Key2Access: Accessible Street Crossings and RAZMobile: The Accessible Tactile Button Phone Blind abilities presents another in their series from the national Federation of the blind (NFB) convention for 2017. Join Cheryl Spencer as she features Key2Access, with their unique approach towards modifying street crossing signals, and razz Mobility, with their non-smart cellular phone for folks who wish to steer clear of smart phone technology.  Key2Access has worked with four cities in Canada to alter street signals to allow BVI pedestrians to access crossing buttons using their accessible iOS app, and Raz Mobility has developed a completely accessible cellular phone with tactile buttons,  offering text messaging and affordable calling plans    Cheryl gets up close and personal with these two disparate yet relevant contributors in the world of blindness technology. Be sure to check them out on the web. Key2Access RAZMobile   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   You can find out more about Aira on the web and follow Aira on Twitter @Airaio   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.

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Key2Access: Accessible Street Crossings and RAZMobile: The Accessible Tactile Button Phone

Chris Mairs: Tandem Bicycling Across America For Blindness   Chris Mairs is crossing the United States on a Tandem Bike traveling over 3600 miles in his 60 miles for 60 days fund raising adventure. A Line of Sight, that’s ALineOfSight.org.uk Initiative is to raise $40 per mile to assist 3600 people transform their lives with a surgery for cataracts. I posted a message from his blog page below so you can read all about his A Line of Sight fund raiser. Chris talks about his mother’s commitment to “No MollyCuddle” and how she prepared him and his siblings for the future. Chris talks about the ride and being blind and gives Transition age students some advice. Chris himself being a college graduate has also succeeded in business and his words are something to listen to. I did not know Chris before; however, I have been reading his blogs on the ALineOfSight.org.uk and have enjoyed his writings and humor. Chris and his team passed through Minnesota and I just had to reach out and believe me, I am glad that I got a chance to share a few moments with Chris Mairs. I hope you take a look at Chris’s A Line of Sight web page and help make a difference. Here is a note taken from Chris’s web site:   I have been registered blind since the age of 18 and turned 60 in early 2017. Although my condition, degenerative RP, is not treatable, I have been incredibly fortunate to live in the developed world. My education, my career and my personal life have all provided me with immense opportunities in a life that has been filled with pleasure and purpose. However, most of the 39 million blind people in the developing world are not so lucky. Blindness is an isolating and frightening disability with crippling economic impact. The family of someone without sight loses two incomes, one from the blind person themselves and one from the family member who becomes their full time carer. But the most common cause of sight loss in the world, cataracts, can be cured at a cost of only £30 or $40 per surgical intervention. I cannot boil the ocean, nor can I save the world, but with your help we will transform 3,600 lives.  On June 18th 2017 I am riding a tandem across America from Oregon to New Hampshire. By raising £30/$40 for every mile we ride, we will restore sight to 3,600 people through low cost, highly effective cataract surgery undertaken by our partner See International. Why 3,600 interventions? Two simple reasons: •I am pledging to cure 60 people of blindness for each year or my life so far. •This just happens to be the approximate distance from Astoria, Oregon to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Averaging somewhat over 60 miles a day, we will complete the ride in a little under 60 days, providing a perfect backbone for my 60×60@60 pledge. I am incredibly lucky to have 2 co-riders, James and Alastair, who will be sharing the front seat of the tandem. Alastair is in charge from Astoria to Sioux Falls, where he will step aside for fresh horses, a.k.a. James.   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.  

Chris Mairs: Tandem Bicycling Across America For Blindness

Woodworking for the Blind Summer workshop Sessions   Sixth Annual Summer Workshop Now Two Separate Sessions All Members Invited   Advanced Woodworking Session Monday, August 21, thru Saturday August 26, 2017 Welcoming Dinner Monday evening August 21   Woodworking Fundamentals Session Saturday, August 26, thru August 31, 2017 Welcoming Dinner Saturday evening August 26   Each Session Has 4 Full Days of Meetings, Discussions, Instructions, Technique Sharing, Meals and Refreshments Spouses and Companions are Welcome!   Summer Workshop Fee $350 (Includes Meals and Lodging) Includes Workshop Facilities, Instruction, Meals and Lodging Spouses and Companions $150   Hosted by George Wurtzel and Brian Buhrow (San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind) at their newly expanded, spacious workshop at Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa, California   Fly to either San Francisco or Oakland Airport Arrival Transportation to Napa Available Through Evans Airporter Service   EHC will pick up at Evans Airporter Office   To register for the Advanced Woodworking Session go to: https://form.jotform.com/70997934794176 To register for the Woodworking Fundamentals Session go to: https://Form.jotform.com/71006204494145   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

Call to Wood Workers, Beginners to Advanced. Wood Workers for the Blind Summer Sessions Filling Fast!

