[Electronics-Talk] Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 5, 2022 - Volume 857

[Top Tech Tidbits]

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 5, 2022 - Volume 857 Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, May 5, 2022 - Volume 857 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 for Thursday online at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/tidbits2022/05052022/. Share: Share this volume of Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday on Facebook: http://bit.ly/sharetidbits857. 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: 7,223 opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Join Us From 2:00 PM To 4:00 PM (Eastern) On May 19th For Another National Transition Conversation Wondering how can APH Transition Hub support and increase the number of families that are directed to your summer residential program? Learn the latest innovations from APH CareerConnect. Join the National Transition Conversation as the APH ConnectCenter unveils the latest features of the Transition Hub project, and shares updates on APH CareerConnect. Just in time for summer programming across the United States, the National Transition Conversation will provide three mini forums spotlighting our partner transition programs and services as well as a forum for practitioners, rehabilitation personnel, transition specialists, and program administrators to share their own program successes and learn from others. https://aphconnectcenter.org/webinars/ Dear Rolando, 1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week A.) 10 Popular Smartphone Myths That Aren't True (10.6% of all clicks.) Doing these 10 things won't do your smartphone any good: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-popular-smartphone-myths-that-arent-true/ B.) Spacefelt - A New Assistive Technology Innovation For People With Visual Impairment (6.8% of all clicks.) I'm Vivian from Grailmaker Innovations. Our startup has developed Spacefelt, a tagging and labelling app for persons with visual impairment. Using it, the user can tag, label and identify objects around them independently. The idea of Spacefelt came up when my friend, Aishwarya, who is a visually impaired tactile artist wanted some technology that will help her identify colors: https://newzhook.com/story/workshop-on-spacefelt-a-new-assistive-technology-innovation-for-people-with-visual-impairment/ C.) New Sensor Technology Helps Blind And Visually Impaired Pedestrians Avoid Hazards (6.5% of all clicks.) A new patented technology from Intelligent Material Solutions, Inc. is designed to help pedestrians who are blind and visually impaired navigate busy sidewalks and avoid sidewalk hazards. The sensor tech uses a cooperative guidance system to determine the pedestrians' precise geolocation and guide them to public transportation, retail entrances, sidewalk exits and other locations: https://coolblindtech.com/new-sensor-technology-helps-blind-and-visually-impaired-pedestrians-avoid-hazards/ D.) Send to Braille 2.0 Released (4.5% of all clicks.) The American Printing House for the Blind is pleased to announce the release of an update to its popular Send to Braille application. This is a simple tool which adds options to the right click "Send to" menu to translate documents into braille and vice-versa: https://www.braillists.org/uncategorised/send-to-braille-2-0-released/ E.) JAWS for Windows with Microsoft Teams Power Tip: Filtering by Unread Chats (3.4% of all clicks.) Courtesy of Freedom Scientific: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/73.html 2) Important Message For Anyone Employed By Freedom Scientific or Vispero Group If you are employed by Freedom Scientific or Vispero Group, or know someone who is, we're asking you to please pass along a message to them from Top Tech Tidbits. We are currently unable to communicate with anyone at the company via email. Each time we send an email to anyone @vispero.com we receive a bounce notification which states the following: "SMTP error from remote server for RCPT TO command, host: vispero-com.mail.protection.outlook.com (REMOVED) reason: 550 5.7.1 Service unavailable, Client host [REMOVED] blocked using Customer Block list AS(1420) [DM6NAM12FT005.eop-nam12.prod.protection.outlook.com]." The email address we are sending FROM is editor at toptechtidbits.com. Please let them know that they will need to add our domain, toptechtidbits.com, to their email platform's Trusted Sender's list, or whitelist, in order to receive communications from us going forward. We are receiving them just fine. But anytime we try to reply, we get the message outlined above. Really appreciate the help. You can reach me, Aaron Di Blasi, directly at: publisher at toptechtidbits.com ✉ 3) JAWS Power Tip: How To Navigate Your Outlook Inbox Like A Table Courtesy of Freedom Scientific: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/74.html 4) 2022 National Coding Symposium Presented by APH and Partners Takes Place Next Week from May 9th to May 13th Calling all future coders! The 2022 APH Coding Symposium is back for the second year of coding fun and information! From basic, entry-level coding to more advanced concepts, we will explore some of the nuts and bolts of programming codes and the products that students and teachers are using to learn how to code. Our goal is to make the connections between students, teachers, and professionals in coding to share ideas and activities, resources, and career opportunities. This year, APH is partnering with student and teacher sites across the country to share activities and experiences with our virtual attendees. Activities can be done in advance on the Resource's page! Learning how to code is a pathway to all kinds of careers in all areas of technology. Meet the professionals in the industry who are leading the way for students interested in coding and learn about their career journeys. There will be award and scholarship opportunities this year! Check out the Awards page for more information on the drawing and how to apply for the available scholarships: https://aphconnectcenter.org/coding/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Paid+Traffic+%28Google+Ads%29&utm_campaign=2022_Coding_Symposium 5) Hey Alexa A.) Put your puzzling skills to the test in a tricky Escape Room adventure, with challenge rooms for every ability level. Just say: "Alexa, open Escape the Room." B.) Whoever answers the most questions in 60 seconds gets crowned this week's Trivia Hero. Just say: "Alexa, open Trivia Hero." C.) Find out if you can you handle the pressure of answering ten trivia questions in a row to win. Just say: "Alexa, enable Feel the Pressure." D.) Are you a music expert? Compete against another player to name that tune and artist from 25 catchy playlists. Just say: "Alexa, open Song Blast." 