Tek Talk: Recent Episodes
Accessible World
Accessible World seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them.
The Build Program gives Aira Explorers a way to help shape the future of accessible technology while receiving complimentary minutes. As we continue to innovate alongside Google DeepMind to improve and develop Aira AI powered by Project Astra, the Build program helps us learn from real-world Visual Interpreter calls. This program directly shapes the AI tools that can better support blind and low vision Explorers every day. Aira staff join Tech Talk to tell you all about it and how you can take part.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: jenine.stanley@aira.io
Website: https://aira.io/
A groundbreaking leap in assistive technology, Glide combines cutting-edge navigational robotics and AI to provide you with an intuitive and comfortable guided experience. Using real-time data from an array of advanced sensors, Glide autonomously steers the way. It maps the best routes, identifies targets of interest, and avoids obstacles to get you safely to your destination.
Presenter Contact InfoAmos Miller Bio: For Amos Miller, Glidance’s Founder, this isn’t simply another product; it’s a dream realized out of decades spent pushing the boundaries of assistive and inclusive technologies. Since losing his sight in his 20s due to a genetic eye condition, Amos has understood first-hand the challenges the visually impaired community faces and has committed his career to breaking down barriers for the sight-loss community. As Chairman of the Board at Guide Dogs for the Blind (UK) and a former product executive at Microsoft Research – where he founded Microsoft’s Soundscape navigation app, which has since helped countless people navigate the world around them – Amos has been recognized as a pioneer in the field. His belief in and dedication to Glide is about more than just a tool for getting from point to point. It’s about empowering the visually impaired community by unlocking a greater sense of freedom, independence, and autonomy in the way we navigate the world.
Users can upload a video or submit a supported video link, such as YouTube, and Athina AD generates both a written and spoken description of what is happening visually in the video.
During the presentation, Shawn will explain what Athina AD is, why audio description matters, how it can help blind users access more video content, and he’ll do a simple live demo of the current system.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: danielkeen9104@gmail.com
Website: https://athinaad.com/
Want to know about the 2026 ACB National Convention meeting on in-person dates July 24 through July 31 in St. Louis? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: janet.dickelman@gmail.com
Convention website: https://acbconvention.org/?p=119
GLOW stands for Guided Layout & Output Workflow — a guided, confidence-building accessibility experience built for real publishing workflows. The GLOW Accessibility Toolkit helps authors, publishers, and organizations produce documents that comply with the American Council of the Blind Large Print Guidelines and WCAG 2.2 Level AA. The toolkit audits, fixes, and templates Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Markdown, PDF, and ePub documents for accessibility.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: jeff@jeffbishop.com
GLOW website: https://glow.bits-acb.org/about/
If you have accessible appliance recommendations, bring their names and model numbers. Anything used in a household is fair game whether it be TVs, washers and dryers, kitchen appliances, etc. We also want to hear about any tips and tricks used to make your household accessible.
Presenter contact info:Venkatesh Chari, President of Orbit Research
Email: v.chari@orbitresearch.com
Phone: 888-606-7248
Website: www.orbitresearch.com
The primary topic for discussion is about the new BrailleSense 7 which is projected for release this summer. They will also talk about updates to existing products such as the BrailleSense 6, Braille eMotion and SensePlayer, which are all expected to receive updates before the end of the year.
Presenter contact info:Earle’s email: earle@selvasblv.com
Jenny’s email: jenny@selvashc.com
Jenine and Jennipher will discuss how the new Aira integration with the Meta glasses will change your hands-free experience. They also have news about some new Access Network partners around the US that will make the baseball fans stand up and cheer.
Presenter contact info:Jenine’s email: jenine.stanley@aira.io
Jennipher’s email: jennipher.wilson@aira.io
The 41st Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference took place on March 9 – 13, 2026 at the Anaheim Marriott in California. Panelists will include John and Larry Gassman and any who attended and have comments on the technology experienced are welcome to contribute.
Presenter contact info:None
Presenter Contact Info
Email: mike.calvo@pneumasolutions.com
Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/
There’s a lot of news from Blazie Technologies to tell you about on the next installment of Tek Talk. First, we want to let you know what’s happening with the BT Braille. BT Braille has a Braille keyboard, speech output along with either a 20 cell or 40 cell model with lots of apps and features. Customers who have pre-ordered the BT Braille have already received their devices and we continue to update and refine the software to make these devices even better. Not only that but March is a big anniversary month for us as it was two years ago that we began shipping the BT Speak. To celebrate BT Speak’s second anniversary, we have an exciting update to tell you about which will be free for all of our customers.
Presenter contact info:David Goldfield , Director of Marketing
Blazie Technologies, LLC
Email: info@blazie.net
Phone: 772-214-1616
Website: www.BlazieTech.com
The presentation will cover recent developments across the Orbit product line, including braille displays, notetakers and the Orbit Player along with a look at what is coming next. Orbit Research focuses on making high-quality assistive technology accessible worldwide, with particular emphasis on education, literacy, and employment.
Presenter contact info:Venkatesh Chari, President of Orbit Research
Email: v.chari@orbitresearch.com
Phone: 888-606-7248
Website: www.orbitresearch.com
This presentation will cover the history of Agiga and the inspiration behind the creation of EchoVision glasses, followed by a live demonstration showcasing what the glasses can do and how they seamlessly integrate into our busy daily lives. It will also explore the future of EchoVision, including the features and enhancements planned to be included by the time the glasses ship. To find out more or to get on our mailing list so you will be informed with news and anouncements, please visit the
website or email contact@agiga.ai.
Presenter Contact InfoAmy Liu
Email: amyl@agiga.ai
Website: https://echovision.agiga.ai/
In this episode of TekTalk, we’re joined by InnoSearch AI, a platform built specifically for blind and low-vision users to navigate the digital world independently. We’ll explore how InnoSearch enables accessible online shopping, travel booking, and on-demand food and grocery delivery, all designed to work seamlessly with screen readers and voice-first interactions. We’ll also dive into 1-855-SHOP-GPT, a phone-based AI shopping assistant that lets users complete real tasks entirely by voice.
Presenter Contact InfoPatrick Long: Co-founder / CEO of Innosearch AI
Email: patrick@innosearch.ai
Website: www.innosearch.ai
Phone: (408) 256-1883
Cell: (510) 857-4401
Come hear the new BrailleNote Evolve from HumanWare speak for itself. During this presentation, Joel Zimba and Rachel Ramos, (Product Specialists at HumanWare), will demonstrate the BrailleNote Evolve- a full-fledged Windows 11 Computer in the form factor of a convenient travel-sized note-taker. You’ll hear about why the Evolve was designed, a physical description of the device, a tour of the Main Menu, the enhancements to the full-featured Microsoft Office Suite, and how Windows is taking us into the future with Braille at the center. You won’t want to miss it, as this will be an info-packed session!
Please register your interest and be the first to know new information about the BrailleNote Evolve when it becomes available here:
https://forms.office.com/r/7FV7VAx1Zg
Presenter Contact InfoJoel Zimba Email: joel.zimba@humanware.com
Rachel Ramos Email: rachel.ramos@humanware.com
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere-and it’s transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. People around the world are using AI in countless ways, and the blindness community is no exception. More and more organizations are hosting webinars and seminars exploring what AI can do and how it can enhance accessibility.
But what does AI really mean for you?
- Which AI tools are the most helpful?
- How do you use them?
- Has AI made a noticeable difference in your life-and if so, how?
Join us on Tek Talk, August 4, as we turn the spotlight on you, our audience, for an open conversation all about AI and its impact on those who are blind or have low vision. We value your insights, experiences, and questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the discussion!
Join Jeff Bishop on Tech Talk where we take a deep dive in decluttering your Microsoft Edge web browser so that you can be very clean, efficient and privacy focused in your web browsing activities. We will provide a document, and if you are a member of BITS you already have it, and we will walk everyone through the steps necessary to accomplish this goal. See everyone on Tech Talk!
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: jeff@jeffbishop.com
Join Jeff Bishop on Tech Talk where we take a deep dive in decluttering your Microsoft Edge web browser so that you can be very clean, efficient and privacy focused in your web browsing activities. We will provide a document, and if you are a member of BITS you already have it, and we will walk everyone through the steps necessary to accomplish this goal. See everyone on Tech Talk!Presenter Contact InfoEmail: jeff@jeffbishop.com
A. T. GuysWelcome to A. T. Guys – your source for innovative technology and tools that boost confidence and independence. Our accessible products are tailored for blind and low vision users but are great for everyone.
Speak To Me CatalogReady for some Christmas shopping? Well, don’t miss this opportunity to shop from the comfort of your own home and review some of the greatest talking items in the world!!! The Speak To Me Catalog is a family owned, home based mail order business that specializes in products that talk, sing, play music, or record your own special message. You can find a unique practical talking item or a fun and wacky gift idea that adds that personal touch. Choose from our variety of talking clocks, watches, key chains, teddy bears, greeting cards, calculators, stuffed animals, kitchen aids, novelties, bibles, radios, games, toys, talking thermometers, and digital recorders. Speak To Me has something for everyone, even those who are hard to shop for!
Presenter Contact InfoA. T. GuysPhone: 269-216-4798
Email: support@atguys.com
Website: https://atguys.com/
Speak To Me CatalogWebsite: https://speaktomecatalog.com
Email: customer.service@speaktomecatalog.com
Phone: 800-248-9965
Presenter Contact InfoDon Olson and Zhi Huang from the Patron Engagement Section
Email the Patron Engagement Section: nlspes@loc.gov
Mystic AccessWe’re so excited to be part of StockingStuffers this year! Join us as we share a festive mix of classic Mystic Access tutorials, some of our newest additions, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next. Whether you’ve been part of the Mystic Access family for years or are just discovering us, we can’t wait to celebrate the season of learning, laughter, and accessibility with you!
The Harbolt CompanyWelcome to the Harbolt Company. We are more than just a store, we are a community! Over the last 10 years, we have been providing a place for cool and unique products. Our website is completely accessible for the visually impaired and we provide audio descriptions for every item we sell. Whether it be High tech, low tech, or no tech, you never know what you’ll find in our store!
Presenter Contact InfoMystic Access Email: info@mysticaccess.com
Website: https://mysticaccess.com
Podcasts: https://mysticaccesspodcasts.com
Downloads: https://mysticaccessdownloads.com
Harbolt CompanyWebsite: https://harboltcompany.com/
Email: sales@harboltcompany.com
Phone or text: 405-471-1200
Zoom invitationThe Zoom meeting invitation for this Training Class is the following:
Hi there,
Larry Gassman and Alan Lemly are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Tek Talk features Stocking Stuffers Part 1 with Kim and Chris Nova of Mystic Access and Brent Harbolt of the Harbolt Company.
Presenter Contact InfoRyan Jones: Vispero | Vice President Software Product Management
Email: RJones@vispero.com
Phone: 859-333-8191
Website: www.vispero.com
Here’s what the Perplexity AI app says about Indigo Nav:The Indigo Nav app is a fully accessible turn-by-turn GPS navigation tool designed primarily for blind and low-vision users. It was developed by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), a nonprofit known for creating accessible educational and navigational products for people who are visually impaired.[5][11]
Developer and Origin
Indigo Nav evolved from GoodMaps Outdoors, which itself was built upon the legacy of the Nearby Explorer GPS app. Development leadership includes figures such as Mike May, a long-time accessibility technology advocate and developer in orientation and mobility tools. The app was officially rebranded “Indigo Nav” in 2025 under APH’s direction.[2][3][5]
Key Features
Indigo Nav offers a robust set of accessibility-focused navigation tools, including:
– Turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance and haptic alerts for orientation and route feedback.[1][4]
– Waypoint recording (breadcrumbs) allowing users to create custom routes by manually or automatically adding navigation markers as they travel.[4][1]
– LookAround Wand, which announces nearby points of interest (POIs) and intersections when the phone is pointed in a direction.[1][5]
– Virtual Location Mode, enabling simulation of navigation from a chosen point to explore areas remotely.[5]
– Transit routing with nearby stop detection and public transit integration.[1][5]
– Morse code-based haptic feedback patterns for orientation cues.[5]
– Customizable visual and auditory settings, such as color contrast, vibration intensity, and verbosity levels.[1][5]
– Integration with GoodMaps Indoor venues for seamless transition between outdoor and indoor navigation environments.[5][1]
Platform Availability
Indigo Nav is available for iOS and Android devices:
– Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/app/indigo-nav/id945756779
– Google Play Store: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodmaps.outdoors.[11][4]
Website and Developer Information
The app’s developer website and primary organization are:
– Developer: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
– Website: www.aph.org
In summary, Indigo Nav continues the mission of accessible navigation technology for blind and visually impaired travelers, combining outdoor and simulated navigation with innovative feedback systems and integration with the GoodMaps platform.[4][11][1][5]
Presenter contact info:Email: MM@MikeMay.org
Presenter Contact InfoBarry ScheurGuideLight SolutionsEmail: barry.scheur@gmail.comPhone: (617) 969-7500
Quentin Christensen has been part of the NV Access team since 2015 after working as an adaptive technology trainer with a major blindness agency for over a decade. As the Training and Support Manager, Quentin is responsible for the NVDA training materials, certification program and coordinating telephone support. Quentin also writes the fortnightly “In-Process” blog, and is the NV Access presence on a range of social media platforms and email lists.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: quentin@nvaccess.org
Tek Talk welcomes David Goldfield, Director of Marketing of Blazie Technologies, to discuss its newest product the BT Braille. 09/08/2025
This presentation will be by Earle Harrison from Selvas BLV, the proud North America distributor of HIMS blindness and low vision products, and Jenny Axler, from HIMS the manufacturer. Together, they will share new and innovative developments as they relate to the BrailleSense 6 Android tablet and the Braille eMotion smart braille display.
