[Electronics-Talk] Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 25, 2021 - Volume 800

[Top Tech Tidbits]

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 25, 2021 - Volume 800 Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, March 25, 2021 - Volume 800 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/tidbits2021/03252021/. Share | Share this volume of Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday on Facebook: http://bit.ly/sharetidbits800. Spam Filter | You have received this email from Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. because you are subscribed to receive the Top Tech Tidbtis for Thursday Email Newsletter. To ensure that you continue to receive the Top Tech Tidbtis 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: Brailliant BIX: The Smart, Intuitive, Connected Family of Braille Displays A redefined family of Brailliant refreshable braille displays has arrived! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series will help blind people (or individuals who are blinds), including students and professionals, stay connected, take notes, send text messages, and download books from online libraries. The intuitive and seamless user experience of KeySoft Light, HumanWare's flagship accessibility suite, was designed to make it easy for users to stay connected and productive. The Brailliant BI X series also offers users flexibility with its storage options and built-in braille translation, ensuring compatibility with a variety of file types. Saving, opening, and transferring data could not be easier. With the Brailliant BI 40X and the Brailliant BI 20X, its mobile-friendly option, this is the Brailliant idea we have all been waiting for! And that is not all, as HumanWare will soon offer a free audio support upgrade. To learn more about the Brailliant BIX devices, visit: https://bit.ly/3tOzax2 Dear Rolando, 1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week A.) Learn to Use VoiceOver on Your iPhone: A Beginner's Guide: (11.4% of all clicks.) https://geeksmodo.com/learn-to-use-voiceover-on-your-iphone-a-beginners-guide/ B.) JAWS Tip: Using the Skim Reading Tool: (10.5% of all clicks.) https://www.toptechtidbits.com/13.html C.) NV Access In-Process For March 12th 2021: (6.5% of all clicks.) https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-12th-march-2021/ D.) Starbucks Launches Technology to Aid Visually Impaired at U.S. Stores: (5.0% of all clicks.) https://www.marketwatch.com/story/starbucks-launches-technology-to-aid-visually-impaired-at-us-stores-2021-03-15 E.) Top Tech Tidbits Blind and Visually Impaired Technology Listserv Directory: (4.2% of all clicks.) https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 2) 800th Issue of Tidbits Since this is our 800th issue, we'll comment on the history of adaptive technology as announced in Tidbits. In the inaugural issue, December 16, 2004, we announced the release of JFW version 6. Now, with the product at version 2021, here is a YouTube playlist of JAWS quick tips: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk-npwu4WEBSLlaPnlHeZQ9jy7O9QXfTB 3) Ask Alexa | Coronavirus Commands To ask for help timing your handwashing for 20 seconds, ask Alexa: "Alexa, help me wash my hands." 4) Accessible World Tek Talk Accessible World Tek Talk has been around almost as long as Tidbits. We first mentioned the weekly show in the April 27th 2006 issue. On GMT 30 March, hear about Nathan Tech on Tek Talk at 00:00: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/839935813?pwd=eXFMRHpxNnhFZlRiMHAzRWNWYXM3Zz09 5) AFB AccessWorld AFB AccessWorld has been around a lot longer than Tidbits. The March 2021 issue includes "Introducing Pneuma Solutions: Two Tech Innovators are Back with a New Company and New Products," "Video Streaming Services, Part 2: Cutting the Cable Cord with YouTube TV," "Popular Web Conferencing Programs, Part 2: Teleconferencing Using Google Meet with Assistive Technology in Mind," "The Accessibility of Apple Fitness+," and more: https://mailchi.mp/afb.org/accessworld-march2021 6) No iPhones Of course, the iPhone didn't exist in 2004. We announced the imminent release of the first accessiblde one in July, 2009. Now, thanks to iGeeksBlog, learn how to put a web page shortcut on your iPhone home screen: https://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-create-website-shortcuts-on-iphone-ipad/ 7) 36th CSUN Conference The keynote address and feature presentations from the 36th CSUN conference are now available on YouTube. Clearly, the CSUN Conference was a going concern before the Tidbits idea was even a glimmer: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB7reFpQdLPP0W40usN3W1zdCVohyzk3t 8) CNET Brings Us "Every Alexa Command You Can Give Your Amazon Echo Smart Speaker or Display" https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/every-alexa-command-you-can-give-your-amazon-echo-smart-speaker-or-display/?PostType=link&ServiceType=twitter&TheTime=2021-03-21T18:51:50&UniqueID=7EBABD5C-8A76-11EB-93DE-2BF439982C1E&ftag=COS-05-10aaa0b 9) Hop into