[Electronics-Talk] Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 4, 2022 - Volume 870

[Top Tech Tidbits]

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 4, 2022 - Volume 870 Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, August 4, 2022 - Volume 870 The Week's News in Adaptive Technology https://toptechtidbits.com/ A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication https://mvsltd.com/ 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 online at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/tidbits2022/08042022/. Share: Share this volume of Top Tech Tidbits on Facebook: http://bit.ly/sharetidbits870. 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. Subscribers: 7,381 opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email. 126 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Learn How To Code And Launch Your Career With Free, Accessible Courses From Fable Pathways Frustrated with inaccessible online learning? Us too. That's why we launched Fable Pathways, a free, accessible, self-paced skill-building program for people with disabilities interested in working in the tech sector. Spend less time trying to access on-line learning and focus on gaining the skills that you need to advance your career. Explore topics from web development to management with industry professionals with disabilities who know what it takes to become experts in their fields. Get your career in the tech industry started today with free, accessible, skill building from Fable Pathways. Unlock your free learning at: https://hubs.ly/Q01j9JBm0. Dear Rolando, 1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week A.) Everything New With Siri and Dictation in iOS 16 (9.7% of all clicks.) This guide outlines everything that's new with Siri, plus details on the updates to Dictation: https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-16-siri/ B.) Apple's New Dictation Feature Changes Everything For Writers (9.4% of all clicks.) Favorite Features: Auto-punctuation, select and replace with voice, and a hybrid voice-keyboard experience: https://medium.com/swlh/apples-new-dictation-feature-changes-everything-for-writers-a0bc06be50e5 C.) What's New in JAWS 2022 Screen Reading Software | July 2022 (7.8% of all clicks.) https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/JAWS/JAWSWhatsNew#Enhancements D.) JAWS with Microsoft Office Power Tip: Outlook 365 and the Focused Inbox (7.7% of all clicks.) Courtesy of Freedom Scientific: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/102.html E.) Review: The Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro by Breville | Wired (4.8% of all clicks.) Breville's new countertop air fryer oven can be controlled by a mobile app. Unlike with many other connected appliances, that's a good thing: https://www.wired.com/review/breville-joule-oven-air-fryer-pro/ 2) Top Tech Tidbits Welcomes Aira Please join us in offering a warm Tidbits welcome to Aira, who has so very graciously agreed to support the distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication via sponsorship for the next year. Aira is a service that connects people who are blind or have low vision to highly trained, remotely-located human agents. Through an app on your smartphone, Aira delivers instant access to visual information at the touch of a button — enhancing everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Download the Aira app today and try it for free: Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aira/id1071584352 Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.aira.smart&hl=en_US&gl=US 3) One Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Package Currently Available I am very happy to report that our waiting list has been cleared and there is currently one sponsorship package available to any potential Sponsor that might wish to secure it. So if you've been thinking about joining us, now is the perfect opportunity. If you're not sure if Tidbits is the right fit for your business or organization I encourage you to consider a quarterly trial. After 3 months of exposure in Tidbits you can decide for yourself the true value of a Sponsorship position. The first potential sponsor to reach out to publisher at toptechtidbits.com will be provided with links to secure a package. You will be able to choose between our $325 per quarter option or our $1200 per year option. Please note that you will only have 72 hours to secure your package by paying for it before it will be offered to the next potential sponsor on our waiting list, if there is a waiting list at the time. When there is not, we will always keep your invoices active until there is. Please consider joining us. Become one of the 18 industry leaders that support the world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in adaptive technology while enjoying some really incredible benefits: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-information.html 4) Dolphin SuperNova with Microsoft Office Power Tip: Accessing The Office Quick Access Toolbar Courtesy of Dolphin Computer Access: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/106.html 5) Reader Review: Ice Cube Trays With Covers Courtesy of Donna Jodhan, Top Tech Tidbits Reader: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/105.html 6) PDF Accessibility Auto-Tag Adobe is experimenting with a service to auto-tag PDFs for accessibility for its customers. If you want to join the early access program, complete their Early Access Program — Intake Questionnaire at: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Wht7-jR7h0OUrtLBeN7O4W2e3DfyxtBEu1EvkmM_xbRURVJHNDRFMkFFMjZBU0Y3N1BWVzZTVUY1MC4u 7) TikTok Rolls Out New Accessibility And Translation Tools To Bring Its Content To More Users TikTok is bringing auto-generated captions and language translation options: https://techcrunch.com/2022/07/21/tiktok-new-accessibility-translation-tools/ 8) Twitter Is Improving Its Accessibility Features - But There's More Work To Be Done We've written about image descriptions on Twitter previously. TechRadar asks why this feature isn't on by default: https://www.techradar.com/news/twitter-is-improving-its-accessibility-features-but-theres-more-work-to-be-done 9) New Blind Cloud Computing Discussion List The Blind Cloud Computing List is for those wishing to learn how to build and manage cloud environments as a blind cloud computing professional or if you simply want to learn just what cloud computing is, its advantages it has for individuals and organizations, and how to learn to build and manage a cloud infrastructure under various operating systems such as Android, iOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows. We also invite those charged with insuring that cloud platforms and their resources are accessible to and usable by blind cloud professionals. To subscribe to the Blind Cloud Computing List send an e-mail message to: https://blindcloudcomputing+subscribe@googlegroups.com ✉ 10) NV Access In-Process for July 27th 2022 https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-27th-july-2022/ 11) For Readers With Qualifying Print Disabilities: Downloading Books From The Internet Archive | David Goldfield | Tech-VI List Some really great information on this topic from David Goldfield himself: https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/2417 12) Tidbits Reader and PhD Candidate Rachelle Morissette Asks For Help From Tidbits Readers Hello! My name is Rachelle Morissette. I'm a PhD candidate in Information Systems at the University of Pittsburgh. I'm looking for volunteers to participate in a research study titled "Internet decision making by users with visual impairments" (IDMUVI). The purpose of this study is to examine how people with visual impairments make decisions about search results and websites. To do that, I will be interviewing participants and asking them questions regarding their thought processes and preferences when browsing online. It will also include information about their background (e.g., age, race, gender, level of vision), as well as their opinions and experiences using websites. The interview process is expected to take between 45 minutes to one hour to complete. I'm looking for willing participants who are 18 years of age or older, have a level of vision that would be considered low vision or blindness, go online daily or almost daily, and use assistive technology to go online. Each participant will receive $15 as compensation via an Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation. There are no foreseeable risks associated with this project, nor are there any direct benefits to you. Any participation in this study is voluntary and participants may withdraw at any time with no effect on their relationship with the University of Pittsburgh. If you are interested in participating, please contact me by phone at (412) 339-0169 ☎ or email at katzvistudy at pitt.edu ✉. Thank you! 13) The BlindShell Accessible Cell Phone with Tactile Buttons is Growing to Meet the Needs of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Yes, Tactile Buttons on a Smart Phone! Did we mention Aira? Yup, Aira! | Blind Abilities Podcast One of our Partners, Blind Abilities Podcast, welcomes guests from BlindShell USA as they talk about the latest update to the BlindShell Accessible Cell Phone Classic 2: https://blindabilities.com/?p=7491 14) APH Announces PageBlaster Extended Warranty Extended warranties are now available for PageBlaster embossers. Created through a partnership with HumanWare, this powerful embosser for continuous fanfold paper can be purchased with Federal Quota funds: https://www.aph.org/announcing-the-pageblaster-extended-warranty/ 15) InclusionHub Launches Podcast Tackling Digital Inaccessibility & Non-Inclusion To commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law, online digital accessibility and inclusion resource directory InclusionHub has released the inaugural episode of a podcast series devoted to exposing the truth behind the current state of the web, and searching for meaningful solutions: https://www.yahoo.com/now/inclusionhub-launches-podcast-tackling-digital-133000629.html 16) Freedom Scientific August 2022 Training Events The Freedom Scientific training team offers ongoing opportunities for you to advance your skills: https://blog.freedomscientific.com/join-us-for-our-august-2022-training-events/ 17) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for July 2022 https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-july-2022 18) Help Us To Test LibreOffice 7.4 RC2 The LibreOffice Quality Assurance (QA) Team is happy to announce that LibreOffice 7.4 Release Candidate 2 (RC2) is available for testing: https://qa.blog.documentfoundation.org/2022/08/01/help-us-to-test-libreoffice-7-4-rc2/ 19) Free Online Spell Checker This submission comes to us from a Tidbits reader. This tool allows you to check spelling by URL or text insertion and offers several other features: https://www.websiteplanet.com/webtools/spell-checker/ 20) It's A Boat! It's A Tank! It's The Physical Description Of The Nokia X100 Budget Phone | The Thoughts and Ramblings of Steve https://steves.life/2022/07/27/its-a-boat-its-a-tank-its-the-physical-description-of-the-nokia-x100-budget-phone/ 21) Winamp 5.9 RC1 Has Been Released Last year, we reported that Winamp would be making a comeback soon. Well, it's here. Winamp 5.9 RC1 has been released. This is the first update for the popular music player since Winamp 5.8 beta, that was released in 2018. Learn what's new and what's in store: https://www.ghacks.net/2022/07/29/winamp-5-9-rc1-has-been-released/ 22) Android 13 Beta Is Now Live For The Google Pixel 6a Despite only being out for less than a week, the Google Pixel 6a is getting a welcome update. Google has released the Android 13 Beta, which is now available for download on the Pixel 6a. The update isn't a major one when it comes to looks, but it does bring a wealth of new features and minor cosmetic changes: https://www.xda-developers.com/android-13-beta-for-the-google-pixel-6a/ 23) New Facebook Group: Surveys And Research Opportunities For The Blind And Visually Impaired This update comes to us from Top Tech Tidbits reader Adrijana Propenko. This group is designed to help people who do research and surveys for the blind connect with blind and visually impaired people. If you are blind or visually impaired and want to connect to people who do paid or free research and surveys regarding the blind or visually impaired, or are someone who does this type of research, you can find our Facebook Group by searching for: Surveys and Research Opportunities for the Blind or Visually Impaired, or by clicking the link below and opening the Join Group button: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1119297175660163?view=group 24) 3 Ways to Hear Dialogue Better on TV Do you have a hard time hearing characters over big action sequences? Below, we're breaking down a few ways you can improve the intake of dialogue on TV ranging from adjusting your settings to using headphones: https://www.tvinsider.com/1052014/fix-tv-sound-dialogue-settings-soundbar/ 25) How to Access and Change Your Wi-Fi Router's Settings Here's how to sign into a router to change your network's name, password, and other information: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-access-your-wi-fi-routers-settings 26) Accessibility Overlays Make The Web Worse, Not Better | New York Times A recent article written by Amanda Morris at the New York Times titled: 'For Blind Internet Users, the Fix Can Be Worse Than the Flaws,' has sparked conversation in the digital access industry about the benefits and issues of accessibility overlays: https://www.accessibility.org.au/accessibility-overlays-make-the-web-worse-not-better-new-york-times/ 27) The Tongue: How One Of The Body's Most Sensitive Organs Is Helping Blind People 'See' Ever wondered why kissing feels better than holding hands? The tongue is a pretty incredible piece of kit, though notoriously difficult to study, due to its position inside the mouth. Obviously, it gives us access to the wonderful world of taste, but more than that, it has greater sensitivity to touch than the fingertip. Without it, we aren't able to speak, sing, breathe efficiently or swallow delicious beverages. So why don't we use it even more? My new study investigates how to make the most of this strange organ — potentially as an interface to help people with visual impairments navigate and even exercise: https://theconversation.com/the-tongue-how-one-of-the-bodys-most-sensitive-organs-is-helping-blind-people-see-182441 28) 'A Dream Come True': The Dane County Organization Making Baseball Accessible An example of accessible baseball: https://www.wkow.com/news/a-dream-come-true-the-dane-county-organization-making-baseball-accessible/article_e15de6ae-08a2-11ed-8331-3f151c088335.html 29) 2022 National Beep Baseball World Series We would like to congratulate the Indi Edge on their 2022 Beep Baseball World Series win: https://www.nbba.org/2022ws/ And, if you would like to participate as a player, coach, or volunteer, you can contact the team nearest you at: https://www.nbba.org/teams/ ➜ Press Releases and Other News ✍ Submit your adaptive technology-related Press Release or news item for consideration within this section using this form: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/submit-tidbit or locate "Tidbit Submission Form" within the main menu of the Top Tech Tidbits website. 