ACB Focus: Technology: Recent Episodes
American Council of the Blind
Welcome to the Technology Track of the ACB Focus Podcast Series. The Technology Track provides programming regarding how everyone can use the exact same technology as anyone else—regardless of vision status, mobility or how they process information.
20230702 1300 CCLVI Vendor ShowcaseOriginally Broadcasted July 2, 2023, on ACB Media Can't wait to experience new tech at the exhibit hall? Whet your appetite for accessibility as vendors demonstrated new assistive technology. Participants played with gadgets, asked questions, and planned their time in the exhibit hall. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger
20230702 1430 What’s New with JAWS, ZoomText, and FusionOriginally Broadcasted July 2, 2023, on ACB Media Participants joined Ryan Jones from Vispero for the annual User Group meeting. All skill levels were welcome. We demonstrated and discussed the recent developments and look at what's coming in 2024. We also discussed how you can help shape the future of our products. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger
20230705 1600 Explore the Levels of Low Vision TechnologyOriginally Broadcasted July 5, 2023, on ACB Media 3 Do you love the flashiest new tech? Maybe you prefer no-tech options or something in between. Attendees explored high tech, low tech, and no tech solutions for people with low vision.
20230705 1300 Unfolding Aira's RoadmapOriginally Broadcasted July 5, 2023, on ACB Media Attendees journeyed from the Aira product manager's desk to states like Colorado and Alabama, and the corporate offices of some well-known brands to show you what's coming in the world of visual interpreting. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger
20230704 1730 StellarTrekOriginally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media Participants took a journey with HumanWare as they learned about what's new with the StellarTrek. This presentation showcased what's new with this compact GPS and text-reading device. StellarTrek can help you navigate your environment, from reading addresses on doors, to signs on businesses, text has never been this easy to find. You can follow a route in real-time, or browse the world virtually from wherever you are. Getting lost is a thing of the past, as you can map any area- on the street grid, or in an open area, and StellarTrek will guide you to where you want to be. Building on these features, we've added a barcode reader, and color recognition to the StellarTrek's capabilities, with more to come! Edited By: Doug Hunsinger
20230701 1600 Devices and services accessibility at AmazonOriginally Broadcasted July 1, 2023, on ACB Media 4 Amazon obsesses about customer delight, and that includes customers with disabilities. In this session, we discussed the latest accessibility features for Fire TV, Fire tablet, Echo Show, Echo Frames, and more. We shared more about Prime Video's journey to make audio descriptions as common as captions, as well as text-to-speech voice improvements. We also reviewed the suite of award-winning Fire OS accessibility features that have been delighting Amazon's customers with disabilities for years. Edited By: Michael Babcock
20230701 1600 RSVA-Tips and Tricks for the iPhone and MACOriginally Broadcasted July 1, 2023, on ACB Media 4 Listeners heard about using the iPhone more easily. Some great apps for the phone were also discussed. You'll also learn about programs on the MAC. Presenter: Diane Scalzi, Blind Information Technology Specialists Treasurer, Saint Clair Shores, MI Edited By: Michael Babcock
20230703 1730 VictorReader Stream 3Originally Broadcasted July 3, 2023, on ACB Media Participants joined HumanWare to learn about what's new with the VictorReader Stream 3. The VictorReader Stream 3 has been updated with many new highly requested features. In this presentation, you learned about the enhancements and changes incorporated into the world's most popular book reader. We added Bluetooth connectivity, access to modern Wi-Fi bands, updated the audio file formats available, and made playback more enjoyable with improvements to the built-in speaker. With new voices and languages, a download away, listening to your Stream has never been this good! We introduced a new menu structure providing easier and more efficient navigation. We also re-designed the unit with buttons that are more tactually identifiable, a protective cover for the SD card, longer battery life, and more! Edited By: Doug Hunsinger