Presenter Contact InfoEarle Harrison, National Account Manager
Email: Earle@SelvasBLV.com
Phone: 512-914-1925
Website: https://selvasblv.com/
EchoVision is the first AI Smart glasses made by, with, and for the blind to provide audio description of the visual world, including:
- Scene description: all detailed of what things look like that a blind person would want to know and sighted people see
- People: height, width, color of skin, eyes, hair, facial expression, ethnicity, age, gender.
- Facial recognition: name + title based on taking a few perspective photos and adding custom name + title.
- Book reading mode: OCR text reading of printed text paper, mail, financial, medical, books. Flip pages and read.
- Live AI mode: Explore the world and it’ll provide play-by-play audio description of what’s in frame of camera.
- Transit: Using voice request to navigate or transit to any point of interest or address and get transit route schedule and preview, so one knows if they need to wait for next bus/train, walk to catch it, or run to make it in time, and build mental map of route.
- Remote visual interpreter: AIRA and Be My Eyes support.
Feels like regular sun glasses:
- Front: square top, mostly straight and slightly curved on side lens, rounded at bottom and inside. Right side has 13MP wide-angle landscape camera. Left: LED indicator to let people know camera is active.
- 2x buttons on top edge of arms near lens: right for AI and left for camera and power.
- Speakers in arm that point towards ears
- USB-C port in back-right arm.
Presenter Contact InfoBio: Kevin Chao has ben blind since 14 years old, has worked in digital accessibility as an evangelist and advocate for nearly two-decades at fortune 50 companies (Sendero Group, Georgia Institute of Technology,, JPMorgan Chase, US Bank, Google, Apple) making mobile apps and websites usable for people with disabilities, including blind people. Chao has been an early adopter, tech enthusiast, and beta tester of many blindness assistive technology, including wearable and glasses (owned or used: eSight, OrCam, Envision, Meta Ray-Bans, , Seleste)and have worked with many blindness companies to provide direct feedback. Chao is Chief Visionary and Evangelist at AGIGA.AI.
Email: kevin.evangelist@agiga.ai
Website: https://agiga.ai/
Ally Solos Glasses redefine how you connect with information and navigate your world. These featherweight, under 50g, splash-resistant smart glasses empower you to simply speak to Ally, just like you would a trusted friend. Your Ally listens discreetly through open-ear audio, providing helpful, instant responses, all while seamlessly connected to your phone via the Ally app.
With Ally Solos Glasses, you can effortlessly:
- Read anything: From signs and menus to mail and screens.
- Understand your surroundings: Get descriptions of places, people, or scenes.
- Recognize what’s around you: Identify objects and familiar faces.
- Stay organized: Ask questions, set reminders, or check your calendar.
- And so much more – all hands-free, simply by speaking naturally.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: kk@letsenvision.com
Website: https://www.ally.me/glasses
Patriot Vision Industries LLC, nestled in the rolling hills of central Florida, proudly designs, manufactures and distributes innovative assistive technology under our PATRIOT brand. Pioneers in the industry, we continually strive to empower our customer’s lives with our award winning products and improve the quality of life for those we serve. Patriot is the brand you can trust. Please call today to schedule a demonstration with one of our authorized dealers in your area, worldwide, or to receive more information or place your order! For nearly 30 years, Patriot is the name brand you can trust for a sight to be seen.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: curtis@patriotvision.com
Website: https://patriotvisionindustries.com/
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: barry.scheur@gmail.comProduct website: https://www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-player-global-version/?srsltid=AfmBOoq_ZKH96pxfgRvRWtKT3G9C8iRtuVoPb90MTJ1SAugslA36_pqD
Below is the AI overview of VoiceVista provided by Google:VoiceVista is an audio navigation app for visually impaired and blind users, built on the principles of Microsoft’s Soundscape project. It utilizes advanced iOS audio technology and location services to provide users with a heightened sense of their surroundings, offering reassurance and confidence in unfamiliar environments. VoiceVista assists users in developing mental maps, navigating routes, and understanding their environment through auditory cues.
VoiceVista is an iOS navigation app designed specifically for blind and low vision users. It evolved from Microsoft’s discontinued, open-source Soundscape project and is now available under the MIT License[1][2][7]. The app uses advanced iOS audio technology and precise location services to help users develop a mental map of their surroundings, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar environments and follow desired routes[1][2][7].
Key features include:
– 3D Audio Navigation: Announcements and cues come from the direction of landmarks, providing a realistic sense of space and improving orientation[1][6].
– GPS Beacons: Users can set audible beacons to guide them to specific points of interest (POIs), even if those points haven’t been saved before[4][6].
– Breadcrumb Mode: Users can mark points along their path and automatically generate a reverse route for easy backtracking[6].
– Customizable Monitoring: Beacons can be set to activate only when a user is within a certain distance, reducing unnecessary interruptions[6].
– Route Creation: Users can create routes using Apple Maps, with beacons placed along the path for step-by-step navigation[6].
– Accessibility: The app is praised for its intuitive interface and effectiveness in helping users explore new areas and maintain awareness of their surroundings[1][6].
VoiceVista is considered a critical tool for the blind and low vision community, offering reassurance and independence in daily mobility[1][2][8].
Sources
[1] VoiceVista on the App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voicevista/id6450388413
[2] VoiceVista – AppleVis https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/navigation/voicevista
[3] Voice Vista App: The Soundscape resurrection … – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47mwTnTrHRw
[4] Why I Like Using the VoiceVista App to Help Me Get Around https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfxPFWWon44
[5] VoceVista – Software for Voice Analysis and Sound Visualization https://www.vocevista.com/en/
[6] My Favorite New VoiceVista app features : r/Blind – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/1ghlo04/my_favorite_new_voicevista_app_features/
[7] BLT Bite: A quick look at Voice Vista navigation app – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq57KPI33QQ
[8] VoiceVista for Leisure Activities – APH ConnectCenter https://aphconnectcenter.org/familyconnect/ideas-for-home-community/helpful-products/soundscape-for-leisure-activities/
Presenter Contact Info
Email: bc4000llc@gmail.com
VoiceVista App Store link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voicevista/id6450388413
Hello everyone. After over two years of work, the third edition of my free book for blind users of iPhones is available. Personal Power: Getting The Most From iOS as a Totally Blind User takes new users from setting up an iPhone through to mastering VoiceOver and using apps. Apple has added many useful things to iOS 18 including a helpful tutorial for VoiceOver among other changes. We’ll discuss what’s in the book, different formats that it’s available in, and my experiences using an iPhone as a replacement for a computer.People can obtain my free book at no cost by visiting:https://michaelfeir.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-third-edition-of-personal-power.html
If people have any questions, they can reach me by email at:michael.feir@gmail.com
Michael FeirPresenter Contact InfoEmail: michael.feir@gmail.comMichael’s Blog: http://www.michaelfeir.blogspot.caMastodon: @mfeir@mstdn.social
Below is the information on the fourth edition of this great resource copied from this Carroll Center website:
https://carroll.org/product/the-windows-screen-reader-primer-all-the-basics-and-more-digital-copy/
The fourth edition of The Windows Screen Reader Primer: All the Basics and More is now out. We are making it available to you for free in Word and ePub formats. It is authored by David Kingsbury, an Assistive Technology Instructor at the Carroll Center for the Blind.
The book is meant to help beginning and intermediate JAWS, NVDA, and Windows Narrator users work more effectively with the most important PC applications. These applications include the Windows operating system, the four primary Office Suite applications (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint), popular Google applications, and the three most commonly used web browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox). Cloud-based file-sharing programs such as Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive are also covered. So too is Adobe Acrobat Reader for accessing PDF files. And participating in, scheduling, and hosting Zoom meetings.
New topics in this edition include coverage of FS Companion, the New Outlook, using advanced Excel functions, and A substantially revised chapter on artificial intelligence (AI) reflecting some of the major changes that have occurred over the past year.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: david.kingsbury@carroll.org
Want to know about the 2025 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: janet.dickelman@gmail.comConvention website: https://www.acbconvention.org/
Presenter Contact Info
Email: peter.tucic@humanware.com
Website: https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/monarch/
J.J. Meddaugh of A. T. Guys will present a demonstration of the new Hable Easy, an 8-button controler that allows you to control your iPhone or Android with physical buttons. Shortcuts for common actions like answering calls, moving between icons, and starting dictation are included. The device is great for those who prefer a simpler layout to the touchscreen or have challenges with touchscreens. The Hable Easy and Hable One braille keyboard will be compared, with plenty of time for questions about these or other related products.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: support@atguys.com
Website: www.atguys.com
Phone: 269-216-4798
About A. T. Guys: A. T. Guys offers Affordable access technology for experts and brand new users. Our products include Bluetooth speakers, keyboards, and headsets, the BlindShell talking cell phones, our accessible portable power banks, and much more. All with knowledgeable tech support from people who use these products every day.
This week on Tek Talk, We will be discussing the devices that we, in our audience, are using and how we are using them. High tech or low tech, it doesn’t matter. This will give us the opportunity to learn from each other and ask questions of actual users, rather then company representatives.
In this TekTalk presentation, Ron Miller will present some tips on reading electronic books with JAWS. Learn more about reading ePub books using Thorium Reader, Kindle electronic books using the Kindle App for PC, and DAISY books using FSReader.Presenter Contact InfoRon Miller is a trainer in Vispero’s Training Department.Email: RMiller@Vispero.comVispero Training Department’s training pages: http://www.FreedomScientific.com/Training
Presenter Contact InfoDon Olson and Zhi Huang from the Patron Engagement SectionEmail the Patron Engagement Section: nlspes@loc.gov
Panelists will include John and Larry Gassman and Steve Bauer. They will tell you about what they experienced during presentations and in the exhibit halls. If you went to CSUN and have comments about the technology you saw, please join us at 8 PM eastern in the Pat Price Tek Talk Training room.
The TTJ Instructor Team of TTJ Tech Services will discuss the numerous free courses they offer each year, along with sharing their teaching philosophies and ways they help students learn to use Apple devices.Presenter Contact InfoWebsite: www.ttjtech.bizEmail: info@ttjtech.biz
Presenter Contact InfoLisa has been fascinated by technology since starting to use a Versabraille in 1984. She enjoys comparing, contrasting, and teaching technology to help others discover all that is available. Lisa has held several jobs in the public and private sectors, and is currently working at Hadley as their Access Technology Specialist. When not working, she provides some private instruction, sings in a local choir, takes piano lessons, reads voraciously, and spends time with her dog, who has no use for technology.Email: lisasalinger@comcast.net
Join us to hear highlights of the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show from Mike May, Gena Harper, and Bob Sweetman. Mike has been providing his summary of CES for over 20 years. They will touch on popular products, cool products, weird products and accessible products.Presenter contact info:
Dave Wilkinson is an endurance athlete who recently attempted to become the first blind tandem cyclist to complete Race Across America, a 3,000-mile race across the US that has to be completed in under 12 days. Dave and his support crew completed 1,200 miles in 4.5 days before various logistical difficulties forced him to withdraw. After initially being crushed at these results, Dave has re-focused his energies into another solo attempt in 2026 and plenty of cycling races and triathlons between then and now. Dave will discuss his Race Across America 2024 attempt, lessons he learned, and how he is re-channeling this disappointment into more rewarding outcomes in the future.Presenter Contact InfoBio: Dave is a Senior Digital Accessibility Analyst for Hilton, tireless advocate for braille, and an accomplished endurance athlete. Dave has completed over 30 marathons, 3 Ironman triathlons, and tons of other races of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. A good friend once described Dave as a good idea taken a step too far, which is now his life mantra.
Blazie Technologies presents, the BT Speak, a pocket computer for the Blind with a Braille keyboard and Speech output.Presenter Contact InfoWebsite: www.blazietech.com
Join Mathieu Paquette and Peter Tucic from HumanWare to discuss all that is new with the Victor Reader Stream 1.4 update. This update introduced many enhancements including audio note categorization and improvements to Bluetooth connectivity. Mathieu and Peter will as always provide demonstrations and field questions, in addition to touching on key updates to other product lines where applicable.Presenter Contact InfoPeter’s Email: peter.tucic@humanware.comMathieu’s Email: mathieu.paquette@humanware.com
Due to confusion with an unrelated pharmaceutical company operating under the HIMS trademark name, earlier this year, HIMS Inc. began doing business as Selvas North America in alignment with its parent company name, Selvas Healthcare, for selling its assistive technology products.Presenter Contact InfoEarle Harrison, National Account ManagerEmail: Earle@SelvasBLV.comPhone: 512-914-1925Website: https://selvasblv.com/
Innosearch AI is an accessible shopping platform for both e-commerce stores and flights. You can easily discover and purchase exactly what you need, all at your fingertips. No complex information—just 500,000 retailers, over a billion products, and no unwanted ads or extraneous information. We provide key facts to help you make decisions quickly.We also have AI to assist you in understanding products and features in a conversational format. Never leave Innosearch—get help from our friendly customer service staff and never deal with annoying customer service reps again. We guarantee all purchases with free returns and free shipping.For TEKTALK listeners only: Get $10 off all orders of $30 or more with code TEKTALK10. That’s Innosearch.ai for all your shopping needs!Presenter Contact InfoPatrick Long: Co-founder / CEO of Innosearch AIEmail: patrick@innosearch.aiWebsite: www.innosearch.aiBryan Vuong: Co-founder, President & CTO of Innosearch AIEmail: bryan@innosearch.aiWebsite: www.innosearch.ai
Chris and Kim will present in the first half hour from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern and Denise will present in the second half hour from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern.
