Happy Holidays!

It's BlindAccessTS first Christmas. So lets celebrate and have fun. Find
1 thing this season and hang on to it. Life throws you hard balls catch
them and run with it. Love everything you can. I wish you all a very
happy holidays. My Goal for next year is to bring an on board staff who
can help me keep the site up dated. Some new content is on the way and
I'm going to try a different lay out and you'll get a chance to vote on
your favorite.
Again happy holidays!
Zack!

Getting the site out and known. Make it the one stop shopping for resources.

Hey viewers!
I'm ready for the site to really go main stream. It's my goal to bring
the site into the blind community full force. I'm hoping that by having
a great pack of viewers and contributors we can achieve this goal. So
here's a few things I'm going to put into place so everyone can help
out. Each month I'm going to post across twitter and the blog and the
main site topics for submissions. So 1 month will be anything medical,
and I mean anything. Next month might be online shopping sites that are
accessible. No stone will go unturned and together we'll make a site
that can help others in complete dignity and comfort. Life is stressful
as is, why throw blindness on top of that, if blindaccessts can help
take a bit of stress off that is the goal.
I send a great and warm thank you out too the ones who've helped out so
far. I may not be able to return E-mails all the time but I really do
try to keep an on going line of communication with you guys.
So again thanks and lets bring BlindAccessTS from the stone age into the
internet realm of great possibility.
Zack

A new resource that I found useful last night.

Hey guys I'm excited to tell you about this new resource.
I was in the hospital last night and wanted to order in some food. Now I
lived in Seattle before but had no idea what was around to order and who
would deliver. After calling a couple places one of the people suggested
I check out Eat 24 Hour.com. It's a service that shows you what delivers
near you.
It's a pretty easy interface you type your address all on 1 line and
then go down to a different box and type what you'd like to eat. see example
address 2011 crazy street Seattle wa

and here you'd type the food choice so Pizza or Chinese or whatever
category you are craving.
Hit search and in seconds you have a list of food shops that deliver.
You can click on any that look good and it has online menus and you can
even order online from the website. The important thing is it has online
menus no more asking what they have and not getting exactly what you want.
The URL is:
http://www.eat24hour.com
Thanks
Zack
Note I'll add the link to the site asap

Social media we're coming after you.

Good Morning guys.
I added a Facebook like button on blindaccessts last night. Go like us
and feel good about knowing your helping spread the word.
You can also follow us on twitter and I'll add a link for google Plus1.
BlindAccessts is taking the next stepping and we'll be moving into a
nonprofit position. Allowing us to act as a company and we can accept
donations. This will happen with in the next year I hope.Any other
social media sites you think we should inhabit? Go ahead and let me know at
info@blindaccessts.com
thanks
Zack

Some very important updates.

Hello readers.
It's about 4:30 in the morning and I'm sitting here in my nice relaxing
hospital bed. Some medical issues decided to drop by and so I'm really
busy being a perfect host to them.
If you go load up the site you'll notice 2 big features. Go ahead I'll
wait...

Did you see the google search box?
It allows you to search the website if you tell it to or it searches the
entire internet. If you click the check box it'll only search bats.

Did you notice the other thing?
We now have a fancy counter on the site. It allows me to keep track of
how offten the site is visited. You can also see these stats as well.
Just click the bottom link. I have a better one that allows me to do a
few more things in the works.
Well keep safe. Submit your hearts out and never juggle hedgehogs.

WCB Update.

Greetings from Pasco Washington.
Well the first day of convention was amazingly jam packed. The exhibit hall had 26 tables anything from talking watches down to candles. I have some contacts and some brief articles to write. Resources fell into my hands via business cards.
I met some great people and will keep you guys updated as we continue on. I may or may not get a quick podcast recorded but we'll see.
Well I'm running out the door to head down to the talent show.
Later
Zack

Washington State Convention.

A big hello from me to you guys.
In about an hour and 30 minutes I'll be at the Washington Council for the blind convention in Pasco washington. WCB is made up of many local chapters and we gather once a year to have this big conference.
This is my first ever blind convention and I'm hoping it turns out great.
I'm going to submit another post in just a few minutes. It'll talk a bit about bats.
However I'll keep you hooked up with anything of interest.

Update time.

Hello!
Well it's with great excitement I write this. Some cool technology updates to note and information on the website as well.
1. IOS 5 has been released for you iPhone users. Over 200 features have been added. Voice over is now more accessible along side people that use hearing aids it now has custom vibrations. Set up a custom vibration for any contact in your contact. Also flashing LED alerts are included.
For people with motor skills that are unable to do the jestures you can now set up custom ones to fit your needs.
Now tweet from your camera, you tube, Safari apps. Makes tweeting way easier.
iMessage ssend messages to iPhone users and easy use of sending pics, vids, and contacts.