20230701 1430 RSVA-Tech it Out!Originally Broadcasted July 1, 2023, on ACB Media 4 This session had speakers telling about gadgets and tech used by blind persons. We asked the audience for favorite ones. Edited By: Michael Babcock
20230622 1430 Responsible AI is Accessible AI-Microsoft's approach to the future of accessible technology.Originally Broadcasted June 22, 2023, on ACB Media 5 AI is rapidly transforming the digital world. We aim to build inclusively by focusing on three principles; build accessibly, include data sets that represent disability, and innovate. Participants joined us to learn about our approach and AI's usage within our products. Edited By: Larry Gassman
20230623 1300 Lost in Space iBug Today.Originally Broadcasted June 23, 2023, on ACB Media 3 How do I get out of here? Where did my teddy bear go? Who let the dogs out? Where's my mommy? Want to learn the answers to these questions and more? Attendees joined the iBUG Today team as we explored ways to find stuff that's lost or missing, including ourselves. Presenters: Sandhya Rao and Brad SnyderEdited By: Darcy Burnard
20230623 1130 AI and the Big BoysOriginally Broadcasted June 23, 2023, on ACB Media 2 What do Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Amazon have in common other than they are well funded, massive and have an incredible workforce at their disposal? They are all looking to reinvent themselves to remain relevant. Attendees heard what each company is up to in the artificial intelligence space and what they hope the future will hold. We hope for samples of what they have achieved and some blue skies on how all of this will play out for those of us who are blind. Edited By: Darcy Burnard
20230623 1000 Text to Speech, Artificial Intelligence and YouOriginally Broadcasted June 23, 2023, on ACB Media 2 The future is quickly approaching and now is the time to learn just how it will be affecting you. Participants learned from our panelists what the near future of audio production holds for those of us who rely on audio to read, access video, and interact with the world around us. What will Talking Books become? Will we continue to rely on live describers? Attendees joined the conversation and gave a listen to just how far we have come. Edited By: Brian McCallen
20230622 1000 Envision-A look at the Past, the Present, and the FutureOriginally Broadcasted June 22, 2023, on ACB Media 4 In this presentation, Karthik doves into some of the features of the Envision glasses as well as new and exciting features that will be coming to theEnvision glasses very soon. There was time for questions from the audience.Presenter: Karthik Kannan, Envision - Chief Technology Officer/Co-Founder the Hague, NetherlandsEdited By: Michael Babcock
20220706 Microsoft Windows Accessibility and Features Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees learned about the in-box accessibility features Windows has to offer and received a quick tour of the new features that have been introduced in Windows 11. Participants were able to chat with the team, ask any questions, and provide feedback on the product. Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger
20220706 Accessibility Updates from Instagram and Facebook Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees learned about how Instagram is empowering people with disabilities to connect with people and interests they care about through accessible experiences. We also shared what is new for accessibility with Facebook, Messenger and Whatsapp. Speakers: Kiran Kaja (Accessibility Program Lead, Instagram) Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger
20220704 What is new with Braille at HumanWare Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media
Attendees joined Rachel Feinberg, HumanWare West Region Blindness Product Specialist for an in-depth look into what’s new with Braille products at HumanWare. We looked at the newly released KeySoft update for the BrailleNote Touch Plus, that includes integration with cloud storage through the File Manager, and a brand-new PowerPoint viewer, among many other exciting features! We have also been working hard to bring you the best new software to the Brailliant BI X series, which includes a Braille editor, shortcuts to switch efficiently between internal applications, and audio support, among other exciting enhancements.
Edited By: Regina Marie
20220704 Smart Home Living Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media
A myriad of products that make your life and home more comfortable, cleaner, safer, and independent were demonstrated and discussed.
