Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Volume 1047

Black Lens iOS Camera App Review — An Easier Way To Take Selfies! | The Blind Life | YouTube.com | December 22, 2025

Black Lens revolutionizes selfie-taking on iOS devices with its high-contrast visual elements and innovative screen reader functionality. Designed with input from the community, this app simplifies the process of capturing the perfect selfie. Explore the app now on the App Store.

It’s Your Last Chance to Tech the Halls for the Holidays with A. T. Guys

A. T. Guys has loads of tech on sale for those last minute gifts, but hurry, our holiday sales end soon!

Save up to $60 on our loudest Stormbox Blast speakers, or check out our latest audio offering, the Stormbox Lava!

Check out our Sharge desktop charger, or stay charged everywhere with our accessible power banks.

Our Shokz wireless headsets are discounted for the last time this year, now in 3 distinct styles.

Save $500 on Dot Pad X, the future of multiline braille.

Get the Versa paperless slate, our braille alphabet and math blocks, or even a talking shark!

We have lots of keyboards, including our folding model which is back in stock!

Pick up a talking voice recorder, the Meater Cooking Thermometer, the Hable braille keyboard & Hable Easy smartphone controler, the BlindShell 3 cell phone, WayAround tags, or a case for your tech.

And the Braille Doodle is back in stock! Order to get yours while supplies last!

Hurry, Many deals end soon!

Visit https://atguys.com or call +1 (269) 216-4798 📱️.

👉 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.

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

A.) State Of Accessible Homes, Micro Frustrations, And The Future Of AI Glasses For Blind Users | Double Tap | YouTube.com | December 15, 2025

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece delve into the latest advancements in assistive technology, discussing the Ally Solos smart glasses, Samsung’s accessible washing machines, and the nuances of daily life with vision impairment. They combine humor with insights, reflecting on listener feedback and exploring the implications of emerging technologies for the blind community.

B.) The Old Ways Are The Best: 100 Lighthouse, 0ms TBT, 32ms Queries | PerfPlanet.com | December 17, 2025

The article explores how mainframe-era techniques and native browser APIs can outperform modern frameworks in web performance. It highlights impressive metrics, including a total blocking time of 0ms and a Lighthouse score of 100, showcasing the benefits of a minimalist approach to frontend development.

C.) New AI App Helps Blind Users ‘Feel’ Where Objects Are; Here’s All You Need To Know About It | Mid-Day.com | December 14, 2025

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed an innovative smartphone app called NaviSense, which assists visually impaired users in locating objects through real-time guidance using spoken prompts. This application leverages advanced AI technologies to achieve a higher identification accuracy and speed compared to existing visual-aid tools.

D.) State Of Accessible Homes, Micro Frustrations, And The Future Of AI Glasses For Blind Users | Double Tap | YouTube.com | December 15, 2025

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece delve into the latest advancements in assistive technology, discussing the Ally Solos smart glasses, Samsung’s accessible washing machines, and the nuances of daily life with vision impairment. They combine humor with insights, reflecting on listener feedback and exploring the implications of emerging technologies for the blind community.

E.) Apple’s “Remarkable” Ad, Living With AI And Privacy Concerns & When Your Washer Talks Back | Double Tap | YouTube.com | December 12, 2025

Blind tech enthusiasts react to Apple’s new accessibility initiative while uncovering the impressive features of Samsung’s smart washer-dryer. The hosts, joined by a guest expert, engage in a thoughtful conversation about inclusivity, privacy risks in AI, and the balance between innovative technology and user safety.

2.) Humanity’s Gifts: Success, Work, Wealth, and Wisdom for a Thriving AI Age – Book | Max Bustillos | December 25, 2025

Navigating the complex road of the AI Age requires more than hype; it demands strategy. This book is not a magic pill, but a strategic map filled with critical forecasts and actionable insights to help you adapt. Inside, you will find a pragmatic guide to: The New Job Landscape: Don’t face obsolescence. Get concrete projections on which skills will become worthless and which will become priceless in the new economy. Wealth & Risk: The rules of money are rewriting themselves. Gain the tools to spot investment opportunities and protect your future from systemic risks. The Rise of Humanoid Robots: AI is getting a body. Analyze the inevitable impact of embodied AI on physical labor and services before the disruption arrives at your doorstep. The Ultimate Synergy: Master the “Two Tool Boxes” strategy. Learn to combine your innate human abilities with the unbiased processing power of AI to create true value. And more … | Read a Free Sample | Enjoy The Chapter 35 Soundtrack

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3.) Apple Updates 🍎️

Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on Apple.

