Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 24, 2024 – Volume 986

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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 24, 2024 – Volume 986 ♿️

The Week’s News in Access Technology

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

A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication

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Access Awareness: Metrics That Matter ♿️

” The World Federation of the DeafBlind (WFDB) estimates that approximately 2% of the world’s population is both deaf and blind. This DeafBlind community is both diverse and amazing in its many forms of communication. Some use an audio-based modality, while others use both audio and visual-based modalities. Still others prefer tactile-based modalities. Among these, some prefer tactile modalities alone, while others rely on audio inputs from their devices. ” — The World Federation of the DeafBlind (WFDB), January 2024

News 📰️

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.

News

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

A.) iPhone 16 Pro Max: A Review And Some Thoughts On Which Model To Buy | AppleVis.com | October 15, 2024

The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers the longest battery life and highest starting price of any iPhone, with features like Apple Intelligence and Camera Control. Despite its size, it performs well across all iPhone 16 models thanks to uniform processing power. While it excels in battery performance and functionality for accessibility users, its audio performance leaves something to be desired, and the camera control button placement may be a nuisance for some.

B.) AI-Powered Software Narrates Surroundings For Visually Impaired In Real Time | TechXplore.com | October 10, 2024

University of Michigan researchers have developed WorldScribe, an AI-powered software that creates real-time audio descriptions of a camera’s surroundings for the visually impaired. The tool, which uses generative AI models to deliver adaptive descriptions, was designed to provide immediate context for objects in view and will be showcased at the 2024 ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology.

C.) These 8 Simple Low-Vision Aids Can Be A Huge Help | Reviewed.com | October 10, 2024

Maxwell Ivey shares eight affordable, low-tech solutions to assist people with low vision in daily tasks, highlighting the use of everyday items like tape, rubber bands, and bump dots to improve accessibility.

D.) These Apps Help People With Disabilities Travel More Easily | Wired.com | October 14, 2024

A variety of apps and services, such as AccessibleGO, Accessnow, iAccessLife, and Wheelmap, are making travel easier for people with disabilities. These platforms help users find accessible flights, hotels, and public places, providing essential information for safe and comfortable travel. They also allow individuals to review locations for accessibility and improve inclusivity worldwide.

E.) Meta Ray-Bans Public Beta Open To All! | Aira.io | October 14, 2024

Aira has opened the public beta for integrating Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses into its hands-free visual interpreting service, inviting users who are blind or low-vision to participate. This beta allows users to make calls through Aira’s platform, providing hands-free navigation and real-time assistance through the glasses. Aira encourages users to provide feedback to improve the integration.

2.) Top Tech Tidbits Welcomes Access Park | Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher | Top Tech Tidbits | October 28, 2024

Please join me in giving a warm Tidbits welcome to Access Park, who has so very graciously agreed to support the ongoing distribution of Top Tech Tidbits via sponsorship. If you enjoy reading Top Tech Tidbits for free each week, it is sponsors like Access Park that make it possible. And as I always say, these are the businesses that deserve your dollars most, even though you can’t spend them at Access Park just yet. Access Park is a passion project by Donna J. Jodhan that my company, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., has been helping her to develop over the last few months. While the store is now live, it does not yet have any products for sale. That’s our next task. First, we wanted to give users the opportunity to test the site so that we could integrate feedback and make improvements. You may have noticed these changes. We’re almost at the end of that phase, and ready to onboard suppliers. Look for future announcements from Access Park! Read my full announcement here.

3.) No Sponsorship Packages Currently Available | TopTechTidbits.com | October 17, 2024

There are no Sponsorship Packages currently available. Join the waiting list here. Would your product, service or message benefit from reaching over 42,000 access technology subscribers each week? For just $100 / month? If you’re thinking yes, we invite you to try a Sponsorship Package with Top Tech Tidbits. The benefits are amazing. No obligation. Cancel anytime.
👉️ Price Increase Coming: Upon reaching 42,000 weekly readers the cost of a Sponsorship Package will increase to $150/month. This price increase will NOT affect current Sponsors, only Sponsors that join after 30K. Lock in these savings while you can!

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5.) Premium Subscribers | TopTechTidbits.com | October 17, 2024

Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 10th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles for July, August and September of 2024 on Monday, October 7, 2024. Back Issues: There are currently 9 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.

6.) Sponsored Tidbits | TopTechTidbits.com | October 17, 2024

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7.) Do You Have A Link In This Issue? Learn How To Track It For Free | TopTechTidbits.com | October 17, 2024

This article will outline, 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.

8.) AI Updates 🤖️

Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI.

A.) Correction, Update and New Recommendation For ‘AI-Powered Software That Narrates Surroundings For Visually Impaired In Real Time ‘ | Teresa, Reader | October 24, 2024

Publisher (Di Blasi): Teresa wrote in to let us know that the article we published last week titled ‘AI-Powered Software Narrates Surroundings For Visually Impaired In Real Time‘ by TechXplore.com was not, in fact, available yet. A fact that we neglected to mention. Thankfully, Teresa alerted us to our oversight and provided the following recommendation as an alternative that is available right now. Thank you Teresa.
Teresa: There is a really good app available for iOS that can already do most of these things and is already available for users to download. The name of it is Oorion, you should check it out. It includes generative AI to describe your surroundings live, without the need to take a picture.