6) Top Tech Tidbits Premium Subscriber Reminder In addition to supporting upgrades to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication Premium Subscribers also receive our new quarterly issue which provides a complete listing of each of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits of the Last 3 Months, as voted on by Tidbit reader clicks. This special quarterly issue is provided to Premium Subscribers as a native Microsoft Word document with full headings, titles, abstracts and links. Premium Subscribers will receive their first quarterly compilation of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits of the Last 3 Months on Monday, July 4th 2022 at 4:00 AM ET. And then every 3 months thereafter. For a total of 4 issues per year. All for just $1 per month. Please consider joining us today! https://www.toptechtidbits.com/premium-subscribers.html 7) Free Guide for Blind iPhone Users After two years, Michael Feir has released Personal Power: Getting the Most From iOS as a Totally Blind User. This second edition of his guide is available free to all in several formats. Get the guide at: http://michaelfeir.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-second-edition-of-personal-power.html?m=1 8) Tips for Accessible Screen Sharing For many of us, phone calls have largely been replaced with meetings over video conferencing platforms like Zoom. One advantage to these platforms is the ability to share computer screens. We have all likely been in virtual meetings where someone says, "it's easier if I just share my screen," and it's true that screen sharing is often an effective way to demonstrate tasks or share information. However, screen sharing comes with some accessibility dangers: https://webaim.org/blog/tips-for-accessible-screen-sharing/ 9) Tip: Does The Facetime Control Bar Sometimes Get In Your Way? There's An Accessible Way To Dismiss It: One of the new features introduced in iOS15 is this call control bar which provides FaceTime audio controls across the top of the iOS screen during a FaceTime audio call: https://steves.life/2022/04/30/tip-does-the-facetime-control-bar-sometimes-get-in-your-way-theres-an-accessible-way-to-dismiss-it/ 10) Duxbury 12.6 Released This new version offers many performance improvements and optimizations, including a new version of the UKAAF template: https://www.braillists.org/uncategorised/duxbury-12-6-released/ 11) Thunderbird Mobile Application Is Coming Soon Users of the open source email client Thunderbird may soon install it as an application for use on mobile devices: https://www.ghacks.net/2022/05/03/thunderbird-mobile-application-is-coming-soon/ 12) Beeping Eggs The Rachael Project teaches participants to construct beeping eggs for an Easter egg hunt for blind children. There is also information on hosting beeping Easter egg hunts: https://www.iabti.org/beeping-eggs/ 13) Establishing A New Braille File Standard With The eBRF APH is developing a successor to the BRF (braille ready format) called EBRF. EBRF provides formatted braille text and tactile graphics in one file with enhanced navigation: https://www.aph.org/establishing-a-new-braille-file-standard-with-the-ebrf/ 14) RightHear Is Turning Public Spaces Into Accessible Environments For The Blind And Visually Impaired This is an app with associated Bluetooth beacons for indoor navigation. There are no RightHear enabled spaces near this contributor, but please feel free to let us know how it works if you do: https://www.right-hear.com/ 15) Voice Dream Reader for Desktop Voice Dream Reader is a popular text to speech app on iOS and Android. The product's developer has now released a desktop version: https://apps.apple.com/app/id972112040 16) Pioneering Accessible Navigation — Indoors And Outdoors The popular navigation app, BlindSquare has been updated. Expanded support for Bluetooth hearing aids, Adding Moovit integration and turn-by-turn directions are among the improvements: https://www.blindsquare.com/ 17) What are Hearables? Odds are, you've heard of wearables — think fitness trackers, smart clothing, smartwatches, and display glasses. But what about hearables? We have all the info on what they are, who should use them, how they can help you, and where you can get them: https://www.reviewgeek.com/114421/what-are-hearables/ 18) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for April 2022 https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-april-2022 19) Review: Reizen Talking Label Wand Labeling items in your environment is an essential task if you're blind, but finding a quick and convenient way to do so can be a challenging process. Braille labels often mandate an arts-and-crafts session to type up, cut out, and place. Bump dots require you to create a code for yourself that you still have to remember. The Reizen Talking Label Wand offers an excellent solution to these shortcomings. The wand, which is about the length of an average adult hand, comes with packs of adhesive labels that you apply to objects by touching the tip of the wand to the sticker and speaking the information you want to include. To hear the label read the information again, simply touch the wand to the sticker, and your message will be played back to you. The Reizen has many different uses that can significantly increase independence, which makes this tool a powerful resource for people with visual disabilities: https://www.reviewed.com/accessibility/content/reizen-talking-label-wand-review-alternative-braille-alphabet-reader-blind 20) Fire TV Launches Hearing Aid Pairing We're thrilled to announce Fire TV Cube (2nd gen) now supports Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids, commonly known as ASHA. This makes Fire TV the first-ever streaming media player to support ASHA and allow customers to directly connect compatible Bluetooth hearing aids: https://amazonfiretv.blog/fire-tv-launches-hearing-aid-pairing-423d56625683 21) Latest Chrome Beta Adopts Tab Reordering Via Keyboard Shortcuts One of the best things about running a browser based on open-source code is the speed at which new features and improvements are introduced. Chrome is that kind of browser, with a slew of features constantly being tested in the Canary channel, where the brave and adventurous get to try out what's in development before everyone else. One such feature that has been in development and testing in the Canary channel for some time now is the ability to reorder tabs in a browser window by just using keyboard shortcuts. Sure, you could use a mouse, but nothing beats using a good old keyboard shortcut to get things done quicker. Originally posted by Redditor u/Leopeva64-2, the feature was first documented via a commit and was described as follows: https://chromeunboxed.com/chrome-beta-tab-reordering 22) Welcome to Luna For Reddit. Part of the Luna Range: A Reminder That Just Because You're Blind Doesn't Mean You Can't Get To The Moon Reddit is a very popular social media platform for people to share their thoughts, articles, hopes, dreams, ask questions and more. It has a web interface which, while usable, is rather fiddley for screen reader users and does not give you