The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter for September 1, 2022 - Issue 11The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter is the newsletter by and for the blind and visually impaired by Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan. Content curation sponsored by Top Tech Tidbits. The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter focuses on current lifestyle news and trends for the blind, deaf, deafblind and disabled. Subscribers: 244 opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email. Dear Blind Lifestyle Subscriber,1) AccessReady Reporter | Issue 30 | August 25th 2022The Reporter Newsletter is a service of Access Ready Inc. which is an independent, non-profit, cross-disability education and advocacy organization promoting a policy of inclusion and accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT). For people with disabilities, accessible information and communications technology is a necessity, not a luxury or a convenience, which fosters independence, economic self-sufficiency, and active, meaningful participation in civic life: 2) Aira and BlindShell Partner, Adding Another Choice to 'Aira Everywhere'Aira and BlindShell have announced the availability of Aira in the BlindShell App Library and the 'Aira Everywhere' promotion for anyone new to Aira or new to the BlindShell phone: 3) ACB Immediate Past President Kim Charlson Receives Award for Excellence in Accessibility Leadership from The Kennedy CenterKim Charlson was selected out of a diverse pool of nominees to receive a John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Award for Excellence in Accessibility Leadership at the organization's Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) conference held in Raleigh, NC, in early August, 2022. The Award for Excellence in Accessibility Leadership recognizes a lifetime of achievement in arts access, and was presented to Kim for her avid championing of audio description and life-long accessibility advocacy: 4) Why Getting More People With Disabilities Developing Technology Is Good for EveryoneIt's not just a matter of fairness and inclusion. Accessible technology is generally better for everyone. An app or website that causes problems for a screen reader is likely to be more difficult than an accessible app or website for anyone to use because it will take more time or effort: 5) Blind Caregiver Doesn't Let Disability Slow Her Down From Caring For Bethesda SeniorsA Bethesda, Maryland blind caregiver is being recognized for her service to seniors living in the community: 6) UOW's 3D-Printed Models Help Teach Chemistry To Vision-Impaired StudentsA University of Wollongong lecturer has created a set of 3D-printed models of the body's molecules to make sure visually impaired students in his chemistry classes don't miss out on learning the intricacies of molecular biology: 7) Pieces of the Past: Cultural Artifacts Uncovered by PG&E Help Educate Visually-impaired CommunityNapa County — While working to restore power and remove hazardous trees after the 2017 Nuns Fire, a PG&E forester found what turned out to be ancient artifacts in the mountains west of Napa that shed new light on the region's rich cultural history: 8) Disneyland Paris Introduces Audio Description Across the Resort for Those Who Are Visually ImpairedDisneyland Paris is introducing audio description across the resort for those who are visually impaired. There will be many locations equipped with this including attractions, restaurants, hotels and more: 9) IRS Continues to Work Toward Accessibility for All TaxpayersIt can be intimidating to receive correspondence from the IRS — but what if you couldn't understand any of it? 10) Envision And Aira To Bring On-Demand Sighted Guidance For The Blind To Smart GlassesAnnouncing a new partnership, Envision and Aira have teamed up to create a unique combination of assistive technology with the potential to enhance the independence of blind people in unprecedented ways: 11) I'm Blind, But I Didn't Tell Microsoft When I Interviewed For My JobWhen Sameer Doshi first applied for an engineering post at Microsoft, he didn't tell his future employer that he was blind. In fact, he was so over prepared for all presentations and internal chats that it wasn't until months down the line that he finally acknowledged his blindness. Now, as a Director of Healthcare Emerging Opportunities at Microsoft, Doshi couldn't be happier with how the tech giant reacted to his revelation: 12) Small Specialty Home Provides Big Impact On Quality Living for Elderly Blind WomenThe Mary Culver Home for Visually Impaired Women is dedicated to making life comfortable for its special residents. Under the leadership of Executive Director Amy Lepper, the home provides long-term life care for senior women who are visually impaired and blind: 13) Court Holds that Website Accessibility Doesn't Require 100% ComplianceIf you've ever received a demand letter alleging that your company's website isn't accessible to the blind or visually-impaired, it's likely that the claimant's attorney attached a report outlining a number of accessibility errors on the website. That's not surprising because most — if not all — major websites are likely to have some errors. But while some errors may affect a blind or visually impaired person's ability to navigate the website, others do not. One question that hasn't been previously addressed by any court, though, is whether 100% accessibility is necessary to avoid liability under the ADA. A California district court recently opined that it is not: 14) Growing Louisville Startup Lands Millions In VC FundingGoodMaps recently closed on $3.5 million in fresh capital. The seed round was led by Louisville-based Strike Ventures, with participation from Future Labs Capital, Keyhorse Capital (KSTC), Brook Smith and several other local and regional angel investors. The American Printing House for the Blind also invested in the new round. Formerly known as Access Explorer, GoodMaps was founded by APH in 2019: 15) The Unintended Consequences of OTC Hearing AidsOver-the-counter hearing aids will be available by October 2022. They'll benefit many but could lead to stigmatization, inadequate testing, and even hearing loss: 16) Blind Scientists Adapted A Centuries-Old Art To Make Data That Can Be Touched And SeenTools called lithophanes are physical images adorned with shallow engravings: 17) This Technology Makes Data Accessible To Blind And Visually Impaired PeopleNPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Mona Minkara, a professor of bioengineering at Northeastern University who