The Week’s News in Access Technology
A Flying Blind, LLC Publication
http://www.flying-blind.com/
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Greetings,
News
1.) Corrected Link for the Narrator Demonstration by David Woodbridge
We open with a link correction for Tidbit #16 from last week’s issue Volume 667 in which we announced that David Woodbridge has recorded a 30-minute demonstration of the newest features in Microsoft Narrator (MP3). Here is the corrected link:
https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/demo-of-the-windows-insider-build-for-the-new-narrator-quick-start-guide-july-15-2018/
2.) This post gives some basic information about three automated accessibility checking tools
3A.) Creative Ways Aira Explorers Use the Service
Aira seems to be a frequent topic for discussion and news these days. This page details some of the creative ways in which Aira ‘Explorers’ make use of the service:
https://aira.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/folders/19000159531
3B.) New Aira Initiatives on the Blind Side Podcast
Among other topics, the Blind Side Podcast #96 discusses some new Aira initiatives [MP3]:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/theblindside/TheBlindSide96.mp3
4.) Accessibility in Three Middle Eastern Countries
This lady traveled to three Middle Eastern countries to assess their level of accessibility:
https://students.wlu.ca/academics/global-engagement-and-exchanges/news/2018/summer/seeking-accessibility-in-the-middle-east.html
5.) Using Mobile Apps for Disability Rights Advocacy
Looking for resources on how to make mobile apps accessible? Interested in developing your own app for disability rights advocacy? Read the full article and related resources on the RightsNow! Website:
https://www.globaldisabilityrightsnow.org/tools/vietnam/using-mobile-applications-advocacy
6.) TED Talks on Designing for Disability
Good design and smart technology should fuel inclusivity. These TED Talks show how tech and design can empower:
https://www.ted.com/playlists/372/designing_for_disability
7.) Barry Scheur of Guidelines and Gadgets on Tek Talk
Barry Scheur will discuss the offerings of his company, Guidelines and Gadgets, on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 31 July 2018 at 00:00:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2
8.) Webinar on Hiring and Retaining Employees with Disabilities
This webinar, ‘Hiring & Retaining Employees with Disabilities,’ will take place Friday, 27 July 2018 at 17:00 GMT:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/3515324321695/WN_nS8JGW4LQfG54zHxi5_Z1g
9.) Tech4Good Awards Winners and the Be My Eyes App
This post lists the winners of the Tech4Good Awards for this year, among them, the Be My Eyes app:
http://www.headstar.com/eablive/?p=1662
10.) Microsoft Seeing AI 2.3 for iOS
The Microsoft Seeing AI app for iOS is up to version 2.3, now with the ability to browse and describe pictures on the phone, and now available in 18 more countries:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seeing-ai-talking-camera-for-the-blind/id999062298
11.) JAWS Scripts for YouTube
Here are some JAWS scripts for YouTube, which make the use of YouTube easier and also eliminate conflicts between native YouTube keystrokes and JAWS:
http://www.dlee.org/youtube/
12.) Microsoft Retiring Skype 7.4: Information for JAWS Users
Microsoft is retiring Skype 7.4. This Freedom Scientific blog post contains important information for JAWS users:
http://blog.freedomscientific.com/skype8/
13.) WxPython for NVDA and the Move to Python 3.7
WxPython will be the development environment for NVDA moving forward, as the move to Python 3.7 continues. Those interested in such things can read about them here:
https://nvda.groups.io/g/nvda/topic/important_milestone_reached/23643882?p=,,,20,0,0,0::recentpostdate%2Fsticky,,,20,2,0,23643882
14A.) David Woodbridge has posted demonstrations of the OrCam II
https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/demo-of-the-orcam-ii/
14B.) And of the FlickType typing system for iOS
15.) Video of an App When Accessibility Is Not Built In
This video shows how frustrating and ultimately impossible it can be to use an app when accessibility is not built in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6xcCU6KfjA&feature=youtu.be&a`r
16A.) You can read about recent updates to ZoomText and Fusion here
https://www.zoomtext.com/help/product-downloads/
16B.) Software Releases on FSCast 155
And listen to information about software releases and other discussion in FSCast #155:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/fscast/FSCast155_-_Isaac_Lidsky.mp3?dest-id=699950
