[Electronics-Talk] Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 9, 2023 - Volume 897

[Top Tech Tidbits]

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 9, 2023 - Volume 897 Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, February 9, 2023 - Volume 897 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/tidbits2023/02092023/. Share: Share this volume of Top Tech Tidbits on Facebook: http://bit.ly/sharetidbits897. 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: 8,174 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 160 Premium Subscribers were sent this issue via email. This Week's Featured Advertisement: No Sponsorship Packages Currently Available. Please Consider Joining Our Waiting List Today! This Issue Made Possible By Support From The Following Sponsors: This issue made possible by sponsorship support from: A.T. Guys, GuideLights And Gadgets, American Printing House, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store, HumanWare, APH ConnectCenter, Freedom Scientific, Pneuma Solutions, Carroll Center for the Blind, HIMS, Inc., Double Tap TV, Clusiv, Dolphin Computer Access, Fable, Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore, Aira, That Real Blind Tech Show, and WayAround. Dear Rolando, 1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week A.) 40 Cells To Empowerment: A Comparison Of Five Braille Displays To Fortify Your Success In 2023 | Scott Davert | Helen Keller Services (6.5% of all clicks.) 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/ B.) JAWS Power Tip: How To Automatically Announce Document Headers And Footers (4.5% of all clicks.) Courtesy of Freedom Scientific: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/145.html C.) Blind in 2040: Specs on Deck (4.3% of all clicks.) 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 D.) 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 (4.1% of all clicks.) 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 E.) JAWS Tips for Teachers | Vispero (3.7% of all clicks.) 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/ 2) Sponsored By: Effective Solutions | Accessible, Affordable And Professional Websites For Your Business, Nonprofit, House Of Worship, Radio Station, Or Blindness Organization; Built With Your Choice Of Either WordPress Or Drupal Do you need a new accessible website with email addresses, an email list for marketing, and forms for products, services or donations? Take online payments using: PayPal, Stripe or Square. Enjoy audio, video, RSS for news, events calendar, Social media integration, a new logo, and free training to use your new website. Utilize maintenance plans including backups, security updates, copywriting and photo editing. Call Michael Lauf with Effective Solutions (812) 550-4022 ☎ or email info at myeffectivesolutions.com ✉ or visit: https://www.myeffectivesolutions.com 3) Sponsored By: Clusiv | Check Out A Simple, Intuitive, And Accessible Way To Learn Technical Skills, Business Tools, And Technology For The Modern Workforce With JAWS Or ZoomText Through Clusiv, The World's First e-Learning Platform Built For The Blind Community Click the link to learn more about training with Clusiv and enrolling today. We know that learning assistive technology like JAWS or ZoomText can be challenging, and applying that knowledge to the tools and software used in the modern workforce is even more difficult. But don't worry, we have courses that will help you overcome these barriers to employment. Take the next step in your career journey by filling out a form on our website and we'll be in touch with the next steps! http://bit.ly/3YioFBP 4) 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 THREE future Sponsors on the waiting list. List Addition: Just send an email to our Publisher at: publisher at toptechtidbits.com ✉ 5) 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 6) Sponsored Tidbits Now Available Drive Traffic: Use Sponsored Tidbits to reach the access community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsored-tidbits.html. Sponsors can purchase a Sponsored Tidbit here: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsor25. Non-Sponsors can purchase a Sponsored Tidbit here: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsor50. 7) An Update On The Open Letter To Amazon Requesting Reinstatement Of Victor Reader Stream Support | Jonathan Mosen Thanks to everyone, 678 people at the time of publication of this update, who signed the open letter requesting that Amazon reinstate support for HumanWare's Victor Reader Stream. The letter came about as the result of comments made by HumanWare representatives in episode 212 of the Mosen at large podcast that not only was the forthcoming third generation Stream not yet supported by Audible, but changes to Audible Sync prevented new authorizations of current models. During the week, I received a comprehensive audio demonstration from a listener, which will air in Mosen at Large 213, showing that with the latest version of Audible Sync, authorization of the current generation Stream has now been reinstated. I should emphasize that this is not a result of the open letter, the Audible Sync update had been published previously but it seems Audible had not communicated this fix to product management at HumanWare. I have contacted HumanWare and they confirm that they have heard similar and verified the fix with internal testing. This is good news for all current