B.) 10 Custom GPTs That Will Save You Time And Supercharge Your Productivity | PCMag.com | October 21, 2024

PCMag highlights the best custom GPTs available on OpenAI’s GPT store that can enhance productivity by handling specialized tasks. From tech support and trip planning to meal preparation and resume building, these GPTs offer targeted assistance that saves time and effort, making them valuable tools for professionals seeking to streamline their daily routines.

C.) Inside The Mind Of An AI Girlfriend (Or Boyfriend) | Wired.com | October 19, 2024

Dippy, a startup offering “uncensored” AI companions, has introduced a feature that reveals the thought processes behind AI responses, adding depth to interactions. With 500,000 monthly users, the platform’s success underscores the growing popularity of AI companionship, despite concerns about the social effects and potential for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

D.) This Prompt Can Make An AI Chatbot Identify And Extract Personal Details From Your Chats | Wired.com | October 19, 2024

Security researchers have developed an attack named Imprompter, which uses an algorithm to turn prompts into hidden instructions that direct chatbots to extract and send users’ personal information to attackers. The method was tested successfully on AI models, prompting companies like Mistral AI to implement fixes to mitigate such vulnerabilities.

E.) AI Detectors Falsely Accuse Students Of Cheating — With Big Consequences | Bloomberg.com | October 18, 2024

A Bloomberg investigation reveals that AI detectors used by educators to identify AI-generated content can produce false positives, wrongly accusing students of cheating. Even a low error rate can impact many, with neurodivergent and ESL students at higher risk of being flagged. Despite concerns, schools continue to rely on these tools, leading to anxiety and challenges for students who must defend the authenticity of their work.

F.) Google’s NotebookLM Now Lets You Customize Its AI Podcasts | Wired.com | October 18, 2024

Google has updated its NotebookLM tool, allowing users to customize AI-generated podcasts by entering prompts to tailor the content. This feature lets users guide the focus of the discussions, offering more control over how the AI voices interpret and present uploaded documents, enhancing its use for both study and entertainment.

G.) OpenAI Launches Early Version Of ChatGPT Windows Desktop App | OpenAI.com | October 17, 2024

Publisher (Di Blasi): If you use assistive technology chances are this new “dedicated” shortcut is already in use. We’re currently looking for confirmation that this shortcut will be “customizable,” but have been unable to verify as of this publication. If you find a credible source for this information, please pass it along so that we can share it with readers.
OpenAI: ChatGPT Plus, Enterprise, Team, and Edu users can now test an early version of the Windows desktop app, offering faster access to ChatGPT via a convenient Alt + Space shortcut. This new application aims to streamline user interaction with the AI directly from their PCs.

H.) What To Do If You’re Falsely Accused Of Using AI To Cheat | PCMag.com | October 17, 2024

If you’re wrongly accused of using AI tools to cheat on assignments, it is crucial to demonstrate your knowledge by discussing your research process with your instructor. Additional steps include showing the version history of your work, providing research materials, and presenting time-stamped notes to support your case.

I.) Robots And AI-Powered Assistive Tech Are Poised To Transform Accessibility And Mobility | BusinessInsider.com | October 16, 2024

AI and robotics are driving innovation in assistive technology. But there’s still work to be done to ensure that the tech is affordable and widely available. This article is part of “5G and Connectivity Playbook,” a series exploring one of our time’s most important tech innovations.

9.) Apple Updates 🍎️

Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple.

A.) Apple’s Impressive AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aids Launch A New Era Of Health Tech | HabenGirma.com | October 21, 2024

Apple has introduced AirPods Pro 2 as affordable, over-the-counter hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The devices feature enhanced accessibility through Apple’s ecosystem, allowing users to conduct hearing tests at home, and address stigma by providing a discreet, user-friendly experience. Apple’s commitment to accessibility continues by designing products in collaboration with individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and ease of use.

B.) How To Remove And Replace Your AirTag’s Battery | Wired.com | October 18, 2024

Replacing an Apple AirTag battery is straightforward and can be done in minutes using a standard CR2032 coin battery. Users can easily swap out the old battery by rotating the AirTag’s cover, inserting a new battery, and locking it back into place. Be sure to check compatibility if using a bitter-coated battery.

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

10.) Avoid Using The Insert Textbox Feature In MS Word | TheAccessibilityGuy.com | October 21, 2024

This video walks users through the problems text boxes in MS word cause, and explores practical alternatives for making Word documents fully accessible, following WCAG and Section 508 standards.

News, Trends, Updates and Opinion Editorials 📰️

11.) Sonos Ace Headphones Review, Claude AI Gets Actions & iPad Mini Is Out | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 23, 2024

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece cover several tech updates including the new iPad Mini launch, Aira’s American Sign Language service, and upcoming Glide demo events. The main story is a review of Sonos Ace headphones, featuring insights from Steven and Sonos enthusiast Elliot Stonhill. The discussion touches on features, issues, and how the headphones fit into the broader Sonos ecosystem. The show also highlights the capabilities of Anthropic’s Claude AI, which can now perform actions on behalf of users.

12.) Podcast: Eyes On Success Episode 2443: Aira Anytime Anywhere | EyesOnSuccess.net | October 23, 2024

Learn how Aira is revolutionizing accessibility for the visually impaired with its blend of human interpreters and AI. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Everette Bacon, Chief of Blindness Initiatives, about Aira’s partnerships offering free services in many locations. Find out how Aira provides secure access to visual information anytime, anywhere.

