Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 22, 2026 – Volume 1090

From Training To Employment: Inside Ablr’s Workforce Development Program | The Blind Life | YouTube.com | October 17, 2026

Sitting down with Shannon and Logan from Ablr, Sam examines how the organization’s workforce development program turns assistive technology instruction into employment pathways for blind and visually impaired participants. The conversation details accessibility certification training, paid internships, interview coaching, and continued career support, including the role vocational rehabilitation counselors play in getting candidates enrolled.

Announcing the Most Requested Sponsor Benefit of All Time: Introducing, ‘When You Publish, We Publish’ by Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News

Here, Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher for the weekly Top Tech Tidbits newsletter, announces the launch of ‘When You Publish, We Publish’, a new Sponsor benefit for both Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News, and, bar-none, the most requested Sponsor benefit of all time. Before AI, the cost made it impossible; with AI, the cost makes it manageable. Sponsors can now put up to 3 news channels (Blog, YouTube and Podcast) and one Event Calendar on file, and each week every new release from those channels is added to the weekly queue to be voted on as editorial news, so Sponsors no longer have to submit their news like everyone else. Placement is not guaranteed, and the benefit continues for the duration of a Sponsorship.

The benefit is available right now to all current Sponsors of both publications, and participation is opt-in only. Di Blasi closes with best practices for maximum publication: list a clear publication date directly on every post, since a post without one is considered a web page, and make sure the news is already posted online. With both publications close to surpassing 50,000 weekly readers, Sponsors can now reach 50,000 verified persons with a disability each and every time they release their news, all while supporting the ongoing distribution of the very publication that makes that reach possible.

Read the full ‘When You Publish, We Publish’ announcement.

👉️ Ready to opt in? Submit your news channels to us using the Sponsor News Channel Submission Form.

👉 Submit a Tidbit for free here, with timing and placement determined by our editors.

👉 Submit a Sponsored Tidbit here, with timing and placement determined by you.

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

A.) Traveling Blind With EchoVision: The Good And The Bad | The Blind Life | YouTube.com | October 10, 2026

Showcasing EchoVision during a trip, Sam from The Blind Life tests how Agiga’s AI glasses perform across airports and hotels. The practical trial highlights useful travel scenarios while flagging a limitation travelers with vision loss should weigh before relying on the device.

B.) Apple HomeView And What’s Next For JAWS And ZoomText | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 14, 2026

Sitting down with Apple’s smart-home announcements, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece assess HomeView’s accessibility implications and examine what Vispero Companion could mean for JAWS and ZoomText users. Matt Ater and Ryan Jones explain how the cloud-based assistant can adjust settings through plain-language requests, while ZoomText adds performance modes and photo object detection.

C.) Alt Text Explained: What To Write, What To Skip, And Why | The Accessibility Guy | YouTube.com | October 12, 2026

Cutting through the confusion around image descriptions, The Accessibility Guy explains how context determines effective alt text and where common approaches fail. The walkthrough covers decorative and informative images, charts, diagrams, logos, and text-based graphics, including a two-layer approach for communicating complex visuals.

D.) JAWS Power Tip: How To Display a List of Open Applications Using JAWS | Freedom Scientific via TopTechTidbits.com | October 15, 2026

The Windows List dialog displays a list of all currently open application windows on your computer. This includes programs, documents, and other open windows.

E.) Too Busy To Be Blind: An Apple Engineer’s Second Act | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 11, 2026

In this reflective episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece speak with Brett Halle about losing his sight and rebuilding his relationship with the Apple technology he helped create. Halle explains why detailed bug reports matter inside Apple’s Radar system and recounts learning VoiceOver by approaching it as a puzzle to explore.

October 22, 2026 📅️

2.) JAWS Power Tip: How To Virtualize a Window in JAWS to Read Its Contents | Freedom Scientific via TopTechTidbits.com | October 22, 2026

You can virtualize a window using JAWS to create a temporary, text-based copy of its contents. It lets you review information in a clean reading view, even when the original window is difficult to navigate.

October 21, 2026 📅️

3.) Aira, Google DeepMind And Guided Vision: How Blind Testers Trained Gemini | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 21, 2026

Cutting through the hype around Guided Vision, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece speak with Aira’s Everette Bacon and Lynette Frison about how blind Trusted Testers helped train Gemini’s visual AI. The conversation examines human oversight, early hallucinations, sensitive requests, content restrictions, and the commercial stakes as Aira expands its Build AI program internationally.

4.) Podcast: Eyes on Success Episode 2642: Engineering Affordable Tools for The Visually Impaired | October 21, 2026

Developing accessible technology requires balancing feature sets with affordability. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Venkatesh Chari, founder of Orbit Research, about their line of braille displays, tactile graphic devices, and talking scientific calculators designed to simplify independent living and learning for visually impaired users worldwide.

5.) SpeakTab, Formerly Guitar Reader: A Free Windows Beta for Reading Guitar Tablature With a Screen Reader | GitHub.com | October 21, 2026

SpeakTab is a free Windows beta that lets blind and low-vision musicians read and practice guitar tabs, chord charts and scores with keyboard navigation, screen reader and Braille support, playback and practice tools. The developer is seeking 10 to 20 beta testers, especially JAWS, NVDA and Braille users, plus one or two coding partners.

6.) NVDA 2026.3rc1 Available for Testing | NVAccess.org | October 21, 2026

NV Access has released the NVDA 2026.3 release candidate, following beta 6 earlier in the week, with performance improvements, more keyboard-friendly dialogs, expanded touch gestures and updated Braille tables. Unless critical bugs are found, it will match the final release.

7.) The October 2026 Update for BT Speak and BT Braille Is Available | BlazieTech.com | October 21, 2026

Blazie Technologies has released its largest update yet for BT Speak and BT Braille, adding the BT Mail email app in Blazie Mode, Terminal Mode for controlling phones and computers, external Braille display support on BT Speak, direct contracted Braille input and many other features.

October 20, 2026 📅️

8.) Alexa Tablets Go Android, Apple’s Pro And Tell Event, And Amazon Bee | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 20, 2026

Sitting down with the news that Amazon’s Alexa Tablets have moved to Android, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece assess the platform shift while Chris Cooke reports on its accessibility strengths and early frustrations. The discussion also weighs looming computer-price pressures, Apple’s expected October hardware announcements, and Amazon Bee devices designed to turn ambient conversations into notes and tasks.

9.) BBC Radio 4 Extra to Close as a Broadcast Service | RadioToday.co.uk | October 20, 2026

The BBC will end the broadcast service of Radio 4 Extra, its spoken-word archive station of comedy and drama, as part of cuts aimed at saving 500 million pounds by 2028. The station’s programs will remain available through BBC Sounds.

10.) BrailleSense 7 Overview Playlist From Selvas North America | Braillists.org | October 20, 2026

Selvas North America has published a YouTube playlist of overview videos covering the BrailleSense 7 Braille notetaker.

