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Top Tech Tidbits. The Week's News in Access Technology. Eight photos. 1: A young girl with down syndrome smiles enthusiastically while cutting paper at school. 2: A man with a prosthetic right leg goes for a run. 3: A man in a wheelchair smiles on a sunny day as he is lifted into a bus. 4: A blind man wearing sun glasses in a park holds a white cane in his right hand and a phone in his left. 5: A woman with black and blonde hair wears a hearing aid at work. 6: Fingers read braille through a refreshable braille display. 7: A man makes the sign for 'family' in American Sign Language (ASL). 8: A woman uses magnification software on a tablet to read a magazine.

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, September 11, 2025 – Volume 1032

Published September 11, 2025 by Top Tech Tidbits

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♿️ The Week’s News in Access Technology

Top Tech Tidbits. The world’s #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology.

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Subscribers: 41,758 🔢️ opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email.

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Access Awareness: Updates That Matter ♿️

Apple Event 2025: iPhone Air, Apple Watches, and More | Double Tap | YouTube.com | September 10, 2025

Apple’s 2025 “Awe-Dropping” event brought new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro 3, but were they truly awe-dropping? We unpack the new iPhone Air, Series 11 Apple Watch with blood pressure sensing, and AirPods with hearing features. Steven Scott, Shaun Preece, and guest Shelly Brisbin dive into Apple’s latest event, questioning the hype versus reality. The discussion explores the iPhone Air—Apple’s thinnest ever iPhone with the A19 Pro chip, lighter weight for easier handling, and how it compares to the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro. They debate who the Air is for, whether LIDAR is essential for blind users, and why Apple may be preparing for a folding phone. The team also unpacks the Apple Watch Series 11 and its new hypertension and sleep tracking features, contrasting it with the value-focused SE 3 and the rugged Ultra 3. Finally, they explore the AirPods Pro 3, offering better noise cancellation, longer battery life, heart rate sensing, and real-time translation — plus why the new workout buddy AI could motivate casual fitness without overcomplicating health tracking.

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News 📰️

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News

1.) Top 5 Most Clicked Tidbits From Last Week 📊️

A.) Meta Will Sell You Refurbished Ray-Ban Smart Glasses For $76 Off – How To Find Them | ZDNet.com | August 29, 2025

Meta’s refurbished Ray-Ban smart glasses are available at significant discounts, with savings of up to $76. These glasses come in like-new condition with a warranty, appealing to consumers looking for quality tech at a lower price point.

B.) Seeing A New Future: How Smart Glasses Are Unlocking Independence For Visually Impaired Individuals | AssistiveTechnologyBlog.com | August 26, 2025

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are proving useful for visually impaired individuals, as they combine stylish design with features like voice control and a camera. These glasses, in partnership with Be My Eyes, enable users to receive real-time assistance from sighted volunteers, enhancing independence and confidence in daily activities.

C.) JAWS Power Tip: How To Turn Off the New Acrobat Reader Interface | Freedom Scientific | TopTechTidbits.com | September 4, 2025

When you start Adobe Acrobat Reader for the first time, the New acrobat Reader Interface will be enabled. We recommend disabling this and reverting back to the legacy interface to ensure access to all features and functionality. Here’s how.

D.) Making Music Available for Everyone with Music Braille Stickers | APH.org | September 3, 2025

Music Braille Stickers provide an accessible solution for students who are blind or low vision to engage with music. These clear, adhesive stickers enable easy translation of music notation into braille, allowing for independent completion of music assignments and facilitating collaboration among sighted and non-sighted peers.

E.) Hartgen Consultancy’s Immediate Future | Tech-VI List | September 2, 2025

Hartgen Consultancy founder Brian Hartgen has announced a temporary reduction in his working hours due to a serious illness causing severe leg pain, while affirming continued product support and the imminent delivery of remaining AI training course materials in pre-recorded format.

2.) Six (6) Sponsorship Packages Currently Available | TopTechTidbits.com | September 11, 2025

There are Six (6) Sponsorship Packages currently available. Would your product, service or message benefit from reaching over 42,000 access technology subscribers each week? For just $200 / month? If you’re thinking yes, we invite you to try a Sponsorship Package with Top Tech Tidbits. The benefits are amazing and the traffic delivered to your properties each week is measurable. No obligation. Cancel anytime. When there are no Sponsorship Packages available, you can join the waiting list here.

3.) One Time Advertisements Available | TopTechTidbits.com | September 11, 2025

One time advertisements are available to anyone, with or without a Sponsorship. Would your product, service or message benefit from reaching over 42,000 access technology subscribers? If you’re thinking yes, we invite you to check out our one time advertising options. They are cost-effective, targeted and measurable. Scheduling is optional. Learn more today.

4.) Premium Subscribers | TopTechTidbits.com | September 11, 2025

Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 14th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles for April, May and June of 2025 on Monday, October 6, 2025. Back Issues: There are currently 13 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 Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month.

5.) Sponsored Tidbits | TopTechTidbits.com | September 11, 2025

Use Sponsored Tidbits to reach the access technology community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today.

6.) Do You Have A Link In This Issue? Learn How To Track It For Free | TopTechTidbits.com | September 11, 2025

This article outlines, step-by-step, how you can get free website traffic reporting on any link to your domain (AKA domain name, website or web address) that has been published by Top Tech Tidbits since January 18, 2024, when we launched this feature.

7.) Apple Updates 🍎️

Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple.

A.) Recapping Apple’s “Awe Dropping” September 2025 Event | AppleVis.com | September 9, 2025

Apple unveiled new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro at its recent event, introducing an upgraded lineup. Highlights include the iPhone 17 models with improved durability, newer Apple Watch features such as hypertension detection, and AirPods Pro 3 with advanced noise cancellation and fitness tracking capabilities.

B.) Apple’s September Event: The Year I Want Everything | Substack.com | September 9, 2025

Apple’s September event showcased significant upgrades across its product lineup, highlighting the AirPods Pro 3’s new features, including advanced noise cancellation and fitness tracking. The Apple Watch series was also upgraded, boasting health monitoring capabilities, while the iPhone 17 lineup promises a balance of innovative features and sleek design, leaving buyers with tough choices.

C.) With Gratitude: An Invitation | AppleVis.com | September 6, 2025

AppleVis is gearing up for a significant month with the upcoming media event on September 9, anticipated to showcase new iPhone models and software version releases. The director reflects on the community’s support since AppleVis reopened under Be My Eyes, emphasizing a year of growth and future content related to software updates, awards, and usability improvements.

8.) AI Updates 🤖️

Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI.

A.) Podcast: Hadley Presents: Artificial Intelligence And Vision Loss | HadleyHelps.org | September 10, 2025

In this episode of the Hadley Presents podcast, host Ricky Enger and guests explore four AI-driven tools — Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, Aira, and Meta Glasses — highlighting how each can support daily tasks for people with vision loss, from reading mail to navigating a grocery store.

B.) L’Atitude 52°N Debuts Smart Glasses at IFA 2025, Wins IFA NEXT Award | AndroidGuys.com | September 8, 2025

L’Atitude 52°N launched its first collection of smart glasses, The Departure Collection, at IFA 2025, where they also won the Best of IFA NEXT Award. These smart eyewear pieces integrate a high-definition camera and AI assistant, aiming to blend functionality with everyday style, making wearable technology a more approachable concept.

