New Vision Newsletter
April 2024

Welcome to your April 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.

Echo Tips Podcast

New Echo Tips Podcast episodes are released every Wednesday. They are available on your Echo or computer. The podcast features New Vision's instructor, David Ward. These episodes contain micro-sized tutorials on various Amazon Echo features. The newest episodes are available below.

A special thank you to our sponsor, the Virginia Board for the Blind and Vision Impaired, for supporting New Vision's diverse programming!

Latest Episodes

Episode 291 Surfacing Content with Amazon Kids Plus on the Echo
Episode 292 Amazon's New Alexa Accessibility Portal
Episode 293 Conversation Mode - Are You Look'n at Me!?
Episode 294 Alexa's New AI Voice
Episode 295 The Many Accents of Alexa!

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.
tunein.com/podcasts/Education-Podcasts/Echo-Tips-p1118403/

Next Gen Access Podcast

Join us in this episode of Next Gen Access as we dive into the world of screen readers, focusing on the internationally acclaimed JAWS from Vispero. Our panel of experts discusses what lies ahead for this powerful accessibility tool. From Cloud and AI enhancements to pricing models, we leave no stone unturned. Whether you're a seasoned screen reader user or just curious about the future of assistive technology, this episode is a must-listen!

In Episode 2, we dissect JAWS, the screen reader that empowers tens of thousands of visually impaired users worldwide. Our guests, David Ward, Robin Christopherson, and Michael Babcock, share insights on JAWS's current capabilities and their wishlist for future enhancements. From seamless cloud integration to innovative AI features, we explore how JAWS can evolve. Tune in and discover what's on the horizon for this essential tool! A big thanks to our sponsor for this episode, the Virginia Board for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

https://pinecast.com/listen/6e772269-05e7-45d9-9468-be6f4650b4f0.mp3?source=rss&ext=asset.mp3/

Virtual Training

Personal electronic devices can enhance the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired. New Vision offers free instruction on how to use the latest technology and devices to connect to the world and increase independence. Instruction can be provided, in many cases, virtually via telephone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, and in-person by appointment. Please contact us to find out more.

Lions on the Lake Event

Save the date! Lions on the Lake is June 29, 2024 at Claytor Lake State Park from 11 am – 2 pm. There will be boat rides, a picnic, games, and tons of fun! The event is sponsored by the Blacksburg Breakfast Lions Club. New this year! If you don’t have transportation and live in the New River Valley contact Suzanne Ament at seament@radford.edu or by phone 540-381-0963. Or if you live in the Roanoke area and don't have transportation contact David Ward at dward@goodwillvalleys.com or by phone 540-985-8900. Transportation will be first-come-first-served. Each person is limited to two seats for the blind individual and a friend or family member. As always there is no charge for this event and the park also grants free access.

Please RSVP by June 23rd, an accurate count helps in preparing adequate food, life-jackets, and having plenty of supplies. Contact David or Susan with any questions.

Podcasts

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece delve into a significant update for Android users, specifically related to Braille display compatibility. They are joined by Matthew Horspool from the Braillists Foundation, who discusses the technicalities and implications of Android 15's beta release. This update introduces HID support for Braille displays, aiming to enhance accessibility for a wide range of Braille devices. It addresses long-standing compatibility issues and has the potential to transform the experience for visually impaired Android enthusiasts.

The episode also features a roundup of other tech news, presented by Grace Scoffield. Notable highlights include Waymap's impressive funding round to expand its navigation solutions, Roku's new certification requirements aimed at boosting accessibility, and speculation surrounding Microsoft's ARM laptops, which may outperform Apple's M3 MacBook Air.

The segment concludes with a nostalgic look back at the release of Windows 3.1, marking a significant milestone in computing history. Additionally, listeners contribute thoughtful feedback on various topics, including the recent controversy surrounding Voice Dream Reader's subscription model changes and suggestions for micro Bluetooth devices to enhance the usability of devices like the Victor Reader Stream 2. Have a listen via the link below. Check out the link below.

Join Jonathan Mosen in this captivating episode as he delves into a wide range of topics related to accessibility, technology, and the blind community. From Voice Dream Reader to Windows 11, TSA Cares to the Keyto Breath Sensor, this episode promises engaging insights and practical advice. Tune in for an enriching discussion that empowers blind individuals to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

iPhone & iPad Apps

The AppleVis Unlimited newsletter for March 2024 is a monthly digest of the latest and most notable content on the AppleVis website. AppleVis is a premier website for reviewing Apple-related devices and Apps from a visual impairment perspective. In this edition of AppleVis Unlimited, notable app entries include:
1. Callsheet - Find Cast & Crew: A comprehensive app for quickly looking up information about the cast and crew in TV shows and movies, with features like spoiler prevention, trivia, and parental guidance.
2. Good Food Talks: An app empowering people with visual impairments to access and browse restaurant menus using VoiceOver and other visual accessibility features.

To learn more, check out the link below to this informative newsletter.
https://www.applevis.com/blog/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-march-2024

Echo Things to Try

Here are a few things to try with your Echo. Some practical, some just fun.

• Alexa, how do I dice an onion?
• Alexa, give me a mental health tip.
• Alexa, give me a bad poem.
• Alexa, I want to speak to a doctor.
• Alexa, what fruit is the symbol for hospitality?
• Alexa, am I free at 4 pm?
• Alexa, what skills do you have?
• Alexa, find action movies on Fire TV.
• Alexa, what's the riddle of the day?
• Alexa, cancel my alarm on my Bedroom Echo.
• Alexa, play a kids podcast.
• Alexa, give me Climate Pledge friendly recommendations.
• Alexa, ask HowStuffWorks to organize my life.

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.

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Contact Info

David Ward
Assistive Technology Instructor, New Vision at Goodwill
Email: dward@goodwillvalleys.com
Phone: 540.985.8900
Office: 3601 Thirlane Rd. NW, Suite 5, Roanoke, VA 24019