Audio Player Blind Bargains Qast 13: Super Uber Sensearound Kilt
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- Blind Bargains Qast 13: Super Uber Sensearound Kilt
J.J. and Joe cover some of the past week's news and delve a bit more into Audio Description with "Daredevil". Mike May, from Sendero takes us along on a trip using the Uber ridesharring service. Plus we have a tip, your feedback in "Sound Off" and Easter leftovers? Oh, never mind, it is what J.J. calls this episode's "Last Word".
Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by HIMS, who would like to remind you that "Your needs are our solutions". Check out the E-Bot Video Magnifier, the Blaze EZ reading solution, the new Smart Beetle Braille Display and more by visiting the HIMS website. Or, follow them on Twitter.
In The News:
HumanWare Switches to Video Teasers for KeySoft 9.5; Demonstrates Exam Mode
UBERASSIST: EXPANDING ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Uber Must Face Suit Claiming It Turned Away People With Guide Dogs
Blind users with service animals: Uber refuses to serve us
The FTC wants your feedback on companies like Airbnb and Uber
Private bus startup Leap hit with complaint under US disabilities law
Hit with complaint, luxury bus operator puts back wheelchair ramp
Don t Be A Jerk: The Rules For Interacting With Working Dogs
The National Library Service, "That All May Read"
The Top Twelve from the 2015 AFB Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Arizona
ATIA 2016 Call for Papers now Open
Facebook Accessibility for Users with Visual Impairments: What Facebook Wants You to Know
Facebook turns new leaf on accessibility
This Blog Post Explains how to Enable VoiceOver on the Apple Watch in Demo Mode, Plus Much More
The Other ABC Launches Online Audio Description Pilot in Australia
Audio Demonstration: Mike May and Uber
As we mentioned in the news roundup above, Uber is undergoing some legal scrutiny over Service Animals and ridesharring. The service, however, is very valuable to some Blind and Low Vision users who rely on it for daily commutes to work or to their favored shopping spots. Mike May provides us an overview of what the service is, how the app works with Voiceover and he even gives us a sample ride in this demonstration. We would sincerely like to thank Mike for passing along this audio and we hope that this look into ridesharring services gives those who have never used one some context as to why they are important to our community. Uber's competitor, Lyft, has been used by several of the BBQ team and is very competitive in pricing. Please be aware that Uber and Lyft update their apps often and the audio tour of the app in this portion of our show may not reflect the current experience if you are listening a few weeks after this episode's release.
Sound off:
In a previous episode Joe asked for feedback on how technology has changed people's lives. This email touched our team deeply and we wanted to share it with our listeners.
"Hello Joe and JJ,
In your previous podcast you ask for anyone to ride in about how accessibility using computer software, screen readers etc. have affected or improved your life. I am an assistant district manager with the Social Security administration. I've been an employee of the Social Security Administration since November 1994. Prior to my employment I attended Wright State University where I worked in the schools assistive technology lab. I can remember when I went to college in 1989 having a PC XT computer with a CGA monitor, 60 4K of RAM, and duel floppy disk drives. I thought that was the greatest thing in the world. I used arctic vision as my screen reader and thought this can't get any better. I am so glad that I was wrong.
I've seen things improve from DOS-based screen readers to windows and using jaws as a screen reader and now being able to use an iPad for a note taker as well as my iPhone for productivity and entertainment. Specifically jaws and other products from freedom scientific, that we use at work, has allowed me to compete on a level playing field with my other cited coworkers. It has also given me the opportunity to maximize my abilities and achieve the position that I am holding today. I have been able to give back to others what has been given to me in the past. I am an active member in our agencies employees with disabilities training cadre for our region. I assist other blind employees who use jaws as well as magic with using these programs to perform the duties of their job at a successful level. It is been very satisfying to see those who I have been able to teach obtain promotions and get positions that they were striving for.
I do not believe that I would have been able to accomplish all of the goals that I have set for myself without the various Technology improvements that have happened over the past 25 years. I am very grateful to all of those who have the ability in order to write these programs so that I may take advantage of them and feel a sense of accomplishment in my life with the job that I have chosen. Keep up the good work with the new podcast. It is very informative, entertaining, and I love listening.
Sent from my iPhone"
Thank you very much Aaron for sending that along. And on an iPhone to boot! Pam Francis also sent along some resources on AT History. You can follow her on Twitter Joe notes that Pam is his go to person for info on Google Fiber services by the way.
Lewis sent in his thoughts about Netflix's Daredevil".
"Hi Joe,
I'm loving the podcast. You and J.j. make an awesome team. Any chance
you can get Gord from Ambutech on for a show? As I've mentioned
before, cane tech is something that is often overlooked. Now on to my
thoughts on Daredevil.
I must say I'm pretty impressed with Daredevil. When "blind moments"
happen, they aren't stupid, and add to, rather than detract from the
story.
I don't know if this is possible, but it would be awesome if the audio
descriptive track can be played on its own. This would be extremely
helpful when watching a movie with friends and family. Of course there
needs to be a way for the audio descriptive track to sync up with the
scene on the main screen. Perhaps a Solo DX approach can be utilized,
and the phone would listen and sync with the main movie?
Just my thoughts, and I look forward to the next podcast!
Louis"
Awesome Louis, you and Joe have convinced J.J. to check out the series.
From Twitter, and the @blindbargains account, here are some of our fave tweets.
@chrisreagan: I've just purchased leasy and I'm very much looking forward to using it as an addition to jaws.
@StuartLawler: @blindbargains How can people post items in your classified section?
Here's the link to post a classified.
And from Alex,
@mehgcap: I'm just curious: who had the dog during your interview, played on the latest BBQ? I didn't think you used a dog.
That was Karl from the IBTC, who brought his guide dog along for the tour. There is nothing like that sound of a sleepy doggie doing the after nap shake!
Last Word:
This week's pet name for this section, thanks to J.J., is "Easter Leftovers". Like those sales at the store the day after the Bunny has visited your home, Joe thinks these links are pretty sweet.
Smell-o-phone creator attaches scents to eBooks and songs
This 'Smart' Pillow Connects To Your Phone And Uses Speakers To Help You Sleep
The Joy of Dishwasher Cooking
JJ's story of the week, the return of "The Screensavers"!
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Using the Able Player media player by Terrill Thompson