C.) AI1y (AI And A11y) — Part III: Can I Trust AI To Be Right 100% Of The Time For Accessibility? | Nira11y.com | September 7, 2025

AI tools for accessibility audits are not 100% reliable but have the potential to greatly improve website accessibility. Despite AI’s imperfections, it offers scalability and continuous improvements that can reach a larger audience compared to time-consuming manual audits. The focus should shift to enhancing AI’s capabilities to address the accessibility challenges of the vast internet.

D.) ChatGPT Glossary: 56 AI Terms Everyone Should Know | Cnet.com | September 5, 2025

This glossary provides an updated list of essential AI terms, helping users understand the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. It covers concepts from fundamental definitions to specific technologies, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experts in the field.

E.) What I’ve Learned After Nearly a Year of Wearing Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses | LifeHacker.com | September 4, 2025

The review discusses Stephen Johnson’s nearly year-long experience with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, highlighting their features, such as a voice-activated AI, camera, and music control. Although the glasses are praised for their build quality and usability, Johnson notes challenges such as battery life and social perceptions surrounding their use.

F.) Dymesty AI Glasses: Everyday Titanium Eyewear With A Full AI Assistant Built In | AndroidAuthority.com | September 4, 2025

Dymesty AI Glasses combine premium design with advanced AI functionalities, offering a lightweight titanium frame and a patented flexible hinge for comfort. With features like real-time translation, smart notifications, and up to 48 hours of battery life, these glasses cater to professionals and creatives seeking discreet, hands-free assistance.

Tips, Tutorials, Guides, Reviews, Walk-Throughs and How-To’s 📚️

9.) ZoomText Power Tip: How To Use Program Echo to Determine Which Items are Spoken | Freedom Scientific | TopTechTidbits.com | September 11, 2025

Program echo determines what items are spoken by ZoomText speech as you navigate and use your applications. These items include: window titles, menus, dialogs, list views, tree views, and text that the cursor moves through.

10.) Eyes on Success Episode 2537: Encore of 1740: Together Again — Leaders Who Made a Difference (Part 1 of 2) | September 10, 2025

This week hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey bring together three leaders in the field of assistive technology: Deane Blazie, Jim Fruchterman, and Ted Henter. They made pioneering contributions to the development of refreshable Braille displays, OCR, and screen readers, respectively. Learn what each of them is up to today in this informative round table discussion.

11.) Apple Event 2025: iPhone Air, Apple Watches, and More | Double Tap | YouTube.com | September 10, 2025

Apple’s 2025 event unveiled groundbreaking new products, including the iPhone Air and Apple Watch Series 11. Experts discuss innovative features such as blood pressure sensing, advanced noise cancellation in AirPods Pro 3, and the implications of a potential folding iPhone, weighing the promises of accessibility against the reality of their applications.

12.) Apple 2025 Accessibility Updates: Vision Pro, Braille Access, and More | Double Tap | YouTube.com | September 9, 2025

Apple’s 2025 accessibility updates are set to revolutionize tech inclusivity for low vision, blind, and deaf-blind users. Vision Pro’s new Zoom features, advanced Braille access tools, and the innovative Magnifier for Mac provide greater independence and functionality, while updated App Store labels ensure users can easily identify accessible apps.

13.) Splice Bio And The Future Of Vision Loss Treatment | Gene Therapy For Stargardt Disease | The Blind Life | YouTube.com | September 9, 2025

John Tobin, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Splice Bio, provides an in-depth look at the innovative gene therapy research targeting Stargardt’s disease. The conversation highlights the company’s mission to improve the lives of those with vision loss and details on how interested parties can participate in clinical trials.

14.) How Be My Eyes And InnoSearch Are Making Shopping And Travel More Accessible Than Ever | BeMyEyes.com | September 9, 2025

The integration of InnoSearch into the Be My Eyes app enhances accessibility for blind and low-vision users, offering features like simplified shopping and travel booking. This AI-driven platform provides users with easier access to a wide range of products and services, significantly promoting independence in their daily lives.

15.) Bridging Braille And Print: Introducing Paige Connect For Families And Adults | APHConnectcenter.org | September 9, 2025

Paige Connect is a new device designed to modernize the traditional braille writer by enabling wireless connectivity with computers and mobile devices. It allows users to see their braille writing translated into print, thereby enhancing educational engagement for families with blind or low vision children.

16.) IFA 2025: Smart Homes, $35 ANC Earbuds, And Retro Tech Returns | Double Tap | YouTube.com | September 8, 2025

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece delve into the latest innovations from IFA 2025, featuring insights on affordable smart home lighting, impressive $35 earbuds from Belkin equipped with active noise cancellation, and an exploration of retro tech trends including cassette players. The discussion also highlights the impact of automation tools like Apple Shortcuts in enhancing accessibility for blind users.

17.) Ebraille 1.0 Has Launched | Daisy.github.io | September 8, 2025

eBraille 1.0 introduces a digital format for braille publications designed for compatibility with refreshable braille displays, using EPUB 3 standards and web technologies like XHTML and CSS. Developed by a global working group of 91 experts from over 50 organizations, the format enables both web-based and downloadable braille reading experiences.

18.) LBPD Bi-Monthly Newsletter — September / October 2025 | September 8, 2025

This edition of LBPD’s comprehensive bimonthly newsletter highlights the upcoming free and fully accessible 2025 Dyslexia Summit on Thursday, October 16, 2025 (10 a.m.—4 p.m. EST), virtual Technology User Group meetings, youth engagement via Remind, cultural programming for Hispanic Heritage Month, the Braille-on-Demand initiative, the Maryland Accessible Textbook Program, community partner spotlight on Metropolitan Washington Ear, and a rich selection of collection highlights including Spanish and Maryland folklore titles.

19.) NVDA 2025.3rc1 Available For Testing | NVAccess.org | September 8, 2025

The Release Candidate of NVDA 2025.3 is now available for download, encouraging user feedback to ensure it is stable before the final release. This version introduces improvements in remote access, braille support, and bug fixes for voice modules.

20.) JAWS Inspect September 2025 Update | TPGi.com | September 8, 2025

The September update for JAWS Inspect aligns with the latest JAWS screen reader enhancements and includes improvements to ARIA handling. Optional AI tools like FSCompanion assist testers in interpreting screen reader outputs, enhancing accessibility testing accuracy and usability.

21.) Retinal Prosthesis Restores Sight In Blind Animals And Even Leads To ‘Enhanced’ Vision | ElPais.com | September 7, 2025

A team of researchers has developed a tiny retinal prosthesis that successfully restored vision in blind mice and monkeys, allowing them to perceive infrared light. The study raises ethical considerations regarding human trials, noting that applying this technology to individuals with healthy eyesight would not be permissible.

22.) Charge Your Ray-Ban Meta’s In Style! Carina S1 Charging Dock Review | The Blind Life | YouTube.com | September 6, 2025

Discover the Karina S1 charging dock designed specifically for Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, focusing on its practical benefits for users, particularly within the blind and visually impaired community. This review details the dock’s accessible design and features, showcasing its seamless integration into various home and office environments for a more user-friendly charging experience.

23.) “Blind People Will See Again”: Revolutionary Eye Implant Bypasses Damaged Corneas, Beaming Images Directly To The Retina | RudeBaguette.com | September 6, 2025

A groundbreaking ocular implant developed by Xpanceo and Intra-Ker aims to restore vision for millions affected by corneal blindness by projecting images directly onto the retina, bypassing damaged corneas. This innovative technology could eliminate the reliance on donor corneas, with its market potential estimated between $50 million and $200 million annually, and human trials expected to begin within two years.

