile Screen Protector, Phone Layout: $12.00 | NFB Chris Park 7-Piece Folding Cane: $50.00 | Visit https://adaptations.org/ to learn more today! Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 Website: https://adaptations.org/ 🌐 Toll Free: (888) 400-8933 ☎ Local: (415) 694-7301 ☎ About: Founded in 1902, San Francisco's LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision. Adaptations is your online go-to for tools, technology, and accessible solutions for blind and visually impaired people. Sponsor: American Printing House (APH) ➜ Build A Foundational Understanding Of Construction And Electronics With BRIC: Structures® Access Kit From APH - An Adapted Version Of An Educational Elenco® Product For Students Who Are Blind And Visually Impaired! The BRIC: Structures® Access Kit combines ordinary building bricks with Snap Circuits® to create 26 projects, such as circuits and real-world structures, that run on electricity. Visit https://www.aph.org/product/bric-structures-access-kit/ to learn more. Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐 Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 ☎ Phone: (512) 895-2405 ☎ Fax: (512) 899-2284 ░ YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ 🎥 Free Apps & Actions from APH: https://www.aph.org/free-apps-from-aph/ 📱 About: Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization, creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH believes that the future belongs to everyone. By offering innovative products and services, APH opens up a door of opportunities for lifelong independence and success. Sponsor: Barry Scheur ➜ GuideLights And Gadgets: Post Convention Specials Post-Convention Specials: (1) New: heavy dudy cowhide backpack; string closure with protective flap; two small pockets; main compartment 17 inches, Intro $90 w/shipping. (2) We Keep Growing It Bigger: the waist pack that will easily hold a forty cell display (orbit) or a 32 cell notetaker (touch, POLARIS AND THE BS6.) 18 inches long with seven other compartments. $85 w/shipping. (3) Non-Collapsing aluminum Telescopic Canes, models from 11 to 48 or 59 inches and any length in between; $55 w/shipping. (4) New 5 pocket Cowhide Neck Pouch; totally adjustable, 7.5 inch phone. $50, w/shipping. More info: Call Barry (617) 969-7500 ☎ or email bscheur.gadgetsandtech at gmail.com ✉. Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐 For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at: Phone: (617) 969-7500 ☎ Email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech at gmail.com ✉ For All Things Dog Contact Kae at: Phone: (781) 286-1696 ☎ Email: guidelightdogs at gmail.com ✉ About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use. In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well. What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, "hands on" evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, afforable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice! Sponsor: A. T. Guys ➜ Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub 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 Plugable 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: https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=331 Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐 Phone: (269) 216-4798 ☎ Email: support at atguys.com ✉ Skype: atguys ✆ Twitter: https://twitter.com/atguys (@atguys) ✍ Facebook: https://facebook.com/atguys ✍ About: ATGuys.com. Your access technology experts, home for cool gadgets, accessories, and more. Our products are all tested to work great for blind and visually impaired users but also work just as well for anyone. If there's an item you're looking for, or if you have a question, please don't hesitate to send us a message or call (269) 216-4798 ☎. Sponsor: Dean Martineau ➜ Voice Training Would you like to learn to control your computer with your voice, or to create documents using your voice rather than the keyboard? There are several tools to accomplish these objectives. I can provide training in their use. Write to me if interested at: topdot at gmail.com Editor, Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/ 🌐 About: Dean Martineau is the Founder and a Contributing Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter. Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 Website: https://carroll.org/ 🌐 Phone: (617) 969-6200 ☎ Fax: (617) 969-6204 ░ Shop: https://carroll.org/store/ 🛒 Donate: https://carroll.org/donate ❤ Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Establisehd 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. Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions ➜ 3 Easy Steps To Accessible Shared Content For Your Remote Presentations: Rid Digital Darkness For Blind Attendee's Forever! It's as easy as 1-2-3. Upload content... Copy a link... and paste the link in chat. Attendees never wonder what's shared on screen during online presentations. Upload slides within 5 minutes of presenting. Attendees can download content in multiple formats to view later. Eliminate digital darkness at your next online event with Scribe for Meetings. Get in on our, "Accessible Meetings and webinars for Life," introductory offer. Reseller opportunities available to expand your businesses accessibility offerings. https://scribeformeetings.com/ Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐 Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education. Sales: (866) 202-0520 ☎ Support: (650) 249-1000 ☎ About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive? Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs. Sponsor: Freedom Scientific ➜ Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille Displays 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 AndroidTM 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: https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/blindness/focus-blue-family/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=Top%20Tech%20Tidbit Sponsor Since: April 15th 2021 Website: https://www.freedomscientific.com/ 🌐 Email: info at vispero.com ✉ Phone: (800) 444-4443 ☎ Facebook | Twitter | YouTube (Training) About: Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand, is a leading worldwide brand of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. We offer products designed to promote independence, allowing blind and low vision individuals the same access to information as their sighted peers. World-renowned JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reading software and ZoomText screen magnification software provide users the independence and ability to seek education and obtain or maintain a career after vision loss. Our expansive product line includes both low vision and blindness technology for all aspects of daily living. The wide range of RUBY, TOPAZ, and ONYX desktop and portable video magnifiers are designed for their ease of use and assist with daily activities. Our impressive line of blindness hardware products include refreshable Braille displays and scanning and reading devices, offering many options tailored to fit individual needs. Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter ➜ VisionAware Resources Including the Directory of Services APHConnectCenter has resources to help blind and low vision people thrive. In addition to the Reader's Digest Getting Started with Vision Loss Guide You can also check out the Directory of Services to locate resources in your community for living with blindness and low vision. https://visionaware.org/ Sponsor Since: March 4th 2021 Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐 Email: connectcenter at aph.org ✉ APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line: (800) 232-5463 ☎ Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET Facebook (CareerConnect) | Facebook (FamilyConnect) | Facebook (VisionAware) | Twitter | YouTube About: The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives. Sponsor: Humanware ➜ BRAILLIANT Renewed! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series is here! The wait is over! A redefined family of Brailliant refreshable Braille displays has arrived! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series will help you stay connected, download books from many participating online libraries and share information easily with your peers. You will enjoy the intuitive, seamless user experience of KeySoft Lite, the HumanWare flagship accessibility suite designed to make you more productive. Including the Brailliant BI 40X and the Brailliant BI 20X, this is the Brailliant idea you need! http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/newsletter/080520211100-BrailliantBIX-Launch-US.htm Sponsor Since: February 4th 2021 Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐 Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 ☎ Phone (Australia): +61 2 9686 2600 ☎ Phone (Canada): +1 888 723-7273 ☎ Phone (Europe): +44 1933 415 800 ☎ Phone (International): +44 1933 415 800 ☎ Phone (Ireland): +01 8307033 ☎ Phone (New Zealand): +027 700 1674 ☎ Phone (United Kingdom): +01933 415800 ☎ Phone (United States): +1 800 722-3393 ☎ YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWVYiggn-w 🎥 About: HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. HumanWare offers a wide range of innovative products, including the BrailleNote Touch, first Google certified braille tablet, the iOS compatible Brailliant braille displays, Victor Reader®, the world's leading family of digital audiobook players, the unique Prodigi® family of desktop and portable vision and reading systems, and the ultra-portable explore line of electronic handheld magnifier. Your Name Here 1 of 12 Sponsorship Packages currently available. Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday is a leading, not-for-profit Adaptive Technology publication that reaches over 6,500 Adaptive Technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Top Tech Tidbits offers a total of 12 Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication. There are   1   of   12   packages currently available. If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor, but there are no sponsorship packages currently available, we encourage you to join our waiting list by sending an email to: sponsorships at toptechtidbits.com ✉. Once you have joined our waiting list we will notify you the next time a current sponsor decides not to renew. You will then have 72 hours to secure your sponsorship before it is offered to the next sponsor on the list. When available you can secure one of these packages for just $325.00 USD for the next 3 months, or save $100.00 USD and join us for the year. All Sponsorship Packages are offered on a first-come, first serve basis. Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Consider showing your support for the world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in adaptive technology while enjoying these incredible benefits. Learn more today at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-information.html. Top Tech Tidbits Supporters: We couldn't do it without you! Thank for your support! Tidbits Supporters donate an amount of their choosing on an annual basis in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication. If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support. In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Tidbits possible: Platinum Supporters: Become a Tidbits Supporter today. 1.) Gary Lee Platinum Supporter since June 25, 2020 2.) Anonymous Donation Platinum Supporter since July 9, 2020 3.) Pshon Barrett Platinum Supporter since January 28, 2021 Gold Supporters: Become a Tidbits Supporter today. 1.) Howard Goldstein Gold Supporter since June 4, 2020 2.) David Goldstein Gold Supporter since June 12, 2020 3.) Katherine Crohan Gold Supporter since January 14, 2021 Silver Supporters: Become a Tidbits Supporter today. 1.) Your name here. Help support Tidbits today. Bronze Supporters: Become a Tidbits Supporter today. 1.) Steven Wettlaufer Bronze Supporter since July 16, 2020 2.) Shaun Everiss Bronze Supporter since September 10, 2020 Top Tech Tidbits Subscription Information: ABOUT: Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday is a leading not-for-profit Adaptive Technology publication that reaches 6,500+ Adaptive Technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Sign up here. Review the archive here. Adaptive Technology refers to items that are specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Assistive Technology. Adaptive Technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access. The Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: Dean Martineau, Jenna Lang, John Hanlin. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor and reader supported publication. RELEASE SCHEDULE: The Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter is sent out every Thursday morning at 4:00 AM EST. SUBSCRIBE: Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive the Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter on the Top Tech Tidbits Website at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com or by (SMS) texting "TOPTECHTIDBITS" to 22828. Any of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter. It's that easy. SPONSOR: If you would like to become 1 of only 12 Tidbits Sponsors whose annual support makes the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible, we offer you the following benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-information.html. SUPPORT: If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/donate.html. WEBSITE: Visit the Top Tech Tidbits website online at https://www.toptechtidbits.com. FACEBOOK: Are you on Facebook? Stop by and "Like" Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology as part of your Facebook News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook. TWITTER: Are you on Twitter? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology as part of your Twitter News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/twitter. LINKEDIN: Are you on LinkedIn? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology as part of your LinkedIn News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin. YOUTUBE: Are you on YouTube? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology as part of your YouTube Video Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/youtube. RSS: Do you prefer RSS? Follow Top Tech Tidbits via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology using your choice of news aggregator: https://feeds.feedblitz.com/toptechtidbits. QUESTIONS: 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. ARCHIVE Visit the Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday Email Newsletter Archive at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/archive.html where you can grab back issues. CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS: Any information for future issues of Top Tech Tidbits may be directed to our Editors at: editor at toptechtidbits.com. Information provided by: Top Tech Tidbits A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication https://www.toptechtidbits.com/  🌐 1420 Golden Gate Blvd. Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124   (440) 442-9011 ☎ Top Tech Tidbits | 1420 Golden Gate Blvd, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 Unsubscribe electronics-talk at nfbnet.org Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by enews at toptechtidbits.com