full functionality. Enter Luna For Reddit, the Windows client for screen reader users that is stepping up to the plate and accepting the challenge to make Reddit as accessible as they will allow. Luna implements as many relevant API's as possible into a sleek, fast interface that presents you with all the details that you choose: https://nathantech.net/products/software/lunareddit.php 23) Announcing Emacspeak 56.0 — AgileDog Emacspeak is a fully functional audio desktop that provides complete eyes-free access to all major 32 and 64 bit operating environments. By seamlessly blending live access to all aspects of the Internet such as ubiquitous assistance, Web-surfing, blogging, remote software development, social computing and electronic messaging into the audio desktop, Emacspeak enables spoken access to local and remote information with a consistent and well-integrated user interface. A rich suite of task-oriented tools provides efficient speech-enabled access to the evolving assistant-oriented social Internet cloud: https://emacspeak.blogspot.com/2022/04/announcing-emacspeak-560-agiledog.html 24) How to Borrow eBooks and Audiobooks from One of the Best US Libraries (US Only.) For just $50 per year (renewable annually) you can become a member of Brooklyn Public Library, no matter what state you live in! Brooklyn Public Library has a collection of more than 400,000 books, magazines and audiobooks — one of the largest online libraries around. But not many people realize that they can borrow titles from this collection from out of state. All you need to do is fill out the form here in order to make an application for a library card: https://www.lovemyfire.com/borrow-ebooks-audiobooks-from-brooklyn-public-library.html 25) Hable One Challenge - "There Is Just So Much I Can Do With This Little Device"! Last month we ran a unique challenge for the Hable One Braille bluetooth smartphone keyboard, with great results! Each participant received a Hable One for two weeks and completed a number of challenges during that time. After the initial masterclass, participants had a few days to get used to their device and explore the features before their first challenge: https://www.sightandsound.co.uk/hable-one-challenge-there-is-just-so-much-i-can-do-with-this-little-device/ 26) NV Access In-Process for May 3rd 2022 https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-3rd-may/ 27) NVDA 2022.1beta4 Available For Testing Beta4 of NVDA 2022.1 is now available for download and testing. For anyone who is interested in trying out what the next version of NVDA has to offer before it is officially released, we welcome you to download the beta and provide feedback: https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2022-1beta4/ 28) PSA: Reading Apple Books On Kindle Still Won't Be Possible, Even With Upcoming Change For years, there were two main competing ebook file formats: MOBI and EPUB. Amazon used MOBI for its Kindle devices, while Apple used EPUB for what were then iBooks and are now Apple Books. For a while, it looked like we might end up with a single standard, as most companies adopted EPUB. But this was not to be, as Amazon stuck stubbornly to MOBI: https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/03/reading-apple-books-on-kindle-still-impossible/ ➜ Press Releases and Other News 1) This Technology Helps Blind And Low-Vision Tennis Fans Follow Matches Action Audio — a winner of Fast Company's 2022 World Changing Ideas Awards — turns a tennis ball's movements into "3D audio," allowing low-vision fans to track the ball during matches: https://www.fastcompany.com/90740965/this-technology-helps-blind-and-low-vision-tennis-fans-follow-matches 2) I'm Deaf And I Have 'Perfect' Speech. Here's Why It's Actually A Nightmare. Here is a personal article about deafness and hearing people's perceptions. We thought it was a good read: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coda-deaf-perfect-speech_n_624b2290e4b068157f7ac51f 3) Blind People Remember Language Better Than Sighted People Do Blind people can remember speech better than sighted people, but a person's ability to see makes no difference in how they remember sound effects, found a new study by Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Irvine: https://hub.jhu.edu/2022/04/27/blind-people-recall-language-better-than-sighted-people/ 4) How Star Trek: The Next Generation Explored Blindness & Accessibility With Geordi LaForge Lavar Burton's chief engineer embodies everything right about Star Trek's diversity and representation: https://gamerant.com/star-trek-next-generation-blindness-accessibility-disability-geordi-laforge/ 5) 'See Beyond Festival' Draws Attention To Blind Sports, Accessibility Issues More than 1,000 people attended the Maryland School for the Blind's annual See Beyond Festival to learn more about how others cope with vision impairment on Saturday, April 28th 2022 according to school staff: https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2022/04/30/see-beyond-festival-draws-attention-to-blind-sports-accessibility-issues/ 6) Leading Global Accessibility Provider Recognized by McDonald's TPGi is honored to be recognized by McDonald's for receiving the 2021 "Living the Values Award". The Living the Values Award, is given annually to a Global Technology Provider who has demonstrably impacted one or more of McDonald's values by putting customers first, creating an inclusive environment, operating with integrity, and supporting community efforts overall to be better together: https://support.freedomscientific.com/About/News/Article/223 7) Designing Food Labels For the Visually Impaired From Braille on boxes to QR codes for screen readers, producers are finding ways to make their goods more accessible: https://modernfarmer.com/2022/05/food-labels-for-visually-impaired/ 8) RNIB Petition Calls For Audio Descriptions On Streaming Services Most video on demand services are still inaccessible to the 350,000 blind and partially sighted people living in the UK, the charity said: https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/industry/charity/2022/04/26/rnib-petition-calls-for-audio-descriptions-on-streaming-services 9) Good Video Conferencing Etiquette - Zoom More and more of us are conducting much of our work (and socialising) over video conferencing platforms. But, what's the best etiquette for these meetings? We've put together a guide of some best practice etiquette in a handy guide: https://www.londonvision.org/technology/good-video-conferencing-etiquette-zoom/ 10) Chanel's 'Awe-Inspiring' Disability-Friendly Website Leaves Gucci's Looking 'Less Than Desirable' Chanel has been ranked as the most accessible fashion brand when it comes to online shopping: https://www.professionaljeweller.com/chanels-awe-inspiring-disability-friendly-website-leaves-guccis-looking-less-than-desirable/ 11) What Is Kindle Unlimited, and Is It Worth It? There are plenty of services that will let you consume as many TV shows, movies, and