[NJTechDiv] May 2025 Technology Committee Meeting Summary

Tue May 13 01:49:40 UTC 2025

NFBNJ May 2025 Technology Committee Meeting Summary

Andy's Antics

This month’s presentation discussed tools for privacy, updates on emerging devices, and some new resources for both beginners and long-time screen reader users.

Accessible Password Managers

Choosing a password manager can be tricky—especially for blind users. Fortunately, Tim Dixon’s April 2025 article <https://www.timdixon.net/blog/2025/04/password-managers-for-the-blind/> breaks down several popular password management tools with a focus on screen reader accessibility. Whether you're curious about Bitwarden, 1Password, or alternatives like KeePassXC, his guide is a great place to start. This resource discusses which password managers are accessible with screen readers. This article also focuses on why you should consider using a password manager and much more about password and authentication.

Pneuma Solutions Upgrades Scribe

In response to ongoing accessibility gaps in mainstream tools, including tools built-in to screen readers, Pneuma Solutions has continued to expand their Scribe platform. Scribe is a paid service, but it makes documents accessible on demand. For example,  if you encounter inaccessible PDF files or other documents, Scribe makes them accessible almost instantly in multiple formats. It is especially useful if you encounter inaccessible documents in bulk. Students, for example, might find this useful. Their blog post <https://pneumasolutions.com/when-the-world-looks-away-we-build-our-own/> shares both technical details and the philosophy behind building inclusive tools when the industry falls short.

NLS DA2 Player Publications Now Available in Braille and on the NLS website

The new NLS Digital Advanced Player 2 (DA2) will be available to nLS patrons soon. Two Braille-only guides are now available on BARD: a Getting Started guide (BR26188) and the User Guide (BR26189). Interestingly, the new player is an audio-only device, but the documents on BARD are only available in Braille (as of now). I have reached out to NLS to see if these publications might be available in audio. The getting started guide is also available on the NLS website <https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/equipment-for-nls-materials/da2-getting-started/>. The user guide is also available here <https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/equipment-for-nls-materials/da2-user-guide/>. 

New Edition of the Windows Screen Reader Primer

Authored by David Kingsbury, The Carroll Center has published the fourth edition of the Windows Screen Reader Primer, a free comprehensive book <https://carroll.org/the-windows-screen-reader-primer/> for screen reader users. This book is especially helpful for instructors, or for anyone wanting an extremely comprehensive introduction to navigating Windows with JAWS, Narrator, or NVDA. In the fourth edition, David has added chapters about FS Companion, the New Outlook, using advanced Excel functions, and a revised chapter on AI. On the website, you are first asked to fill out some basic information. Then, you can download the book in Word and EPUB formats.

Freedom Scientific's May Webinars and Trainings

Freedom Scientific continues to offer free training events throughout May. They are offering a training about using Windows 11 with JAWS. There are also webinars for another third-party organization that may prove valuable that require separate registration from the organization listed on the Webinar page. The Freedom Scientific blog <https://blog.freedomscientific.com/join-us-for-our-may-2025-training-events/> outlines the full list of topics and registration links.

Uber Gets More Senior-Friendly

For seniors who aren’t smartphone-savvy, Uber is now offering a streamlined accessibility experience in the app. CNET reports <https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/uber-is-making-it-easier-for-seniors-to-book-rides/> that the basic Experience is currently available in Phoenix and Orlando, but this simpler experience should be rolling out to more cities in the very near future.

More Feedback on the Meta Smart Glasses

Tim Dixon has also posted a new, detailed review <https://www.timdixon.net/blog/2025/04/blind-meta-ray-ban-review-2025/> of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses from a blind user’s perspective. This evaluation covers using various WhatsApp chatbots with the glasses, such as using ChatGPT, the PiccyBot chatbot for describing pictures and short videos, and NOA Chat for image descriptions. Tim argues that, while all of this is useful, it might be worth the wait for either a second generation of the Meta glasses, or the Agiga glasses <https://echovision.agiga.ai/>  The latter is likely to be more expensive, but may better meet the needs of the blind. For anyone interested in more about the Agiga glasses, see this Access On episode <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/access-podcast/echo-vision-smart-glasses-accessible-televisions>.

A Look at the Orbit Player

For those considering the Orbit Player, Dr. Robert Carter has released a podcast episode reviewing this reading and entertainment device, similar to the Victor Stream. It should be available in the summer of this year. This blog post <https://www.dr-carter.com/?p=583> has more information, as well as an audio review.

Other Topics

Here are suggestions and tips from members of the meeting at the "Around the  Room" section. In n effort to maintain privacy, I have only kept suggestions, ideas, and links from contributions in these notes.

Lyft Silver

As mentioned earlier, Uber is rolling out a simpler app experience. Lyft Silver <https://www.lyft.com/rider/silver> is Lyft's solution. It is designed for older adults. It includes live phone support, and the ability share information with trusted riders.

Setting the Default Browser on iOS

When using Chrome for iOS, joining a Zoom meting can pose challenges. To temporarily (or permanently) set the default browser on iOS, first launch the Settings app. Then, find the "Apps" button. Because the "Apps" button is the last element on the screen, to find it quickly, VoiceOver users can perform a four-finger single tap. Finally, locate the "Default Apps" section, located to the left of the Section Index. From there, set your browser as you see fit. This Apple Support article <https://support.apple.com/en-us/121430> has more information. In addition, calling the Apple Accessibility number at (877)-204-3930 may prove useful if you encounter any difficulty.

KaraFun – Karaoke & Music Quiz App

If you're interested in karaoke, the KaraFun <https://apps.apple.com/us/app/karafun-karaoke-music-quiz/id431050674> app is worth checking out. This app has karaoke tracks for a premium catalog of songs. The KaraFun website <https://www.karafun.com/apps/> has more information.

Advantages of the Meta Glasses

Several members of the meeting expressed having found independence in the Meta glasses for reading mail and using third-party blindness-specific apps.

The Power of AirDrop

When sending information between Apple devices, AirDrop immediately comes to mind as an efficient, hassle-free solution. To use AirDrop, find material that you wish to share with another Apple device. You can AirDrop material between your own devices (as suggested in the meeting), or you can AirDrop material to other people. After finding the material to be shared, use the Share Sheet and select AirDrop. This Apple Support article <https://support.apple.com/en-us/119857> has a more in-depth explanation.

Scanning Printed Content with the VDScan App ($14.99)

The VDScan App <https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vdscan/id1446737725> (VoiceDream Scanner) is regarded as a solid scanning app for scanning printed material. Users enjoy its one-time cost and scanning accuracy. It also serves well for scanning books, though this can be a tedious process. The website <https://vdscan.app/> has more information.

Using Microsoft Teams Accessibly

Teams is becoming increasingly popular as a meeting platform. Access On episodes 23 <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/access-on-podcast/online-meeting-tips-and-tricks-perplexitys-siri> and 24 <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/access-on-podcast/guide-microsoft-teams-meetings-audio-description> have information about basic online meeting etiquette and the basics of using Teams with a screen reader. In edition, JAWS users might find this category of webinars from freedom Scientific <https://www.freedomscientific.com/category/webinar/teams/> useful.

FinalThoughts

This meeting covered a lot of material. Members helped each other with app ideas, assistive tools, and resources. The "Andy's Antics" presentation discussed a range of topics of interest to assistive technology users. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on June 9. Check out the Events Calendar <https://nfbnj.org/events-calendar> for more upcoming events.
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