| Website | https://www.jeffbishop.com/ |
This week, Claire speaks with a colleague from VisionServe Alliance about a new platform that ACB members can use to reach out to Congress. This new resource, Speak4, will make it easier than ever to advocate to Congress about important issues our community is involved with.
👉 Listen to the podcast at https://acb-advocacy-update.pinecast.co/
ACB is proud to support this year’s annual M-Enabling Summit! Join us, along with policymakers and professionals in the #DigitalAccessibility space, in Washington D.C. from October 6-8. Register today at https://www.m-enabling.com
Be My Eyes is featured as App of the Day on the App Store! 🎉
What started as one idea from our founder has become a global movement, with 850k blind & low vision users and millions of volunteers.
Thank you to everyone who’s helped us get here. 💙
Will you be attending the 2025 ACB National Convention? Don't miss Ryan Jones in his presentation:
Navigating the Future: What’s New with AI-Powered Innovations in JAWS
Date & Time: Sunday, July 6 at 4 PM
Ryan will discuss what has been going on with JAWS and ZoomText over the past year and how AI is helping us break down barriers. Learn about FSCompanion, image labeling, multiline Braille support, and what we are doing next!
Learn more about our #ACB2025 activities: https://vispero.com/events/acb-2025/
ACB 2025 Convention Activity Schedule Vispero is delighted to be a sponsor and exhibitor at the 2025 ACB National Convention! We’re looking forward to connecting with you in Dallas, TX! Be sure to check the ACB Convention website for information on registering, as well as any changes to their official program. ACB Convention Venue: Hyatt
Hartgen Consultancy is very glad to support the below initiative.
As part of the ACB Convention, BITS are offering a groundbreaking AI Training Course, designed to empower blind and low vision individuals with the tools, knowledge, and hands-on practice
to confidently navigate and leverage artificial intelligence in everyday life, work, and beyond.
This course is designed for all skill levels and will cover the practical use of AI tools including ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Zoom AI, and more. Whether
you're attending virtually or in person at the ACB National Convention, you’ll gain access to real-world training tailored for accessibility and productivity.
BITS Members (Virtual): Just $50 for full access, including daily recordings from the live sessions and support throughout the week
Non-Members (Virtual): $70 for full access, including recordings and ongoing support
In-Person at ACB Convention: $75 flat rate — open to all, regardless of BITS membership
Not yet a member? Apply today at:
www.joinbits.org/join
If you're attending the ACB convention in person, log in to the ACB Members Portal at
http://members.acb.org
and be sure to add the BITS AI Training Course to your registration.
Note for In-Person Participants: You must bring your own laptop to fully participate in the course. Accessibility tools and software will be used throughout
the training.
What You’ll Learn
How to use ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Zoom AI for work and life
Ways AI can support independent living, writing, communication, navigation, and creativity
AI productivity with screen readers, voice assistants, and mobile apps
Use cases tailored for blind and low vision users—no experience required
Special Note: We are honored to welcome Microsoft staff, who will join us to help facilitate in-depth discussions on Microsoft Copilot and showcase
how their AI innovations are opening new doors to independence, productivity, and possibility.
Optional Developer Track – Wednesday Evening
For students interested in creating their own tools and exploring the development side of AI, a special optional developer track will be offered on Wednesday
evening at convention. This session will jump start your journey into building with AI, focusing on Visual Studio Code, GitHub Copilot, and other development
tools. It’s a hands-on, empowering opportunity to discover how AI can amplify your coding and innovation potential.
Bonus for JAWS Users – Register by June 17
All students who register by June 17 and who are JAWS users will receive access to an extended LEASEY trial, generously provided by its developer, Brian
Hartgen.
For those registering through the ACB Members Portal (
http://members.acb.org
), we will reach out to collect your JAWS serial number after your registration is confirmed to ensure your LEASEY trial is activated.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We are sincerely honored that Brian Hartgen, the visionary behind LEASEY and other accessibility tools, is partnering with BITS for this innovative course.
Brian’s support brings unmatched value and inspiration to our learning journey. Thank you, Brian, for continuing to lead the way in making advanced technology
accessible to all.
Accessibility Overlays
In this episode, Desiree and I discuss those terrible accessibility overlays that promise to make websites more accessible while actually doing little to improve accessibility. As Desiree's demonstration shows, these overlays are hard to use, don't behave consistently, and provide little in the way of greater access.
American Council of the Blind
Be My Eyes
Freedom Scientific
The Verge