music as you want for a monthly fee. But what about books? Is there a streaming service for books? Meet "Kindle Unlimited." Some people can finish 10 seasons of a TV show in a weekend, others can motor through a dozen books a week. If you relate to the latter, Kindle Unlimited is for you. Let's take a look at what this service has to offer: https://www.howtogeek.com/799922/what-is-kindle-unlimited-and-is-it-worth-it/ 12) Google Tests Technology To Help Utah Athletes With Blindness Exercise Unassisted Utah athletes living with blindness regularly put their trust in sighted counterparts to guide their every footstep as they run across pathways they cannot see. But Google is developing technology that could one day allow these runners to exercise independently: https://www.ksl.com/article/50392125/google-tests-technology-to-help-utah-athletes-with-blindness-exercise-unassisted 13) All Aboard Is Making Bus Stops More Accessible For Blind Bus Riders If you are a bus rider, you have probably occasionally missed your bus because you were standing just a few steps away from the bus stop, the bus approached, the driver thought you weren't going to get on, and they drove off! (it's happened to me for sure!) For the visually impaired, this is a much bigger problem ("the last 10 meter problem") because GPS apps can bring them no closer than 10 meters from their target which may not be enough. Someone could possibly feel a pole with their cane and think it's a bus stop, but it actually might not be. Identifying physical bus stops is not an easy task for people with visual impairment: https://assistivetechnologyblog.com/2022/05/all-aboard-bus-stops-accessibility.html 14) Copyright Laws Shut Out Blind And Visually Impaired South Africans From The World Of Books The magic of books is, for the blind or visually disabled, simply just out of reach, kept behind an act that is not locally or globally supported: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2022-04-28-copyright-laws-shut-out-blind-and-visually-impaired-south-africans-from-the-world-of-books/ 15) Making Accessible Websites — What Are the Fundamental Considerations? Considering the internet's global reach, it is important that websites are accessible to all users. The term web accessibility refers to making websites as inclusive as possible to as many users as possible, whether they have disabilities or not: https://www.qrcodepress.com/making-accessible-websites/8541121/ 16) Best Smart Home Device Deals for April 2022 https://bgr.com/deals/best-smart-home-devices-deals/ 17) 'This Is The Boarding Queue For The Flight To Alaska, Not Atlanta': My Life As A Visually Impaired Travel Writer — And The Case For Everything Being A Bit Bigger, Please ... Visually impaired travel writer Rob Crossan wants travel to be super-sized He reveals how he struggles to read seat numbers, menus and info screens. He once missed a flight to Atlanta at JFK as he'd misread the gate information: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-10766643/My-life-visually-impaired-travel-writer-case-bit-bigger-please.html 18) Scarborough And Malton Train Stations Fitted With New Devices To Help Visually Impaired People Toilets at railway stations across Scarborough and Malton have been fitted with a new electronic device to help blind and visually impaired people when it comes to navigating the facilities: https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/people/scarborough-and-malton-train-stations-fitted-with-new-devices-to-help-visually-impaired-people-3675824 19) Making TV More Accessible There are many ways of making TV more accessible and pleasurable to watch and enjoy when you are blind or partially sighted. London Vision outlines them in this article: https://www.londonvision.org/vision-confident/managing-sight-loss-courses/more-about-the-managing-sight-loss-course/accessible-tv/ 20) Web Accessibility on a Budget: How to Get Started for Free or Little Cost Some companies, especially small businesses, have concerns that website accessibility is cost prohibitive. They may want to ensure their websites are accessible to all their customers but don't know if they can afford it. Accessibility is an investment that pays off, but it doesn't have to be expensive to get started: https://www.boia.org/blog/web-accessibility-on-a-budget-how-to-get-started-for-free-or-little-cost ➜ Surveys 1) APH Surveys Page 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/ ➜ Featured Podcast Episodes 1) Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther Episode 49: Animal Myths Busted and Camping for All Occasions April 17th 2022 | On Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther, Ms. Lilly busts nine common animal myths and Lawrence shares his seven favorite bucket list camping destinations. We also explore the accessibility and perks of four different styles of camping: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-49-animal-myths-busted-and-camping-for-all/id1530444764?i=1000557852719 2) Eye Doctors on Common Eye Conditions | Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts April 29th 2022 | In this episode, we're sharing highlights from previous interviews with a glaucoma specialist, retina specialist, and a low vision doctor. Listen in to learn more about common eye conditions, treatments, and what to expect at these specialist appointments: https://hadley.edu/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/eye-doctors-common-eye-conditions 3) Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 73, Talkback 12.2 And Android 13 Beta 1 April 30th 2022 | In this episode we talk about all things new in the recently released Talkback 12.2 and our observations about it. In the next segment, we talk about all things new in the just released android 13 beta 1 for all supported Pixel phones. If you have a supported pixel, you can register to receive beta updates at https://www.google.com/android/beta. In our app of the week, we see how to uninstall Samsung Talkback or any system app without the need of a PC. Our podcast can be found on all popular podcasting platforms, on smart speakers and on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5iI0uwraRqp1JRJzrXhtLk1gtCxNlnAf 4) Eyes on Success 2218 Conditions for the Blind in Iran May 4th 2022 | Aliasghar Assadi is a blind teacher of blind and visually impaired students in Iran. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Ali about conditions for the blind in Iran including the challenges of acquiring assistive technologies, how legal protections for the disabled are evolving, employment opportunities for the blind, and much more: https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show%20notes/show%20notes%202218.htm ➜ Featured Webinars and Training Courses 1) Intro to Facebook with Accessibility in Mind | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book Library May 5th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Thursday May 5th 2022 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM ET. We'll go over the basics of navigating Facebook with confidence on mobile and the web. Learn how to create posts including links and photos, navigate the News Feed, access important settings, handle messages and more. This hybrid event will take place online and in person. Please RSVP to chanceyfleet at nypl.org ✉ to attend in person, or register for the Zoom: https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAud-6prjIiHNLfBON7AHjHx7b0LE-PELaN?