24.) Elon Musk: Neuralink Could Restore Partial Vision To The Blind Next Year | Teslarati.com | September 6, 2025

Elon Musk has announced that Neuralink aims to restore limited vision to blind patients starting in 2026. The company’s developments include Telepathy implants and the upcoming Blindsight trials, which target the visual cortex to provide sight even to those who were born blind.

25.) Let’s Put the Hardware Buttons on Your Phone to Good Use | HowToGeek.com | September 6, 2025

Exploring ways to enhance smartphone usability with hardware buttons, this article highlights the decline of tactile controls on modern devices. It introduces the app Button Mapper, enabling users to remap volume keys and create shortcuts, including options for screen-off actions through advanced setup.

26.) IFA 2025 Highlights: Samsung, Acer, Eufy, Philips Hue & Amazon | Double Tap | YouTube.com | September 5, 2025

Big announcements emerged from IFA 2025 in Berlin, showcasing innovative products from Samsung, Acer, Eufy, Philips Hue, and Amazon. With a focus on affordability without compromising performance, key highlights included Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices, advanced robot vacuums, and smart home technologies that pave the way for the future of consumer tech.

27.) Elon Musk: Neuralink Will Restore Vision To A Blind Person In 2026 | News.am | September 5, 2025

Elon Musk announced that Neuralink plans a surgery in 2026 that will allow a blind person to regain partial sight through brain-computer interface technology. The company has already conducted successful surgeries in the U.S. and Canada, marking significant progress in neurotechnology aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

28.) Registration For The Free Course, Voiceover In And Out, Is Now Open | TTJ Tech Services | September 5, 2025

TTJ Tech Services has opened registration for ‘Voiceover In and Out’, a free Zoom-based course starting October 6, 2025, designed to help users master Apple’s Voiceover on iPhone with certified Apple instructors and hands-on Experience Labs.

29.) Seeing With Sound: My Adventures In Echolocation And The vOICe | NimerBlogs.blogspot.com | September 5, 2025

The author shares their unique experiences as a blind person utilizing echolocation and the innovative The vOICe app to navigate their surroundings. The post outlines the differences between passive and active echolocation, the functionalities of the app, and the extensive learning process involved in mastering these techniques.

30.) TetraLogical Launches Accessible Self-Led Training Courses To Help Digital Teams Build Confidence In Accessibility | Tetralogical.com | September 5, 2025

TetraLogical has launched a series of online self-led training courses aimed at helping digital teams enhance their accessibility capabilities. The courses are designed to fit within busy schedules and are accessible through various platforms, supporting a sustainable approach to embedding accessibility skills in organizations.

31.) Video: Thunderbird Accessibility Study | Thunderbird.net | September 5, 2025

A recent accessibility study for Thunderbird’s desktop and mobile apps highlighted various strengths and areas for improvement in accessibility features. Insights gathered from users with disabilities will guide future enhancements, focusing on improved usability for screen reader and cognitive accessibility users, and highlighting a commitment to making Thunderbird usable for everyone.

32.) This Is How Blind People Can Play Video Games | ScienceNorway.no | September 3, 2025

Sound-based navigation technology is making video games accessible for blind players, enabling them to experience games alongside sighted individuals. Research demonstrates that auditory navigation systems can effectively guide players, promoting inclusivity within the gaming industry.

33.) Is The VR Cardinal LE The Accessible Device You’ve Been Waiting For? | APHConnectCenter.org | September 3, 2025

The VR Cardinal LE is a multifunctional device that combines the capabilities of a digital book player with GPS functionality. It features a user-friendly tactile keypad, a long battery life of 12 to 15 hours, and the ability to access various media, making it a reliable companion for both entertainment and navigation.

34.) Employment Connections: Optimizing Technology for Job Seekers | APHConnectCenter.org | September 3, 2025

Khadija Bari, Director of Job Placement Services at VISIONS, highlights the importance of assistive technology for blind and low vision job seekers. An upcoming webinar will teach effective document preparation using JAWS and Microsoft Word, focusing on creating polished cover letters and resumes.

35.) Legal Update: August 2025 | ConvergeAccessibility.com | September 2, 2025

This legal update provides insights into recent developments affecting accessibility laws and regulations. It highlights significant changes and what they mean for stakeholders in the accessibility landscape.

36.) Looking Back On “Preserving The Internet” From 1996 | Blog.Archive.Org | September 2, 2025

As the Internet Archive marks a milestone of archiving 1 trillion web pages, it reflects on Brewster Kahle’s original vision for preserving the web, outlined in 1997. While many of his ideas have been realized, challenges such as obsolete formats and legal issues persist in the ongoing effort to archive the digital landscape.

37.) Visually Impaired Cricket Fans Take Part In Trial To Watch The Matches Using Assistive Technology | ATToday.co.uk | September 1, 2025

Edgbaston Stadium has successfully conducted a trial where visually impaired fans utilized GiveVision headsets to view live cricket matches. The technology enhances visual details, enabling participants to experience the game in real-time, marking a significant step towards inclusivity in sports.

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September 16, 2024 | Selvas BLV Announces Braillesense 6 Firmware Version 3.0 | Selvas BLV

2:00 PM PT, 3:00 PM MT, 4:00 PM CT, 5:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM GMT
We have received multiple inquiries about if firmware 3.0 is released yet. It has not been released yet, but the anticipated release date is set to be before the end of this month! We are so grateful for your shared excitement! In this free webinar from Selvas BLV, participants will explore the major updates in BrailleSense 6 firmware version 3.0, including a redesigned Main Menu and Settings dialog, improved Word Processor, a new Braille Practice app, and the long-awaited Web Browser. A live Q&A session will follow the walkthrough.

September 16-17, 2025 | The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Accessible Technology’s State Of Science Conference | Gallaudet University’s Technology Access Program

6:00 AM PT, 7:00 AM MT, 8:00 AM CT, 9:00 AM ET, 1:00 PM GMT
In this two-day hybrid gathering, Gallaudet University’s Technology Access Program showcases cutting-edge research on caption quality, hearing-technology accessibility and sign-language innovation, featuring keynotes, breakout discussions and student presentations aimed at advancing equitable communication tools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

September 18, 2025 | Ten Tips For Boosting Productivity When Using Google Sheets With JAWS | Freedom Scientific

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this free, one-hour webinar, Freedom Scientific shares ten practical tips for increasing productivity when using Google Sheets with JAWS. Learn how to navigate, format, and organize data more efficiently with guidance on enabling accessibility settings, applying cell formatting, using functions, managing multiple sheets, and leveraging keyboard shortcuts and menus.

September 18, 2025 | Ally Solos Smart Glasses Workshop | Florida Outreach Center For The Blind

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
In this free Zoom workshop, the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind hosts Co-Founder and CEO of Envision, Karthik Mahadevan, for a deep dive into Ally Solos smart glasses. Built on Solos’ award-winning platform, the glasses combine comfort and durability with AI-powered features such as text reading, document scanning, scene description, translation, web search, and more to enhance independence and accessibility.

September 20, 2025 | Disability Strong Virtual Conference: Building Change | Disability Strong Virtual Conference

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Disability advocate and civic leader Nico Meyering shares his lived experience with orphan disease and navigating inaccessible systems toward impactful leadership. Drawing from his work in reshaping civic institutions, Nico offers practical insights on building power, forging coalitions, and creating inclusive spaces where Disabled people lead, thrive, and belong.