13.) Braille Dictionaries From Seeing Hands Updated With Dictionaries In Spanish And Portuguese | Projects.SeeingHands.org | October 23, 2024

Seeing Hands has expanded its Braille dictionary project, now including Spanish and Portuguese dictionaries. Users can also find new suggestions for using the dictionaries with various Braille displays and join an announcement list for future updates. Further improvements and new formats are in development, with feedback being encouraged.

14.) Graphics At Your Fingertips: Humanware Propels Development Of TactileView Software | Humanware.ca | October 23, 2024

HumanWare has become the master distributor and co-developer of TactileView, a software designed to make tactile graphics creation more accessible for the visually impaired community. By partnering with the Thinkable team, HumanWare aims to enhance tactile literacy and expand the software’s capabilities, aligning with their commitment to empowering individuals with visual impairments. Recent launches, including the Monarch braille tablet, further demonstrate this dedication.

15.) For Owners Of The Victor Reader Stream 3: Stream 3 Version 1.4 Is Now Live! | Mathieu Paquette, Product Manager | HumanWare | Tech-VI List | October 23, 2024

HumanWare has released version 1.4 of the Stream 3, bringing new features like an updated Acapela voice, expanded Bluetooth profiles, and the ability to create categories for notes. Improvements include better podcast handling, enhanced navigation, and bug fixes across various functions including Internet radio, DAISY books, and playlist management. This update aims to enhance user experience and device functionality.

16.) Aira ASL: On-Demand Interpreting For The Deaf Community | Aira.io | October 22, 2024

Aira is launching Aira ASL, a new app providing on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services for the Deaf Community. This separate app allows users to access interpreters in real time, eliminating the need for advance scheduling and outdated equipment. Aira ASL aims to address the gap in interpreting services in everyday situations, enhancing accessibility without impacting Aira’s services for blind and low-vision users.

17.) The BT Speak Users’ Manual Is Now Available | Tech-VI List | October 22, 2024

Blazie Technologies has released a comprehensive users’ manual for the BT Speak, offering detailed instructions on device setup, navigation, applications, and more. The manual, available for download from the company’s website, aims to enhance user experience by covering topics like battery management, software updates, file management, and web browsing, with regular updates planned to address new features.

18.) From Selvas BLV: Braille eMotion Add-Ons And SensePlayer Update | Tech-VI List | October 22, 2024

Selvas BLV has released three optional library services for Braille eMotion, including BARD Braille, BARD Mobile, and NFB Newsline, offering easy access to Braille and audio materials. Additionally, the SensePlayer’s NFB Newsline app has been updated with new navigation features, enhancing the user experience. Users can download these updates from the Library menu of their devices.

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Save The Date And Join Us For This Virtual Holiday Shopping Event! | November 8th and 9th 2024

Kick off the 2024 holiday season with the annual Let’s Go Shopping gift extravaganza! What is it? It’s an epic, 2-day, online, accessible, virtual mall crawl like no other.

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19.) Double Tap Interviews: Glidance Founder Amos Miller Talks About The Future Of Blind Mobility | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 21, 2024

In an interview with Double Tap, Amos Miller discusses Glidance, an AI-powered autonomous mobility aid designed to help blind users navigate safely. Combining sensors, cameras, and popular navigation apps, Glidance offers haptic and audio feedback to ensure awareness of surroundings. The episode also recounts Glidance’s showcase at CES, where Stevie Wonder praised its innovative approach to accessibility.

20.) Guidelines For Chemistry In Braille Get Modernized | CEN.ACS.org | October 21, 2024

The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) has released an updated version of the Chemical Notation Using The Nemeth Braille Code, modernizing guidelines that improve accessibility for tactile readers. This revision, developed in collaboration with the American Chemical Society, standardizes symbols for molecular structures and introduces guidance for tactile graphics, making chemistry more accessible for people with visual impairments.

21.) Bob Asks: “What’s Your Favorite Corner Of The Dial?” | Swling.com | October 21, 2024

In a guest post on SWLing Post, Bob Colegrove shares his experiences and challenges with tuning into the lower end of the medium wave band, from 530 kHz to 600 kHz. He explains the appeal of DXing and adjusting analog radios to capture elusive frequencies, reflecting on the joys and technical nuances of his hobby, and encouraging others to share their own favorite parts of the radio dial.

22.) The Promise Of Glide & More Feedback | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 21, 2024

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the Glide device, a new assistive technology for blind users, examining its potential as an alternative to traditional mobility aids like guide dogs and canes. They address community feedback, the integration of AI in assistive tech, cost considerations, and the mix of excitement and skepticism surrounding its adoption. The episode also highlights social media’s role in self-perception and shares listener insights on accessibility.

23.) Introducing The Electronic Toy Library/Archive | YouTube.com | October 21, 2024

The Electronic Toy Library (TETL) is a project dedicated to preserving and recreating the sounds of old toys from the 1980s and beyond. Using a mix of direct recordings, coils, and custom-made devices, the archive offers nostalgic audio experiences, bringing classic toy sounds to life in new and inventive ways.