11.) Bringing Magnification to New Heights With Apollo | APH.org | October 20, 2026

American Printing House describes Apollo, a magnifier built on a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet with OCR, document and handwriting cameras, split-screen viewing and access to Windows apps, so students can view and write on a page without moving it under the camera.

12.) Satellite: A Custom Launcher and Other Modifications for Orbit Player and Orbit Speak | Elijah Massey | October 20, 2026

Elijah Massey has released Satellite, an unofficial installer that adds a reorganizable launcher, Backtalk screen reading for Android apps, Google Play access and bug fixes to the Orbit Speak and Orbit Player. It is not supported or endorsed by Orbit Research and includes an undo option.

13.) SandFly 0.1.3: A Screen Reader for Android Forked From Backtalk | SandFly | October 20, 2026

SandFly, a screen reader for Android phones, tablets, Wear OS watches and Android TV, has split from Backtalk into its own app, adding Lua scripting, Shizuku permissions, an in-app updater, translations into 26 locales and fixes for typing and the Braille keyboard.

14.) NVDA Driver for Canute From Bristol Braille Technology | Braillists.org | October 20, 2026

Bristol Braille Technology has an experimental NVDA driver for its Canute multiline Braille displays that currently shows two lines, and is seeking developers and testers to help extend it to all nine lines.

15.) Catch Up: Supercharge Your Screen Reader With Dot’s Tactile Display API | Braillists.org | October 20, 2026

A recording is available of Dot Inc.’s October 14 webinar on its Tactile Display API, which works through a new NVDA add-on for NVDA 2026.2 and later and as an installable component for JAWS 2026 and later.

16.) How 1,000+ Blind Testers Brought Gemini Live’s Vision Into Focus | Aira.io | October 20, 2026

Aira describes how its community of more than 1,000 blind and low-vision Trusted Testers, led by community manager Lynette Frison, helped Google DeepMind develop Guided Vision in Gemini Live, which launched for Android users on October 1.

17.) New NVDA Add-on: Item Order Announcer | GitHub.com | October 20, 2026

Item Order Announcer is a new NVDA add-on, available in the Add-on Store, that announces the position, total count and nesting level of the focused item in lists, trees and menus, with an option to estimate position from sibling objects.

18.) Quin’s Page of Useful Windows Utilities | Quin | October 20, 2026

Developer Quin has set up a web page hosting small Windows utilities, currently Micstate, Taskmon and uphide, with more to be added.

19.) RSS Reader BlindRSS Is Now Available on Android | GitHub.com | October 20, 2026

BlindRSS, an accessible RSS reader for Windows, now has an Android version available from its GitHub page.

20.) This New Food Delivery App Could Be the Antidote to Menu Markups | Wired.com | October 20, 2026

WIRED reports that Olo has launched a consumer food delivery app for Android and iOS that charges in-store menu prices plus a flat 5 percent service fee, without sponsored listings.

October 19, 2026 📅️

21.) 7 Ways Inaccessible Documents Put Your School, City, Or Agency At Legal Risk | The Accessibility Guy | YouTube.com | October 19, 2026

Cutting through the compliance jargon, The Accessibility Guy examines how inaccessible documents can expose public institutions to enforcement actions, lawsuits, service barriers, and funding consequences. He also outlines ADA Title II deadlines and a practical framework for handling PDFs, legacy archives, and compliance documentation.

22.) Anthony Corona On Blind Creators, Smart Glasses And Mobility Tech | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 19, 2026

Cutting through the hype around smart glasses and mobility hardware, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece examine what these products actually deliver for blind users with guest Anthony Corona. The conversation weighs EchoVision, Glide, the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 and Meta Ray-Ban Display against practical concerns including trust, privacy, app ecosystems and access to essential information on the move.

23.) Alert: Fake Emails Impersonating Bookshare or Benetech Are Targeting Authors and Publishers | Bookshare | October 19, 2026

Bookshare warns publishers and authors about fraudulent emails claiming to come from Bookshare or Benetech. The organization only sends email from bookshare.org or benetech.org addresses and advises recipients not to reply to or click links in messages from any other address.

24.) Amazon Introduces Bee Frontier and Bee Eclipse Personal AI Devices | AboutAmazon.com | October 19, 2026

Amazon’s Bee has introduced Bee Frontier, a wearable worn on the wrist or clipped to clothing, and Bee Eclipse, a magnetic phone attachment, both of which turn conversations into summaries, reminders and to-dos. Frontier costs $74.99, Eclipse starts at $99.99, and both connect to Alexa+.

25.) Victor Reader Stream 3rd Generation Price Increase Coming | Accessible Electronics | October 19, 2026

Accessible Electronics reports that HumanWare plans to raise the price of the Victor Reader Stream 3rd Generation. The dealer still has limited stock at $499.99 and will move to HumanWare’s new pricing once that stock is sold.

26.) ElevenReader Seeks Feedback on Character Voices for Books and Stories | ElevenReader | October 19, 2026

ElevenReader is exploring a feature that would give the characters in books and stories their own distinct voices, and is asking readers to share their views in a two-minute survey.

27.) GHManage 0.9.4: Keyboard-Driven GitHub Repository Manager Adds a Command Palette | GitHub.com | October 19, 2026

GHManage, a desktop app for reading and managing GitHub repositories through the GitHub CLI, adds the ability to hide any repository from its list, a keyboard shortcuts list, a command palette and a quieter search dialog for screen reader users.

28.) Learning Blind Tech Full PresentAble Demo | DesireeRenae.com | October 19, 2026

Jonathan Simeone returns to Learning Blind Tech for a full demonstration of the PresentAble application and its features for building PowerPoint presentations.

29.) Getting Started With Clipman, the Clipboard Manager | Andre Louis | October 19, 2026

A new Getting Started document is available for Clipman, Andre Louis’s clipboard manager, which keeps clipboard history across restarts and makes earlier entries easy to find and paste from anywhere.

30.) Zain Kuwait and Be My Eyes Launch Proof of Concept for More Accessible Customer Support | BeMyEyes.com | October 19, 2026

Zain Kuwait is the first company in the Middle East and North Africa to pilot Be My Eyes Service Stream, which lets customer service agents send a secure link so blind and low-vision callers can share live camera video without downloading an app.

October 18, 2026 📅️

31.) Zero Project Tokyo Part 2: Lingvano’s Sign Language App And Turn-Motion’s Robotic Leg Braces | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 18, 2026

At the Zero Project Technology Forum in Tokyo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece speak with Lingvano and Turn-Motion about accessibility technology built around lived experience. The conversations cover deaf-led sign language instruction and recognition feedback, alongside AI-optimized carbon fiber leg braces designed to reduce the cost and production time of custom orthoses.