Stream owners. While matters are less clear with the third generation Stream and it appears HumanWare may need still to do some work on their side, things are also looking positive there as well. It is a pity that communication between Audible and HumanWare hasn't been better, but it is great that those who choose to read Audible books on the Stream can do so now with the current device, and should be able to do so soon if they purchase the new model. Full credit to Amazon for responding, but I encourage larger companies to take the time to communicate with those serving the blind community. We are a small market, but the consequences of these things are significant for us. While better communications would have saved us the bother of this open letter altogether, it has been a positive demonstration that we care about this issue: https://openletter.earth/to-amazons-audiblecom-division-please-reinstate-support-for-humanwares-popular-victor-reader-stream-player-for-the-blind-and-low-vision-community-c26fcf78 8) A Final Update On The Open Letter To Amazon Requesting Reinstatement Of Victor Reader Stream Support | Jonathan Mosen This is likely to be my final update on the open letter to Amazon, and it is all good news. HumanWare have let me know that they will be meeting bi-weekly with Audible and that communications have been strengthened. Hopefully, this will avert future disruptions that have in the past in the cause of concern. HumanWare further advise that the third-generation Victor Reader Stream will not support Audible at launch because further work is required on both sides, but that a software update will be released, most likely in April or May, that will provide Audible support. I am also advised that the open letter was circulated among Audible staff and that they were moved and impressed by the passion our community displayed. So with this issue resolved, I will conclude with two expressions of thanks. Thanks to Audible for listening so respectfully, being so responsive, and recognizing the choice that many in our community have made to read Audible content on the Victor Reader Stream. And thank you to everyone who took the trouble to add their names to the letter. Sometimes, it feels like we are too insignificant, as individuals and even as a community, to make change. But when those seeking change and those able to make that change happen are willing to engage with courtesy and compassion, we can all make good things happen. Happy reading, and on this issue, it's over and out. https://openletter.earth/to-amazons-audiblecom-division-please-reinstate-support-for-humanwares-popular-victor-reader-stream-player-for-the-blind-and-low-vision-community-c26fcf78 9) For Users Of Humanware's Victor Products: An Update On Audible And The Open Letter / Petition That Was Going Around Recently | Mathieu Paquette, Product Manager, Humanware Hi everyone! I wanted to give a quick update on this. Audible reached out to me today and we just had a meeting. It seems like the open letter worked! The person I spoke to told me that it has circulated amongst the Audible employees, and their team was moved by the letter, and impressed by the passion shown by Stream users! So in terms of the Stream 2 / VRTrek support, they confirmed that the issue was fixed earlier this week, and they apologized for not communicating the fix sooner. I thanked him for resolving this! Now, as far as the Stream 3 goes, they have a test device we sent them back in November, and are still in the process of doing some testing. Now that we know that they're testing, once our launch is finished, we'll be able to do the work that's required to integrate into the Stream 3 (most of it is already done but there's still a bit of work to do). So barring any major technical issues, we should have Audible available on the Stream 3 some time in the spring (I'm hoping for April, May at the latest). The REALLY good news is that they've asked us to have a bi-weekly call with them moving forward, which I obviously immediately said yes to. So from now on, the channel of communication with them will remain open. I was really happy to see that they were very sincere in their wanting to work with us and to make the product available to the blind community. So all in all, not a bad way to end the week at all! :) Thanks everyone for taking the time to read this, and have a great weekend! 10) Introducing ChatGPT Plus | OpenAI Publisher: I won't deny it. I've joined the waiting list. I'm incredibly excited to explore new applications of the technology, both personally, and professionally. OpenAI: We're launching a pilot subscription plan for ChatGPT, a conversational AI that can chat with you, answer follow-up questions, and challenge incorrect assumptions. ChatGPT Plus is available to customers in the United States, and we will begin the process of inviting people from our waitlist over the coming weeks. We plan to expand access and support to additional countries and regions soon: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt-plus/ 11) ChatGPT Comes To Microsoft Word Through Ghostwriter Add-In | Windows Central You don't have to wait for Microsoft to use ChatGPT within Microsoft Word: https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/chatgpt-comes-to-microsoft-word-through-ghostwriter-add-in 12) The Race to Build a ChatGPT-Powered Search Engine Publisher: I still don't personally or professionally understand what convergence