Tek Talk

Presenter contact info: None  

The 41st Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference took place on March 9 – 13, 2026 at the Anaheim Marriott in California. Panelists will include John and Larry Gassman and any who attended and have comments on the technology experienced are welcome to contribute. Presenter contact info: None  

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/    

There’s a lot of news from Blazie Technologies to tell you about on the next installment of Tek Talk. First, we want to let you know what’s happening with the BT Braille. BT Braille has a Braille keyboard, speech output along with either a 20 cell or 40 cell model with lots of apps and features. Customers who have pre-ordered the BT Braille have already received their devices and we continue to update and refine the software to make these devices even better. Not only that but March is a big anniversary month for us as it was two years ago that we began shipping the BT Speak. To celebrate BT Speak’s second anniversary, we have an exciting update to tell you about which will be free for all of our customers. Presenter contact info: David Goldfield , Director of Marketing Blazie Technologies, LLC Email: [email protected] Phone: 772-214-1616 Website: www.BlazieTech.com  

The presentation will cover recent developments across the Orbit product line, including braille displays, notetakers and the Orbit Player along with a look at what is coming next. Orbit Research focuses on making high-quality assistive technology accessible worldwide, with particular emphasis on education, literacy, and employment. Presenter contact info: Venkatesh Chari, President of Orbit Research Email: [email protected] Phone: 888-606-7248 Website: www.orbitresearch.com  

Open forum  

This presentation will cover the history of Agiga and the inspiration behind the creation of EchoVision glasses, followed by a live demonstration showcasing what the glasses can do and how they seamlessly integrate into our busy daily lives. It will also explore the future of EchoVision, including the features and enhancements planned to be included by the time the glasses ship. To find out more or to get on our mailing list so you will be informed with news and anouncements, please visit the website or email [email protected]. Presenter Contact Info Amy Liu Email: [email protected] Website: https://echovision.agiga.ai/  

In this episode of TekTalk, we’re joined by InnoSearch AI, a platform built specifically for blind and low-vision users to navigate the digital world independently. We’ll explore how InnoSearch enables accessible online shopping, travel booking, and on-demand food and grocery delivery, all designed to work seamlessly with screen readers and voice-first interactions. We’ll also dive into 1-855-SHOP-GPT, a phone-based AI shopping assistant that lets users complete real tasks entirely by voice. Presenter Contact Info Patrick Long: Co-founder / CEO of Innosearch AI Email: [email protected] Website: www.innosearch.ai Phone: ‪(408) 256-1883 Cell: (510) 857-4401  

Come hear the new BrailleNote Evolve from HumanWare speak for itself. During this presentation, Joel Zimba and Rachel Ramos, (Product Specialists at HumanWare), will demonstrate the BrailleNote Evolve- a full-fledged Windows 11 Computer in the form factor of a convenient travel-sized note-taker. You’ll hear about why the Evolve was designed, a physical description of the device, a tour of the Main Menu, the enhancements to the full-featured Microsoft Office Suite, and how Windows is taking us into the future with Braille at the center. You won’t want to miss it, as this will be an info-packed session! Please register your interest and be the first to know new information about the BrailleNote Evolve when it becomes available here: https://forms.office.com/r/7FV7VAx1Zg Presenter Contact Info Joel Zimba Email: [email protected] Rachel Ramos Email: [email protected]  

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere-and it’s transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. People around the world are using AI in countless ways, and the blindness community is no exception. More and more organizations are hosting webinars and seminars exploring what AI can do and how it can enhance accessibility.   But what does AI really mean for you? Which AI tools are the most helpful? How do you use them? Has AI made a noticeable difference in your life-and if so, how?   Join us on Tek Talk, August 4, as we turn the spotlight on you, our audience, for an open conversation all about AI and its impact on those who are blind or have low vision. We value your insights, experiences, and questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the discussion!  