1) AccessReady Reporter | Issue 29 | July 28th 2022 The Reporter Newsletter is a service of Access Ready Inc. which is an independent, non-profit, cross-disability education and advocacy organization promoting a policy of inclusion and accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT). For people with disabilities, accessible information and communications technology is a necessity, not a luxury or a convenience, which fosters independence, economic self-sufficiency, and active, meaningful participation in civic life:. https://accessreadyreporter.org/issue-29-july-28-2022.html 2) Beyoncé Changing Lyrics Over Disability Concerns This is the second artist in a month to change Lyrics because of ablest language: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2022/08/02/beyonce-changing-lyrics-over-disability-concerns/29968/ 3) For People With A Different Way Of Thinking, A Different Approach To Hiring Mastercard recently introduced a pilot program geared toward employment of more neurodiverse people: https://www.mastercard.com/news/perspectives/2022/supporting-neurodiversity-in-the-workforce/ 4) Aussie Tech To Help The Blind Read Screens Hits US Brisbane-based blind inventors Michael Curran and James Teh have signed up Texas State University to use their free screen reading software NVDA, marking a milestone for the open-sourced not-for-profit: https://www.afr.com/technology/aussie-tech-to-help-the-blind-read-screens-hits-us-20220715-p5b1w3 5) The Good, the Bad, and the Current Landscape of COVID-19 At-Home Test Accessibility The pandemic has exposed many life-threatening inequities in many "systems" for people who have disabilities, including blindness or low vision. In early 2022, the New York Times published a story with the headline: 'Covid Tests Inaccessible to the Blind', highlighting one issue in a series of serious issues that have arisen for people who are blind or low vision. Furthermore, The Flatten Inaccessibility Study, conducted during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, documented many of the challenges those who are blind or low vision faced. Let's look at the potential inequities surrounding COVID-19, the process of obtaining an in-home test kit, the accessibility of test kits, and how accessibility is evolving and improving: https://visionaware.org/blog/visionaware-blog/the-good-the-bad-and-the-current-landscape-of-covid-19-at-home-test-accessibility/ 6) Two New Bots Can Help Newsrooms Prioritize Accessibility And Alt Text With more than a decade of experience in visual journalism, user experience, and front-end development, Patrick Garvin shares how prioritizing accessibility is possible for all newsroom employees, not just tech staff: https://www.niemanlab.org/2022/07/two-new-bots-can-help-newsrooms-prioritize-accessibility-and-alt-text/ 7) How A Visual Language Evolves As Our World Does Ubiquitous video technology and social media have given deaf people a new way to communicate. They're using it to transform American Sign Language: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/07/26/us/american-sign-language-changes.html 8) How AI Is Being Used To Help Blind Students 'Visualize' Graphs And Charts Roll back the decades, or for the more youthful, a shorter few years, and reflect for a moment on the foundational educational importance of being able to interpret graphs and charts from early high school years onwards. Imagine then, the experience of young learners with sight loss who, when undertaking vital education in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects, lack even a frame of reference for what a graph or chart is in the first place — let alone the data that it relays: https://www.forbes.com/sites/gusalexiou/2022/07/27/how-ai-is-being-used-to-help-blind-students-visualize-graphs-and-charts/?sh=390f3b442c6d 9) Researchers Win Prize For Software That Makes Self-Driving Cars More Accessible The VEMI lab at the University of Maine earned third place in a national competition and an invitation to the White House for developing an inclusive smartphone software platform that will provide navigational assistance to people with visual impairment and seniors who want to use self-driving cars for ride-sharing and hailing services: https://coolblindtech.com/researchers-win-prize-for-software-that-makes-self-driving-cars-more-accessible/ 10) Republicans Mock VP Harris For Offering Visual Description At Meeting With Disability Advocates Vice President Kamala Harris was mocked by Republicans seizing on her introduction at a roundtable for disability advocates to mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Harris told the group gathered at the White House that her pronouns are she and her, and she described what she was wearing. The clip went viral in conservative circles, with the Republican Party and GOP members of Congress joining in to ridicule Harris: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/07/27/harris-gop-disability-blind/10164235002/ 11) Spotify Paid Over $120 Million for DIY Audiobook Platform Findaway The acquisition marks the music streaming giant's ambitions to become the world's leading audio platform, bringing music, podcast and audiobook streaming under one roof. Adding audiobooks to Spotify's ever-growing library would allow the streaming service to bring in a new base of content creators and listeners to the service: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/spotify-paid-120-million-to-acquire-an-audiobook-platform/#ftag=CAD590a51e 12) 'Talking' Glasses: How An Artificial Intelligence Device Helps Blind Students In Brazil | Innovation "People don't always understand me. Few can really know what inclusion is. For me, having a technology that allows me to read different books by turning words into audio has brought me more confidence, security and independence". The testimony is from student Kayenne Alves, 16 years old, resident of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Visually impaired since she was born, the student at the Federal Institute of Mato Grosso (IFMT) received something from the institution that, according to her, has made her progress in her studies since April: the artificial intelligence device called Orcam MyEye: https://thegoaspotlight.com/2022/07/28/talking-glasses-how-an-artificial-intelligence-device-helps-blind-students-in-brazil-innovation/ 13) Building a More Accessible Social Virtual Reality World Imagine trying to navigate a virtual space without being able to see the objects in it. If a host tells everyone to move to the outside space and you can't see where is outside and where is inside in the virtual world, then how do you do that? https://equalentry.com/accessibility-social-virtual-reality-a11yvr/ 14) A Blind Researcher Making A More Accessible World Joshua Miele has spent his career trying to make the world more accessible for blind and visually impaired people. As a blind person, his lived experiences have shaped the way he thinks about technology and how it can be used to better serve disabled people. He's invented products like YouDescribe — a tool that adds audio description to YouTube videos — and Tactile Maps Automated Production, a software that creates tactile maps for people to feel: https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/joshua-miele-adaptive-technology/ 15) Caught On Camera: Visually