Alright now for news about our site blindaccessts.
As you may or may not know we've had some technical difficulties in modifying pages the html editor I was using kept crashing. So I recovered the work and am now hand coding for the time being. What this means for you, it means that resources are going to be a bit slower hitting the main site. Do not fear however it is still working and I have a list of stuff that I need to update.
Great so with winter approaching I'd just like to say that cane travel in the snow is a tricky business. So be safe and keep submitting resources. Also we are looking for medical resources as well if you know a good shop to get medical supplies, doctors that work with different illnesses etc.
Thanks
Zack

Resources that have been submitted.

Hello do to the technical problem I'm going to list these resources until I can get them uploaded.
Under books Thounder dog. A book that gives us a view of 9:11 from a blind guy and his guide dog.
Under Orgs and groups. I miss listed AFB they are not a consumer group and are in fact a Clearing house and resource group. My deepest apologies.
Under the tech corner we have talking Mp3 players the link for more information is:
http://www.talkingmp3players.com/
And under tech corner as well are iPhone apps. Note I haven't made a catagory for Apps but I will now.
Navigon, a handy iphone gps app. Has talking directions for Walking, bike riding and car.
Hey tell, Works like a walkie talkie. You can send voice messages back and forth.
Look tell is a money reader.
Read 2 go, is bookshares app for reading books on your iPhone/ipod touch/or ipad.

Well that covers this weeks resources and I will get things up and going asap.
Have a great weekend.
Zack

Technical difficulties, what crazy luck.

Hello viewers.
It is with unhappy fingers that I send this out over the web. Do to some technical issues that have decided to pop up I'm unable to update the html code. So your resources are being saved and I'm doing what I can to find ways around this.
The problem is on my end and is being worked on!
However I want to thank everyone who's been E-Mailing in all sorts of cool things.
I'll make a new blog post that lists each thing.
Zack

We just launched a new layout.

Hello!
Well, if you just read the last bog post your probably aware of some changes I was going to add in. I sat down and organized the links into alphabetical order, It goes ADBC right? Just kidding
Also I moved links under different headings so now you don't have them all hanging out in a big group. Added a podcast page. And the Navigation Heading will eventually be on every page at the bottom. I've noticed to see updated changes I had to refresh the pages, I am using firefox so its a cashing issue. So just beware you may need to refresh the page to see changes. Screen readers got added too. You can now click on links for mobile phone screen readers and I added NVDA under computer screen readers.
Lets see what else did I do? Oh I moved a few sentences around the welcome paragraph. I hope you guys enjoy exploring. My next goal is to get Android information and links for note takers. Feel free to submit links or articles about these topics.
Have a good day!
Zack

The work continues.

Hey readers
I haven't forgotten about the website. I have been getting ready for college and getting settled into a new town. In my head the site has been under going some changes and I'm going to translate that to code.
I've added more phone screen reading software. If you use a droid and use any apps to make it accessible I would appreciate a article on that and links. And articles in general would be appreciated on any topic as usual.
I'm also looking at ways to get the site linked up with big companies and get it widely known. So if you know people or have a company that will link us up that would rock.
Anyway I'll upload the phone page soon as possible. Use the submission forms and submit your hearts out. Thanks
Zack

My deepest apologies.

Hey guys.
I want to issue an apology, I took some time off from everything to give my body time to recharge. Unfortunately that means the site wasn't being updated. The good news isNFB and ACB are wrapping up or have wrapped up. So send in your reports or thoughts on the conventions.
So to make things easier for you guys instead of sending me an email every time you want to submit a resource or tip or trick you can now click a link for submitting content. That link should go live by the end of today. It will ask for your First name, email address, and the category of your submission, and then the actual resource or content.
I'm hoping to give the site a new less link based layout. Lets see what else I have up my sleeves in the months to come.
I got asked about a store type of deal selling shirts and items for promoting the site. Unfortunately I haven't seen enough activity on the site to even look into it. While I do believe it would make a cool promo I can't see it happening right now.
What would you like to see happen to the site. I have ideas and plans that bounce around in my head. Let's see what you guys want and where you think the site should go. In just a few short months the site became a real thing and I'm hoping to make it even better.
One more thing if you know of anyone who has a streaming service so I can broadcast a stream please let me know. That would be helpful.
Thanks
Have an awesome day.
Zack

The call goes out.

Hey guys.
I'm looking for a podcast coe-host. What? Well let me give you a quick background.
A year ago I was talking with a few friends and I was rambling as I do in no unusual manner. I said well what needs to happen is people need to meet on skype and start recording a weekly podcast about new events in the blind world talking about resources and so many other things. I fell silent and started thinking like a mad man. I drove myself crazy researching different platforms and learning html. Soon I had the ruff outline of what would eventually become what you see now.
It was all meant to be a podcast with just a small webpage alerting users of updated podcasts and a comment section. The first podcast was recorded after I had worked on the web site for a while. I keep meaning to record a podcast but have so much to talk about and would love to have a partner to break up me talking for 30 minutes.
So now I'm on the search for one, I reach out to you guys in hopes I get some good feedback. If you are interested in being a podcast host please read the following requirements:
1. Must be able to use skype and have a good stable connection.
2.Have a quiet recording area.
3. Be open minded but not afraid to give your opinion.
4. Must be able to keep the flow of a conversation going while doing other things like reading chat or researching something quickly.
5. Have headphones so your screenreader isn't chattering in the background.
6. Have a pretty good recording voice and be professional. I'm not saying it's a strict environment jokes are welcome but keep in minded this could reach all ages.
Well I think that covers the main things.
If you want to apply for the position email
info@blindaccessts.com
Please note that this is strictly volunteer, you will do it for the enjoyment of helping others.
THanks
As always stay safe.
Zack

Quick update.