is also blind, about a new way to present science data to blind and sighted people alike: 18) Congress Ordered Agencies To Use Tech That Works For People With Disabilities 24 Years Ago. Many Still Haven't.The Senate Aging Committee is conducting oversight to get agencies to comply with the rules: 19) War Makes Life Even Harder For Ukraine's Visually ImpairedViktor Solovyanenko has gone out as little as possible since Russia invaded Ukraine because he fears stepping on unexploded munitions or sharp objects. He is part of a small community of visually impaired people in the eastern city of Kharkiv who can hear the war but cannot see the damage wrought by nearly six months of Russian bombardment: 20) With A Little Help, Blind Tourist Fulfills His Sense Of AdventureUsing one hand to grip the top of his white cane and the other to hold the arm of a conductor, Ian Perrault exited the train that had just arrived in Portland from Boston and walked slowly toward the city's bus and train station: 21) 3D Printing Allows Blind Chemists To Visualize Scientific DataA group of US-based chemists have transformed scientific charts and images into tactile materials that are accessible to blind and visually impaired researchers. This could help to reduce barriers faced by people with low vision who wish to study and work in science: 22) ADA Website Compliance: A Better Experience for Law Firms and ClientsInformation technology leader and civil rights lawyers weigh in on the vital need for website accessibility in the digital age, especially for law firms and companies like Best Lawyers: 23) How One Nonprofit Helps Blind Workers Find JobsPeople who are blind play an integral role in the federal government's operations. Since 2010, National Industries for the Blind (NIB), a nonprofit in Alexandria, Va., has paired employees who have visual impairments with contract management support (CMS) services jobs in support of the federal government: 24) Native America Calling: Merging Native Languages With BrailleThe resurgence of language revitalization helps keep cultural connections and exercise sovereignty. Those connections are diminished somewhat for those who are visually impaired and can't read the written page. But there are those who are taking on the work of merging Native languages with braille, extending the full power of their culture to more of their citizens: 25) How This Partially Sighted B.C. Gamer Learned To Play Super MarioJalen Berg memorizes patterns of the game using his sense of hearing: Our PartnersPartner: Top Tech TidbitsPartner Since: January 1st 2022 Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/ 🌐 About: Top Tech Tidbits is the world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in adaptive technology. Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is a leading not-for-profit Adaptive Technology publication that reaches over 7,000 assistive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Adaptive Technology refers to items that are specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Assistive Technology. Adaptive Technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Subscribe: Subscribe at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/subscribe to receive the Top Tech Tidbits newsletter every Thursday morning at 4:00 AM ET. Support: publisher@toptechtidbits.com ✉ Partner: Blind AbilitiesPartner Since: May 26th 2022 Website: https://blindabilities.com/ 🌐 About: Blind Abilities podcasts cover the latest technology and developments that enhance quality of life for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Join thousands of listeners and stay up to date with the latest technologies, developments and trends that are changing how we bridge the gap between the limited expectations and the realities of Blind Abilities. We go beyond technology to bring you the journeys and achievements of others through success stories with in-depth conversations to open the mind to the greater possibilities of higher expectations within us. With the iPhone101 / QuickBytes demonstrations, the Tech Abilities Show and over 855 Blind Abilities podcast episodes, there's something for everyone! App Download: Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/blind-abilities/id1085849859 Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blindabilities.android.blind&hl=en_US&gl=US Partner: EZ2See® ProductsPartner Since: June 1st 2022 Website: https://ez2seeproducts.com/ 🌐 Phone: (800) 234-8291 ☎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EZ2SeeProducts About: Looking for a truly accessible large-print weekly planner / calendar? So was the low-vision senior who designed and in 2015, started a company to make exactly such a product. He did so only after not finding anything that met his low-vision needs. Annually, thousands of repeat and new customers appreciate its design features that include: • Each week is presented across two 8.5" x 11" heavy-weight pages. Also available on Amazon. Partner: Whose Blind Life is it Anyway NetworkPartner Since: June 1st 2022 YouTube: https://bit.ly/3PUsSI8 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3GIpSdH Twitter: http://twitter.com/blindwhose About: Our network has grown from a simple YouTube blog, to a network of shows that all can enjoy. Our network features cooking shows, interviews with blind individuals around the world and how they navigate through life as a blind or visually impaired individual, television and movie reviews, original content from Donna Jodhan, as well as the Blind Perspective, a show dealing with today's news and topic from a blind perspective, which anyone can participate on. The network has also acquired re-runs of the Blind Handyman and Blind Like Me shows, featuring Phil parr and his crew. Adults aren't left out of the mix, as our network also provides sexually explicit content in the form of the Saturday Night Adult Party (SNAP), where we talk about sex, sexuality and relationships from a blind perspective, as well as the Afternoon Radio Theater Sundae, broadcasting old-time radio features of yesteryear. Our network has something for all, but if you don't like YouTube or it's apps, you can catch us on our Facebook Page, or on Twitter, which we also broadcast to for your enjoyment. If you can't catch us live, you can always catch us on podcast on all your favourite podcast apps or players, from Apple to Google, To Spotify. You can also ask Alexa to play Whose Blind Life is it Anyway, and she'll provide you with all our shows. The network is also providing advertising space, free of charge to anyone interested, as well as blocks of show times