Co-Sponsored by ACB Next Generation and CCLVI
Edited By: Michael Moran
20220703 What's new with GPS Products at HumanWare Originally Aired July 3, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees joined Rachel Feinberg, HumanWares West Region Blindness Product Specialist for an in-depth look with what is new with GPS products at HumanWare. We looked at new updates to their line of talking GPS devices, including new map updates, new points of interest for North America, and more! In addition, we glanced into the exciting future of GPS products. Edited By: Tony Swartz
20220703 Providing Quality and Affordability - APH High-tech Refreshable Braille Solutions Originally Aired July 3, 2022, on ACB Media At APH, our Mantis Q40 and Chameleon 20 refreshable braille devices have set a standard for high quality and affordability. Attendees joined members of our APH team and decided for themselves what makes these innovative solutions effective for work, school, and home. Attendees learned how our braille-reading customers have benefited and what the future holds. Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger
20220703 Beyond Swiping - Seeking Romantic Connection and Compatibility in the 21st Century Originally Aired July 3, 2022, on ACB Media It's a digital world; so much is accomplished by double-tapping and swiping. Our fingertips make so many decisions for us. We even try to find dating prospects through apps in this busy, cluttered reality. But how do we seek the unique chemistry between humans that no high tech interface can replace? How do we know if a connection is real or just a fleeting rightward swipe? How do we recognize attraction and cultivate romance in this fast-paced world? Attendees discussed and explored the complexities of 21st century dating. We put our phones in our pockets and talked about the core fundamentals we relay upon in seeking lasting compatibility. Edited By: Regina Marie
20220702 411 From the IAC – Updates on Technology Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media The committee provided updates on accessibility technologies from Clark Rachfal, Jeff Bishop with Microsoft, and Ray Campbell with United Airlines. Edited By: Brian McCallen
20220702 411 From the IAC - Low-Tech, High-Tech Fitness Journey Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media The Information Access Committee in conjunction with the Get Up and Get Moving Campaign presented on both low tech and high-tech options for exercise and tracking your fitness. Attendees heard as members shared their journey to better fitness and the devices that helped them along the way. So, whether it is a scale, blood pressure cuff, common household item, personal wearable, smart app, or the latest and greatest piece of exercise equipment, there is sure to be something for everyone to help you on your journey to better health. Edited By: Brian McCallen
20220702 BITS - On the Go - Laptops and Tablets Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media Have you ever wondered about the differences between laptops and tablets? Confused about which one to buy? Attendees enjoyed this informative presentation so you can decide which device is right for you. Edited By: Jenine Stanley
20220702 What's New with JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees joined Douglas Gerry for his annual User Group meeting. All skill levels were welcome. They demonstrated and discussed the recent developments and look at what's coming in 2023. Participants brought their questions and joined the fun as they kicked off the 2022 Convention with the JAWS teams from Training, Sales, and Marketing. Participants received a special gift for attending! Edited By: Jenine Stanley
20220702 BrailleSense 6 Productivity has Never Been More Fun Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees joined HIMS Inc. as they discussed and demonstrated the newest addition to their flagship line of Braille notetakers, the BrailleSense 6 and BrailleSense 6 Mini. Whether you are interested in a highly intuitive and efficient tool for getting work done, or hours of fun and entertainment, the 6 has you covered! The BrailleSense Mini offers the same processor speed, memory, and storage as the 32-cell model, but in a much smaller form factor and at a much smaller price. Have anytime access to cloud-based storage with support for Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox right from within the File Manager. Connect third party peripherals such as cameras, mixers, microphones, and storage devices and take your notetaking experience to a whole new level. Whether you're looking to improve your workflow, stay connected with family and friends via the many third-party meeting and social media platforms, or enjoy hours of entertainment and fun, the BrailleSense 6 has something for everybody. Edited By: Tony Swartz
20220702 BITS: Navigating Your World Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media Do you get frustrated because you have trouble getting help with reading labels or scanning documents? Participants came to this enlightening presentation where they learned about the SuperSense and the Voice Dream App Suites. Attendees were surprised to find out how much these apps help with everyday tasks. Edited By: Jenine Stanley
20220701 CCLVI/BITS: Vendor Showcase Originally Aired July 1, 2022, on ACB Media If you use a screen reader and/or magnification in your daily life, this showcase afforded attendees the opportunity to see what is new in the Exhibit Hall later in the week. Several products were demonstrated with time for questions and answers. This gave attendees the opportunity to prepare their questions in advance of their visit to these vendors and booths, in-person or virtually.
20220624 En-Vision America Originally Aired June 24, 2022, on ACB Media
Accessible Prescription Labeling Advocacy: Board of Pharmacy EN-Vision America presented a panel where Rulemaking vs Legislation was discussed.
Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger
20220624 Super Computers and Super Pups Originally Aired June 24, 2022, on ACB Media
Attendees learned how a guide dog school has teamed up with North Carolina State University and IBM to use artificial intelligence and smart collars to increase the number of exceptional guide dogs available to our community. Panel facilitated by Carl Richardson (Brighton, MA) speakers from: • Guiding Eyes • IBM • North Carolina State University
Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger
~~HumanWare: Meet HumanWare’s low vision line up including a new family member! Attendees explored HumanWare’s low vision portfolio starting with the Reveal 16 product line and its easy-to-use interface. Experiment the very versatile and portable Explore handheld magnifiers and be excited with a sneak preview of its soon to be released new family member. Presenters: ♣ Eric Beauchamp, Director of Product Management, Montreal, Quebec, Canada ♣ Roger Steinberg, Low Vision Products Manager at HumanWare, Lake Wylie, SC
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 20~~
~~Membership Committee; How to Create a Successful Virtual Conference and Convention Panel 1: Tools for planning a virtual or hybrid virtual and in person conference Panelists: ♦ Ardis Bazyn, ACB Membership Committee Chair, Burbank, CA ♦ Tyson Ernst, ACB Radio, Springfield, IL ♦ Sarah Harris, First Vice President, California Council of the Blind, Fresno, CA ♦ Gabriel Lopez Kafati, President, Blind LGBT Pride International, Miami, FL ♦ Kati Lear, Florida Council of the Blind convention chair, Daytona Beach, FL ♦ Sheila Young, Florida Council of the Blind President, Orlando, FL
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 21
Panel 2: How to hold virtual elections Panelists: ♥ Maria Hansen, 1st Vice President, Guide Dog Users Inc. and President Guide Dog Users of New York, New York City, NY ♥ Sarah Harris, First Vice President, California Council of the Blind, Fresno, CA The panels highlighted best practices for positively planning a great conference/convention. Specific tools were suggested for arranging the conference and holding elections. Hand-outs were available as email attachments to those who registered.
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 21~~
~~BRL Program Graphics and e-readers: •Part One: BEYOND Braille: Using the graphics capabilities of braille printers: Attendees learned from a presenter from View Plus on how to print using a Braille printer. •Part Two: An update on the NLS e-reader Project. Speaker: Tamara Rorie, National Library Service, Washington, DC
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 22~~
~~BITS What’s New at Amazon: Existing products, new products, updates, all things new at Amazon, how drones would deliver Amazon packages and more! Presenters: ♣ Peter Korn, Director of Accessibility, Amazon Lab 126, Seattle, WA ♣Joshua Miele, Principal Accessibility; Researcher, Amazon Lab126, Sunnyvale, CA ♣ Elodie Fichet, PhD, Sr. Accessibility Program Manager, Seattle, WA
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 17~~
~~CCLVI Vendor Showcase: Attendees saw the latest technology in low vision devices. What devices will help you stay independent and how much do they cost?
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 18~~
~~Google – What's New in Google Accessibility: Google is developing a tool that will substantially speed the development of audio description. This tool will use Google's new Neural Text-to-Speech technology to make speech sound more natural and human.
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 22~~
~~BITS/SASI: Do You Hear What I Hear: Are you getting the most from your hearing devices? Have you ever wondered if any hearing aids will work with other technology such as your iPhone? Attendees enjoyed an informative presentation during which two audiologists and a Hearing Care Professional served as panelists as they addressed the issues and answered questions. Presenters: • Dr. Carol Hamer, Audiologist, Hellen Keller National Center, Sands Point, NY • Jacob Smith, Hearing Instrument Dispenser, Oak Lawn, IL • Dr. Nancy Mascia, Audiologist, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Birmingham, AL
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 17~~
~~411 from the IAC - Part 1: Braille Notetaking Devices Versus Mainstream Products: Can a blind person be as effective using a mainstream product like an iPhone or are braille notetakers still the way to go in this space? Peter Tucic from HumanWare and Greg Stilson, American Printing House for the Blind discussed the HumanWare BI line of products and the Mantis. This was a lively discussion with some tips and tricks for both types of users. Presenters: ♥ Peter Tucic, HumanWare, Brand Ambassador, Chicago, IL ♥ Greg Stilson, Head of Global Innovation, American Printing house for the Blind, Madison, WI
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 17~~
~~Podcasting for Beginners: This session is for those who are interested in, and nervous about, creating podcasts. We discussed needed and basic techniques. Presenter: Derek Lane, Instructor, IC Music, LLC, Owner, Lane's Audio, Morganton, NC Co-sponsored by: ACB Next Generation, BPI, FIA and IVIE
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 20~~
~~Everything Old is New Again: The New APH ConnectCenter. Attendees joined us while the ConnectCenter team took you on a tour of what makes us your go to place for all you need to know about blindness/visual impairment. This presentation introduced you to our Information and Referral line, and our suite of websites: •FamilyConnect •VisionAware •CareerConnect
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 21~~
~~An Evening With ACB: Panel on Increasing Financial Literacy: Financial issues touch every aspect of our lives. The more we can learn about successfully navigating this whole area of interest, the more successful we can become in handling various financial matters that contribute to our independence. Although we could never hope to fully handle this subject in one panel session, we presented a sampling of topics we believe will be of interest and assistance to convention attendees. Panelists: ♦ Brian Charlson, Watertown, MA, an expert in the area of credit through his work on the Structured Negotiation on Credit Report Accessibility, shared this expertise with us and presented a discussion of the importance of knowing your credit status, and how to obtain and utilize your free and accessible credit reports from the three major credit bureaus. All financial literacy starts with credit, and Brian will tell us just what we need to know about it to make it work for us. ♦ Judy Dixon, Arlington VA, our resident expert in iOS-related photography, stretched our comfort zones by demonstrating the techniques she uses to allow a totally blind person to deposit a check into her bank account using only her iPhone. ♦ Kelly Ford, a brilliant trainer, answer man, and problem solver from Microsoft's Enterprise Disability Answer Desk, Madison, WI, is adept at all things Excel. Kelly shared information on pivot tables and data types, two awesome and exciting features that are accessible and will allow us to track our expenses and get stock-related information using some cool Excel techniques.