24.) Podcast: How Many Pee Breaks Do Mainstream Podcasters Take? | ThatRealBlindTechShow.Libsyn.com | October 20, 2024

Join Brian, Ed, and Jeanine as they discuss the United States being under attack by robot vacuums, the NFB/ACB protest of Uber/Lift, the World Baseball Blind Tournament that just took place in England, Apple gear, new phones and watches and much more.

25.) Podcast: Managing Files In Microsoft Teams With JAWS | FreedomScientific.com | October 20, 2024

Liz and Rachel provide guidance on how to manage files in Microsoft Teams using JAWS, covering topics such as accessing, uploading, sharing, and collaborating on documents. They also discuss enhancing the accessibility of shared PowerPoint presentations, ensuring assistive technology users can fully engage in meetings.

26.) The Book Braille On Display: Immense Contribution To The Digital Braille Resources | LivingBraille.eu | October 18, 2024

The Braillists Foundation has released a new edition of “Braille on Display,” authored by Jackie Brown, offering an in-depth guide to braille devices worldwide. The book covers recent advancements in multi-line displays and provides valuable insights into braille technology for the 21st century. Released for free, it was launched during an online event, now available as a Braillecast podcast episode.

27.) Handout: Introduction To MuseScore Studio | SoundWithoutSight.org | October 18, 2024

MuseScore Studio is a versatile music score editor that allows users to create, play, print, and convert scores to large print or braille. Accessible with screen readers like NVDA and VoiceOver, it offers tools for composing and editing music, including note input, annotations, and export options. The handout provides a comprehensive guide to its features, navigation tips, and resources for further learning and support.

28.) Microsoft Recruits Accessibility App To Make Its AI More Useful To Blind And Low-Vision Users | Engadget.com | October 17, 2024

Microsoft is partnering with Be My Eyes to enhance its AI’s accessibility features by using anonymized video data from the app. The collaboration aims to improve scene understanding, ensuring Microsoft’s AI models can better support blind and low-vision users. The initiative will leverage real-world visual data to make the AI more inclusive without compromising user privacy.

29.) Blind Meta Ray Ban Review | TimDixon.net | October 17, 2024

The Meta Ray Ban smart glasses, featuring a 12-megapixel camera and built-in speakers, have gained popularity in the blind and low vision community. Despite some limitations, such as the need for internet connectivity and limited battery life, the upcoming integration with Be My Eyes and improvements to Meta AI are promising. Users can make calls, take photos, and receive hands-free assistance, making these glasses a versatile tool for navigation and communication.

30.) Watch Glide’s Latest Demonstration Video — Just Released! | YouTube.com | October 17, 2024

Glide has released a new demonstration video showcasing various scenarios, narrated by Co-Founder Luke Buckberrough and featuring CEO Amos Miller. The video highlights how Glide manages different environments, including navigating a road without sidewalks, avoiding obstacles, crossing intersections, and handling stairs.

31.) FCC Requires That All Mobile Phones Must Be Compatible With Hearing Aids | CNet.com | October 17, 2024

The FCC has adopted new rules mandating that all mobile handsets must be compatible with hearing aids, enabling millions of Americans with hearing loss to access the same range of phones as other consumers. The regulation also includes Bluetooth coupling requirements and volume-control benchmarks, pushing manufacturers to enhance device compatibility and transparency in labeling.

32.) Survey: Technology Accessibility Study For A11y In Sci Research | Illinois State University | October 17, 2024

The A11y in Sci team at Illinois State University is conducting a study to understand science teachers’ knowledge of technology accessibility to better support the creation of accessible high school science classes. Teachers participating in a 60-90 minute interview in early 2025 will receive a $100 gift card as compensation. The study is approved by the university’s IRB.

33.) Enhancements In JAWS, ZoomText, And Fusion 2025 Public Beta 2 | FreedomScientific.com | October 17, 2024

The latest Public Beta 2 for JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2025 includes improvements in automatic language detection, web navigation, and performance across Office apps. Enhanced xFont performance, faster startup times, and improved stability in Windows File Explorer are also featured, along with expanded language support and smoother interaction in applications like Slack, Google Suite, and Teams.

34.) Survey: Testing The Accessibility Of Verbal Instructions For Blind Exercise Learners | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | October 17, 2024

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is conducting a study to evaluate the accessibility of verbal instructions for muscle strengthening training aimed at blind and low-vision individuals, using the BESS framework from Laban motion analysis. Participants will complete an online survey, with 50 out of 200 participants randomly selected to receive a $30 Amazon gift card.

35.) Clipboard History Is The Best Windows Feature You’re Probably Not Using | HowToGeek.com | October 12, 2024

Clipboard History allows Windows 10 and 11 users to store up to 25 items, including text, HTML, and images, which can be accessed by pressing Windows+V. The feature helps improve productivity by enabling users to pin frequently used items and sync the Clipboard across devices.

36.) Introducing: Bolt & Bolt-M | Anduril Industries | YouTube.com | October 9, 2024

Publisher (Di Blasi): No matter how you might feel about drone weaponization, for better or worse, it’s here, and you should see and/or hear what the latest models are capable of. While we bear in mind that classified versions are currently 3 to 5 times more advanced than this marketing demonstration.
Anduril Industries: Introducing Bolt: a family of man-packable Autonomous Air Vehicles (AAVs) that combines advanced AI with an integrated and operator-friendly design. In its base configuration, Bolt delivers a rapid response capability for real-time situational awareness.

