[Electronics-Talk] Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 2, 2023 - Volume 896

[Top Tech Tidbits]

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 2, 2023 - Volume 896 Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 2, 2023 - Volume 896 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/tidbits2023/02022023/. Share: Share this volume of Top Tech Tidbits on Facebook: http://bit.ly/sharetidbits896. Spam Filter: You have received this email from Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. because you are subscribed to receive the Top Tech Tidbits email newsletter. To ensure that you continue to receive each issue of Top Tech Tidbits as it is released 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: 7,980 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 161 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Connect 12, The Smart Portable HD Magnifier For The Connected Classroom HumanWare is proud to announce that a new version of the Connect 12 tablet is now available. More than a magnifier, the recently upgraded Connect 12 is designed to move seamlessly with you through daily life and allow you to stay connected at all times, in class, at work, or on the go. Connect 12 smart portable tablet is a high-performance 12-inch digital magnifier with Android functionality, connectivity, and versatility. Equipped with HumanWare's Prodigi software, it provides the tools necessary for academic and professional success for people living with partial vision or vision loss. It offers up to 24X live HD magnification with smart LED lighting. With its lightweight and sturdy stand, the Connect 12 is easily foldable and highly portable. For more details about Connect 12, please visit our website at: https://store.humanware.com/hus/connect-12-smart-portable-hd-magnifier.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=toptechtidbids Dear Rolando, 1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week A.) iOS 16.3 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.3 (13.8% of all clicks.) On January 23rd 2023 Apple released iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 to the public after several weeks of testing, and while this is a more minor update, there are still some features that are worth knowing about: https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-16-3-features/ B.) How To Sound Better During Your iPhone Calls With Mic Mode (12% of all clicks.) The feature is called Voice Isolation, and it can be found under Mic Mode, which appears on the Control Center panel on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac: https://coolblindtech.com/how-to-sound-better-during-your-iphone-calls-with-mic-mode/ C.) 'Smart' Walking Stick Could Help Visually Impaired With Groceries, Finding A Seat (6.3% of all clicks.) Engineers at CU Boulder are tapping into advances in artificial intelligence to develop a new kind of walking stick for people who are blind or visually impaired: https://www.colorado.edu/today/2023/01/19/smart-walking-stick-could-help-visually-impaired-groceries-finding-seat D.) JAWS Power Tip: How To Copy Speech History to the Clipboard (5.2% of all clicks.) Courtesy of Freedom Scientific: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/141.html E.) 101 iOS & iPadOS Apps Developed Specifically for Blind or Low Vision Users (4.7% of all clicks.) While Top Tech Tidbits does indeed have its own BVI App Directory, it simply pales in comparison to the one offered by AppleVis. Currently our favorite compilation in this regard: https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/apps-for-blind-or-low-vision-users 2) Sponsorship Package Updates Availability: There are no Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Packages currently available. Waiting List: If you would like to support Top Tech Tidbits by becoming a Sponsor in the future please add your name to our waiting list today. We will add your name to the list, let you know what position you currently hold within it, and then notify you the moment a package becomes available. Waiting List Position: There are currently TWO future Sponsors on the waiting list. List Addition: Just send an email to our Publisher at: publisher at toptechtidbits.com ✉ 3) Premium Subscriber Updates Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 4th issue of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits for January, February and March 2023 on Monday, April 3rd 2023. Back Issues: There are currently 3 back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to receive a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/premium-subscribers.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Announces New Micro Advertising Service. Sponsored Tidbits Now Available. Everything You Need To Know. Publisher: Sometimes you need to reach the entire access community on a particular day, or within a particular issue of Tidbits. Maybe you're launching a new product or service that day, or promoting an upcoming event or fundraiser. This has traditionally been very difficult to do, even for sponsors, who are the only ones that could do so in the past, by scheduling one of their Featured Advertisements for a particular issue date. Something they will continue to be able to do. But this did not help anyone else. That said, we have heard you loud and clear that everyone in the access community, not just sponsors, would like the opportunity to reach the Tidbits audience as needed. And we have heard you for a very long time. But we had to do our research to make sure that we could solve this problem intelligently, without affecting any of the benefits that readers or sponsors currently enjoy. So I will admit that it took us awhile. But I do believe that the solution we have come up with should appeal to everyone. So without further ado, here's how Sponsored Tidbits will work.: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/142.html 5) Blind in 2040: Specs on Deck A day-in-the-life of you, a blind person in 2040, assisted by a pair of high-tech augmented reality glasses called Specs: https://immerse.news/blind-in-2040-specs-on-deck-143b4acb15f8 6) You Really Need to Update Firefox and Android Right Now January saw a slew of security patches for iOS, Chrome, Windows, and more: https://www.wired.com/story/firefox-android-security-patch-critical-update-january-2023/ 7) JAWS Power Tip: How To Automatically Announce Document Headers And Footers Courtesy of Freedom Scientific: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/145.html 8) 40 Cells To Empowerment: A Comparison Of Five Braille Displays To Fortify Your Success In 2023 | Scott Davert | Helen Keller Services Scott Davert compares 5 braille displays and showcases their different internal features, costs, battery life and more: https://www.helenkeller.org/40-cells-to-empowerment-a-comparison-of-five-braille-displays-to-fortify-your-success-in-2023/ 9) Brain-Machine Interfaces Promise a Virtual Social Life for All | Wired VR and BMIs will combine to give disabled people greater agency in gaming, digital messaging, and the metaverse: https://www.wired.com/story/virtual-world-social-life/ 10) An Open Letter From Jonathan Mosen: To Amazon's Audible.Com Division: Please Reinstate Support For HumanWare's Popular Victor Reader Stream Player For The Blind And Low Vision Community On the Mosen at Large podcast, HumanWare detailed how a recent release of Audible Sync has broken support for the current generation of the Victor Reader Stream. If you are authorized already, you're fine, but authorization for new users is broken. This issue extends to lack of support for the third generation of the Stream, which HumanWare expects to release initially to the US market sometime in February. Since this episode was published only a few hours ago, I've received a large number of inquiries asking if I would help set up some sort of open letter or petition to Audible about this issue. While I am not a Stream user myself, I am happy to help, because I strongly support blind people being able to access information in the way that works for them. There is no doubt that the loss of Audible support for the Stream will deprive a good number of people of their preferred means of reading Audible books, and some will unsubscribe from Audible altogether. I have now set up an open letter to Audible which you can sign if you wish. I've taken care to use a site that is accessible and does not needlessly collect information from you. I have had representatives from Audible on Mosen at Large in the Past. I will use those contacts to ensure the letter gets to the right place, and will also invite Audible on the podcast for comment. If you support this initiative, please spread the word via email lists and social media. Here is the link to the open letter: https://bit.ly/AudibleStreamSupport 11) Kindle for PC Update Required to Download Newer eBooks Basically, Amazon is now requiring Kindle for PC and Mac users to install an update in order to download and read any new Kindle ebooks published as of January 3rd, 2023: https://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2023/01/25/kindle-for-pc-update-required-to-download-newer-ebooks/ 12) The Best Ebook Readers | Wired These WIRED-tested slim slates let you take the world's library anywhere: https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-ereaders/ 13) How to Use Stage Manager With Your iPad