Blind Abilities Podcast

3 is company but 4 is more and Ed is back with the gang at TBTS. Covering an immense amount of information, news and techniques that I even took notes. We dance with the bears, trip on through WWDC, hit on the iPhone SE, dive into Instagram and Alt Text, answer the most asked question this side of Greeneville, Tennessee, What is the difference between iCloud and iCloud Drive? Autonomous cars get noticed and some whacky spying through light bulbs is tossed into the recipe that makes this concoction of this That Blind Tech Show taste and feel so so good.  We hope you enjoy this 7-Course gigantic Over-Sized Bite of news and information straight from the Outdoors of Northern Wisconsin, the busy streets of New York and the mountains of Colorado.  Thanks for listening and be sure to drop us some feedback, suggestions and comments on our call-in line at 612-367-9093. Here are some links from the show: Its official privacy of any kind is so 2010, Lamp on, lights off. Navilens and Navilens Go being tested out in NYC

Full Transcrip Every day we are inundated with reports about COVID-19: statistics, new cases, and worse. Every day we hear of how the coronavirus has impacted people all over the world, but have we heard specific reports of its effect on blind and visually impaired individuals?  In this new series from Blind Abilities, we hear from blind citizens from Around the world about how they have experienced and adapted to COVID-19. from Australia and Malaysia, to the united Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and the United States, we will hear firsthand reports with their unique perspective on how the coronavirus has affected them as blind citizens.  in this first episode in a series of reports, Elise Lonsdale relays a personal experience with the coronavirus in Australia. Elise shares how the government has reacted to and prepared for COVID-19, and how the pandemic has affected organizations, businesses, small merchants, and individuals down under. Be sure to tune in to this and other informative episodes to hear

Barbara Hinske joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities studio to talk about the new release of her book, Guiding Emily A Tale of Love, Loss and Courage. Barbara tells us how her visit to the Foundation for Blind Children in phoenix, Arizona inspired her to support the foundation by doing what she does best, write a book and donate half the proceeds to the Foundation for Blind Children. Barbara took white cane training and attended Guide Dogs for the Blind campus to get a bit of understanding what going blind may be like. By the way, Barbara is sighted and it was only after 30 years of driving by the Foundation did she get the opportunity to tour and find out more about all the work being done for so many. Barbara wanted to help and that is how Guiding Emily was born. Barbara remembers how she started as a book writer and gives some great advice to aspiring authors. Barbara is the best-selling author of the Rosemont Series and the Christmas Club, of which was made into a Hallmark movie. She has also release

Christine Malec joins us in the Blind Abilities studio to talk about the Listen Party from the Luminato Festival in Toronto Canada. You may know Christine from her Curious Minds segment on the Kelly and Company show on AMI Audio. Be sure to check that out as well. Christine gives us a bit of Luminato Festival history and tells us about the 2 Listen Party events being put on Live for anybody around the world to join in and actively participate in the pre and post show events.  Here is a link to the festival page describing the listening parties. You can attend these events for free and be sure to register and kick back and enjoy! Below is a link to register, a schedule and description of each piece. Here is a link to register for the May I Take Your Arm? Event. 7:00pm (EDT): Check-In Host Christine Malec will welcome guests to zoom and provide a brief overview of the production. Audio describer will provide preshow notes to prepare listeners for the experience.  7:30 – 8:30pm (EDT): May I Take Your Arm? *Audi

The Super-Sized Group is Virtually back in the saddle and fixing up a Live show on June 10th. Ed returns from a deep but restless sleep, Serina might be making cookies later and Brian is going nowhere soon. Meanwhile, Jeff is saving the world and barely having time to rest in the Hammock. I didn’t write that. Hmm. Did you hear that Yahoo Fantasy Football is back? Yup, yup! We got a call in number now! 612-367-6093. Drop us a message, give us some feedback and offer up some suggestions. Looking forward to hearing from you and give us permission and we may put your voice on the show. Ok, here are some links from the episode:   Tile comes to Skull Candy Ear buds. Tile says Apple not playing fair. Samsung announces three new features for Global Awareness Day. How are you sleeping? Thanks for listening! Contact Thank you for listening. Send us Feedback via email Follow us on Twitter @BlindTechShow That Blind Tech Show is produced in part with Blind Abilities Network You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

