ech Show. Allison, Jeff and Bryan bring you a jam packed episode including segments from an interview with the Be My Eyes Team, a demonstration on setting up your Amazon device with the new Follow Up feature. This allows you to ask another question within 5 seconds without invoking the A-word each time.

From England enlisting the Amazon device for reporting crimes to a new racing interface allowing Visually Impaired people to race competitively and a bit of the past with Bryan’s Blind Drift Challenge.

We cover a bit on the MoveIt app, CSUN and the Apple vs Android SmackDown. Microsoft’s new Soundscape app which allows for an Audio Map soundscape for points of interests and navigation.

And if that is not enough, we bring up the vibration settings you can personalize for members in your contacts and hopefully you make it to the end and find out why Australians are tuning Bryan out!

Here are some of the links mentioned in Episode 13 of That Blind Tech Show:

Alexa now allows Follow Up Questions once enabled

RAD is the new system to help the visually impaired play video games

RAD Racing Auditory Display

By John Biggs, TechCrunch

Be My Eyes for IOS

Be My Eyes for Android

Microsoft Soundscape

Blind Square GPS

Move It

How to get your iPhone t ignore crappy wifi

How to set custom vibrations on your iPhone

The Audio Description project

Thank you for listening!

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Blind Abilities presents the TVI Toolbox. Where the collaboration between Teachers, Counselors, Parents, Agencies and the Students themselves help enhance the opportunities for success.

Transitioning from high school to college and the workplace is  a major step and the beginning of lifetime goals and aspirations. As Devin , this month’s featured interview in the Success Stories portion of this podcast, experienced the workforce through an internship with the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). The BEP Director John Hulet talks about what to expect and how to get involved with BEP. Devin’s mom, Lisa Ferguson, takes us through her experience as a mom of a child with vision loss and working with State Services for the Blind (SSB). Her perspective along with Devin’s gives us a good idea of how Devin became a member of the workforce at age 15. Job experience, resume writing, learning the public transit system as a means of transportation and developing a relationship with a business owner and the Transition Team at SSB gives Devin and Lisa a wealth of experience moving forward.

Full Transcript

From the TVI’s to the Agency counselor’s and program specialist, working together along with parents as well, is creating more opportunities and successes for Transition age students.

Sharing experiences through Success Stories, sharing programs that make a positive impact, sharing ideas, findings, upcoming events and the Tools for Success all play a part in making the transition process a natural progression and better understood by all.

 

Here are the links to the information we bring to this episode.

 

Transit Tracker App on the App Store

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/transit-tracker/id659183692?mt=8

 

Join.Me- Screen Sharing Service on the Web.

Getting everyone on the same page is easy – so long as join.me instant screen sharing is involved. When you start your join.me meeting, simply press the “Broadcast” button and you’re ready to go. It’s that simple.

 

State Services for the Blind of Minnesota

We offer tools and training for employment and for helping seniors remain independent and active. As Minnesota’s accessible reading source we also transcribe books and other materials into alternative formats, including audio and braille. We assist Minnesotans who are blind, DeafBlind, losing vision, or who have another disability that makes it difficult to read print.

I hope you find what you need here. We've also created a Tips for Using Our New Website page.

If you’d like to apply for services, learn more, or have more questions, just give us a call. You’ll find contact information for all of our offices on our contact page, or you can call our main office at 651-539-2300.

 

 

 

Blind Abilities presents the TVI Toolbox. Where the collaboration between Teachers, Counselors, Parents, Agencies and the Students themselves help enhance the opportunities for success.

Transitioning from high school to college and the workplace is a major step and the beginning of lifetime goals and aspirations. As Devin , this month’s featured interview in the Success Stories portion of this podcast, experienced the workforce through an internship with the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). The BEP Director John Hulet talks about what to expect and how to get involved with BEP. Devin’s mom, Lisa Ferguson, takes us through her experience as a mom of a child with vision loss and working with State Services for the Blind (SSB). Her perspective along with Devin’s gives us a good idea of how Devin became a member of the workforce at age 15. Job experience, resume writing, learning the public transit system as a means of transportation and developing a relationship with a business owner and the Transition Team at SSB gives Devin and Lisa a wealth of experience moving forward.