Join Jeff Bishop on Tech Talk where we take a deep dive in decluttering your Microsoft Edge web browser so that you can be very clean, efficient and privacy focused in your web browsing activities. We will provide a document, and if you are a member of BITS you already have it, and we will walk everyone through the steps necessary to accomplish this goal. See everyone on Tech Talk! Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

Join Jeff Bishop on Tech Talk where we take a deep dive in decluttering your Microsoft Edge web browser so that you can be very clean, efficient and privacy focused in your web browsing activities. We will provide a document, and if you are a member of BITS you already have it, and we will walk everyone through the steps necessary to accomplish this goal. See everyone on Tech Talk! Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

A. T. Guys Welcome to A. T. Guys – your source for innovative technology and tools that boost confidence and independence. Our accessible products are tailored for blind and low vision users but are great for everyone. Speak To Me Catalog Ready for some Christmas shopping? Well, don’t miss this opportunity to shop from the comfort of your own home and review some of the greatest talking items in the world!!! The Speak To Me Catalog is a family owned, home based mail order business that specializes in products that talk, sing, play music, or record your own special message. You can find a unique practical talking item or a fun and wacky gift idea that adds that personal touch. Choose from our variety of talking clocks, watches, key chains, teddy bears, greeting cards, calculators, stuffed animals, kitchen aids, novelties, bibles, radios, games, toys, talking thermometers, and digital recorders. Speak To Me has something for everyone, even those who are hard to shop for! Presenter Contact Info A. T. Guys Phone: 269-216-4798 Email: [email protected] Website: https://atguys.com/   Speak To Me Catalog Website: https://speaktomecatalog.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-248-9965  

Presenter Contact Info Don Olson and Zhi Huang from the Patron Engagement Section Email the Patron Engagement Section: [email protected]  

Mystic Access We’re so excited to be part of StockingStuffers this year! Join us as we share a festive mix of classic Mystic Access tutorials, some of our newest additions, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next. Whether you’ve been part of the Mystic Access family for years or are just discovering us, we can’t wait to celebrate the season of learning, laughter, and accessibility with you! The Harbolt Company Welcome to the Harbolt Company. We are more than just a store, we are a community! Over the last 10 years, we have been providing a place for cool and unique products. Our website is completely accessible for the visually impaired and we provide audio descriptions for every item we sell. Whether it be High tech, low tech, or no tech, you never know what you’ll find in our store! Presenter Contact Info Mystic Access Email: [email protected] Website: https://mysticaccess.com Podcasts: https://mysticaccesspodcasts.com Downloads: https://mysticaccessdownloads.com Harbolt Company Website: https://harboltcompany.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone or text: 405-471-1200 Zoom invitation The Zoom meeting invitation for this Training Class is the following:   Hi there,   Larry Gassman and Alan Lemly are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Tek Talk features Stocking Stuffers Part 1 with Kim and Chris Nova of Mystic Access and Brent Harbolt of the Harbolt Company.  

Presenter Contact Info Ryan Jones: Vispero | Vice President Software Product Management Email: [email protected] Phone: 859-333-8191 Website: www.vispero.com

