[Electronics-Talk] Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, January 5, 2023 - Volume 892

[Top Tech Tidbits]

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, January 5, 2023 - Volume 892 Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, January 5, 2023 - Volume 892 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/tidbits2023/01052023/. Share: Share this volume of Top Tech Tidbits on Facebook: http://bit.ly/sharetidbits892. Spam Filter: You have received this email from Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. because you are subscribed to receive the Top Tech Tidbits email newsletter. To ensure that you continue to receive each issue of Top Tech Tidbits as it is released please be sure to add the following email address to your Address Book, Email Contact List, Trusted Sender's List, and/or Safe Sender's List today: enews at toptechtidbits.com. Subscribers: 7,189 Opt-In Subscribers were sent this issue via email. 159 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 and That Real Blind Tech Show. Dear Rolando, 1) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week A.) JAWS Power Tip: Adjusting Page Refresh (11.2% of all clicks.) Courtesy of Freedom Scientific: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/136.html B.) Google Assistant Beats Out Siri And Bixby In Comparison While Alexa Cries In The Corner (10.3% of all clicks.) Voice assistants have been getting a bit less attention over the past year compared to previous years, but it's always fun to take a look at how they all compare with how we actually use them. To no one's surprise, Google Assistant took the crown in a recent comparison, but it really shows the gap Assistant has over Siri, Bixby, and especially Amazon Alexa: https://9to5google.com/2022/12/25/google-assistant-comparison-video/ C.) 11 Ways to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi and Make Your Internet Faster (7.4% of all clicks.) From Wi-Fi extenders to simple wall brackets, there's always something you can do to improve your internet connection at home: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-your-wifi-better-faster/ D.) How To Use Voice Commands To Enhance Your TV (7.4% of all clicks.) Control your television with virtual assistants or the mic on your remote using these handy tips: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-voice-commands-on-tv/ E.) iOS 16.2 Will Leave you Speechless — 7 More Changes | Nikhil Vemu (6.1% of all clicks.) I can never stop singing its praises: https://medium.com/macoclock/ios-16-2-will-leave-you-speechless-7-more-changes-a973ecc418a8 2) Sponsorship Package Updates Availability: There are no Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Packages currently available. Waiting List: If you would like to support Top Tech Tidbits by becoming a Sponsor in the future please add your name to our waiting list today. We will add your name to the list, let you know what position you currently hold within it, and then notify you the moment a package becomes available. Waiting List Position: There are currently FIVE future Sponsors on the waiting list. List Addition: Just send an email to our Publisher at: publisher at toptechtidbits.com ✉ 3) Premium Subscriber Updates Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 4th issue of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits for January, February and March 2023 on Monday, April 3rd 2023. Back Issues: There are currently 3 back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to receive a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the 60 Most Clicked Tidbits of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/premium-subscribers.html 4) Update Android Right Now To Fix A Scary Remote-Execution Flaw | December 31st 2022 The holiday season is over, but security patches continued to arrive thick and fast in December. The month has seen updates released by Apple, Google, and Microsoft, as well as enterprise software companies including the likes of SAP, Citrix, and VMWare. Many of the patches fix zero-day vulnerabilities already being exploited in attacks, making it important that they are applied as soon as possible. Here's the lowdown on all the patches released in December 2022: https://www.wired.com/story/android-ios-16-windows-10-critical-update-december-2022/ 5) Will ChatGPT Threaten The Future Of The Digital Accessibility Field? Publisher: In my professional opinion the answer to this question is a resounding no. ChatGPT3 will not threaten the future of the digital accessibility field. But ChatGPT6 or ChatGPT7 just might. And even though those versions could be decades or more away, we have to ask, what, exactly, would that really mean? It would mean that artificial intelligence had advanced to the point that all digital media, everywhere, was automatically and specifically accessible to the person using it. Without exception and without human intervention. Can you imagine that day? A day when inaccessibility is a thing of the past? To be honest, neither can I. At least not currently. But the day will indeed come. And when it does it will change so many things about the very fabric of our society that it would be difficult to impossible to say for sure what it will really mean at that time. But that should not, of course, stop us from postulating. Inklusiv: The rise of natural language processing models like ChatGPT has made access to information easier than ever before. However, these tools are a lot more limited than people realize by the data they are trained on and the algorithms they use, and they may not always produce accurate or reliable information. This raises concerns about the potential impact that natural language processing models could have on the future of digital accessibility, especially when it comes to aspiring professionals who may be tempted to short circuit their learning by relying extensively on these tools: https://inklusiv.ca/will-chatgpt-threaten-the-future-of-the-digital-accessibility-field/ 6) Arges Glasses Move Missing Images For Visually Impaired Users Officially debuting at CES, the glasses are being developed by Samsung-funded South Korean startup Cellico: https://newatlas.com/wearables/arges-glasses-macular-degeneration/ 7) CES 2023: Cellico Launches AR Glasses Powered By AI For The Visually Impaired At CES 2023 this year, Samsung will not only be presenting new products itself but also projects that it has sponsored. This includes Cellico with data glasses that can compensate for age-related macular degeneration: https://researchsnipers.com/ces-2023-cellico-launches-ar-glasses-powered-by-ai-for-visually-impaired/ 8) Here's What You Can Expect At CES 2023 Technology's biggest trade show must go on, in spite of rough economic headwinds. These are the trends and innovations to keep an eye out for: https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2023-what-to-expect/ 9) The 9 Neatest Things We've Seen At CES 2023 So Far | Wired Tech's biggest show is just getting started. We've