Mystic AccessIt’s the holiday season again, and we here at Mystic Access are excited to catch you up on our most recent audio offerings. For those unfamiliar with Mystic Access, we’re Chris and Kin Nova, a totally blind husband and wife duo who provide extensive, affordable, professionally-produced audio documentation on both blindness-specific and mainstream products. Some of our offerings include audio on the Amazon Echo, the Mac computer, the Google Chromebook, the Victor Reader Stream 3 (audio available at no cost), and much more. Join us for a look into these offerings and others during our Stocking Stuffers appearance. And stay tuned for an exclusive shiny gift code for Tek Talk listeners. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you.
Speak To Me CatalogReady for some Christmas shopping? Well, don’t mis this opportunity to shop from the comfort of your own home and review some of the greatest talking items in the world!!! The Speak To Me Catalog is a family owned, home base mail order business that specializes in products that talk, sing, play music, or record your own special message. You can find a unique practical talking item or a fun and wacky gift idea that adds that personal touch. Choose from our varieties of talking clocks, watches, key chains, teddy bears, greeting cards, calculators, stuffed animals, kitchen aids, novelties, bibles, radios, games, toys, talking thermometers, and digital recorders. Speak To Me has something for everyone, even those who are hard to shop for!
Presenter Contact InfoMystic AccessPhone: 716-543-3323
Email: info@mysticaccess.com
Website: https://www.mysticaccess.com
Bi-Weekly Podcast: https://www.mysticaccesspodcast.com
Free Audio Downloads: https://www.mysticaccessdownloads.com
Speak To Me CatalogWebsite: www.speaktomecatalog.com/
Email: customer.service@speaktomecatalog.com
Phone: 800-248-9965
Mike Tindell will present in the first half hour from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern and Brent Harbolt will present in the second half hour from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern.
Dream VisionMike Tindell from Dream Vision will be presenting a great stocking stuffer idea. Come and learn about the latest hims player called the sense player. This device can do more than you ever imagined. Santa is being nice and offering great holiday promotions you don’t want to miss.The Harbolt CompanyThe Harbolt Company was started in July of 2014 by Brent Harbolt. The company was created out of a love for finding unique and interesting items. Whether it be high tech, low tech, or no tech, we have a little something for everyone. All items that we sell on our web site are guaranteed to be accessible to those who are visually impaired. If it is not accessible, we won’t sell it. We are very serious about accessibility and provide written, and audio detailed descriptions of every item that we sell. Our inventory is constantly changing, so you never know what you will find on our site. We strive to locate a variety of interesting and unique products to make your life a little easier. We ship everywhere in the United States, and to most countries worldwide.We accept all credit and debit cards, and many other payment options including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and we even offer installment payments where you have the option to buy now and pay later. We encourage everyone to sign up for our newsletter list so you can receive our new product announcements, daily deals, contests and promotions, and special events.Presenter Contact InfoDream VisionPhone: 512-662-1629Email: info@dvg-llc.comWebsite : https://www.dvg-llc.com/The Harbolt CompanyWebsite: www.harboltcompany.comEmail: sales@harboltcompany.comPhone: 405-471-1200
Tricia Waechter will present in the first half hour from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern and Kae Ann Rausch will present in the second half hour from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern.
Blind Girl DesignsBlind Girl Designs is a blind centric apparel company. We proudly feature tactile inks on our T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies as well as tote bags. Our prints are filled with whimsical, white canes and tactile braille. We will be excited to audio describe our new holiday prints- wonderful for giftgiving! We now carry size youth small- large, adult small through five XL, and XL tall through 3XL Tall. Our prices start at $29 for T-shirts, 39 for sweatshirts , 49 for hoodies and , 59 for zip hoodies. We love taking phone orders at 862-448-1011, or visit us on our website at www.blindgirldesigns.com.Kae Ann RauschKae Ann Rausch offers a variety of products for Guide Dogs and pets.Presenter Contact InfoBlind Girl DesignsEmail: tricia@blindgirldesigns.comPhone: 862-448-1011Website: www.blindgirldesigns.comKae Ann RauschNot available
Braille Screen Input has been overhauled! iOS and iPad OS 18 include the biggest refresh of Braille Screen Input since the feature was first introduced in iOS 8. Although you can, for the most part, still use Braille Screen Input as you always have done, the new functionality in Apple’s latest flagship operating systems is a source of much excitement throughout the blind community and will almost certainly take your Braille Screen Input experience to the next level.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: matthew.horspool@braillists.org
My Talking Books skill allows NLS patrons with an active BARD account to search, browse, manage, and read BARD audio books on an Amazon smart speaker with voice commands. This product is currently in open beta, allowing up to 5000 users to sign up for an account and try this skill. To read more about this, go to the My Talking Books website:https://www.loc.gov/nls/how-to-enroll/sign-up-for-bard-and-bard-mobile/welcome-to-my-talking-books/TO sign up, go to the My Talking Books Open Beta Registration Form.:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mtb-open-beta
Join Don Olson and Zhi Huang from NLS for information and a demonstration on using the My Talking Books skill on an Amazon smart speaker to read BARD audio books!
Presenter Contact InfoDon Olson and Zhi Huang from the Patron Engagement SectionEmail the Patron Engagement Section: nlspes@loc.gov
Ryan joins us this year as we prepare for the official new release of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion version 2025. We will do a review of the key features and hear all about the release schedule and what to expect. As always, there will be plenty of time to ask questions. Be sure to give the Release notes a review ahead of time and consider installing the Public Beta so you can try some of the new features as they are discussed.Presenter Contact InfoRyan Jones: Vispero | Vice President Software Product ManagementEmail: RJones@vispero.comPhone: 859-333-8191Website: www.vispero.com
Presenter Contact InfoThomas Domville Email: thomas.domville@outlook.comMarty Sobo Email: msobo@mac.comJohn Gassman Email: john1gassman@gmail.com
This will not be a session to give the audience specific technical support where we walk you through a problem with step-by-step instructions. We will only spend a maximum of two minutes on answering each question and the following are examples of the kind of questions we want:
- How do I Braille an at sign on my Braille display in an e-mail address?2. What is the keystroke, on my BrailleSense6, to give me the battery level?3. On my iPhone, Where do I go to set up Braille Screen Input?4. Is Youtube TV accessible for a blind person?5. What is the address of the site for CoPilot?Presenter Contact InfoMike Tindell Email: mike.tindell@icloud.comChris Nova Email: chris@mysticaccess.comKim Nova Email: kim@mysticaccess.com
Quentin Christensen has been part of the NV Access team since 2015 after working as an adaptive technology trainer with a major blindness agency for over a decade. As the Training and Support Manager, Quentin is responsible for the NVDA training materials, certification program and coordinating telephone support. Quentin also writes the fortnightly “In-Process” blog, and is the NV Access presence on a range of social media platforms and email lists.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: quentin@nvaccess.org
Introducing WeWALK Smart Cane 2. Our most advanced smart cane to date, packed with groundbreaking safety, navigation, and AI features. Driven by lived experiences and the voices of our Community, we crafted the Smart Cane 2 with the goal of creating the ultimate mobility tool for visually impaired people. It is a smart mobility companion designed to provide sensory, and multi-modal feedback to people with visual impairment for a seamless orientation and mobility experience with wayfinding and other cutting edge technologies. Experience mobility like never before with the Smart Cane 2!
Presenter Contact Info
Joe Alfonso – Growth Manager
Email: joe@wewalk.io
Kürşat Ceylan Email: kursat@wewalk.io
Website: https://wewalk.io/en/
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As we all know, technology changes continuously with a multitude of new products and accessibility features available. Please bring your suggestions and requests for topics you want discussed in future Tek Talk programs.Presenter Contact InfoOpen forum
The four panelists discussing these glasses will be Jeff Bishop, Michael Babcock, Michael Doise, and Taylor Arndt.Presenter Contact InfoJeff Bishop Email: jeff@jeffbishop.comMichael Babcock Email: michael@payown.mediaMichael Doise Email: mikedoise@icloud.comTaylor Arndt Email: tayarndt@icloud.com
Access AI, our new image description tool, is now available to everyone. We’ll give you some tips about how to use it. We’ll also tell you about our Build AI project and how you can use Aira free and help construct the next generation of AI. That’s not all though. There’s a smart glasses testing pilot, RIM and pricing info plus contests. Learn more about Aira at https://aira.io or call our Customer Care team at 1-800-835-1934.Presenter Contact InfoEverette Bacon, Aira VP of Blindness InitiativesEmail: everette@aira.ioJenine Stanley, Aira Director of Customer Success and EngagementEmail: jenine.stanley@aira.ioWebsite: https://aira.io
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: barry.scheur@gmail.comProduct website: http://www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-speak/
Tek Talk welcomes a panel discussing the ACB convention and those displaying at the Exhibit Hall.
Presenter Contact Info
None
Want to know about the 2024 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: janet.dickelman@gmail.comConvention website: https://www.acbconvention.org/
The BARD website has recently been updated to offer NLS patrons expanded functionality and will serve as a gateway to expanded services in the future. NLS patrons are able to search for and discover BARD books and magazines better than ever before.Some of the features of the new website include:• A reorganization of the Wish List, Reading History, Subscriptions, and Account Settings under one menu.• Book lists such as Recently Added Books and Magazines, Most Popular Downloads, and Wish Lists have new sorting capabilities, patrons can search through these lists, and refine the results by format, language, and subject.• BARD uses an updated Solar search engine, so finding books is now easier than ever before.• Perform Advanced searches to look through the catalog, including the world’s largest Braille music collection.
Join Don Olson and Zhi Huang from NLS for a demonstration of the new BARD website!Presenter Contact InfoDon Olson and Zhi Huang from the Patron Engagement SectionZhi Huang Email: zhi.huang72@gmail.comDon Olson Email: dolson@loc.gov
Peter Tucic and Mathieu Paquette from HumanWare join us today to talk about the StellarTrek, the AI-powered GPS device from HumanWare. Since its launch in August 2022, the StellarTrek has seen many additions to its lineup of features, including a barcode reader, color detection, and most recently, crosswalk detection. Come hear about why the StellarTrek is the perfect companion for the blind traveler!
Presenter Contact InfoPeter’s Email: peter.tucic@humanware.comMathieu’s Email: mathieu.paquette@humanware.com
Next month, Dave and his tandem pilot Jim Trout will become the first tandem solo team to complete Race Across America (RAAM) with a blind rider on the tandem. RAAM is a 3,000-mile bike race from coast to coast across the US. The race has 31 miles of vertical climbing and must be completed in under 12 days.Presenter Contact InfoBio: Dave is a Senior Digital Accessibility Analyst for Hilton, tireless advocate for braille, and an accomplished endurance athlete. Dave has completed over 30 marathons, 3 Ironman triathlons, and tons of other races of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. A good friend once described Dave as a good idea taken a step too far, which is now his life mantra.
The NLS annotation follows:
The raging storm DB116366
Cleeves, Ann Reading time: 9 hours, 50 minutes.
Jack Holden
Suspense Fiction
LGBTQ+
Mystery and Detective Stories
“When Jem Rosco—sailor, adventurer, and legend—blows into town in the middle of an autumn gale, the residents of Greystone, Devon, are delighted to have a celebrity in their midst. But just as abruptly as he arrived, Rosco disappears again, and soon his lifeless body is discovered in a dinghy, anchored off Scully Cove, a place with legends of its own. This is an uncomfortable case for Detective Inspector Matthew Venn. Greystone is a place he visited as a child, a community he parted ways with. Superstition and rumor mix with fact as another body is found, and Venn finds his judgment clouded. As the winds howl, and Venn and his team investigate, he realizes that no one, including himself, is safe from Scully Cove’s storm of dark secrets.” — Provided by publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.
You can find this book on Bookshare at the following website:
https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/5635986?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPXRoZSUyQnJhZ2luZyUyQnN0b3Jt
Please Join Earle Harrison of Selvas North America (Formerly HIMS Inc.) as he offers a product overview of the new Braille eMotion forty cell smart Braille display and discusses how it is changing the modern Braille display landscape.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: earle@hims-inc.com
Tune in to TekTalk as Jane Brassington and Mary Jo Barry dive into the innovative world of SuperNova. Learn about the evolution of this groundbreaking technology, designed to provide magnification, speech, and screen reading across various industries, from business to education and beyond. Discover the latest developments and unique features that set SuperNova apart, as Jane and Mary Jo offer insights and a firsthand tour. Stick around for an engaging Q&A session to get all your questions answered.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: infous@yourdolphin.comWebsite: www.yourdolphin.com/supernovaPhone: 866.797.5921
From HumanWare, we have Peter Tucic, director of strategic partnerships, and Mathieu Paquette, product manager, to discover one of their newest products, the Odyssey. This easy-to-use desktop reader allows you to read documents, converting text into speech. And also, they may have some information on the version 1.3 software update for the Victor Reader Stream 3!
Presenter Contact InfoPeter’s Email: peter.tucic@humanware.comMathieu’s Email: mathieu.paquette@humanware.com
These recorders are accessible and have 32 bit float. Tune in to see exactly what all that means.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: sgreene@zoom-na.com
Matthew Horspool is the General Manager at the Braillists Foundation, which promotes braille and braille technology. He is also heavily involved in both the braille and assistive technology industries, and his day job is delivering screen reader and braille display/notetaker training.