37.) Star Wars Outlaws Accessibility Improvements Of Update 1.2 | CanIPlayThat.com | October 6, 2024

Title update 1.2 of Star Wars Outlaws introduces various accessibility improvements, including enhanced stealth mechanics, improved controls, and adjustments for players with limited mobility. New features like a quick throw button, auto acceleration, and improved narration order aim to enhance the overall gameplay experience. Additional options include larger fonts, bold subtitles, and better subtitle direction, catering to accessibility needs.

Featured Events 📅️

Submit your event for consideration within this section here.

October 24, 2024 | The Aira App That Connects People Who Are Blind Or Low Vision To Professional Visual Interpreters For Free! | Florida Outreach Center for the Blind, Inc.

11AM PT, 12PM MT, 1PM CT, 2PM ET, 6PM GMT
Join Florida Outreach Center for the Blind, Inc. and our guest speaker, Blake Steinecke, product marketing manager at Aira! Our discussion will include: How AIRA works. A demo of Access A.I., AIRA’s image chat tool and its human interaction feature. Learning what visual interpretation is and what its uses are. How AIRA works with Access Partners to provide FREE access to AIRA. More. Join Us On Zoom. Meeting ID: 835 8160 5488 | Passcode: 182630 | By Phone: +1 (312) 626-6799.

November 1, 2024 | Creatively Learning Accessible Science Summit (CLASS) | Oregon State and Online

10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
We will have Dr. Christin Monroe from Landmark University talking about neurodiversity, Dr. Kevin Kelly from the Department of Reclamation talking about d/Deaf and hard of hearing, Dr. Pat Redden from City University of New York speaking on service dogs and mobility disorders, and Ashley Neybert of Oregon State University and Independence Science discussing blindness all as they relate to STEM laboratories following with breakouts to discuss current challenges professors are facing in accessibility.

November 2, 2024 | Assistive Technology Gifts For The Holidays | Technology User Group at Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
The Technology User Group is pleased to present our annual salute to gadgets, gizmos and whatchamacallits that you may want to receive (or give) as gifts for the holidays! This year’s collection will be intriguing, detailed, and affordable. Assorted vendors will also be touting their products and letting us know what is new in the assistive technology arena.

November 12, 2024 | Pathways to Disability Empowerment: Networking-Unlocking Opportunities in Your Job Search | The Lighthouse For the Blind, Inc.

4PM PT, 5PM MT, 6PM CT, 7PM ET, 11PM GMT
Networking gives job seekers ways to develop connections with professionals in their field and to learn more of the everyday details of jobs. Attend this career webinar on building and using networking in the job search process. This webinar is led by two Career Development professionals Lori Scharff, APH connect and Cheryl Cumings, Lighthouse Workforce Development Manager. ASL Interpreters will be available. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please reach out to WorkForceDevelopment@lhblind.org 📧️ if you have any questions or need assistance registering for this event.

November 17, 2024 | Dining In The Dark Fundraiser For The Blind | Florida Outreach Center for the Blind, Inc.

1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT
The 16th Annual Dining in the Dark! Sunday Nov 17th, 2024 | 4PM-8PM. West Palm Beach Marriott, 1001 Okeechobee Blvd. Tickets $125 pp. Join us for an experience like no other! Come have dinner in complete darkness. •Delicious 3-course dinner served by the PBSO SWAT Team who will be wearing night-vision goggles. Inspiring guest speaker, music & entertainment, silent auction, cash bar. Dining in the Dark helps to raise funds for educational, therapeutic, vision and support services for individuals of all ages who are blind and visually impaired. These specialized services empower people with vision loss to lead active, independent and successful lives. FOCB. is a non-profit organization established in 2003 & provides FREE programs, services, and classes to more than 48,000 blind residents in Palm Beach County.

February 25, 2025 through February 27, 2025 | Axe-Con

As a movement, digital accessibility has never been as powerful or impactful as it is today. We are at an amazing inflection point that will define the future of inclusion across the globe. All of us at Deque are so honored to be a part of this mission, and we are incredibly excited to announce that the fifth annual axe-con conference will return next year on February 25-27, 2025! Axe-con is the world’s largest digital accessibility conference. Last year, over 42,000 people registered to attend, representing more than 12,000 organizations. We hosted over 75 expert presenters, and today, we’re elated to announce our first 2025 keynote speaker, Alice Wong! Alice Wong is a disabled activist, writer, editor, and community organizer. She is the founder and director of the Disability Visibility Project, an online community dedicated to creating, sharing, and amplifying disability media and culture. Alice’s activism has been celebrated by Time Magazine and Marie Claire, and her 2022 memoir was one of USA Today’s “Must-Read” books. Alice is the recipient of multiple awards, was named a Disability Futures fellow by the Ford Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to be a member of the National Council on Disability.

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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.

👉️ 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

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 📧️

Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

About: Aira’s mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting.

We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone’s device of ‘choice’, a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera’s view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating – just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables.

Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free.
https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/

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.

👉️ 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.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Join Selvas Blv At A Local Event Near You To Experience Our Products In Person! | Selvas BLV

Experience Selvas BLV products like never before! Visit us at local events in your area to experience our products firsthand. You may visit our Upcoming Events page for the full list of upcoming events, or read below for our October events!