of circumstances could have possibly allowed Google, the founder and world leader in online search to let OpenAI get this far ahead of them with the buzz around ChatGPT. We all knew that Google had been working on LaMDA, right? And they have to have been working on it for a long time. So when they saw OpenAI come along with ChatGPT, and the subsequent buzz that it began to generate, why did they not act? Was their AI technology that far behind? I think we would all find that hard to believe. Many of us believed, prior to ChatGPT, that Google would emerge as the world leader in AI. So what happened? I don't know. But some recent news from Google may provide some clues. WIRED: A search bot you converse with could make finding answers easier — if it doesn't tell fibs. Microsoft, Google, Baidu, and others are working on it: https://www.wired.com/story/the-race-to-build-a-chatgpt-powered-search-engine/ 13) How To Get Started Using ChatGPT The new AI language processing tool has been trending since its launch late last year, but how do you use it? And what do you use it for? https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-use-chatgpt/#ftag=RSSbaffb68 14) Google Launches Bard, Its Answer To ChatGPT | Search Engine Land Publisher: And here we receive some of those clues that we talked about. The most important of which, I believe, is that we still cannot, even as of this announcement, actually use Bard, as we currently can ChatGPT. Google has instead opted to provide us with promises of future integrations and their screen shots, complete with details about how wonderful they will be. I guess we'll just have to take their word for it. SEL: Google promises to make their experimental conversational AI service, powered by LaMDA, available more widely in the coming weeks: SEL: https://searchengineland.com/google-launches-bard-its-answer-to-chatgpt-to-trusted-testers-here-is-what-it-looks-like-392729 Google Press Release: https://blog.google/technology/ai/bard-google-ai-search-updates/ Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/meet-bard-googles-answer-to-chatgpt/ 15) Google Bard AI Chatbot: How To Use, Access, And More Google Bard has arrived! You'd be pardoned if you never heard about it before. Google Bard is the eponymous company's new attempt at snatching ChatGPT's resounding success. It's an experimental conversational AI that is geared to either be a Google Search companion or replace it altogether. Behind Google Bard sits LaMDA or Language Model for Dialogue Applications, the technology behind this AI. As you can probably guess, Bard aims to offer a similar experience to ChatGPT, giving human-like responses to complex questions such as what results of a mix between a chihuahua dog and a bonsai. Jokes aside, Google Bard is a powerful solution that can solve mathematical and coding exercises, write an essay or poem, and cross-reference data to form an elaborate reply. It can also address follow-up questions: https://www.ghacks.net/2023/02/08/google-bard-ai-chatbot-how-to-use-access-and-more/ 16) Microsoft's AI-Powered Bing Will Challenge Google Search | CNet Publisher: And here we encounter some of the repercussions that might arise as a result of Google arriving late to said game. CNet: The company may finally have figured out how to get you to use Bing: https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/microsoft-unveils-ai-powered-bing-a-new-challenge-to-google-search/#ftag=CAD590a51e 17) Announcing The New AI-Powered Bing Search Engine And Microsoft Edge Browser | Bing Today, we're launching an all new, AI-powered Bing search engine and Edge browser, available in preview now at Bing.com, to deliver better search, more complete answers, a new chat experience and the ability to generate content. We think of these tools as an AI copilot for the web: Press Release: https://news.microsoft.com/the-new-Bing/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOeRWRJ16yY 18) Hey ChatGPT! What Can AI Do for Radio? | Radio World | Paul Mclane Here are the answers it gave me: https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/hey-chatgpt-what-can-you-do-for-radio 19) Startup T2 Wants to Terminate Twitter Cofounder Gabor Cselle says his upstart social network can offer a "2007 Twitter" community vibe that Elon Musk's platform no longer supplies: https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-startup-t2-wants-to-terminate-twitter/ 20) Freedom Scientific February 2023 Training Events https://blog.freedomscientific.com/join-us-for-our-february-2023-training-events/ 21) Apple Rolls Out Revamped Website Design With New Dropdown Navigation Menus Apple is rolling out a notable change to the design of its website, focused on making it easier to navigate through different product categories. Now, when you mouse over items in Apple's top menu bar, you'll see new dropdown menus with quick links to more details on that category of products. Previously, the navigation bar on Apple's website was static and did not feature any kind of dropdown menus. This meant that you needed to click on an item in the menu bar to view more details, at which point you'd be redirected to the dedicated webpage for that product category. With this change, Apple.com features a new navigation system with dropdown menus that automatically appear as you mouse over items in the navigation bar. For instance, when you mouse over the “iPhone” item in the nav bar, a dropdown menu will