ACB Focus: Technology

20220706 Microsoft Windows Accessibility and Features Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees learned about the in-box accessibility features Windows has to offer and received a quick tour of the new features that have been introduced in Windows 11. Participants were able to chat with the team, ask any questions, and provide feedback on the product. Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger

20220704 What is new with Braille at HumanWare Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees joined Rachel Feinberg, HumanWare West Region Blindness Product Specialist for an in-depth look into what’s new with Braille products at HumanWare. We looked at the newly released KeySoft update for the BrailleNote Touch Plus, that includes integration with cloud storage through the File Manager, a...

20220704 Smart Home Living Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media A myriad of products that make your life and home more comfortable, cleaner, safer, and independent were demonstrated and discussed. Co-Sponsored by ACB Next Generation and CCLVI Edited By: Michael Moran

20220703 What's new with GPS Products at HumanWare Originally Aired July 3, 2022, on ACB Media   Attendees joined Rachel Feinberg, HumanWares West Region Blindness Product Specialist for an in-depth look with what is new with GPS products at HumanWare. We looked at new updates to their line of talking GPS devices, including new map updates, new points of interest for North America, and more! In ad...

20220703 Providing Quality and Affordability - APH High-tech Refreshable Braille Solutions Originally Aired July 3, 2022, on ACB Media   At APH, our Mantis Q40 and Chameleon 20 refreshable braille devices have set a standard for high quality and affordability. Attendees joined members of our APH team and decided for themselves what makes these innovative solutions effective for work, school, and h...

20220703 Beyond Swiping - Seeking Romantic Connection and Compatibility in the 21st Century Originally Aired July 3, 2022, on ACB Media   It's a digital world; so much is accomplished by double-tapping and swiping. Our fingertips make so many decisions for us. We even try to find dating prospects through apps in this busy, cluttered reality. But how do we seek the unique chemistry between humans t...

20220702 411 From the IAC – Updates on Technology Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media   The committee provided updates on accessibility technologies from Clark Rachfal, Jeff Bishop with Microsoft, and Ray Campbell with United Airlines.   Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220702 411 From the IAC - Low-Tech, High-Tech Fitness Journey Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media   The Information Access Committee in conjunction with the Get Up and Get Moving Campaign presented on both low tech and high-tech options for exercise and tracking your fitness. Attendees heard as members shared their journey to better fitness and the devices that helped them along the way....

20220702 BITS - On the Go - Laptops and Tablets Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media   Have you ever wondered about the differences between laptops and tablets? Confused about which one to buy? Attendees enjoyed this informative presentation so you can decide which device is right for you.   Edited By: Jenine Stanley

20220702 What's New with JAWS, Fusion, and ZoomText Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media   Attendees joined Douglas Gerry for his annual User Group meeting. All skill levels were welcome. They demonstrated and discussed the recent developments and look at what's coming in 2023. Participants brought their questions and joined the fun as they kicked off the 2022 Convention with the JAWS teams...

20220702 BrailleSense 6 Productivity has Never Been More Fun Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media   Attendees joined HIMS Inc. as they discussed and demonstrated the newest addition to their flagship line of Braille notetakers, the BrailleSense 6 and BrailleSense 6 Mini. Whether you are interested in a highly intuitive and efficient tool for getting work done, or hours of fun and entertainm...

20220702 BITS: Navigating Your World Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media   Do you get frustrated because you have trouble getting help with reading labels or scanning documents? Participants came to this enlightening presentation where they learned about the SuperSense and the Voice Dream App Suites. Attendees were surprised to find out how much these apps help with everyday tasks.   Edite...

20220701 CCLVI/BITS: Vendor Showcase Originally Aired July 1, 2022, on ACB Media   If you use a screen reader and/or magnification in your daily life, this showcase afforded attendees the opportunity to see what is new in the Exhibit Hall later in the week. Several products were demonstrated with time for questions and answers. This gave attendees the opportunity to prepare their questions in adva...