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A.) Black Lens iOS Camera App Review – An Easier Way To Take Selfies! | The Blind Life | YouTube.com | December 22, 2025

Black Lens revolutionizes selfie-taking on iOS devices with its high-contrast visual elements and innovative screen reader functionality. Designed with input from the community, this app simplifies the process of capturing the perfect selfie. Explore the app now on the App Store.

B.) Making An iOS E-Commerce Product Detail Page Accessible To VoiceOver And Beyond | AxessLab.com | December 22, 2025

The article outlines the process of enhancing the accessibility of an iOS e-commerce Product Detail Page (PDP) for VoiceOver users, detailing the accessibility issues encountered and the solutions implemented. By employing SwiftUI’s accessibility features, the improvements not only enhanced the VoiceOver experience but also benefited other assistive technologies like Full Keyboard Access and Voice Control.

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4.) AI Updates 🤖️

Skip this Tidbit to skip all updates on AI.

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A.) Test The .lumen Glasses For The Blind At CES 2026 | Dotlumen.com | December 23, 2025

At CES 2026, attendees can experience the .lumen Glasses, an AI-powered wearable designed for blind individuals to navigate independently. The glasses utilize spatial intelligence and a haptic interface to guide users, enhancing mobility without relying on audio instructions or internet connectivity.

B.) Eugene Woo – CEO Of Venngage – Creating Accessible Designs & Documents | Accessibility and Gen AI | YouTube.com | December 22, 2025

Eugene Woo, CEO of Venngage, joins Eamon McErlean and Joe Devon to share insights from his journey as an engineer and entrepreneur. The discussion highlights Venngage’s dedication to accessible design, the integration of AI in their tools, and the challenges and expectations surrounding accessibility in the evolving tech landscape.

C.) AI Glasses V21 Software Update: Conversation Focus And Soundtrack Your World With Spotify | Meta.com | December 16, 2025

The latest software update for the Ai Glasses V21 introduces new features aimed at enhancing user experience during conversation and interaction with music. Notably, users can now integrate their Spotify account to create personalized soundtracks that complement their daily activities, marking a significant advancement in wearable technology.

D.) Using Smart Glasses With Aira | Aira.io | December 16, 2025

Aira is exploring partnerships with smart glasses manufacturers to enhance accessibility for blind and low-vision users. The article covers requirements for live streaming capabilities, updates on specific glasses like Meta Ray-Ban and Oakley, and the status of Aira’s service with different products such as Agiga Echo Vision and Envision glasses.

E.) Eloquence Text To Speech | AccessibleAndroid.com | December 16, 2025

Eloquence Text-To-Speech is an adapted voice synthesizer for Android, useful in various applications like screen readers, GPS, and e-book readers. It supports ten languages with customizable voice profiles and includes features like speed and pitch adjustment, though users have reported issues related to crashes and battery consumption.

F.) New “Ask This Book” AI Feature Added to Kindle iOS App | Blog.The-eBook-Reader.com | December 16, 2025

Amazon has introduced a new feature to the Kindle iOS app called “Ask This Book,” allowing users to ask questions about the book they are reading for spoiler-free information on the plot and characters. Currently available only in the US on the iOS app, it is expected to extend to Kindle eReaders and the Android app in 2026, providing users a way to find information quickly and without spoilers.

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

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5.) Comments And Paragraph Mark Accessibility | The Accessibility Guy | YouTube.com | December 22, 2025

Exploring the impact of comments and formatting marks on document accessibility, this guide provides essential best practices for creating documents that are inclusive and accessible to all users.

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News, Trends, Updates and Opinion Editorials 📰️

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6.) Podcast: Eyes on Success Episode 2552 Radio Reading Services in the Digital Age | December 24, 2025

Evan Starnes, a blind audio producer at Aftersight, turned a childhood fascination with sound into a career in accessible media. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Evan about his work on podcasts like Blind Level Tech, the evolution of radio reading services, and how tools like Audacity empower blind creators to produce engaging content.