already gotten the chance to try some fun gadgets: https://www.wired.com/gallery/ces-2023-photo-gallery-day-1/ 10) Wired CES 2023 Liveblog: All the Fun Gadgets We've Seen So Far We're covering the most intriguing stuff we can find at the Consumer Electronics Show this year: https://www.wired.com/live/ces-2023-liveblog-1/ 11) Reader Review: V7 Deluxe USB Stereo Headset with Microphone, Mute / Volume Button Courtesy of Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Author and Advocate Donna Jodhan: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/137.html 12) How To Turn On Walking Steadiness Notifications In iOS 16 Walking Steadiness is a helpful tool for older folks to know their risk of falling. Here's how to turn on walking steadiness notifications in iOS 16. Available on iPhone 8 or later and iOS 15 or later, Walking Steadiness uses algorithms to track metrics such as walking speed, step length, walking asymmetry, and double support time: https://appleinsider.com/inside/ios-16/tips/how-to-turn-on-walking-steadiness-notifications-in-ios-16 13) Some Tricks To Making Mastodon Way More Useful | Mike Masnick It's been interesting to watch over the last few months as tons of people have migrated from Twitter to Mastodon (or similar compatible ActivityPub-based social media platforms). I've noticed, however, that some people keep running into the same issues and challenges as they discover that Mastodon is different than what they're used to with Twitter. There are a few tips and tricks I've been sharing with various people that seemed pretty broadly applicable, so I figured it was worth doing a post laying them out: https://www.techdirt.com/2022/12/29/some-tricks-to-making-mastodon-way-more-useful/ 14) Upcoming Virtual Event: Expand Your Blind Life With Sam Seavey | Braille Institute | January 11th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Join us for a presentation from Sam, host of the popular YouTube channel, The Blind Life, who will discuss his experience with hosting a YouTube channel and the challenges he's faced living with Stargardt Disease: https://brailleinstitute.org/bioa-event/expand-your-blind-life-with-sam-seavey 15) January 2023 Training Events | Freedom Scientific https://blog.freedomscientific.com/join-us-for-our-january-2023-training-events/ 16) AppleVis Unlimited: What's New And Noteworthy For December 2022 https://www.applevis.com/newsletter/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-december-2022 17) 5 Easy Ways To Make Desktop Shortcuts On Windows 11 There are 5 easy ways to create desktop shortcuts on Windows 11, here they are: https://www.onmsft.com/how-to/make-desktop-shortcuts-on-windows-11/ 18) Meet Baby Wize — A Full Accessible Baby Tracking App Publisher: Top Tech Tidbits currently has no reader-verified claims to backup this app's description, but we welcome them, as we believe this app could be a benefit to many. AppleVis: Introducing Baby Wize — the ultimate baby tracking app designed for accessibility and convenience. With Baby Wize, caretakers can easily track their baby's daily routine, including feedings, naps, diaper changes, and more. Featuring Siri and shortcuts integration, Baby Wize allows caretakers to quickly and easily access all of their baby's information with just their voice. Plus, with lightweight design and customizable widgets, caretakers can easily see all of their baby's information at a glance: https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/meet-baby-wize-full-accessible-baby-tracking-app 19) Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your New Apple Watch This is a MacRumors list of useful tips and tricks that you won't want to miss in order to get the most out of your new watch, whether you're new to Apple Watch entirely or upgrading from an earlier version: https://www.macrumors.com/guide/apple-watch-tips-and-tricks/ 20) What is Wi-Fi 7? Everything You Need to Know The Wi-Fi 6E successor is creeping closer, and it promises to significantly boost the speed and stability of your wireless connections: https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-wi-fi-7/ 21) Recording | Smart Speaker Discussion | Tech It Out | Hadley | December 27, 2022 https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/B-QP95SZ_9uIqU3oRTDi2lrw_QMvSc-bEozL6kLm_orS7cth47VzWb_dqjAYW4mu00e7b6k5Q-AFyhPD.V71l-FPszH0ez7Ae?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=sYcUDQTfSSWzKBP0VW7W_A.1672239353174.25b61522aada44c6bc2a6a8fa3afbcfc&_x_zm_rhtaid=132 22) So Much Sound In A Small Form Factor: My Experience With The JBL Charge 4 | AppleVis https://www.applevis.com/reviews/so-much-sound-small-form-factor-my-experience-jbl-charge-4 23) Firefox's Accessibility Performance Is Getting A Huge Boost Firefox users who use Accessibility tools in the web browser will soon notice huge performance improvements. Accessibility tools, like screen readers, help users access content provided by the web browser and the displayed websites and applications: https://www.ghacks.net/2022/12/26/firefoxs-accessibility-performance-is-getting-a-huge-boost/ 24) iHeart Partners With Native Voice Users of certain Skullcandy earbuds will soon be able to say "Hey iHeart" to access iHeartMedia content: https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/business-and-law/iheart-partners-with-native-voice 25) Last Of Us Part 1 Accessibility Analysis | Masahiro Sakurai | YouTube In this video Masahiro Sakurai provides a detailed analysis of the accessibility menus in The Last of Us Part I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2BX4yw8Z4Y 26) My Top Tech Of 2022 — With Stuart Beveridge Stuart Beveridge from SeeScape Fife is back to give us his annual round-up of his favorite tech, assistive technology and gadgets. Stuart has tried it all. And we love hearing his reviews and recommendations: https://www.sightandsound.co.uk/my-top-tech-of-2022-with-stuart-beveridge/ 27) NVDA 2022.4 Released https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2022-4/ 28) How To Translate Foreign Languages With Hotkeys In Windows 10 & 11 Make translation a snap by setting up a hotkey on Windows: https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-translate-languages-hotkeys/ 29) Looking Ahead: What's Next For Windows 11 In 2023 2022 was a mostly uneventful year for Windows 11. It saw the launch of the Windows 11 2022 Update, which brought a handful of new features and enhancements designed to polish up the OS from its initial 2021 launch version. Now, as 2022 comes to a close, it's time to look to the year ahead and share what I'm hearing from sources regarding update schedules and new features: https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/looking-ahead-whats-next-for-windows-11-in-2023 30) Recording | Nation's Blind Podcast: Kellogg's and NaviLens: A Path to Inclusion One Cereal at a Time | December 22nd 2022 In this episode, Melissa chats with Beth Foor from Kellogg Company, makers of some of your favorite cereals and snacks. Beth shares her story with