and Mac Get your multitasking on with Apple's handy-dandy app juggling tool: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-stage-manager-with-ipad-and-mac/ 14) ChatGPT Is Coming for Classrooms. Don't Panic Publisher: Educators? What say you? Reboot? Or Apocalypse? Wired: The AI chatbot has stoked fears of an educational apocalypse. Some teachers see it as the reboot education sorely needs: https://www.wired.com/story/chatgpt-is-coming-for-classrooms-dont-panic/ 15) ChatGPT Is Making Universities Rethink Plagiarism Students and professors can't decide whether the AI chatbot is a research tool — or a cheating engine: https://www.wired.com/story/chatgpt-college-university-plagiarism/ 16) Google Is Freaking Out About ChatGPT Publisher: You may recall back in the December 29th 2022 issue of Top Tech Tidbits when we mentioned that OpenAI and ChatGPT were not the only AI kids on the block, and shared a "conversation" between researchers at Google and the LaMDA language model. Well Google is now none too happy about all the buzz (and insane investment dollars) being poured into ChatGPT. You see there was great concern amongst all AI researchers that early models would receive terrible press as agents that would ultimately destroy the world and therefore end up being tanked before they had the opportunity to show the world what they could really do. And so, believing this to be true, companies like Google, Apple, Meta, et al, took their AI research and development in house. And Open AI is all that remained for us to see. But it looks like they had it backwards. Rather than freak out, people, in general at least, seem to have embraced ChatGPT. So now there is great incentive for these companies to finally show everyone what they've been working on. Which leads me to believe that we can now expect to see an absolute explosion of these kinds of services in 2023. The Verge: The New York Times reports Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have discussed its response to ChatGPT, with plans to launch over 20 AI products this year, including a demo of its own search chatbot: https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/20/23563851/google-search-ai-chatbot-demo-chatgpt 17) ChatGPT: 4 Jobs That Will Change (Or Be Fully Replaced) by This AI-Powered Chatbot ChatbotGPT is an artificial intelligence designed to have conversations with people. This AI is capable of generating responses that sound natural and human-like, so it can be used as a chatbot, virtual assistant, or other conversational system. But can it become a threat to your job? It depends on how much of your time you dedicate to activities that ChatGPT is good at. Right now this AI does a great job at writing essays, emails, blog posts, and more (and it's still in the free research preview): https://medium.com/geekculture/chatgpt-4-jobs-that-will-change-or-be-fully-replaced-by-this-ai-powered-chatbot-97e8118b2475 18) ChatGPT Just Got An Update That Makes Its Responses More Accurate | Windows Central A recent update to OpenAI's chatbot improves the accuracy of the tool: https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/chatgpt-is-now-better-at-solving-math-problems 19) Seeing AI Version 5.0 for iOS Now Includes Indoor Navigation Allowing The User to Create a Route and Later Follow The Route Using Spatial Audio Cues What's New: Indoor Navigation, available on iOS 14 and later, enables you to create routes through a building, and later follow that route, guided by spatial audio cues. For example, create a route from the reception desk to your office, or building entrance to a particular classroom. You can share the route with others, so they can navigate the route later on, using their own device. On the World Channel, when using headphones which support Spatial Audio, you no longer need to look in the direction of the camera. Seeing AI will adjust to the direction you're looking, so sounds still come from the correct point in the room. Supported headphones include AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro. Improved announcements of people on the World Channel, when using a device with LiDAR. Plus, various bug fixes under the hood: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/seeing-ai/id999062298 20) Reader Review: Plugable 2-Outlet Travel Power Station With USB Smart Charging (PS2-USB3) Courtesy of Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Author and Advocate Donna Jodhan: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/143.html 21) Google Just Developed An AI Bot That Can Create Music We've recently seen artificial intelligence (AI) being used to generate images and help people write content. And now, there's a new AI system from Google that can generate music by following a text description. The search and advertising giant named this system 'MusicLM.' In an academic paper published last January 26, Google researchers describes MusicLM as "a model generating high-fidelity music from text descriptions such as 'a calming violin melody backed by a distorted guitar riff'." "We demonstrate that MusicLM can be conditioned on both text and a melody in that it can transform whistled and hummed melodies according to the style described in a text caption," the paper reads. According to the research paper, MusicLM can take cues from user-generated descriptions like "enchanting jazz song with a memorable saxophone solo and a solo singer" or "Berlin 90s techno with a low bass and strong kick," and receive corresponding results. You can listen to some of the tracks generated by MusicLM here: https://www.neowin.net/news/google-just-developed-an-ai-bot-that-can-create-music/ 22) New PDF Reader Now Available In GuideConnect 1.24 Update This update includes an all-new PDF reader, voice input across all GuideConnect languages, RSS news and more: https://yourdolphin.com/en-gb/news?id=528 23) Everything Samsung Announced at Galaxy Unpacked 2023 There are three new phones — the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra — as well as five new laptops: https://www.wired.com/story/samsung-galaxy-s23-phones-galaxy-book3-laptops/ 24) News Regarding the Release of Mona, a New Mastodon App For iOS | David Goldfield Mona is an app from the developers of Spring, a Twitter app for iOS which became my default Twitter client of choice. In addition to being fully accessible Spring was extremely customizable and provided excellent VoiceOver support. Spring can no longer be used due to Twitter banning third party apps from accessing its API. In plain English this means that third party Twitter apps will no longer be able to access Twitter's functionality which allowed these apps to access your timeline, notifications, etc. Fortunately, the developers of Spring have created a Mastodon app containing the accessibility and customization from Spring. I've been using the beta of Mona for a while and it has now become my Mastodon app of choice. The beta can be acquired if you've already purchased the Spring app: https://mastodon.social/@MonaApp/109747962513961249 25) JAWS Tips for Teachers | Vispero JAWS is a foundational tool for ensuring students who are blind or low vision succeed in the classroom. Whether you're new to the screen reader program or you're a seasoned user who wants to brush up on the features you haven't used in a while, these six brief tips that will help you support your students in using JAWS more effectively: https://www.aph.org/jaws-tips-for-teachers/ 26) Seeking Feedback: The Braillists Forum: Paige Connect: An Upgrade for Braille Writers Which Records Key Presses to Produce Digital Copies of the Braille That is Embossed on Paper My name is Greg, and I am part of a team of Imperial engineers working to build affordable braille solutions. We have created Paige Connect — an upgrade for braille writers which records key presses to produce digital copies of the braille that is embossed on paper. Paige Connect replaces the base board of your braille writer. Our accompanying web app can be accessed wirelessly on a phone, tablet, or laptop and can translate UEB into print and store files. We wanted to reach out to the Braillists forum in case this idea might be of interest and to answer any questions. We would love to hear possible uses for Paige Connect or features you would like us to work on. If anyone is available for a 15 minute chat we would be happy to arrange a call. Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Please contact us through email at: hello at paigebraille.com ✉ 27) How To Enable Google Package Tracking in GMail, Allowing Google To Share Tracking Numbers For Your Packages With Shipping Carriers | Blind Android Users (BAU) The promised "Package Tracking" from Google on GMail is here. Last year Google talked about bringing "Package Tracking" to GMail and it is finally here. Google is always slow to bringing these things, but at least, it's here. If you want to enable it, take the following steps: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/144.html 28) Slowing Down Speech On The Blindshell Classic 2 — A Step By Step Tutorial | Michael Babcock | YouTube In this video, I walk you through the process of slowing down speech on the Blindshell Classic 2. I've had a couple of people tell me that my speech is a little too fast for them and I completely get that. So, I want to show you how to adjust the speech rate to a more comfortable level for you: https://youtu.be/j_zC_IPO08M 29) Sam Taylor Talks About The All-New Sense Player by HIMS with Peter Greco on Vision Australia Radio | January 25th 2023 Sam Taylor, Pacific Vision's Blindness Specialist Consultant talks about the just released Sense Player from HIMS, a Candy Bar Style MP3 and book player, which can also stream internet radio — it has a tactile numeric keypad which can be connected via Bluetooth to smart phones: https://omny.fm/shows/vision-extra/vision-extra-25-jan-2022-sam-taylor 30) Lite JAWS Package Installer Update | TheQuinbox | Github Just updated my Lite JAWS package to use the latest JAWS installer. If you're not sure what this is, its a setup tweak that lets you install JAWS without having to reboot, and it doesn't install a lot of the bloatware that comes with it. As a result, you also only have one entry in add or remove programs, too: https://github.com/TheQuinbox/lite-jaws 31) AirPods Are Earplugs Now Noise-canceling wireless earbuds aren't just great for listening to music or podcasts — they are also great for turning down the volume of the world around you: https://www.theverge.com/23572699/airpods-wireless-earbuds-noise-cancellation-earplugs 32) Getting Started with Windows 11 | National Braille Press | $22-$24 USD Kim Nova and Chris Nova of Mystic Access demystify the Windows 11 operating system, and show how to use your PC in the ways that best suit your preferences. Coverage includes: the Start menu, desktop, taskbar, Task view, notifications, the Power User menu, ribbons and menus, shortcuts, dialog boxes, file and folder management, configuring settings, using preinstalled apps, the new Edge web browser, and more. Whether you want to research a topic for work or seek enjoyable entertainment online or off, Windows 11 can be the key to make it happen: https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/WINDOWS11.html 33) OneButtonPIN Improves Security For Blind And Low-Vision Users Researchers at the University of Waterloo and the Rochester Institute of Technology have developed a new authentication method that could help blind and low-vision (BLV) users more securely access their devices. The new method, OneButtonPIN, allows users to input PIN codes using a single large button and a series of haptic vibrations: https://coolblindtech.com/onebuttonpin-improves-security-for-blind-and-low-vision-users/ 34) Researchers Develop Secure Vibration-Based Authentication For Visually Impaired Users To Unlock Their Mobile Device Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada and the Rochester Institute of Technology in the USA have developed a system that enables blind and visually impaired people to securely access their mobile device by responding to a series of haptic vibrations: https://www.nfcw.com/2023/01/31/381720/secure-vibration-based-authentication-for-visually-impaired-users/ 35) Leasey Version 8 Released | Hartgen Consultancy We're very pleased to release Leasey version 8. This is a major new release of the product which we hope you will enjoy. It contains new features and we expect to have many updates to come this year in the version 8 series which you will be entitled to receive as a Leasey 8 user: https://hartgen.org/leasey8 36) Creating a Blog Post with Text Expander & LaunchBar — A Productivity Hack | Michael Babcock | YouTube In this video, I walk you through the process of quickly posting a blog post using Text Expander and LaunchBar. This is a productivity hack that has made a huge difference in my life. I'll be using Safari, WordPress, and The Hull Foundation and Learning Center, and showing you how little things like this can make a huge difference while being productive on a Mac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT1if7ECJqY&t=14s 37) Do You Teach Braille? Braillists.org is Compiling A New Directory of Learning Groups and Private Tutors Do You Teach Braille? If so, please get in touch! We are compiling a list of braille learning groups and private braille tutors for our website. If you run or have details of a local braille group, or you teach braille to individuals and would like your details included in our directory, please email help at braillists.org ✉ with more information: https://www.braillists.org/uncategorised/do-you-teach-braille/ 38) Envision Upgrades Smart Glasses Range With More Accessibility Options For People With Vision Impairments On January 26th 2023, assistive technology specialist Envision announced that it is further enhancing the accessibility of its smart glasses for blind and visually impaired individuals by introducing two new editions to serve the different needs of its users: https://www.letsenvision.com/blog/envision-glasses-editions-launch 39) Walking Stick Maps Surroundings And Identifies Grocery Store Items Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have used artificial intelligence technology to enhance the capabilities of white canes: https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/science-and-vision/technology/2023/01/24/walking-stick-maps-surroundings-and-identifies-grocery-store-items 40) The All Terrain Cane From AwareWolf Originally designed for the back country trails of Sedona, Arizona, the All-Terrain Cane (ATC) excels everywhere life takes you. Whether you're taking a stroll down the block, at the beach, on snowy sidewalks, your grandchild's playground, or on the trails, the ATC gives you the power to explore where other mobility canes wouldn't dream to go. High-strength design and innovation with lightweight super-strong titanium alloy, the ATC supports you as you walk or hike, giving you the support and stability of a reinforced mobility cane: terrain, obstacles, navigation and more. The 16” grip handle is designed and built for both golf and ski pole grips, with room to choke up/down when climbing. The high performance roller ball tip connects you to all terrains and surfaces. The ATC features traditional white and red reflective materials as users are accustomed to: https://awarewolfgear.com/atc/ 41) Building A Better, More Useful 1Password Better VoiceOver support. VoiceOver is an amazing accessibility feature by Apple that helps visually impaired people. We've improved 1Password 8 so that VoiceOver no longer gets stuck in some text fields. The screen reader will also read out all characters as you go past them — even if you start editing the associated text. Finally, if you're typing in a text field and make a mistake, you can go back and find the right spot using the arrow keys. All the text will be selected and read out, however you can also choose a specific part by holding shift and an arrow key: https://blog.1password.com/better-more-useful-1password/ 42) Estee Lauder's Voice-Enabled Makeup Assistant (VMA) App Provides Makeup Feedback To People With Visual Impairment Applying makeup can be challenging for folks with visual impairment and many times, they have to reply on others to make sure their makeup is right. To help make this process easy without depending on others, Estée Lauder Companies recently launched a voice enabled app that can provide guidance and direction when a person applies makeup: https://assistivetechnologyblog.com/2023/01/este-lauder-vma-vision-imapirment-makeup.html 43) BlindShell Classic 2 — Adjusting Playback Speed in the Podcasts App | Michael Babcock | YouTube In this video, Michael explains how to adjust the playback speed in the podcast app on the Blindshell Classic 2. He shows how to navigate to the podcast player and locate a recent episode, then demonstrates how to select the playback speed option and change the speed to 50% or 150%. Michael also mentions that using the up and down arrow keys allows for fast forwarding and rewinding within the current episode, and that pressing the back button stops the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKHXs3iEXBo ➜ Other Access Technology Newsletters 1) Sign up for Google's New Quarterly Accessibility Newsletter Join an ever-growing community of accessibility enthusiasts now by subscribing to our newsletter and get the latest Google accessibility news to your inbox: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemxYwYO_LRzm6Z6oI1Rxv5_cqEMv6_7JY2uo-1UWDuqlbzxA/viewform 2) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for January 2023 https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-january-2023 3) NV Access In-Process For January 27th 2023 https://www.nvaccess.org/post/in-process-27th-january-2023/ 4) WebAIM Newsletter For January 2023 Web Accessibility in Mind January 2023 Newsletter: https://webaim.org/newsletter/2023/january ➜ 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 Forms section of the Top Tech Tidbits website. Closing: Ongoing | 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/ Closing: February 10th 2023 | Google Survey on Audio Description Help ACB & YouTube Improve the Experience of Audio Description. In collaboration with the American Council of the Blind, the YouTube Accessibility Team would like your feedback about your experience with audio description on various media platforms. Your input will be used to explore solutions for improving the quality of audio description on YouTube. About the survey: The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. You will be asked to sign an Informed Consent form, which explains how your survey data will be used. Based on your answers to a couple brief demographic questions, you will be directed