32.) Nick, Summarize My Facebook Feed: Using Muse With a Screen Reader | Anthony Corona | October 18, 2026

Anthony Corona describes connecting Facebook to the Muse AI assistant so it can produce topic digests of his feed, find lost posts and summarize group conversations, with notes on VoiceOver use, limitations and privacy.

33.) Introducing ZeroStudio: Podcast Recording and Precise Audio Editing for iPhone, iPad and Mac | AppleVis.com | October 18, 2026

ZeroVisionLabs has released ZeroStudio, a podcast recording and multitrack editing app built with VoiceOver users in mind, offering numeric editing controls, 15 filters, a sound library and many export formats. It costs $99 per year after a seven-day trial.

October 17, 2026 📅️

34.) From Training To Employment: Inside Ablr’s Workforce Development Program | The Blind Life | YouTube.com | October 17, 2026

Sitting down with Shannon and Logan from Ablr, Sam examines how the organization’s workforce development program turns assistive technology instruction into employment pathways for blind and visually impaired participants. The conversation details accessibility certification training, paid internships, interview coaching, and continued career support, including the role vocational rehabilitation counselors play in getting candidates enrolled.

35.) Zero Project Tokyo Part 1: OryLab’s OriHime Robots And Miruoto’s Visible Sports Sound | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 17, 2026

At Zero Project Tokyo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece speak with accessibility innovators behind telepresence robots that enable disabled people to work and study remotely, and a system that renders sports audio as on-screen visual language. OryLab’s OriHime pilots build real-world connections through physical presence, while Miruoto applies manga-inspired sound effects to make the energy and action of sport more accessible for deaf audiences.

36.) Introducing Quick Describe: Press a Key, Get a Description | TheIdeaPlace.net | October 17, 2026

Quick Describe is a free Windows 11 app that uses on-device AI on Copilot+ PCs to describe the screen, the active window, the focused item or a copied picture at the press of a hotkey, followed by any text Windows recognizes in the image.

37.) Kokoro for Android: From Proof of Concept to Practical Offline TTS | SpeechCentral.net | October 17, 2026

Speech Central has released SC Kokoro, a free open-source Android text-to-speech engine that runs the Kokoro neural voices offline with GPU acceleration, designed for long-form reading alongside the Speech Central app. It offers 28 English voices.

October 16, 2026 📅️

38.) Passwords, Passkeys And Blind Employment: A Double Tap Listener Mailbag | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 16, 2026

Cutting through the friction around passwords, passkeys and accessible work, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece field listener questions on the tech issues shaping daily life. The mailbag ranges from Meta Ray-Ban power solutions and Apple Watch privacy to one-handed keyboards, Mastodon communities and the structural barriers facing blind job seekers.

39.) An Informal Hands-On Comparison of the Tecsun H-501x, Belka and Sony ICF-2010/2001D | The SWLing Post | October 16, 2026

Julian Stargardt compares the Tecsun H-501x shortwave receiver with the classic Sony ICF-2010/2001D and the pocket-sized Belka, concluding that the Tecsun is a worthy modern successor to the Sony on audio, ergonomics and weight, while the Sony keeps an edge in synchronous detection.

40.) A Letter From Cobolt: The Talking Combination Oven MK3 | Cobolt Systems | October 16, 2026

Cobolt Systems has launched a fortnightly newsletter featuring its Talking Combination Oven MK3, which pairs a microwave with a convection oven and grill, spoken cooking information and tactile buttons, along with its talking watch battery replacement service.

41.) Lumin Can Now Unsubscribe You From Unwanted Emails | Lumin | October 16, 2026

Lumin, a voice service for going through email, can now unsubscribe users from unwanted senders on request. It asks for confirmation, tries the sender’s unsubscribe options and blocks the address from future Lumin sessions without deleting any messages.

42.) Meta AI Glasses Update for Aira Explorers | Aira | October 16, 2026

Aira reports that Meta firmware 129.1 fixes the connection problems between Aira and Meta glasses caused by version 129.0, explains how to check the firmware version, and gives steps for Explorers still hearing Permission Denied errors.

October 15, 2026 📅️

43.) Are We Relying On AI Too Much? Claude, KeyAble And Accessible Auphonic | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 15, 2026

Cutting through the hype around AI assistants, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece examine whether convenience is eroding screen-reader fluency among blind users. They also cover Scott’s Claude-enabled Cisco desk phone, KeyAble keyboard customization, Accessible Auphonic, Meta glasses fixes, and the uncertain future of smart glasses.

44.) Blind Skills: A Directory of 84 Free Videos and Podcasts Teaching Nonvisual Skills | Jamal Mazrui | October 15, 2026

Jamal Mazrui has published Blind Skills, a free web directory linking to more than 80 audio and video trainings that teach everyday tasks through nonvisual techniques, organized into a dozen categories.

45.) Braille Terminal Mode on BT Speak and BT Braille Now Supports Android With Backtalk | GitHub.com | October 15, 2026

The Braille terminal on Blazie Technologies’ BT Speak and BT Braille now works with Android through the development release of Backtalk, an open-source fork of TalkBack, which can use either device as a Braille display once paired from its Braille display settings.

46.) From Word to Teams: Using ZoomText and Fusion Across Your Workday | Vispero.com | October 15, 2026

Vispero’s training blog explains ZoomText and Fusion features for Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and video meetings, including AppReader, reading zones, focus enhancements, JAWS quick navigation and Face-in-View, as part of a series for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

47.) HomeView Apps and Text-to-Speech: Listen to Your Documents With Speech Central | SpeechCentral.net | October 15, 2026

Speech Central explains that Apple’s new HomeView smart home display supports selected third-party audio apps through CarPlay-style integration, and that its existing CarPlay support positions the app to read PDFs, ebooks, Word documents and articles aloud on HomeView.

48.) I’ve Changed My Opinion on Dots | Taylor Arndt | October 15, 2026

Taylor Arndt revisits OpenAI’s dots personal agents after a Meta Muse agent published social posts without approval, praising the dots voice mode and an improved accessible sign-in while noting the screen reader issues that remain.

49.) NLS DA2 Software Hot Fix Available | NLS | October 15, 2026

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled has released DA2 software version 2.0.1, which adds support for WPA3 Personal Wi-Fi and keeps BARD downloads from being deleted when a login fails during an update. Patrons without Wi-Fi can get it on cartridge from their network library.

50.) Welcome to Guide: An AI-Assisted Windows Desktop Companion for Navigating Inaccessible Content | GuideInteraction.com | October 15, 2026

Guide is an AI-assisted Windows companion that helps blind and low-vision users browse, click and complete tasks in inaccessible websites and apps alongside their screen reader. It offers a seven-day free trial, with plans starting at $8 per month.