_x_zm_rtaid=O_T4jl2gQk-eJ1vIXaeqDw.1648421599270.e098cddc0d3e6ab8b653afe6c5833f53&_x_zm_rhtaid=371 2) Discover The All-In-One AT Support Extension — Helperbird | Network Of Assistive Technologists May 6th 2022 | 10:30 AM PT, 11:30 AM MT, 12:30 PM CT, 1:30 PM ET, 5:30 PM GMT | Discover Helperbird and why you need to add it to your edtech tool bag. Join The Network of Assistive Technologists as we welcome Robert James Gabriel from Helperbird. Discover Helperbird and its literacy support tools to help individuals to succeed when working online or within Google files including Docs and Slides and PDFs. Some of the features include, Immersive Reader by Microsft, Text adjustments, Reader Mode, sticky notes, word prediction, natural text to speech and over 32 other features. Also get to ask its Founder, any questions you might have. Registration is now open: https://sites.google.com/NOAT.ca/events/ 3) iPhone Chat for Voiceover Beginners | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book Library May 7th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | First Saturdays (April 2, May 7, June 4) 1:00 - 2:15 PM ET. If you're new to using Voiceover on the iPhone or if you're still working toward confidence, this discussion group is for you. We'll spend some time going over the theory of how screen readers work, gestures everyone needs to know, and some strategies for getting help. Then, we'll open it up for questions and networking. This event will take place online: https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vcuiqqjwtHdzr8bnEn6y-ypuxRhgkdvwz 4) iPhone Chat for Voiceover Users: Beyond the Basics | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book Library May 7th 2022 | 11:30AM PT, 12:30AM, 1:30PM CT, 2:30PM ET, 6:30PM GMT | First Saturdays (April 2, May 7, June 4) from 2:30 - 4:00 PM ET. Talk about customizing gestures and settings, exploring new apps, choosing accessories, dealing with bugs, and whatever else comes to mind. This is a space for any and all Voiceover topics that go beyond the basics of using common gestures and built-in apps. This event will take place online: https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vcuiqqjwtHdzr8bnEn6y-ypuxRhgkdvwz 5) 2022 National Coding Symposium | APH and Partners May 9th 2022 through May 13th 2022 | The FREE, Virtual 2022 National Coding Symposium is Back, May 9-May 13, 2022. The FREE, Virtual 2022 National Coding Symposium is Back, May 9-May 13, 2022 Calling all future coders! APH and our partners are pleased to present the 2022 National Coding Symposium. This event connects parents, teachers, and students who are visually impaired with professionals in the coding industry from organizations such as LinkedIn, Vispero, Amazon, Apple, NVDA, Yahoo, HumanWare, Tetralogical, APH, and many more. Through a series of inspirational speakers, panel discussions, presentations, and question and answer sessions, attendees of all ages will be introduced to coding concepts and various pathways to careers in and/or related to coding. Awards and scholarship opportunities are also available! Learn more and register for the 2022 National Coding Symposium today! https://aphconnectcenter.org/coding/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Paid+Traffic+%28Google+Ads%29&utm_campaign=2022_Coding_Symposium 6) The Web is Inherently Accessible | AccessU 2022 | TPGi May 10th 2022 | 6:30AM PT, 7:30AM MT, 8:30AM CT, 9:30AM ET, 1:30PM GMT | Rachele DiTullio. Expand your accessibility knowledge by checking out some of the excellent sessions at AccessU. The schedule includes one day of pre-conference workshops followed by three days of live training and Q&A sessions. All times are US Central Time. Join TPGi's accessibility experts as they share their knowledge and present on some excellent topics. https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2022 7) Using the JAWS Screen Reader to Create Better Digital Content | AccessU 2022 | TPGi May 10th 2022 | 11:45AM PT, 12:45PM MT, 1:45PM CT, 2:45PM ET, 6:45PM GMT | Rachele DiTullio. Expand your accessibility knowledge by checking out some of the excellent sessions at AccessU. The schedule includes one day of pre-conference workshops followed by three days of live training and Q&A sessions. All times are US Central Time. Join TPGi's accessibility experts as they share their knowledge and present on some excellent topics. https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2022 8) Hiring for Cognitive Diversity in Tech | AccessU 2022 | TPGi May 10th 2022 | 1:30PM PT, 2:30PM MT, 3:30PM CT, 4:30PM ET, 8:30PM GMT | LE Silveus McNamara. Expand your accessibility knowledge by checking out some of the excellent sessions at AccessU. The schedule includes one day of pre-conference workshops followed by three days of live training and Q&A sessions. All times are US Central Time. Join TPGi's accessibility experts as they share their knowledge and present on some excellent topics. https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2022 9) Introduction To Creating Accessible PDFs | TPGi May 10th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | Presenters: Evan Burnett, Document Accessibility Lead. PDFs and other electronic documents are essential elements for online communication. As we strive to create an accessible digital experience for all users, we must not neglect the electronic documents hosted on websites. Ensuring such documents are accessible is a critical aspect of a comprehensive, accessible experience. Join TPGi's Document Accessibility Lead, Evan Burnett for an introductory webinar that will provide a high-level overview of how to remediate electronic documents (specifically PDFs) for accessibility. We will review the fundamental concepts of PDF remediation and techniques that you can implement in your documents upon completion of the webinar: https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-may-10-at-12pm-et-introduction-to-creating-accessible-pdfs/ 10) Save, Open & Browse Files with JAWS Using Speech or Braille (ACVREP CE Approved) | Access Ingenuity May 11th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | In many cases, the ability to save, open, or browse for files within various Windows programs uses a very similar interface. The key is to understand this interface while working with JAWS using either a QWERTY keyboard or Focus braille display to help you become more efficient with the above tasks. Join Rachel Reeves, Marisa Church, and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity with Joe McDaniel from Vispero to explore the Save As, Open With and Browse dialog boxes to understand how it works with JAWS and Windows. It is important to note that this presentation will benefit those who want to know how to manage files while using JAWS with either a QWERTY keyboard or a Focus braille display. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), this presentation is approved for ACVREP continuing education credit. Learning Outcomes: Understand the difference between Save and Save As. Explain the three main questions in the Save As, Open With, and Browse dialog boxes and the default answers. Explore more efficient ways to work with the TreeView and ListView to locate files since just using shortcuts may not be available when browsing. Introduce key commands for working with JAWS using a QWERTY keyboard or Focus braille display. Meeting ID: 834 2828 1678 | Passcode: 911989 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,83428281678#,,,,*911989# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83428281678?pwd=ZGZVQkFUUDlqRFpQQzB6NGFJd1p4UT09 11) Making Streaming Video Inclusive | AccessU 2022 | TPGi May 11th 2022 | 6:30AM PT, 7:30AM MT, 8:30AM CT, 9:30AM ET, 1:30PM GMT | Carolina Crespo, Rachele DiTullio, Charu Panhdi. Expand your accessibility knowledge by checking out some of the excellent sessions at AccessU. The schedule includes one day of pre-conference workshops followed by three days of live training and Q&A sessions. All times are US Central Time. Join TPGi's accessibility experts as they share their knowledge and present on some excellent topics. https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2022 12) Premium Services Using Alexa and Google | Technology User Group May 14 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | 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. Alexa and Google are adding premium services to their skill set. How do you subscribe to these services and use them? https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx 13) Introducing the TOPAZ Ultra (ACVREP CE Approved) | Access Ingenuity May 18th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | Join Ian Ramos from Access ingenuity and Joe McDaniel from Vispero to explore the features of the TOPAZ Ultra. The TOPAZ Ultra is the next generation of portable magnifiers. With its unique folding design, it's easy to take with you wherever you go. The TOPAZ Ultra offers the same reading comfort, ease of use, and functionality as a desktop video magnifier in a compact and portable design. TOPAZ Ultra is ideal for individuals who need a lightweight magnification solution in different locations - at home, in the office or classroom, and on the go. Use the TOPAZ Ultra right out of the box to magnify text and objects up close, in the distance, and even look at yourself with its convenient 3-in-1 camera. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), this presentation is approved for ACVREP continuing education credit. Learning Outcomes: Features walkthrough of the TOPAZ Ultra. Differences from previous TOPAZ portable models. How the TOPAZ Ultra can be an effective reading tool. Meeting ID: 898 9510 6641 | Passcode: 641890 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,89895106641#,,,,*641890# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose). Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89895106641?pwd=ZUZyc2k3Nmh1b05Kai95Vm9NK1ZMdz09 14) Where in the World: Accessible Wayfinding and Mapping for iOS | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book Library May 18th 2022 | 12PM PT, 1PM MT, 2PM CT, 3PM ET, 7PM GMT | Wednesday May 18th 2022 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM ET. We'll explore accessible mainstream apps like Apple and Google Maps, which can give you walking or transit directions and help you discover points of interest in your city. Plus, we'll explore Microsoft Soundscape and GoodMaps, two apps built to give you precise, accessible guidance. This event will take place in person and online. To attend in person, please RSVP to ChanceyFleet at nypl.org ✉ or register via Zoom to join online: https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcu2rrjkjGd0aaqdPZNDeB4iaC3L06-Lo 15) The National Transition Conversation 2022: APH Transition Hub & Pre ETS Program Field Updates May 19th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | The National Transition Conversation 2022: APH Transition Hub & Pre ETS Program field updates Lisamaria Martinez, Richard Rueda. ACVREP credits available. Wondering how can APH Transition Hub support and increase the number of families that are directed to your summer residential program? Learn the latest innovations from APH CareerConnect. Join the National Transition Conversation as the APH ConnectCenter unveils the latest features of the Transition Hub project, and shares updates on CareerConnect. Just in time for summer programming across the United States, the National Transition Conversation will provide three mini forums spotlighting some of our partner transition programs and services. The second hour will provide a forum for practitioners, rehabilitation personnel, transition specialists and program administrators to share their own program successes and learn from other programs. Register here: https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A-h3iZRzSCitNrhTdOTrVQ 16) OrCam Free Demo Day | AdaptiVision May 20th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | AdaptiVision is delighted to offer a free OrCam Demo Day on Friday, May 20th 2022. Attendees will have the chance to try out the latest OrCam assistive devices for low vision and blindness, including the OrCam MyEye and the OrCam Read Smart. These high-tech devices use artificial intelligence to convert visual information into audio, helping the user read text, recognize faces, distinguish colors and currency, and identify products. They are small, discreet, and easy to use. Notably, the Read Smart, a handheld reader designed for people with low vision, dyslexia, or other reading challenges, was named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Best Inventions of 2021. The demo day will be held at The Carroll Center for the Blind, one of the nation's preeminent vision rehabilitation centers. Event details: Date: Friday, May 20, 2022. Location: The Carroll Center for the Blind, 770 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02458. Time: 10:00 AM. Cost: Free. Pre-registration is required. Visit the link below to learn more and register: https://lowvisionsource.com/orcam-demo-day/ 17) A Webinar Of Anxiety: Developments In Accessibility For People With Anxiety And Panic Disorders | TPGi May 24th 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, XXX GMT | Presenter: Dr. David Swallow, Lead UX Consultant and Senior Accessibility Engineer. Awareness of the impact of online accessibility for people with anxiety and panic disorders has grown in recent years. High-pressure sales tactics and deceptive