7.) Twas The Night Before Christmas: Blazie Style | Groups.io | December 24, 2025

This festive parody from the Blazie team reimagines the classic Christmas poem with a tech twist, celebrating a new software update and the dedication of the Blazie staff. With humor and holiday spirit, it captures the excitement of users awaiting their notetaker’s latest enhancements.

8.) The Untold Story of Mr. F and Accessible Media | YouTube.com | December 23, 2025

Experience an insightful exploration into the life and influence of Mr. F, a key figure in the landscape of accessible broadcasting. The conversation covers the pioneering efforts of AMI Audio, the evolution of media accessibility, and the continuing importance of community connections in a rapidly changing digital age.

9.) For AIRA Explorers Who Use The Meta Smart Glasses: Meta + WhatsApp Workaround | Tech-VI List | December 23, 2025

Aira has introduced a temporary workaround for Meta Smart Glasses users following WhatsApp’s recent update that disrupted call link functionality. The guide explains how Explorers can stay connected by setting up WhatsApp calls through Meta’s communication settings, ensuring proper Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, and using the Capture button to switch to the glasses’ camera view during support sessions.

10.) 5 Assistive Apps Making Impact In 2025 | Substack.com | December 23, 2025

This article highlights five impactful apps that enhance independence for users with disabilities. Each app focuses on human support and community collaboration rather than relying solely on AI, ensuring that users receive necessary assistance in various everyday contexts.

11.) FSCast #265. On Hosting A Radio Show, Reading Documents And Developing Your Professional Skills | FreedomScientific.com | December 23, 2025

Mitchell Smedley shares insights from hosting a radio show and his role as president of a college radio station. The episode also introduces Paperback, an accessible ebook reader for Windows, alongside upcoming training opportunities from Vispero.

12.) Bookshare Membership Offer For American Council Of The Blind Members | ACB.org | December 22, 2025

Bookshare is offering discounts on annual memberships for American Council of the Blind members. First-time members can join for 30% off, while existing members can renew at a 20% discount. Students who are ACB members can access Bookshare for free.

13.) Five Accessibility Trends To Watch In 2026 | Buttondown.com | December 22, 2025

Accessibility practices are evolving, moving beyond simple compliance to integration into organizational processes, businesses are increasingly adopting AI for accessibility testing, and using maturity models as planning tools. Key trends indicate a stronger connection between accessibility efforts and business performance, as well as an emphasis on quality in media accessibility.

14.) The Ghost D-Pad And Why “Good Enough” Is Failing Android Braille Users | AccessibleAndroid.com | December 22, 2025

The recent TalkBack 16.2 update disrupts essential Braille navigation for Android users, illustrating a pattern where accessibility is treated as an afterthought. In contrast to Apple’s commitment to excellence, Google and manufacturers like OnePlus are settling for “good enough,” leaving blind users frustrated with navigating their devices.

15.) 6 Web Accessibility Christmas Facts | Substack.com | December 22, 2025

The holiday season creates unique accessibility challenges, emphasizing barriers such as time pressure, cognitive load, and linguistic complexity. It is crucial for digital products to remain accessible during this time to ensure inclusivity for users with varying needs.

16.) Explorer Update: New PDF Editing Capabilities | Aira.io | December 22, 2025

Aira has introduced new PDF editing capabilities for its Visual Interpreters, who are now able to assist with tasks like filling forms, adding signatures, and making comments. For more advanced tasks, a limited group of licensed interpreters can perform functions such as editing existing text and compressing PDFs, available through a customized call with Adobe Acrobat.

17.) Thank You For An Incredible 2025! | Selvas BLV | YouTube.com | December 22, 2025

Selvas BLV celebrates a remarkable 2025, highlighting significant milestones such as the major firmware releases for the BrailleSense 6 tablet and Braille eMotion smart braille display. The continued innovation with SensePlayer enhances the accessibility and enjoyment of reading, music, and multimedia for users.

18.) Another Year Of The Dots | StriveAbility.Uk | December 21, 2025

The article reflects on advancements in Braille technology, particularly highlighting the Help Tech Activator Pro 80, a high-quality Braille display with multiple features. The author emphasizes the continued relevance and importance of Braille in modern assistive technology while addressing common misconceptions regarding its utility.

19.) WhatsApp Web And Messenger Accessibility Fixes | Jantrid.net | December 20, 2025

To improve accessibility for WhatsApp on Windows after the discontinuation of the UWP app, a Greasemonkey script for better usability in Firefox is available. The article also provides similar accessibility enhancements for Facebook Messenger.