ACB of Michigan — Grand Rapids, Michigan — October 11th-12th

TX DIR Connect — Austin, Texas — October 13th

White Cane Day — Austin, Texas — October 16th

NFB of Iowa — Urbandale, Iowa — October 18th-19th

ACB of Indiana and Ohio — Indianapolis, Indiana — October 25th-26th

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.

👉️ 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.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Have You Used Rim With Aira Yet? Let Us Know How It Went, And Get A Coupon For Your Time! | Pneuma Solutions

In case you haven’t heard, Aira has officially integrated Remote Incident Manager into its remote visual assistance workflow. This means that you can connect to a visual interpreter for help with those pesky inaccessible computer tasks by way of a keyword of your own choosing! If you have Aira and have yet to give Remote Incident Manager a try, download RIM on your Windows or Mac computer – it’s completely free for receiving help! Once you’ve used RIM on an Aira call, we would love to know how it went! At the completion of a session in which you connect to Aira, you will receive a quick survey which will allow you to submit your feedback, as well as an optional recorded testimonial of your experience! We will be sending you a $20 coupon upon completion of this survey as a token of our appreciation! This $20 coupon can go toward any of RIM’s paid offerings which allow you to provide remote technical support, or even control one of your own computers back home while on the road!

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?

👉️ 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.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: BRAILLIANT Renewed! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series Is Here! | HumanWare

The wait is over! A redefined family of Brailliant refreshable Braille displays has arrived! The NEW Brailliant BI X Series will help you stay connected, download books from many participating online libraries and share information easily with your peers. You will enjoy the intuitive, seamless user experience of KeySoft Lite, the HumanWare flagship accessibility suite designed to make you more productive. Including the Brailliant BI 40X and the Brailliant BI 20X, this is the Brailliant idea you need!

Sponsor Since: February 4, 2021 📅️

Website: http://humanware.com/ 🌐️

Phone (Asia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️
Phone (Australia): +61 2 9686 2600 📱️
Phone (Canada): +1 888 723-7273 📱️
Phone (Europe): +44 1933 415 800 📱️
Phone (International): +44 1933 415 800 📱️
Phone (Ireland): +01 8307033 📱️
Phone (New Zealand): +027 700 1674 📱️
Phone (United Kingdom): +01933 415800 📱️
Phone (United States): +1 800 722-3393 📱️

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRWVYiggn-w 🎥️

About: HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. HumanWare offers a wide range of innovative products, including the BrailleNote Touch, first Google certified braille tablet, the iOS compatible Brailliant braille displays, Victor Reader^®, the world’s leading family of digital audiobook players, the unique Prodigi^® family of desktop and portable vision and reading systems, and the ultra-portable explore line of electronic handheld magnifier.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Guidelights and Gadgets

GuideLights Will be at ACB, although we don’t have an exhibit booth. We have something better; a room on the 4th floor right in the middle of everything. We will be in Main Street 2 Sun. Mon. and Tue. We are calling it the “GuideLights window down” sale with lots of special bargains. Backpacks, 20 cell Braille display cases, and a good selection of headphones will be discounted 30 percent. Come join the fun with Barry; there will be an Orbit Speak given away to a person who registers with us. There will also be a number of “spot” promotions during the convention. I am doing this by myself this year, as Kae is still recovering from some of her surgeries. Looking forward to being with our many customers and friends. For more info, call or email Barry at: (617) 969-7500 📱️ or barry.scheur@gmail.com 📧️.

Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us

Sponsor Since: June 25, 2020 📅️

Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐️

For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at:
Phone: (617) 969-7500 📱️
Email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com 📧️

For All Things Dog Contact Kae at:
Phone: (781) 286-1696 📱️
Email: guidelightdogs@gmail.com 📧️

About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use. In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well.

What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, “hands on” evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, affordable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice!

👉️ 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 📱️.

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

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)

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Free Opticoaster For Every One! | Hable

For a limited time, when you purchase a Hable One, you’ll receive a FREE OptiCoaster!

The Hable One is a powerful, pocket-sized keyboard that makes phone use easier and more accessible for blind and visually impaired users.

With your Hable One, you’ll get the OptiCoaster, a high-contrast, glow-in-the-dark coaster with tactile features, perfect for easily locating and placing your cups on the table.

But hurry! Stock is running low, and we have only a few units left. Once they’re gone, this offer ends! Don’t miss out on this incredible deal.

Visit our website now to claim your free OptiCoaster before it’s too late!

Sponsor Since: August 14, 2024 📅️

Website: https://www.iamhable.com/ 🌐️

About: At Hable we empower people with visual impairment in the digital world.

Inclusivity at the core and innovation at the fingertips.

Our keyboard for the blind has redefined cellphone and tablet experiences and accessibility for over 5,000 visually impaired people globally.

Hable is an external keyboard designed to make using a smartphone simpler and more convenient for those with visual impairments, allowing for easy operation and accessibility.

Order:

Ready to experience the convenience and accessibility of Hable for yourself? Order Hable today at:
Amazon in the USA: https://amzn.to/3MEvLN5 | Other Countries: https://bit.ly/3sq4kjz.

Website: Home | Tips and Tricks | Support | Order Hable

Social: Facebook | Instagram | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube | LinkedIn

👉️ 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 10-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, hands-on labs, and quizzes, with expert instructor support every step of the way.