September 21, 2025 | Disability Strong Virtual Conference: From Trauma To Healing & Intersectionality Of Race And Disability | Disability Strong Virtual Conference

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT & 1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Nicole Demos shares her personal journey of trauma and healing in Finland, highlighting the importance of self-care, advocacy, and safe spaces. Later, Nancy Williams-Nettles examines how racism and ableism intersect, creating unique challenges for people of color with disabilities, and explores ways to foster inclusive, justice-driven approaches.

September 22, 2025 | Disability Strong Virtual Conference: Civic Engagement, Policymaking, And Advocacy Panel | Disability Strong Virtual Conference

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
Panelists Nico Meyering, Nancy Williams-Nettles, and Jesse Schwartzman discuss practical ways to engage in community advocacy, both politically and non-politically. They share strategies for using personal experiences to drive change and highlight the power of active participation in shaping more inclusive communities.

September 22, 2025 | Twenty-Sixth Audio Description Institute | American Council Of The Blind

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Led by Dr. Joel Snyder, this five-day virtual training from the American Council of the Blind offers an in-depth introduction to the theory, techniques, and applications of audio description. Attendees will gain practical skills through lectures, discussions, and collaborative sessions, and receive a certificate of completion along with a training manual.

September 23, 2025 | Disability Strong Virtual Conference: Using Inclusive Language / How To Be An Ally | Disability Strong Virtual Conference

5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Nicole Demos guides participants through strategies for fostering belonging, equity, and empathy by using inclusive language and practicing genuine allyship. Attendees will explore how words and actions can work together to make accessibility and inclusivity an everyday reality.

September 23, 2024 | Webinar — Project Tacticos: Promoting Literacy And Inclusion For Visually Impaired Children Through Innovative Illustrated Tactile Books | Enviter

1:30 AM PT, 2:30 AM MT, 3:30 AM CT, 4:30 AM ET, 8:30 AM GMT
This free webinar from Enviter introduces Project TACTICOS, an Erasmus+ initiative that promotes literacy and inclusion for visually impaired children through innovative tactile books. Attendees will explore practical guidelines, hands-on examples, and support tips for educators, parents, and professionals involved in accessible learning.

September 24, 2025 | Disability Strong Virtual Conference: How Violence And Disability Converge | Disability Strong Virtual Conference

5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Margaux Sorenson examines how violence disproportionately impacts people with disabilities, the systemic barriers to reporting, and the historical roots of ableism. The session highlights advocacy efforts centering disabled survivors and explores ways to promote safety, equity, and justice for all.

September 27, 2025 | NJCB Virtual Convention: The Grassroots Revival | New Jersey Council Of The Blind

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
The New Jersey Council of the Blind presents its 2025 Virtual Convention, The Grassroots Revival, bringing together expert speakers, live Q&A sessions, assistive technology demonstrations, and community engagement. Running for the first time in over 15 years, this online gathering highlights advocacy, access, and connection with presentations on adaptive living, accessible technology, healthcare, and independent living resources.

September 27, 2024 | What To Expect With The New Iphone Operating System Update iOS 26 | Maryland State Library For The Blind And Print Disabled Technology User Group

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
The Technology User Group (TUG) reveals the latest changes coming to the iPhone’s operating system, iOS 26, and explores whether these updates will enhance accessibility or fall short of expectations.

October 1, 2025 | Agile And Accessible User Experiences With At User Flow Testing | TPGi

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this webinar from TPGi, David Sloan, Chief Accessibility Officer at Vispero, and Isabel Holdsworth, Senior Accessibility Engineer and JAWS user, demonstrate how AT user flow testing complements technical accessibility evaluations. They share strategies for integrating usability insights into fast-paced development cycles, uncovering business-critical issues, and validating accessibility remediation through real-world assistive technology user experiences.

October 14, 2025 and October 15, 2025| Virtual Web Accessibility Training | WebAIM

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this two-day, expert-led online program from WebAIM, participants will learn essential and advanced web accessibility practices to ensure compliance with international guidelines and legal requirements. Designed for developers, designers, and accessibility professionals, the training covers WCAG principles, assistive technology use, inclusive design for various disabilities, evaluation techniques, and offers a complimentary document accessibility course.

November 14, 2025 | Deadline to Invest in Doppler Labs’ At-Home Hearing | Dr. Kirk Adams

Doppler Labs offers audiologist-grade hearing aids and a patented at-home fitting platform designed to deliver fast, accessible hearing care at scale. The Netcapital raise aims to fund expansion, production, and a nonprofit arm targeting underserved regions, with clinical trials completed and pricing locked in for sustainable impact and global reach.

November 15, 2025 | International Neurology Conference 2025 | PubScholars Group

12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
The International Neurology Conference 2025 is a flagship hybrid event hosted by PubScholars Group on November 15-16, 2025, at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando (5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL) and streamed online. The conference explores “Mind-Brain Connection: Understanding Neuroscience through Mental Health,” aiming to integrate cutting-edge science with clinical relevance. Who Should Attend: Neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, psychologists, rehabilitation professionals, engineers, industry leaders, students, and allied health practitioners. Important Dates & times: Abstract Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025. Registration Deadline: September 30, 2025. Event Timing: November 15, 2025 (8 AM start) – November 16, 2025 (6 PM close). Format: Hybrid Event (In-person & Virtual.) Contact Person: Richard A. Email: info@pubscholars.org 📧️. Phone: +91 7042134266 📱️. Venue: Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA.

December 9, 2025 and December 19, 2025 | 6th Annual Sight Tech Global | SightTechGlobal.com

Sight Tech Global returns for its sixth year as a free, virtual conference spotlighting how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping assistive tech and accessibility worldwide. Featuring expert panels, demos, and discussions with leaders from Google, Meta, and Microsoft, the conference explores innovations that empower independence and drive digital equity.

May 21, 2026 | Tech Blitz 2026: Assistive Technology Showcase Brings Together Blind, Deafblind, And Low Vision Community For Innovation, Discovery, And Connection. | Helen Keller Services

3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this in-person showcase hosted by Helen Keller Services, assistive technology vendors, innovators, and users come together for a day of interactive demonstrations, in-depth discussions, and community connection focused on advancing access and independence for the blind, DeafBlind, and low vision communities.

Directories 📝️

1) Top Tech Tidbits App Directory | Submit

2) Top Tech Tidbits Game Directory | Submit

3) Top Tech Tidbits Listserv Directory | Submit

4) Top Tech Tidbits Podcast Directory | Submit

5) Top Tech Tidbits YouTube Directory | Submit

Surveys 📝️

👉 Submit your survey for consideration within this section here.

1.) Service Gaps & Solutions: A Survey For Vision And Mental Health Professionals | Google.com | Deadline: September 19, 2025

This doctoral capstone project in Occupational Therapy seeks input from vision and mental health professionals to identify resources, service gaps, and opportunities for improving access to mental health support for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. All responses will remain confidential and will contribute to advancing solutions in this critical area.