20.) Blind Access Journal Launches Community Effort To Improve WSJT-X Accessibility For Aging And Disabled Amateur Radio Operators | BlindAccessJournal.com | December 20, 2025

A community initiative is launched to enhance WSJT-X’s accessibility for blind and disabled Amateur Radio operators, aiming for equitable access in digital communications. The project seeks volunteer developers to improve critical UI components of the software.

21.) Your Feedback: Community Emails And Holiday Surprises | Double Tap | YouTube.com | December 19, 2025

Join Steven Scott and Shaun Preece for a spirited discussion filled with festive tales featuring tech blunders, community stories, and holiday surprises. Navigate through heartfelt, humorous experiences as they highlight accessible technology and tease upcoming special programming that promises to keep the holiday cheer alive.

22.) CCLVI Scheigert Scholarships For The 2026 – 2027 Academic Year | TopTechTidbits.com | December 19, 2025

The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI), an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, annually awards four scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to full-time college students. Scholarships are awarded to Freshman, Undergraduate, and Graduate students, all of whom must be low vision, maintain a strong GPA and be involved in school/local community activities.

23.) ATU760 — SignGlasses With Monique Clark | EasterSealsTech.com | December 19, 2025

Monique Clark discusses SignGlasses, a technology that provides real-time interpreting and captioning services via glasses, enhancing communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The platform fosters inclusion by allowing users to interact in various settings, from classrooms to theme parks, while maintaining eye contact during experiences.

24.) Why Every E-Book Needs An Instant Multilingual Voice Option | GoodEReader.com | December 19, 2025

As AI voice technology evolves, digital books are becoming expected to be interactive and multilingual. This approach enhances accessibility, allowing various users to listen to e-books in their preferred languages and making reading more inclusive and engaging.

25.) Be My Eyes & Art Of Fauna Wins Apple Award, Pluto TV Gets AD & Is Android The Future? | Double Tap | YouTube.com | December 18, 2025

Delve into the world of accessibility in technology through a lively discussion featuring award-winning apps such as Be My Eyes and Art of Fauna. Experience insightful commentary on the expansion of audio-described content on platforms like Pluto TV and the transformative impact of these tools on the blind community.

26.) Blind Rewind – 3 Tips For Keys | The Blind Life | YouTube.com | December 18, 2025

Discover practical strategies to enhance your experience with keys while managing low vision. Explore tips that focus on accessibility and everyday solutions, enabling greater independence and confidence.

27.) iRobot Files For Bankruptcy, Ramblio Makes A Change & Mcdonalds Is Hiring | Double Tap | YouTube.com | December 17, 2025

Exploring the implications of IRobot’s bankruptcy on smart home accessibility, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece delve into the frustrations of a cloud-dependent tech landscape. This episode also highlights Ramblio’s limitations on audio recordings and reflects on navigating cashless living, gift-giving challenges in a digital age, and the poignant lessons delivered by listeners.

28.) Download The December Update Of JAWS, ZoomText, And Fusion 2026 | Vispero.com | December 17, 2025

The December update introduces significant improvements to JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2026, enhancing user experience and efficiency. Key features include a streamlined user registration process and an AI Labeler for generating detailed descriptions for on-screen graphics.

29.) My Most-Used Keyboard Shortcuts For Academic Writing | Veroniiiica.com | December 17, 2025

This article provides a comprehensive list of essential keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Word, particularly beneficial for students with low vision. The shortcuts enhance academic writing efficiency by simplifying formatting tasks in adherence to APA Style guidelines.

30.) Retail Search Accessibility: A Screen Reader User’s Holiday Shopping Experience | Blog.UsableNet.com | December 17, 2025

This article explores the accessibility challenges faced by screen reader users during the online holiday shopping experience, particularly related to search functionality, filtering options, and price visibility. It highlights the need for e-commerce websites to ensure their interfaces are usable for all shoppers, especially as compliance regulations increase.

31.) Round Table Conference Website Now Live! | RoundTableConference.org | December 17, 2025

The dedicated website for the 2026 Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Conference has launched, providing comprehensive information on registration, key dates, sponsorship, and more. Delegates are encouraged to bookmark the site for updates and details as the event approaches in May 2026.