Impaired Woman, Service Animal Denied Uber Ride Melisa Licon was born with a visual impairment, she has low vision but is legally blind. The number of times she's been denied rides by Uber drivers, she said, is frequent. So, she began recording the incidents: https://kdvr.com/news/local/caught-on-camera-visually-impaired-woman-service-animal-denied-uber-ride/ 16) Promoting Workplace Equity Through Inclusive Innovation: What's New In Microsoft 365 Accessibility For Summer 2022 Last week, we celebrated the thirty-second anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The ADA helps ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. At Microsoft, we support the ADA's goal by developing products and features that help our customers drive greater accessibility and inclusion across their organizations, especially as so many transition to hybrid and remote work. This summer, we've continued to push forward in three key areas crucial to inclusion in the hybrid workplace: making meetings more accessible to all, providing more flexible and streamlined options for creating and consuming content, and supporting mental health and neurodiversity through features that give you greater control over time and tasks: https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/whats-new-in-microsoft-365-accessibility-for-summer-2022/ ➜ Surveys ✍ Submit your adaptive technology-related survey for consideration within this section using this form: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/submit-survey or locate "Survey Submission Form" within the main menu of the Top Tech Tidbits website. 1) Surveys: From APH Surveys help inform APH of the greatest needs in the community so they can gear their efforts toward making sure those needs are met. Ongoing APH surveys can be found here: https://www.aph.org/rd/get-involved/surveys/ 2) Survey: Internet Decision Making By Users With Visual Impairments" (IDMUVI) Closes: August 25th 2022 Tidbits Reader and PhD Candidate Rachelle Morissette Asks For Help From Other Tidbits Readers. Hello! My name is Rachelle Morissette. I'm a PhD candidate in Information Systems at the University of Pittsburgh. I'm looking for volunteers to participate in a research study titled "Internet Decision Making By Users With Visual Impairments" (IDMUVI). The purpose of this study is to examine how people with visual impairments make decisions about search results and websites. To do that, I will be interviewing participants and asking them questions regarding their thought processes and preferences when browsing online. It will also include information about their background (e.g., age, race, gender, level of vision), as well as their opinions and experiences using websites. The interview process is expected to take between 45 minutes to one hour to complete. I'm looking for willing participants who are 18 years of age or older, have a level of vision that would be considered low vision or blindness, go online daily or almost daily, and use assistive technology to go online. Each participant will receive $15 as compensation via an Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation. There are no foreseeable risks associated with this project, nor are there any direct benefits to you. Any participation in this study is voluntary and participants may withdraw at any time with no effect on their relationship with the University of Pittsburgh. If you are interested in participating, please contact me by phone at (412) 339-0169 ☎ or email at katzvistudy at pitt.edu ✉. Thank you! 3) Survey: Recruiting Participants For An In-Person Study About Augmenting Landmark Navigation Using Augmented Reality For Individuals With Low Vision Closes: August 31st 2022 The University of Wisconsin-Madison is recruiting participants for an in-person study on the campus. The purpose of this study is to design a landmark-based navigation system using augmented reality (AR) for people with low vision to help them navigate effectively indoor and outdoor. The only requirements for this study are to be 18 years or older, have low vision, and be able to travel to the UW-Madison campus. The study will take roughly two hours to complete with compensation of 20$/hr and reimbursing up to 30$ of travel expenses. Some tasks you will encounter if you participate in the study are navigating several indoor routes around campus, completing a brainstorming session using a Hololens 2 device, and a short interview about your visual condition and AR Experience. If you have any questions, contact information for the research is present on the survey form. https://forms.gle/nekS8N8xSCGwPWw1A ➜ Featured Podcast Episodes ✍ Submit your adaptive technology-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode or locate "Podcast Episode Submission Form" within the main menu of the Top Tech Tidbits website. 1) BrailleCast 44: Braille Without a Braille Display: Braille Screen Input and More July 5th 2022 2022 | If you have an iPhone, iPad or Android device, it's highly likely that you can braille in grade 2 directly on the touch screen and have it back translated instantly — a perfect replacement for the on screen keyboard. In this episode, Matthew Horspool and special guest Chris Norman demonstrate how this works on both iOS and Android: https://www.braillecast.com/podcast/x044/ 2) FSCast 218: Eric Damery Looks Back on his Career July 27th 2022 | On FSCast 218, Eric Damery joins Glen Gordon for what will probably be the last time. After over 28 years tirelessly advocating for JAWS and other software, and generally always being around to help users who are having problems, he's decided to retire. This time, rather than talking about a new product feature, Eric is here to reflect upon some of the highlights of his career: https://blog.freedomscientific.com/xfscast-218-eric-damery-looks-back-on-his-career/ 3) Airacast Episode 41: The Blind Shell Classic2 Phone July 29th 2022 | Next in our Aira Everywhere series we talk with Diane Ducharme of Blind Shell USA about the Blind Shell Classic2, a tactile phone with many features for those who don't want to use a touch screen. For more information about this phone, on which Aira will appear soon, go to http://blindshellusa.com. To find a dealer outside the US, go to http://blindshell.com/where-to-buy. Listen at: https://pnc.st/s/airacast/feaf7d55/airacast-41-the-blind-shell-classic-2-phone 4) Mosen at Large Episode 190: The Visual Description Debate Goes Viral, More On Abuse At Schools For The Blind, And Remote Incident Manager From Pneuma Solutions July 29th 2022https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/5665ddc2/the-visual-description-debate-goes-viral-more-on-abuse-at-schools-for-the-blind-and-remote-incident-manager-from-pneuma-solutions 5) Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 86: Privacy, Permissions and More July 30th 2022 | In this episode we talk about all things privacy. We talk about a general overview of the privacy settings on Pixel and Samsung phones. We then demo the first 2 options. The accessibility usage and privacy dashboard on Pixel and the Permission Manager on Samsung. For the app of the week, we demo Rumble, a video streaming app. We have part 3 of the 4-finger gesture in the Talkback Highlights. This podcast can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5iI0uwraRqox63JsMm8qytemvu2Nv3h_ 6) Eyes on Success Episode 2231: Marine Biology August 3rd 2022 | Maureen Hayden is completing her PhD in marine biology. With limited vision, she uses a variety of tools to assist her when working in the field, in the lab, as well as to teach. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with her about how she got interested in the subject, how she does her research and how her results will impact the health of the planet. https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show%20notes/show%20notes%202231.htm ➜ Featured Webinars and Training Courses ✍ Submit your adaptive technology-related Webinar or Training Course for consideration within this section using this form: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/submit-webinar-training-course or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Top Tech Tidbits website. 1) Braille Room | ACB Community August 7th 2022 | 3PM PT, 4PM MT, 5PM CT, 6PM ET, 10PM GMT | This webinar is part of a community call. Braille learners, whatever their level, or anyone interested in teaching other persons Braille may get the Zoom info by emailing: comunnity at acb.org ✉ 2) Supporting the Next Billion Users: Personalization & the Web August 9th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | Presenter: Matthew Atkinson, Senior Accessibility Engineer at TPGi, and co-chair of the W3C's Accessible Platform Architectures (APA) working group. Content must be understandable to be accessible. The W3C is working on standards that will help you empower people who may struggle to understand your content and interfaces. In the future, the web will adapt to users' needs. Learn how to use (with technical examples) and shape these exciting emerging developments. Register today: https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-august-9-at-12pm-et-supporting-the-next-billion-users-personalization-the-web/ 3) AT Update 2022 | Job Accomodation Network August 11th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12AM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Are you wondering about what's new in the world of assistive technology (AT)? Are you curious about equipment and technology-related accommodation trends? Do you simply have a love of gadgets? Attend this training for an introduction to new and improved products and a discussion of how to apply them as workplace accommodations. JAN Consultants will discuss new accommodation approaches to a variety of accommodation challenges. Presenters: Teresa Goddard , Lead Consultant — Assistive Technology Services. Matthew McCord , Senior Consultant — Motor Team. Christy McCune , Consultant — Sensory Team: https://askjan.org/events/index.cfm?calview=eventdetails&dtid=E7BA29E3-C79D-7B81-5B1AB0D1629406B4 4) Preparing Access Services for Deaf College Students: Tips and Resources | National Deaf Center August 11th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Are you a disability services professional coordinating access for deaf students at your college or university? The National Deaf Center has a wide variety of tools and strategies to help create an accessible campus environment for deaf students. This presentation is designed to walk through the initial meeting with deaf students and how to engage in the interactive process that will inform effective accommodations. Presenters will also touch on common accommodations used by deaf students as well as our top tips to prepare for the beginning of the semester. NDC's Help Team specialists will also answer commonly asked questions from participants on implementing accommodations and campus-wide policies and procedures to support effective communication access. Participants will leave with NDC resources designed to support working with a variety of deaf students and communication needs. Interpreters and captioning will be provided for this event. Should you need any additional accommodations please email help at nationaldeafcenter.org ✉ at least three (3) business days prior to event date.Can't make it but have questions about working with interpreters, captionists, assistive listening systems and other accommodations commonly used by deaf students? Contact our Help Team today at help at nationaldeafcenter.org ✉ for support. For more information about this webinar or to register: https://www.nationaldeafcenter.org/news/start-your-semester-strong-tips-resources-dss-professionals 5) NaviLens and Apple air Tags | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library August 13th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | Labeling and tracking just got a whole lot easier! Learn how to use these exciting new products. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET: https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx 6) Every Word Counts: Voice And Message Banking For People With ALS | ALS Association August 15th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Webinar for the ALS community to learn about Voice and Message Banking: https://als-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H5bqTdslSZq9nTw_4n3wTA 7) SuperNova Everyday Essential Webinar: Keboard Mapping For More Advanced Users Who Are Using SuperNova With Other Applications August 16th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | Watch the recordings at your leisure or participate live every Tuesday at: https://info.yourdolphin.com/en-us/supernova-everyday-essentials 8) Create Inclusive Customer Experiences: The Basics of Kiosk Accessibility August 17th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | Presenters: Laura Boniello Miller and Traci Murray, Kiosk Accessibility Experts. Creating inclusive and usable experiences does not only apply to your company website or application but also includes digital interfaces one may encounter at a restaurant, healthcare facility, airport, or movie theater, to name a few. More organizations are adopting self-service kiosk technologies to improve their customers' experience in areas such as self-check-in kiosks, self-service lockers, and escape rooms. However, as recent lawsuits suggest, many of these "out of the box" kiosks are not inclusive or usable by people with disabilities. This webinar is focused on helping teams think about creating more accessible and inclusive customer experiences from website to in-person self-serve kiosk engagements. Join Laura Boniello Miller & Traci Murray for this introduction to kiosk accessibility as they discuss the basics of what kiosk deployers should consider before launching their kiosks into the field: https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-august-17-at-12pm-et-create-inclusive-customer-experiences-the-basics-of-kiosk-accessibility/ 9) Video Game Accessibility | Pacer Center | Champions For Children with Disabilities August 17th 2022 | 12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT | Video games provide an opportunity for social inclusion with an individual's peers, but it can be hard when a lack of accessibility creates barriers. This workshop will showcase a variety of ways video games can be made accessible. Features covered will include Closed Captions and different adaptive devices: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vwos7JiLRFWNblafwyVPBQ 10) Essay Writer: a Visual Writing Tool | Call Scotland August 31st 2022 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 3PM GMT | Essay Writer is a visual writing tool for students, which is designed to support the development of organising, writing, and referencing skills. Combining a visual mind map and linear text provokes meaningful learning. The software can help overcome barriers such as weak working memory, slow processing speeds and overwhelming feelings. In this webinar, Helen-Louise Rowe will demonstrate how the application of assistive technology can not only make learning and writing easier but also develop your own skills. Essay Writer utilises