automatically appear that offers quick links to more details on the iPhone lineup: https://9to5mac.com/2023/02/07/apple-website-design-navigation-dropdowns/ 22) Seeing AI As A Musical Instrument | Pa. Joe | AppleVis I am using the light sensor. I suppose that this is not new, but by placing my fingers in different configurations in front of the camera, and moving the iPhone in various ways, I have created some interesting tones. There are never enough musical instruments on the planet: https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/seeing-ai-musical-instrument 23) How to Use an iPhone as an External Microphone for Your Mac Why buy an external microphone for your Mac when you can use your iPhone instead? https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-use-iphone-as-mac-microphone/ 24) The Document Foundation Announces LibreOffice 7.5 Community https://blog.documentfoundation.org/blog/2023/02/02/tdf-announces-libreoffice-75-community/ 25) HIMS International Introduces The SensePlayer in 4 Video YouTube Playlist A) Unboxing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-nLnkMgRvE B) Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dlsCHcCQKM C) Main Interface: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6bo5tczemc D) Introduction Smart Connect: https://youtu.be/1KCSZc7ORqk 26) Word For Windows Gets The Transcribe Feature | Direct Record and Upload an Audio File Microsoft has made it easier for Word users to transcribe audio recordings from meetings or interviews in Windows. The feature will allow you to "convert speech to a text transcript, with each speaker individually separated". This feature makes the process of transcribing hassle-free. The feature provides users with two options for users to achieve this task. First up, is that you can record directly in Word. Alternatively, you can upload an audio file. To access this feature: https://www.onmsft.com/news/word-for-windows-gets-the-transcribe-feature/ 27) 3 Things Google Needs To Fix For Android To Catch Up To iOS Here's what Android badly needs in order to compete with iOS in certain markets: https://www.zdnet.com/article/3-things-google-needs-to-fix-for-android-to-catch-up-to-ios/#ftag=RSSbaffb68 28) Reaper V6.74 Includes A Number of Improvements, Including Accessibility Improved descriptions of ReaEQ/ReaPitch/ReaDelay enabled buttons. Improved ordering of controls in GetUserInputs() API. Set description for FX active (bypass) checkbox. Improve keyboard navigation/screen reader behavior for sends in track routing menu. Improve screen reader behavior for hardware output list in track routing menu. Add higher-contrast default I-Beam (time selection) cursor: https://www.reaper.fm/download.php 29) On Operating Systems and Communities | Devin Prater To me, the core of accessibility is the operating system. What it allows, how easy the accessibility APIs are to both be used by developers, and upgraded by the operating system development team or community. At the same time, the support system of accessibility is the community. Without a community of users and developers, the accessibility of an operating system will not flourish. In this post, I'll discuss the different approaches I've seen in operating systems, and how users and developers in the community, primarily the blind community, have improved it. These are my opinions and thoughts, and others in the blind community, like fans of Linux, Android, and Windows, will feel differently: https://devinprater.micro.blog/ 30) PodSearch Reborn | David Smith | Independent iOS Developer Back in 2017 I had created a site which took the the audio of some of my favorite podcasts and tried to make them searchable by passing them through an automated speech-to-text engine. In the original version of this the transcription was done with very rough, slow, low accuracy system which resulted in transcripts that were fit for keyword searching but not much else. Thankfully since then OpenAI has released "Whisper" a powerful speech-to-text engine that I can run right on my Mac and results in transcripts that are shockingly good. They aren't quite at the level of a human transcriber but they get darn close in many instances. Getting close to the level where you could use them to grab a pull quote with only a little bit of tidying up to do: https://www.david-smith.org/blog/2023/02/02/podsearch-reborn/ 31) MacWhisper Is A MacOS App That Uses OpenAI To Transcribe Audio Files Into Text We've seen the use of AI tools for a lot of things recently, like generating text and images from simple sentences. But now there's a new macOS app called MacWhisper that uses OpenAI technology to locally transcribe audio files into text: https://9to5mac.com/2023/02/03/macwhisper-app-transcribe-audio-text/ 32) 11 macOS Terminal Tricks To Achieve The Super-Impossible Terminal freaks out non-techies — but some commands are actually helpful: https://medium.com/macoclock/12-macos-terminal-tips-tricks-every-user-should-know-c891bf9e5651 33) Why Is Alt+F4 The Hotkey For Closing A Window? Why Not Alt+F5 or Alt+F3? | Raymond Chen In a One Dev Question video, I discussed why Alt+F4 is the hotkey for closing a window. That explains why it's a function key rather than an alphabet key, but why F4 specifically? Why not F5 or F3? It's F4 because that was the next key available. The hotkeys according to CUA were as follows: https://devblogs.