32.) What’s New In The AccessNow App | AccessNow.com | December 17, 2025

AccessNow has launched a significant update to its app, featuring an improved design and smarter functions aimed at enhancing the accessibility information sharing experience. Users can now quickly rate their experiences, share photos, and highlight specific features, making it simpler and faster to engage with the community.

33.) I Am Blind. Self-Driving Cars Like Waymo Give People Like Me Independence. | Acb.org | December 15, 2025

The advent of self-driving technology offers blind individuals a newfound independence in transportation, as it removes the anxiety associated with ridesharing services that often refuse service animals. Claire Stanley highlights her positive experience with Waymo, expressing the need for supportive legislation to facilitate autonomous vehicles in D.C.

34.) Learn To Code Tuesdays 2026 | Substack.com | December 15, 2025

Starting January 6, 2026, Learn to Code Tuesdays offers a free weekly coding discussion and Q&A led by Taylor Arndt. This initiative, building on the foundation established by Laurel Wheeler, aims to create a supportive community where learners can ask questions, share resources, and engage with peers in coding.

35.) Why Accessible Video Is Still Not Possible On Instagram | A11yblog.com | December 15, 2025

Instagram’s lack of support for essential accessibility features, such as closed captions and audio descriptions, renders its video content frustratingly inaccessible for users with disabilities. The article identifies structural issues, including regulatory gaps and cultural priorities within Meta that contribute to this ongoing problem.

36.) Setting Alexa Plus To Automatically Find The Lowest Prices For Items: A Game Changer | Accessiblepass.net | December 11, 2025

The new Alexa Plus feature revolutionizes online shopping by allowing users to set price thresholds for items in their carts. When prices drop to specified levels, Alexa Plus automatically makes purchases, enhancing budgeting control and accessibility for individuals with visual impairments while navigating fluctuating market prices.

37.) Learning With Screen Readers | APH.org | November 20, 2025

Mastering the use of screen readers is crucial for individuals who are blind or low vision, as it enhances their access to technology. Joe Hodge, an experienced user, recommends learning multiple screen readers to increase adaptability and proficiency, while also emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and self-advocacy skills in overcoming accessibility challenges.

38.) ADA’s New 2026 Deadline: What Tech Vendors Need To Know | AxessLab.com | December 10, 2025

A significant update to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that by April 2026, all digital content provided by U.S. state and local governments must comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Tech vendors and service providers working with these entities must be prepared to meet accessibility requirements to avoid being excluded from government contracts.

39.) Best Practices For Authoring MathML In EPUB | InclusivePublishing.org | December 10, 2025

This best practice document published by DAISY outlines techniques and recommendations for presenting mathematics in a way that is accessible to individuals with print disabilities. Implementing these standards, particularly through the use of MathML, will enhance accessibility and ensure compatibility with various reading systems.

40.) Pre-Teaching Programming Languages To Visually Impaired Students | Veroniiiica.com | December 9, 2025

This article emphasizes the importance of pre-teaching programming concepts to visually impaired students to enhance their learning experience. It provides a structured approach to identifying prerequisite skills and offering tailored support, ultimately improving student confidence and performance in coding courses.

41.) Reading With Dot Pad X Webinar: December 8, 2025 | Dot, Inc.YouTube.com | December 8, 2025

Explore how the Dot Pad X enhances tactile literacy by showcasing its innovative multiline Braille capabilities. Designed for portability and versatility, this 320 cell tactile display redefines how readers engage with text across various devices and formats.

42.) How to Make a Voice Assistant Using Raspberry Pi (Full Guide) | RaspberryTips.com | November 29, 2025

This guide covers the step-by-step process of building a voice assistant using Raspberry Pi, detailing hardware and software requirements, including setting up the Google Assistant SDK. It showcases how to configure audio and use Python to interact with voice commands for functionalities like playing music or controlling smart devices.

43.) The Accessibility Problem With Authentication Methods Like CAPTCHA | SmashingMagazine.com | November 27, 2025

CAPTCHA methods intended to secure websites often exclude users with disabilities, rendering large portions of the web inaccessible. Despite advancements in technology, these systems remain a challenge for many, as they require users to solve complex tests that are not designed with accessibility in mind.

44.) Gemini 3.0 (Live Mode) Describes Live Video In Real Time & May Replace Siri! | AccessiblePass.net | November 19, 2025

Gemini 3.0 introduces advanced AI-powered accessibility tools, allowing users to interact with information in real time through features like Live Video Mode and live descriptive assistance. These enhancements significantly improve independence and navigation for blind and low vision individuals, while also potentially replacing Siri on Apple devices.