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

Upcoming Class Start Dates:

1. Monday, September 9th
2. Monday, October 7th
3. Monday, November 4th

Don’t miss this opportunity to join a diverse and inclusive workforce in the cybersecurity sector. Visit 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.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Help Access Ready, Inc. Rebuild After Hurricanes Helene and Milton | Access Ready, Inc.

Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.

Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.

Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.

Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.

info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️

Sponsor Since: June 27, 2024 📅️

Website: https://accessready.org 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: +1 (727) 531-1000 📱️

About: Access Ready, Inc. is a nonprofit advocacy organization founded on October 17, 2018, dedicated to ensuring the accessibility of information and communications technologies (ICT) for all individuals, regardless of ability. The organization aims to integrate ICT accessibility as a fundamental aspect of society.

Mission: Promote policies that ensure ICT accessibility.

Vision: Create a society where ICT is inherently accessible to everyone.

Core Values: Integrity, Planning, Consideration, Opportunity

Key Milestones: 2018: Established Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws. 2020: Received 501(c)(3) status. 2019: Formed the Access Ready Strategic Social Purpose Corporation to develop accessible technologies.

Initiatives: Developed inclusion guidance documents with legal and policy experts and proposed the Tax Recovery Act to provide tax credits for developers making ICT accessible.

Leadership: Douglas George Towne, Chair and CEO. Access Ready, Inc. is supported by various notable individuals and organizations.

Contact: Douglas George Towne, Chari-CEO, Access Ready, Inc., chair-ceo@accessready.org 📧️.

Access Ready, Inc. strives to make ICT accessible through policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions, fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Help Access Ready, Inc. Rebuild After Hurricanes Helene and Milton | Access Ready, Inc.

Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.

Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.

Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.

info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️

Sponsor Since: June 27, 2024 📅️

Website: https://accessready.org 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: +1 (727) 531-1000 📱️

Mission: Promote policies that ensure ICT accessibility.

Vision: Create a society where ICT is inherently accessible to everyone.

Core Values: Integrity, Planning, Consideration, Opportunity

Initiatives: Developed inclusion guidance documents with legal and policy experts and proposed the Tax Recovery Act to provide tax credits for developers making ICT accessible.

Leadership: Douglas George Towne, Chair and CEO. Access Ready, Inc. is supported by various notable individuals and organizations.

Contact: Douglas George Towne, Chari-CEO, Access Ready, Inc., chair-ceo@accessready.org 📧️.

Access Ready, Inc. strives to make ICT accessible through policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions, fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Help Access Ready, Inc. Rebuild After Hurricanes Helene and Milton | Access Ready, Inc.

Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.

Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.

Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.

info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️

Sponsor Since: June 27, 2024 📅️

Website: https://accessready.org 🌐️

Email: info@accessready.org 📧️

Phone: +1 (727) 531-1000 📱️

Mission: Promote policies that ensure ICT accessibility.

Vision: Create a society where ICT is inherently accessible to everyone.

Core Values: Integrity, Planning, Consideration, Opportunity

Initiatives: Developed inclusion guidance documents with legal and policy experts and proposed the Tax Recovery Act to provide tax credits for developers making ICT accessible.

Leadership: Douglas George Towne, Chair and CEO. Access Ready, Inc. is supported by various notable individuals and organizations.

Contact: Douglas George Towne, Chari-CEO, Access Ready, Inc., chair-ceo@accessready.org 📧️.

Access Ready, Inc. strives to make ICT accessible through policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions, fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.

👉️ Classified Advertisement: Introducing Innosearch: The Accessible E-Commerce Marketplace for All (Coupon Inside)

At Innosearch, we believe that shopping should be inclusive for everyone, especially the blind and visually impaired. Our platform is specifically designed to provide a simple, intuitive, and fully accessible experience for all users.

Why Choose Innosearch?

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

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Donate: Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anthony-ferraro65/support.

TikTok (133.4K): https://www.tiktok.com/@fourbadeyes

YouTube (4.28K): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrlpwAc7W68j68iP0dQraA

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uredZcxfMba2S84G38mob

RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/db16ff7c/podcast/rss

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Design: Weighing just 900 grams, the biped is designed for comfort and ease of use. It is worn on the shoulders, with strategically placed components for optimal functionality.

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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.

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

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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.

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Editor: Ben Moxey

Editor Since: January 1, 2022

Location: Newcastle, Australia

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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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Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

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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.

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X (Formerly Twitter): @dwoodbridge
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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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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 24, 2024 – Volume 986

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 24, 2024 – Volume 986 ♿️

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News 📰️

News

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

A.) iPhone 16 Pro Max: A Review And Some Thoughts On Which Model To Buy | AppleVis.com | October 15, 2024

B.) AI-Powered Software Narrates Surroundings For Visually Impaired In Real Time | TechXplore.com | October 10, 2024

C.) These 8 Simple Low-Vision Aids Can Be A Huge Help | Reviewed.com | October 10, 2024

D.) These Apps Help People With Disabilities Travel More Easily | Wired.com | October 14, 2024

E.) Meta Ray-Bans Public Beta Open To All! | Aira.io | October 14, 2024

2.) Top Tech Tidbits Welcomes Access Park | Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher | Top Tech Tidbits | October 28, 2024

3.) No Sponsorship Packages Currently Available | TopTechTidbits.com | October 17, 2024