2.) Exploring Artificial Intelligence Use by People With and Without Disabilities | AFB.org | Deadline: September 30, 2025

As artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and apps become more commonplace, we want to hear from you! We invite you to fill out our survey to tell us whether or not you’ve been using AI, what you use it for, what you think about AI, and any problems you have had with AI systems. We want to learn how AI experiences differ between people with and without disabilities. We’ll use what we learn to inform AI companies and policymakers, so they can make AI as accessible as possible to everyone. Anyone in the United States who is at least 18 years old can fill out the survey. You do not have to have a disability to take the survey. The survey should take about 30-45 minutes to complete. You can take breaks while completing the survey. We invite people with any type of disability to take the survey. The survey is screen reader accessible. We offer a Certified Deaf Interpreter or a scribe who can record your spoken answers if you wish. You can also take the survey with your own ASL interpreter or communication assistant.

3.) Important Survey For Users Of The Mantis, Chameleon, Monarch, Pageblaster/Picsblaster, Polly And Other Braille Products From APH | SurveyMonkey.com | Deadline: October 10, 2025

APH invites users of its braille products to participate in the 2025 GPRA Satisfaction Survey, aimed at gathering feedback to enhance product development and meet federal performance standards. Responses are confidential, and the deadline to complete the survey is Friday, October 10.

4.) Invitation To Participate In Research On Wearable Technology For The Visually Impaired | Seekr in Partnership with indare | November 8, 2025

We are a wearable technology company, working in partnership with a design consultancy to develop a new product for the visually impaired. As part of our research, we are reaching out to individuals who may be interested in sharing their experiences and needs, helping us design a product that truly supports daily life. We would like to invite participants who meet the following criteria to take part in a relaxed 1.5-hour conversation. Each session’ll be compensated at USD 100 per participant: Elderlies aged 65+ with dry AMD conditions. Children aged 3-18 with no usable residual vision (parents’ll be the primary interviewees). To protect privacy, detailed participant criteria will be shared only via email. If you are interested, please leave your email address, and we will provide the information directly. All details will remain strictly confidential and used exclusively for research purposes. We look forward to hearing from you and hope to collaborate on this meaningful project.

Buy, Sell or Trade 📝️

👉 List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD.

1.) FOR SALE: One Gently Used Envision Professional Glasses

Listing Date: 8/21/2025 | Price: $2,000.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used | Description: Lux Sajama Tortoise Fashionable Frame: Embrace timeless style with the Lux Sajama Tortoise frame. This premium acetate frame features a chic black base with a subtle brown tortoise pattern, complemented by clear lenses that can be personalized at your local optician. Crafted with Italian finesse. I accept Zelle, Apple Pay, or Venmo. Contact: wolfm3813@gmail.com 📧️.

2.) FOR SALE: One New BrailleSense 6 32 HIMS Selvas Notetaker Braille Display

Listing Date: 8/14/2025 | Price: $2,850.00 USD | Condition: New | Description: Hello, for sale is a really new BrailleSense 6 32 from HIMS Selvas with its carrying case and charger etc. Still in its retail box. Asking only $2850 or best offer. Ask for Joe. Contact: js5lio021@gmail.com 📧️ or call / text +1 (949) 257-2670 📱️

3.) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Advertisement (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 USD.

Sponsor Classified Ads 🎯️

⬆︎ 5.) Sponsor: SelvasBLV

SelvasBLV logo.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Braillesense 6 Firmware Update Webinar

Selvas BLV is proud to announce that the BrailleSense 6 firmware version 3.0 will be released before the end of the month!

This major update delivers a redesigned Main Menu and Settings dialog, an enhanced Word Processor, a new Braille Practice app for teaching and learning Braille, the highly anticipated new Web Browser, and more.

We will be holding a webinar to review this firmware and have a live Q and A session! Find the details below:

When: Tuesday, September 16 at 4:00 PM CST
Where: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88034816739

Join us to explore how this update advances productivity, learning, and accessibility.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sponsor Since: September 30, 2021 📅️

Website: https://selvasblv.com/ 🌐️

Shop All Products: https://selvasblv.com/shop-all-products/ 🛒️

Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R9NjA1nfWo

Sales: sales@selvasblv.com 📧️
Support: support@selvasblv.com 📧️

About: SelvasBLV is a global manufacturer and distributor that has provided braille, magnification and accessible healthcare devices since 1999.

⬆︎ 4.) Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind

Carroll Center for the Blind logo.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Attend the Screen Reader User Tester Training Program at the Carroll Center for the Blind | 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 today.

Sponsor Since: August 5, 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.

⬆︎ 3.) Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions

Pneuma Solutions logo.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Take Your Accessibility To The Next Level With Pneuma Solutions: Providing The Best In Cloud-Based Accessibility Solutions | Pneuma Solutions

When it comes to people’s lives and their disabilities, access to information is not a privilege…It’s a right. Pneuma Solutions believes organizations like yours have the right to provide the best tools for your consumers, students, employees, and citizens. We also believe, since you are here, that you’re interested in joining us in making this a more inclusive world. The solutions we provide allow you or your organization to do just that. From near-perfect document remediation, to accessible realtime teleconference slides, to unparalleled remote desktop access, Pneuma Solutions is here to bring you the best in quality, reliability, and accessibility.

Sponsor Since: June 3, 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.

⬆︎ 2.) Sponsor: Freedom Scientific

Freedom Scientific logo.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Freedom Scientific Focus Blue 5th Generation Refreshable Braille Displays | Freedom Scientific

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.

Sponsor Since: April 15, 2021 📅️

Website: https://www.freedomscientific.com/ 🌐️

Email: info@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.

⬆︎ 1.) Sponsor: A. T. Guys

A. T. Guys logo.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub | A. T. Guys

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.

Sponsor Since: June 11, 2020 📅️

Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐️

Phone: (269) 216-4798 📱️

Email: support@atguys.com 📧️

Skype: atguys 💬️

X (Formerly 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 📱️.

⬆︎ 18.) Sponsor: Double Tap

The center of the image displays the 'Double Tap Digest' logo on a red background with the tagline 'Tapping you into the latest in tech, accessibility, and more.' The bottom row includes Google's Christopher Patnoe being filmed during an interview, Apple's Jay Blahnik smiling in front of a colorful backdrop, Shaun and Steven in conversation with microphones and a laptop, and Apple's Sarah Herrlinger speaking with a neutral background behind her.

Sponsor Since: March 15, 2025 📅️

Website: https://doubletaponair.com/ 🌐️

About: Founded in 2017 as “Double Tap Canada” on AMI-audio, Double Tap has grown into a weekday podcast, radio show and YouTube series whose tagline proudly declares it “The Podcast Where Blind People Talk Tech.” Its Glasgow-based creator Steven Scott, Manchester-based producer-co-host Shaun Preece and Canadian executive producer Marc Aflalo now helm more than 600 episodes that drop every weekday at noon ET, alongside written articles and video clips on DoubleTapOnAir.com.

Each episode blends mainstream gadget news with deep dives into assistive tools, all filtered through the lived experience of blind hosts. Listener emails, voicemails and WhatsApp messages are woven into the conversation, while spin-offs such as Shaun of the Shed (beginner tutorials) and past TV projects like Access Tech Live extend the brand across platforms in partnership with Accessible Media Inc. The result is a vibrant, multi-platform ecosystem that reaches audiences via AMI-audio, every major podcast app, YouTube and even specialist players like the Victor Reader Stream.

The community’s enthusiasm shows: Double Tap recently surpassed one million cumulative downloads and, in March 2025 alone, attracted nearly 27K listeners generating 38K downloads; Apple Podcasts users rate it around 4.8 / 5. Authentic insights, daily consistency and professional production continue to position Double Tap as an essential, trusted voice at the intersection of mainstream tech and accessibility.

