Kestrell

1. Microsoft Soundscape
Microsoft Soundscape is a research project that explores the use of innovative audio-based technology to enable people, particularly those with blindness or low vision, to build a richer awareness of their surroundings, thus becoming more confident and empowered to get around. Unlike step-by-step navigation apps, Soundscape uses 3D audio cues to enrich ambient awareness and provide a new way to relate to the environment. It allows you to build a mental map and make personal route choices while being more comfortable within unfamiliar spaces.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/product/soundscape/
Traveling to Essential Services using Microsoft Soundscape
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/group/enable/articles/travelling-to-essential-services-using-microsoft-soundscape/
Annotating and sharing markers on Microsoft Soundscape
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/group/enable/articles/annotating-and-sharing-markers-with-family-and-friends-through-microsoft-soundscape/#main
Getting FreshAir with Microsoft Soundscape
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/group/enable/articles/getting-fresh-air-with-microsoft-soundscape/

2. Seeing AI app by Microsoft
Multi-purpose app which assists visually impaired to scan and recognize docs, recognize currency, identify objects in a picture, and more
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai
Hadley School for the Blind instructional video on using Seeing AI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRFGU2os7Og

3. The BARD mobile app from National Library Service has recently been updated
More information on the Eyes on Success podcast
https://eyesonsuccess.net/
BARD mobile User Guide
https://nlsbard.loc.gov/apidocs/BARDMobile.userguide.iOS.1.2.html

4. Webinar: A Beginner's Guide to Google Docs and Calender with Jaws
by the Maryland State Library for the Blind Technology Group
Saturday, 13 June 2020 at 14:00 GMT
You can find schedule info along with recordings of past webinars here
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx

5. Pinning and unpinning apps on the Start menu using a screen reader
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OBdN3qWLz8&list=PLeXWOOlSQiVTecgn86zE0CO-yxzTXue1W
More helpful videos for blind screen reader users by Catch These Words
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrx961Vuddmymk1rhlKyA8g

The meeting is happening Tuesday, May 26, but questions should be sent in ahead of time
Here's the info:

Let's Talk Tablet Computers
Tablet computers are known for being portable and easy to use. Compared to a smartphone or personal computer, can a tablet really do it all? This month we'll share tips on what tablets can do, which are most accessible, and why you might choose a tablet over other devices. Bring your questions and experiences!
Date: Tuesday, May 26
Time: 8 PM EDT, 7:00 PM Central Time
Submit a question here
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2Y3TR5Z

How to Join:
Phone: +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 468 325 263
One tap mobile (for iPhone): +19292056099,,468325263#

Join Online
https://zoom.us/j/468325263?status=success
Zoom shortcuts and FAQs
https://hadley.edu/discussions/instructions.asp#skip
Free audiobook on using Zoom with a screen reader, by Jonathan Mosen
https://mosen.org/zoom/
Join the Hadley Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/hadleyinstitute

There's some redundancy with links I've previously posted, but most haven't been posted before.
Free books, free screen readers, and all sorts of accessible information about Covid-19.

Survey: Flattening the Inaccessibility Curve
Participate in a study investigating experiences of adults who are blind or have low vision during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.afb.org/blog/entry/covid-19-survey

Freedom Scientific is making their screen readers and magnifying programs,
JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion free of charge through June 2020 for anyone living in the U.S. and Canada.
https://www.freedomscientific.com/webinars/connect-and-learn-040220/
Here is more from the announcement:
Special licenses have been created so students and employees working from home have access on their personal computers during the COVID-19 crisis. Each free short-term Home Annual license will expire on June 30, 2020.
Here is a number of recorded webinars about getting started with Jaws and Zoom text
https://www.freedomscientific.com/category/webinar/getting-started-with-freedom-scientific-products/#content
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