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 21~~
~~BPI: 3D Audio Excursion: Grab your headphones and come with us on a 3D audio experience! Let your headphones be your virtual reality goggles as we take you to places so real, you feel like you are actually there. Listen as your environment takes shape above, below and all around you. BPI members: ♦ Chris Snyder, Los Angeles, CA ♦ Byron Lee, Minneapolis, MN, hosted a Q&A session.
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 17~~
~~Microsoft’s mission is to “empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more”: Windows is used by hundreds of millions of people throughout the world and is a critical component of Microsoft’s strategy to achieve its mission. Windows includes features designed to empower every person to achieve their full potential, including people with vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive and speech disabilities. During this session Microsoft covered a few of these Windows features.
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 16~~
~~Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCI-VIS): Three, two, one...blast-off! Attendees joined Dan Oates, SCI-VIS Coordinator, as he discussed the program, the adaptations and the experience of students going to space camp. SCI-VIS is a week-long camp that takes place in September at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. Coordinated by teachers of the visually impaired, students can participate fully in the space camp experience. The Space Camp, Aviation Challenge and Robotics programs are adapted for the blind and visually impaired through which computers used by students have been adapted for speech and large print output. Materials and equipment (including simulators) used during missions are available in Braille and large print. Presenters: ♠ Dan Oates, SCIVIS Coordinator, Romney, WV ♠ Jim Allan, SCIVIS Texas Coordinator and Accessibility Contact, and Accessibility Coordinator at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Austin, TX ♠ Trina Britcher, SCIVIS Material Coordinator and Adjunct Faculty at Marshall University, Bridgeport, WV Co-sponsored by: ACB Next Gen and AABT
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 20~~
~~BITS Virtual Technology Showcase Part One: The four major companies in the field of access technology, Vispero, Hims, HumanWare, and APH, updated attendees on their products. Facilitator: Earlene Hughes, President, Blind Information Technology Specialists, West Lafayette IN Panelist: ◘ Christopher Maae, Student, BITS Vice President, Santa Ana, CA ◘ Vispero: Presenter: Ron Miller, Blindness Technology Product Specialist, Safety Harbor, FL ◘ HIMS: Presenter: Thomas Simpson, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Albany OR ◘ APH: Presenter: Jim Sullivan, Director of Social Enterprise for APH, Louisville KY ◘ HumanWare: Presenter: Peter Tucic, HumanWare Brand Ambassador Blindness Products, Chicago IL
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 18~~
Vispero Interactive Discussion - Software, Hardware, and Training: In this live, interactive session, Vispero covered new products, advances in online training, and attendees had the opportunity to have their questions answered by industry experts. Presenters: ☻ Eric Damery, Vice President of Software Product Management, Clearwater, FL ☻ Rachel Buchanan, Product Manager, User Education and Outreach, Clearwater, FL ☻ Mike Wood, Strategic Accounts Manager, Education, Clearwater, FL ☻ Michelle Williams, Sales Director, North Central US, Clearwater, FL ☻ Ron Miller, Blindness Technology Product Specialist, Clearwater, FL -
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 16
The Sento Showdown Team Presented An overview of Console and Video Game Accessibility: Have you wondered what it would be like to experience video games using elements of assistive technology? Ever considered pursuing your own experience playing video games? Attendees joined the team of organizers that hosted The Showdown during the Summer 2020, the first ever Mortal Kombat 11 tournament exclusive to players who are blind and visually impaired occurred. They provided an overview on navigation using Narrator, the Microsoft screen reader that was implemented into the Xbox One and later consoles. Travel in this virtual tour, filled with narrated examples of playable game designs across the universes of Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Microsoft’s Killer Instinct, Capcom’s Resident Evil 6, NetherRealm Studios’ Mortal Kombat 11, The Coalition’s Gears 5, and the latest golden standard title of our time, Naughty Dog’s the Last of Us Part II. Attendees were invited to engage with the group and ask your questions afterwards. Disclaimer: Mortal Kombat 11, Resident Evil 6, Gears 5 and The Last of Us Part II. are all games rated M for mature audiences by the ESRB. Viewer discretion is advised Panelists: ♠ Gable Meade, Gamer, Cedar Rapids, IA ♠ Carlos Martinez, Gamer, Los Angeles, CA ♠ Carlos Vasquez, Gamer, Houston, TX ♠ Dexter Roberts, Gamer, Los Angeles, CA ♠ Alex Vasquez, Gamer, Los Angeles, CA Sponsored by: ACB Students