Newsletter (Double Tap Digest) | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube

⬆︎ 17.) Sponsor: Awarewolf Gear

A digital image features an All Terrain Cane and an Urban Explorer Cane lying on a dark surface, with a sleek black background. The canes have a white and red segmented design, black ergonomic grips, and advanced-looking folding mechanisms. One cane has a red ball tip, while the other has a traditional white tip. In the upper right corner, the brand name 'AWAREWOLF GEAR' is displayed in white, accompanied by a stylized wolf logo. To the left, a pattern of this same wolf logo. Below the logo, white text reads 'All Terrain Cane ATC' and 'Urban Explorer UX'.

Sponsor Since: February 28, 2025 📅️

Website: https://awarewolfgear.com/ 🌐️

About: Awarewolf Gear is built on innovation, resilience, and a passion for adventure — especially for those in the blind and low vision community.

Awarewolf Gear is dedicated to redefining mobility through high-performance, thoughtfully engineered canes.

With the core belief that everyone deserves to explore confidently, our mission is encapsulated in our tagline, “Power for Life’s Adventure.”

Our product line, community initiatives, and inspirational storytelling all work in tandem to empower users to navigate diverse terrains with ease and independence.

Product Line

⚫️ All Terrain Cane (ATC)

Design & Purpose: The All Terrain Cane was originally engineered for the rugged trails of Sedona, Arizona. Made from durable titanium alloy, it is built to handle everything from sandy beaches to rocky mountain paths. Its adjustable 16-inch handle and high-performance roller ball tip provide stability and versatility across varied surfaces.

⚫️ Urban Xplorer Cane (UX)

Innovation & Versatility: Merging the rugged design of the ATC with enhancements for urban mobility, the Urban Xplorer Cane features an adjustable handle and a specially designed “Dome” cane tip. Available in multiple sizes (small, medium, large and extra-large), this lightweight, robust cane is ideal for navigating busy city streets as well as more challenging environments.

⚫️ Cane Tips

Customization & Performance: Awarewolf Gear’s Cane Tips are designed to elevate your mobility experience by ensuring smooth, reliable navigation across all terrains. Crafted for both durability and style, these premium replacement tips allow users to personalize their canes while enhancing performance.

⚫️ Accessories and Apparel

Customization & Expression: Beyond canes, Awarewolf Gear offers a range of accessories — such as colorful replacement cane tips designed for visibility and personal expression — and apparel that carry the brand’s adventurous spirit.

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

⬆︎ 16.) Sponsor: Vision Tech Academy

Vision Tech Academy logo featuring a stylized design of six vertical bars in blue, green, yellow, brown, pink, and red, resembling books, framed by black curly braces on each side. Below the graphic, the text 'VISION TECH ACADEMY' is written in bold black letters. Underneath, the tagline 'EDUCATION. EMPOWERMENT. EXCELLENCE.' is displayed in blue, green, and pink, respectively, emphasizing the academy's core values. The overall design is clean and modern, conveying a focus on learning and innovation.

Sponsor Since: January 15, 2025 📅️

Website: https://visiontechacademy.com/ 🌐️

About: Vision Tech Academy is a website, platform and online directory dedicated to empowering blind and low-vision individuals by connecting them with trusted assistive technology educators for free.

Vision Tech Academy is the home of the free, access-technology specific, Online Directory of Educators (ODE).

Inspired by the legacy of John Panarese, the Academy website serves as a hub for accessible learning, offering a free directory of access educators, live and recorded courses, and resources to foster learning independence and success.

With an ongoing mission to provide high-quality, trusted, personalized training on tools like VoiceOver, JAWS, NVDA and Braille technology, Vision Tech Academy bridges the gap between technology and accessibility, ensuring inclusive and accessible education for all.

📖️ Free Directory for Students

📖️ Free General Profiles for All Access Educators

🏅️ Premium Profiles for Access Educators Who Want More Reach

⬆︎ 15.) Sponsor: Elegant Insights Braille Creations

Elegant Insights logo. A showcase of 6 different, custom Elegant Insights creations.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Elegant Insights Has Halloween’s Most Haunted Jewelry And Accessories!

Greetings, ghouls, goblins, and ghosts with the most! We’re headed into spooky season, which means Elegant Insights has a truly terrifying collection of jewelry and accessories perfect for fright night. Dress up your white cane for Halloween with our choice of either a creepy copper bat braille-embossed with “boo!” or an orange and green enamel pumpkin jingle bell in our Charmed by the Holidays Halloween Mobility Cane Charm. Decorate your handbag, tote, or trick or treat bag with one of our Halloween theme Charmed by the Holidays purse charms. Halloween’s Most Haunted earrings are a frightfully fun way to dress up for Halloween without committing to a costume! If you’ve got it, haunt it! Shop with Elegant Insights for all your fab fall fashion, gifts, and accessories. Check out our showstopping Falling In Leaf collection if you love all things autumn, or give us a call if you have a custom design in mind. Call +1 (702) 605-1265 or shop online at https://elegantinsightsjewelry.com.

x (Formerly Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram

Sponsor Since: November 22, 2024 📅️

Website: https://elegantinsightsjewelry.com/ 🌐️

About: Elegant Insights Braille Creations, founded by Laura Legendary, offers a distinctive collection of handcrafted jewelry and accessories embossed with crisp, readable braille.

Inspired by a personal experience, Laura, who is blind, established the brand to merge style with accessibility, providing beautiful and inclusive products. Each piece is made in the USA and can often be personalized or custom-designed to meet individual preferences.

Beyond her work with Elegant Insights, Laura co-founded The Fashionability Channel podcast, which provides beauty, fashion, and lifestyle information for people with disabilities. She also maintains two blogs: the Accessible Insights Blog, offering information on products and services for individuals with low or no vision, and the Sparkle On Blog, which provides jewelry education, design trends, and style information.

Laura’s dedication to accessibility and advocacy extends to her role as a speaker, author, and educator specializing in these areas. Her multifaceted efforts aim to empower individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to stylish, functional, and meaningful products and information.

Home | About Elegant Insights | Ordering, Shipping and FAQs | My Account | Checkout | Cart | Shop The Boutique | Wish List | Testimonials | Subscribe

⬆︎ 14.) Sponsor: Florida Vision Technology

Florida Vision Technology. Providing Visual Independence Solutions.

Sponsor Since: October 13, 2024 📅️

Website: https://floridareading.com/ 🌐️

About: Florida Vision Technology is officially celebrating its 20th anniversary. When I started in February 2000, the assistive technology industry was young, and there were just a handful of manufacturers.

Opening the business felt right, and I was ready to jump in. The biggest challenge, in the beginning, was getting a used bulky desk into the shed in my backyard, which my daughters named “Lesa Berg Kretschmer World Headquarters.”

Three years later, in June of 2003, we moved into our first offsite location and opened a low vision superstore!

