[NFB-Science] FW: Updated: Technology Showdown; Wednesday, January 28, 8:00 PM Eastern Time

Sat Jan 10 15:13:36 UTC 2026

From: tech-vi at groups.io <tech-vi at groups.io> On Behalf Of David Goldfield via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2026 7:08 AM
To: Tech-VI Announcement List <tech-vi at groups.io>
Subject: [Tech-VI] Updated: Technology Showdown; Wednesday, January 28, 8:00 PM Eastern Time

From: braille-display-users at groups.io<mailto:braille-display-users at groups.io> <braille-display-users at groups.io<mailto:braille-display-users at groups.io>> On Behalf Of Kliph via groups.io

Technology Showdown

Windows or Mac? Mac or iPad? Android versus iOS? JAWS versus VoiceOver? These debates are everywhere-and the opinions are often loud, conflicting, and confusing. You have likely heard claims that professionals cannot use Macs, iPads are not productive, or Windows systems crash constantly. But what is the truth, and which technology is right for you?

Join us for The Ultimate Technology Showdown, a special live, debate-style event where four respected assistive technology experts go head-to-head to make their case for their preferred platforms. This two-hour event is designed to inform, challenge assumptions, and entertain-bringing high-energy discussion to a live audience.

The showdown will be streamed live on Zoom<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84416485669?pwd=o1uH1WA8s22n8oG8SmZ8ulAc5UN0qj.1>, YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/@SturItUpStudios>, and TwitchTV<https://twitch.tv/sturitupstudio>, giving you multiple ways to watch and engage.

Make the popcorn, grab your favorite snacks, and join us live for this one-of-a-kind technology faceoff.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Where? Live on Zoom<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84416485669?pwd=o1uH1WA8s22n8oG8SmZ8ulAc5UN0qj.1>, with simultaneous streaming on YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/@SturItUpStudios> and TwitchTV<https://twitch.tv/sturitupstudio>

What to Expect

Before there can be a showdown, there must be questions-and that is where you come in. Audience-submitted questions will shape the debate, with final selections made by the moderation team. Moderators may also introduce questions of their own. Time permitting, there may be a live Q&A at the end, though this is not guaranteed, so submitting questions in advance is strongly encouraged.

The event will follow a classic debate format. Each panelist will have three minutes for opening statements. Questions will be directed to individual panelists, with opportunities for others to respond. Each participant will also have five minutes for closing statements. Panelists will not see questions in advance and will hear them for the first time when asked live.

How to Submit Questions

Please read the following guidelines carefully before submitting your questions:

  *   All questions must be submitted by email
  *   Send questions to: Tech-showdown at ttjtech.biz<mailto:Tech-showdown at ttjtech.biz>
  *   Subject line: "Questions for Tech Showdown"
  *   Limit three questions per person
  *   No follow-up emails with additional questions
  *   Questions must be on topic and may include hardware, software, operating systems, apps, and screen readers
  *   This is not a tech support session
  *   Questions must be concise (maximum three sentences each)
  *   No profanity, personal stories, opinions, or commentary
  *   No derogatory or hostile language toward panelists
  *   Do not attempt to answer questions on behalf of others
  *   Off-topic submissions will not be considered

Not all questions will be used. The moderation team reserves the right to modify or exclude questions at their sole discretion.

Submission deadline:
Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

About the Panelists

David Goldfield:

David Goldfield has been working in the assistive technology field for nearly 35 years. This includes providing technical support, technology training for blind children and adults, writing product documentation and working with Comcast's accessibility team as a product manager. Currently, he is the marketing director for Blazie Technologies. When he's not working, you'll find him chatting on Facebook and Mastodon, running the Tech-VI announcement list or engaged with Doctor Who books, TV episodes or novels.
You can visit his personal Web site at
www.DavidGoldfield.com<http://www.davidgoldfield.com/>.

Kevin Ratliff:

Kevin Ratliff is a dedicated Assistive Technology Instructor with over 25 years of experience empowering individuals through digital accessibility. For the past 13 years, he has served at the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (CCRC) in Austin, Texas, where he specializes in helping students master the tools necessary for independence and employment.
Kevin possesses deep technical expertise across multiple ecosystems, including Windows, Chrome OS, and Android. He is highly proficient in the native and third-party screen readers for each operating system, ensuring his students can navigate any interface with confidence. His instructional background also includes extensive experience with both the Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite, bridging the gap between assistive tools and essential workplace productivity software.