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20180918-00/?p=99765 34) The Top New Features in Apple's iOS and iPadOS 16 The latest versions for iPhones and iPads are now available, complete with a revamped lock screen, Freeform, and Safety Check: https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-ios-16-ipados-16-new-features/ 35) Best Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts (The Ultimate 2023 Guide) Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts reduce the number of keystrokes needed to perform a task. They are like an elevator for your hands. They save you time, speed up your work process, and reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries on your hands and wrists. This article goes into some of the basics of Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts. Here's everything you need to know to enhance your workflow and productivity: https://www.onmsft.com/how-to/best-windows-11-keyboard-shortcuts/ 36) 16 Google Search Features You Should Be Using Google's Search function isn't limited to just finding websites. You can use the same search box to perform calculations, find flight information, and even tune your guitar. Here are a few lesser-known features of Google Search that you should be using: https://www.howtogeek.com/858047/google-search-features-you-should-be-using/ 37) Review: Apple HomePod 2023 | Wired The revamped full-size Siri smart speaker has good mics, but it can't compete on sound: https://www.wired.com/review/apple-homepod-2023/ 38) FeedSeer News for Mastodon FeedSeer News allows you to see the most popular links that have appeared in your Mastodon feed over the past day: https://news.feedseer.com/welcome 39) IIElevenLabs: Voice Prime AI: For Creating Custom Voices Including From Recorded Speech Samples | David Goldfield This is an amazing service. I don't see options for creating SAPI-compatible voices to be used with screen readers, however you may find serious uses for this service as well as some that are not so serious. As an example, someone on Mastodon generated a speech sample from a Sharp Talking Time clock: Speech Sample: https://tweesecake.social/@technocounselor@iaccessibility.social/109815270849467852 Prime Voice AI Website: https://beta.elevenlabs.io/ 40) Updates to WhatsApp Scripts For Users of JAWS and Fusion | Hartgen Consultancy via the Tech-VI List WhatsApp scripts have been updated to build 18. This is for those people who do not have our Leasey product. Those who do have it should receive an update on February 6th 2023: https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3385 41) Access Meetups Twitter Group | Web Axe This is a Twitter List of Accessibility meetup groups from around the world assembled by Web Axe: https://twitter.com/i/lists/922162233878175745 42) Here's How To Use iMessage On Windows 11 If You Have An iPhone iMessage is Apple's exclusive service for sending text messages between Apple devices. iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch users can take advantage of the built-in app to send blue-bubble texts to their friends and family members. While Google and some governments tried to make Apple switch to a common standard, as some would say the blue bubble discriminates against Android users, the Cupertino firm still only offers the service on its own products. That said, there's a trick Windows 11 users can use to receive iMessages on their Windows PCs if they have an iPhone: https://bgr.com/tech/heres-how-to-use-imessage-on-windows-11-if-you-have-an-iphone/ 43) Tweesecake V0.15.0 Released | David Goldfield Tweesecake is a program for accessing Mastodon, Telegram, RSS feeds and some additional features. The program is currently free of cost and versions exist for Windows, M1 Macs as well as for Intel Macs. Along with Mona for iOS Tweesecake is my Mastodon client of choice for Windows: https://www.tweesecake.app/changes 44) Ashirase: This Wearable Navigation System Assists Visually Impaired Individuals With Walking Honda's new business creation program, Ashirase is a wearable navigation system that assists visually impaired individuals with walking. The Ashirase is a navigation system consisting of a smartphone app and a three-dimensional vibration device including a motion sensor, which is attached inside the shoe: https://coolblindtech.com/this-wearable-navigation-system-assists-visually-impaired-individuals-with-walking/ 45) How to Access Twitter Accounts Using an RSS Reader | Brian Hartgen I want to pass on something which I learned today. This could be very useful if there are particular Twitter accounts you wish to track, such as news sources, and you're not going to be able to access them as easily in the future: https://tweesecake.social/@brianhartgen/109802605230171838 46) 10 Essential Excel Functions for Beginners Wondering how to step up your Excel game? Here are the essential functions you need to know to boost your spreadsheet skills: https://www.makeuseof.com/essential-excel-functions/ 47) 70+ Excel Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows Quicken your spreadsheet creation with these handy Windows keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Excel: https://www.makeuseof.com/excel-keyboard-shortcuts/ ➜ 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. February 1st 2023 | Adapting Sight Podcast Episode 3: Tips For People With Disabilities That Want To Work In Accessibility | Blake Steinecke | YouTube In this episode of the Adapting Sight Podcast Blake shares some tips