blindness and discusses NaviLens, a technology to assist blind and low-vision adults. Kellogg is proud to be the first food company to feature this technology on packaging in the U.S on select cereal boxes. The NaviLens app and the NaviLens GO app are available for free download for use on both iPhone and Android: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nations-blind-podcast/id1531941451?i=1000591034100 31) Dynamic Tactile Device First Look From APH | YouTube Our DTD project has come a long way and is building momentum to take flight! To celebrate World Braille Day here's your first look at the name and specs of our upcoming Dynamic Tactile Device: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDBGfJEoO5Q Website: https://www.aph.org/the-next-stop-on-the-holy-braille-highway-2022-and-beyond/ 32) My Experiences Observing Lunar Eclipses As A Blind Person, Using The BrainPort Artificial Vision Device | Kevin Renato Jones Since I was a kid I've heard people comment on the moon when it was full, and when in grade school my class would take a field trip to the high school I would later attend where the rest of them would be given a show in a planetarium. I thought it was pretty cool, and wished I could have seen it too. My third grade teacher, Mrs. Love, told us that the next solar eclipse would be in 2017. I went home and told my parents, hey Mom, you'll be 95. She wasn't thrilled about living that long, but she did. One hundred, however, was too long of a stretch for Dad. Time passed, i continued to grow, but i never lost interest in astronomy, and was still occasionally frustrated that I couldn't observe it: https://accessibility-insights.com/2022/12/17/my-experiences-observing-lunar-eclipses-as-a-blind-person-using-the-brainport-artificial-vision-device/ 33) Blind Gamer Helped Make God Of War Accessible A legally blind gamer has shared his story about helping God of War Ragnarok developer Sony Santa Monica create more accessibility options for the game: https://www.news.com.au/technology/gaming/blind-gamer-helped-make-god-of-war-accessible/news-story/d7209c86d04cafc38b6b482352733a8a 34) For NVDA Users: From Joseph Lee: Version 23.01 Of Joseph Lee's Add-Ons (Part 3) Release: January 3, 2023 | Sneak Preview Of February Updates https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/3219 35) Freedom Scientific 2022 Year-End Review Thanks to your valuable suggestions, the Freedom Scientific User Education and Outreach Team introduced many enhancements and new training initiatives in 2022. As the year comes to a close, we reflect on those successes and look forward to 2023: https://blog.freedomscientific.com/2022-year-end-review/ 36) Recording | Clear The Clutter: Personalize Your Web Experience With Jaws | Freedom Scientific Training Podcast | December 16th 2022 Are you looking for ways to quickly locate information on web pages? Want to learn about JAWS features that will help you navigate more efficiently? Then listen in to our podcast, "Clear the Clutter: Personalize Your Web Experience with JAWS." We'll discuss different types of web content and show you how to: Use Flexible Web to quickly find or hide content. Hide/ignore inline frames. Use the Skim Reading tool to review page content. Navigate tables, forms, and web-based applications with Smart Navigation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clear-the-clutter-personalize-your-web-experience/id1521340640?i=1000590415557 37) Recording | ACB Community Call Podcast | HumanWare Brailliant BI Braille Displays | December 16th 2022 On Friday, December 16th 2022 users coordinated a two-hour community call about the HumanWare Brailliant BI Braille displays with a great panel of contributors. The link will let you listen to it or download it. This was not a HumanWare-sponsored event nor is it a sales call, but rather a group of users talking about their experiences with the device. The OneDrive link to that recording is: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AocXayv04KIb7BeN8TPohMRtlkXM?e=bPCN7K 38) Component Library Accessibility Audit | Rachele DiTullio The first project my manager tasked me with at my new job as a senior accessibility engineer in the Design Engineering organization was to perform an accessibility audit of the component library our team provides to the engineering team who codes the dotcom website. These components are generally page level rather than UI level, think a card or a form. In total, I audited 28 components in the context of the component library, not as the components have been implemented into the dotcom site: https://racheleditullio.com/blog/2023/01/component-library-accessibility-audit/ 39) I Asked ChatGPT To Write My Cover Letters — 2 Hiring Managers Said They Would Have Given Me An Interview But The Letters Lacked Personality | Beatrice Nolan A new version of an artificial-intelligence chatbot from OpenAI, ChatGPT, has had the internet in a frenzy over the past few weeks. Praised by users for its impressive range of knowledge and easy-to-use format, people have been using the chatbot to write code, news articles, and even college essays. I decided to test out its usefulness for one of the more boring tasks in life — applying for jobs. Cover letters, while widely hated, are one of the most time-consuming requirements on an application: https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-job-applications-hiring-managers-job-interview-candidate-2022-12 40) These Gloves Help Visually-Impaired Sports Fans Enjoy Events Even More SENS is a wearable concept that takes advantage of the key strengths of blind or visually-impaired people when it comes to mapping the sense of touch to something totally unrelated. In a nutshell, the gloves contain three vibration motors, each that make vibration patterns on the wearer's palms, one of the most sensitive parts of the human hand. There is also a box with buttons on the back of the hand with Braille dots used for controlling the gloves: https://www.yankodesign.com/2023/01/02/these-gloves-help-visually-impaired-sports-fans-enjoy-events-even-more/ 41) Apple Patents Apple Pencil That Can Sample Colors From Real-World Surfaces Apple has patented a possible next-generation Apple Pencil that can sample colors from the real world and then input that same color onto an iPad, as well as other features, including the ability to sample textures: https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/03/apple-pencil-patent-real-world-color-sampler/ 42) Company Unveils Latest Generation Of Assistive Device For The Legally Blind eSight has announced the launch of its latest innovation in assistive technology, eSight Go: https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/company-unveils-latest-generation-of-assistive-device-for-the-legally-blind 43) Ask Bob's Best Of 2022 — Part One | Bob Rankin https://askbobrankin.com/askbobs_best_of_2022_part_one.html 44) Ask Bob's Best Of 2022 — Part Two | Bob Rankin https://askbobrankin.com/askbobs_best_of_2022_part_two.html ➜ Featured Podcast Episodes ✍ Submit your adaptive technology-related Podcast Episode for consideration within this section using this form: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/submit-podcast-episode or locate "Podcast Episode Submission Form" within the main menu of the Top Tech Tidbits website. 