👉 Submit your event for consideration within this section here.

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January 6-9, 2026 | CES 2026 — Las Vegas, NV | Consumer Electronics Show

Join the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas for CES 2026, one of the world’s most influential technology gatherings. The event showcases groundbreaking innovations, emerging technologies, and sets the stage for the year’s biggest tech trends.

January 8, 2026 | New Year, New Hobby — Find Your Accessible Recreation Fun! | U.S. Access Board

11:30 AM PT, 12:30 PM MT, 1:30 PM CT, 2:30 PM ET, 7:30 PM GMT
In this free 90-minute webinar, the U.S. Access Board explores accessible recreation opportunities under the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards, focusing on boating facilities, fishing piers, and golf courses. Hosted by the ADA National Network in cooperation with the Board, the session includes real-world technical assistance examples, video remote interpreting, and captioning, with continuing education credits available.

January 10, 2026 | Blindshell Classic Phone 3 With AI | Technology User Group At The Maryland State Library For The Blind And Print Disabled

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
TUG is hosting a tech doubleheader showcase that puts innovation front and center! Discover the groundbreaking BlindShell Classic 3 phone, now powered with built-in AI. See it in action, explore its smart features, and learn both its strengths and limitations — so you’ll know exactly how it can fit into your life. We’ll also shine a spotlight on the Image Center — your gateway to specialized services designed to support independence and accessibility. Find out what’s available, and whether you qualify to benefit from these incredible resources. This isn’t just another tech demo — it’s your chance to experience cutting-edge tools, ask questions, and connect with a community that’s passionate about technology and empowerment.

January 20, 2026 | Braille: The Power of Dots | Maryland State Library For The Blind And Print Disabled (LBPD) And Blind Industries And Services Of Maryland (BISM)

2:30 PM PT, 3:30 PM MT, 4:30 PM CT, 5:30 PM ET, 10:30 PM GMT
Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and Blind Industries and Services of Maryland for an interactive evening celebrating Braille as a powerful tool for learning, organization, and independence. The event features hands-on activities, demonstrations of modern Braille technology, and discussions on how Braille supports education, employment, and daily life.

January 21, 2026 | Bett Uk 2026 — London, Uk | Bett

Bett brings together global educators, policymakers, and technology providers in London to explore the future of learning. The event highlights the latest in educational technology and innovations driving accessible and inclusive education.

January 29, 2026 | Atia 2026 — Orlando, Fl | Assistive Technology Industry Association

Hosted by the Assistive Technology Industry Association, ATIA 2026 offers a premier space for professionals and educators to explore hands-on AT demonstrations, attend expert-led sessions, and connect with leaders in the accessibility community.

February 4, 5, and 6 2025 | Noat 2025: EducATe And IntegrATe | NOAT Conference

7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
Join the NOAT Conference for NOAT 2025: educATe and integrATe, a three-day virtual event dedicated to advancing assistive technology education and integration. Held online via Zoom, this interactive experience includes live presentations, vendor demonstrations, and 1:1 networking opportunities designed to empower participants with innovative tools and strategies for inclusion.

February 12, 2026 | Illinois Aer (Ilaer) Conference — Naperville, Il | Illinois Aer

The Illinois AER Conference gathers professionals supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Attendees will engage in workshops, presentations, and discussions focused on education, advocacy, and accessibility best practices.

March 5, 2026 | AzTAP Conference — Arlington, TX | Arizona Technology Access Program

Organized by the Arizona Technology Access Program, the AzTAP Conference delivers in-depth training and showcases innovation in assistive technology. It’s an essential gathering for educators, service providers, and specialists seeking to expand their expertise.

March 9, 2026 | CSUN Assistive Technology Conference — Anaheim, CA | CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in Anaheim gathers accessibility professionals, researchers, and advocates from around the world. It offers cutting-edge presentations, product showcases, and insights into inclusive technology solutions.

April 13, 2025 and April 14, 2025 | The 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference: Infrastructures For Accessibility | The Ohio State University

12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
Hosted by The Ohio State University, the 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference explores infrastructures for accessibility, emphasizing access as essential to design, innovation, and civic engagement. This year’s program invites presentations on policies and practices that advance inclusion and uphold the spirit of the ADA, with a focus on structures that enable full participation across society.