Matthew will speak about connecting a Braille Display..Presenter Contact InfoEmail: matthew.horspool@braillists.org
Panelists will include John Gassman, Steve Bauer, Michael Babcock and Marty Sobo. They’ll play brief audio clips and discuss what they saw in the exhibit hall.Presenter contact info:
Tek Talk welcomes Envision co-founders Karthik Mahadevan and Karthik Kannan as they delve into the latest CSUN updates and discuss Envision’s latest updates including an upcoming AI assistant. Don’t miss out!Presenter contact info:Karthik Mahadevan, Envision Chief Executive OfficerKarthik Kannan, Envision Chief Technology OfficerWebsite: https://www.letsenvision.com/
A groundbreaking leap in assistive technology, Glide combines cutting-edge navigational robotics and AI to provide you with an intuitive and comfortable guided experience.
Using real-time data from an array of advanced sensors, Glide autonomously steers the way. It maps the best routes, identifies targets of interest, and avoids obstacles to get you safely to your destination.Presenter contact info:Amos Miller Bio: For Amos Miller, Glidance’s Founder, this isn’t simply another product; it’s a dream realized out of decades spent pushing the boundaries of assistive and inclusive technologies.
Since losing his sight in his 20s due to a genetic eye condition, Amos has understood first-hand the challenges the visually impaired community faces, and has committed his career to breaking down barriers for the sight loss community.
As Chairman of the Board at Guide Dogs for the Blind (UK), and a former product executive at Microsoft Research – where he founded Microsoft’s Soundscape navigation app, which has since helped countless people navigate the world around them – Amos has been a recognized as a pioneer in the field.
His belief in and dedication to Glide is about more than just a tool for getting from point to point. It’s about empowering the visually impaired community by unlocking a greater sense of freedom, independence, and autonomy in the way we navigate the world.
Website: https://glidance.io/
Tek Talk welcomes Mike May and Gena Harper to discuss the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show and what it means for blind persons.
Join us to hear highlights of the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show from Mike May and Gena Harper. Mike has been providing his summary of CES for over 20 years. They will touch on popular products, cool products, weird products and accessible products.Presenter contact info:
The BARD Express Windows app provides NLS BARD patrons an easy-to-use interface to search, browse, download, transfer, and manage free Braille and audio books. The latest update now also offers the ability to play the audio books on a Windows device!Join Zhi Huang and Don Olson from NLS for a demonstration of BARD Express!Presenter Contact InfoZhi Huang Email: zhi.huang72@gmail.comDon Olson Email: dolson@loc.gov
Blazie Technologies presents, the BT Speak, a pocket computer for the Blind with a Braille keyboard and Speech output. Deane Blazie, David Goldfield, and Stephen Clower will give a demonstration of Blazie Technologies new product and answer questions about the product and the new company.Presenter Contact InfoWebsite: www.blazietech.com
Also, Mike will touch on the almost shutting down of Menus4ALL and the last chance to keep them alive type of situation.
Presenter Contact InfoMike Calvo Email: mike.calvo@pneumasolutions.com
Matt Campbell Email: matt.campbell@pneumasolutions.com
Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: chollis@acb.orgBioCindy Hollis serves as Manager of Membership Engagement for the American Council of the Blind, working remotely from her home in Flat Rock, Michigan. In this role, she works closely with affiliate leaders and members, and oversees the thriving ACB Community platform where more than 16,000 virtual events have been held since March 2020 impacting thousands of people who are blind or low vision.
Born and raised in southern California, Cindy’s family moved to Washington state the summer before her senior year of high school. This is where she attended college, raised two daughters, and worked 21 years in local public schools providing braille instruction and three years as Development Community Outreach Coordinator for the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. She helped charter a local chapter within the Washington state affiliate, where she served as president for eight non-consecutive years, playing an integral role in developing their successful statewide leadership program.
Cindy’s involvement on a national level has included serving two terms on the ACB Board of Publications where she helped draft language for the Hollis Liggett Braille Free Press award, wrote the resolution that created a youth program to be held at ACB conferences and conventions and was the first coordinator of said program, has chaired the Leadership Institute and awards committees, co-chaired the auction committee, and served on the convention planning, membership, resource development, and auction committees.
In her spare time, Cindy enjoys participating in ACB Community events (especially karaoke), spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling with her guide dog, Balsa.
Michael Babcock will share information about Technically Working, hosted by Michael Babcock and Damashe Thomas, focusing on technology and productivity tips across various platforms including Mac OS, iPhone, Android, and Windows.
Michael Doise will share information about the IA Cast podcast.
The iACast is a weekly podcast with engaging discussions related to technology.
Marty sobo will share more about Unmute Presents, our weekly call in show to answer your technology questions. Marty will also share All things Lady A, Katie talks Travel, hint at a new show we have coming and more!
Presenter Contact InfoMichael Babcock Email: michael@payown.media
Michael Doise Email: mikedoise@techopolis.online
Marty Sobo Email: msobo@mac.com
Today we use digital technology. It is commonplace. But in the mid 1950’s they used open reel tape recorders. They cut and spliced tapes to edit material. The first 30 minutes of tek Talk will be devoted to a rather whimsical program from the CBS Radio Workshop entitled: ”I have three heads”. The remainder will be more audience participation talking about your all-time favorite technology Christmas gifts. We will have a fun digital holiday party before closing down until January 8.Presenter Contact InfoNone
If you’re looking for a phone that uses speech throughout, is fully customizable, and uses simple navigation strategies, the Smart Vision 3 by Kapsys may be the answer. Chris and Kim Nova with Mystic Access give you a tour, share how this cell phone compares with others you may know about, and discuss some tips you need to know prior to purchasing your own Smart Vision 3. Get ready for lots of demos and bring your questions.Presenter Contact InfoChris Email: chris@mysticaccess.comKim Email: kim@mysticaccess.comWebsite: www.mysticaccess.comPhone: 716-543-3323
Katie will present in the first half hour from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern and Barry will present in the second half hour from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern.Magical Moments VacationsJoin Katie White as she talks the benefits of travel, budgeting, and planning! Katie will also be giving information on her upcoming guided group cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. Katie is a travel agent who specializes in accessible travel, cruise vacations, all Disney destinations, and Universal Orlando Resort.Guidelights and GadgetsBarry, with an assist from KaeAnn, will be presenting a variety of their new and popular products for the holiday season. In addition to new Braille leather display and tablet cases, they will discuss the entire line of Auguste Reymond Braille watches, and offer a holiday special on their Victor Stream and SensePlayer bundles. They have also now re-manufactured the very popular titanium locking cane in 54 and 60 inch lengths, with an expanded variety of tip choices. Holiday surprises are always appreciated, and they will have three $50 mystery boxes: leather, dog grooming, and electronics. They’ll make sure to cover all of the leather bags, pouches, purses, and waist packs that their customers have come to rely on.Presenter Contact InfoMagical Moments VacationsEmail: Katie.white@mmvagent.comWebsite: www.facebook.com/katiewhite.mmvagentPhone: (317) 694-4023Guidelights and GadgetsEmail: barry.scheur@gmail.comWebsite: www.guidelightsandgadgets.usPhone: (617) 969-7500
Denise will present in the first half hour from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern and Raquel will present in the second half hour from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern.
Speak To Me CatalogWe are happy once again to welcome back Denise Russell the Founder of Speak To Me Catalog. This fine company was founded in July of 1994. Denise and her late husband and dear friend Seth worked tirelessly over the years to expand this fine company. This year once again, Denise will discuss her products for the holiday season.
San Francisco Lighthouse StoreThe store is located at their San Francisco headquarters at 1155 Market Street, on the 10th floor and is called Adaptations. Adaptations Online is where their producsts can be purchased online. Raquel will discuss their available products.
Presenter Contact Info
Speak To Me CatalogWebsite: www.speaktomecatalog.com/Email: customer.service@speaktomecatalog.comPhone: 800-248-9965
San Francisco Lighthouse StoreEmail: rgomez@lighthouse-sf.orgWebsite: https://adaptations.org/
A. T. Guys will present in the first half hour from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern and Mama Otter’s Tidbits will present in the second half hour from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern.
A. T. GuysA. T. Guys offers Affordable access technology for experts and brand new users. Our products include Bluetooth speakers, keyboards, and headsets, the BlindShell 2 talking cell phone, the Orbit Writer and Hable One braille keyboards, our accessible portable power banks, and much more. All with knowledgeable tech support from people who use these products every day.Mama Otter’s TidbitsMama Otter’s Tidbits offers treasures, treats, and trinkets for every taste. We feature a wide variety of affordably priced, handcrafted gemstone jewelry as well as a lovely array of seasonal themed jewelry. Most items are semiprecious gemstones with some being set in sterling silver. Many pieces are one of a kind. We offer free first class shipping in the U.S. and ship worldwide. All items come in a gift box so are ready for giving. Prices start at $9.99. Please visit www.mamaotter.com to take a look at our amazing selection and place your orders. You can also email us at mamaotter1@gmail.com with any questions.Presenter Contact InfoA. T. GuysPO Box 51446Kalamazoo, MI 49005269-216-4798Website: www.atguys.comEmail: support@atguys.comMama Otter’s TidbitsEmail: mamaotter1@gmail.comWebsite: www.mamaotter.com
Matthew Horspool is the General Manager at the Braillists Foundation, which promotes braille and braille technology. He is also heavily involved in both the braille and assistive technology industries, and his day job is delivering screen reader and braille display/notetaker training.
Matthew will speak about choosing a Braille Display. Some of the factors that are important in choosing a Braille Display include: price, type of keyboard, built-in features etc. He will talk about the most common displays on the market and explain how they stack up against those factors..Presenter Contact InfoEmail: matthew.horspool@braillists.org
Microsoft has been hard at work on the next release of Windows 11. Come learn more about the new Windows Explorer, the new CoPilot for Windows, all new voices for Narrator, the changes to Windows settings and much more. We will also spend some time talking about the steps you might consider in taking to optimize your current Windows installation, especially if you use Edge as your browser of choice. Come learn some tips and tricks to tame the Alt + Tab command to your liking and so much more!Presenter Contact InfoEmail: jeff@jeffbishop.com
Quentin Christensen has been part of the NV Access team since 2015 after working as an adaptive technology trainer with a major blindness agency for over a decade. As the Training and Support Manager, Quentin is responsible for the NVDA training materials, certification program and coordinating telephone support. Quentin also writes the fortnightly “In-Process” blog, and is the NV Access presence on a range of social media platforms and email lists.