From almost every corner of the entertainment world, the BVI community is well represented and here they are again in the Blind Abilities studio and sharing their opinions, experiences and a few laughs. Joe Strechay is the Blindness Consultant and Co-Producer from the Apple TV Plus series, SEE. Bree Klauser is an actor from See and also is a voice artist and singer-songwriter. Stephen Letnes is a movie producer and music composer and Roy Samuelson is an Audio Describer for movies and shows. With Blindness being the common thread, Low-vision, totally blind and legally blind are all covered here. And, Roy, who is sighted, does the voice for audio description and is an advocate for bringing audio description to more and more titles. I could go on and on about each of these talented artist and you could actually learn a lot about each one on previous podcasts on Blind Abilities. You can search on the Blind Abilities web site or just click or tap on their name below and you will find episodes from each member of t

Greg Stilson, Head of Global Innovation at American Printing House (APH) joins Satauna Howery and Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities studio to talk about 2 new Refreshable Braille devices now available from APH on the web at APH.org. Greg talks in detail the thought process behind the new Mantis and Chameleon refreshable braille devices. How APH is listening to the students and Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI). With a 40 cell and a 20 cell option and the partnership with Humanware, these new devices add to the APH product line of Braille devices with refreshable Braille. Learn all about the Mantis and the Chameleon and how you can get yours today. Greg also touches base with Access Academy, the webinars done in partnership with Paths to Literacy. Same time every day, different and new topics for students during these challenging time. You can find out and learn more about what APH is doing to enhance the opportunities for students on the web at APH.org. Thanks for listening! Contact You can follow us

Jyotsna Kaki, Google’s Accessibility Testing Program Manager, joins the That Blind Tech Show team in the Blind Abilities studio to talk about Google Accessibility and Jyotsna’s journey to her present position at Google. Jyotsna tells us about her use of the Google Suite in her daily routine, talks about features and apps that helps her and brings a bit more access to the world around her. Jyotsna loss her sight six months before she was to graduate from college. With determination Jyotsna forged forward, learned access technology and graduated with honors a year later. Jyotsna carved out the role she wanted and landed at Google  Testing accessibility. She is now leading the Accessibility Testing team and ensuring that we will have access to the Google Suite and more. Join Brian Fischler, Serina Gilbert and Jeff Thompson as they welcome Jyotsna to the Blind Abilities studio for this wonderful episode of That Blind Tech Show. Jyotsna Kaki challenged herself to do the best she could be and blindness did not stop

Serina, Brian and Jeff hit the studio fast and furious. And yes, furious is a 3 syllable word. Score one for me. Serina brings her Google game, Brian puts his dog to shame until Aira checks out B Brian’s sock. Jeff keeps on track with his Reminders App, as well as Serina. This beauty of an app is getting the respect it deserves. How about Apple going audio on the news plus stuff? Hmm. And what about Spectrum and the new Spectrum Access App? Will it grow into the dream app or will it not? Hmm. We dance through the tech news and sway into our experiences all at the beat of your requests.  We love hearing from you all and we are about to have a get together, and yes, in one big room. Thank you The Facebook, as Brian says, for the new Rooms for chatting and meeting. Ok, let me publish this episode and get on with the Memorial Weekend.  We wish all the families of those lost in war and service a blessed day and a big thank you to all those serving our country around the world. Stay Well, Stay Informed and Stay Str

Full Transcript Larry Goldberg, Head of Accessibility at Verizon Media, joins Brian Fischler and Jeff Thompson in the studio to talk about bringing awareness to accessibility as May 21, 2020 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Larry talks about developers building in accessibility from the start, Born Accessible is how Larry put it, and without regression. Not breaking accessibility. Larry talks about how Teach Access was started to bring awareness to colleges and corporations about having accessibility embedded in the college curriculums so students can become aware and realize the importance of accessibility in the design stages.   Larry explains how collectively the big companies, Google, Microsoft, Apple, Intuit, Walmart and more, share the need for developers, engineers and future employees to have accessibility in their education and to offer students the opportunity to see career paths in accessibility.  Virtual Reality and Accessibility together? Larry talks about the XR Access Program. This year's