about working in accessibility as a visually impaired person. Learn about how you can use your lived experience in the field, how to start learning more about accessibility, and some key skills to have. You can also check out links in the video description for a variety of resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irbE9QHCIpM February 1st 2023 | That Real Blind Tech Show, Episode 112: Fix Yo Sh*t, Know Your Role, and Shut Yo Mouth The entire gang of Allison, Brian, Ed and jeanine are together for the first time in 2023 to discuss the latest about assistive technology. Join us as we discuss the new price plans for the EnvisionAI Glasses, Amazon Fresh, and Aira minutes. We also discuss accessible online signature services, the awful accessibility of the JetBlue app and website, and share a few laughs along the way: https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-112-fix-yo-sht-know-your-role-and-shut-yo-mouth February 2nd 2023 | Shame and Vision Loss | Hadley Presents: A Conversation With The Experts Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for feelings of shame to creep in when we've lost some vision. Join social worker Jeff Flodin and clinical psychologist Ed McDaniel, both visually impaired themselves, as they explore where these feelings come from and how they have worked through these emotions in their own lives: https://hadley.edu/podcasts/hadley-presents-conversation-experts/shame-and-vision-loss February 8th 2023 | Eyes on Success Episode 2306: Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows Join hosts Peter and Nancy Torpey as they explore their new home state of Colorado in celebration of their 35th anniversary. Follow them as they prepare for their journey, walk trails along raging rivers, hike along narrow ledges hanging on steep canyon walls, and more. You might even learn the true story of Mike the headless chicken! http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show_notes_2306.htm February 4th 2023 | Mosen At Large Episode 213: Comments On The New Victor Reader Stream, Rim Has New Pay As You Go Plans And Prepares To Come To Mac, And Why Is It So Hard To Get A Braille Manual For A Braille Embosser? https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/9ed25053/comments-on-the-new-victor-reader-stream-rim-has-new-pay-as-you-go-plans-and-prepares-to-come-to-mac-and-why-is-it-so-hard-to-get-a-braille-manual-for-a-braille-embosser- February 4th 2023 | Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 113: The Crew Reflects On The 2023 Samsung Unpack Event We first talk about what is in the news. CFI fines Google for not giving freedom to users and phone manufacturers to uninstall or ship phones with or without Google apps, this includes the Play Store. RealMe is partnering with Coca Cola to launch the Cola Phone. We then talk about the Samsung unpack event, first discussing the history of the Galaxy S series phones. For our app of the week, we demo Express VPN and talk about why you may need a VPN. We have a new TalkBack Highlight in which we talk about the split tap typing feature available after TalkBack 13.1 update. This episode can be found on our website, on any podcast network or at this Youtube URL: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5iI0uwraRqo5GXCE7T6MXhk_9NrYvrls February 6th 2023 | Ask Sharky: Immersive Reader in Edge | Freedom Scientific In this pre-recorded Clubhouse session, listen as Cathy, Elizabeth, and Rachel demonstrate the power of Immersive Reader in Microsoft's Edge Chromium browser: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-sharky-immersive-reader-in-edge/id1521340640?i=1000598351923 February 7th 2023 | Unmute Presents: February 7th 2023 Replay Unmute Presents, a live tech QA event held in the ACB Community, provided answers to visitors' technology questions on Feb 7th. Discussions included comparisons between the MacBook Air and Pro, Windows shortcuts, iMacs vs Mac minis, OCR with JAWS 2023, Windows 10 to 11 update, Apple feedback, Mac app removal, Clubhouse app, phone battery charging tips, Siri and Zoom on iPhone and Windows app removal. The session was a valuable resource for tech enthusiasts and provided informative solutions: https://pnc.st/s/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/122fd4e1/february-7-2023 ➜ 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 8th 2023 and February 9th 2023 | Treble Health Tinnitus Relief Summit In recognition of Tinnitus Awareness Week, Treble Health announced that it is bringing together experts from around the globe for the Tinnitus Relief Summit, slated to be a live, two-day symposium, hosted online, that welcomes audiologists and tinnitus experts to share emergent research and evidence-based practices for the care and treatment of tinnitus. Hosted by Treble Health — a California-based telehealth company — this gathering will "bust myths and broaden interventions for a growing field of chronic tinnitus and hyperacusis management." During this live two day event, Treble Health has teamed up with audiologists and tinnitus experts around the world to present a comprehensive portfolio of tips and tricks to help manage tinnitus. Each presenter will focus on a specific area of tinnitus, covering everything that one could possibly need to know: https://tinnitusreliefsummit.com/ 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 10th 2023 | Teach Anyone How To Do Anything With Scribe | N.O.A.T. 