Presenter Contact InfoEmail: quentin@nvaccess.org
Microsoft has been hard at work on the next release of Windows 11. Come learn more about the new Windows Explorer, the new CoPilot for Windows, all new voices for Narrator, the changes to Windows settings and much more. We will also spend some time talking about the steps you might consider in taking to optimize your current Windows installation, especially if you use Edge as your browser of choice. Come learn some tips and tricks to tame the Alt + Tab command to your liking and so much more!Presenter Contact InfoEmail: jeff@jeffbishop.com
Kindle has over 6 million titles in its US Kindle Store. These books can be read using personal computers, Braille devices, smart phones, and Amazon Echo devices. John and Myrna will provide an overview of using these devices to read Kindle content.Presenter Contact InfoNot available
Ryan joins us this year as we prepare for the official new release of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion version 2024. We will do a review of the key features and hear all about the release schedule and what to expect. In addition, Ryan will introduce Sharkvember and the “Next Big Thing” contest that Freedom scientific is currently running.As always, there will be plenty of time to ask questions. Be sure to give the Release notes a review ahead of time and consider installing the Public Beta so you can try some of the new features as they are discussed.Presenter Contact InfoRyan Jones: Vispero | Vice President Software Product ManagementEmail: RJones@vispero.comPhone: 859-333-8191Website: www.vispero.com
Lots of new and exciting things have happened at Mystic Access since we’ve last had the pleasure of appearing on Tek Talk. In this presentation, we’ll catch you up a bit by discussing one of our most popular newer tutorials on the BlindShell Classic Ii, our bran new tutorial on the Victor Reader Stream 3 which is available to anyone absolutely free, and give you the dish about a few things that will be appearing in the near future. And, just for fun, we’ll also demo a neat app, Call Annie, which features AI, and is free for download for iOS and Android.Presenter Contact InfoChris and Kim NovaMystic AccessPhone: 716 543-3323Email: Info@mysticaccess.comWebsite: www.mysticaccess.comFree Bi-weekly podcast: www.mysticaccesspodcast.comFree Audio: www.mysticaccessdownloads.com
Come learn what is new in iOS 17. Apple has been busily working on the new release and on the 18th of September the world will have access to the new release. Come learn about the many features that are new in this release. We will discuss everything from phone changes, voice mail changes, messaging, VoiceOver changes, interactive widgets and so much more. Expect for a long presentation of the new items in this release. It may seem small from an end-user perspective but the amount of change is significant!Presenter Contact InfoEmail: unavailable
Please once again join us in welcoming HIMS National Account Manager Earle Harrison as he discusses the latest firmware release for the SensePlayer portable book reader, multimedia player and field recorder. The most notable improvements include the ability to customize navigation and speech parameters within the DAISY player and Document Reader, the inclusion of the HIMS Mobile Screen Reader and the ability to access third-party apps such as BARD, Audible and so much more.Presenter Contact InfoEarle HarrisonNational Account ManagerHIMS Inc.4616 West Howard Lane Suite 960Austin, TX 78728Phone: 512-914-1925Fax: 512-837-2011Email: Earle@hims-inc.com Website: www.Hims-inc.com
The below is a direct quote from Adi’s email: “It has been a long time dream for many of us to change the landscape of assistive technologies produced for blind and visually impaired people. We want to get products that are truly innovative, match the 21st century, always connected, and upgradable. Products that really return the best value for the prices we all pay as consumers, instead of having products that rely on legacy technology, which are not driven by us, the users, they are mostly driven by various business decisions that do not always match our expectations. Some of this technology, in its current form, limits us when we want to grow further, to get a job, to have a professional degree, etc. It has been a long time issue that was bothering Adi Kushnir, an Israeli blind assistive technology user and developer, since he couldn’t find the best device for him to use for his personal and professional life. Adi approached Venkatesh Chari, and together, with Orbit Research’s strong engineering capabilities and Adi’s knowledge of the industry and strong product vision, the duo have decided to build AccessMind, a company that will re-define the assistive technology landscape by producing products that combine the latest mainstream approaches, while keeping our specialized accessibility needs, strongly in mind. IN this presentation, we will learn about the companies first product, the Optima Braille laptop computer, that is going to introduce something new and fresh to the all-in-one Braille device industry, currently dominated by products that are traditionally called notetakers.” Presenter Contact Info 1. Adi Kushnir, co-founder and director of product development, AccessMind LLC. Email: adi@accessmind.net 2. Venkatesh Chari, co-founder and CEO, AccessMind LLC, and president and CEO, Orbit Research. Email: v.chari@orbitresearch.com and v.chari@accessmind.net 3. Andre Polykanine, CTO, AccessMind LLC. Email: andre@accessmind.net
As we all know, technology changes continuously with a multitude of new products and accessibility features available. Please bring your suggestions and requests for topics you want discussed in future Tek Talk programs. Presenter Contact Info Open forum
A panel including Michael Babcock, Steve Bauer, Brad Snyder, Mary Beth Metzger, Larry Gassman, and Mike Tindell will discuss their experience at the recent national conventions. Audience participants who attended will also be invited to share their experience. Presenter Contact Info Not available
Join Mike Tindell and Damian Pickering with Dream Vision Group for Tek Talk on Monday July 17th. We are very excited to bring to the Tek Talk community a brand new device released by Help Tech the Activator. Join us to learn more about this revolutionary and innovative braille display with built in note taking capabilities. Control computers and Iphones with the Activator in ways never been seen before. Join us on Monday to find out how this is done. Presenter Contact Info Dream Vision Group Mike Tindell and Damian Pickering Email: info@dvg-llc.com Phone: 512-662-1629 Website: https://www.dvg-llc.com/
We are excited to have the opportunity to make the initial presentation about the Orbit Speak on TekTalk. For those of us who remember the excitement of using our first speech based notetaker those many years ago, that time has come again. The Orbit Speak is a Braille bluetooth keyboard notetaker, book reader, and personal manager equipped with Google voices. It brings all of the power of the Orbit Reader 20 Plus, including forward and back Braille translation without the Braille display at an affordable price. We will describe the layout of the device and demonstrate a number of its powerful features, while also describing the two different models that will be available. Since the release and shipping date is still between 3 and 4 months away, there is still some fine tuning to do, but the unit is in operating condition and we are thrilled to be in the final pre-production stage of a much anticipated release. Of course, we will leave sufficient time for questions. Presenter Contact Info Barry Scheur GuideLights And Gadgets, Inc. Address: 1597 Suncrest Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Phone: (617) 969-7500 Email: barry.scheur@gmail.com Website: www.guidelightsandgadgets.us
AYES Inc. is developing an AI service to assist the blind and visually impaired to explore cities effortlessly. They have developed a mobile application, called OKO, that assists blind and visually impaired people to receive the status of the pedestrian traffic light and helps you with not veering off when crossing the street. OKO doesn't require any additional infrastructure to be installed so every traffic light becomes accessible. OKO helps you cross the street with more ease and confidence. Presenter Contact Info Michael Janssen: founder and CEO of AYES Inc. Website: https://www.ayes.ai/oko
To describe this product, the BrailleDoodle has an array of hundreds of holes, and each hole contains a smooth metal ball that can be pulled to the surface by a magnetic stylus. A tiny spring under each ball holds it up with just the proper force, and the user simply pushes the balls back down to erase what’s been written. On the Doodle side, there is plenty of room to enjoy what some call "The Etch-a-Sketch for the blind." It's also a place where, unlike any other product, graphs can be made and manipulated. The Braille side has examples of letters, numbers, and words, with plenty of space to practice Braille writing. As a teacher and long-time Braille reader, this device interested Matthew, so he reached out to Daniel, the CEO. They have had several hours of insightful conversations, and Matthew has now been appointed the Chief Experience Officer of The TouchPad Pro Foundation. Their innovation, the BrailleDoodle, hopes to enhance education, and make learning fun at home or at school. The price of $75 is unheard of for a device with these capabilities. Anyone can preorder one or more for themselves, their organization, or as a donation. After years in development, the Foundation launched the BrailleDoodle Pre-sale Kickstarter on May 2nd, which was National Teachers’ Day. This low price ends on June 18th. The TouchPad Pro Foundation is a registered non-profit, and all donations are tax-deductible, even on Kickstarter. Creating access to tactile art and making learning fun puts children on the path to a successful education, and therefore, a better future. For more information, visit The TouchPad Pro Foundation Web site. Presenter Contact Info Daniel Lubiner, Founder and CEO of The TouchPad Pro Foundation Email: daniel@touchpadprofoundation.org Matthew Bullis, Chief Experience Officer of The TouchPad Pro Foundation Email: matthew@touchpadprofoundation.org Website: www.TouchPadProFoundation.org
for an update on everything iBUG has to offer.Presenter Contact InfoWebsite: https://ibugtoday.com/
Below is the information on the second edition of this resource copied from this Carroll Center website:https://carroll.org/the-windows-screen-reader-primer-all-the-basics-and-more-second-edition/The second edition of The Windows Screen Reader Primer: All the Basics and More is now out. We are making it available to you for free in Word and ePub formats. It is authored by David Kingsbury, an Assistive Technology Instructor at the Carroll Center for the Blind. The book is meant to help JAWS, NVDA, and Windows Narrator users work more effectively with the most important PC applications—like Microsoft Office, email clients, and web browsers. These applications include the Windows operating system, the four primary Office Suite applications (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint), and the three most commonly used web browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox). Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive for Desktop, the three most popular cloud-based file-sharing programs, are also covered. So too is Adobe Acrobat Reader for accessing PDF files. A new chapter on participating in, scheduling, and hosting Zoom meetings is included in this second edition. So too is an appendix on using academic style guides for formatting Word documents. A glossary with over 100 definitions of computer-related terms and a set of practice exercises are also included.The book is intended for both beginners and intermediate users. While all the basics are covered, those already possessing a fair amount of experience using screen reader programs in the Windows environment will find useful tools and techniques to further enhance their skills.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: david.kingsbury@carroll.org
Want to know about the 2023 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: janet.dickelman@gmail.com
Below is the information on the SensePlayer copied from the HIMS product website:The SensePlayer is more than your normal multimedia player. Read and play your favorite documents and media from a wide variety of supported file types using the tactile keyboard that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Access web radio, download books, make high-fidelity recordings, connect and control your mobile device, and so much more.Expect more with the SensePlayer from HIMS.Small on Size, Big on FeaturesMultimedia and Book ReaderCan read and play a variety of file types, including TXT, RTF, HTML, HTM, XML, DOC, DOCX, PDF, EPUB, MP3, MP4, WAV, WMA, WMV, OGG, ASF, AAC, AVI, FLAC, 3GP, MPG, M4A, DAISY text and audio, and more.Smart ConnectUnique functionality that allows you to use SensePlayer as a tactile Bluetooth keyboard and remote control for your Apple or Android mobile device. You can also optionally send your Smart phone audio via Bluetooth to the SensePlayer.High-quality RecordingRecord high-quality audio from the internal stereo microphones, or a USB plug and play audio source.Presenter Contact InfoEarle Harrison, HIMS National Account ManagerEmail: earle@hims-inc.com Website: https://hims-inc.com/product/senseplayer/ Support email: support@hims-inc.com
Jeff Bishop, Michael Babcock, Michael Doise and Damashe Thomas will discuss an overview of Chat GPT and AI.
In the presentation, Oran will give a short introduction to NaviLens and the NaviLens codes including a little about how the codes were developed and tested. He will then speak about current use cases and the variety of ways NaviLens codes can be used. Additionally, he will speak a little about the free personal codes as well as the free kit for schools and associations. He will also answer any questions during the presentation.Presenter Contact InfoOran McAllister is the Client Engagement Officer at NaviLens, he is tasked with working directly with the users of the app and codes as well as with organisations who may be interested in using NaviLens technology in achieving their accessibility goals.Email: oran.mcallister@navilens.com Website: https://www.navilens.com/en/
Learn how to create folders and move messages; use basic rules to manage conversations; and use the Clean Up feature to manage your Inbox. Join Ron Miller from the Vispero training department.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: RMiller@Vispero.com
Please join us tonight to hear a report by our Tek Talk team who attended last week’s CSUN conference. The presentation will be all about CSUN including 20 minutes of audio as well as a firsthand discussion.
From the https://www.menus4all.com/ website:750,000 Accessible Restaurant MenusYes, that’s not a typo. The Menus4ALL iPhone app offers 500,000 accessible menus in the United States and 250,000 accessible menus in Canada.Wherever you are and whenever you want, The Menus4ALL iPhone app is the largest network of restaurant menus in one place and all of the menus are fully accessible.Perfect for when you are out running errands and want to know what restaurants are near your current location. Great for planning a night out with friends. Favorite menus that you want to look at later or when you know you are going back for that amazing dish.Presenter Contact InfoStephanie JonesVP of Marketing for Menus4ALLPhone: (901) 428-2942Email: stephanie@menus4all.com Bio: Stephanie Jones is the VP of Marketing for Menus4ALL, an accessibility solutions company, whose mission is to change lives one accessible menu at a time. Stephanie became part of the BVI community when she lost her sight sixteen years ago due to optic atrophy. After completing rehab, she adapted her professional background in pharmacy to teaching individuals like herself with visual impairments. Currently, Stephanie teaches braille and assistive technology with an emphasis on the accessibility features of Apple products. She works with employers, organizations, governments, and companies worldwide on their disability inclusion and digital accessibility. Stephanie met Helen Fernety, the founder of Menus4ALL, in 2018. The pair combined their talents to launch a website offering 50,000 accessible menus throughout the United States in October 2019. In November 2022, the company launched its first iOS app. The app offers 500,000 accessible menus in the United States and 250,000 accessible menus throughout Canada. When Stephanie is not working to improve the lives of the BVI community, she is the proud mother of five amazing children ranging from 10 to 24 in age. She loves to sing and cook for her family and friends. She is honored to be named a WMC TV Midsouth Hero in 2019 based on the nomination of her students.
Debra Erickson is the Executive Chef and Founder of The Blind Kitchen where adaptive culinary tools and cooking strategies are provided to people with vision loss who want to cook safely confidently and independently in their own kitchens. She has significant vision loss due to Retinitis Pigmentosa and was the only blind student in Culinary School. When she is not working in The Blind Kitchen, she teaches Cooking at the Oregon Commission for the Blind to adults with vision loss.Due to timing conflicts from Debra’s teaching schedule, her presentation will be recorded but she should be available live for questions and answers after the recorded presentation.Presenter Contact InfoDebra Erickson, MSExecutive Chef and FounderThe Blind KitchenEmail: Info@theblindkitchen.com Website: https://theblindkitchen.com
We will be discussing some recent iOS apps that have come to our attention and be prepared to share your own.