for people who would like to produce their own content, or add their content to our network on a weekly basis, perhaps you'd like to have your own blog, but can't be bothered with all the technical nuances, or you would like to feature an infomercial, features products you sell, or services you provide. All of this is free of charge, with no hidden fees, you just have to provide the time and content, and we can provide the platform. Join our network, and enjoy the entertainment we provide on a daily basis. Anchor Podcast: https://anchor.fm/whose-blind-life-is-it-anyway Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3x6JULS Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3xbsKwM Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3NKUuxu Download: https://bit.ly/3aCdekA Partnership InformationYour Business or Organization Name, Logo, Contact Information and Advertisement HereThe Blind Lifestyle Newsletter is currently awarding partnerships to select individuals, businesses and organizations that have a proven track record of serving the blind and vision impaired community from anywhere in the world. A partnership currently provides you with a free profile in each issue of the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter. These partnerships are currently being awarded by Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan, free of charge, in order to help grow the distribution list for the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter. If selected for a partnership your profile will remain free of charge until the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter reaches 1,000 susbcribers. Current Subscriber Count: 204. Once the 1,000 subscriber milestone has been reached, all current partners will be given the opportunity to convert their free partnership into a paid sponsorship for $1 per issue, per one thousand subscribers, or have their profile removed. It is necessary for us to transition from free partnerships to paid sponsorships at the 1,000 subscriber mark in order to eventually generate enough funding to maintain distribution of the newsletter itself. Please consider partnering with us today. Help us to grow the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter mailing list while we help you to spread the word about your product or service. It really is a win-win for everyone involved. Learn more today at: https://www.donnajodhan.com/the-blind-lifestyle-newsletter.html#partnership-information Give The Gift of Accessibility TodayPlease consider giving the gift of accessibility to disabled children and their families today by supporting one of Donna's many ongoing initiatives. Your support makes the difference in keeping our children connected, healthy and part of our community. You may donate one time, monthly, quarterly or annually. All donations, no matter how small, ensure that persons with disabilities, especially our kids with disabilities, are given every opportunity to be a part of our growing virtual world. Learn more today at: Sight Loss Coach And Author Donna JodhanDonna Jodhan's Sight Loss CoachingDonna Jodhan has been coaching persons with sight loss since 2000. She is a high profile Apple Certified Trainer and Consultant and a world-renowned Author. She has written and produced and continues to write as a blogger, editorialist, podcast commentator, writer, and fiction author. She produces meaningful and up to date info designed to assist the reader and listener to become more confident when dealing with sight loss. As a person with sight loss herself, Donna recognizes and knows only too well how the colossal challenges of COVID-19 have changed the lives of us all; especially so for those living with sight loss. At the best of times, it is difficult enough to cope when sight loss sets in for anyone but when the world is unexpectedly and practically turned on its head and we are all now forced to find new ways to cope, the challenges of sight loss becomes even more acute. AboutAs a coach, Donna will use her vast knowledge and life experience as an advocate, author, and entrepreneur to successfully assist you in navigating through life and learning how to live with vision loss. Donna will teach you how to navigate the fast moving and complicated world of technology and show you how to conquer bullying and scams. You will learn how to cope with sight loss in your home, garden, places of employment, and your home office. There is nothing better than having someone beside you who can provide personal and customized services to meet and accommodate your needs upon request. ServicesCoaching is available via Telephone, Email, Facetime, Skype, and Zoom. PricingYour Initial Consultation is free of charge. You can expect this assessment to last anywhere between one hour to one and a half hours and we would be pleased to contact you at our expense thus avoiding you having to incur any long distance charges. We believe that our payment structure is affordable and will be able to meet your budgets and expectations. You may pay as you go at $50 / hour or purchase hours in blocks of 5, 10 or 15 at $40 / hour. Pricing Packages5 Hour Package - $200 ContactTo learn more please visit: https://www.donnajodhan.com/. Subscription InformationABOUT:The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter is the newsletter by and for the blind and visually impaired by Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan. Content curation sponsored by Top Tech Tidbits. The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter focuses on current lifestyle news and trends for the blind, deaf, deafblind and disabled. RELEASE SCHEDULE:The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter is currently released via email and social media on the 1st day of each month at 6:00 AM ET. SUBSCRIBE:Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://donnajodhan.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter on the Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan website at: https://donnajodhan.com or by (SMS) texting "BLINDLIFESTYLE" to 22828. Any of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter. It's that easy. WEBSITE:Visit the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter section of the Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan website online at https://donnajodhan.com/the-blind-lifestyle-newsletter.html. ARCHIVEVisit the The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter Archive at: https://donnajodhan.com/the-blind-lifestyle-newsletter.html#most-recent-issues where you can grab back issues. |
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