ACB Focus: Technology

20260717 1100 What’s new with the Monarch

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Participants learned about APH's Monarch multiline braille display, including tactile graphics, Monarch applications, and the Monarch RISE project.

Presenters: Katie Frederick, Digital Engagement and Accessibility Specialist, Monarch Projects, American Printing House for the Blind (APH), Worthington, OH; Jennifer Wenzel, Technology Product Specialist, American Printing House for the Blind, Louisville, KY

20260716 1400 What Is Next Generation TV and What Should I Know to Get Ready

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Industry experts and consumers discussed Next Generation broadcast television, which combined over-the-air broadcasting with internet technology. The session examined enhanced picture, sound, interactive capabilities, and accessibility, and explained what viewers needed to know to prepare.

Moderator: Carl Richardson, Co-Chair, ACB Audio Description Project, Brighton, MA

Panelists: Matt Kaplowitz, President, Bridge Multimedia, New York, NY; Renee Arrington-Johnson, ADP Steering Committee Member, Cleveland, OH; Louis Johnson IV, MBA, PMP, CPBE, Cleveland, OH; Timothy Wynn, ADP Media Subcommittee Member, Arlington, VA

20260716 1400 Capturing the World Through Photography with Confidence

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Beginning and intermediate users explored accessible photography with smartphones and camera-equipped wearable devices. The session started with accessible photo-taking basics and introduced description tools and apps to help users understand their pictures. It focused on techniques for capturing and sharing moments with greater confidence.

Presenters: Kelly Ford, Software Developer, Madison, WI; Ann McKay-Bacon, Teacher Consultant for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Detroit, MI

20260716 1400 Amateur Digital Communications and the SharkRF M1KE Radioless Hotspot

Originally Aired on ACB Media

John McCann discussed amateur digital communication modes and presented the SharkRF M1KE radioless digital hotspot.

Presenter: John McCann, ACBRA board member, Tucson, AZ

20260716 1100 Smart Living, Stronger Access Appliances, Community, and Advocacy

Originally Aired on ACB Media

The presentation addressed appliance accessibility and the need for inclusive design in everyday life. Speakers highlighted the launch of the Appliance Portal, community connections through YouTube, and efforts to raise awareness among vendors, advocates, and consumers. They discussed sharing experiences, increasing visibility, and building a collective voice to advance accessibility and advocacy.

Presenters: Larry Watkinson, Technology Project Manager, Olympia, WA; Jeff Bishop, President, Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS), Application Developer, Tucson, AZ; Lucia Greco, Accessibility Evangelist, Berkeley, CA

20250710 1000 Microsoft Presentation Originally Broadcasted July 10, 2025, on ACB Media 1

20250709 1430 Unlocking Human Potential Stories in AI and Wearables Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media Participants joined Meta's product and design teams for an exploration of AI-powered wearable technology to enhance the everyday life for the blind and low vision community. Discover new AI-powered features on Ray Ban Meta smart glasses, discuss emerging trends, and learn how these advancements can unlock new possibilities for independence and inclusivity.

20250708 1600 ConnectCenter and the Neptune Out of This World Resources and Products from APH Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2025, on ACB Media Participants joined us to explore the APH ConnectCenter, your go-to resource hub designed to empower families, job seekers, adults who are blind or low vision, and professionals. The ConnectCenter offers a wealth of information, including blogs, articles, career success stories, and resources for professionals in the field of blindness or low vision. Whether you're navigating the complexities of job searching, seeking support for family members, or enhancing your professional skills. Participants found out how the APH ConnectCenter can empower and assist you in achieving your goals. In this session, attendees also learned about the Neptune, APH's latest addition to our technology product line. The Neptune is a lightweight, portable, scan and read device that instantly turns inaccessible text into speech supported by a customizable display screen. Whether you are looking for access in the classroom, the board room, or at home, come and see if the Neptune may be right for you! Presenters: Katie Frederick, Digital Content Manager APH ConnectCenter and VisionAware Lee Huffman, Low Vision Product manager, Product Development

20250708 1430 Be Digital Mobile Scam Wise T Mobile Informational Gameshow Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2025, on ACB Media

20250707 1730 Whats New at HumanWare with a Special Announcement Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2025, on ACB Media Participants joined the HumanWare team as they discussed and demonstrated some exciting updates across the product line, including the exclusive opportunity to test drive multi-line braille support with screen readers on the Monarch Dynamic Tactile Display. During the session, we demonstrated Prodigi magnification software that runs on a Windows machine, as well as showed our hand-held and desktop video magnifiers. We have a range of new features and enhancements on the Brailliant devices including: reference tools like Wikipedia and Wiktionary, text-to-speech available on the Mantis Q40, and we previewed the upcoming KeySoft update for the BrailleNote which featured a new math mode and a media player. WE have the Odyssey Desktop Reader now with AI enhancements, the StellarTrek with traffic light detection, the VictorReader Stream supporting audio-narrated books from Bookshare, and more. Last but not least, we have a special announcement regarding the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, so don't miss it!