Fusion: A Software Solution for Every-Bunny With the Easter-inspired title, Vispero and American Printing House offer "Hop into Fusion: A Software Solution for Every-Bunny" on GMT Monday, 29 March at 15:30. Register here: https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U0v3d2ZsTba7iS4vel2IKA?utm_content=158946477&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-2382446636 10) WebAIM: Survey of Web Accessibility Practitioners #3 Results https://webaim.org/blog/practitioners-survey-3/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter 11) Words and Names From the First Issue of Tidbits Here are some words and names appearing in the first several issues of Tidbits: Maestro for Pocket PC, Window-Eyes, Windows XP, Windows Vista, FreedomBox, Kurzweil 1000, OpenBook, (those last two are still available for sale but not being developed,) Pac Mate, dial-up Internet, Encarta, and more. 12) Voiceover for the Mac We announced VoiceOver for the Mac when it was released in 2005. Now, here's The ultimate list of Mac keyboard shortcuts: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2020/11/24/mac-keyboard-shortcuts/ 13) A Complete Guide To Accessible Front-End Components Via Smashing Magazine: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2021/03/complete-guide-accessible-front-end-components/ 14) Mailing List For Current and Aspiring Creators of Podcasts: creators-subscribe at theblindpodmaker.com ✉ 15) Refurbished Phones and Laptops Can Save You a Bundle. 5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy From CNET https://www.cnet.com/how-to/refurbished-phones-and-laptops-can-save-you-a-bundle-5-questions-to-ask-before-you-buy/?UniqueID=88F81060-8965-11EB-B506-E4D34744363C&ServiceType=twitter&ftag=COS-05-10aaa0b&TheTime=2021-03-20T10:17:54&PostType=link 16) Talkback We mentioned Talkback for the first time in 2010. Now, the popular Lookout app has gotten an update with more languages and usability improvements: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.accessibility.reveal&hl=en_US&gl=US 17) The Buzzy, Chatty, Out-of-Control Rise of Clubhouse Paul Davison and Rohan Seth's audio-only app is the tech crush of the pandemic. Now comes the hard part: hosting a global gabfest, without the toxicity: https://www.wired.com/story/inside-clubhouse-audio-app-paul-davison-rohan-seth/ 18) Neuroscientists Unveil Tech for the Vision Impaired: Bionic Eyes, Textured Tablets and More There are many, many wearable and portable devices aimed at improving life for the blind and visually impaired (in some cases, even restoring vision). Such devices have been developed for pretty much every part of the body: fingers, wrists, abdomen, chest, face, ears, feet, even the tongue. The thing is—people don't want to wear them: https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/neuroscientists-unveil-tech-for-the-vision-impaired-bionic-eyes-textured-tablets-and-more 19) Introducing the ForAll Accessible El Podcast This Spanish speaking podcast, hosted by Gerardo Corripio Flores, aims to provide the Latin American blind community with those tools, products, services and apps that they need to better their quality of life, be it education, work or leisure: https://podcasts.apple.com/mx/podcast/forall-accesible-el-podcast/id1534983814 20) AI Hearing Aids Optimize Sound in Real Time A software update is coming to an ear near you. Whisper, which develops AI-enabled hearing aids, just announced that they've rolled out the first software upgrade to their Whisper Hearing System, AI-powered hearing aids that improve over time: https://www.zdnet.com/article/ai-hearing-aid-optimizes-sound-in-real-time/ 21) RightHear Orientation App For The Blind - A Future Echo For Accessible Indoor Spaces RightHear's technology pairs a smartphone app with strategically placed Bluetooth beacons or accessible spots to provide detailed and customizable audio wayfinding information for all manner of public indoor environments: https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2021/03/17/righthear-orientation-app-for-the-blind--a-future-echo-for-accessible-indoor-spaces/?sh=57d219313b18 22) What to Know About Starbucks' New Technology Service That Helps Blind and Low-Vision Customers The coffee chain will also rollout new large print and Braille menus: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Food/starbucks-technology-service-helps-blind-low-vision-customers/story?id=76418800 23) New Neuroscience-Driven Multisensory Technologies to Help the Vision Impaired Learn about new research showing how feedback from digital haptics - using the sense of touch coupled with motion - enables the visually impaired to easily learn about new objects and spaces. It's just one way researchers are leveraging all the human senses to develop new technology for vision rehabilitation: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/cns-nnm031221.php ➜ Podcasts 1) Braillecast 18 | Advocating for Braille in the Wider World March 16th 2021 | This session talked through advocacy strategies that you can use to facilitate access