From the TVI’s to the Agency counselor’s and program specialist, working together along with parents as well, is creating more opportunities and successes for Transition age students.

Sharing experiences through Success Stories, sharing programs that make a positive impact, sharing ideas, findings, upcoming events and the Tools for Success all play a part in making the transition process a natural progression and better understood by all.

Here are the links to the information we bring to this episode.

Transit Tracker App on the App Store

Join.Me- Screen Sharing Service on the Web.

Getting everyone on the same page is easy – so long as join.me instant screen sharing is involved. When you start your join.me meeting, simply press the “Broadcast” button and you’re ready to go. It’s that simple.

Check out your State Services by searching the Services Directory on the AFB.org web site.

State Services for the Blind of Minnesota

We offer tools and training for employment and for helping seniors remain independent and active. As Minnesota’s accessible reading source we also transcribe books and other materials into alternative formats, including audio and braille. We assist Minnesotans who are blind, DeafBlind, losing vision, or who have another disability that makes it difficult to read print.

I hope you find what you need here. We’ve also created a Tips for Using Our New Website page.

If you’d like to apply for services, learn more, or have more questions, just give us a call. You’ll find contact information for all of our offices on our contact page, or you can call our main office at 651-539-2300.

You can submit to the On The Horizons segment by emailing jessica.Hodges

Thank you for listening!

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Able Artist Foundation CEO and Founder Stephen Letnes joins us in the Blind Abilities studio to talk about the opportunities and discounts the Able Artist Foundation provides absolutely Free to it’s members.

Stephen explains how easy it is to join and become a member and start receiving the discounts right away. He fills us in on another aspect of creating opportunities for a selected group to gain access to studio time, to work with professionals in the trade and all without the burden of limited income.

Able Artist Foundation requires a membership that includes the requirement of the member to be receiving SSI/SSDI. Stephen knows all to well how dreams and opportunities can be out of reach without the support and access to technology and opportunities. That is why Stephen has devoted his time an energy to create a non-profit foundation that will enhance the opportunities and lower the cost factor that can be a barrier to creativeness and reaching one’s fullest potential.

Yes, this is a, “Free membership,” Stephen Letnes keeps reminding us throughout the podcast and with all the discounts and opportunities, the reminder seems to keep the dream alive. Join Stephen Letnes and Jeff Thompson as he unveils Able Artist Foundation and all that it can offer you.

You can find Able Artist Foundation on the web at www.AbleArtist.org

You can email Able Artist foundation

You can call at 1-424-341-0309

 

From the web:

Able Artist Is Live!

The Website Is Ready To Receive New Members And Vendors

The wait is over. After months of brainstorming, discussion, development and analysis, the Able Artist platform is now public, searchable and accessible. 

Potential members and vendors alike can now apply to become a part of the Able Artist family. The goal is simple for this site: pair people with disabilities who are on fixed incomes, like SSI and SSDI, with willing and generous corporate partners who are stepping up to say,"we believe that everyone should have a reasonable opportunity to obtain tools for creativity so they can discover talents within themselves , develop those identifiable talents into skills whereby they can then decide — for themselves - what they want to do next."

This is not just a website; it is a platform. Its capabilities are such that it can easily handle the millions of eligible Americans and businesses that choose to be a part of Able Artist.  Let the access begin!

Seeing the World, Sometimes in Ways We Never Imagined. George Wurtzel Talks about His Star Role in the Subaru Commercial 

George Wurtzel gives us a inside look and his philosophical approach to his involvement with the New Subaru TV commercial. We are including an audio described version of the audio from the Subaru commercial. George is George and nothing Hollywood about him as he explains the process and the experience of working on location and being part of this great commercial with such a great perspective on Blindness.

George Talks about Wood Working for the Blind, WW4B, Enchanted Hills Camp, and his Hollywood accepted wardrobe... Bib Over-alls Flannel shirt and boots. Good to Go!

