New Vision Newsletter
October 2022
Welcome to your October New Vision Newsletter. New Vision at Goodwill seeks to promote independence and equality for people who are blind and visually impaired. We educate, inform, and provide resources, so people with visual impairments can live their fullest lives. We hope you find this newsletter useful, and we would love your feedback through the link shared at the end of this newsletter.
New Vision Echo Tips Podcast
New Echo Tips Podcast episodes are released every Wednesday morning. Available on your Echo or computer, the podcast features New Vision's Tech Center instructor, David Ward. These episodes contain contain micro-sized, roughly 5-minute tutorials on various Amazon Echo features. The newest episodes are available below.
Latest Episodes
Episode 212 Amazon Why Not Reboot
Episode 213 SongPop Trivia Game
Episode 214 [From Our Archives] Turbo Charged Reminders!
Episode 215 New Echo Dots and Echo Studio
Episode 216 New Rain and Snow Notifications
So how can I get it on my Echo? You can ask your Echo the following:
- Alexa, play Echo Tips Podcast.
- Alexa, play next episode or Alexa, skip.
This will play the previous episode since the podcast is sorted from newest to oldest.
If you have an Apple device such as an iPhone or iPad, you can also ask Siri to play the most recent episode. Simply say: "Siri, play the Echo Tips Podcast."
Alternatively, you can play the podcast via the website below, which is screen reader compatible. You can navigate the episode title via heading number 2. Simply press the space bar or otherwise activate the link to start that episode.
https://tunein.com/podcasts/Education-Podcasts/Echo-Tips-p1118403/
Large Print 2023 Calendars
Order your 2023 Large Print Calendar today! Please remember calendars are available for Virginia Residents only and each individual with visual impairments may receive one calendar only.
You may order a calendar by returning your card from last year's calendar, by calling (540) 985.8900, or by completing this form to reserve your 2023 calendar through our online form.
A special thank you to our 2023 Large Print Calendar sponsor, the Virginia Board for the Blind and Vision Impaired, for making the calendars possible! Quantities are limited and so order your Large Print Calendar today!
Podcasts
Apple's new iOS 16 is here! Listen to the group over at the Assistive Technology Corner talk about some of the new features and bugs. Check out the link below.
https://ia601509.us.archive.org/4/items/athc-09152022/ATHC_09152022.mp3
Have you heard of the Envision Glasses? If not, learn about them on this episode of Blind Abilities, where Kevin Chao is interviewed about his use of these glasses. Listen at the link below.
https://ia601509.us.archive.org/4/items/athc-09152022/ATHC_09152022.mp3
In this episode of the Maccessibility Roundtable, you'll hear the group talk about new products from Apple they received. Other topics they'll tackle include Voice Dream Reader news and recording voice messages on iOS 16. Check out the link below.
http://maccessibility.net/podcast/maccessibility_rt244.mp3
iPhone & iPad Apps
Here's the AppleVis' Unlimited Newsletter for September 2022. AppleVis is a premier website for reviewing Apple-related devices and Apps from a visual impairment perspective. In this month's edition learn about updates to games, a new feature in Just Press Record App, and other notable app updates.
https://www.applevis.com/blog/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-september-2022
Join Roanoke Valley Blind Bowlers
The Roanoke Valley Blind Bowlers are recruiting new blind and vision-impaired bowlers for this season. The group bowls at 6:30 pm on Tuesday evenings at Hilltop Lanes located at 5918 Williamson Road in Roanoke. If you would like to participate or want more information about this recreational opportunity, call Steve Aukward at (540) 344-4852 or email him at sjaukward@cox.net.
Echo Things to Try
Here are a few things to try with your Echo. Some practical, some just fun.
- Alexa, turn kitchen lights off at 10 pm.
- Alexa, enable Thursday Night Football routine.
- Alexa, recommend a news podcast.
- Alexa, find action movies on Fire TV.
- Alexa, when is my dentist appointment?
- Alexa, what should I eat?
- Alexa, recommend a podcast.
- Alexa, find my keys.
- Alexa, I want to speak to a doctor.
- Alexa, open Escape the Room.
For more about what's new with Alexa check out the official blog by clicking the following link: Alexa Blog.
Your Thoughts
If you have any thoughts about what could be mentioned in an upcoming newsletter or comments on this newsletter feel free to reply or fill out the following form. See the following link: New Vision Feedback Form.
Newsletter Sign Up
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Contact Info
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Attention: New Vision
2502 Melrose Avenue, NW, Suite B, Roanoke, VA 24017
(540) 985.8900 | info@goodwillvalleys.com