Here’s what the Perplexity AI app says about Indigo Nav: The Indigo Nav app is a fully accessible turn-by-turn GPS navigation tool designed primarily for blind and low-vision users. It was developed by the **American Printing House for the Blind (APH)**, a nonprofit known for creating accessible educational and navigational products for people who are visually impaired.[5][11]   ### Developer and Origin Indigo Nav evolved from **GoodMaps Outdoors**, which itself was built upon the legacy of the **Nearby Explorer** GPS app. Development leadership includes figures such as Mike May, a long-time accessibility technology advocate and developer in orientation and mobility tools. The app was officially rebranded “Indigo Nav” in 2025 under APH’s direction.[2][3][5]   ### Key Features Indigo Nav offers a robust set of accessibility-focused navigation tools, including: – **Turn-by-turn navigation** with voice guidance and haptic alerts for orientation and route feedback.[1][4] – **Waypoint recording (breadcrumbs)** allowing users to create custom routes by manually or automatically adding navigation markers as they travel.[4][1] – **LookAround Wand**, which announces nearby points of interest (POIs) and intersections when the phone is pointed in a direction.[1][5] – **Virtual Location Mode**, enabling simulation of navigation from a chosen point to explore areas remotely.[5] – **Transit routing** with nearby stop detection and public transit integration.[1][5] – **Morse code-based haptic feedback** patterns for orientation cues.[5] – **Customizable visual and auditory settings**, such as color contrast, vibration intensity, and verbosity levels.[1][5] – **Integration with GoodMaps Indoor venues** for seamless transition between outdoor and indoor navigation environments.[5][1]   ### Platform Availability Indigo Nav is available for **iOS and Android** devices: – **Apple App Store**: apps.apple.com/app/indigo-nav/id945756779 – **Google Play Store**: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodmaps.outdoors.[11][4]   ### Website and Developer Information The app’s developer website and primary organization are: – **Developer**: American Printing House for the Blind (APH) – **Website**: [www.aph.org](https://www.aph.org)   In summary, Indigo Nav continues the mission of accessible navigation technology for blind and visually impaired travelers, combining outdoor and simulated navigation with innovative feedback systems and integration with the GoodMaps platform.[4][11][1][5]   [1](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/indigo-nav/id945756779) [2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o9JcgdzJ-I) [3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbxxSm-ZGGo) [4](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodmaps.outdoors&hl=en_US) [5](https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/indigo-nav/id945756779) [6](https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/indigo-unveils-new-look-its-website-mobile-app) [7](https://www.tomtom.com/newsroom/press-releases/general/234129097/introducing-tomtom-indigo-the-world-s-first-open-digital-cockpit-software-platform-for-carmakers/) [8](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1314505679726703/posts/1548656742978261/) [9](https://www.indigo-astronomy.org) [10](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.indigo&hl=en_ZA) [11](https://www.appbrain.com/appstore/indigo-nav/ios-945756779) [12](https://developer.goindigo.in) [13](https://www.tomtom.com/newsroom/press-releases/general/234281396/tech-leaders-partner-with-tomtom-to-transform-the-digital-cockpit-experience-through-tomtom-indigo/) [14](https://indigotulsa.com/app-development/) [15](https://www.eejournal.com/article/headline-will-carmakers-adopt-tomtoms-indigo-open-integrated-digital-cockpit-software-platform/) Presenter contact info: Email: [email protected]  

Presenter Contact Info Barry Scheur GuideLight Solutions Email: [email protected] Phone: (617) 969-7500  

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

Quentin Christensen has been part of the NV Access team since 2015 after working as an adaptive technology trainer with a major blindness agency for over a decade. As the Training and Support Manager, Quentin is responsible for the NVDA training materials, certification program and coordinating telephone support. Quentin also writes the fortnightly “In-Process” blog, and is the NV Access presence on a range of social media platforms and email lists. Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

Tek Talk welcomes David Goldfield, Director of Marketing of Blazie Technologies, to discuss its newest product the BT Braille. 09/08/2025

This presentation will be by Earle Harrison from Selvas BLV, the proud North America distributor of HIMS blindness and low vision products, and Jenny Axler, from HIMS the manufacturer. Together, they will share new and innovative developments as they relate to the BrailleSense 6 Android tablet and the Braille eMotion smart braille display. Presenter Contact Info Earle Harrison, National Account Manager Email: [email protected] Phone: 512-914-1925 Website: https://selvasblv.com/  