to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which will appear in a new tab or window. You will need to sign this before continuing with the survey. The survey is limited to 500 respondents and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. As a thank-you for completing the survey, you will be given the option to enter your email and receive a $25 gift card (adjusted to local currency) from Tremendous, which provides gift cards to a variety of retailers. Your email will not be shared except to provide your thank-you gift. Share your insight by sending an email to yt-a11y-feedback at google.com ✉ to receive a link to the survey. Closing: February 10th 2023 | PDF and the User Experience Survey 2023 The last "PDF and the User Experience Survey" was 2018. Has anything changed in the accessibility of PDFs? Looking to get an update on the state of accessible PDFs in 2023. Please share this link with anyone who might be interested in responding to the survey. Later this Spring I will be releasing the PDF Remediator's Survey which hasn't been taken since 2017. | Karen, ATHEN List: https://forms.office.com/r/yH0QE4gqTp Closing: April 24th 2023 | Survey on Technology Used by Visually Impaired Translators and Interpreters A visually impaired student in Translation Studies conducting a research for her dissertation would appreciate if blind or visually impaired translators and/or interpreters would fill in this survey about the technology they use to fulfill their translation-related tasks. She is especially interested in the types of technology used and their influence on the translators' and interpreters' productivity: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScY7Es_ZHbfz-crZ6wjwwoUFeyMnjZR7rgnhAgJNv-dWRwcrw/viewform?usp=sf_link ➜ 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 Forms section of the Top Tech Tidbits website. January 4th 2023 | Braillecast Episode 47: Braille Technology Throughout the Ages This episode focusses on braille technology: its past, present and future. We are joined by historians, people working in the braille technology industry today and developers of the next generation of braille hardware and software: https://www.braillecast.com/podcast/e047/ January 26th 2023 | Central Bark: A Guide Dogs for the Blind Podcast: Careers & Canine Connections with APH Theresa sits down with GDB Youth Outreach Specialist, Jane Flower, and Richard Rueda from APH CareerConnect to discuss our upcoming collaborative project: Careers & Canine Connections. Geared toward young adults ages 18-24, this FREE week-long workshop will be equal parts fun and future-focused to help prepare attendees who are blind or visually impaired to enter the workforce with confidence and an understanding of how a guide dog might fit into that plan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/central-bark-a-guide-dogs-for-the-blind-podcast/id1603263847?i=1000594938379 January 27th 2023 | How to Improve Productivity Using Refreshable Braille | Freedom Scientific We provide an overview of seven powerful features available when using a braille display with JAWS, plus discuss useful commands. Learn how to: Access braille settings in JAWS Use Scratch Pad to take notes when not connected to a computer or portable device Use status cells to obtain formatting information about a document or web page Select, copy, and paste text using the braille display Use Braille Study Mode to teach or learn braille Use BrailleIn to control your computer and input information Use the Braille Viewer to display a representation of the output on a computer screen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-improve-productivity-using-refreshable-braille/id1521340640?i=1000596895786 January 28th 2023 | Mosen At Large Episode 212: All That's New In HumanWare's Victor Reader Stream Third Generation, Is It Time For Us To Do Visual Interpretation Differently, And An Australian Bar Says If You're Blind And By Yourself, It's A Safety Risk For You To Drink https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/5a1248f2/all-that-s-new-in-humanware-s-victor-reader-stream-third-generation-is-it-time-for-us-to-do-visual-interpretation-differently-and-an-australian-bar-says-if-you-re-blind-and-by-yourself-it-s-a-safety-risk-for-you-to-drink January 28th 2023 | Blind Android Users (BAU) Podcast Episode 112: 2023 First Quarter App Bonanza This is our first app bonanza episode of 2023, we do this every quarter so stay tuned to our social networks for the next one. First we demo Samsung internet browser which you can run even on non Samsung phone. Then the demo of Yatri app which covers and tells you the timings of every transport network in Mumbai, you can install this app on android or IOS even if you are not in Mumbai or plan to visit. Then we have a demo of Audio Labs which is an audio recorder and editor which is as rich as Reaper for desktop. The last demo is of Boundo which is an APK extractor/apk package examiner. APK is an app installer for Android like EXE is for Windows. This episode can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5iI0uwraRqoPFveRuOrHdq9vlT89NNT0 January 29th 2023 | iSee Podcast: Discussion and Demo of the SensePlayer OCR with Sam Taylor from Pacific Vision https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/discussion-and-demo-of-the-senseplayer-ocr-with-sam-taylor-from-pacific-vision/ January 29th 2023 | The Mystic Access Podcast: Landing The Plane In this special episode of the Mystic Access Podcast Chris and Kim speak with Mathieu Paquette from HumanWare all about the new victor Reader Stream 3: https://www.mysticaccesspodcast.com/2023/01/29/landing-the-plane/ January 31st 2023 | Unmute Presents: January 31st Replay It's time for a new episode of Unmute Presents Replay, and this week we're exploring the exciting world of assistive technology. We'll be taking questions about BlindShell Classic 2 favorites, braille tables, audiobooks, remote controlling your devices, and sinking calendars. Get ready to learn about the latest advancements and gain some valuable insights to enhance your technology experience. Don't miss this opportunity to tune in to the latest episode of Unmute Presents Replay: https://pinecast.com/listen/cee707fe-37ba-4c0d-94a7-c94bf65dc516.mp3 February 1st 2023 | Eyes on Success 2305: Orbis Flying Eye Hospital Vision impairment affects many people around the world. Unfortunately, it is difficult to reach and treat people who live in remote areas. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Maria Montero, an ophthalmologist and assistant director of clinical services of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital about how their model addresses the problem: http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show_notes_2305.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 Forms section of the Top Tech Tidbits website. February 7th 2023 | Ask Sharky: Two Ways to Use JAWS Speech History 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT Learn how to access, copy, and delete JAWS Speech History, plus two valuable ways to use it. Join via Zoom or download the Clubhouse app from iOS App Store or Google Play to participate on your mobile device: https://zoom.us/j/7278038000?_x_zm_rtaid=JLrcZJLfR0CGeSOmS9Dn3g.1605555524846.894574b70d1d4051defcc9cb567d21aa&_x_zm_rhtaid=935#success February 7th 2023 | Health Care Decision Making, Advance Directives, and the MOLST Form | Zoom | For Residents of Maryland 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT This presentation will provide general guidance and information regarding the process of making health care decisions, including how the Health Care Decisions Act, advance directives, and the Maryland MOLST form are used to carry out patients' health care decisions. Presenter: Paul J. Ballard, Assistant Attorney General, Counsel for Health Decisions Policy: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtduiupjgoHNAfbDpQ8iBOvnRoNuBlCYrG February 8th 2023 | Grammar and Spell Check with Microsoft Office & JAWS (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT There are different ways to check spelling and grammar when working with Microsoft Office and the JAWS screen reader. Depending on the version of Office, you have either the Spell Checker or Editor feature. JAWS also has quick keys to scan for spelling and grammatical errors. Join Zhi Huang, Marisa Church, and Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity to explore the different ways to check for spelling and grammatical mistakes in Word documents and Outlook emails while working with JAWS. Learning Outcomes: Explore the differences between the older Office spell checker and the newer editor features of Office. Discover tips on working with either the Spell Checker or Editor with JAWS. Introduce how to scan for spelling and grammatical errors with JAWS using keyboard and dictation commands with the Smart Assistant. | Meeting ID: 832 3315 0235 | Passcode: 562270 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,83233150235#,,,,*562270# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83233150235?pwd=ZjFweVY5L2haOFl3S3JrMXE1MUhIUT09 February 8th 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26 This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here: https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/ February 8th 2023 | Understand, Test, Solve: Keyboard Accessibility and Focus | TPGi 