writing tools such as, phrase banks, paragraph highlighting and automatic referencing; as well as offering easy ways to completely restructure essays without the worry of losing track and so much more: https://www.callscotland.org.uk/professional-learning/webinars/WEB218/ 11) Pixel Phone | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library September 10th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | Has Android bridged the gap with Apple with this remarkable new device? All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET: https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx 12) Blindness & Diabetes Webinar: Dexcom vs Freestyle Libre | Accessible Pharmacy Services For The Blind September 23rd 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | Blindness and Diabetes Webinar: Dexcom vs Freestyle Libre. Please join Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind and University of Pennsylvania's Diabetes Education Center as we compare Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices available to our blind, deafblind, and low vision patients living with diabetes. We will be discussing differences between Dexcom and Freestyle Libre as well as their accessibility features. This webinar will have captioning and a live ASL interpreter. If you are unable to attend, please register to receive the webinar audio and video via email: https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/blindness-diabetes-webinar-dexcom-vs-freestyle-libre/ 13) iOS 16 Review And Editing Voice Memos | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library October 1st 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | Every year we look for accessibility improvements in our i-devices. See what is new in this latest version of the Apple operating system. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET: https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx 14) AT Gifts for the Holidays | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library November 5th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | Our annual look at gadgets and gizmos that will make your holiday season a successful one. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET: https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx 15) ACB's 2022 Audio Description Awards Gala November 29 2022 | The American Council of the Blind (ACB) proudly announces the second annual Audio Description Awards Gala on November 29, 2022. The Gala will once again celebrate outstanding achievements in audio description in media and expand awareness of its benefits. In recent years there has been enormous success in expanding audio description for audiences who are blind, low vision, or have other sensory disabilities that create barriers to full inclusion in visual media. "The Audio Description Awards Gala will celebrate the best of the best within the art and science of inclusive audio-described media," said Eric Bridges, ACB's Executive Director. "Together we will work to expand awareness of the transformative value that audio description brings to the lives of people with disabilities:" https://acb.org/save-the-date-2022-AD-Awards 16) 20 Websites to Bookmark for 2023 | Technology User Group, Maryland State Library December 10th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | Technology keeps changing and so do the websites that are useful in our everyday lives. Find out why these 20 websites are so important for 2023. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10 AM ET: https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx ➜ Directories 1) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-app-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-game-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Podcast Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-podcast-directory.html ➜ Buy, Sell or Trade ✍ List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5.00 USD. Fill out this short form to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisement today: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/submit-buy-sell-trade or learn more on the Top Tech Tidbits website. 1) FOR SALE: One Focus 40, 5th Generation Braille Display Listing Date: 7/21/2022 | Price: $1,825.00 USD | Condition: New. | Description: Selling a Brand New Freedom Scientific Vispero Focus 40 Blue 5th Generation Braille display and notetaker in retail box with all its new accessories including all software and cords and new premium leather carrying case. Text me anytime. | Contact: Chris via email at: cs567eml at gmail.com ✉ or by text at: (225) 307-0008 ☎. | 2) FOR SALE: One Focus 40, 5th Generation Listing Date: 7/21/2022 | Price: $1,500.00 USD | Condition: Gently used. | Description: In excellent condition. Works perfectly. Includes leather carrying case and strap, adapter and cord, and user's manual in braille. Asking $1500 or best offer. I will ship to U.S. or Canada. I accept PayPal. Thanks. | Contact: Roger via email at: roger at roger.ca ✉ or by phone at: (519) 280-1643 ☎. | 3) 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: 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 Android TM smartphones and tablets. Ergonomic navigation features allow quick, natural hand movements for greater productivity. When used with JAWS® screen reading software, they support our popular Braille Study Mode, an interactive tool for teaching and learning Braille. Learn more today: 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 Information and Referral Line? APH ConnectCenter 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 call the Information and Referral Line with your questions about resources and 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/123020211100-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: 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) ➜ Combine Learning And Gaming For A Fun Braille Adventure With Polly! APH and Thinkerbell Labs are excited to introduce Polly, complete with customizable UEB lessons, songs, games, and stories! Join our waiting list to know when Polly is available: https://www.aph.org/polly-wait-list/ 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: GuideLights and Gadgets ➜ GuideLights And Gadgets: The Canes Are Coming; The Canes Are Coming! We are excited to announce that the 60 inch non-collapsing telescopic cane will soon be available! GuideLights and Gadgets is manufacturing this cane exclusively and it will be available before September 15th. The cost will be $70; the 50 and 54 inch models are now available at $50. For more information, contact Barry Scheur at (617) 969-7500 ☎ / bscheur.gadgetsandtech at gmail.com ✉ or Kae at (781) 286-1696 ☎ / guidelightdogs 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, affordable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice! Sponsor: A. T. Guys ➜ Pluggable 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 Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub. Plug it into your laptop and you will get 3 USB ports, SD and Micro SD card slots, a USBC charging port, and an HDMI video port. It's available now for just $29.95: 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: Aira Sponsor Since: August 4th 2022 Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐 Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/ Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 ☎ | AU: +1.800.765.096 ☎ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 ☎ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 ☎ Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📲 | AU: +61.488.839.767 📲 | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📲 Email: support at aira.io ✉ Social: Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin | YouTube | Instagram About: Aira is a service that connects people who are blind or have low vision to highly trained, remotely-located human agents. Through an app on your smartphone, Aira delivers instant access to visual information at the touch of a button — enhancing everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Download the Aira app today and try it for free. Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at anytime. Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works. Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it. Sponsor: Future Aids: The Braille Superstore ➜ Future Aids, The Braille Superstore: Touch Tomorrow in Today's Products Serving blind people since 1999, we're a family-owned, forward-thinking company offering both tried-and-true and exciting new products for blind and low vision consumers. We design and carry self-voicing educational software, Braille supplies, talking gadgets, adapted household items, tactile card and board games, audible toys and gift ideas. Passionate about innovation, we've also created dozens of products from scratch when a suitable solution did not exist. Shop online at http://www.braillebookstore.com/ and enjoy fast, free shipping. Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: http://www.braillebookstore.com/ 🌐 Phone (Toll Free): (800) 987-1231 ☎ Fax (Toll Free): (800) 985-1231 ░ Email: Sales at BrailleBookstore.com ✉ Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time. About: Welcome to Future Aids: The Braille Superstore. We have been supplying products to blind people and their families since 1999. We offer thousands of Braille books, toys, games, kitchen aids, and talking products. We have unbeatable prices, fast, free shipping, and great customer service! We have tons of Braille books and cool products to choose from; so grab a cup of coffee, relax, and we'll give you a quick tour: Products: ➜ Timekeeping ➜ Housewares ➜ On The Go ➜ Low Vision Products ➜ Toys and Games ➜ Gift Shop ➜ Braille Workshop ➜ Braille Bookstore ➜ Greeting Cards ➜ Copy Center ➜ Computer Lab ➜ Popular Products ➜ New Products If you need some fresh ideas or have questions, you can also check out our Shopping Guides. Sponsor: Fable ➜ Advance Your Career With Fable Pathways' Free, Accessible Online Learning Fable Pathways helps you gain the skills that you need to work in the tech sector with a free, accessible, and on-demand program. Learn from industry leaders with disabilities to take your career to the next level, like Kelly Ford, Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, who introduces GitHub and VS Code using a screen reader. Spend less time and energy trying to access courses with your assistive technology and focus on the content that matters to you, with Fable Pathways' accessible platform. Sign up today! https://tinyurl.com/25jwux3p Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: https://makeitfable.com/ 🌐 Email: community at makeitfable.com ✉ Phone: (888) 212-3532 ☎ Extension 810 About: Just like curb cuts help everyone get on and off sidewalks, designing digital products with accessibility in mind helps make the internet more accessible for everyone. Fable is an accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities. Fable connects people with disabilities to accessibility managers, user researchers, designers, and developers to build incredible and accessible user experiences. Opportunities: ➜ Fable Pathways: Fable Pathways is a free skill development program for people with disabilities interested in working in the tech sector. Sign up to take your career to the next level. Courses include "Getting started in web development" taught by Kelly Ford, a screen reader user, and Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, and "Becoming a manager" taught by Fable's Head of Accessibility Innovation, Kate Kalcevich. Instructors are subject matter experts in their fields and have lived experience with disability. Pathways courses are free, self-paced and assistive-technology-friendly. Sign up now at https://makeitfable.com/pathways/. ➜ Fable's Community of Accessibility Testers: Work from home to contribute to real changes in digital accessibility and make the internet a more accessible place for everyone. Ever leave a website because it was too hard to navigate? Because it was missing button labels? Because it didn't respond to voice commands? Us too. Our community of testers who use assistive technologies work from home and contribute to real changes in digital accessibility with recognizable brands. Earn money to share your feedback on websites and apps of your favorite brands and work with companies that care. No experience required and no resume required. Fable is looking for assistive technology users in the USA and Canada to work the hours that they want, from the comfort of their own homes. Learn more at https://makeitfable.com/community/. Sponsor: Dolphin Computer Access ➜ Join the Dolphin Friends Program Dolphin Friends supports, recognizes, and rewards the great work that charities and sight loss societies do to support the people in their community who are visually impaired. Members receive free Dolphin software, staff training on GuideConnect and SuperNova, computing accessories and a useful resource pack to help you advise your service users on Dolphin assistive technology. Join Dolphin Friends: https://info.yourdolphin.com/join-dolphin-friends-us Sponsor Since: June 9th 2022 Website: https://yourdolphin.com/ 🌐 Sales: https://yourdolphin.com/contact Support: https://yourdolphin.com/contact/support Locate a Dolphin Dealer: https://yourdolphin.com/contact/dealer/locate About: Dolphin designs and builds software that empowers people who are blind or partially sighted to read, work and communicate. We are committed to creating assistive technology that makes workplaces, classrooms and the home accessible and usable for people with visual impairments. Dolphin assistive technology products are designed to improve accessibility and independence on computers, for people with a wide range of vision impairments. This includes screen readers for people who are blind, magnification and audio products for people who have partial sight and low vision. Dolphin also develops technology to assist a neurodiverse range of readers. Accessible reading technology from Dolphin is used by book lovers and students with dyslexia, ADHD and autism, in addition to other print impairments. It provides a way to access books from accessible libraries around the world. Dolphin Products Dolphin Computer Access designs and develops software that enables users to read and access information at home, at work and throughout their education. Dolphin assistive technology products include: SuperNova | GuideConnect | EasyReader | EasyConverter Express | Publisher | ScreenReader. Each Dolphin product empowers users with visual impairments to use computers independently, in ways that suit their sight and experience with technology. Sponsor: Clusiv ➜ Looking For Blind Job-Seekers Wanting To Advance Their Salaries, Careers And Digital Accessibility For The Blind Are you interested in learning new tech skills and working remotely while earning a competitive salary? At Clusiv.io we have created the world's first digitally accessible e-Learning platform built by the blind, and built for the blind. Visit the link provided and request Clusiv through your Vocational Rehab counselor for lifetime access to our e-Learning