EchoVision is the first AI Smart glasses made by, with, and for the blind to provide audio description of the visual world, including: Scene description: all detailed of what things look like that a blind person would want to know and sighted people see People: height, width, color of skin, eyes, hair, facial expression, ethnicity, age, gender. Facial recognition: name + title based on taking a few perspective photos and adding custom name + title. Book reading mode: OCR text reading of printed text paper, mail, financial, medical, books. Flip pages and read. Live AI mode: Explore the world and it’ll provide play-by-play audio description of what’s in frame of camera. Transit: Using voice request to navigate or transit to any point of interest or address and get transit route schedule and preview, so one knows if they need to wait for next bus/train, walk to catch it, or run to make it in time, and build mental map of route. Remote visual interpreter: AIRA and Be My Eyes support.   Feels like regular sun glasses: Front: square top, mostly straight and slightly curved on side lens, rounded at bottom and inside. Right side has 13MP wide-angle landscape camera. Left: LED indicator to let people know camera is active. 2x buttons on top edge of arms near lens: right for AI and left for camera and power. Speakers in arm that point towards ears USB-C port in back-right arm.   Presenter Contact Info Bio: Kevin Chao has ben blind since 14 years old, has worked in digital accessibility as an evangelist and advocate for nearly two-decades at fortune 50 companies (Sendero Group, Georgia Institute of Technology,, JPMorgan Chase, US Bank, Google, Apple) making mobile apps and websites usable for people with disabilities, including blind people. Chao has been an early adopter, tech enthusiast, and beta tester of many blindness assistive technology, including wearable and glasses (owned or used: eSight, OrCam, Envision, Meta Ray-Bans, , Seleste)and have worked with many blindness companies to provide direct feedback. Chao is Chief Visionary and Evangelist at AGIGA.AI. Email: [email protected] Website: https://agiga.ai/  

Ally Solos Glasses redefine how you connect with information and navigate your world. These featherweight, under 50g, splash-resistant smart glasses empower you to simply speak to Ally, just like you would a trusted friend. Your Ally listens discreetly through open-ear audio, providing helpful, instant responses, all while seamlessly connected to your phone via the Ally app.   With Ally Solos Glasses, you can effortlessly:   Read anything: From signs and menus to mail and screens. Understand your surroundings: Get descriptions of places, people, or scenes. Recognize what’s around you: Identify objects and familiar faces. Stay organized: Ask questions, set reminders, or check your calendar. And so much more – all hands-free, simply by speaking naturally. Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.ally.me/glasses  

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] Website: https://aira.io

Patriot Vision Industries LLC, nestled in the rolling hills of central Florida, proudly designs, manufactures and distributes innovative assistive technology under our PATRIOT brand. Pioneers in the industry, we continually strive to empower our customer’s lives with our award winning products and improve the quality of life for those we serve. Patriot is the brand you can trust. Please call today to schedule a demonstration with one of our authorized dealers in your area, worldwide, or to receive more information or place your order! For nearly 30 years, Patriot is the name brand you can trust for a sight to be seen. Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] Website: https://patriotvisionindustries.com/  

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] Product website: https://www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-player-global-version/?srsltid=AfmBOoq_ZKH96pxfgRvRWtKT3G9C8iRtuVoPb90MTJ1SAugslA36_pqD  