You can find out more about Enchanted Hills Camp and the Lighthouse for the Blind on the web.

Check out George's web site.

And check out George's other podcast on Blind Abilities.

 

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Microsoft’s Soundscape App Creates a 3D Audio Map to Enhance Your Exploration

Jeff Thompson gives us a overview of the Soundscape App from Microsoft. Running through the menus and settings and locating reference points as well as near-by bus stops. 

Here is what Microsoft has to say about their new Soundscape App:

When you’re ready, just go for a walk on a well-known route and listen to the callouts to get a sense of how Soundscape works and how you may want to use it. Have fun! Microsoft Soundscape uses 3D audio technology to enhance your awareness of what is around you, and thereby help you get around and explore your surroundings.   Soundscape will place audio cues and labels in 3D space such that they sound like they are coming from the direction of the points of interest, parks, roads and other features in your surroundings.  You will need a pair of stereo headsets that you feel comfortable wearing outdoors. For example, bone conduction headsets, Apple AirPods and in-ear open headphones have proven to work well.  Soundscape is designed to live in the background and provide you with effortless ambient awareness. Therefore, feel free to use it in conjunction with other apps such as podcasts, audio books, email and even GPS navigation.    Key features:  - As you walk, Soundscape will automatically call out the key points of interest, roads and intersections that you pass. These can be adjusted and turned on and off.  - An audio beacon can be placed on a point of interest, and you will hear it as you move around. You can place an audio beacon on a point of interest that you would like to track such as your destination, a point to return to or a landmark you are familiar with.   - “My location” describes your current location and the direction you are facing  - “Around me” describes nearby points of interest in each of the four cardinal directions, helping with orientation. Try this out when getting off a bus or leaving a train station.  - “Ahead of me” describes points of interest in front of you, for example when walking down the street.    We hope you enjoy the experience. We believe that this kind of technology offers a new way to relate to the environment around you and we can’t wait to hear what you make of it.    If at any time you have any questions about Soundscape, please refer to the Help & Tutorials section available on the main menu or if you require further help then you can contact the Disability Answer Desk on 1-800-936-5900 which is a free of charge service.

Get the Soundscape App on the App Store.

 

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Welcome back to another TBTS as Allison, Bryan and Jeff dig into the news and happenings around the tools and gadgets with accessibility in mind.

In Episode 12, Skype continues to Un-amuse the Blindness community with broken accessibility and mostly a usability that is failing fast. Delta Airlines enhances its policy on service dogs and basically gets it right. IOS 11.3 Beta brings us more feedback to the life of your battery and it’s shortening of life. Jeff’s battery has dropped 2 more points since the podcast was recorded. Hmm. We touch base with the Business Enterprise Program for the blind.

Allison continues to bring us Home Pod news and AirPlay2 is coming to more devices soon. 

So grit your teeth and bare down as the That Blind Tech Show Episode 12 invades your privacy, and takes away your precious time but hey, it’s all about the moments we have together, the content, the unbelievable audio quality, the conciseness of delivery, the humor and lighter side the show brings and most of all, Bryan’s comedic attempts at being funny. I know, you are trying to recall a funny moment. I am with you. LOL. Bryan never reads show notes so hey, thanks for listening and have a great day.

 

Be sure to follow the show on Twitter @BlindTechShow

And send your feedback and suggestions to us via email.

You can listen to all the That Blind Tech Show episodes on Blind Abilities on the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

 

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Backpacking Around the World: Tony Giles - Seeing the World My Way

Tony Giles has been to nearly all of the countries in the World and is setting out to Lebanon and Iraq to chalk up a few more to his continuing list of countries he has backpacked through. Totally Blind and a mind full of confidence and curiosity, Tony says that from a youngster he began traveling from school to home and to countries with common language and systems but then he wanted more challenges. From his studies and mostly his curiosity he struck out to foreign lands and cultures with his long-white-cane in hand.