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 17
~~411 from the IAC – Part 2: Rehabilitation, providing remote services: Attendees heard from two rehabilitation professionals about what providing rehabilitation services virtually has been like. ♠ Megan Conway from the Helen Keller National Center ♠David Kingsbury from the Carroll Center for the Blind Discussed providing rehabilitation services virtually, what accessibility challenges they faced and how they worked through them to continue serving their clients. They then began a conversation about remote support-based services. Many continue to work from home and they gave some opinions on the leading products in this space and some tips and tricks when working with each of these products. They discussed Apple, Microsoft, AIRA and more during this part of the 411 presentations. In addition, Judy Dixon made a brief presentation about a new technology found on the latest iPhones. Is this truly the thing to have for your iPhone? Attendees learned how this technology can be put to use in your environment to help follow people in a line, learn about a new space, and locate large objects. Presenters: ♠ Megan A. Conway, PhD, Research and Accessibility Specialist, Helen Keller National Center, Healdsburg, CA ♠ David Kingsbury, Assistive Technology Instructor at the Carroll Center, Stoughton, MA ♠ Judy Dixon, Co-chair of the IAC, Arlington, VA ♠ Ray Campbell, Second Vice President of ACB, Glen Ellyn, IL Co-sponsored by: Information Access committee and Rehabilitation Issues Task Force
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 17~~
~~BITS: Make Your House a Smart Home: Use Smart Plugs, Lights, Door Locks, and Other Smart Devices. Attendees learned about all of the things that you can do to make your house a smart home. Presenters: ♣ Peter Korn, Director of Accessibility, Amazon Lab 126, Seattle, WA ♣ Joshua Miele, Principal Accessibility Researcher, Amazon Lab126, Sunnyvale, CA ♣ Elodie Fichet, PhD, Sr. Accessibility Program Manager, Seattle, WA
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 17~~
Microsoft Soundscape: Opening the Door to New Experiences
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 16
~~BITS Virtual Technology Showcase Part Two: Presenter: Brian Hartgen, Director of Hartgen Consultancy, Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan, South Wales • Brian Hartgen has 24 years experience training visually impaired people how to use adaptive technology, from Braille-based hardware, to screen-reading software delivered within education, companies, rehabilitation organizations, to individuals in their own homes. For the past 18 years, Brian has focused his attention on improving the access people receive from applications using the JAWS for Windows Screen-Reader. Brian holds certificates from the development company in JAWS product knowledge and the Advanced JAWS Scripting course. Brian believes in providing visually impaired people with the best possible service and support. Whether you are a user of the JAWS for Windows screen-reader who needs some training at home, an employer of a blind person who would like to ensure an application is accessible, or you would like a screen-reading product to make your life easier, Hartgen Consultancy can help! Attendees joined us for an informative presentation from Brian Hartgen. Facilitator: Earlene Hughes, President, Blind Information Technology Specialists, West Lafayette IN Panelist: ☺ Christopher Maae, Student, BITS Vice President, Santa Ana, C ☺Rebecca Knaub, Bureau of Blind and Vision services of Pennsylvania, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist/ Assistive Technology Specialist, Harrisburg, PA ☺ Rosanna Beaudrie, Secretary, Blind Information Technology Specialists, Levittown, NY
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 18~~
