New Vision Newsletter
November 2021
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.
Large Print 2022 Calendars
Order your 2022 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 clicking here to reserve your 2022 calendar through our online form.
A special thank you our 2022 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!
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 164Amazon Glow for Kids and Astro the Robot
Episode 165 [From Our Archives] Waking Up to Music
Episode 166 Hiking Trails, Parks, and More!
Episode 167 Adaptive Listening Accessibility Feature
So how can I get it on my Echo? At present, 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/
Podcasts
There's a special announcement in this episode of the RNIB's Tech Talk podcast, hosted by Steven Scott. Hear the gang talk about digital literacy and how it affects the visually impaired. Check out the link below.
https://audioboom.com/posts/7976301.mp3?modified=1636458808&source=rss&stitched=1
In this episode of Freedom Scientific's FSCast Podcast, you'll hear about new accessible McDonald's restaurant kiosks. This and a whole lot more on this episode.
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/fscast/FSCast206-October2021.mp3?dest-id=693139
Do you struggle to keep track of your keys or other items? If so, you might enjoy learning about Apple's AirTags in this multi-part training session. This program is conducted by the Hadley Institute. Check out the various aspects of this free training at the link below.
https://hadley.edu/workshops/apple-airtags-low-vision-series?utm_source=Learners&utm_campaign=81968ee5c9-apple-airtags-october-2021-sf&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d1babd3418-81968ee5c9-52543354&mc_cid=81968ee5c9&mc_eid=53a54efc36
iPhone & iPad Apps
Here's the AppleVis' Unlimited Newsletter for October 2021. As a reminder, AppleVis is a premier website for reviewing Apple-related devices and Apps from a visual impairment perspective. In this month's edition learn about a Medieval Knight Game App, Outdoor Map app, and other notable app updates.
https://www.applevis.com/blog/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-and-noteworthy-october-2021
Echo Things to Try
Here are a few things to try with your Echo. Some practical, some just fun.
- Alexa, what are my deals?
- Alexa, play the Seahawks Two-Minute Drill.
- Alexa, read my notifications.
- Alexa, assist me.
- Alexa, what's free from Audible?
- Alexa, find a seasonal recipe.
- Alexa, set a reminder for the next full moon.
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