to braille in the wider world. This includes having healthcare and other personal communication sent to you in braille, as well as advocating for braille signage in public places: https://www.braillecast.com/podcast/ 2) Blind Tech Guys 78 | Art And Tech Intersect March 16th 2021 | On this week's pod, Clare McLaughlin, an artist from Ireland, joined us to discuss her project, Seen – Unseen and we interviewed Brendan Lewis, President and Director of Business Development, with RealThing AI, to talk about RealSAM, which allows you access to various libraries: https://www.blindtechguys.com/78 3) Be My Eyes Podcast | Growing Up Blind With A Sighted Mom March 18th 2021 https://www.bemyeyes.com/podcasts/growing-up-blind-with-a-sighted-mom 4) Hadley Presents: A Conversation With The Experts | Well Connected Call-In Community for Older Adults March 19th 2021 In this episode we sit down with the director of Well Connected, an organization that offers free, call-in groups for adults over 60 on a wide variety of interest areas: games, music, meditation and more: https://hadley.edu/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/well-connected-call-community-older-adults 5) Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther 21 | Sled Dogs and Mushing Blind March 19th 2021 Episode 21 is all about sled dogs and mushing blind. Rachael Scdoris has done just that - four times as an Edytarod competitor. Learn how Rachael took her love of dog mushing to the competitive level and has since made it her business: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/outdoors-with-lawrence-gunther/id1530444764 6) Say My Meme 8 | Take Me Home Mario March 19th 2021 | Sometimes memes must be sung. On this episode, a listener named Violet gives us a sparkling rendition of the John Denver - Super Mario mashup: "Take Me Home, Rainbow Road." https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/say-my-meme/id1554583264 7) Blind Android Users 15 | Manage Your Files, Battery and Chat with GoneMAD Music Player March 21st 2021 | We inform our listeners about the launch of our new YouTube Channel on which we will upload all our podcast episodes. In our Android Basics section we talk about file management on Android, including the best File Management apps. We also talk about battery management and how to get the most of a single charge. In our In Focus Section this week we are joined by Kyle Hunsberger from GoneMad Software, LLC to discuss his very popular and accessible app, GoneMad Music Player. In our App of the Week Section we demo the Gone Mad Music Player App. And in our My Android Journey Section Mariam Mohsen discusses her android Journey and how she got started with Android: https://blindandroidusers.com 8) Eyes on Success 2113 | Understanding Your Body March 24th 2021 | Krishna Washburn is a professional ballet dancer and instructor who runs Dark Room Ballet. She believes that visually impaired people could benefit from having a better understanding of how their bodies and body parts work. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with her about her instructional methods as well as how her on-line classes work: https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show%20notes/show%20notes%202113.htm ➜ Webinars and Training Courses (Upcoming) 1) Mystic Access: Free Question and Answer Session About Evo E10 DAISY Media Player March 26th 2021 | 5:30PM PT, 6:30PM MT, 7:30PM CT, 8:30PM ET, 12:30AM GMT https://mysticaccess.zoom.us/j/87625412547?pwd=YkFLNFBVWk5VenJxaEdEY3h6M09yUT09 2) Mystic Access: Extend Your Browser With Browser Extensions March 27th 2021 | 5:30PM PT, 6:30PM MT, 7:30PM CT, 8:30PM ET, 12:30 AM GMT | A Mystic Access free event. Here is the link to attend: https://mysticaccess.zoom.us/j/84337036730?pwd=cGZ6amdQZWpkV2d6ZmMrU1I5cGYvdz09 3) Free Training Course from Humanware and the California School for the Blind (CSB) | BrailleNote Touch Plus Notetaker for Students, Teachers and Families March 31st 2021 | 3:30 PM PT, 4:30 PM MT, 5:30 PM CT, 6:30 PM ET, 11:30 PM GMT | Presented by: Rachel Feinberg, West Coast Blindness Product Specialist on behalf of HumanWare Technologies. The format of the training will be primarily question and answer. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzzuwVaRWiWtgsBmN_XPYsihhJ8b_vXAc8eYCV19CJrwNfcQ/viewform 4) TPGi Webinar | Accessibility and Higher Education Institutions: What You Need to Know March 31st 2021 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Join Brian Landrigan from TPGi and special guest Jeff Mills, founder of GrackleDocs, for a webinar on how higher education institutions can achieve their accessibility goals: https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-march-31-accessibility-and-higher-education-institutions-what-you-need-to-know/ 5) TravelAbility Launches the World's First Pitchfest Featuring Adaptive Technology + Products from 9 Countries April 1st 2021 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | TravelAbility LaunchPad will be the first of four TravelAbility events in 2021. TravelAbility is