11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 7PM GMT You are invited to the next webinar hosted by The Network of Assistive Technologists (N.O.A.T.). Join Meg Zabrowski, Head of Product Marketing, and Raina Ahuja, Product Manager from Scribe, to learn how to turn any process into a step-by-step guide, instantly. Need to show someone how to do something on a website or app? Just turn on the Scribe recorder, walk through your process, and Scribe automatically creates a step-by-step guide for you to share. This session will cover how to use Scribe's free Chrome extension, different use cases, and answer any questions you have: https://sites.google.com/noat.ca/events/2023/scribe10-feb-2023 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 | Outa Sight Solutions for Leveling Up Your Literacy | The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 3/23 Join this interactive webinar from the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. as we explore and demonstrate several accessible apps and resources to bring digital and printed information to your ears and fingertips. We will compare the recently released BookShare reader with other mainstream apps including Kindle and Apple Books, and explore a new look and feature set for some familiar favorites. For those who are newly blind or struggling with degenerative eye conditions like Macular Degeneration, we will briefly discuss strategies for figuring out which app or solution may be best for you. Come learn how to read it your way! After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please contact Tim Paulding at tpaulding at lhblind.org ✉ if you have any questions or need assistance registering for this event. Register in advance for this webinar at: https://thelighthousefortheblindinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MVC0VwApSLaszwSmhPkbHw 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 26th 2023 | How The Blind Can Do STEM (Louis Maher) 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 3/27 Zoom Conference. The Science and Engineering Division of the National Federation of the Blind and the National Association of Blind Students are presenting a joint Zoom conference on how blind college and graduate students, and blind professionals, are succeeding in courses and Careers to do with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Zoom conference link will be the standard NABS Zoom link shown at the bottom of this message. The call will occur at 8 PM EST through 9 PM EST on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Topics will be of interest for blind students in middle school, high school, college and graduate school and professionals. Parents of blind school-aged children and educators are also welcome. Currently, the scheduled speakers, topics, talk descriptions, and speaker introductions, are: Opening Remarks: Trisha Kulkarni, president National Association of Blind Students, and John Miller, president Science and Engineering Division (8 PM EST) Speaker: Ken Perry (8:15 PM EST). Title: Producing Hardware as A Blind Engineer: https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3406 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 | Ability Summit | Microsoft Ability Summit is a free digital event on March 8, 2023. Discover new accessible technology, learn from leaders with disabilities, and explore how accessibility empowers everyone within an organization, your community, and so much more. During the event, there will be opportunities to learn how everyone can imagine new technologies, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technology, and Inclusive Design to invent the future of inclusion; include people with disabilities and allies in a more inclusive workplace and society; and build technology to empower every person to achieve more: https://abilitysummit.eventcore.com/home 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 9th 2023 through May 12th 2023 | John Slatin AccessU 2023 | Knowbility Join us virtually or in Austin, TX. John Slatin AccessU is an annual conference where tech professionals, content creators, policymakers, and advocates come together for deep learning in accessible digital design: https://knowbility.org/programs/john-slatin-accessu-2023 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 ✉ May 16th 2023 through May 18th 2023 | Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2023 | Nomensa Nomensa's free, virtual web accessibility and digital inclusion conference: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtua11y-web-accessibility-conference-2023-tickets-505953880677 May 18th 2023 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day Help us celebrate the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments: https://accessibility.day/ 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 21st 2023 | Inclusive Design 24 Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between: https://inclusivedesign24.org/2023/ 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 6th 2023 through November 10th 2023 | Accessing Higher Ground | Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, Colorado: https://accessinghigherground.org/ 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 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: 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/. 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. 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