patterns have caught the attention of lawmakers. Banks have introduced new measures to support vulnerable customers. Social media companies have recognized the impact of their services on users' mental health. But has this made any difference? In this webinar, TPGi's Dr. David Swallow, Lead UX Consultant and Senior Accessibility Engineer will provide an update on developments in understanding this often-overlooked aspect of web accessibility. He'll explore aspects of user interface and user experience design that contribute to feelings of anxiety and panic. He'll also examine whether the web is still as anxiety-inducing as ever, highlight recent initiatives aimed at addressing anxiety-related issues, and share recommendations on what organizations can do to improve the user experience for people with anxiety and panic disorders: https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-may-24-at-12pm-et-a-webinar-of-anxiety-developments-in-accessibility-for-people-with-anxiety-and-panic-disorders/ 18) Basics of PowerPoint Remediation | Access Ingenuity May 25th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | Join Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity to learn how to make your PowerPoint file as accessible as possible for screen readers. Learning Outcomes: Highlight the use of Office formatting features and how to leverage them to create the most accessible end product possible. Explore the accessibility tools in PowerPoint such as the Reading Order pane and how to add alternative text. Go through the steps in creating a clean PowerPoint Accessibility Check. Meeting ID: 819 7420 5040 | Passcode: 255996 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,81974205040#,,,,*255996# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81974205040?pwd=WjI5ZUlrMm5aMkxhUXJEd3B4cGdPdz09 19) iPhone Chat for Voiceover Beginners | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book Library June 4th 2022 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT | First Saturdays (April 2, May 7, June 4) 1:00 - 2:15 PM ET. If you're new to using Voiceover on the iPhone or if you're still working toward confidence, this discussion group is for you. We'll spend some time going over the theory of how screen readers work, gestures everyone needs to know, and some strategies for getting help. Then, we'll open it up for questions and networking. This event will take place online: https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vcuiqqjwtHdzr8bnEn6y-ypuxRhgkdvwz 20) iPhone Chat for Voiceover Users: Beyond the Basics | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book Library June 4th 2022 | 11:30AM PT, 12:30AM, 1:30PM CT, 2:30PM ET, 6:30PM GMT | First Saturdays (April 2, May 7, June 4) from 2:30 - 4:00 PM ET. Talk about customizing gestures and settings, exploring new apps, choosing accessories, dealing with bugs, and whatever else comes to mind. This is a space for any and all Voiceover topics that go beyond the basics of using common gestures and built-in apps. This event will take place online: https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vcuiqqjwtHdzr8bnEn6y-ypuxRhgkdvwz 21) Using iOS Shortcuts | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book Library June 9th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Thursday June 9, 2:00 - 3:30 PM Eastern. Shortcuts can be used to automate tasks and save time. Join us to explore examples of effective shortcuts and learn to create your own. This event will take place in person and online. Email ChanceyFleet at nypl.org ✉ to RSVP in person, or register to participate online: https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElc-itrjgvHNDogsDg6wMe47pOluSIcXYI?_x_zm_rtaid=O_T4jl2gQk-eJ1vIXaeqDw.1648421599270.e098cddc0d3e6ab8b653afe6c5833f53&_x_zm_rhtaid=371 22) Gadgets and Apps for Safe Navigation | Technology User Group June 11th 2022 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT | 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. There are many apps and devices that can aid a visually impaired traveler through the unknown. Avoid low-hanging obstacles and other obstructions. Which ones can you afford and which ones offer the best protection? https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx 23) Tactile Drawing from Still Life | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book Library June 11th 2022 | 10:30 AM PT, 11:30 AM MT, 12:30 PM CT, 1:30 PM ET, 5:30 PM GMT | Saturday June 11th 2022 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern In this hands-on workshop, we'll explore still life scenes of 3D objects and then create accessible tactile drawings. A variety of tactile media will be offered. This hands-on event will take place in person. Please email ChanceyFleet at nypl.org ✉ to RSVP. 24) Intro to Google Translate | Andrew Heiskell Braille And Talking Book Library June 15th 2022 | 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT | Wednesday June 15th 2022 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern. Take a deep dive into this powerful cross-platform tool for translation. We'll explore how to translate from speech, text, handwriting and the camera; how to build a list of phrases you use often; and what you need to know about conversational and continuous translation. This event will take place in person and online. Email ChanceyFleet at nypl.org ✉ to attend in person, or register to participate online: https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElc-itrjgvHNDogsDg6wMe47pOluSIcXYI?_x_zm_rtaid=5aP3v6sNTtuCFyUfVDXxaQ.1648429186785.e6167c6b9ddb64d3c5052fc57b1d89aa&_x_zm_rhtaid=506 25) Eye Drop Webinar | Accessible Pharmacy June 22nd 2022 | 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 4PM GMT | This webinar will have a live ASL interpreter, and closed captioning. If you are unable to attend, still be sure to register to receive access to the webinar audio and video via email afterwards. Please join us as we discuss tips and techniques for using eye drops as well as trends in eye drop refill legislation. Speakers will include experts from The Chicago Lighthouse and Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind. Questions? Please contact info at accessiblepharmacy.com ✉. To read about the speakers and to register, click the link below: https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/eye-drop-webinar/ ➜ 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 1) FOR SALE: One Orcam Read Listing Date: 5/5/2022 | Price: $1,100.00 USD | Condition: New. | Description: Barely 6 months old. Never used. For visually impaired. Version 9. Sells for $1,800. | Contact: Michael via Email at: miketmarano at icloud.com ✉ or by phone at:(413) 786-1724 ☎. | 2) FOR SALE: Put A New 32 Cell Braille Display in Your Braillenote for Cheap Listing Date: 4/28/2022 | Price: $925.00 USD | Condition: New. | Description: Is your Braillenote Touch Plus 32 or Touch 32 or Apex 32 not as perfect as it was when new? Then just replace it with a brand new perfect one for only $925. We also take trade-in Braille devices to further help you with the price for the new display. | Contact: Joe via Email at: newbraille32 at gmail.com ✉ or by phone at:(726) 777-9536 ☎. | 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: Pneuma Solutions ➜ Give the Gift of Equal Access! This holiday season, give the gift of access to the world's most fundamental right, the right to information. Scribe for Personal Documents is a cloud based service that takes previously inaccessible digital material and renders it into accessible formats in seconds. Help out someone in your life whom you know could use the access, or secure the access for yourself here: https://scribeit.io/ Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐 Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education. Sales: (866) 202-0520 ☎ Support: (650) 249-1000 ☎ About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive? Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs. Sponsor: Freedom Scientific ➜ Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille Displays Our world-class refreshable Braille displays deliver efficient Braille input and outstanding output for your PC or mobile device. The robust Bluetooth® connectivity provides seamless use with Windows®, Mac®, iPhones®, iPads®, and AndroidTM smartphones and tablets. Ergonomic navigation features allow quick, natural hand movements for greater productivity. When used with JAWS® screen reading software, they support our popular Braille Study Mode, an interactive tool for teaching and learning Braille. Learn more today: https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/blindness/focus-blue-family/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=Top%20Tech%20Tidbit Sponsor Since: April 15th 2021 Website: https://www.freedomscientific.com/ 🌐 Email: info at vispero.com ✉ Phone: (800) 444-4443 ☎ Facebook | Twitter | YouTube (Training) About: Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand, is a leading worldwide brand of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. We offer products designed to promote independence, allowing blind and low vision individuals the same access to information as their sighted peers. World-renowned JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reading software and ZoomText screen magnification software provide users the independence and ability to seek education and obtain or maintain a career after vision loss. Our expansive product line includes both low vision and blindness technology for all aspects of daily living. The wide range of RUBY, TOPAZ, and ONYX desktop and portable video magnifiers are designed for their ease of use and assist with daily activities. Our impressive line of blindness hardware products include refreshable Braille displays and scanning and reading devices, offering many options tailored to fit individual needs. Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter ➜ VisionAware Resources Including the Information and Referral 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) ➜ Start Your Coding Journey Today with APH's Road to Code! Want to learn more about coding but don't know where to start? Look no further! APH's Road to Code provides a roadmap for coding progression through all our fun and engaging coding products. https://bit.ly/3HueRfI Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐 Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 ☎ Phone: (512) 895-2405 ☎ Fax: (512) 899-2284 ░ YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ 🎥 Free Apps & Actions from APH: https://www.aph.org/free-apps-from-aph/ 📱 About: Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization, creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH believes that the future belongs to everyone. By offering innovative products and services, APH opens up a door of opportunities for lifelong independence and success. Sponsor: Barry Scheur ➜ GuideLights and Gadgets: New Daisy Player and Entertainment System, The Evo 12 We are pleased to announce the availability of our new daisy player and entertainment system, the Evo 12. It utilizes the highly listenable Sally and Joey voices and reads Bookshare as well as epub, word and text documents. It does not accept either BARD or Audible files. The Evo now supports the "abc" method for entering text, along with its most exciting new feature, stereo recording from the internal microphone as well as from the Internet radio and FM radio. For better reception, a flexible antenna has been added. Another unique and very popular feature makes possible basic editing of recorded files. The unit also contains a memo recorder, voice reminders and timers, a color reader, Internet radio, and podcatcher to which your own entries can be added to the player database. The introductory price through July 31st is $289.00. The player is available both from GuideLights and Gadgets and from our collaborative partner, Mystic Access. For additional information, contact Barry Scheur at (617) 969-7500 ☎ or bscheur.gadgetsandtech at gmail.com ✉. Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐 For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at: Phone: (617) 969-7500 ☎ Email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech at gmail.com ✉ For All Things Dog Contact Kae at: Phone: (781) 286-1696 ☎ Email: guidelightdogs at gmail.com ✉ About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use. In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well. What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, "hands on" evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, afforable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice! Sponsor: A. T. Guys ➜ 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: 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 ➜ DannyBoy Portable Smart Phone & Device Stand Save 20% Now $39.99 The DannyBoy Portable Stand holds your Smart Phone stationary so it's camera can view items and documents clearly providing stability for excellent recognition & clarity. Take perfect pictures and scan images. Read documents quickly and easily. Great for anyone with motor disabilities, too! Made with the Blind In Mind! Lightweight & Portable. Ready To Use or Collapses In Seconds. Read All About the DannyBoy Portable Stand at DannyBoy.com in BlindMiceMegaMall.com at: https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Item_Detail?itemid=5156439 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. 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   0   of   12   packages currently available. If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor, but there are no sponsorship packages currently available, we encourage you to join our waiting list by sending an email to: sponsorships at toptechtidbits.com ✉. Once you have joined our waiting list we will notify you the next time a current sponsor decides not to renew. 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