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT Presenters: Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant. TPGi's Accessibility Resource Center (ARC Platform) empowers teams to solve common accessibility issues while growing their understanding of Accessibility over time. This webinar series addresses fundamental concepts in Accessibility. The first webinar in this series covers focus and keyboard testing, which provides the foundation for supporting the full spectrum of assistive technologies. Keyboard testing can be done by any person on your team. To do keyboard testing does not require a developer background or for a tester to inspect underlying code. It's an important yet easy way to further a site's Accessibility. This webinar covers the basics of keyboard testing and takes attendees through three critical keyboard accessibility issues using the ARC Platform's three-step method: Understand, Test, and Solve. ARC Monitoring automatically detects these three issues across an entire site. The main strength of ARC Monitoring is that each issue it detects is paired with tailored resources from ARC's KnowledgeBase to facilitate the Understand, Test, Solve workflow: Understand: Summaries of the relevant accessibility guidelines, so teams understand why the issue matters and its impact on user experience. Test: Step-by-step manual testing procedures to test the issue and related accessibility guidelines, which can't be covered through manual testing alone. Solve: Proven, battle-tested solutions with code examples, expected behavior, and alternative implementations. With these clear steps, teams, even with less accessibility expertise, can efficiently, accurately, and confidently solve accessibility issues. Over this webinar series, teams achieve full WCAG coverage in their testing. Beyond solving for Accessibility, this webinar goes to the important next step: Maintaining and Manage Accessibility. Attendees gain concrete steps to retest and validate their solutions and, using the ARC Platform, track issue types to guard against future regressions. Register: https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-february-8-at-12pm-et-understand-test-solve-keyboard-accessibility-and-focus/ February 9th 2023 and February 10th 2023 | Second Annual 2023 ATHEN Virtual STEM Accessibility Conference: Acc3ss N0w! ATHEN is hosting the Second Annual "2023 ATHEN Virtual STEM Accessibility Conference: Acc3ss N0w!" on February 9th and 10th 2023. Registration is free for ATHEN and AHEAD members, and low cost for non-members. Conference Details, Dates, Registration and Cost: https://athenpro.org/content/athen-virtual-conference February 11th 2023 | Maryland Accessible Telecommunications | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT Formerly Maryland Relay, this state resource can help clients acquire cell phones, TTY equipment, and other communication devices. The application process is easy and highly encouraged. Learn about all of the programs offered and how you can benefit. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 ☎ or via email jerry.price1 at maryland.gov ✉ February 14th 2023 | Exploring New Accessibility Frontiers with TPGi and the W3C 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT Presenter: Matthew Atkinson, TPGi's Principal Accessibility Engineer, and W3C's Accessible Platform Architectures working group co-chair. Several of TPGi's accessibility experts work alongside many others from across industry and academia to further accessibility through the work of the W3C. There's a range of transformative and evolutionary work being done right now, thanks to a collaboration between different groups and organizations. Join Matthew Atkinson, co-chair of the W3C's Accessible Platform Architectures working group, for an overview of a few key strands of exploration and development. Topics to be covered include affording symbol users access to web content, ensuring the Web of Things is accessible to all, and making collaborative authoring accessible. Register: https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-february-14-at-12pm-et-exploring-new-accessibility-frontiers-with-tpgi-and-the-w3c/ February 15th 2023 | How Do Accessibility Overlays Impact Assistive Technology? (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT Accessibility Overlays from companies like accessiBe, UserWay, and others seem like a quick fix to help you achieve WCAG compliance. However, have you ever wondered how they impact assistive technology users? Join Michael Parker and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity as they demonstrate the impact of accessibility overlays on screen readers and other assistive technology users and explain why developing accessible websites is a much better approach than implementing accessibility overlays. Learning Outcomes: Learn the impact of accessibility overlays on screen reader users. Understand the difference between designing an accessible website and using an accessibility overlay. Learn how to disable accessibility overlays. | Meeting ID: 862 3015 4256 | Passcode: 271210 | One tap mobile: +16694449171,,86230154256#,,,,*271210# US Dial by your location. +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86230154256?pwd=dGpjKzJrcG80aU9LNVNMREFhakRrZz09#success February 15th 2023 | Giving Up Your Car Keys Is Not The End Of Your Independence | NFB of Maryland Senior Call 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 2/16 Presented by National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Maryland Senior Division. Please join our conversation to explore the emotional decision to give up driving. Discover how to manage your life when you are no longer the one behind the wheel. When: February 15, 2023 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET. Where: NFB of Maryland Conference Call at (339) 209-4083 ☎. All are welcome! For more information about this event or the NFB of Maryland Senior Division please contact Marguerite Woods at (443) 271-1668 ☎ or mwoods719 at gmail.com ✉. February 20th 2023 | Project INSPIRE: Spring 2023 | Paths To Literacy | 6 Course Offering | Deadline To Register: February 17th 2023 Project INSPIRE will be offering six courses. This includes a new course, Nemeth Code Symbols Used in High School and Strategies for Supporting Math Learning. We are offering the opportunity for you to take ONE of the courses. You may choose from the following courses: https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/project-inspire-spring-2023/ February 21st 2023 | Don't Hesitate to Communicate, Vispero's Own Blindness and Diversity Awareness Workshop | TPGi 9AM PT, 10AM MT, 11AM CT, 12PM ET, 5PM GMT Presenters: Amy Albin (she/her), HR Intern, Vispero. Amy Albin (she/her) has been Vispero's HR intern since September 2022. She will lead a unique workshop to spark open conversations about how sighted and blind/vision impaired people can interact comfortably together. You will learn tools that apply not just to sighted and blind/vision impaired people but also to anyone who is a member of a marginalized group. Whether you are sighted or blind/vision impaired, you will learn techniques to facilitate constructive communication with the diverse people in all areas of your life: https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-february-21-at-12pm-et-dont-hesitate-to-communicate-visperos-own-blindness-and-diversity-awareness-workshop/ February 22nd 2023 | RUBY Handheld Magnifiers: A Vision Solution for Every Situation (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT Did you know there are five RUBY models to help with your low vision needs? RUBY handheld video magnifiers provide the help that many people with low vision need to read a text and see details. All RUBY models have a crisp, sharp image, high-contrast modes, and built-in LEDs. The streamlined design means RUBY can go with you anywhere, giving you easy access to photos, letters, prescriptions, packaging labels, and menus, even in a dark restaurant. With its broad range of adjustable, undistorted magnification, a RUBY video magnifier outperforms a drawerful of traditional magnifiers. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity with Joe McDaniel from Vispero to discuss the features and benefits of all the RUBY models and the assistance each can give in specific situations. 