Join us to hear highlights of the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show from Mike May, GoodMaps Chief Evangelist, and Gena Harper. Mike has been providing his summary of CES for over 20 years. He is currently Chief Evangelist at Goodmaps and has talked about that product on Tek Talk in late 2021. They will touch on popular products, cool products, weird products and accessible products.Presenter contact info:https://goodmaps.com/company/people/5f8f24bfcfdf73000e643b18
The Victor Reader Stream 3 is finally out! After a long wait, Humanware is happy to present the new iteration of its popular product, the Stream. With new features and tons of improvements! Come listen to Peter and Mathieu discuss what’s new, what’s improved, and answer your questions about the present and the future of the Stream!. Presenter Contact InfoPeter Tucic, Humanware Director of Strategic PartnershipsEmail: peter.tucic@humanware.comMathieu Paquette, Humanware Product ManagerEmail: mathieu.paquette@humanware.com
This presentation will discuss using a Mac computer with the VoiceOver screen reader. It will cover the differences between Mac computers, such as laptop and desktop options, as well as an overview of how VoiceOver has developed and evolved over the years by Apple and the growth of its popularity that has led to an explosion of learning and training resources for blind and low vision individuals. In addition, the differences and pros/cons of VoiceOver compared to Windows and Windows screen readers will also be described from the perspective of someone who utilizes and trains users of both platforms. Lastly, an overview of the various built-in applications that come with a Mac and the parallels of using a PC will be touched upon, as well as the use of the Mac in both the work place and the school environment. Presenter Contact InfoJohn D. PanareseDirector, Mac for the BlindPhone: (631) 724-4479Email: john@macfortheblind.comWebsite: http://www.macfortheblind.comApple Certified Support Professional (ACSP)Apple Certified Trainer (ACT)Apple Performance PartnerMac and iOS Voiceover Training And Support
In the presentation, Oran will give a short introduction to NaviLens and the NaviLens codes including a little about how the codes were developed and tested. He will then speak about current use cases and the variety of ways NaviLens codes can be used. Additionally, he will speak a little about the free personal codes as well as the free kit for schools and associations. He will also answer any questions during the presentation.Presenter Contact InfoOran McAllister is the Client Engagement Officer at NaviLens, he is tasked with working directly with the users of the app and codes as well as with organizations who may be interested in using NaviLens technology in achieving their accessibility goals.Email: oran.mcallister@navilens.comWebsite: https://www.navilens.com/en/
Tek Talk welcomes Jenine Stanley, Aira Director of Customer Communications, to discuss the Aira 2023 plans and pricing.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: jenine.stanley@aira.io Website: https://aira.io/
After 100 years, we here at Hadley, have reinvented ourselves to help those who are managing vision loss thrive at home, at work and in their communities. Learn about how Hadley can help you discover new ways to do things that have become more challenging with vision loss. We will also talk about ways you connect with others through Hadley and our podcast, Hadley Presents.Presenter Contact InfoMarc ArnesonDirector of CommunityHadleyAddress: 700 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093Phone: 847-784-2775Website: www.Hadley.eduEmail: Marc@hadley.edu
Bookshare, the worlds largest online library of accessible eBooks, is pleased to announce some exciting new features. Come learn about our new reading tools for computers, mobile devices and Alexa smart speaker plus our new human narrated audio collection. With over 1 million titles that are available any time and anywhere, Bookshare is a great resource for readers who need accessible formats.Not a member, sign up is easy on the Bookshare website. If you have any questions or need support, please contact our Customer Service team at 650-352-0198 or via email support@bookshare.org.Presenter Contact InfoEmail: larar@benetech.org
At Pneuma Solutions we provide a seamless bridge between assistive technology and mission critical applications. Our line of products was built with stability, affordability, and security in mind to attract the largest user pool inside and outside of the office space. The Remote Incident Manager (RIM) has provided secure, efficient, accessible, feature-rich remote desktop access, enabling field technical support providers to cut costs while improving quality of service since 2007.Harness the flexibility of our remote tools to communicate across personal and enterprise networks.Remote Incident Manager Cloud EditionFor field technical support, Remote Incident Manager Cloud Editionallows a technician to take complete control of a distant computer, over a local network or the Internet, and puts the technician in the same Windows session as the user. With full duplex voice communication, stereo audio, and under 99MS latency connections you can use the remote computer as if you were right in front of it. Both users can work in the same applications and documents at the same time, exchange text, and exchange files through the Windows clipboard. Technical or training issues are resolved real-time or a Controller can be given unattended access so computer maintenance can be done when the computer is not in use such as over nights.This technology has a wide range of uses; some of the most common uses are:■ Technical support and troubleshooting■ Training and distance learning■ System administrationPresenter Contact InfoMike Calvo Email: mike.calvo@pneumasolutions.comMatt Campbell Email: matt.campbell@pneumasolutions.com
Tek Talk features Stocking Stuffers Part 3 with Tricia Waechter of Blind Girl Designs and Brent Harbolt of The Harbolt Company. Tricia will present in the first half hour from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern and Brent will present in the second half hour from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern.
Blind Girl Designs Hi I’m Tricia Waechter from Blind Girl Designs and I cannot wait to meet you all at stocking stuffers! I have retinitis pigmentosa and I started my company almost 2 years ago after I could no longer work in a corporate environment because of my sight.
Let’s talk about my products! The most intriguing I think is my T-shirts and hoodie sweatshirts. I have designed 14 different prints with slightly tactile ink, all of the prince except” I love my guide” dog Have White cane’s integrated into the art. We have a Jolly snowman holding a white cane in his branch hand, We have a garden of beautiful colorful flowers, with stems of White cane’s, we have an American flag where the white stripe is replaced by white canes, these are only three of the 14 prints that we have, please tune in and hear about all of our fun and great prints! We have size small through five XL in adult unisex, and in the holiday/ Christmas prints we actually go from onesie to five XL for the family photo shot! See you on the 21st!.
The Harbolt Company The Harbolt Company was started in July of 2014 by Brent Harbolt. The company was created out of a love for finding rare and unique items. Whether it be high tech, low tech, or no tech, we have a little something for everyone. All items that we sell on our web site are guaranteed accessible to those who are visually impaired. If it is not accessible, we won't sell it. We are very serious about accessibility and provide audio descriptions of every item that we sell. Our inventory is constantly changing so you never know what you will find on our site. We strive to locate hard-to-find, unique, and unusual items. By making special purchases, we are able to pass the savings on to our customers. We ship everywhere in the United States and ship to most countries outside of the United States. We accept most payment options including PayPal, all major credit and debit cards, and we even offer a convenient layaway plan. We encourage everyone to sign up for our newsletter list so you can receive our new product announcements, daily deals, contests and promotions, and special sales that we offer.
Presenter Contact InfoBlind Girl Designs Tricia Waechter
Website: Www.blindgirldesigns.com
Email: tricia@blindgirldesigns.com
Phone: 862-448-1011
The Harbolt Company Brent Harbolt
Phone: 405-471-1200
Website: www.harboltcompany.com mail: sales@harboltcompany.com
You can read Microsoft’s promotional comments from Panos Panay, EVP, Chief Product Officer, Windows + Devices, at this website:
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2022/09/20/available-today-the-windows-11-2022-update/
You can read How inclusion drives innovation in Windows 11 at this website:
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2022/09/20/how-inclusion-drives-innovation-in-windows-11/
Presenter Contact Info Email: jeff@jeffbishop.com
The following information about Jeff Bishop can be found on the How inclusion drives innovation in Windows 11 website posted above:
Jeff Bishop is the product manager driving Narrator, the built-in screen reader in Windows. Jeff has been blind since birth and has dedicated his career to building experiences that empower people who are blind. And over the past few years, Jeff has led the way in making Narrator easier and more delightful to use. As he tells it:
As a screen reader user myself, I truly understood the need for some changes to Narrator’s voice. Listening to that voice all day while working, reading an article or book, or just surfing the web on the sofa – it needs to be a delightful experience. To develop the new natural sounding voices for Narrator – “Aria,” “Guy” and “Jenny” – we had to figure out what made a voice “great” for a screen reader user. I spent considerable time with our engineering team to improve responsiveness and other characteristics of the voices, and we tested and gathered tons of feedback to ensure they met my needs as a user and for the needs of all screen reader users around the world.
Drawing on his own lived experience and feedback from the community, Jeff helped bring new natural sounding voices to Narrator. These new voices use state-of-the-art text-to-speech that more closely mirror natural speech, making everything from browsing the web to reading and authoring documents more enjoyable for users who listen to their screens rather than looking at them.
Tek Talk features Stocking Stuffers Part 2 with Denise Russell of Speak To Me Catalog and Barry Carver of Mountain Crafted. Denise will present in the first half hour from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern and Barry will present in the second half hour from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern.
Speak To Me Catalog We are happy once again to welcome back Denise Russell the Founder of Speak To Me Catalog. This fine company was founded in July of 1994. Denise and her late husband and dear friend Seth worked tirelessly over the years to expand this fine company. This year once again, Denise will discuss her products for the holiday season.
Mountain Crafted Mountain Crafted | It Just Makes Good Scents
Mountain Crafted is based in the sleepy little town of Erwin called "Valley the Beautiful" which is situated within the foothills of the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains in Northeast Tennessee. The majestic natural beauty which surrounds us is our incentive for our work. The nature pictures posted on our site are located around and near our home. Nature and all natural are not just a saying to us, they are a way of life and centuries old traditions we strive to uphold. Our instinctive desire is to share what we have learned from our elders and experiences from living here.
Since 2012 we have been offering 100% plant based preservative bath, body & skin care products. We also carry a large 5 ounce bars of goat's milk soap in over 250 fragrances. We also carry a line of aromatherapy products which contain essential oils.
We ship free for orders over $50.00 within the US and we gladly label products with Braille on request at no cost. Also, if you have problems with navigating web sites in purchasing, call us at: 423-743-6805 and we will take your order over the phone.
Presenter Contact InfoSpeak To Me Catalog Website: www.speaktomecatalog.com/
Email: customer.service@speaktomecatalog.com
Phone: 800-248-9965
Mountain Crafted Barry & Debra Carver
Phone: 423-743-6805
Website: www.mountaincrafted.com
Email: Info@mountaincrafted.com
Members of the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild®
Barry will present in the first half hour from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern and krystle will present in the second half hour from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern.
Guidelights and Gadgets GuideLights And Gadgets focuses on five product categories: our new locking telescopic titanium canes; talking medical products; leather products — bags pouches waist packs and carrying cases and just about anything else leather that you need to be protected or carried; a curated list of electronics items that Kae and I use everyday; and lastly, products for dogs and their handlers (grooming, safety, travel, and toys.) We accept orders only via phone or by email, and can be reached at Barry Scheur: (617) 969-7500 bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com KaeAnn Rausch: (781) 286-1696 guidelightdogs@gmail.com. Come listen for lots of holiday specials!
Scentsy Would you like to discover a way to have fragrance in your home without any harmful chemicals, smoke or flame? At Scentsy, we believe in enlivening the senses through fragrance without using any flame, smoke or soot. Fill your life with fragrance as I guide you through what Scentsy has to offer. Some of the categories include: decorative wax warmers, wax melts, body care, laundry care, cleaning products, pet care, items for children and much more. If you would like to reach out to me with any questions, I would love to hear from you.
Krystle Zamudio, Independent Scentsy Consultant Google Voice: 559-201-8382
Presenter Contact InfoGuidelights and Gadgets Barry’s phone: 617-969-7500
Barry’s email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com
Kae’s phone: 781-286-1696
Kae’s email: guidelightdogs@gmail.com
Website: www.guidelightsandgadgets.us
Scentsy Google Voice: 559-201-8382
Email: krystlezamudio@gmail.com
Website: krystlezamudio.scentsy.us
As we all know, technology changes continuously with a multitude of new products and accessibility features available. Please bring your suggestions and requests for topics you want discussed in future Tek Talk programs.
Presenter Contact Info Open forum
Ryan joins us this year as we prepare for the official new release of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion version 2023. We will do a review of the key features, hear all about the release schedule and what to expect.
As always, there will be plenty of time to ask questions. Be sure to give the Release notes a review ahead of time and consider installing the Public Beta so you can try some of the new features as they are discussed.
Presenter Contact Info Ryan Jones: Vispero Vice President Software Product Management
17757 US Highway 19 N, Suite 560, Clearwater, FL 33764
Email: RJones@Vispero.com
Website: www.vispero.com
Join Peter Tucic as he returns to Tek Talk with information on all that is new with HumanWare. Peter will present on recent updates to HumanWare’s braille product portfolio including the implementation of text-to-speech on the Brailliant BI X series displays and direct cloud integration into the BrailleNote Touch Plus amongst other topics. Attendees will also learn about the recently launched Steller Trek GPS device. Peter will have time to answer audience questions throughout the presentation as always.
Presenter Contact Info Email: Peter.Tucic@humanware.com
What are the new features in IOS 16? Should you upgrade or wait?
Are there any features that you should stay away from due to inaccessibility? Join Jeff Bishop, who will walk you through the pros and cons of IOS 16 Monday on TekTalk.
Presenter Contact Info Email: jeff@jeffbishop.com
What troubleshooting steps can you take when JAWS isn’t acting as expected? Where can you go for “at your fingertips” help? September 12th, Ron Miller from Vispero will discuss some troubleshooting tips you can remember and ways to keep JAWS Help at your fingertips.
Presenter Contact Info Ron Miller: Vispero’s Blindness Technology Product Specialist
Phone: 800-444-4443 EXT. 1171 or 803-8000 EXT. 1171
Email: RMiller@Vispero.com
There's a Lot to Love About Leasey in 2022!
Lots of people are talking about the product Leasey this year. Leasey is a power-house of tools and services to support the JAWS screen-reader, ZoomText Fusion or ElBraille.
In the upcoming Tek Talk, learn about just some of what is new in the most recent updates. Find out how easy it is to work with YouTube, EBay, Amazon, WhatsApp and more. Brian from Hartgen Consultancy will guide you through some of the most recent innovations. He cannot demonstrate them all as there are so many, but he'll get through plenty of them. Plus he'll give you a glimpse of a major feature now under development. That is a Tek Talk exclusive!
Brian will also give you an overview of training courses available from Hartgen Consultancy including the new Opening Windows scheduled for later this year.
Presenter Contact Info Email: brian@hartgenconsultancy.com
Website: http://hartgen.org/
Telephone (in the UK): 02921-051325
Telephone (in the United States of America): 239-256-7779
Bob will introduce the Envision Technologies AI system to the Tech Talk members. He will compare this system to other assistive technology devices and discuss the components of the system and how the features can help the BVI community.
Presenter Contact Info Email: bob@letsenvision.com
Website: https://www.letsenvision.com/
Cell phone: 832-443-6458
Bio: Assistive Tech trainer for VRS of the Texas Workforce Commission Certified in JAWS, OpenBook, Fusion, ZoomText, Windows, OSX, IOS Provide training on HIMMS, Humanware, Freedom Scientific, Optilek and others Worked for OrCam for 6 years
During this week’s tech Talk presentation, Earle Harrison from HIMS Inc will be joined by Jenny Axler from HIMS International. Together they will discuss the latest features of the 1.7 BrailleSense 6 firmware including Cloud drive integration, support for OAuth login for email and Bookshare, changes to the media player, new global hotkeys and more.