May 21, 2025 | Tech Blitz 2025: Assistive Technology Showcase Brings Together Blind, Deafblind, And Low Vision Community For Innovation, Discovery, And Connection. | Helen Keller Services

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

May 21, 2025 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day | The GAAD Foundation

Join The GAAD Foundation on May 21, 2025, for the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a worldwide initiative designed to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion for more than one billion people with disabilities. The day encourages individuals, organizations, and developers to explore how technology can be designed and built to be accessible for all.

👉 Submit your survey for consideration within this section here.

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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.

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

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1.) FOR SALE: One Gently Used SensePlayer

Listing Date: 12/11/2025 | Price: $400.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used | Description: SensePlayer is an advanced, accessible multi-media player, with built in OCR. A high quality field recorder, handheld tactile keyboard for your smartphone and tablet. The sophisticated functionality and contemporary Android operating system for listening to audio, reading accessible books, and managing media independently. Contact: lacdm11@gmail.com 📧️ or +1 (781) 883-1076 📱️.

2.) FOR SALE: One Gently Used BT Speak

Listing Date: 12/11/2025 | Price: $750.00 USD | Condition: Gently Used | Description: BT Speak is a powerful, pocket-sized computer that features an easy-to-use eight-dot Braille keyboard and responsive speech output. Contact: lacdm11@gmail.com 📧️ or +1 (781) 883-1076 📱️.

3.) FOR SALE: One Buy, Sell or Trade Advertisement (Just like this one.)

Price: $5.00 USD | Description: List your new, gently-used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5 USD.

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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 📱️.

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Website: https://connectalt.com/ 🌐️

About: ConnectAlt is a free, accessible hub that centralizes events, programs, and resources for the blind and low-vision (BLV) community. Built by creator/co-founder Lucie Courtois (who is blind) with Carol Trapani and Ella Deshautreaux, ConnectAlt solves the discovery problem by making it easy to find what’s happening by date, topic, organization, and location including virtual offerings. The team is active across BLV networks and national convenings (e.g., exhibitor at NFB 2025) and partners with nonprofits, service providers, and assistive-tech leaders to help people quickly connect with opportunities that improve daily life, education, mobility, and employment.

Sponsoring ConnectAlt aligns your brand with tangible access and inclusion while reaching an engaged audience of BLV individuals and families, educators, VR counselors, nonprofits, employers, and assistive-tech users. Packages can include high-visibility placement alongside relevant listings and resources, partner spotlights, community giveaways, and event activations around key gatherings such as the Blind Travel Summit (Austin, Nov 13-14, 2025) — all while keeping the core platform free to users. Let’s tailor a sponsorship that advances your goals and measurably expands access for the BLV community.

Social: Follow us on Instagram.

⬆︎ 15.) Sponsor: Double Tap

Sponsor Since: March 15, 2025 📅️

Website: https://doubletaponair.com/ 🌐️

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

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

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

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

⬆︎ 14.) Sponsor: Awarewolf Gear

Sponsor Since: February 28, 2025 📅️

Website: https://awarewolfgear.com/ 🌐️

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

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

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

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

Product Line

⚫️ All Terrain Cane (ATC)

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

⚫️ Urban Xplorer Cane (UX)

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

⚫️ Cane Tips

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

⚫️ Accessories and Apparel

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

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

⬆︎ 13.) Sponsor: Vision Tech Academy

Sponsor Since: January 15, 2025 📅️

Website: https://visiontechacademy.com/ 🌐️

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

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

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

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

📖️ Free Directory for Students

📖️ Free General Profiles for All Access Educators

🏅️ Premium Profiles for Access Educators Who Want More Reach

⬆︎ 12.) Sponsor: Elegant Insights Braille Creations

Sponsor Since: November 22, 2024 📅️

Website: https://elegantinsightsjewelry.com/ 🌐️

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

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

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

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

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

x (Formerly Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram

⬆︎ 11.) Sponsor: Blindly Brilliant

Sponsor Since: September 20, 2024 📅️

Website: https://donnajodhan.com/bb/ 🌐️

About: Welcome to Blindly Brilliant, the inclusive pottery studio of advocate and artist Donna J. Jodhan. Formerly on Etsy, the shop is now hosted by Innosearch to deliver a faster, cleaner, and more accessible experience from first click to checkout. Every product page follows accessible patterns for screen reader users, with clear headings, rich alt text, high-contrast visuals, and keyboard-first navigation.