17.) Podcast on the EnVision App for iOS
This podcast reveals the origins, present and future of the EnVision app for iOS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-acQ5UxVv8&feature=youtu.be
18.) Mystic Access Class on Downloading Files
‘Downloading Files: From Distressed to Delighted’ is the title of this Mystic Access free class for July 2018, and it is the first in a two-part series on file management. This event takes place on Thursday, 26 July 2018 at 00:00 GMT, though recordings will be made available:
https://zoom.us/j/598746709?pwd=&status=success
19.) HumanWare Is the Distributor for Index Braille Embossers
HumanWare is now the exclusive distributor and service provider for the Index line of Braille embossers:
http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home
20.) Microsoft Narrator User Guide in Word or PDF
The Microsoft Narrator User Guide is now available in a stand-alone Microsoft Word or PDF document:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/22798/windows-10-narrator-get-started
21.) Online Word to MarkDown Converter
Some people find MarkDown a handy format for composing in plain text and transferring Word and other documents across platforms. This is an online Word to MarkDown converter:
https://word-to-markdown.herokuapp.com/
22.) Medium iOS App Accessibility Enhancements
The Medium iOS app, which supports independent writers and allows others to read their work in text or audio, has undergone accessibility enhancements. Images have alt-text, the duration of the piece is announced and more, with more changes promised:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/medium/id828256236?mt=8
23.) The Helen Keller Archive on Eyes on Success
We recently mentioned the Helen Keller archive, and you can learn more about it in Eyes on Success #1830:
http://eyesonsuccess.net
Flying Blind, LLC Highlights
1.) JAWS Inspect – Your Visual Resource for Accessibility Testing – Flying Blind, LLC Online Store
http://bit.ly/2M9vvUZ
If you are employed by, or lead an Organization committed to providing manual, accessibility test services for web content using the JAWS screenreader, but your testing and developer teams have individuals who are not JAWS users, then the newly released JAWS Inspect Solution is your missing ingredient for optimizing your test processes while maximizing your accessibility efforts …
2.) Introducing ARC, Your Agile and Affordable Path to Accessibility – Flying Blind, LLC Online Store
http://bit.ly/2ueyjtk
Whether you are a novice to accessibility or a seasoned pro, sometimes your best start to accessibility is to let technology do some of the heavy lifting. Designers, developers and testers dealing with an accessibility project or program are looking …
3.) Welcome to OWAC! Operating Within A Cloud! ‘OWAC: Where The Sky’s The Limit!’ – Flying Blind, LLC Online Store
OWAC Onsite = $1,000.00 USD + Pre-approved travel expenses. | OWAC Remote = $500.00 USD
http://bit.ly/OWAC-HTML
The OWAC Professional Development Workshop marries decades of assistive technology know-how with the fast-paced expectations of a predominantly sighted world. Are you serving students …
4.) ‘iOS in the Classroom: A Guide for Teaching Students with Visual Impairments, iOS 9 Edition’ Authored By Larry L. Lewis, Jr., President, Flying Blind LLC, and Published by AFB Press – AFB Online Store
Paperback: $29.95 | Online: $17.95 | ePUB: $20.95 | Kindle: $20.95
http://bit.ly/iOS9-ITC-AFB-FBLLC
This book represents a ‘must have’ for any direct service provider working with vision impaired consumers who are using iOS technology within their educational or pre-vocational settings …
5.) Silver Indoor Outdoor Talking Thermometer for $16.95 USD – Flying Blind, LLC Online Store
http://bit.ly/1HHaM7I
Indoor and outdoor temperature spoken at the touch of a button, Fahrenheit or Celsius, volume control and on/off switch. LCD visual display can show either indoor or outdoor temperature …
6.) Large Print Address Book for $16.00 USD – Flying Blind, LLC Online Store
http://bit.ly/1Q1LZxC
Spiral bound book. Holds up to 500 address listings. Three address listings per page. Includes 20/20 pen. Durable covers with inside front and back pockets. Alphabetical tabs and ample room …
7.) Large Print Check Register for $8.75 USD – Flying Blind, LLC Online Store
http://bit.ly/1TmcA6r
Spiral bound register helps keep better control of check recording. Contains spaces for 14 entries per full page. Size: 5″ x 9″ …
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