Last Week 📅️

51.) Podcast: Eyes on Success Episode 2641: Shared Adventures With TravelEyes | October 14, 2026

Amar Latif founded TravelEyes after several tour companies rejected him as a blind traveler. Now TravelEyes pairs blind and sighted travelers to explore the world together. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Amar about their tours, describing sights, touching historic artifacts, and creating unique trips built around sound, smell, taste, and shared discovery.

52.) Have You Tried Turning TalkBack Off and On Again | Fireborn | October 14, 2026

A blind Android developer documents a system-level bug that stops touch exploration for every screen reader until the phone is rebooted, and describes how Google Disability Support answered a detailed technical report with scripted troubleshooting steps.

53.) Dot Inc. Receives 2026 AccessAbility Award From Helen Keller Services | Dot Inc. | October 14, 2026

Dot Inc. co-founder KiKwang Sung accepted the 2026 AccessAbility Award from Helen Keller Services at the Helen Keller National Center in New York, recognizing the company’s tactile technology work. Canon USA, the Indianapolis Public Library, OXO and Rylo were also honored.

54.) Introducing My Photo Library Described: Your Photos, Described as You Browse, on Mac and Windows | TheIdeaPlace.net | October 14, 2026

Kelly Ford has released My Photo Library Described, a free open-source app that uses on-device AI on Apple Intelligence Macs and Copilot+ PCs to describe photos automatically as users arrow through their library, with screen reader support and no upload, account or API key.

55.) Raising the Dots: Studying With Dot Pad X | Dot Inc. | October 14, 2026

The latest Raising the Dots episode features Purdue student Isaac Raske on using the Dot Pad X multiline Braille and tactile graphics display for calculus, physics and spatial math, and developer Marco Salsiccia on his Ghostwriter Markdown app.

56.) The Slow Death of Local AM and FM Radio | CordCuttersNews.com | October 14, 2026

Cord Cutters News reviews a decade of research showing AM and FM radio losing listening share and stations to streaming and podcasts, while still leading ad-supported listening and in-car audio.

57.) There’s Coffee in That Nebula: Captaining Star Trek Voyager With a Screen Reader | WebFriendlyHelp.com | October 14, 2026

Web Friendly Help introduces Voyager Access, a free mod that makes the Steam strategy game Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown playable with NVDA or JAWS, and explains installation, keyboard controls and recommended low graphics settings.

58.) VeasyGuide: Free Accessible Video Lecture Tool | Perkins.org | October 14, 2026

VeasyGuide is a free web app that highlights and magnifies cursor movements, digital ink and other visual changes in lecture videos, making them easier for low vision students to follow. This Paths to Technology guide from Perkins School for the Blind explains how to open it in a browser, use its hotkeys, and customize the highlight and magnifier settings. Videos are analyzed on the device and never uploaded to a server.

59.) A New Podcast From the EBU Braille Working Group | Braillists.org | October 13, 2026

The Braille Working Group of the European Blind Union has launched LivingBraille.eu, a podcast carrying recordings of its online events, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast apps through an RSS feed.

60.) A Comprehensive Review of the Choyong LC100 Receiver | The SWLing Post | October 8, 2026

John Figliozzi reviews the Choyong LC100, a portable radio that combines shortwave, AM, FM and SSB reception with Wi-Fi and cellular internet streaming and ChatGPT voice search. He finds its audio and streaming excellent and its AM reception improved over the LC90, though internal noise still limits weak-signal listening.

👉 Submit your event for consideration within this section here.

October 22, 2026 | Disability Innovation Forum | Enable Ventures & SmartJob

6:00 AM PT, 7:00 AM MT, 8:00 AM CT, 9:00 AM ET, 1:00 PM GMT
Enable Ventures and SmartJob host a full-day, in-person conference at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC, on disability-led innovation in work, learning, design and investing. Sessions include a showcase of ten early-stage companies, a keynote from bionic pop artist Viktoria Modesta, a fireside chat with Axios co-founder Roy Schwartz, and eight panels.

October 22, 2026 | Keep Reading Alive | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Vision Support America explores the different ways of keeping reading in your life as vision changes, in whatever format works best now. The session is free and open to anyone adjusting to vision loss.

October 22, 2026 | Birding at the Intersections | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET
Birdability Captains and community members with intersecting identities discuss how race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, culture and neurodivergence shape people’s experiences of birding and time in nature. Panelists explore how barriers to participation overlap and reinforce one another, and how belonging is created when communities recognize the whole person rather than a single aspect of identity. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 22, 2026 | Meta Smart Glasses in Real Life | Vision Support America

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this free session for people with low or changing vision, Vision Support America walks through a real-life example of using Meta smart glasses as part of a daily routine, and attendees get the chance to win a free pair.

October 22, 2026 | Community Ignition: Partnership and Artmaking in the Disability Arts Community | New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU)

New Museum Los Gatos presents an exhibition of art made by, for and with artists in the Disability Arts Community, including Dark Room Ballet’s Krishna Washburn and co-curator Maia Scott. Dark Room Ballet reports a full touch tour, audio description for all of the art, and its film Telephone, about audio description for dance, playing with headsets in the main gallery. The museum, at 106 E. Main Street in Los Gatos, California, is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific through March 21, 2027; general admission is $10.

October 23, 2026 | Vortex With Christopher Unpezverde Núñez | Movement Research

7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 2:00 PM GMT
Christopher Unpezverde Núñez leads Vortex, an in-person class that translates visual-motor-spatial concepts into sensory-motor-spatial experiences, teaching alignment, orientation and improvised movement through proprioceptive breathing, with auditive guidance throughout. The class meets Fridays from 10:00 AM to noon Eastern through December 4 at The Bob, 150 First Avenue in New York, and costs $18 per class. Register on the class page; audio description and ASL can be requested at least three weeks ahead through accessibility@movementresearch.org.

October 23, 2026 | Home Organization and Labeling | Vision Support America

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Vision Support America hosts a supportive conversation on simple ways to organize and label a home so that it feels easier, calmer and more predictable to move around. The session is free and aimed at people adjusting to changing vision.

October 23, 2026 | Birding With an Energy-Limiting Condition Panel | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET
Many birders live with conditions that affect energy, stamina, pain, fatigue or post-exertional recovery. Birdability Captains share how they have adapted their birding to fit changing bodies and lives – birding closer to home, pacing themselves, and embracing rest, mobility aids and technology. They talk honestly about the emotional side of adjusting expectations and letting go of the idea that there is only one right way to be a birder. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 24, 2026 | Birds and Brains: A Keynote Conversation About Traumatic Brain Injury and Healing With Birds | Birdability

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET
Birdability Week keynote speaker Day Scott (@TheWildernessGoddess) and Birdability Captain Emily Nichols talk about living with and recovering from traumatic brain injury, and the unexpected ways birds became part of the healing process. Drawing on lived experience and emerging science about the brain’s capacity to adapt and change, they reflect on how paying attention to birds can support healing, emotional well-being and a renewed sense of possibility. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 24, 2026 | No Diagram Anatomy Presents: Histology of Connective Tissue | Dark Room Ballet

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Krishna Washburn closes her three-part No Diagram Anatomy series with a workshop on the histology of connective tissue, using movement and conversation in place of diagrams to build scientific knowledge and body awareness. The series is open to all, with priority given to blind and visually impaired students, and no prior knowledge of anatomy, dance or self-audio description is needed. Tuition-free on Zoom; register by emailing info@darkroomballet.com with the subject line “Anatomy.”