Aira Presents Susan Mazrui: Director of Public Policy at AT&T - Disability, Education & Employment   Susan Mazrui shares her journey through education, employment and how she faced the challenges and the low expectations along the way. As director of Public Policy at AT&T, Susan works with aging and disability issues. Susan is still learning as technology keeps changing and encourages others to learn as much as they can about the tools they will need in the workplace. Susan is an Aira explorer and enjoys having instant access to information when she wants it. It’s the “small things” that Aira does that can really make a difference and like a mosquito in a King’s tent, small things can move Kings. Join Susan Mazrui at the 2017 National Federation of the Blind convention and learn about her journey and the suggestions she has for students transitioning from high school to college and to the workplace.   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   You can find out more about Aira on the web and follow Aira on Twitter @Airaio   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 Susan Mazrui: Director of Public Policy at AT&T - Disability, Education & Employment

Aira once again offers a feature presentation: A Conversation with John Herzog. John is an Accessibility Solutions Engineer with AT&T. He sits down with the Blind Abilities Team to share an in depth look at his life as a blind man: his youth, education and his time at law school. John also shares his thoughts on a variety of issues, including blindness, social interactions and Aira, the visual interpreter for the blind.     Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   You can find out more about Aira on the web and follow Aira on Twitter @Airaio   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: A Conversation With John Herzog - Accessibility Solutions Engineer With AT&T

The Hooke Verse, records binaural  recordings to an iPhone or Android phone without having to tether a microphone or headphone cord. Leaving you free to record in stereo as naturally as you would listen because the microphones are in the earphones! Join Pete Lane on the convention floor as he talks to the Hooke Audio Team and learn more about this innovated and one of a kind device from Hooke Audio. You can find out more about Hooke Audio on the web.   Hooke Verse is a pair of Bluetooth headphones that incorporate binaural microphones designed to capture 3D audio. Specially placed mics allow you to capture sound like you actually hear it. Once captured, Hooke Verse’s 3D audio can be experienced on any pair of headphones or two channel system, no special speakers or algorithms required. Your listeners will feel like they’re there. With the free Hooke Audio mobile app, you can capture 3D audio wirelessly to your iOS or Android device using Hooke’s proprietary bluetooth recording codec. With the Hooke Audio recording cable, you can capture 3D audio to any device, even if they don’t have Bluetooth. With the Hooke Verse, your videos and recordings can have professional binaural 3D audio.   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.    Find out more about Aira on the web and follow Aira on Twitter @Airaio   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.

The Hooke Verse Records in 3D Wirelessly to Your iPhone or Android!

The Harbolt Company is a supplier of not only devices and accessible ones at that, Brent Harbolt educates and demonstrates the products he makes available to the Blindness community. From obscure items to gadgets that just work and are accessible, Brent gives audio descriptions and demos so you can get a good idea of the products available on the HarboltCompany.com web site. Be sure to check out all the many products available on-line and all the deals available on the highly accessible HarboltCompany.com site.   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   Find out more about Aira on the web and follow Aira on Twitter @Airaio   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.

The Harbolt Company Introduces & Demos the Accessible Charger

Michael Hingson talks about his employment journey and how everything he has done in his past has led him to Aira. And that is what Michael brings to his new Strategic Sales position at Aira. He is not new to Aira as he has been involved for over 2 and a half years and understands completely how Aira brings instant access to information.  Michael is well known for his Best Selling book titled, Thunder Dog. Telling the story about his experience surrounding the escape from Tower 1 during the September 11th terrorist attacks. Join Michael Hingson at the National Federation of the Blind convention in Orlando Florida and hear about what led him to the 74th floor of Tower 1 and his journey to Aira. You can read more about Michael Hingson on his web site and join his newsletter as well as find links for his books and news releases. You can find out more about Aira on the web and follow Aira on Twitter @Airaio   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   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: Michael Hingson - Bringing the Thunder to Aira

Welcome to That Blind Tech Show presented to you by the Blind Abilities Team. We want to hear from you whether you have a question about a new tech product or app, or some advice for the blindness community. We hope this will be an interactive show that will educate, inform, and make you laugh. Write us in at ThatBlindTechShow@gmail.com and make sure to follow us on Twitter at @BlindTechShow.   And now on to the show. Up first is an intro to what That Blind Tech Show will be. Next you won’t want to miss our discussion about the exciting new iPhone app from Microsoft, Microsoft Seeing AI.  Then it is on to NFB 17 convention coverage where Jeff Thompson was recording live.   The biggest attraction and conversation at this years convention is Aira, The Virtual Navigator for the Blind giving you instant access to information. Tune in to hear about what went down in the Aira Lounge! HumanWare had two new devices for the attendees to consider. The not yet released, Victor Stream Trek. Combining the popular book reader with GPS. The new Brilliant 14 iPhone Companion is a quick note taker that has refreshable braille and comes in at $995. Orcam releases version 2.0 and Microsoft, Amazon, sprint all showed up strutting their Accessibility Help Desks.  AT&T was right next to Aira and that was no surprise as they provide the MiFi hook-up for the Aira. The Harbolt Company brings a new one-of-a-kind accessible charger with audible and vibration feedback. APH brought their new affordable Orbit 20 and out the door they went. 20 units sold out well before noon. We also talk about 3D Photo Works and hands on with the Mona Lisa. Then it is on to iOS 11 news with a conversation about Notes and scanning documents, Why does Siri hate Brian so much, and Type to Siri. Next is a discussion about our favorite topic Described Video and the latest update from Congress It’s about time!    Then we share a very sad story about what Cablevision thinks makes a good screen reader. Some companies just never will get it. And finally, a little chit chat between Brian and Jeff about this new venture That Blind Tech Show. Enjoy, Listen, learn, and laugh! You can find out more about That Blind Tech Show by email and on Twitter @BlindTechShow   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.