Full Transcription Nick Dambrosio goes to work each day like he has done over the last 22 years. Nick is essentially Blind and is an Essential Worker at his local Pharmacy in Montreal. With the pandemic his fear and anxiety levels have risen and he is learning to cope with the uneasiness of working in a public space 40 hours a week. He asks himself if he can or should be doing his job with his condition, and yet, every morning Nick is up and headed back into the Pharmacy to make sure the products and goods the community depends upon is stocked and ready to go. Nick sits down with Jeff Thompson from Blind Abilities to share his experiences, feelings and challenges that are now part of his daily routine as an essential worker. He has been adjusting to his blindness to remain independent  for over 22 years.  As he adjusts his mind set and forges forward, Nick looks forward to the years of work ahead of him saying and believing, “This too Will Pass. You can find Nick on Twitter @SteelerNick40 Contact Your State S

Full Transcription Kaleigh Brendle joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to talk about the decisions College Board has made in regards to accommodations not being provided even though the accommodations had been in place. Kaleigh has stepped up and is making her voice heard so that the voices of so many Blind, Visually Impaired, Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing students will also be heard. Kaleigh is a high school student taking advance classes and plans on taking the Advance Placement Exams provided and conducted by College Board. When Kaleigh found out that her accommodations were not going to be in place and that the rules have changed not just for her but for all students who utilize  visual or hearing  accommodations for exams. Kaleigh filed two action cases and the National Federation of the Blind has joined her along with other students impacted by the actions of College Board. Join Kaleigh in this interview to find out more and what you can do to help students stay informed. Kaleigh releas

The Team virtually gathered into the studio and put their heads virtually together to come up with another That Blind Tech Show. We are happy to bring you the latest news and happenings from around the accessible tech world, blindness related news and some community happenings that absolutely matter. Ever try to get those photos and videos out of the long grip of Facebook? Now you can transfer them to Google Photos. Check out the steps below and in the show. How about OCRs? Have you stayed on top of the updates? Seems like Envision AI has notched a few new updates and is working well, swell and seems worth the bill. SuperSense AI is the new kid on the block and for a light-weight app, it comes out fighting. Prizmo is really hitting the Share Sheet and it seems like VoiceDream Scanner could use a lesson on getting some Actions in the Share Sheet. Google Suites is filling the needs of the everyday worker and Serina explains her daily uses and new discoveries. Ed hits the News and about social distancing, Jeff i

FocusOnFitness is a new series of basic exercises you can do in your house, in the dorm or during a short break. Using the natural surrounding without having to find the right equipment, the best gym or the perfect time to do a little workout. Focus on Fitness is all about doing it when you can and hey, why not? Maria Johnson, aka Girl Gone Blind, joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to Focus on Fitness and how you can incorporate little nuggets of exercise without throwing your schedule off and being able to work out within your own time and space. In this Focus On Fitness episode, Maria and Jeff talk about the use of Dumbbells to exercise and keep those muscles toned and defined. A Dumbbell is a hand-held weight ranging from a pound to a huge amount of weight for body building. We are talking about the lighter end of the spectrum, from 2 pounds to 15 pounds. These affordable and easily stored Dumbbells can be used for various motions to isolate and focus your workout to specific muscles. From t

FocusOnFitness is a new series of basic exercises you can do in your house, in the dorm or during a short break. Using the natural surrounding without having to find the right equipment, the best gym or the perfect time to do a little workout. Focus on Fitness is all about doing it when you can and hey, why not? Maria Johnson, aka Girl Gone Blind, joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to Focus on Fitness and how you can incorporate little nuggets of exercise without throwing your schedule off and being able to work out within your own time and space. In this Focus On Fitness episode, Maria and Jeff talk about Creating your space and setting the stage for your exercise routine, yoga session and ensuring your free to exercise while keeping your space safe and free from obstacles. May it be a rug or a yoga mat, the tactile surface will keep your whereabouts in mind and you can feel safe to conduct your full exercise without getting disorientated. Maria talks about the space and how diffusers can brin