October 25, 2026 | Birdability Week Wrap-Up Social and Photo and Video Contest Winners Announced | Birdability

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET
Birdability Week 2026 closes with a community celebration and the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Offbeat Photo and Video Contest. See this year’s finalist photos and videos, hear the stories behind them, celebrate the photographers and videographers, and share your own favorite Birdability Week memory. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 25, 2026 | FilmNorth and Artifact Studios Present Brailled It | FilmNorth

3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 10:00 PM GMT
FilmNorth and Artifact Studios present Brailled It at FilmNorth, 2441 University Avenue West in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The evening opens with a filmmaking workshop for blind and low-vision students ages 16 to 25, followed at 6:30 PM Central by a screening of the film and a Q&A. Free; RSVP required.

October 26, 2026 | Make Your Android Work for You | Vision Support America

10:30 AM PT, 11:30 AM MT, 12:30 PM CT, 1:30 PM ET, 5:30 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America introduces the accessibility settings built into Android phones, working through small changes that build confidence one step at a time. It is aimed at people with low or changing vision who want their phone to be easier to use.

October 27, 2026 | Creating Accessible Coursework: From Content to Classroom | Allyant

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Liz Franklin of Allyant and digital accessibility coordinator Pam Doran present a live webinar on accessibility requirements for educational materials, with a demonstration of CommonLook Edu, a customer’s approach to scaling accessible coursework, and tips on budgeting and collaboration. Attendees receive a free seven-day trial.

October 27, 2026 | Tech It Out: Smart Doorbells and Security | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Hadley’s Tech It Out discussion group explores accessible smart doorbells, security cameras and other home security options, with tips for choosing the right system. Participants can join by phone or computer.

October 28, 2026 | How to Convince People to Care and Invest in Accessibility | A11yTalks

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
A11yTalks hosts Stéphanie Walter, who covers nine common accessibility myths and push-backs and how designers, developers and project teams can answer them with data and examples. The session streams on YouTube.

October 28, 2026 | JAWS Essentials: Navigating PowerPoint with JAWS | Access Ingenuity

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Marisa Church from Access Ingenuity covers the core JAWS commands for PowerPoint, including moving between slides, reading slide content and speaker notes, and working with images, charts, and tables. The session also explains how a presentation’s structure affects what JAWS reads, in both editing mode and slideshow view.

October 28, 2026 | Meeting of the U.S. Access Board | U.S. Access Board

10:30 AM PT, 11:30 AM MT, 12:30 PM CT, 1:30 PM ET, 5:30 PM GMT
The U.S. Access Board opens its quarterly meeting to the public online, with remarks from Acting Chair and Vice-Chair Tina Guenette, reports from Board committees, federal agency updates and an update from agency staff. Representatives of the National Council on Disability join to speak about the two agencies’ shared mission of advancing accessibility, and anyone may attend over Zoom for Government or listen by phone.

October 28, 2026 | Cooking Tips for Changing Vision | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
This free Vision Support America session is a supportive conversation about working in the kitchen with changing vision, taking small practical steps toward feeling confident there again.

October 29, 2026 | Preventing Falls and Using Stairs Safely | Vision Support America

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
This free Vision Support America session covers simple techniques for moving safely and confidently around the home and beyond, with particular attention to stairs and to preventing falls. It is aimed at people with low or changing vision.

October 29, 2026 | Confident Movement and Open Conversations | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Vision Support America looks at moving through the world safely and confidently with changing vision, and at how to ask for help in ways that feel comfortable and respectful. The session is free and open to anyone adjusting to vision loss.

November 1, 2026 | Yeah, It WAS Good! Audio-Described Dance Suggestions Due | Dark Room Ballet

Dark Room Ballet invites suggestions of audio-described dance performances from 2026 that moved, inspired or stayed with you, to help shape its Yeah, It WAS Good! film screening celebrating accessible dance on December 12. Email suggestions to admin@darkroomballet.com by November 1.

November 5, 2026 | 2026 Disability:IN EMEA Summit | Disability:IN

1:00 AM PT, 2:00 AM MT, 3:00 AM CT, 4:00 AM ET, 9:00 AM GMT
Disability:IN and Bloomberg bring senior leaders from Europe, the Middle East and Africa together in London to examine how companies are using neuroinclusion, accessibility, AI and data-driven insights to shape the future of work, technology and customer experience. The summit runs a full day on November 5 and a morning session on November 6 at Bloomberg in London, and attendance is by invitation request.

November 5, 2026 | Accessibility and Air Travel | Accessibility Online

11:30 AM PT, 12:30 PM MT, 1:30 PM CT, 2:30 PM ET, 7:30 PM GMT
Accessibility Online joins the U.S. Access Board, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration to walk through accessible air travel, from arriving at the airport through boarding and deplaning, along with the laws that cover terminals and flights and common access problems and their solutions. Video remote interpreting and real-time captioning are provided.

November 6, 2026 | 2026 Disability:IN EMEA Summit | Disability:IN

1:00 AM PT, 2:00 AM MT, 3:00 AM CT, 4:00 AM ET, 9:00 AM GMT
Disability:IN and Bloomberg bring senior leaders from Europe, the Middle East and Africa together in London to examine how companies are using neuroinclusion, accessibility, AI and data-driven insights to shape the future of work, technology and customer experience. The summit runs a full day on November 5 and a morning session on November 6 at Bloomberg in London, and attendance is by invitation request.

November 7, 2026 | Let’s Go Shopping 11: Virtual Holiday Shopping Event | Let’s Go Shopping Virtual Events

The 11th Let’s Go Shopping virtual holiday shopping event, founded by Laura Legendary, runs over two days with small-business entrepreneurs. Vendors can apply and shoppers can join the announcements list through the event’s information page.

November 8, 2026 | 18th Annual Dining In The Dark Fundraiser To Benefit The Blind | Florida Outreach Center For The Blind

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM GMT
Experience an unforgettable evening at the 18th Annual Dining in the Dark, where guests enjoy a three-course meal served in complete darkness by the PBSO SWAT Team using night-vision goggles. The night also features live entertainment, an inspiring guest speaker, and a silent auction supporting programs for the blind community in Palm Beach County.

November 8, 2026 | Let’s Go Shopping 11: Virtual Holiday Shopping Event | Let’s Go Shopping Virtual Events

The 11th Let’s Go Shopping virtual holiday shopping event, founded by Laura Legendary, runs over two days with small-business entrepreneurs. Vendors can apply and shoppers can join the announcements list through the event’s information page.