Below is the AI overview of VoiceVista provided by Google: VoiceVista is an audio navigation app for visually impaired and blind users, built on the principles of Microsoft’s Soundscape project. It utilizes advanced iOS audio technology and location services to provide users with a heightened sense of their surroundings, offering reassurance and confidence in unfamiliar environments. VoiceVista assists users in developing mental maps, navigating routes, and understanding their environment through auditory cues.   VoiceVista is an iOS navigation app designed specifically for blind and low vision users. It evolved from Microsoft’s discontinued, open-source Soundscape project and is now available under the MIT License[1][2][7]. The app uses advanced iOS audio technology and precise location services to help users develop a mental map of their surroundings, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar environments and follow desired routes[1][2][7].   Key features include:   – **3D Audio Navigation:** Announcements and cues come from the direction of landmarks, providing a realistic sense of space and improving orientation[1][6]. – **GPS Beacons:** Users can set audible beacons to guide them to specific points of interest (POIs), even if those points haven’t been saved before[4][6]. – **Breadcrumb Mode:** Users can mark points along their path and automatically generate a reverse route for easy backtracking[6]. – **Customizable Monitoring:** Beacons can be set to activate only when a user is within a certain distance, reducing unnecessary interruptions[6]. – **Route Creation:** Users can create routes using Apple Maps, with beacons placed along the path for step-by-step navigation[6]. – **Accessibility:** The app is praised for its intuitive interface and effectiveness in helping users explore new areas and maintain awareness of their surroundings[1][6].   VoiceVista is considered a critical tool for the blind and low vision community, offering reassurance and independence in daily mobility[1][2][8].   Sources [1] VoiceVista on the App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voicevista/id6450388413 [2] VoiceVista – AppleVis https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/navigation/voicevista [3] Voice Vista App: The Soundscape resurrection … – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47mwTnTrHRw [4] Why I Like Using the VoiceVista App to Help Me Get Around https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfxPFWWon44 [5] VoceVista – Software for Voice Analysis and Sound Visualization https://www.vocevista.com/en/ [6] My Favorite New VoiceVista app features : r/Blind – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/1ghlo04/my_favorite_new_voicevista_app_features/ [7] BLT Bite: A quick look at Voice Vista navigation app – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq57KPI33QQ [8] VoiceVista for Leisure Activities – APH ConnectCenter https://aphconnectcenter.org/familyconnect/ideas-for-home-community/helpful-products/soundscape-for-leisure-activities/   Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] VoiceVista App Store link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voicevista/id6450388413  

Hello everyone. After over two years of work, the third edition of my free book for blind users of iPhones is available. Personal Power: Getting The Most From iOS as a Totally Blind User takes new users from setting up an iPhone through to mastering VoiceOver and using apps. Apple has added many useful things to iOS 18 including a helpful tutorial for VoiceOver among other changes. We’ll discuss what’s in the book, different formats that it’s available in, and my experiences using an iPhone as a replacement for a computer. People can obtain my free book at no cost by visiting: https://michaelfeir.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-third-edition-of-personal-power.html If people have any questions, they can reach me by email at: [email protected] Michael Feir Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] Michael’s Blog: http://www.michaelfeir.blogspot.ca Mastodon: @[email protected]  

Below is the information on the fourth edition of this great resource copied from this Carroll Center website:   https://carroll.org/product/the-windows-screen-reader-primer-all-the-basics-and-more-digital-copy/   The fourth edition of The Windows Screen Reader Primer: All the Basics and More is now out. We are making it available to you for free in Word and ePub formats. It is authored by David Kingsbury, an Assistive Technology Instructor at the Carroll Center for the Blind.   The book is meant to help beginning and intermediate JAWS, NVDA, and Windows Narrator users work more effectively with the most important PC applications. These applications include the Windows operating system, the four primary Office Suite applications (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint), popular Google applications, and the three most commonly used web browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox). Cloud-based file-sharing programs such as Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive are also covered. So too is Adobe Acrobat Reader for accessing PDF files. And participating in, scheduling, and hosting Zoom meetings.   New topics in this edition include coverage of FS Companion, the New Outlook, using advanced Excel functions, and A substantially revised chapter on artificial intelligence (AI) reflecting some of the major changes that have occurred over the past year. Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

Want to know about the 2025 ACB National Convention? Join Janet Dickelman, ACB convention coordinator, Saint Paul, MN to find out. Learn about the General Sessions, the Affiliate presentations, the exhibit hall, and the tours. If you can not be there in person, learn how you can listen as a part of The ACB Media Network. There will be time for questions. Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] Convention website: https://www.acbconvention.org/  

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/monarch/  

J.J. Meddaugh of A. T. Guys will present a demonstration of the new Hable Easy, an 8-button controler that allows you to control your iPhone or Android with physical buttons. Shortcuts for common actions like answering calls, moving between icons, and starting dictation are included. The device is great for those who prefer a simpler layout to the touchscreen or have challenges with touchscreens. The Hable Easy and Hable One braille keyboard will be compared, with plenty of time for questions about these or other related products. Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected] Website: www.atguys.com Phone: 269-216-4798 About A. T. Guys: A. T. Guys offers Affordable access technology for experts and brand new users. Our products include Bluetooth speakers, keyboards, and headsets, the BlindShell talking cell phones, our accessible portable power banks, and much more. All with knowledgeable tech support from people who use these products every day.  