They will also share experiences with useful apps downloaded from the Play store that they use on the daily basis as well as hardware peripherals such as Microphones, mixers, video capture cards, monitors and Qwerty keyboards.
Presenter Contact Info If you would like more information on HIMS high quality braille devices, U.S. and Canadian customers can contact HIMS Inc at:
Phone: 512-837-2000 Option 1 for support and option 2 for sales
Sales email: sales@hims-inc.com
Support email: support@hims-inc.com
The BlindShell Classic 2 is an accessible cell phone for people with any degree of sight loss. BlindShell has tactile buttons and is menu driven so there is no swiping and tapping like on a smart phone. The BlindShell platform continues to grow as we partner with major commercial brands and state of the art companies in the sight loss community. The BlindShell Classic 2 is loaded with customizable settings and Apps and our development team continues to improve the user experience. BlindShell Classic 2 is not only a communication device but has become a relevant piece of technology that promotes independence and enhances the quality of life for individuals with sight loss. Notable features include AIRA, Google Outlook, Internet Browser and podcast player.
Presenter Contact Info Bari Azman - President of BlindShell USA
Email: bari@blindshellusa.com
Diane Ducharme - Senior Program Director of BlindShell USA
Email: diane@blindshellusa.com
Introducing Aira Everywhere.
Aira Desktop app
Aira Desktop app is a computer-centric application that provides the most convenient, secure and efficient way to access Aira’s visual interpreters in a friction free, fast time-to-task solution to overcome obstacles, and engage Agents on digital tasks directly from a computer. A limited function beta will be available at the end of July. As with any beta software, there are limitations to functionality and there may be accessibility issues. Please keep in mind, it is not production software. Indicate your interest using the form at https://aira.io/choice and we will provide instructions to access the beta when it is available.
ARxVision Headset
With the Aira app and ARxVision Headset, Explorers will enjoy the added efficiency and productivity that comes with low profile, high-quality hands-free video hardware. The ability to stream video and audio from the camera, and the integrated microphone and speaker on the ARxVision frame, make two-way visual interpreting possible. We are engaged in development and invite you to indicate your interest in staying informed, using the form at https://aira.io/choice. For more information about ARxVision, visit their site at https://arx.vision/.
BlindShell Phone
The Aira BlindShell Classic 2 app will provide anyone who prefers the simple, intuitive and tactile controls of the BlindShell phone, access to Aira’s visual interpreting service. Only BlindShell offers both a tactile keypad and a camera which is necessary to access Aira’s visual interpreting service. The companies are engaged in joint development and the Aira Blindshell app will roll out later in July. You can indicate your interest in staying informed about availability, using the form at https://aira.io/choice. For more information about BlindShell, visit their site at https://blindshellusa.com/.
Presenter Contact Info Email: jenine.stanley@aira.io
Website: https://aira.io/
Eric Damery will be with us to discuss How JAWS is giving us greater individual control over what Application and Windows messages we hear and a better way of reviewing them later. The JAWS Notification History will be the topic on Tek Talk on Monday July 25. This will be Eric's last presentation on Tek Talk as Vispero Vice President of Software Products Management. Eric will be retiring from Vispero with over 28 years of service in the Assistive Technology field. Please be with us to learn about Notification history and to say thank you to Eric as we help send him off to a richly deserved retirement
Presenter Contact Info None available.
Today we’ll introduce you to Logickeyboard, the company, as well as the Logickeyboard family of Assistive Technology keyboards. Whether you’re Low Vision and prefer a Large Print keyboard or Blind and a Braille user, we have something for everyone. While our keyboards have been known for and at the desks of video and audio editing professionals helping to create epic movies like The Revenant, The Godfather, Captain America, and Harry Potter, our decades of experience have led us to our Assistive Tech Line Up. Our goal is to provide technology that enhances Everyone’s everyday life and we look forward to our discussion introducing the very products that bring us closer to delivering on that commitment.
Presenter Contact Info Email: michelle.malkin@logickeyboard.com
Website: https://logickeyboard.com/shop/frontpage.html
Presenter Contact Info Email: info@dvg-llc.com
Website: https://www.dvg-llc.com/
Telephone: 512 662-1629
As technology continues to evolve, we now have access to the greatest number of devices and apps with which to read books than ever before. With this access comes choices regarding which device and which app is most convenient depending on the particular content being read and the user doing the reading. Myrna Votta will discuss the apps Chirp and Audible and the various devices on which they can be read. Andrea DeKlotz will discuss the Fire Tablet and the apps available on it for reading books. Alan Lemly will discuss the iPhone and Amazon Echo and the apps he uses on them to read books.
Presenter Contact Info Myrna Votta Email: myrnavotta@gmail.com myrnavotta@gmail.com
Andrea DeKlotz Email: catmom3260@gmail.com
Alan Lemly Email: walemly@gmail.com
Presenter Contact Info Email: michael.feir@gmail.com
Michael’s Blog: https://michaelfeir.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-second-edition-of-personal-power.html?m=1
GuideLights and Gadgets will be demonstrating its all new daisy player, the Evo 12, with lots of entertainment functions. For the first time, you can choose between Ivona, Nuance, and Acapela reading voices, or enjoy the fm radio with a retro built in antenna. But, the real excitement about this new model is its awesome sound with stereo speakers and its stereo recording capability.
In addition to demoing the player, I will also be describing several new leather bag offerings, a few new gadgets, and our summer convention specials. As a teaser, how about a heavy duty large leather waistpack with a cane holder for 25 dollars? And a really great price on our talking medical bundle with leather case? As always, we look forward to sharing all of this with the loyal TekTalk listeners.
Presenter Contact Info Email: barry.scheur@gmail.com
Website: https://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/
The Hable One is a braille keyboard that can be paired with any smartphone using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). It is purposely designed for a smartphone and therefore enjoys a more compact design, sized similar to an iPhone 6. The Hable One enables people to always be in control while using their smartphones in any situation.
Hable One is designed to assist your smartphone or tablet with a simple and intuitive interface. Contact your loved ones using your Hable One as a wireless keyboard or use it as a remote to control every function in your smartphone.
Thanks to the physical buttons and exclusive vibrations, you will be able to control it even having your smartphone inside of your pocket.
Hable One website: https://www.iamhable.com/
Presenter Contact Info Email: louvins@gmail.com
Anna has written extensively about products used by the blind community, including IOS 15.
This time, she will be focusing on a few iOS 15 features, and then will take questions about iOS 15 in general.
So please bring your questions.
Presenter Contact Info Email: wadresner@att.net
Anna’s book at nbp.org: https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/IOS15-NEW.html
Want to know about the 2022 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions.
Presenter Contact Info Email: janet.dickelman@gmail.com
Jason will discuss the role and importance of the NLS, updates on a few projects that many might not be aware of regarding technology, who is eligible for the service, and the future of services and products that are on the horizon in the area of technology for the vision impaired and print disabled.
Presenter Contact Info Jason Broughton, MLIS / MPA / LEAN – Green Belt National Library Service Director
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
1291 Taylor Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20542
Office Phone: 202-707-9295
Email: jbroughton@loc.gov
Website: www.loc.gov/nls
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thatallmayread
Join us on Tek Talk, as we gather technology experts who attended CSUN and share all we learned at the event. This includes braille; in-door navigation; and so much more.
Presenter Contact Info Larry Gassman Email: LarryGassman1@Gmail.com
John Gassman Email: JohnGassman@roadrunner.com
Steve Bauer Email: stevebauer@samobile.net
Chris Nova Email: Chris@MysticAccess.com
Kim Nova Email: Kim@MysticAccess.com
Many of you have asked for this topic. Please join us as we discuss:
• Old Time Radio – where can we obtain it for our listening pleasure? • Old time Radio Collecting – how can we get it ourselves • Ways to listen through technology – Alexa, iPhone, podcasting clients, Satellite broadcasts, ETC. • Old time versus New Time or Modern Audio Drama – what is available, how can you find it and samples.
Presenter Contact Info Jeff Bishop Email: Jeff@JeffBishop.com
Larry Gassman Email: LarryGassman1@Gmail.com
John Gassman Email: JohnGassman@roadrunner.com
Our Special was founded in 1927, and is the most popular magazine published by National Braille Press. It comes out six times each year, and covers career issues, fashion, parenting, cooking, maternity, dating, health, and a panoply of other women's issues. Each issue of the magazine includes articles written by and for blind women, and the slim and convenient pull-out recipe section, "Kitchen Corner."
Kim Nova is delighted to be a columnist for OS, and recently was thrilled to become the publication's newest editor. She's excited to share more about Our Special, the types of content you'll find in the magazine, how to obtain a subscription, and most of all, to introduce you to two of Our Special's columnists, Sylvia Reid and Holly Turri, who write wonderful travel and book-related columns, respectively, for the magazine. Kim is so pleased to have the opportunity to share more about this unique magazine with blind women and the men who love us.
Presenter Contact Info Email: wordweaver546@tgmail.com
To learn more about Our Special and obtain a subscription:
https://www.nbp.org
RealSAM Pocket is a friendly and easy-to-use voice-activated smartphone designed from the ground up for people who are blind or have low vision. This first of its kind smartphone is powered by a voice dialogue - a type of artificial intelligence (Ai) that allows for rewarding natural language conversations between people and computers. RealSAM Pocket has just launched in the US and has been changing the lives of people who are visually impaired in the UK for the past 4 years. It enables communication with just “tap and speak” functionality, supports everyday life with handy digital assistant features and allows easy access to informational and entertaining content. Tap on the screen and tell RealSAM Pocket what you would like it to do. It's that simple.
Presenter Contact Info Anat Nulman (She/Her)
Business Development Director, USA
Phone: 408.310.7903
Email: anat@realthing.ai
Website: https://www.realsam.us/
Julian has presented at the Best in Tech Conference, the CCLVI/ACB National Convention, The Braille Institute in Los Angeles as well as several events hosted by the NFBCA San Fernando Valley Chapter.
Phone: 818-794-9554
Email: prtblaccess@gmail.com
Website: www.techjv.com
Voxmate is the first seamless suite of apps for people with sight loss that brings the joy of using technology instead of struggling with the tools. With Voxmate, you can make calls, scan printed text, read news, listen to audiobooks, play games, chat on the Audio Forum and more with just four swipe Gestures: up, down, left and right. The app gives you instant feedback and reads aloud every content or menu item. It has an intuitive, easy-to-remember interface that is repeated in every Voxmate app, so you don’t have to create a separate mental model for each feature.
Voxmate has some interesting audio-first apps for everyone. So far, there are 20 such apps – each has been carefully designed to deliver important information in natural language while keeping you just a few gestures away from the content that interests you. If you are new to accessibility, you might want to stay in the confines of Voxmate, which can be set as an app launcher so you do not have to worry about finding the icon to launch the app. You can get to the news with a few swipes, and someone can help you find radio stations remotely through a web portal. If you are comfortable with TalkBack and VoiceOver, you can play games, chat on the Audio Forum, and send messages on Telegram through an intuitive audio interface. Voxmate is compatible with many screen readers and can be used alongside TalkBack without having to change any settings. Our updates do not disrupt familiar navigation patterns or create unlabeled buttons.
Voxmate is currently only available on smartphones running Android, but the iOS version is expected to be available in mid-2022.
How can I get Voxmate?
You can download Voxmate on Google Play just like any other app. You can use the app for free for a limited time each week. If you choose to subscribe, you get unlimited access, premium TTS voices, and you can set Voxmate as a launcher. There are monthly and annual subscriptions.
What apps are on Voxmate today?
All Voxmate apps are divided into 5 categories: Entertainment, Social, Games, Resources and Utilities. Voxmate can be set as the default dialer, so you can easily make and receive calls with the Phone app. In the Entertainment section, you can access news, audiobooks, browse YouTube, listen to music, podcasts, and radio. In the Social category, you can send an instant message to your loved ones via Telegram or record a voice message for other Voxmate users in the Audio Forum. In the Utilities section, you can scan printed text, make a voice recording, and find places nearby that Wikipedia knows about. In the Resources section, you’ll find apps that can help and support you. For example, you have full access to Henshaw’s Knowledge Village content.
There are also several games on Voxmate, such as the popular Sudoku and Blackjack, but also Mathdoku and Quiz. You can also try to find a worthy opponent for a round of the card game Four Colours.
The team hopes to develop more apps. So by the time you download Voxmate, this list may have changed. Check out Voxmate’s website for the latest update.
What happens when I first launch Voxmate?
When you first launch the app, you are prompted to go through a setup. This is the only part of the app that relies on visuals due to technical requirements. You will need to either use a screen reader or enlist the help of another person to go through the setup steps. After you sign in with your Google account and complete the setup, a short interactive gesture tutorial begins. The tutorial will give you constant feedback and indicate successful execution. Once you have mastered the four basic swipe gestures, you’ll be able to move through the categories of audio-first apps. Voxmate’s main navigation metaphor is a rolodex, with cards you can “visit”. Swiping right in any of these categories opens a list of audio-first apps, such as News, Phone, or the game Four Colors. In the Phone app, for example, you can do almost anything you do in the native app – start or end a call, create a new contact or change an existing one, star a contact, or organize your phonebook. Swiping left always takes you back one step.
What are people saying?