November 9, 2026 | Tribal and Rural Accessibility Town Hall | National Council on Disability and U.S. Access Board

8:00 AM PT, 9:00 AM MT, 10:00 AM CT, 11:00 AM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
The National Council on Disability and the U.S. Access Board bring Tribal leaders and elders, people with disabilities, service providers and community organizations together at Ability360 in Phoenix to discuss accessibility in Tribal and rural communities, from public facilities and transportation to healthcare and housing. The town hall is also available online, and attendees may offer public comments.

November 11, 2026 | Disability Law Legal Update: A Smattering of ADA Cases II | Accessibility Online

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this ADA Legal session, the Southwest ADA Center and the Great Lakes ADA Center review recent court decisions, settlements and agency policy changes under the Americans with Disabilities Act, from accommodation delays and return-to-office rules to service animals, accessible parking and effective communication in health care. The session closes with live audience questions, and real-time captioning is provided.

November 17, 2026 | Scaling Digital Accessibility through ServiceNow: From Requests to Results | Accessibility Online

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
In this Section 508 session, Accessibility Online looks at how the FDIC uses the ServiceNow platform to run and scale its digital accessibility work, including document remediation requests, Section 508 training, application testing and IT reasonable accommodation requests, and how its reporting tools keep compliance on schedule. Video remote interpreting and real-time captioning are provided.

November 17, 2026 | Carter Kits: Supporting Positive Interactions for Neurodivergent Patients During Emergency Encounters | Accessibility Online

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Carter Kits co-founder Justin Severs and training and grants manager Andie describe the sensory bags their organization supplies to first responders, emergency department staff and community partners for encounters with autistic and neurodivergent patients, where a lack of tools and training still produces worse health outcomes. Dr. Sam Wrobleski of the Michigan EMS for Children Program also explains how that partnership works and how others might build one in their own state. Real-time captioning is provided.

November 18, 2026 | Birdability Book Club: Birdsong by the Seasons by Donald Kroodsma | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET
The Birdability Book Club closes out 2026 with Birdsong by the Seasons: A Year of Listening to Birds by Donald Kroodsma, a lyrical guide to a year of sound. The book was chosen so readers could follow along month by month through the year and then gather in November to share reflections from twelve months of attentive listening. Free; registration required.

November 19, 2026 | Member-Only Event: Practices for Accessible Virtual Meetings | National Organization on Disability

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET
A 25-minute virtual session for NOD Leadership Council members focused on practical, hands-on strategies for making virtual meetings more inclusive and accessible to all participants. The full briefing is restricted to Council members; non-members can join the Leadership Council to attend this and similar exclusive members-only sessions.

November 20, 2026 | 2026 Virtual Technology Fair | Carroll Center for the Blind

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
The Carroll Center for the Blind hosts a free four-hour technology fair on Zoom with sessions on VoiceOver image and Live Recognition features, Lumin AI and JAWS Page Explorer, tech support with Aira and Quick Assist, and the Indigo GPS app for iOS, each followed by live Q&A.

November 24, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

November 30, 2026 | From Room to Route: Practical Ways to Build Spatial Concepts with Room with a View and Grid and Go | APH

12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this APH Passport to Innovation webinar, presenter Karen demonstrates practical ways to teach spatial concepts with Room with a View and Grid and Go, taking learners from understanding a familiar room to reading a tactile map and planning a route. The session also shows how the same materials can be adapted for different learners and extended beyond orientation and mobility into sensory efficiency, independent living, classroom concepts and recreation. Participants leave with activity ideas and a repeatable instructional sequence for their own practice.

December 1, 2026 | CEO Office Hours: Disability & Intersectionality | National Organization on Disability

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
National Organization on Disability President and CEO Beth Sirull hosts an in-depth conversation with Apoorva Gandhi, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Business Councils at Marriott International, reflecting on progress and looking ahead in disability inclusion. Gandhi draws on more than 30 years in strategy, organizational change, community engagement and global business.

December 8, 2026 | Sight Tech Global 2026 | Sight Tech Global

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Sight Tech Global, produced by the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, returns as a free, fully virtual two-day conference on how AI and emerging technology can expand independence and access for people who are blind or have low vision. Registration is open.

December 8, 2026 | Blind Birder Community Conversations: The Science of Birdsong With Donald Kroodsma | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Ornithologist and author Donald Kroodsma, one of the world’s leading experts on birdsong with more than 45 years of research behind him, opens the new season of Birdability’s monthly Blind Birder Community Conversations. He goes beyond familiar mnemonics to the acoustic differences that let listeners tell species apart by sound, and to what birds are actually doing with their voices. The series is designed by and for blind and low vision birders, and sighted birders are welcome too. Virtual (Zoom); every registrant receives the recording.

December 9, 2026 | Sight Tech Global 2026 | Sight Tech Global

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Sight Tech Global, produced by the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, returns as a free, fully virtual two-day conference on how AI and emerging technology can expand independence and access for people who are blind or have low vision. Registration is open.

December 17, 2026 | CEO Office Hours: Looking Back/Looking Forward | National Organization on Disability

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
In a free, year-end CEO Office Hours led by Beth Sirull, the National Organization on Disability reflects on milestones in disability inclusion and looks ahead to the strategies that will shape the coming year.

December 17, 2026 | Blindness as Method: Contemporary Art and Creative Practice | Dark Room Ballet

3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
Bill Porter leads a three-hour seminar that treats blindness and low vision as sources of artistic knowledge and method rather than limitations, looking at how artists including Carmen Papalia, Andy Slater, Emilie Louise Gossiaux and David Johnson work through touch, sound, memory and description. Through presentation and group discussion, participants consider their own lived experience as a source of creative knowledge. Tuition-free on Zoom; register by emailing info@darkroomballet.com with the subject line “Bill Porter.”

December 19, 2026 | Weightlifting for Dancers | Dark Room Ballet

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM GMT
Krishna Washburn, a blind ballet teacher with multiple certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine, leads a fully audio-described workshop that helps dancers build their own resistance-training program with household objects, resistance bands or gym equipment. Participants learn to choose exercises, track sets and repetitions, progress safely over time and adapt training after injury; no weightlifting experience is needed. Tuition-free on Zoom; register by emailing info@darkroomballet.com with the subject line “Weightlifting.”

December 22, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

January 12, 2027 | Blind Birder Community Conversations: Birding by Ear and Mnemonics With Jerry Berrier | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Jerry Berrier, a lifelong blind birder and co-founder of the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon, leads a practical, participatory session on birding by ear and on using mnemonics to learn and remember bird songs and calls, with examples from birds across a broad geographic range. Berrier has been birding by ear since the 1970s and has led programs for Mass Audubon, L.L.Bean and the Carroll Center for the Blind. Open to blind, low vision and sighted birders. Virtual (Zoom); every registrant receives the recording.