1) That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 107: Seleste Smart Glasses, The Most Fascinating New Product For The Blind In 2023 December 29th 2022 | Join Brian as he sits down with the creators of the all new Celeste Smart Glasses. Find out all about these very exciting Smart Glasses that will be released in 2023: https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-107-celeste-smart-glasses-the-most-fascinating-new-product-for-the-blind-for-2023 2) Blind Android Users Podcast Episode 108: Happy New Year 2023, And A Review Of The Blind Shell Classic 2 Phone December 31st 2022 | We first thank our listeners and donators for supporting us throughout the year. We announce the results of the Best OCR of 2022, the survey is now closed. Please listen to the podcast to know who won. We then discuss the failed phone trends of 2022 and discuss regarding what to lookout for in 2023. We review Blind Shell 2 Classic phone. Next the demo of ISTEM OCR app the developer of which we had on Episode 107. The tip of the week shows separating app sounds on Samsung galaxy phone. Thanks for listening, happy new year to all the readers of Top Tech Titbits from the crew at Blind Android Users Podcast. This podcast can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5iI0uwraRqrJ6qKpZe2DdSrugdPr-FR3 3) LBPD Guest Hour: Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) | Maryland State Library Agency January 3rd 2023 | The Department of Disabilities, Assistive Technology Program (MDTAP) enhances the lives of all Marylanders with disabilities, older Marylanders, and their families by providing access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services. MDTAP offers a variety of services, including assistive technology libraries across the state, AT demonstrations, consultations, short-term device loans, a high-tech AT Reuse Center (to access gently used equipment for free), trainings, webinars, and a low-interest financial loan program. We also provide one-on-one information & referral to help consumers find needed disability-related services: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lbpd-guest-hour-maryland-technology-assistance-program/id1633488438?i=1000592093217 4) Freedom Scientific Training Podcast: Hosting a Zoom Meeting with JAWS: Additional Features January 3rd 2023 | In this pre-recorded session, Rachel, Liz and Cathy demonstrate a few key Zoom features and how you can optimize JAWS with them: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freedom-scientific-training-podcast/id1521340640?i=1000592195799 5) Eyes on Success Episode 2301: Early Days of JAWS January 4th 2023 | In this first of a two-part series, we trace the history of the JAWS screen reader and how it has evolved to adapt to advances in technology over the years. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Ted Henter, founder of Henter Joyce, Eric Damery, retired vice president of blindness products, and Glen Gordon, lead software developer now at Freedom Scientific: http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/show_notes_2301.htm 6) Blind Abilities FocusOnFitness 5: Spinning the Exercise Bike and Timing that Interval Training. Episode 5 of the FocusOnFitness Series | January 4th 2023 | FocusOnFitness is a series of basic exercises you can do in your house, in the dorm or during a short break. Using the natural surrounding without having to find the right equipment, the best gym or the perfect time to do a little workout. Focus on Fitness is all about doing it when you can and hey, why not? Maria Johnson, aka Girl Gone Blind, joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to Focus on Fitness and how you can incorporate little nuggets of exercise without throwing your schedule off and being able to work out within your own time and space: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/focusonfitness-5-spinning-the-exercise-bike-and/id972152176?i=1000592464192 ➜ Featured Webinars and Training Courses ✍ Submit your adaptive technology-related Webinar or Training Course for consideration within this section using this form: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/submit-webinar-training-course or locate "Webinar / Training Course Submission Form" within the main menu of the Top Tech Tidbits website. 1) 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) January 5th 2023 through January 8th 2023 | CES ® is the most influential tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. Register now: https://www.ces.tech/ 2) Maryland Technology Assistance Program | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) January 7th 2023 | 7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT | MD-TAP can help Marylanders acquire, use and own valuable assistive technology products. Learn how you can benefit from their programs. 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 ✉ 3) Expand Your Blind Life with Sam Seavey January 11th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Join us for a presentation from Sam, host of the popular YouTube channel, The Blind Life, who will discuss his experience with hosting a YouTube channel and the challenges he's faced living with Stargardt Disease. Sam is the founder and creator of The Blind Life YouTube channel, with more than 46,000 subscribers and over 700 informative videos. He helps people world-wide living with vision loss, offering tips for managing daily tasks, reviewing assistive devices, and hosting informative interviews with key stakeholders in the visually impaired community. He collaborates with tech giants like Google, SONY and Amazon, has created content for MacularDegeneration.net and participates on Microsoft's Window's Accessibility Advisory Board. Join us for an opportunity to learn about Sam's journey living with Stargardt Disease and hosting a popular YouTube channel. Venue/Location: Event Type: Virtual. Organizer: Los Angeles Center, (323) 663-1111 ☎, la at brailleinstitute.org ✉. Capacity: Unlimited spots available. Register for this event: https://brailleinstitute.org/bioa-event/expand-your-blind-life-with-sam-seavey 4) JAWS: Getting Started with Microsoft Teams for Work (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity January 11th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12AM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Recently, Microsoft Teams has gained popularity in many workplaces. As a result, we've received many requests for using Teams with JAWS. Join Ian Ramos and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore the Microsoft teams interface using the JAWS screen reader. Please note that this presentation is on the Microsoft Teams for work program, which you or your workplace must