FocusOnFitness is a new series of basic exercises you can do in your house, in the dorm or during a short break. Using the natural surrounding without having to find the right equipment, the best gym or the perfect time to do a little workout. Focus on Fitness is all about doing it when you can and hey, why not? Maria Johnson, aka Girl Gone Blind, joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to Focus on Fitness and how you can incorporate little nuggets of exercise without throwing your schedule off and being able to work out within your own time and space. In this Focus On Fitness episode, Maria and Jeff talk about Spinning and Biking. Yes, this involves a machine or a bike mounted on a stand, however, we want to provide some information to you so you can determine if this form of exercise is for you. We both agree that Spinning is a great calorie burner and most of all, gives them big muscles a good workout. Interval training is when one does some bursts of speed or resistance to a steady pace. Like st

The TBTS Team plus Ed, AKA Ray, hit the topics hard and drop some insight into the world of technology, services and phenomena galore! And if it doesn’t register high on the meter of good news, we pull it up a notch for some full disclosure. But not on our album art, of course. Ed tackles some bare truths about Google, Microsoft, and who he really is. Yes, the listeners are restless and Ray’s name has surfaced more than a Zoom Bomber did 2 weeks ago.  Is Zoom all patched up now? Hmm. How about Facebook’s new announcements? The Video Calls, Rooms and Live Events are ramping it up for a showdown at 10 PM, just click the link and Poof! And that cute little Apple SE just makes yaw anna, don’t it? Come on, it’s got it all and at over half the cost. Dang it, Tim, you are pulling our triggers.  Brian and Jeff dabble into the Mac’s and what to look for from a blindness perspective. While Serina and Ed get all PC on us. Literally! Apple mail, iCloud on the net and Freedom Scientific gots them there tutorials alright,

Jaydan Mitchell joins Jeffrey Thompson in the Blind Abilities studio and talks about the Youth Skills Program and the Teen Transition Program offered by Lighthouse Guild. We hear from some of the students attending the Youth and Teen programs giving us insight into the positive impact that these programs are having on youth and teens facing the challenges of being blind or having low-vision. Here are some links to Lighthouse Guild programs: Youth and Teen Program:    Support Programs for Parents You can also go to the contact form and inquire about Lighthouse Programs and what they can do for you. Here is a message from the lighthouse Guild web site: A guiding hand for kids and teens It can be challenging enough to be a child or a teenager. And it can be difficult to live with vision loss. Put the two together, and life can get pretty overwhelming. At Lighthouse Guild, we get it. We understand the concerns of children and teenagers who have vision loss (and their concerned parents). We have special progra

Full Transcript Simon Bonenfant pulled together a “RoundTable” of students to talk about distance learning, virtual learning and how they are adjusting to the challenges due to the lockdown and closing of schools across the nation. They talk about accessibility, processes, what’s working and what is not working and how they are advocating to be sure that they are not falling behind. Kaleigh, Simon, John, Jillian and Gianna all bring a unique perspective and unique challenges to the virtual round table. Sharing their opinions on distance learning, schedule planning and how to deal with isolation. We all want to thank all of the Front Line workers, teachers, TBVI’s Paras and school admins for what they are doing to ensure that we all make it through this challenge we are all facing. Thank you all. Contact Your State Services If you reside in Minnesota, and you would like to know more about Transition Services from State Services contact Transition Coordinator Sheila Koenig by email or contact her via phone at 6

Full Transcript Here is how to add an Alternative ID or a second person to Face ID on your iPhone: Launch the Settings app Single Finger Double Tap Face ID & Passcode Enter your passcode Single Finger Double Tap Set Up an Alternate Appearance Single Finger Double Tap Get Started You will rotate your head in a circular motion while facing the camera. Hold camera about 15 inches away. You will hear voiceover telling you information as you proceed. You will do 2 full scans. Notes: If wearing a protective mask, I have found that the camera has to see your nose area and By pulling down the mask just below the nose, your Face ID should work fine. Contact Your State Services If you reside in Minnesota, and you would like to know more about Transition Services from State Services contact Transition Coordinator Sheila Koenig by email or contact her via phone at 651-539-2361. To find your State Services in your State you can go to www.AFB.org and search the directory for your agency. Contact: Thank you for list