4.) One Time Advertisements Available | TopTechTidbits.com | October 17, 2024

5.) Premium Subscribers | TopTechTidbits.com | October 17, 2024

6.) Sponsored Tidbits | TopTechTidbits.com | October 17, 2024

7.) Do You Have A Link In This Issue? Learn How To Track It For Free | TopTechTidbits.com | October 17, 2024

8.) AI Updates 🤖️

A.) Correction, Update and New Recommendation For ‘AI-Powered Software That Narrates Surroundings For Visually Impaired In Real Time ‘ | Teresa, Reader | October 24, 2024

B.) 10 Custom GPTs That Will Save You Time And Supercharge Your Productivity | PCMag.com | October 21, 2024

C.) Inside The Mind Of An AI Girlfriend (Or Boyfriend) | Wired.com | October 19, 2024

D.) This Prompt Can Make An AI Chatbot Identify And Extract Personal Details From Your Chats | Wired.com | October 19, 2024

E.) AI Detectors Falsely Accuse Students Of Cheating — With Big Consequences | Bloomberg.com | October 18, 2024

F.) Google’s NotebookLM Now Lets You Customize Its AI Podcasts | Wired.com | October 18, 2024

G.) OpenAI Launches Early Version Of ChatGPT Windows Desktop App | OpenAI.com | October 17, 2024

H.) What To Do If You’re Falsely Accused Of Using AI To Cheat | PCMag.com | October 17, 2024

I.) Robots And AI-Powered Assistive Tech Are Poised To Transform Accessibility And Mobility | BusinessInsider.com | October 16, 2024

9.) Apple Updates 🍎️

A.) Apple’s Impressive AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aids Launch A New Era Of Health Tech | HabenGirma.com | October 21, 2024

B.) How To Remove And Replace Your AirTag’s Battery | Wired.com | October 18, 2024

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

10.) Avoid Using The Insert Textbox Feature In MS Word | TheAccessibilityGuy.com | October 21, 2024

News, Trends, Updates and Opinion Editorials 📰️

11.) Sonos Ace Headphones Review, Claude AI Gets Actions & iPad Mini Is Out | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 23, 2024

12.) Podcast: Eyes On Success Episode 2443: Aira Anytime Anywhere | EyesOnSuccess.net | October 23, 2024

13.) Braille Dictionaries From Seeing Hands Updated With Dictionaries In Spanish And Portuguese | Projects.SeeingHands.org | October 23, 2024

14.) Graphics At Your Fingertips: Humanware Propels Development Of TactileView Software | Humanware.ca | October 23, 2024

15.) For Owners Of The Victor Reader Stream 3: Stream 3 Version 1.4 Is Now Live! | Mathieu Paquette, Product Manager | HumanWare | Tech-VI List | October 23, 2024

16.) Aira ASL: On-Demand Interpreting For The Deaf Community | Aira.io | October 22, 2024

17.) The BT Speak Users’ Manual Is Now Available | Tech-VI List | October 22, 2024

18.) From Selvas BLV: Braille eMotion Add-Ons And SensePlayer Update | Tech-VI List | October 22, 2024

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19.) Double Tap Interviews: Glidance Founder Amos Miller Talks About The Future Of Blind Mobility | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 21, 2024

20.) Guidelines For Chemistry In Braille Get Modernized | CEN.ACS.org | October 21, 2024

21.) Bob Asks: “What’s Your Favorite Corner Of The Dial?” | Swling.com | October 21, 2024

22.) The Promise Of Glide & More Feedback | Double Tap | YouTube.com | October 21, 2024

23.) Introducing The Electronic Toy Library/Archive | YouTube.com | October 21, 2024

24.) Podcast: How Many Pee Breaks Do Mainstream Podcasters Take? | ThatRealBlindTechShow.Libsyn.com | October 20, 2024

25.) Podcast: Managing Files In Microsoft Teams With JAWS | FreedomScientific.com | October 20, 2024

26.) The Book Braille On Display: Immense Contribution To The Digital Braille Resources | LivingBraille.eu | October 18, 2024

27.) Handout: Introduction To MuseScore Studio | SoundWithoutSight.org | October 18, 2024

28.) Microsoft Recruits Accessibility App To Make Its AI More Useful To Blind And Low-Vision Users | Engadget.com | October 17, 2024

29.) Blind Meta Ray Ban Review | TimDixon.net | October 17, 2024

30.) Watch Glide’s Latest Demonstration Video — Just Released! | YouTube.com | October 17, 2024

31.) FCC Requires That All Mobile Phones Must Be Compatible With Hearing Aids | CNet.com | October 17, 2024

32.) Survey: Technology Accessibility Study For A11y In Sci Research | Illinois State University | October 17, 2024

33.) Enhancements In JAWS, ZoomText, And Fusion 2025 Public Beta 2 | FreedomScientific.com | October 17, 2024

34.) Survey: Testing The Accessibility Of Verbal Instructions For Blind Exercise Learners | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | October 17, 2024

35.) Clipboard History Is The Best Windows Feature You’re Probably Not Using | HowToGeek.com | October 12, 2024

36.) Introducing: Bolt & Bolt-M | Anduril Industries | YouTube.com | October 9, 2024

37.) Star Wars Outlaws Accessibility Improvements Of Update 1.2 | CanIPlayThat.com | October 6, 2024

Featured Events 📅️

November 1, 2024 | Creatively Learning Accessible Science Summit (CLASS) | Oregon State and Online

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