Planning and researching is the key that Tony says helps him unlock the mysteries ahead of his journeys. Knowing what you are stepping into from the plane, train or motorized scooter taxi, having destinations makes his travel more of a reality than just dropping into a new world.

Join Tony Giles, Tony The Traveller, as he talks about his youth, coming to the Americas and to over 120 other countries around the World.

You can find out more about Tony Giles on the web at www.TonyTheTraveller.com 

 

find his blogs, books and latest info on his web page and his BBC documentary videos.

Follow Tony’s travels and updates on his Facebook page.

 

 

State Services for the Blind of Minnesota

We offer tools and training for employment and for helping seniors remain independent and active. As Minnesota’s accessible reading source we also transcribe books and other materials into alternative formats, including audio and braille. We assist Minnesotans who are blind, DeafBlind, losing vision, or who have another disability that makes it difficult to read print.

I hope you find what you need here. We've also created a Tips for Using Our New Website page.

If you’d like to apply for services, learn more, or have more questions, just give us a call. You’ll find contact information for all of our offices on our contact page, or you can call our main office at 651-539-2300.

 

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Tony Giles has been to nearly all of the countries in the World and is setting out to Lebanon and Iraq to chalk up a few more to his continuing list of countries he has backpacked through. Totally Blind and a mind full of confidence and curiosity, Tony says that from a youngster he began traveling from school to home and to countries with common language and systems but then he wanted more challenges. From his studies and mostly his curiosity he struck out to foreign lands and cultures with his long-white-cane in hand.

Planning and researching is the key that Tony says helps him unlock the mysteries ahead of his journeys.

Knowing what you are stepping into from the plane, train or motorized scooter taxi, having destinations makes his travel more of a reality than just dropping into a new world.

Join Tony Giles, Tony The Traveller, as he talks about his youth, coming to the Americas and to over 120 other countries around the World.

You can find his blogs, books and latest info on his web page and his BBC documentary videos at www.TonyTheTraveller.com

Follow Tony’s travels and updates on his Facebook page.

State Services for the Blind of Minnesota

We offer tools and training for employment and for helping seniors remain independent and active. As Minnesota’s accessible reading source we also transcribe books and other materials into alternative formats, including audio and braille. We assist Minnesotans who are blind, DeafBlind, losing vision, or who have another disability that makes it difficult to read print.

I hope you find what you need here. We’ve also created a Tips for Using Our New Website page.

If you’d like to apply for services, learn more, or have more questions, just give us a call. You’ll find contact information for all of our offices on our contact page, or you can call our main office at 651-539-2300.

Thank you for listening!

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Aira Presents Hash Tag Aira Bowl, A Comprehensive Wrap-up of a Phenomenal Event!

Aira presents this Blind Abilities production of a full wrap-up of the Hash Tag Aira bowl event. As millions around the world viewed the 2018 Super bowl on NBC TV, thousands of blind and visually impaired listeners heard, for the first time in history, a complete audio-described narrative of the game, the commercials and all of the related activities around the event. Blind Abilities brings you an in depth “debriefing” interview  with Aira’s Director of Product Management, Greg stilson, along with comments from Aira Agent Analysts Emily Hill and Patrick Lane with their perspective on the happenings. we have also provided dozens of clips  of realtime game audio depicting Patrick’s and Emily’s outstanding description skills throughout the event.  

 

Hear about Greg’s Super bowl Sunday, beginning with his time at the Stub Hub Fan Experience, his mile-long journey from the Twins Park to the Stadium, courtesy of Aira Agent David. then listen as Greg tells about the equipment he used to give him more than 7 and a half hours of uninterrupted service on his glasses, and a peak into a new set of glasses being developed by Aira. Listen as Emily deftly describes the Justin Timberlake half-time show and enjoy the thrilling game action with dialog between Greg and Patrick.

 

If you weren’t able to join the live broadcast, or even if you did, sit back and enjoy this dynamic presentation of a monumental “first of its kind” phenomenon, brought to you by Aira and blind Abilities.  

 

for more information about Aira, or to subscribe, go to: www.Aira.IO

 

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.