sponsored by Google, Expedia, AccessiBe and Design Sensory. Think "Shark Tank" at the intersection of travel and disability. LaunchPad will be promoted internationally to provide exposure to prospective investors, grant funders and travel industry professionals that may become possible distribution partners. Registration is $195. Check out the agenda and register here: http://travelability.net/agenda/ 6) Technology User Group (TUG) Voice Dream Suite Demonstration April 10th 2021 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | Voice Dream Suite is a suite of products that work with your smart devices and offer a scanner for OCR, a reader for many types of documentation, and a writer for creating documents and letters. What sets the Voice Dream Suite apart from similar apps is ease of use. Voice Dream Suite is not free, so you will need to decide if the cost is worth the benefit. You do not have to RSVP for this event. The presentation will last about 90 minutes and may be joined by calling: (319) 527-4994 ☎ 7) TPGi Webinar | ARC Test Initiatives & the API: Aligning Accessibility Goals with DevOps to Achieve More April 20th 2021 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT | Are you fed up with remediating accessibility issues after they crop up during integration testing? Have you found it difficult to prevent and resolve accessibility issues at the earliest stages of software development? Join Kurt Mattes, Senior Accessibility Engineer with TPGi's ARC Platform, to learn about ARC's Test Initiatives and API. https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-april-20-arc-test-initiatives-the-api-aligning-accessibility-goals-with-devops-to-achieve-more/ 8) Microsoft 2021 Ability Summit May 5th & 6th 2021 | The Microsoft Ability Summit is a two-day, free digital event experience that brings together people with disabilities, allies, and accessibility professionals to Imagine, Build, Include, and Empower the future of disability inclusion and accessibility. We encourage all to join and spread the word. Registration will open in March. In the meantime, learn more and check out the Ability Summit 2021 announcement video here: https://sway.office.com/Dbr2Uz14PIn31Dq8 9) National Federation of the Blind 2021 National Convention July 6th 2021 through July 10th 2021 | Register for free to attend the largest gathering of blind people and take advantage of the opportunity to network with thousands of blind role models, connect with leaders in the field of blindness, attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics, and learn about the latest in technology and innovation. Learn more and register here: https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention ➜ Press Releases and Other News 1) Guide Dogs for the Blind to Unleash Virtual Workshops for Children and Teens Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) has a new program coming out of the starting blocks in April, when it launches "Ready, Set, FORWARD", a series of virtual workshops about the guide dog lifestyle aimed at youth who are blind or visually impaired: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210310005222/en/Guide-Dogs-for-the-Blind-to-Unleash-Virtual-Workshops-for-Children-and-Teens-Who-Are-Blind-or-Visually-Impaired 2) National Braille Press, LightHouse of San Francisco, University of Alabama Huntsville Launch the Accessible Graphics Consortium The primary goal of the AGC is to promote greater tactile graphic literacy through research, improved production methods, and curriculum development: https://www.prweb.com/releases/national_braille_press_lighthouse_of_san_francisco_university_of_alabama_huntsville_launch_the_accessible_graphics_consortium/prweb17768635.htm 3) Sight-Loss Charity Creates Scents of The Gruffalo to Help Visually Impaired Children Connect to Story Time Sight-loss charity Guide Dogs has bought a popular children's book to life by creating and releasing the smell of The Gruffalo, and the four other characters, Mouse, Fox, Owl and Snake: https://www.daynurseries.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1644998/sight-loss-charity-create-scents-of-the-gruffalo-to-help-visually-impaired-children-connect-to-storytime 4) This Shopping Cart is Designed for People Who are Visually Impaired (Video) This shopping cart aims to allow people who are visually impaired to shop independently. Anna Frederikse, a young designer from New Jersey has created SONA, a prototype shopping cart that involves a special handle to provide voice commands and haptic signals for shoppers to navigate the store: https://news.yahoo.com/shopping-cart-designed-people-visually-212043138.html 5) Blind Taxi Passenger Dropped Off At Wrong Location And Left To Fend For Herself Victoria Nolan, a blind rower training for the Paralympics, was able to hold it together when she was dropped off by a taxi driver in the wrong location with no idea where she was because it’s not the first time she’s had an upsetting experience with a taxi: https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/328313/Blind-taxi-passenger-dropped-off-in-wrong-location-left-to-fend-for-herself 6) Vaccine Rollout Leaves Behind the Blind, Paralyzed, Autistic Millions of Americans with disabilities are being overlooked during the pandemic recovery, stuck at home without therapy or social programs, and struggling to book Covid-19 vaccinations: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-18/disabled-citizens-left-behind-in-u-s-push-to-overcome-pandemic 7) American Council of the Blind Strives for Accessible and Incluside Currency According to recent press reports, as well as statements from the White House Press Office, the Biden Administration is considering accelerating the redesign of the $20 bill to incorporate a picture of Harriet Tubman. The Council welcomes such a redesign, provided that the newly redesigned bill incorporates an accessibility feature for the blind and visually impaired: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acb-supports-accessible-and-inclusive-currency-301237697.html 8) 'Bonocle' Invention to Give Visually-Impaired Access to 2022 World Cup Using Braille The invention, named 'Bonocle' is a product of the The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy's flagship innovation programme, Challenge 22, and works to convert digital content into Braille, which allows fans with visual impairments to access content: https://www.dohanews.co/bonocle-invention-to-give-visually-impaired-access-to-2022-world-cup-using-braille/ ➜ Buy, Sell or Trade 1) FOR SALE: One Humanware Braillenote Touch+ 32 Listing Date: 3/25/2021 | Price: $4,850.00 USD | Condition: Gently used. | Description: Rarely used like new. Proprietary keysoft and Android software. Braille keyboard, touch screen & speech output. Wireless and Bluetooth capability. Google Playstore. Original packaging with charger, earbuds & quick reference manual. Free US shipping. | Contact: ccldmac2367 at gmail.com ✉ or (781) 883-1076 ☎ | 1) 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: Donna Jodhan ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: Donna Jodhan is a sight loss coach with a lot of hands on experience, knowledge, and expertise! She is ready to help persons with sight loss to adjust and transition! She knows how to help the toddler to the senior! Donna also consults with families and friendsof persons with sight loss! Visit Donna at: https://www.donnajodhan.com/. Author, Donna Jodhan Publications President, Sterling Creations President, Barrier Free Canada / Canada sans Barrieres Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Website: https://www.donnajodhan.com/ 🌐 Donate: https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan ❤ About: My name is Donna J. Jodhan and I have been blind all my life, but that has not prevented me from living independently as someone who takes care of my own home and garden, travels regularly for my job, and runs my own business. I am an entrepreneur, blogger, author, audio mystery writer, advocate, podcaster, and law student. I enjoy cooking, ice skating, playing chess, composing on my electronic keyboard, and communicating with nature. Sponsor: Dean Martineau ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: 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: APH ConnectCenter ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: VisionAware Resources: Low Vision Exam What is it? Who Needs it? What comes next? Join Dr. Alexis G. Malkin of the New England College of Optometry and David Bradburn of HumanWare on March 31st at 2:00 PM EST as they explore the difference between a regular eye exam and a low vision exam and discuss low vision aids or devices to help with hobbies and daily activities: 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 ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: 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/070120211100-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. Sponsor: Dolphin Computer Access ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: Introducing SuperNova Kiosks Deliver a positive experience to all of your customers by making your self-service stations accessible for all levels of sight. Choose SuperNova Kiosks and empower people with partial sight to explore the screen in comfort and provide complete access for people who are blind. Learn more about SuprNova Kiosks at: https://yourdolphin.com/en-gb/supernova-kiosks Sponsor Since: January 28th 2021 Website: https://yourdolphin.com/ 🌐 Phone (USA & Canada): +1 (866) 797-5921 ☎ Phone (UK, Europe & Asia): +44 01905 754577 ☎ Phone (Nordic & Baltic Contries): +46 0515 82175 ☎ Download a FREE 30-Day Trial of GuideConnect GuideConnect Trial Download a FREE 30-Day Trial of SuperNova SuperNova Trial About: Dolphin Computer Access offers a wide array of solutions for students, people in the workforce, and at home who are blind, visually impaired or have dyslexia. Each product is purposefully designed to help users, with varying levels of technology experience, do everyday things EASILY on computers and tablets. Founded in 1986 and located in Worcester England, Dolphin has grown to become a global market leader worldwide. Sponsor: Vorail ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: The true beauty of a person lies within and if you hear our voices, you'll quickly understand. 