January 13, 2027 | Introduction to Simonson Jazz | Dark Room Ballet

9:30 AM PT, 10:30 AM MT, 11:30 AM CT, 12:30 PM ET, 5:30 PM GMT
Valentina Bertani teaches a ten-class course in the movement principles and exercises of the Simonson jazz dance method, building class by class to the full-body format, for blind and visually impaired adults with no Simonson experience, including those who have never studied dance. Classes meet Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:00 PM Eastern, January 13 through March 17, are not recorded, and attendance at all ten is strongly encouraged. Tuition-free on Zoom; register by emailing info@darkroomballet.com with the subject line “Simonson Jazz.”

January 17, 2027 | Actor’s Toolbox: An Actor’s Practicum | Dark Room Ballet

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Luna Vintner leads an eight-week introductory acting course in which students build practical tools for any acting pursuit: working with a scene partner, staying present, listening and responding truthfully, analyzing scripts and preparing audition material. Two-hour sessions meet Sundays from noon Eastern, January 17 through March 7; no acting experience is needed, but regular attendance and a good internet connection are required. Tuition-free on Zoom; register by emailing darkroomballet@gmail.com with the subject line “Acting.”

February 3, 2027 | Developing a Contemporary Art Practice | Dark Room Ballet

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Bill Porter leads a 16-week hybrid course that helps artists build and sustain an independent contemporary art practice through research, experimentation, making, critique and revision, with particular attention to the work and scholarship of blind and low vision artists. Eight live sessions meet every other Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:30 PM Eastern, February 3 through May 12, with online activities between them; enrollment is limited to eight students. Tuition-free on Zoom; register by emailing info@darkroomballet.com with the subject line “Bill Porter Spring.”

February 9, 2027 | Blind Birder Community Conversations: A Deep Dive Into Warblers | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Birdability’s Blind Birder Community Conversations take a deep dive into warblers, with particular attention to identifying and enjoying these much-loved and sometimes challenging birds through their songs and calls. Open to blind, low vision and sighted birders. Virtual (Zoom); every registrant receives the recording.

March 9, 2027 | Blind Birder Community Conversations: Spring Migration and Bird Conservation With Scott Weidensaul | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Naturalist, ornithologist and author Scott Weidensaul returns to the Blind Birder Community Conversations to talk about spring migration, bird conservation and themes from his recent work and writing, just as birds begin moving north again. His book Living on the Wind was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Open to blind, low vision and sighted birders. Virtual (Zoom); every registrant receives the recording.

April 13, 2027 | Blind Birder Community Conversations: The Diversity of Birdsong With Juan Pablo Colasso | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
Juan Pablo Colasso, who has identified more than 1,000 bird species by sound, joins the Blind Birder Community Conversations for a discussion of the extraordinary diversity of birdsong and an international perspective on birding by ear. Open to blind, low vision and sighted birders. Virtual (Zoom); every registrant receives the recording.

April 29, 2027 | Blind Travel Summit 2027 | Blind Travel Foundation

The Blind Travel Foundation’s biennial gathering, hosted by United Airlines at its headquarters in Willis Tower, Chicago, expects 200 to 250 blind and visually impaired travelers, advocates, and industry partners for two days of conversation about accessible travel. Activities are also planned around the Summit, so attendees can stay for the weekend. A speaking application, sponsorship levels, and registration and hotel details will be announced soon.

April 30, 2027 | Blind Travel Summit 2027 | Blind Travel Foundation

The Blind Travel Foundation’s biennial gathering, hosted by United Airlines at its headquarters in Willis Tower, Chicago, expects 200 to 250 blind and visually impaired travelers, advocates, and industry partners for two days of conversation about accessible travel. Activities are also planned around the Summit, so attendees can stay for the weekend. A speaking application, sponsorship levels, and registration and hotel details will be announced soon.

May 11, 2027 | Blind Birder Community Conversations: Bird-a-Thon Welcome and Preparation Session | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
The last Blind Birder Community Conversation before the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon on May 23 and 24 is a welcome and preparation session covering how the event works, ways to take part, birding by ear, connecting with other birders and everything participants need to feel ready. Open to blind, low vision and sighted birders. Virtual (Zoom); every registrant receives the recording.

May 23, 2027 | Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon 2027 | Birdability

The Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon, created by and for blind and low vision birders, returns for 2027 with two days celebrating birding by ear, community and all the different ways people experience birds. Birders of any age, experience or location identify as many species as they can by sound or by whatever sight is available, solo, in a group or as part of a team. Registration details are still to come; the event page offers sign-up for 2027 updates.

May 24, 2027 | Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon 2027 | Birdability

The Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon, created by and for blind and low vision birders, returns for 2027 with two days celebrating birding by ear, community and all the different ways people experience birds. Birders of any age, experience or location identify as many species as they can by sound or by whatever sight is available, solo, in a group or as part of a team. Registration details are still to come; the event page offers sign-up for 2027 updates.

👉 Submit your survey for consideration within this section here.

1.) Get Paid To Share Your Lived Experience: Geographic Atrophy (Macular Degeneration) Research With Rare Patient Voice And Dr. Kirk Adams

Rare Patient Voice is currently seeking patients and caregivers diagnosed with Macular Degeneration: Geographic Atrophy to share their experiences in a paid research study. Participants will take part in a 60-minute web-assisted phone interview focused on daily life with Geographic Atrophy, current treatments, and unmet needs, and will receive $120 in compensation for their time. To be considered, individuals must first join the Rare Patient Voice panel. After joining the panel, Rare Patient Voice will reach out directly to those who qualify with study details and scheduling information.

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

👉 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 Humanware BrailleNote Touch Plus (32 Cells)

Listing Date: 10/8/2026 | Price: $1,650.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used | Description: Gently used Humanware BrailleNote Touch Plus notetaker. 32 cells, original battery, visual display, charging cable. Still has its chops as a standalone notetaker, and haven’t noticed any latency, but would probably serve best as a refreshable display for pairing with another device due to age of software. I purchased it during pandemic and it has served me very well, but I’ll be transitioning to a new display model and would like it to have a home. Contact: Jessica at jessica.glasebrook@gmail.com 📧️ or +1 (512) 554-6276 📱️.

2.) 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.

We couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for your support!

Why: Top Tech Tidbits Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication.

Benefits: All Top Tech Tidbits Supporters receive a listing within the “Our Supporters” section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the “Our Supporters” section of the Top Tech Tidbits website.

In addition, all Top Tech Tidbits Supporters automatically become Premium Subscribers as well, and therefore enjoy all of the benefits that a Premium Subscription has to offer.

One Time Donation: If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.

Annual Donation: If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.

Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible.

Platinum Supporters:

Become a Top Tech Tidbits Platinum Supporter today.