Home | Shop | Blogs | About Us | Contact Us

⬆︎ 13.) Sponsor: Access Park

A young woman with Down syndrome is smiling brightly and raising her fists in a celebratory gesture, as if excited or triumphant. She is wearing a beige blazer over a white shirt with a blue lanyard around her neck. Behind her, various clothing items are displayed on racks, and shelves hold neatly folded clothes, suggesting she is in a retail or boutique setting. In the foreground, a computer monitor is visible on the right, indicating she may be working at the store or assisting customers. The overall mood is joyful and positive.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Donna J. Jodhan’s Pottery – Piece By Piece! Building Blocks For Inspiration And Creation! | Access Park

My pottery pieces are designed to inspire your creativity and imagination! Each piece is crafted with care, offering a unique touch to your home and dining experience. Whether you’re looking for elegant dinnerware, functional art, or custom pieces, I can help you bring your vision to life. From rustic charm to modern elegance, I specialize in creating pottery that fits your personal style and elevates your dining table. Let me customize a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects your taste and enhances your space, adding beauty and warmth to every meal. And check out the highlight of the month.

A Perspective from World-Renowned Advocate Donna J. Jodhan – How Some Canadian Government Departments Are Using Work Arounds

Sponsor Since: September 20, 2024 📅️

Website: https://accesspark.shop 🌐️

About: Access Park is your premier destination for accessible shopping.

At Access Park, we offer a curated selection of products aimed at enhancing the daily lives of persons with disabilities.

Whether you’re looking for accessible tech gadgets, specialty assistive devices, or just everyday essentials, you’ll find them here.

Access Park provides a shopping experience that prioritizes keyboard navigability, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast visuals for those with visual impairments, in addition to other enhancements that provide an elevated shopping experience to users of various assistive technologies.

Access Park. Where inclusivity is always in stock. (TM)

⬆︎ 12.) Sponsor: The Apex Program

The Apex Program. Security Intelligence & Response Informed By Decades of IT Leadership.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Jumpstart Your Cybersecurity Career with the Apex Program! | The Apex Program

Are you ready to advance your career in cybersecurity? The Apex Program offers a comprehensive 12-week training course designed to prepare you for the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certification exams. Tailored for the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities, our program combines informative lectures, video tutorials, and quizzes, with expert instructor support every step of the way.

Get started today — Classes start on the first Monday of every month!

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a diverse and inclusive workforce in the cybersecurity sector. Visit https://TheApexProgram.com to learn more and secure your spot today!

Sponsor Since: July 16, 2024 📅️

Website: https://theapexprogram.com 🌐️

About: Unlocking Abilities, Securing Futures. Founded on the principles of inclusivity and opportunity, the Apex Program is a pioneering educational initiative in cybersecurity, tailored for the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities. Created by a Novacoast employee and inspired by his own journey from disability to Security Operations Center manager, the curriculum is designed to create a strong foundation of IT security knowledge, while instilling confidence and ensuring competence in the IT talent pool. Our ten-week program culminates in industry-recognized CompTIA certifications and a guaranteed pathway to employment, courtesy of Novacoast’s dedicated IT Staffing division. At Apex, we don’t just teach cybersecurity; we transform lives by unlocking potential and advocating for diversity in the IT security workforce.

Mission: The Apex Program is committed to bridging the gap in cybersecurity talent by empowering the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities through inclusive, accessible, and comprehensive training. Our mission is to nurture a diverse workforce equipped with the necessary IT security skills and certifications to thrive in the cybersecurity sector. In partnership with Novacoast, we ensure a solid educational foundation and job placement in the industry, further fostering a future where every individual can focus their distinct abilities on building a more secure digital world.

Novacoast: Novacoast is a cybersecurity and IT services company that helps organizations enhance their security posture. They offer a range of services, including cybersecurity advisory, security engineering, identity and access management, development and integration, penetration testing, managed security services, and incident response. Their managed services include co-managed SIEM, DLP, EDR, vulnerability and patch management, phishing monitoring, and threat operations. Novacoast also provides specialized services for different industries such as finance, healthcare, and gaming. Additionally, they offer staffing solutions and training programs. Learn more today.

Home | A Division of Novacoast | Novacoast Federal | The Program | About Us | Partnerships | Media | Contact

⬆︎ 11.) Sponsor: Innosearch.ai

Innosearch.ai logo.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Shop by Phone — No Screens, Just Your Voice!

Call 1-855-SHOP-GPT (1-855-746-7478)

Shopping online can be hard if you’re blind, visually impaired, or not tech-savvy. That’s why Innosearch AI created Shop by Phone — a 100% free, voice-only service.

Just call and say what you need:
👉 “Find me a phone charger.”
👉 “Add it to my cart.”
👉 “Check out.”

No apps, no websites — just easy, hands-free shopping from over 500,000 stores.

  • ✔ Free to use
  • ✔ Works anywhere, anytime
  • ✔ Perfect for seniors, blind, and low-vision users

Available in:

Call now and shop with ease!

Sponsor Since: June 7, 2024 📅️

Website: https://www.innosearch.ai 🌐️

Email: info@innosearch.ai 📧️

About: Innosearch is an all-in-one shopping platform augmented with a cutting-edge AI-powered shopping assistant. This innovative feature mimics the experience of shopping in real life by allowing you to interact with the assistant using natural language. It aggregates millions of products from top US online retailers, bringing them directly to you. With this advanced generative AI, Innosearch offers personalized product recommendations, highlights the best deals, and provides comprehensive information including reviews, total prices, shipping options, and more. Innosearch delivers a seamless end-to-end shopping experience, eliminating the need to search and browse in multiple tabs across retailers.

YouTube Review By Sam Seavey: https://youtube.com/watch?v=-rjL-HAwaZY.

Key Features: Key Features of the Innosearch All-in-One AI Shopping Platform include:

➜ Research Products: Easily compare products across retailers, or weigh pros and cons of similar products to make informed decisions.

➜ Uncover the Best Deals: Never miss a door buster, coupon, or clearance sale again. Get notified about the best prices and offers.

➜ AI Summarized Trusted Reviews: See what others are saying and make confident purchases.

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⬆︎ 10.) Sponsor: The Accessibility Guy

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👉️ Classified Advertisement: How to Tag Multiple Languages in a PDF | The Accessibility Guy

More Adobe Acrobat accessibility tips!

My latest post explains how to properly tag individual language sections in a multilingual PDF. Adobe Acrobat offers tools to assign language codes to specific sections, allowing screen readers to interpret and vocalize the content accurately.

Check out The Accessibility Guy’s full suite of Accessibility services.

Sponsor Since: August 3, 2023 📅️

Website: https://theaccessibilityguy.com/ 🌐️

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheAccessibilityGuy 📹

About: My name is Shawn Jordison and I love helping others learn the ins and outs of digital accessibility.

I have made over 100 thousand documents accessible, provided hundreds of trainings in the areas of accessibility and document remediation, and reviewed many websites and mobile applications for accessibility.

I have developed and reviewed VPATs, LMS courses, and other pieces of training. I am the accessibility Swiss army knife. Let me be your personal accessibility expert.

➜ Over 13 years of experience in the field of accessibility.

➜ Passionate about providing equal access to information for everyone.

➜ Wide range of project experience, including document accessibility, training, and more.

➜ Expertise in captioning, assistive technology, and accessibility best practices. I’m here to help you create a more accessible world.

The Blog: This blog covers topics like making Word, PDF & PowerPoint files accessible, Closed Captioning, assistive technology, and other important accessibility topics.

Training and Consulting: Offering customized training and consulting for implementing accessibility best practices.

Accessible Document Service: Providing top-tier document remediation services for all types of files, ensuring compliance with WCAG, 508, and PDF UA standards.