Ash Cross, Sight and Sound Technology: “Great little app. Felt intuitive. Simple. And easy to use. Very user friendly with a nice clean UI”. Warren Carr, Blind Android Users Podcast: “I can’t believe it, it’s something beyond what words can describe. I can’t believe what you guys have done.” David Woodbridge, Vision Australia, on Twitter: “Really really liking the simple navigation of the All In One Voxmate app for the blind for Android, couldn’t ask for something much simpler but deliver quite a lot. Really liking the podcast playback options in the Voxmate app, being able to just use flick down or flick up to jump in a podcast is great, especially on some podcasts where hosts just talk and talk and talk and talk.” Presenter Contact Info Email: katja@voxmate.com
Website: https://voxmate.com/
Many people love to read books using applications like BARD, and Bookshare. Kindle has been with us for quite a while but is now far more accessible when using JAWS. Please be with us on Monday February 28, as Ron Miller from Vispero will show you how to use Kindle for PC with JAWS and Braille.
Presenter Contact Info Ron Miller, Vispero’s Blindness Technology Product Specialist
Phone: 800-444-4443 EXT. 1171 or 803-8000 EXT. 1171
Email: RMiller@Vispero.com
Published by the Carroll Center, the book is intended to help screen reader users to more effectively use Windows, the Microsoft Office suite, web browsers, and several other important applications. Additional target audiences include assistive technology instructors, teachers of the visually-impaired, and others who provide services to the blind.
David will discuss:
• Why he wrote the book.
• The book’s content.
• Ways to efficiently navigate through the book.
• A few of his favorite tips and tricks.
The book is available free of charge in Word format from the Carroll Center website. To download it, go to:
http://carroll.org/the%20windows%20screen%20reader%20primer/
Presenter Contact Info Email: david.kingsbury@carroll.org
If you've considered dipping your toe into the world of online dating, congratulations on thinking about embarking on this adventure. However, before you begin there are many important things to know first.
Fortunately, Kim Nova has been there and is happy to provide some helpful tips, tricks and advice for your journey. From dating sites and apps and their accessibility, to straight-forward help in creating dating profiles, and a bit on the red flags to look out for if he or she just seems way too good to be true, we'll cover it all in this Valentine's Day edition of Tek Talk. If you're hoping this will be your last February 14 without a valentine of your own, come join us for this discussion, and, of course, bring your questions... and a box of yummy heart chocolate to share!
Presenter Contact Info Kim Nova
Email: Kim@MysticAccess.com
Website: https://www.mysticaccess.com
Dating in the Digital Age, book written by Kim for National Braille Press:
https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/DATING.html?from_search=1Presenter
Join us to hear highlights of the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show from Mike May, GoodMaps Chief Evangelist, and Gena Harper. Mike has been providing his summary of CES for over 20 years. He is currently Chief Evangelist at Goodmaps and has talked about that product on Tek Talk in late 2021. They will touch on popular products, cool products, weird products and accessible products.
Presenter contact info: https://goodmaps.com/company/people/5f8f24bfcfdf73000e643b18
How many of you enjoy old time radio or modern radio dramas?
Join us on Tek Talk to here all about the new Story More service for the blind. You can think of it like the audio version of Netflix. Come learn more as Tanja Milojevic tells us all about it during the show today.
Presenter contact info: Email: tMilojevic@storymore.com
Links to great information:
LightningBolt Theater of the mind: www.lightningbolt.podbean.com
My VO website: www.tanjamvoice.com
The Transposition of Chloë Brontë: http://www.chloebronte.com/
Story More: www.storymore.com
Resemble AI: www.resemble.ai
Tek Talk presents a discussion on the different ways people read and are currently reading books.
In this evening's segment we catch up with Dan Clark, recently retired from Freedom Scientific/Vispero. Dan is a former dealer of assistive technology and long time JAWS trainer. We'll discuss his dSurf website and free training materials including lessons on custom JAWS preferences and settings as well as his most recent training, "Windows 11 with JAWS," with ten new lessons available. Dan will share how to access the resources available, including:
-
Lesson plans, vocabulary lists, and ancillary documentation for teachers
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YouTube videos (including playlists and links for video headings)
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MP3 audio
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Lesson text and transcripts
Dan will also share his thoughts about the coming year and looks forward to learning about your needs and desires for new training.
Presenter contact info: Email: info@dSurf.net
Web: https://dSurf.net/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwdvsxXFEnNdYf0U2fDRO0A
Twitter: @dSurfDan
Skype: dan.clark.trainer
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dSurf
Scribe is a product from Pneuma Solutions, formally Serotek Corporation, that brings some innovative technology for online meetings. Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell describe Scribe this way:
The Quickest, Most Accurate Digital Document Remediation Product on the Market for as Low as $0.99 per Page. It's the only hands-off remediation process eliminating individual document quote requests, providing accessible documents straight from your workflow to the end reader in just seconds. This is truly scratching the surface on what their platform is bringing to the accessibility community. Come find out how their product will make Zoom meetings an even stronger platform and an even more inclusive one at that with their Scribe for Meetings solution. What is Scribe for Meetings? As the world continues to move to a virtual environment, you need an affordable solution that guarantees full access to everyone in your audience.
The goal is to make the on-screen content in your online meetings and webinars accessible to print-impaired participants in as easy a manner as possible. Come learn more from Mike and Matt as we get updates from their new company.
Presenter contact info: Mike Calvo: mike.calvo@pneumasolutions.com
Matt Campbell: matt.campbell@pneumasolutions.com
Tek Talk welcomes Chancey Fleet, Assistive Tech Coordinator at the New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library, to discuss the library’s many assistive technology training opportunities and other programs.
Presenter Contact Info Chancy Fleet: Assistive Tech Coordinator at the New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library
Email: chanceyfleet@nypl.org
We are excited to share how we are empowering screen reader users to achieve more with what's coming in Windows 11. This session will focus on an overview of accessibility experiences in Windows 11. This includes: new Start Menu interactions, a new Windows Settings experience, brief comments about an all-new chat experience with your friends and family and more. New Windows hotkeys will also be introduced for things like Quick Settings, Notifications and others.
Presenter Contact Info Jeff Bishop: Program Manager, Windows Engineering
Email: Jeff@jeffBishop.com
As blind people, how do we go about getting print items read? Do we use apps like Supersense? Do we use services like AIRA, or BE My Eyes? If we have low vision, do we use Magnifiers? Or do we still use human beings to help us with printed materials? Our Tek Talk team will be in place on Monday December 6 to give us some ideas. We also want you to participate with your ideas as well.
Zoom invitation
The Zoom meeting invitation for this Training Class is the following:
Hi there,
Larry Gassman and Alan Lemly are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Tek Talk welcomes a panel from our Tek Talk Planning Team to discuss the reading of print.
Denise Russell of Speak To Me Catalog will present from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern. We are very happy once again to welcome back Denise Russell the Founder of Speak To Me Catalog. This fine company was founded in July of 1994. Denise and her late husband and dear friend Seth worked tirelessly over the years to expand this fine company. This year once again, Denise will discuss her products for the holiday season.
Dawn Brush, independent Pampered Chef Consultant, will present from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern. As a person who was born premature, Dawn has been blind since birth. She received all of her education in South Dakota where she attended the SD School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, graduated from public high school and received a degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Five months ago, Meadow, her third guide dog from GEB, and Dawn began their strong bond and working relationship. Meadow shares her days with Snickers and Hazel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, who help to make Dawn’s life complete. After several career opportunities, she retired eight years ago to assist her parents. Dawn currently enjoys her role as an Independent Pampered Chef Consultant where her goals are fundraising for various organizations and assisting blind and visually impaired persons to enhance their cooking experience by finding products that work best in their kitchens. Through November 29th, several products are discounted and have no shipping charge. Dawn looks forward to visiting with Tek Talk on the 29th, and she’ll introduce us to some of her favorite products.
Presenter Contact info:Denise Russell and Speak To Me Catalog Website: www.speaktomecatalog.com/
Email: customer.service@speaktomecatalog.com
Phone: 800-248-9965
Dawn Brush, independent Pampered Chef consultant Website: www.pamperedchef.com
Email: dbrush@nvc.net
Phone: 605-380-1588
Hear from Matt Ater about the campaign for sharing JAWS Power Tips and how JAWS is being used in self-service kiosks.
Presenter Contact info: Matt Ater
Vispero™ Vice President
Address: 17757 US Highway 19 N, Suite 560, Clearwater, FL 33764
Website: www.vispero.com
Email: mater@vispero.com
Phone: 703-944-7317
Adi Kushnir, the ElBraille Product Manager with Elita Group and Ron Miller, Vispero’s Blindness Technology Product Specialist will discuss several ElBraille related topics, including:
• ElEdit’s planned release to public beta on Thursday November 18th.
• ElBraille Running Windows 11, information and Demonstration,
• Demonstration of ElNotes multi-device syncing
• ElCalc is now under development!
• New JAWS Braille Features Important to ElBraille Users
o New JAWS multi-lingual braille profiles
o Outlook email thread navigation USING Nav Rockers
o Repeat last notification using RIGHT SHIFT+N
Presenter Contact info: Adi Kushnir email: Adi@ElitaGroup.com
Ron Miller phone: 800-444-4443 EXT. 1171 or 803-8000 EXT. 1171
Ron Miller email: RMiller@Vispero.com
Tek Talk welcomes the Harbolt Company and A. T. Guys in part 2 of our 2021 Stocking Stuffers.
The Harbolt Company will present from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern. We at the Harbolt Company love what we do, and can't wait for you to share in our passion for all things cool and accessible. Whether you're looking for some serious high end audio equipment, searching for the perfect accessory for your smartphone or mobile device, shopping for that elusive gift for the person who has everything, trying to locate that hard to find rare and unusual item, or just wanting something for yourself or for that special someone, we’ve got you covered. You've found the perfect place for fun, excitement, and accessibility. Most importantly, a place to feel right at home. We offer audio and written descriptions of all our products, so you'll always know what you are getting. So, come join us in our unfailing love of all things unique or unusual, whether it be high tech, low tech, or no tech. If it's cool and fun, you will find it here! . We ship almost anywhere in the world and accept most forms of payment including credit and debit cards, paypal, and we even offer a convenient layaway plan. We gladly accept phone orders and our web site is open 24/7, 365 days a year. You can reach us by the methods shown in the Presenter Contact Info section below.
A. T. Guys will present from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern. A. T. Guys is pleased to once again join stocking stuffers to share our latest products. A T Guys is your home for affordable gadgets and accessible technology products. From keyboards and speakers to headsets and braille displays, to our paperless braille slate, we're sure to have something for your holiday wishlist.
A. T. Guys is pleased to announce the BlindShell Classic 2, a new phone blending a simple design with smart features. It includes a louder speaker, more tactile buttons, and an expanded list of smart features. If you just want to use basic phone features, that's fine as well. To order or hear an audio demo, visit
https://www.atguys.com/blindshell
or call 269-216-4798.
Presenter Contact info:The Harbolt Company Brent Harbolt
WebSite: www.harboltcompany.com
Email: sales@harboltcompany.com
Phone: 405-633-2572
A. T. Guys Jason Meddaugh
Website: https://www.atguys.com
Email: support@atguys.com
Phone: (269) 216-4798
Mystic Access will present from 8 to 8:30pm Eastern. Do you still have technology gadgets collecting dust on your shelf from your last birthday, or even last year's holiday season? Want to finally learn to use them in a relaxed way while having fun doing it? Let Mystic access support your journey with our extensive collection of audio documentation. Our documentation begins with foundational concepts such as orienting you to your device and showing you how to power on and charge it, then works up to more advanced usage. We offer audio documentation on a huge variety of both mainstream and assistive technology including iOS, Android, Amazon Fire and Echo products, Google Home and their Docs, Drive and related applications, Windows 10 (most of which is also completely applicable to Windows 11), navigating websites, listening to podcasts, password managers, and so much more. We also carry a small but very cool line of hardware including accessible Bluetooth devices and sturdy charging cables. Join us as we share more about the documentation we carry as well as all our free goodies. And, of course, we always have a very merry holiday discount for TekTalk listeners. We look forward to sharing with you!
Guidelights and Gadgets will present from 8:30 to 9pm Eastern. GuideLights and Gadgets specializes in 3 product lines:
Leather goods of every type and for every occasion, from neck pouches to shoulder bags to Braille display protective cases, wallets, and a whole lot more; our primary source is from a motorcycle accessories company that makes some of the toughest and best quality craftsmanship we have found. A line of talking medical products, including our new talking oxymeter, and curated gadgets and electronics in headphones, speakers, and our soundbox amplifiers for portable book players and phones. Dog and handler products for safety, convenience, travel, and fun. Presenter Contact info:Mystic Access Chris and Kim Nova
Website: https://www.mysticaccess.com
Phone: (716) 543-3323 (Buffalo, New York)
Email: info@mysticaccess.com
GuideLights and Gadgets, and GuideLight Dogs Barry Scheur and KaeAnn Rausch
Website: www.guidelightsandgadgets.us
Phone: 617-969-7500; 781-286-1696
Email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com; guidelightdogs@gmail.com
Self-driving or “autonomous” vehicles (AVs) stand to revolutionize transportation in the United States. Many, including Ron Brooks are currently fighting for accessibility. This topic has been an extremely popular one in the blindness community for several years. Ron Brooks is at the forefront of this topic and he will share his knowledge with us as he appears on Tek Talk.
Presenter Contact info: Ron Brooks
Email: ronbrooks67@gmail.com