This week on Tek Talk, We will be discussing the devices that we, in our audience, are using and how we are using them. High tech or low tech, it doesn’t matter. This will give us the opportunity to learn from each other and ask questions of actual users, rather then company representatives.  

In this TekTalk presentation, Ron Miller will present some tips on reading electronic books with JAWS. Learn more about reading ePub books using Thorium Reader, Kindle electronic books using the Kindle App for PC, and DAISY books using FSReader. Presenter Contact Info Ron Miller is a trainer in Vispero’s Training Department. Email: [email protected] Vispero Training Department’s training pages: http://www.FreedomScientific.com/Training  

Presenter Contact Info Don Olson and Zhi Huang from the Patron Engagement Section Email the Patron Engagement Section: [email protected]  

Panelists will include John and Larry Gassman and Steve Bauer. They will tell you about what they experienced during presentations and in the exhibit halls. If you went to CSUN and have comments about the technology you saw, please join us at 8 PM eastern in the Pat Price Tek Talk Training room.  

The TTJ Instructor Team of TTJ Tech Services will discuss the numerous free courses they offer each year, along with sharing their teaching philosophies and ways they help students learn to use Apple devices. Presenter Contact Info Website: www.ttjtech.biz Email: [email protected]  

Presenter Contact Info Lisa has been fascinated by technology since starting to use a Versabraille in 1984. She enjoys comparing, contrasting, and teaching technology to help others discover all that is available. Lisa has held several jobs in the public and private sectors, and is currently working at Hadley as their Access Technology Specialist. When not working, she provides some private instruction, sings in a local choir, takes piano lessons, reads voraciously, and spends time with her dog, who has no use for technology. Email: [email protected]

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

Join us to hear highlights of the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show from Mike May, Gena Harper, and Bob Sweetman. Mike has been providing his summary of CES for over 20 years. They will touch on popular products, cool products, weird products and accessible products. Presenter contact info:  

Dave Wilkinson is an endurance athlete who recently attempted to become the first blind tandem cyclist to complete Race Across America, a 3,000-mile race across the US that has to be completed in under 12 days. Dave and his support crew completed 1,200 miles in 4.5 days before various logistical difficulties forced him to withdraw. After initially being crushed at these results, Dave has re-focused his energies into another solo attempt in 2026 and plenty of cycling races and triathlons between then and now. Dave will discuss his Race Across America 2024 attempt, lessons he learned, and how he is re-channeling this disappointment into more rewarding outcomes in the future. Presenter Contact Info Bio: Dave is a Senior Digital Accessibility Analyst for Hilton, tireless advocate for braille, and an accomplished endurance athlete. Dave has completed over 30 marathons, 3 Ironman triathlons, and tons of other races of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. A good friend once described Dave as a good idea taken a step too far, which is now his life mantra.  

Blazie Technologies presents, the BT Speak, a pocket computer for the Blind with a Braille keyboard and Speech output. Presenter Contact Info Website: www.blazietech.com  

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]    

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

Presenter Contact Info Email: [email protected]  

Join Mathieu Paquette and Peter Tucic from HumanWare to discuss all that is new with the Victor Reader Stream 1.4 update. This update introduced many enhancements including audio note categorization and improvements to Bluetooth connectivity. Mathieu and Peter will as always provide demonstrations and field questions, in addition to touching on key updates to other product lines where applicable. Presenter Contact Info Peter’s Email: [email protected] Mathieu’s Email: [email protected]