⬆︎ 9.) Sponsor: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

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Sponsor Since: December 29, 2022 📅️

Website: https://lhblind.org/ 🌐️

Phone: (800) 914-7307 📱️

Fax: (206) 329-3397 ░

Contact Us: https://lhblind.org/contact-us/

About: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to people who are blind in our community since 1918.

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a successful manufacturing organization with over 60 years of experience in precision machining. We produce an array of machined parts and plastic injection molding for various aerospace manufacturers, as well as a host of office products and hydration equipment sold to the Federal Government and the U.S. Military. We also own and operate stores on military bases along the West Coast. Our products and services include:

• Manufacturing: We are a successful manufacturing organization committed to making jobs accessible to individuals who are blind. Our manufacturing operations center on making quality products for the Federal Government under the AbilityOne Program and producing parts for aerospace manufacturers.

• Managed Services: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. offers a variety of services to our commercial, federal, and military customers. These include Contract Management Support (CMS) services for government contracting offices.

• Base Supply Centers: We operate 12 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) that offer easy customer access to Lighthouse products, direct feedback and communication with customers, and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind in geographic areas not served by larger nonprofit agencies.

⬆︎ 8.) Sponsor: Wayaround

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👉️ Classified Advertisement: FREE Sampler Pack with a Purchase of Any 25-pack of WayTags | Wayaround

WayAround is a smartphone-based labeling app that works with your preferred accessibility settings. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags ® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more.

If you want to label something that’s inside, outside, wet, dry, hot, or cold, there’s a WayTag that will attach securely. WayTags come as stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips. Each of the different styles of WayTags work exactly the same. Simply choose the WayTag that’s best for what you want to label.

Purchase a 25-pack of any style of WayTag and get a free Sampler Pack so you can try all seven different WayTags. Enter the coupon code SAMPLE at checkout and the Sampler Pack will automatically be added to your cart. This is a $14.99 value! Limit one Sample pack per order.

Sponsor Since: January 5, 2023 📅️

Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐️

General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️

Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️

Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️

About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence.

All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®.

Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn’t poor eyesight. It’s that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn’t have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence.

Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8

Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround

⬆︎ 7.) Sponsor: Aira

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Sponsor Since: August 4, 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@aira.io 📧️

About: At Aira, we believe access to information is a human right. Aira breaks down accessibility barriers by providing on-demand video remote interpreting for both the blind and low-vision community, and the Deaf Community. People can download the Aira Explorer app or the Aira ASL app, and be instantly connected to a professional interpreter. Available 24/7/365, interpreters work with callers to facilitate more efficient communication and accomplish tasks together. Aira is proud to lead the way in delivering secure, on-demand, inclusive services that transform lives and open doors to new opportunities for all.

Contact Us | Access Partners | Plans and Pricing

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.

Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

⬆︎ 6.) Sponsor: Fable Tech Labs

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👉️ Classified Advertisement: Learn Management Skills For Free. Get The Job You Want | Fable

Everyone deserves equal access to the internet which is why Fable works with people with disabilities who use assistive technologies like switch controls to improve the accessibility of websites and apps. Fable Pathways, a free, accessible, and on-demand skill-building program, is an extension of Fable’s mission. Fable Pathways provides new opportunities for people with disabilities to gain the skills they need, from experts like Judy Heumann and Kelly Ford, to contribute to improving digital accessibility.

Sponsor Since: June 30, 2022 📅️

Website: https://makeitfable.com/ 🌐️

Email: community@makeitfable.com 📧️

About: Fable is an accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities, connecting them to accessibility managers, user researchers, designers, and developers to build accessible user experiences.

Opportunities:

➜ Accessibility Tester: Testers drive meaningful change in digital accessibility by sharing feedback on the websites and apps of the companies that care. As a Tester, earn a competitive tech industry wage, learn valuable transferrable skills, and grow your career. Fable is looking for assistive technology users in the US or Canada to work the hours that they want, completely from home. No experience or resume required.

➜ Survey Respondent: Survey Respondents enjoy a remote, low-commitment income opportunity, all while contributing to accessibility research. Surveys are typically sent out once a month, and you can earn $5 to $50 per survey. Apply today if you identify as having a disability and live in the US or Canada. You do not need to use assistive technology to apply.

⬆︎ 19.) Sponsor: Your Name Here

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As of June 4, 2020 the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters, our Advertisers and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.

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In addition to serving as Publisher for Top Tech Tidbits Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Access Information News and AI-Weekly newsletters, PR-Director for the AT-Newswire Press Release News Distribution Service, and President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

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Editor Since: June 4, 2020

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In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits John also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News and AI-Weekly newsletters and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for persons who are blind or low-vision.

John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

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Editor: Jenna Lang

Editor Since: June 4, 2020

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)

In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News and AI-Weekly newsletters and runs her own advocacy foundation.

Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Jenna’s son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.

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Editor (2024-Present)
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Editor Since: October 7, 2021

Location: Los Angeles, California

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)

In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits Alex is also the Accessible Technology Coordinator for California State University, Dominguez Hills. He has worked in accessibility in higher education since 2005, is certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, and in his spare time plays for the San Gabriel Valley Panthers Beep Baseball Team. He can be reached on twitter at: @samarositz.

Stephen (Alex) Marositz

Editor (2021-Present)
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Editor: Ben Moxey

Editor Since: January 1, 2022

Location: Newcastle, Australia

Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)

In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits Ben is also an Access and Technology Advisor for Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT).

Hi, Tidbits readers, my name’s Ben Moxey and I’m based in Newcastle, Australia. I’m really happy to be part of the Tidbits Team and look forward to supporting this valuable publication.

A bit about me and how I came to work in the BVI area. I grew up with very low vision in one eye due to retinal issues and relied on magnification and speech throughout school. They also tried to teach me Braille, but let’s just say that I wasn’t the best student! I was determined to use my remaining vision, no matter how impractical it was becoming.

When I was 20, the other retina came off and I’ve now been totally blind for about 21 years. This is when my love for assistive technology, and technology in general, really kicked in. I’ll be honest, I was a bit of a computer nerd anyway, but I could quickly see how technology was my key to enhanced independence and lifestyle. I embraced screen readers, early smart phones and mobility aids. I even finally realised the huge value of Braille and finished off the course, though I’m still pretty slow!

Long story short (not one of my strong points), I’ve worked in the BVI area for 12 years with much of that spent reviewing, recommending and teaching assistive technology that suits the individual. I’m currently a proud employee of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT where I was the Practice Lead for the assistive technology service, and I’ve now moved into an Access and Technology Advisor role. Basically, this involves a strong focus on accessibility and technology innovation.

Feel free to look me up on LinkedIn, but I’ll warn you in advance that I haven’t given my profile the recommended attention!

All the best and happy reading!

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Access and Technology Advisor
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Editor: David Woodbridge

Editor Since: February 6, 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)

In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits David also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.

In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.

He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)‘s covering the range of Apple’s Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.

David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.

David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.

As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.

In addition to his weekly contributions to Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News, David’s regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.

David Woodbridge

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Editor Since: January 9, 2024

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IIn addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits Vicki also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News publication and works as a Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

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Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world’s leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 42,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here. Review the most recent issues here. Access Technology broadly encompasses technologies that enable access to information and communication systems for persons with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Access Technology designed to assist individuals in performing tasks that might otherwise be challenging due to their particular disabilities. Assistive Technology includes any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, Stephen (Alex) Marositz, Ben Moxey, David Woodbridge and Vicki Walton. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor, reader and advertiser supported publication.

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