platform with courses such as Business Applications, JAWS, and more: https://clusiv.io/ Sponsor Since: June 9th 2022 Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐 About: We are Clusiv. We are the world's first e-learning platform built for and by blind and partially sighted people. We are a resource to vocational rehabilitation organizations. We are a training platform for individuals with visual impairments who have faced barriers to access and equity in the modern workforce. We are engineering the future of work for accessibility. Learn more by selecting the user path that best describes you: ➜ Discover. I want to learn more about Clusiv. ➜ Potential Student. I want to train with Clusiv. ➜ VR Agency / Counselor. I want to help the people I serve with Clusiv. ➜ Inclusive Employer. I want to hire Clusiv graduates. Sponsor: Double Tap TV ➜ Subscribe to the Double Tap TV YouTube Channel Double Tap TV is a weekly tech show on AMI-tv, (also available on CBC Gem in Canada and YouTube). Each week join hosts Steven Scott (@blindguytech) and Marc Aflalo (@marcaflalo) as they help viewers better understand how technology can assist in everyday life. Its tech from an accessible point of view! The show features interviews with some of the biggest names in consumer tech and features up and coming companies and services. Subscribe to the Double Tap TV YouTube Channel today at: https://bit.ly/321OUEy Sponsor Since: December 23rd 2021 Email: feedback at doubletap.online ✉ YouTube: https://bit.ly/321OUEy About: Double Tap TV is a weekly tech show on AMI-tv, (also available on CBC Gem in Canada and YouTube). Each week join hosts Steven Scott (@blindguytech) and Marc Aflalo (@marcaflalo) as they help viewers better understand how technology can assist in everyday life. Its tech from an accessible point of view! The show features interviews with some of the biggest names in consumer tech and features up and coming companies and services. Sponsor: HIMS, Inc. ➜ Order Now! Get The Most Powerful Android Notetaker Available, the BrailleSense 6 From HIMS. It's Simply The Best. The time is now to get your all-new BrailleSense 6 notetaker, the most powerful and user-friendly notetaker on the market. Running Android 10, with 128 GB of Storage, 6 GB of Memory, and an 8-Core CPU, the BrailleSense 6 is the ultimate braille notetaker. Learn more today at: https://hims-inc.com/product/braillesense-6/ Sponsor Since: September 30th 2021 Website: https://hims-inc.com/ 🌐 Shop All Products: https://hims-inc.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒 Phone: (512) 837-2000 ☎ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo Sales Email: sales at hims-inc.com ✉ Support Email: support at hims-inc.com ✉ About: HIMS, Inc. is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999. Sponsor: Blind Mice Mega Mall ➜ VIP-3000 Talking Thermostat Now $199.99 from BlindMiceMegaMall.com Control the climate of your home independently! The VIP 3000 is a universal heating — cooling talking thermostat This accessible digital thermostat is specifically designed to offer audio playback of indoor temperature, temperature settings and programming instructions so blind and visually impaired users can independently & precisely manage their indoor comfort. Don't over pay. Read more at: https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Item_Detail?itemid=3196066 Sponsor Since: September 23rd 2021 Website: https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/ 🌐 Blind Mice Order Center Phone: (866) 922-8877 ☎ Blind Mice Order Center Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST/CDT (GMT-5) Monday through Friday Mall Directory of Stores: https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Directory 🛒 Join The Today's Cheese Newsletter: Join the Today's Cheese newsletter to get Members' Only sales & Unadvertised Specials from the merchants at Blind Mice Mega Mall. You can save money with these unadvertised specials! Send an email to: TodaysCheese+Subscribe at Groups.io ✉ Blind Mice Swap Shop: Sell, Swap, and Buy. The Mice receive calls everyday asking if we buy or sell used or unwanted items. The Mice don't sell used products but to help our members, we created the Blind Mice Swap Shop! The Blind Mice Swap Shop is the place for Sellers, Traders, & Buyers to find each other! Do you ... have something you don't want anymore... Post it for sale on the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Got something you just don't use... Post it for sale on the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Got something new to sell... Post it for sale on the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Provide a service that might be helpful to other Blind and Visually Impaired folks... Post it to the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Have an announcement about an upcoming event beneficial to the Blind & Visually Impaired Community... Post it to the Blind Mice Swap Shop. Joining the Blind Mice Swap Shop is free and as easy as sending an email to: BlindMiceSwapShop+Subscribe at Groups.io ✉ About: Welcome to Blind Mice Mega Mall! The Mall with the Blind In Mind! Blind Mice Mega Mall is designed for use with a screen reader and low vision software for visually impaired shoppers. Each store is an independent business owned / managed by a member of the Blind / Low Vision Community. Please browse & shop the merchants at Blind Mice Mega Mall. You will find great items and unique offerings from our merchants. You help the Blind Community every time you make a purchase from any of the merchants at Blind Mice Mega Mall. Every purchase made at Blind Mice Mega Mall gives back to the Blind and Visually Impaired Community. Proceeds from sales fund the MouseHole Scholarship Program, the Cooking In The Dark Show and The Movie Vault. Blind Mice Mega Mall accepts American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, Checks, and Money Orders. Purchase Orders From State Agencies are also welcome. Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind ➜ Attend the Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the Blind Launch your career in the digital accessibility field! The Carroll Center for the Blind's new 7-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program allows participants to learn and grow their ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers. Want to learn more? Start your journey to becoming a Screen Reader User Tester by visiting: https://carroll.org/screen-reader-user-tester-training-program/ 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. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living. Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions ➜ The Next Generation in Accessibility Need to quickly access a distant computer with minimal fuss? Need to quickly convert image documents into readable text? Today's students and working professionals demand more of their technology. Employers expect more of their workforce. Pneuma Solutions is bridging the gap using the best in machine learning to connect you to your environment when you need it, how you need it. Give us a try, and experience accessibility on a whole new level: https://pneumasolutions.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. Your Name Here 1 of 18 Sponsorship Packages currently available. Top Tech Tidbits is a leading, not-for-profit adaptive technology publication that reaches over 7,300 adaptive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Top Tech Tidbits offers a total of 18 Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication. 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