install. It is not the Microsoft Teams for personal use program included with Windows 11. Although the topic of this presentation is Microsoft Teams, the webinar is through Zoom, allowing those who do not know how to use Teams to attend. Learning Outcomes: Understand Microsoft Teams for work interface. Discover how to get a list of keyboard commands using Microsoft Teams and JAWS. Understand how to work with the settings and some ideal options when using Teams with a screen reader. Explore the difference between using Teams with and without JAWS scripts and how they may enhance experience depending on your needs. | Meeting ID: 813 9605 3526 | Passcode: 630132 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,81396053526#,,,,*630132# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81396053526?pwd=Vy9NM05YLzJrdTdaZGNVZGFuMmFpZz09#success 5) The Many Faces of BARD January 12th 2023 | 4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 12AM GMT on 1/13 | The topic for the Thursday, January 12, 2023, Many Faces of BARD program will be How You Can Help Us Help You — Working Together with BARD Tech Support. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. This program will be recorded. The session will begin with a brief presentation provided by the Tech Support team. The remainder of the time will be spent answering questions about the presentation or other general questions related to BARD usage: https://lorinet.info/tbp/?p=5783 6) Special Needs Trusts: Planning For Your Future January 18th 2023 | 3:30PM PT, 4:30PM MT, 5:30PM CT, 6:30PM ET, 11:30PM GMT | Join the Carroll Center for the Blind's Exclusive Trust Partner, PLAN of MA & RI, for an informational webinar to learn about Special Needs Trusts and how they can help you and your loved ones plan for your future. A Special Needs Trust allows money to be set aside for a person with a disability. The trust is intended to help preserve funds for the sole benefit of this person, enhance their quality of life, and protect their eligibility for public benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Speaker: Kathy Vitello, LSW, Director of Operations at PLAN of MA and RI. About the Speaker: Kathy Vitello is a Licensed Social Worker with more than 35 years of experience working with seniors, people who are physically challenged, and chronically ill. She has broad experience and insight — drawn from her work in hospitals, in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and psychiatric facilities, and in-home care and hospice settings. Kathy holds a degree in Mental Health from Northern Essex Community College; has a BA in Applied Mental Health from University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and earned certificates in Suicide Prevention in Older Adults and Mental Health and Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work at Boston University. Kathy has also participated in a week-long training in Thanatology and is a member of the NPA Conference Planning Committee. What You'll Learn: Information about the different types of Special Needs Trusts. Why a Special Needs Trust is beneficial to you. How to protect your assets without affecting your Social Security Disability Benefits. Unique features of PLAN as a Professional Trustee. Who Should Attend: Individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits. Parents, family members, and other caregivers of a person with a disability. Professionals. Individuals who think they could benefit from a Special Needs Trust: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S1lhF8UVQP6IygWFlBfFZQ?bblinkid=265480395&bbemailid=44518399&bbejrid=-1739148575 7) How to Create Accessible Videos (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity January 18th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12AM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | Do you create videos for YouTube or other platforms? This presentation will review the components of accessible videos and how to make them. Join Michael Parker from Access Ingenuity to learn about creating accessible videos, including captions, audio descriptions, and descriptive text transcripts. Learning Outcomes: Learn the main elements of an accessible video that complies with WCAG 2.1 Guidelines. Learn how to edit captions on YouTube. Learn how to design videos so that they meet audio description requirements. Learn the basics of creating descriptive text transcripts. | Meeting ID: 865 9834 4762 | Passcode: 774759 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,86598344762#,,,,*774759# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86598344762?pwd=V0NoVU9nU2FEOFFxT1VNVWhjMzhEdz09#success 8) Smart Watches And Other Wearables | Tech It Out | Hadley January 24th 2023 | 5PM PT, 6PM MT, 7PM CT, 8PM ET, 1AM GMT on 1/25 | Please join us on January 24, 2023, at 7 PM Central, when we'll be discussing smart watches and other wearables. If you'd like a text reminder for upcoming Tech It Out discussions, send a text message from your cell phone to the number 52545, and type "Tech" in the body of the message. In the meantime, we'd love to hear your questions and comments. Email us at techitout at hadley.edu ✉ or give us a call at (800) 323-4238 ☎. You can also join the Tech It Out Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2692780374142403 to keep the conversation going and chat with fellow participants: 9) Easy Portable Reading — The omniReader (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity January 25th 2023 | 10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12AM CT, 1PM ET, 6PM GMT | The omniReader ® is the definition of easy by allowing you to read printed text by pressing a single button. You can follow the magnified text in high-contrast colors on the built-in screen or listen as the omniReader reads the text out loud. You can also use the screen to instantly magnify objects and text and display them in high-contrast colors to see them more clearly. Thanks to its lightweight design, built-in handle, and long battery life, you can pick it up and use it wherever you want — at home, at the office, and even on the go. Join Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity and Joseph McDaniel from Vispero as they explain this machine's critical assistive role to the visually impaired. Note that everybody is welcome and can benefit from this presentation. If you are a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), this presentation is approved for ACVREP continuing education credit. Learning Outcomes: Features walkthrough of the omniReader. Understand the primary and secondary assistive benefits. How the omniReader can be an effective reading tool. Meeting ID: 881 2262 4972 | Passcode: 596298 | One tap mobile: +16699009128,,88122624972#,,,,*596298# US (San Jose) | Dial by your location: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) | Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88122624972?pwd=S1FzT3luSzlMdTY1NHovL0F5RWNqUT09#success 10) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 