Need a hand while you browse? CoBrowse AI is available to all BLV and PWD customers for real-time, side-by-side assistance. Get help comparing sizes and finishes, hearing image descriptions, or moving through checkout with confidence.

Explore functional kitchenware and decorative pieces that put touch at the center. Each collection reflects Donna’s belief that art and resilience go hand in hand, and invites everyone to enjoy beautiful, usable design.

⬆︎ 10.) Sponsor: The Apex Program

Sponsor Since: July 16, 2024 📅️

Website: https://theapexprogram.com 🌐️

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

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

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

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

⬆︎ 9.) Sponsor: Innosearch.ai

Sponsor Since: June 7, 2024 📅️

Website: https://www.innosearch.ai 🌐️

Email: info@innosearch.ai 📧️

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

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

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

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

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

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

➜ All in One: Innosearch brings millions of products from top online retailers directly to you, allowing you to shop the best deals with easy checkout and personalized AI assistance.

➜ Shop with Confidence: Rest assured, Innosearch has you covered with free shipping and returns on every purchase.

➜ Know Before You Buy: Innosearch equips you with expert buying guides, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.

How To Shop: Simply create a free account and start shopping today!

⬆︎ 8.) Sponsor: Wayaround

Sponsor Since: January 5, 2023 📅️

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

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

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

Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️

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

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

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

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

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

⬆︎ 7.) Sponsor: Aira

Sponsor Since: August 4, 2022 📅️

Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐️

Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store

Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/

Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 📱️ | AU: +1.800.765.096 📱️ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 📱️ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 📱️

Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📱️ | AU: +61.488.839.767 📱️ | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📱️

Email: support@aira.io 📧️

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

Contact Us | Access Partners | Plans and Pricing

Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time.

Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works.

Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it.

Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

⬆︎ 6.) Sponsor: Fable Tech Labs

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.

⬆︎ 5.) Sponsor: SelvasBLV

Sponsor Since: September 30, 2021 📅️

Website: https://selvasblv.com/ 🌐️

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

Phone: (512) 837-2000 📱️

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

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

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

⬆︎ 4.) Sponsor: Carroll Center for the Blind

Sponsor Since: August 5, 2021 📅️

Website: https://carroll.org/ 🌐️

Phone: (617) 969-6200 📱️

Fax: (617) 969-6204 ░️

Shop: https://carroll.org/store/ 🛒️

Donate: https://carroll.org/donate ❤️

Social: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram

About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living.

⬆︎ 3.) Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions

Sponsor Since: June 3, 2021 📅️

Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐️

Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education.

Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️

Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️

About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We’re proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it’s a right. It’s also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?

Contact us here. We’ll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs.

⬆︎ 2.) Sponsor: Freedom Scientific

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.

⬆︎ 17.) Sponsor: Your Name Here

Purchase: Sponsorship Package 💸️ (Packages currently available.)

Join: Waiting List 📋️ (When there are no sponsorship packages available.)

Sponsor Since: Today 📅️

Website: https://toptechtidbits.com/sponsor 🌐️

Phone: (855) 578-6660 📱️

Email: enews@toptechtidbits.com 📧️

About: 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.

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi

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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
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Editor: John Hanlin

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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.

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Editor: Jenna Lang

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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

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Editor: Stephen (Alex) Marositz

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Editor Since: October 7, 2021

Location: Los Angeles, California

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

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

Stephen (Alex) Marositz

Editor (2021-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology

Accessible Technology Coordinator
California State University, Dominguez Hills 🌐

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Editor: Ben Moxey

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Editor Since: January 1, 2022

Location: Newcastle, Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All the best and happy reading!

Ben Moxey

Editor (2022-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology

Access and Technology Advisor
Guide Dogs, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT) 🌐

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Editor: David Woodbridge

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Editor Since: February 6, 2023

Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Woodbridge

X (Formerly Twitter): @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio

Editor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology

Editor (2023-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Information

National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor
(1990 – Present)
Vision Australia 🌐
Live the life you choose. We’re here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.

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Editor: Vicki Walton

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Editor Since: January 9, 2024

Location: Benton City, WA

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

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

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

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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, 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, 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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