Kliphton Miller Sr.:

Kliph Miller Sr. is a highly respected assistive technology specialist, educator, and the founder of SturItUp, a service dedicated to providing personalized, results-driven technology training. With more than 30 years of experience in technology and over 15 years focused specifically on assistive technology instruction, Kliph brings a depth of knowledge and practical insight that few in the field can match.

Kliph is known for his extensive expertise within the Apple ecosystem, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS, with a strong emphasis on accessibility features such as VoiceOver and system-level customization. His work centers on helping individuals build confidence, independence, and efficiency through technology that is tailored to their daily lives and professional goals.

As an educator, Kliph takes a highly individualized approach to instruction. He focuses on strengthening real-world skills, eliminating unnecessary repetition, and ensuring that learners understand not just how to use their devices, but why specific workflows and features matter. His training style is practical, detailed, and rooted in troubleshooting, adaptability, and long-term skill development.

Through SturItUp, Kliph delivers one-on-one and small-group training that meets clients where they are, sharpening their abilities while helping them stay current as technology continues to evolve. His commitment to clarity, efficiency, and accessibility has made him a trusted resource for students, professionals, and organizations alike.

In addition to his training work, Kliph is active in media and content creation, using podcasts and digital platforms to engage audiences in meaningful conversations around technology and accessibility. His work reflects a deep commitment to empowering users to take control of their technology and use it as a tool for independence and success. Kliph Miller Sr. and SturItUp represent a practical, forward-thinking approach to assistive technology-focused on real skills, real outcomes, and real impact.

Matthew G. Vollbrecht:

Matthew Vollbrecht is a certified Apple Instructor and the owner of TTJ Tech Services. He has nearly three decades of experience providing technology setup, support, training, and consulting for individuals, educators, and organizations. His work has included computer maintenance, accessibility testing, documentation, and user training for both sighted and blind users. He has extensive experience working with assistive technologies, particularly screen readers and accessibility features for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Since 2009, Matthew has focused exclusively on Apple products, after recognizing Apple's industry-leading commitment to built-in accessibility. He is an Apple Teacher and Apple-Certified Associate with deep expertise in macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and related apps and services. He is also a long-time advocate and educator in the accessibility community, creating tutorial content and contributing to widely used Apple accessibility support resources.

Through TTJ Tech Services, Matthew provides personalized training, demonstrations, purchasing guidance, setup, and ongoing support for Apple devices and related technologies. His training and support services also extend to digital content creation, web design, home automation, security systems, streaming TV services, home theater, A/V, and music technology. He works with individuals, families, educators, and schools to help integrate technology in meaningful and practical ways. In addition to offering technology training and support locally and online, Matthew is a faith preachor. He is married with two children and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Event Support and Moderation

This event is supported by Sarah Potok of the TTJ Instructor Team, who will serve as moderator, and David DeNotarisof Sky's the Limit!, serving as sound stage coordinator. Additional supporting moderators may be added.

Join the Showdown

Watch live on Zoom<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84416485669?pwd=o1uH1WA8s22n8oG8SmZ8ulAc5UN0qj.1>, YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/@SturItUpStudios>, or TwitchTV<https://twitch.tv/sturitupstudio>.

Zoom Join Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84416485669?pwd=o1uH1WA8s22n8oG8SmZ8ulAc5UN0qj.1

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 28 at 8:00 PM Eastern, 7:00PM Central Time. We look forward to seeing you there.

--

My other groups

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David Goldfield,
Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist

www.DavidGoldfield.com<http://www.davidgoldfield.com/>

Director of Marketing,
Blazie Technologies
www.BlazieTech.com<http://www.blazietech.com/>

Am Yisrael Chai
The Nation of Israel Lives!
[JAWS Certified, 2022]<https://www.freedomscientific.com/Training/Certification>
NVDA Certified Expert<https://certification.nvaccess.org/>

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