5: School Aged Numeracy | APH February 1st 2023 | 8AM PT, 9AM MT, 10AM CT, 11AM ET, 4PM GMT | Using LEGO Braille Bricks to do math: let's discover some of the many uses of these little bricks to develop numerical and geometry skills, understand symmetry, and much more: https://www.aph.org/lego-braille-bricks-live-sessions/ 11) Maryland Accessible Telecommunications | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) February 11th 2023 | 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 ✉ 12) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 6: Daily Living Activities | APH March 6th 2023 | 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/ 13) Using Garage Band App to Create a Song | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) March 11th 2023 | 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 ✉ 14) 2023 38th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference March 13th 2023 through March 17th 2023 | 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/ 15) 2023 3rd Annual Axe-Con | Building Accessible Experiences | The World's Largest Digital Accessibility Conference March 15th 2023 and March 16th 2023 | 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/ 16) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 7: Music | APH April 5th 2023 | 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/ 17) How To Upgrade To Windows 11 | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) April 8th 2023 | 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 ✉ 18) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 8: STEM | APH May 3rd 2023 | 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/ 19) Travel Tools and Apps | Technology User Group | Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD) May 13th 2023 | 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 ✉ 20) Lego Braille Bricks Live Session 9: Orientation & Mobility | APH June 7th 2023 | 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/ ➜ Directories 1) Access Information Email Newsletter Directory https://www.accessinformationnews.com/email-newsletter-directory.html 2) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired App Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-app-directory.html 3) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Game Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-game-directory.html 4) Top Tech Tidbits Blind And Visually Impaired Listserv Directory https://www.toptechtidbits.com/blind-and-visually-impaired-technology-listserv-directory.html 5) 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: Carroll Center for the Blind ➜ Attend the Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the Blind Launch your career in the digital accessibility field! The Carroll Center for the Blind's new 7-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program allows participants to learn and grow their ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers. Want to learn more? Start your journey to becoming a Screen Reader User Tester by visiting: https://carroll.org/screen-reader-user-tester-training-program/ Sponsor Since: August 5th 2021 Website: https://carroll.org/ 🌐 Phone: (617) 969-6200 ☎ Fax: (617) 969-6204 ░ Shop: https://carroll.org/store/ 🛒 Donate: https://carroll.org/donate ❤ Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living. Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions ➜ The Next Generation in Accessibility Need to quickly access a distant computer with minimal fuss? Need to quickly convert image documents into readable text? Today's students and working professionals demand more of their technology. Employers expect more of their workforce. Pneuma Solutions is bridging the gap using the best in machine learning to connect you to your environment when you need it, how you need it. Give us a try, and experience accessibility on a whole new level: https://pneumasolutions.com/ Sponsor Since: June 3rd 2021 Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐 Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education. Sales: (866) 202-0520 ☎ Support: (650) 249-1000 ☎ About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive? Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs. Sponsor: Freedom Scientific ➜ Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille Displays Our world-class refreshable Braille displays deliver efficient Braille input and outstanding output for your PC or mobile device. The robust Bluetooth® connectivity provides seamless use with Windows®, Mac®, iPhones®, iPads®, and Android TM smartphones and tablets. Ergonomic navigation features allow quick, natural hand movements for greater productivity. When used with JAWS® screen reading software, they support our popular Braille Study Mode, an interactive tool for teaching and learning Braille. Learn more today: https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/blindness/focus-blue-family/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=Top%20Tech%20Tidbit Sponsor Since: April 15th 2021 Website: https://www.freedomscientific.com/ 🌐 Email: info at vispero.com ✉ Phone: (800) 444-4443 ☎ Facebook | Twitter | YouTube (Training) About: Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand, is a leading worldwide brand of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. We offer products designed to promote independence, allowing blind and low vision individuals the same access to information as their sighted peers. World-renowned JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reading software and ZoomText screen magnification software provide users the independence and ability to seek education and obtain or maintain a career after vision loss. Our expansive product line includes both low vision and blindness technology for all aspects of daily living. The wide range of RUBY, TOPAZ, and ONYX desktop and portable video magnifiers are designed for their ease of use and assist with daily activities. Our impressive line of blindness hardware products include refreshable Braille displays and scanning and reading devices, offering many options tailored to fit individual needs. Sponsor: APH ConnectCenter ➜ VisionAware Resources Including the Information and Referral Line? APH ConnectCenter has resources to help blind and low vision people thrive. In addition to the Reader's Digest Getting Started with Vision Loss Guide You can also call the Information and Referral Line with your questions about resources and living with blindness and low vision. https://visionaware.org/ Sponsor Since: March 4th 2021 Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐 Email: connectcenter at aph.org ✉ APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line: (800) 232-5463 ☎ Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET Facebook (CareerConnect) | Facebook (FamilyConnect) | Facebook (VisionAware) | Twitter | YouTube About: The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives. Sponsor: Humanware ➜ BRAILLIANT Renewed! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series is here! The wait is over! A redefined family of Brailliant refreshable Braille displays has arrived! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series will help you stay connected, download books from many participating online libraries and share information easily with your peers. You will enjoy the intuitive, seamless user experience of KeySoft Lite, the HumanWare flagship accessibility suite designed to make you more productive. Including the Brailliant BI 40X and the Brailliant BI 20X, this is the Brailliant idea you need! http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/newsletter/123020211100-BrailliantBIX-Launch-US.htm Sponsor Since: February 4th 2021 Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐 Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 ☎ Phone (Australia): +61 2 9686 2600 ☎ Phone (Canada): +1 888 723-7273 ☎ Phone (Europe): +44 1933 415 800 ☎ Phone (International): +44 1933 415 800 ☎ Phone (Ireland): +01 8307033 ☎ Phone (New Zealand): +027 700 1674 ☎ Phone (United Kingdom): +01933 415800 ☎ Phone (United States): +1 800 722-3393 ☎ YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWVYiggn-w 🎥 About: HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. HumanWare offers a wide range of innovative products, including the BrailleNote Touch, first Google certified braille tablet, the iOS compatible Brailliant braille displays, Victor Reader®, the world's leading family of digital audiobook players, the unique Prodigi® family of desktop and portable vision and reading systems, and the ultra-portable explore line of electronic handheld magnifier. Sponsor: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store ➜ LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store Featured Products Revolution Cane Tip: Standard Roller Tip: $14.50 | Locator Dots: Small Pack of 6 (Clear or Orange): $2.00 | NFB Metal Cane Tip: $3.00 | TMAP - On Demand Tactile Street | Map (set of two maps): $25.00 | Ambutech Aluminum Folding Cane: $35.00 | NFB Chris Park Telescoping Cane: $45.00 | BoldWriter 20 Pen (Individual or 6-pack): $2.00 | Bump Dots: Mixed (50 count): $7.00 | Braille Apple Catalina VoiceOver Guide OSX 10.15 (3 volumes) - Latest Manual: $52.00 | SpeedDots iPhone Tactile Screen Protector, Phone Layout: $12.00 | NFB Chris Park 7-Piece Folding Cane: $50.00 | Visit https://adaptations.org/ to learn more today! Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 Website: https://adaptations.org/ 🌐 Toll Free: (888) 400-8933 ☎ Local: (415) 694-7301 ☎ About: Founded in 1902, San Francisco's LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision. Adaptations is your online go-to for tools, technology, and accessible solutions for blind and visually impaired people. Sponsor: American Printing House (APH) ➜ Combine Learning And Gaming For A Fun Braille Adventure With Polly! APH and Thinkerbell Labs are excited to introduce Polly, complete with customizable UEB lessons, songs, games, and stories! Join our waiting list to know when Polly is available: https://www.aph.org/polly-wait-list/ Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐 Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 ☎ Phone: (512) 895-2405 ☎ Fax: (512) 899-2284 ░ YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ 🎥 Free Apps & Actions from APH: https://www.aph.org/free-apps-from-aph/ 📱 About: Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization, creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH believes that the future belongs to everyone. By offering innovative products and services, APH opens up a door of opportunities for lifelong independence and success. Sponsor: GuideLights and Gadgets ➜ A New Year Deserves New Products! Call For Info On Any Of The Following A beautiful and rugged leather convertible backpack - shoulder bag. The largest leather waist pack we have ever found. 18x8x8. A new concept in bone conduction headphones with charging case. A new leather neck pouch that really keeps your phone camera at the correct height and fits the new Blind Shell 2 along with other phones, and much more! For more information or to order call either Barry (617) 969-7500 ☎ or Kae (781) 286-1696 ☎ or email barry.scheur at gmail.com ✉. Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐 For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at: Phone: (617) 969-7500 ☎ Email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech at gmail.com ✉ For All Things Dog Contact Kae at: Phone: (781) 286-1696 ☎ Email: guidelightdogs at gmail.com ✉ About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use. In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well. What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, "hands on" evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, affordable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice! Sponsor: A. T. Guys ➜ Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub If you're like me, you probably have more things to plug into your computer than available ports. That's why we've now added the Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub. Plug it into your laptop and you will get 3 USB ports, SD and Micro SD card slots, a USBC charging port, and an HDMI video port. It's available now for just $29.95: https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=331 Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐 Phone: (269) 216-4798 ☎ Email: support at atguys.com ✉ Skype: atguys ✆ Twitter: https://twitter.com/atguys (@atguys) ✍ Facebook: https://facebook.com/atguys ✍ About: ATGuys.com. Your access technology experts, home for cool gadgets, accessories, and more. Our products are all tested to work great for blind and visually impaired users but also work just as well for anyone. If there's an item you're looking for, or if you have a question, please don't hesitate to send us a message or call (269) 216-4798 ☎. Sponsor: That Real Blind Tech Show ➜ That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 96: We Got More Resolutions, ACB Style! It's a fully packed That Real Blind Tech show lair. Join us as we recap this year's ACB Resolutions. We chime in with all of our opinions about this year's resolutions, and as usual some hilarity ensues. You will not want to miss both AirPods issues that take place on this episode. We are adding do not listen to That Real Blind Tech show on the bus as we are not responsible for the stares you will receive when laughing or cackling like a lunatic! https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-96-we-got-more-resolutions-acb-style Sponsor Since: August 11th 2022 Website: https://blindtechshow.com/ 🌐 Email: ThatRealBlindTechShow at gmail.com ✉ Social: Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Twitter Listen: Apple Podcasts | Audible | Google Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Hosts: Brian Fischler | Ed Plumacher | Allison Meloy | Jenine Stanley Goals: We want to educate you on the latest tech for the blindness community. You'll