~~Smart Home Devices - Work Smarter, Not Harder: ACB Next Gen and CCLVI want to help open your eyes to the exciting world of smart home devices beyond the basics. Did you know you can have your floors vacuumed and mopped while you're on a community call, stay in your comfy bed to turn on your ceiling fan in the middle of the night, or even be able to see who's ringing your doorbell if you can not see through the peephole? They discussed smart home devices to help you in the kitchen, keep your home clean, allow you to multitask even better than you are now, and even some to give you peace of mind and security. Presenters: ♦ Aaron Linson - Search Consultant at Talentric LLC and Advocate for all Blind/VI People - Louisville, KY ♦ Tim Schwartz, Host of Life After Blindness podcast and Co-host of the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) Tech Talk - Cincinnati, OH Co-sponsored by: ACB Next Gen and CCLVI
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 19~~
~~HumanWare - Discover the new X Series braille displays and upcoming enhancements for the BrailleNote Touch Plus and Victor Reader! Attendees joined HumanWare to discuss all that is new and exciting with HumanWare’s wide range of blindness products. HumanWare discussed their new intelligent braille displays and attendees received an overview of all that is coming on the BrailleNote Touch Plus. Finally, attendees learned how to easily manage maps online and explore anywhere with the most recent Victor Reader Trek update. Presenter: Peter Tucic, Brand Ambassador of Blindness Products at HumanWare, Chicago, IL
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 16~~
~~ACBS The Sento Showdown Presents: Live Demo of Accessible Video Games: Attendees joined the organizers of The Sento Showdown, a tournament held exclusively for blind and visually impaired players, in their quest to immerse you into the world of accessibility in gaming. They showcased advanced mastery levels of narrated gameplay across a variety of popular video game titles for your entertainment. Attendees had the opportunity to bring their questions and their best gaming spirit! Disclaimer: Some of the games featured in this presentation may be rated M for mature audiences by the ESRB. Viewer discretion is advised Panelists: ♠ Gable Meade, Gamer, Cedar Rapids, IA ♠ Carlos Martinez, Gamer, Los Angeles, CA ♠ Carlos Vasquez, Gamer, Houston, TX ♠ Dexter Roberts, Gamer, Los Angeles, CA ♠ Alex Vasquez, Gamer, Los Angeles, CA Sponsored by: ACB Students
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 22~~
~~Accessibility at Microsoft: Attendees joined Microsoft and learned about accessibility, going beyond the basics to explore topics such as technology and mental health, AI and data representation, and how the blind community is shaping the future of product accessibility. Presenter: Megan Lawrence
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 16~~
~~BPI: Using Clubhouse, TikTok and WhatsApp: People are talking: what drives your voice? Facebook and Twitter were once the reigning social giants. The networking landscape has changed significantly. Newer applications like TikTok and clubhouse are clamoring with new forms of social expression and conversation. WhatsApp has also shaped the way we communicate with one another over the past few years. With all the social networking noise, how do you find the right volume for you? This roundtable discussion, we'll hear from three members of our community shared their favorite platforms that amplify their voices. Attendees joined BPI for a discussion that expanded their social networking horizons. Presenters: ☻ Leah Gardner, Oakland, CA ☻ Byron Lee, Minneapolis, MN
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 18~~
~~Content Creators Café: Attendees joined a diverse group ofcontent creator panelists to learn the ins and outs of content creation! The world of social media content is ever changing, and new trends come up virtually every day, so this was a do not miss event! The panelists delved into every aspect of the creation process from a blind and visually impaired perspective. Everything from the process of curating the content itself as well as the assistive and mainstream technology solutions utilized to get this content out into the world was covered! Presenters: ♠Steven Salas, Content Creator, Podcaster and Chair of the ACB Next Generation Public Relations Committee, Austin, TX ♠ Chris Peterson, Podcaster, Richfield, MN ♠ Amy Wilson, TikTok and Content Creator Co-sponsored by: ACB Next Gen, BITS, FIA and IVIE
- Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 20~~