That Blind Tech Show: Siri Moods, It’s Hard to Strangle an iPhone

NFB17 One Big Family Reunion - What Does the Convention Mean to You? The NFB Convention is held each year and will be returning next year to Orlando Florida. People come from around the world to attend the National Federation of the Blind convention and the Blind Abilities Team took great note of the community and sharing of information that happens when nearly 3,000 attendees converge upon the #1 hotel, Rosen Shingle Creek, located in the heart of Disney and major attractions. However, the biggest attraction is found right in the heart of the community of the National Federation of the Blind. Here are just some of the wonderful attendees of NFB17 touching base on what the convention means to them.   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   You can find out more about Aira on the web at www.Aira.io On Twitter @airaio   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.

NFB17 One Big Family Reunion - What Does the Convention Mean to You?

NFB17 Dick Davis on Creating Employment Opportunities, Prep Programs and More at Blind, Inc Dick Davis talks about Employment and the Opportunities that Adjustment To Blindness Training at Blind,Inc in Minneapolis, MN is growing and creating jobs. Dick talks about the Prep Program for transition students that are heading or already attending college. Join Dick Davis for this very informational talk on employment opportunities and getting prepped for college.   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   You can find out more about Aira on the web at www.Aira.io On Twitter @airaio   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.

NFB17 Dick Davis on Creating Employment Opportunities, Prep Programs and More at Blind, Inc

Sharon Watson was the 1st Aira Explorer and is still as excited as the day she first learned about Aira and it’s solution to instant access to information. Sharon talks about how she uses her Aira glasses and how the playing field has been leveled for her. From large events to small details Sharon enjoys having instant access to information and the independence Aira has allowed her to access. Joe talks about Blind Abilities and the iPhone101 series and how he has enjoyed learning the gestures and tips and tricks PeteNick and I have published on the BlindAbilities.com web site.   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   You can find out more about Aira on the web at www.Aira.io On Twitter @airaio   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.

NFB17 Sharon Watson the 1st Aira Explorer and Joe’s Blind Abilities Shoutout!

NFB17 Microsoft Support Desk New App Seeing AI and the Sprint Accessibility Line Microsoft Support was in the Exhibit hall and answering questions that people may be having with their software and products. Here is some contact information below. The New app for IOS from Microsoft, Seeing AI, is what we may call a game changer for many users of apps that help in gathering info and data through the lens of the camera. Seeing Eye is like 4 apps rolled into one. It is a free app in the App store so try it out and see what artificial intelligence can do for you. Sprint was present and talking about a convention deal and their accessibility support line. We hope you enjoy.   Disability Answer Desk The Disability Answer Desk is where customers with disabilities get support with Microsoft Office and Windows. This includes product Issues, accessibility questions, and use of assistive technology Microsoft Support Desk https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/disability-answer-desk Call 1-800-936-5900. Available Monday to Friday from 6am to 10pm (PST) and Saturday to Sunday from 7am to 6pm (PST   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   You can find out more about Aira on the web at www.Aira.io On Twitter @airaio   Thank you for listening. You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilitiesc On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com Send us an email Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

NFB17 Microsoft Support Desk New App Seeing AI and the Sprint Accessibility Line

NFB17 LeaderDogs for the Blind Has a Program for Any Individual Pete Lane hits the floor of the NFB17 Exhibit Hall floor and talks the LeaderDogs for the Blind representative about the programs they offer and how you can contact them for more information. From summer camps, to advance training, LeaderDogs has a program that fits any individual. We hope you enjoy.   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   You can find out more about Aira on the web at www.Aira.io On Twitter @airaio   Thank you for listening. You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilitiesc On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com Send us an email Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

NFB17 LeaderDogs for the Blind Has a Program for Any Individual

NFB17 Blind Alive Is About to Launch Their New App and iFactory’s Accessible Web Sites   Explore your world  like never before From exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants in the city, to traveling the globe - Aira empowers the blind to experience their world and surroundings like never before. Accessible devices Aira's platform works on wearable devices such as Google Glass and Vuzix that can be paired with your smartphones. Real-time request The tiny camera mounted on your wearable device provides instant feedback so Aira Agents can safely guide you with any activity. Certified agents Our network of trained Aira Agents, who could even be one of your family or friends, are able to assist you whenever and wherever.   You can find out more about Aira on the web at www.Aira.io On Twitter @airaio   Thank you for listening. You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilitiesc On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com Send us an email Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

NFB17 Blind Alive Is About to Launch Their New App and iFactory’s Accessible Web Sites

Blind Abilities: The most comprehensive resource for Assistive Technology, Accessible Devices, Blind and Low Vision Technology, iPhone demonstrations, success Stories, Job Insights, College and Career Pathways and all with a Blindness Perspective.

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