learn what is worth keeping and what you need to return. Our goals are: To inform, inspire and educate our audience. Feature guests and products that bring you value. Continuously improve and deliver the best content. About: A podcast discussing the good & bad of assistive technology for the low vision & totally blind. No longer focused on just Apple VoiceOver technology. That Real Blind Tech show covers all the fantastic talking tech and gadgets out there for the low vision and blindness community. Common topics include Apple's VoiceOver, JAWS, Microsoft Narrator, NVDA, Amazon Alexa and VoiceView, Google Assistant and Android. Basically, if a device can talk to you, we are going to be talking about it. That Real Blind Tech Show will not only educate you, but it will also make you laugh. Listeners are encouraged to not use treadmills or drink hot coffee while listening to our show, or accidents can and have occurred. Dishes have been broken while listening to That Real Blind Tech Show, and while we are responsible for the laughs, we are in no way responsible for the injuries or bills that pile up. Remember to keep it Real and also don't believe anything you hear on That Real Blind Tech Show. Home | Episodes | Blog | Contact | Subscribe Sponsor: Aira ➜ Webinar: Discovering Aira and Content Creation | October 25th 2022 at 2:00 PM ET Creating content for the ever-expanding media world is a growing profession. During #NDEAM2022 we want to spotlight how blind and low vision people are working in this space. Whether for income or personal brand, these creators integrate visual interpreting into their processes. We'll also get advice from Aira Agents on how to make the most of visual interpreting when creating your content. Join us Tuesday, October 25th 2022 at 2:00pm Eastern time. Register at: https://aira.zoom.us/webinar/register/9116639399059/WN_g9O7k3RaR7mYYT1ODnm0cA Sponsor Since: August 4th 2022 Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐 Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/ Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 ☎ | AU: +1.800.765.096 ☎ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 ☎ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 ☎ Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📲 | AU: +61.488.839.767 📲 | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📲 Email: support at aira.io ✉ Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram About: Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting. We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables. Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free. https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/ Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time. Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works. Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it. Sponsor: Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore ➜ Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore: Touch Tomorrow in Today's Products Serving blind people since 1999, we're a family-owned, forward-thinking company offering both tried-and-true and exciting new products for blind and low vision consumers. We design and carry self-voicing educational software, Braille supplies, talking gadgets, adapted household items, tactile card and board games, audible toys and gift ideas. Passionate about innovation, we've also created dozens of products from scratch when a suitable solution did not exist. Shop online at http://www.braillebookstore.com/ and enjoy fast, free shipping. Sponsor Since: June 30th 2022 Website: http://www.braillebookstore.com/ 🌐 Phone (Toll Free): (800) 987-1231 ☎ Fax (Toll Free): (800) 985-1231 ░ Email: Sales at BrailleBookstore.com ✉ Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Pacific Standard Time. About: Welcome to Blind in Mind, The Braille Superstore. We have been supplying products to blind people and their families since 1999. We offer thousands of Braille books, toys, games, kitchen aids, and talking products. We have unbeatable prices, fast, free shipping, and great customer service! We have tons of Braille books and cool products to choose from; so grab a cup of coffee, relax, and we'll give you a quick tour: Products: ➜ Timekeeping ➜ Housewares ➜ On The Go ➜ Low Vision Products ➜ Toys and Games ➜ Gift Shop ➜ Braille Workshop ➜ Braille Bookstore ➜ Greeting Cards ➜ Copy Center ➜ Computer Lab ➜ Popular Products ➜ New Products If you need some fresh ideas or have questions, you can also check out our Shopping Guides. Sponsor: Fable ➜ Tired Of Paying For Inaccessible Learning Apps? We get it. Focus on the content that matters to you and spend less time trying to navigate online learning with your assistive technology. Verified by a community of accessibility testers, Fable Pathways offers free, assistive-technology-friendly online learning, compatible with devices like screen readers, screen magnifiers, voice navigation, and switch controls. Sign up today for your free, accessible, membership at: https://www.fablepathways.com 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 ➜ 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 ➜ Looking For Blind Job-Seekers Wanting To Advance Their Salaries, Careers And Digital Accessibility For The Blind Are you interested in learning new tech skills and working remotely while earning a competitive salary? At Clusiv.io we have created the world's first digitally accessible e-Learning platform built by the blind, and built for the blind. Visit the link provided and request Clusiv through your Vocational Rehab counselor for lifetime access to our e-Learning platform with courses such as Business Applications, JAWS, and more: https://clusiv.io/ Sponsor Since: June 9th 2022 Website: https://clusiv.io/ 🌐 About: We are Clusiv. We are the world's first e-learning platform built for and by blind and partially sighted people. We are a resource to vocational rehabilitation organizations. We are a training platform for individuals with visual impairments who have faced barriers to access and equity in the modern workforce. We are engineering the future of work for accessibility. Learn more by selecting the user path that best describes you: ➜ Discover. I want to learn more about Clusiv. ➜ Potential Student. I want to train with Clusiv. ➜ VR Agency / Counselor. I want to help the people I serve with Clusiv. ➜ Inclusive Employer. I want to hire Clusiv graduates. Sponsor: Double Tap TV ➜ Subscribe to the Double Tap 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. ➜ 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. Your Name Here 0 of 18 Sponsorship Packages currently available. Top Tech Tidbits is a leading, not-for-profit adaptive technology publication that reaches over 7,000 adaptive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Top Tech Tidbits offers a total of 18 Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication. There are currently  0  of  18  packages available. 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