24-hour peer-to-peer tech support in voice, and much more. Get answers to just about anything you need to know, whether it is blindness related or not, and make incredible friends. Follow who you like, mute those you don't. We're not alone in this blindness thing. Ask-alls range from "How to do X from an accessibility standpoint?" to "What do you keep in your bed other than yourself?" to "What word would you use to describe 2020? to "What word to describe your hopes for 2021?". Vorail is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. https://vorail.com/toptechtidbits Sponsor Since: January 21st 2021 Website: https://www.vorail.com/toptechtidbits/ 🌐 Download The App (iOS): Vorail for iOS - From the Apple App Store 📱 Download The App (Android): Vorail for Android - From the Google Play Store 📱 Mission: Vorail is the only platform in the world for the low vision and blind community where everybody can join conversations by voice on equal footing. Every day members of the Vorail community create ask-alls (questions) about life (news, health, technology, religion, sports and more) that allow us to see the world differently, and connect in a way that is deeper than 'liking' a photo. Vorail is an audio-only experience, voice is the window into a human soul. It does not matter if you are tall, short, wide, thin, white, or black when nobody sees your picture. Without the visuals, what counts is who you are, the person inside. That is the mission of Vorail, to create an extended family where we are judged for who we are, not what we look like. Sponsor: Be My Eyes ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: 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 ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: 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) ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: Where does your imagination take you? Embark on an audio adventure with APH and Audiojack - an app for iOS and Android devices, comprised only of sound designs that tell a story for your imagination! Perfect for all ages, Audiojack's sound-based movies promote fun and creativity in educational, medical, and therapeutic settings. Choose from a variety of categories and activities to suit your needs. Learn more at: https://www.aph.org/product/audiojack/ 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 ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: GuideLights And Gadgets Our new Non-Contact Infrared Talking Thermometer is by far the most consistent and accurate today; along with new talking BP cuff and wrist models. Demos and audio walk-throughs: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us. New Evo 10 Media and Daisy Players back in stock, no BARD, but lots more: audio editor, Ivona voices, Internet radio and podcatcher; $230.00. Now that spring is here take your Orbit Writer with you protect$ by our own mobile use case: $35.00. And bag specials always when you call, AND doggy toys too. | Call Barry: (617) 969-7500 ☎; bscheur at scheur.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: guidelights.and.gadgets 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 ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: 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: John Panarese ➜ This Week's Classified Ad: John Panarese, Apple Certified Support Professional, Apple Certified Trainer No need to be afraid of Apple technology! John Panarese has the perfect solution for you! Visit https://www.macfortheblind.com. Director, https://www.MacForTheBlind.com Authorized Apple Business Affiliate Apple Certified Support Professional Apple Certified Trainer Assistive Technology Consultant Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Website: https://www.macfortheblind.com/ 🌐 Donate Course Time: https://donorbox.org/macfortheblind ❤ Email: john at macfortheblind.com ✉ About: Macfortheblind.com is a place specifically for blind people who are either users or potential users of Macintosh computers or iOS devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, Apple Watch and Apple TV. I am a blind individual who has used the Mac ever since VoiceOver became available in OS 10.4 Tiger, and I own an iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Book Pro laptop computer, an iPhone 6S, an iPad Air, an Apple Watch and an Apple TV 4th Generation. In addition, I am an Authorized Apple Business Affiliate, and as an Apple Certified Support Professional and an Apple Certified Trainer, I offer training and technical support for individuals, agencies and organizations on the mac and all iDevices, as well as offering assistive technology consulting. Your Name Here 0 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 currently  0  of these  12  packages available. 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