1.) Gary Lee
Platinum Supporter since June 25, 2020

2.) Anonymous Donation
Platinum Supporter since July 9, 2020

3.) Pshon Barrett
Platinum Supporter since January 28, 2021

4.) Robin Millar
Platinum Supporter since April 6, 2023

Gold Supporters:

Become a Top Tech Tidbits Gold Supporter today.

1.) Howard Goldstein
Gold Supporter since June 4, 2020

2.) David Goldstein
Gold Supporter since June 12, 2020

3.) Katherine Crohan
Gold Supporter since January 14, 2021

4.) Neil Jarvis
Gold Supporter since April 28, 2022

Silver Supporters:

Become a Top Tech Tidbits Silver Supporter today.

1.) Timothy Gorbold
Silver Supporter since July 19, 2023

2.) Vojtech Polasek
Silver Supporter since December 29, 2023

Bronze Supporters:

Become a Top Tech Tidbits Bronze Supporter today.

1.) Steven Wettlaufer
Bronze Supporter since July 16, 2020

2.) Lions Clubs International
Bronze Supporter since July 13, 2020

One Time Supporters:

One Time Supporters donate an amount of their choosing — one time to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits Publication.

Become a Top Tech Tidbits One Time Supporter today.

1.) Dane Trethowan
One Time Supporter on September 25, 2025

2.) Beth Wright
One Time Supporter on November 28, 2023

3.) Your name here.
One Time Supporter on …

Distribution: Sponsors, Supporters, Advertisers and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Distribution Since: 2004

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.

Any time the Top Tech Tidbits Publication carries less than its Sponsor limit, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.

Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Learn more about the benefits of Sponsorship today.

Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi

Publisher Since: June 4, 2020

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)

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.

As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Top Tech Tidbits on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

Aaron Di Blasi, PMP

Email: publisher@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Toll Free: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️

PR Director (2024-Present)
AT-Newswire 🌐
Access Technology’s Digital Newswire

Publisher (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week’s News in Artificial Intelligence

Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Information

Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology

Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 – Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.

Certified:

Digital Marketing Associate
Meta Certified (2022 – Present)

Social Marketing Professional
Hootsuite Certified (2020 – Present)

Email Marketing Professional
Constant Contact Certified (2019 – Present)

Specializing in:

Digital Strategy and Content Marketing
Social Media Advertising
Online Fundraising
ADA, WCAG and Section 508 Compliance

Editor: John Hanlin

Editor Since: June 4, 2020

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)

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.

John Hanlin, Esq.

Editor (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week’s News in Artificial Intelligence

Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Information

Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology

Board of Trustees (2006 – Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.

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.

Jenna Lang, PMP

Editor (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week’s News in Artificial Intelligence

Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Information

Project Management Professional (2022 – Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.

Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology

Editor: Vicki Walton

Editor Since: January 9, 2026

Location: Benton City, WA

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-8/GMT-7)

In 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.

Vicki Walton

Editor (2024-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology

Editor (2024-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Information

Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges 🌐
Better Jobs, Brighter Futures, a Stronger Washington

Editor: Dr. Kirk Adams

Editor Since: June 8, 2025

Location: Seattle, WA

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-8/GMT-7)

Dr. Kirk Adams

Editor (2025-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology

Dr. Kirk Adams, Ph.D. 🌐
Advocate, Leader and Keynote Speaker on Disability Inclusion & Leadership
Leading the Way to Accessible Innovation

Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI) 🌐
Executive Director
Strengthening individual and organizational capability for creating diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Innovative Impact, LLC Consulting 🌐
Managing Director
Impactful Workforce Inclusion Starts Here

American Foundation for the Blind 🌐
Immediate Past President & CEO
To create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Subscription Information 📰️

ABOUT ♿️

Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world’s leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 49,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators, and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week, along with the caregivers, companies and organizations that serve and support them. 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, Vicki Walton and Dr. Kirk Adams. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor, reader and advertiser supported publication.

RELEASE SCHEDULE 📅️

Top Tech Tidbits is released every Thursday morning at 6:00 AM ET.

SUBSCRIBE 📧️

Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Top Tech Tidbits newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link. You can also subscribe to receive the Top Tech Tidbits newsletter on the Top Tech Tidbits Website. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Top Tech Tidbits newsletter. It’s that easy.

WEBSITE 🌐️

Visit the Top Tech Tidbits website online at: https://toptechtidbits.com.

PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER 💸️

Only Top Tech Tidbits Premium Subscribers receive our special quarterly issue listing the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles of the Last 3 Months. Just $12 USD per year. This special quarterly issue is provided to Premium Subscribers as a native Microsoft Word document with full headings, links and abstracts to all 60 articles. There are no restrictions placed on these documents. Complete list of all back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. Join us today and begin receiving this incredibly informative issue every 3 months.

SPONSOR 🏅️

If you would like to become 1 of only 24 Top Tech Tidbits Sponsors whose ongoing support makes the distribution of Top Tech Tidbits possible, we offer you the following advertising benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.

ADVERTISE 🎯️

Top Tech Tidbits offers a variety of one-time advertising options to both Sponsors and non-Sponsors alike. A sample newsletter provides a breakdown of exactly what those one-time advertising options are, where they appear, and what they cost per publication.

DONATE ❤️

If you would like to become a Top Tech Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your support.

FACEBOOK 💬️

Are you on Facebook? Follow Top Tech Tidbits on Facebook to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your Facebook News Feed.

X (FORMERLY TWITTER) 💬️

Are you on X? Follow Top Tech Tidbits on X to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your X News Feed.

MASTODON 💬️

Are you on Mastodon? Follow Top Tech Tidbits on Mastodon to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your Mastodon News Feed or by searching for @news@mastodon.toptechtidbits.com on your server today.

LINKEDIN 💬️

Are you on LinkedIn? Follow Top Tech Tidbits on LinkedIn to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your LinkedIn News Feed.

YOUTUBE ▶️

Are you on YouTube? Follow Top Tech Tidbits on YouTube to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your YouTube Video Feed.

RSS 📡️

Do you prefer RSS? Follow Top Tech Tidbits via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology using your choice of news aggregator.

QUESTIONS ❓️

Tidbits are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular Tidbit brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.

ARCHIVE 🗄️

Read the most recently released issues of Top Tech Tidbits online here. Visit the Top Tech Tidbits Archive here, where you can read back issues.

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS ✍️

Any information for future issues of Top Tech Tidbits may be submitted online via our News Item Submission Form or directed to our Editors via email.

THANK YOU 🙏️

Thank you for reading. On behalf of all of us here at Top Tech Tidbits we look forward to keeping you informed.

Information provided by:
Top Tech Tidbits
https://toptechtidbits.com/ 🌐

A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication

1284 SOM Center Road, PMB 194,
Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124
+1 (855) 578-6660 📱️