20220624 En-Vision America Originally Aired June 24, 2022, on ACB Media Accessible Prescription Labeling Advocacy: Board of Pharmacy EN-Vision America presented a panel where Rulemaking vs Legislation was discussed. Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger

20220624 Super Computers and Super Pups Originally Aired June 24, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees learned how a guide dog school has teamed up with North Carolina State University and IBM to use artificial intelligence and smart collars to increase the number of exceptional guide dogs available to our community. Panel facilitated by Carl Richardson (Brighton, MA) speakers from: • Guiding Eyes • IBM •...

~~HumanWare: Meet HumanWare’s low vision line up including a new family member! Attendees explored HumanWare’s low vision portfolio starting with the Reveal 16 product line and its easy-to-use interface. Experiment the very versatile and portable Explore handheld magnifiers and be excited with a sneak preview of its soon to be released new family member. Presenters: ♣ Eric Beauchamp, Director of P...

~~Membership Committee; How to Create a Successful Virtual Conference and Convention Panel 1: Tools for planning a virtual or hybrid virtual and in person conference Panelists: ♦ Ardis Bazyn, ACB Membership Committee Chair, Burbank, CA ♦ Tyson Ernst, ACB Radio, Springfield, IL ♦ Sarah Harris, First Vice President, California Council of the Blind, Fresno, CA ♦ Gabriel Lopez Kafati, President, Blind...

~~Accessibility at Microsoft: Attendees joined Microsoft and learned about accessibility, going beyond the basics to explore topics such as technology and mental health, AI and data representation, and how the blind community is shaping the future of product accessibility.  Presenter: Megan Lawrence Recorded during the 2021 ACB National Convention on July 16~~

~~BPI: 3D Audio Excursion: Grab your headphones and come with us on a 3D audio experience! Let your headphones be your virtual reality goggles as we take you to places so real, you feel like you are actually there. Listen as your environment takes shape above, below and all around you. BPI members: ♦ Chris Snyder, Los Angeles, CA ♦ Byron Lee, Minneapolis, MN, hosted a Q&A session. Recorded dur...

~~Smart Home Devices - Work Smarter, Not Harder: ACB Next Gen and CCLVI want to help open your eyes to the exciting world of smart home devices beyond the basics. Did you know you can have your floors vacuumed and mopped while you're on a community call, stay in your comfy bed to turn on your ceiling fan in the middle of the night, or even be able to see who's ringing your doorbell if you can not...

~~Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCI-VIS): Three, two, one...blast-off! Attendees joined Dan Oates, SCI-VIS Coordinator, as he discussed the program, the adaptations and the experience of students going to space camp. SCI-VIS is a week-long camp that takes place in September at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. Coordinated by teachers of the visually impair...

~~Content Creators Café:  Attendees joined a diverse group ofcontent creator panelists to learn the ins and outs of content creation! The world of social media content is ever changing, and new trends come up virtually every day, so this was a do not miss event! The panelists delved into every aspect of the creation process from a blind and visually impaired perspective. Everything from the proces...

~~Everything Old is New Again: The New APH ConnectCenter. Attendees joined us while the ConnectCenter team took you on a tour of what makes us your go to place for all you need to know about blindness/visual impairment. This presentation introduced you to our Information and Referral line, and our suite of websites: •FamilyConnect •VisionAware •CareerConnect Recorded during the 2021 ACB National C...

~~HumanWare - Discover the new X Series braille displays and upcoming enhancements for the BrailleNote Touch Plus and Victor Reader! Attendees joined HumanWare to discuss all that is new and exciting with HumanWare’s wide range of blindness products. HumanWare discussed their new intelligent braille displays and attendees received an overview of all that is coming on the BrailleNote Touch Plus. Fi...

Vispero Interactive Discussion - Software, Hardware, and Training: In this live, interactive session, Vispero covered new products, advances in online training, and attendees had the opportunity to have their questions answered by industry experts. Presenters: ☻ Eric Damery, Vice President of Software Product Management, Clearwater, FL ☻ Rachel Buchanan, Product Manager, User Education and Outreac...