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 of all RUBY models. How to determine the right size for you. How adding speech capability can take you further. RUBY Handheld Magnifiers: A Vision Solution for Every Situation | Meeting ID: 858 1556 3463 | Passcode: 691785 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,85815563463#,,,,*691785# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85815563463?pwd=WENJdjFQcS9rdWtoMm1QeDJwRU9mZz09#success February 22nd 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26 This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here: https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/ February 27th 2023 to March 2nd 2023 | Apply By January 23rd 2023 | Accessible Customer-Centered Communications Workshop | NSITE & Baker Communications, Inc. In Partnership NSITE, the first organization to provide a continuum of employment services for individuals who are blind or face vision loss, has partnered with one of the leading sales training providers, Baker Communications Inc. (BCI), to offer a virtual instructor-led delivery of their Customer-Centered Communications workshop. This highly engaging and participatory accessible workshop, delivered over four consecutive days (four hours per session), covers a comprehensive six-part system of organized customer communications and selling. After the program, participants will be able to build greater trust with customers, deliver specific customer outcomes effectively, and achieve world-class customer service and sales performance. All NSITE programs are adapted for the learning styles of blind and low-vision learners. Therefore, qualified applicants who are blind or have low vision receive enrollment preference in case classes fill up. Program runs February 27 to March 2, 2023. Apply by January 23rd 2023: https://bit.ly/NSITE-CCC February 28th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out March 6th 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT Let's explore daily-living activities using LEGO Braille Bricks and share our best practices, experiences, tips: https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/ March 8th 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26 This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here: https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/ March 11th 2023 | Using Garage Band App to Create a Song | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT You have seen this app on your iDevice, and maybe you have even opened it once or twice. In this presentation, you will learn how to create a song from scratch and how to make modifications. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 ☎ or via email jerry.price1 at maryland.gov ✉ March 13th 2023 through March 17th 2023 | 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference Welcome. Whether you have been attending the conference for years or are planning to attend your first, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, also known as the CSUN Conference, is the ultimate community experience and the premier forum on technology for all persons with disabilities. For over 37 years, California State University, Northridge's Center on Disabilities has sponsored the conference, providing a platform for researchers, practitioners, educators, exhibitors and more from around the world, where they can share knowledge, innovations, and best practices to promote inclusion for all. Building on the momentum from the 2022 conference, exciting new plans are in the works to enhance the conference experience. We encourage you to join us in Anaheim, California in 2023, where attendees can attend Pre-Conference Workshops, the yearly Keynote Address, Featured Presentations, General Sessions, Sponsor Showcase Suites and the Exhibit Hall. We also continue developing new programming to build community and networking opportunities. Check back often or follow us on social media for the latest updates, details, and deadlines. For information on sponsor or exhibitor opportunities, please visit our Opportunities page or email us at conference at csun.edu ✉. We can't wait until the CSUN Conference community is back together to learn, share and connect: https://www.csun.edu/cod/conference/sessions/ March 15th 2023 and March 16th 2023 | 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference Deque Systems, the trusted leader in digital accessibility, has announced the third annual axe-con conference will return on March 15-16th, 2023. With the success of axe-con over the past two years, Deque will continue to host the conference as a free virtual event again next year. Axe-con is an open and inclusive digital accessibility conference that welcomes developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels to a new kind of accessibility conference focused on building, testing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences: https://www.deque.com/blog/save-the-date-for-axe-con-2023/ March 21st 2023 and March 22nd 2023 | Multiple Perspectives 2023 | Americans With Disabilities Act Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion, & Disability Conference | Ohio State University "It is time to move beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law; to shift our focus from redressing human and environmental problems through remedial design to preventing problems through holistic design." -Leslie Kanes Weisman. As a modern land grant university, an important part of Ohio State University's mission is outreach and engagement, serving the community through a variety of activities. During the tenth anniversary year of the Americans With Disabilities Act the Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion And Disability conference was created to help fulfill this mission. In short, the goal of the conference is to encourage the kind of change suggested by Leslie Kanes Weisman in the opening quote. It is hoped that the annual conference will serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard for collaborations with our partners in education, business, public, and social service. Each year a series of workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through the synergy of collaboration. The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants. Register: https://ada.osu.edu/ada-conference March 22nd 2023 | Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights: New Webinar Series with Karen Mayer Cunningham | APH FamilyConnect 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/26 This fall, we were pleased to partner with Karen Mayer Cunningham to present two webinar series. Navigating and Negotiating Successful IEP and 504 Outcomes and Ask the Advocate provided information to parents, professionals, and school-based members. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and 504 processes as well as the opportunity to ask specific questions about their child's IEPs. These two series have been highly attended, and we have received requests for more content from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the self-proclaimed “Special Education Boss”. The positive feedback and need for more content to support parents and professionals leads to the next series of webinars. We are excited to offer the next series to continue to support parents and professionals. Procedural Safeguards: Procedural Safeguards are handed out, and many don't have a full understanding of the document. Procedural Safeguards and Rights are in place for parents and individuals with a disability between the ages of 3 to 22. Unfortunately, most parents are only asked by school-based members if they “received” their copy of the procedural rights, and would they please sign in receipt of them. While that checks a box for the school, it in no way equips the families with a knowledge of their rights and protection, nor indicates the school's legal obligation. This series will identify your rights and the difference between procedural and substantive requirements. Join the APH ConnectCenter and Karen Mayer Cunningham as we dive into Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Learn more: We hope you will join the 6-part webinar series to further your knowledge and understanding of the Procedural Safeguards and Parental Rights. Join us at 7:00 pm EST on 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, and 3/22. Register here: https://familyconnect.org/blog/familyconnect-blog/procedural-safeguards-and-parental-rights-new-webinar-series-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/ March 28th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out April 5th 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT Let's discover together how to make music with these famous bricks! Come and share your creative ideas: https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/ April 8th 2023 | How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT This operating system has been around for a while, and people champion its security strengths and applications. Should you upgrade, and what is that process? All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 ☎ or via email jerry.price1 at maryland.gov ✉ April 25th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out May 3rd 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT Have you ever thought of doing science, computing, or technology with LEGO Braille Bricks? Expert guests will join us for an amazing session: https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/ May 13th 2023 | Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT Whether you are traveling to another city, state or country, we will look at tools and resources that will help you get the most assistance for your venture. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. Please dial (319) 527-4994 ☎ at 10:00 AM ET. For more information about the Technology User Group or to recommend a topic / technology for discussion, please contact: Jerry Price at (410) 230-2446 ☎ or via email jerry.price1 at maryland.gov ✉ June 2nd 2023 | ATHEN Sixth Annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023 6AM PT, 7AM MT, 8AM CT, 9AM ET, 2PM GMT We would love for you to share your accessibility knowledge during our sixth annual Accessibility Summer Camp 2023! As in former years, this virtual conference is FREE for all attendees. This year's ASC event will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 8:00-4:00 CST. As a conference participant you will be able to attend sessions and engage in valuable networking with like-minded professionals. We are soliciting presentations from all experience levels and backgrounds, so please visit the ASC Conference Home Page for more information and to submit a proposal. The session proposal deadline is Friday, February 17th, 2023. What is Accessibility Summer Camp (ASC)? The Accessibility Summer Camp is a FREE annual conference with the goal of connecting professionals and educators with best practices in accessibility and Universal Design. Over the past few years, the ASC conference has grown to become one of the most popular accessibility conferences in the country. Our mission is to provide accessibility professional development that empowers attendees to create high quality, accessible learning environments while removing barriers for all individuals who have a desire to learn: https://www.accessibilityict.org/ May 23rd 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out June 7th 2023 | Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT LEGO bricks to build plans, visualize routes, it's not new! But with LEGO Braille Bricks you can also create labels, add letters, words... Then it becomes really great: https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/ June 27th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out July 25th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out August 22nd 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out September 26th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out October 24th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out November 28th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out December 26th 2023 | Tech It Out | Monthly Hadley Discussion Group 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT Next Day 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM CT. Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences. https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out ➜ 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 Gently Used BrailleNote Touch Plus 32 Listing Date: 1/12/2023 | Price: $3,500.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used. | Description: Well-used but fully-functional & well-maintained BrailleNote Touch Plus 32, Humanware. HumanWare asks $5,800; I'm asking $3,500 or best offer. Bonus: Free Executive Products leather carrying case, usually $80. Charger and earbuds included upon request. | Contact: Caitlin via email at: caitlinbrailles at gmail.com ✉ or by phone / text at: (831) 222-5914 ☎. | 2) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Ad (Just like this one.) Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5.00 USD. | Buy an Ad: Fill out this short 10-step form ✔ to secure your Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisement today. | Learn more at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html 🌐 | Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads: Sponsor: Dolphin Computer Access ➜ Classified Advertisement: Dolphin Friends Program If you work for a non-profit, charity or society that provides services to people with visual impairments, we invite you to take part in our Dolphin Friends Program. Dolphin will outfit your center with assistive technology solutions that can benefit your clients who need to remain independent, are trying to sharpen their technology skills for employment and more. Learn more about becoming a Dolphin Friend: https://info.yourdolphin.com/join-dolphin-friends 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 ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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: As there are many challenges people in the blind community face in employment and education, Clusiv has built the world's first e-learning platform designed for the blind to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to remove barriers to the modern workforce. Our courses teach you occupational and technology skills you need towards employment. Plus, we are working to connect our graduates to internship and job opportunities. Our courses are remote, self-paced, and we provide support throughout your whole journey through our student success team, and even provide lifetime access to our courses so you can keep up to date as technology evolves. You can request Clusiv training through your vocational rehabilitation counselor and fill out the form in the link below on our website. If you are a counselor wanting to learn more about Clusiv for your clients, or an employer looking to hire Clusiv graduates, click the respective link below and fill out a form to get more info. ➜ Person Looking To Enroll In Clusiv Courses ➜ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Looking To Learn More About Clusiv For Their Clients ➜ Employer Looking To Hire Clusiv Graduates Sponsor: Double Tap TV ➜ Classified Advertisement: Subscribe to the Double Tap Podcast Double Tap is the show where blind people talk tech! If you're blind or partially sighted and have an interest in technology, this is the show for you. Everyone is welcome no matter how old you are or how much or how little experience you have with technology. Each week the team will help you better understand how technology can help your everyday life, even if you have little or no sight. Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail! Email: feedback at doubletap.online ✉. Phone: +1 (844) 971-1999 ☎ https://bit.ly/3BQmUTl Sponsor Since: December 23rd 2021 Email: feedback at doubletap.online ✉ YouTube: https://bit.ly/3BQmUTl 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. ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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: Carroll Center for the Blind ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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 ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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. Sponsor: Freedom Scientific ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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 ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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 ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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 ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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) ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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 ➜ Classified Advertisement: New Sales, New Year Feature packed Evo 12; six voices; Internet radio and podcatcher; edit recorded files; and much more; lowest price ever offered; $259. Our titanium telescopic cane is on sale for the first time; 50 inch $60, 60 inch, $70. New convertible heavy duty leather cross-body shoulder bag backpack; 9 by 12 by 6; 5 big pockets; large enough for Braille display or Ipad, $60. First gen talking oximeter, dis40; non-contact talking infrared thermometer; $50. All Prices Include Shipping; Good Through February 15th 2023. Call Barry or Kae at (617) 969-7500 ☎ or (781) 286-1696 ☎ or email us at bscheur.gadgetsandtech at gmail.com ✉ or guidelightdogs at gmail.com ✉. We love to talk and help our customers find what they need and, what will work! 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 ➜ Classified Advertisement: 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: WayAround ➜ Classified Advertisement: Try Talking Labels That Work With Your Smartphone For Just $9.99! Get all the different types of WayTags so you can try the BEST accessible labeling system around. Use the coupon code TryTags to get a WayTag Sampler Pack for just $9.99. Plus, you get FREE shipping. Use the WayTags along with the free mobile app to label your things with a description and other important details, so you can spend less time figuring out what things are, and more time getting things done. https://www.wayaround.com/shop/sampler-pack/?utm_source=AssistiveTech&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TopTechTidbitsSponsorAd Sponsor Since: January 5th 2023 Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐 General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 ☎ Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 ☎ Email: connect at wayaround.com ✉ About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence. All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®. Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence. Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8 Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround Sponsor: That Real Blind Tech Show ➜ Classified Advertisement: That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 96: We Got More Resolutions, ACB Style! It's a fully packed That Real Blind Tech show lair. Join us as we recap this year's ACB Resolutions. We chime in with all of our opinions about this year's resolutions, and as usual some hilarity ensues. You will not want to miss both AirPods issues that take place on this episode. We are adding do not listen to That Real Blind Tech show on the bus as we are not responsible for the stares you will receive when laughing or cackling like a lunatic! https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-96-we-got-more-resolutions-acb-style Sponsor Since: August 11th 2022 Website: https://blindtechshow.com/ 🌐 Email: ThatRealBlindTechShow at gmail.com ✉ Social: Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Twitter Listen: Apple Podcasts | Audible | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Hosts: Brian Fischler | Ed Plumacher | Allison Meloy | Jenine Stanley Goals: We want to educate you on the latest tech for the blindness community. You'll learn what is worth keeping and what you need to return. Our goals are: To inform, inspire and educate our audience. Feature guests and products that bring you value. Continuously improve and deliver the best content. About: A podcast discussing the good & bad of assistive technology for the low vision & totally blind. No longer focused on just Apple VoiceOver technology. That Real Blind Tech show covers all the fantastic talking tech and gadgets out there for the low vision and blindness community. Common topics include Apple's VoiceOver, JAWS, Microsoft Narrator, NVDA, Amazon Alexa and VoiceView, Google Assistant and Android. Basically, if a device can talk to you, we are going to be talking about it. That Real Blind Tech Show will not only educate you, but it will also make you laugh. Listeners are encouraged to not use treadmills or drink hot coffee while listening to our show, or accidents can and have occurred. Dishes have been broken while listening to That Real Blind Tech Show, and while we are responsible for the laughs, we are in no way responsible for the injuries or bills that pile up. Remember to keep it Real and also don't believe anything you hear on That Real Blind Tech Show. Home | Episodes | Blog | Contact | Subscribe 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's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting. We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables. Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free. https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/ 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 any time. 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: Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore ➜ Classified Advertisement: Blind in Mind, 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 Blind in Mind, 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 ➜ Classified Advertisement: Get Paid To Share Your Accessibility Issues With Companies That Care Do you use assistive technology to navigate your phone or computer? Fable is looking for assistive technology users to work from home across the US and Canada to join its community of accessibility testers. Receive paid training, work from home, and choose your own hours. Enter the world of digital accessibility and launch your career in tech today. Fable is currently recruiting folks who use Voiceover (Mac), Headmouse, Eyegaze, and switch systems. No resume needed, apply at: https://makeitfable.com/community/?&utm_source=top-tech-tidbits&utm_medium=sponsored-content&utm_campaign=voiceover-alt-nav-testers&utm_content=feb-2022-ttt-classified Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: https://fablepathways.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://fablepathways.com/. ➜ 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://fablepathways.com/community/. Your Name Here 0 of 18 Sponsorship Packages currently available. Top Tech Tidbits is a leading, not-for-profit adaptive technology publication that reaches over 7,000 adaptive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Top Tech Tidbits offers a total of 18 Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication. There are currently  0  of  18  packages available. If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor, but there are no sponsorship packages currently available, we encourage you to join our waiting list by sending an email to: sponsorships at toptechtidbits.com ✉. Once you have joined our waiting list we will notify you the next time a current sponsor decides not to renew. You will then have 72 hours to secure your sponsorship before it is offered to the next sponsor on the list. When available you can secure one of these packages for just $325.00 USD for the next 3 months, or save $100.00 USD and join us for the year. All Sponsorship Packages are offered on a first-come, first serve basis. Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Consider showing your support for the world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in adaptive technology while enjoying these incredible benefits. Learn more today at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-information.html. Top Tech Tidbits Supporters: We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support! Tidbits Supporters donate an amount of their choosing on an annual basis in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication. If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support. In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Tidbits possible: Platinum Supporters: Become a Tidbits Supporter today. 1.) Gary Lee Platinum Supporter since June 25, 2020 2.) Anonymous Donation Platinum Supporter since July 9, 2020 3.) Pshon Barrett Platinum Supporter since January 28, 2021 4.) Kelly Walborn Platinum Supporter since March 28, 2022 Gold Supporters: Become a Tidbits Supporter today. 1.) Howard Goldstein Gold Supporter since June 4, 2020 2.) David Goldstein Gold Supporter since June 12, 2020 3.) Katherine Crohan Gold Supporter since January 14, 2021 4.) Neil Jarvis Gold Supporter since April 28, 2022 Silver Supporters: Become a Tidbits Supporter today. 1.) Your name here. Help support Tidbits today. Bronze Supporters: Become a Tidbits Supporter today. 1.) Steven Wettlaufer Bronze Supporter since July 16, 2020 Top Tech Tidbits Subscription Information: ABOUT: Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is a leading not-for-profit Adaptive Technology publication that reaches over 7,000 assistive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Sign up here. Review the archive here. Adaptive Technology refers to items that are specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Assistive Technology. Adaptive Technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Contributing Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, Stephen (Alex) Marositz, and Ben Moxey. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor and reader supported publication. RELEASE SCHEDULE: Top Tech Tidbits is released every Thursday morning at 4:00 AM ET. SUBSCRIBE: Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter on the Top Tech Tidbits Website at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com or by (SMS) texting "TOPTECHTIDBITS" to 22828. Any of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter. It's that easy. PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER: Top Tech Tidbits Premium Subscribers receive additional benefits throughout the year, in addition to supporting upgrades to the Top Tech Tidbits Publication. Please consider joining us today! Premium Subscribers make new feature requests possible. SPONSOR: If you would like to become 1 of only 18 Top Tech Tidbits Sponsors whose annual support makes the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible, we offer you the following benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-information.html. SUPPORT: If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/donate.html. WEBSITE: Visit the Top Tech Tidbits website online at https://www.toptechtidbits.com. FACEBOOK: Are you on Facebook? Stop by and "Like" Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology as part of your Facebook News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook. TWITTER: Are you on Twitter? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology as part of your Twitter News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/twitter. LINKEDIN: Are you on LinkedIn? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology as part of your LinkedIn News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/linkedin. YOUTUBE: Are you on YouTube? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology as part of your YouTube Video Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/youtube. RSS: Do you prefer RSS? Follow Top Tech Tidbits via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in Adaptive Technology using your choice of news aggregator: https://feeds.feedblitz.com/toptechtidbits. QUESTIONS: Tidbits are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular Tidbit brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit. ARCHIVE Visit the Top Tech Tidbits Archive at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/archive.html where you can grab back issues. CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS: Any information for future issues of Top Tech Tidbits may be submitted online via our Top Tech Tidbit Submission Form at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/submit-tidbit or directed to our Editors at: editors at toptechtidbits.com. Information provided by: Top Tech Tidbits A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication https://www.toptechtidbits.com/  🌐 1284 SOM Center Road, PMB 194 Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124   (855) 578-6660 ☎ Top Tech Tidbits | 1284 SOM Center Road, PMB 194, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 Unsubscribe electronics-talk at nfbnet.org Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by enews at toptechtidbits.com