Hi guys.
Well I'm excited to announce we have at least one article that was submitted by nonstaffers. The article is entitled The Art of Living with Vision Loss by Anne Morris Bliss. We'd like to thank Anne for such a well insight for dealing with vision loss.
It's that time of year and ACB and NFB conventions are coming. ACB is being held in Reno Nevada. NFB is being held in Orlando, Florida. ACB is July,8th to the 16th and NFB is July 3rd to July 8th. ACB is celebrating it's 50th year anniversary so congratulations.
We'd also see that the website is being spread around and we appreciate that. With out the viewers we'd be just another web page floating around in the big online world. I have a few things I'd like to set into play and wish to get your views on it to see if it'd be worth while.
1. I'm considering a livestream event so I can sit down and chat with you guys in a live audio session. I'm still working on making sure livestream is fully accessible and you can have an easy method of chatting with me. I have a few other streaming possibilities if it comes down to it.
2. another thing that would be really cool is your reports on the above mention conventions if you are going to attend them. You can be super detailed or just write a couple paragraphs. The point of them is to get others who may not of been able to go a glimpse inside a convention. We hope it will inspire them to attend next years. ACB or NFB doesn't matter.
3. We want to keep everyone informed of changes and you may not have a constant internet connection, but with all these new fangled mobile devices you can get E-mail or twitter feeds. So with that thought would you be willing to have a weekly news letter sent to your inbox? You can follow us on twitter as well. @blindaccessts is the magic key for twitter. So I'm asking questions and your like uh how do we give you answers? Well for now send an E-mail to
info@blindaccessts.com
The hosting company has web poles but I'm setting them up and going to make sure they don't have any accessibility issues.
Well with all that I hope your excited and will keep checking back. As always stay safe and keep sending people to the site.
THanks tons
Zack

Another cool feature.

Good morning.
Ever wanted to sit down and write an article about your trials or expierences of blindness. Do you have a story that you think will help explain how to deal with vision loss? Can you explain braille or traveling with a white cane? Well why don't you submit your articles to BlindAccessts and we'll post them for others to read.
Guide Lines.
Spellcheck, keep it clean not everyone is an adult, make sure your title fits the article. Don't write an article about guide dogs and name it peanut butter fingers. However if you want to write about PB and J we may post it if it explains how to spread with a knife. You can find submitted articles on the bookshelf.
Thanks I hope we can get some good material coming in.
Oh to submit an article please send the article to info@blindaccessts.com In the subject line the first 2 words should be article submission followed by your title.
A goal has been set to get 25 twitter followers. Spread the word and lets achieve it.
Zack.

Feed back.

Hey guys.
After reviewing the feedback I'm excited to say it was mostly pretty sweet feedback. I adjusted the forums to ask for names and E-mail so now we can
get more info on comments that are vague. E-mail addresses will not be given out. In fact after I see the data collected it's trashed. We care about your privacy.
Some of you asked for job opportunities and I'm not exactly sure how to reflect that on the site. If your the person who suggested that please get in contact with me. Guide dogs are under organizations. As always we at BATS appreciate your suggestions and thoughts. Keep it up and together we'll make a great thing happen.
Thanks
Zack

Another resource added and some code changes.

Hey everyone.
A bookshelf has appeared and we need you guys to suggest books. A book has already been added. Dealing with Blindness by Fred Olver. You may tweet book titles or drop an E-mail to us. Please note the books must be about blindness related topics. I've adjusted some code and made some things centered that decided to hang out in the left field. Any suggestions to make the pages more accessible let me know and I'll see what can be done. As always stay safe and remember resources help everyone so share them.
Thanks
Zack.

Some pretty cool updates.

Good morning everyone.
I'm proud to say we now have a twitter account. You can follow @blindaccessts and be informed when news and updates are made. Also some new links have been posted on the site.
http://www.blindaccesstraining.com/
A website devoted to helping you learn technology. Also welcome the new market page. It lists multiple links for shopping accessibly and as always it will grow as we get more links in. If you have tips for shopping online please feel free to send them in or tweet them at us. We'll be more than happy to put them up at the market. You can find the tech training page under the technology corner.
Well, I think that covers everything for now. Stay safe and remember get the word out about us.
Thanks
Zack

Spreading the word around.

Hey guys.
I'm really sorry unfortunately I've been crazy busy with some
stuff that's decided to appear. However I'm glad to announce I was able to make a intro song for the podcast. I'll be recording a podcast soon. If you have topics email them to: info@blindaccessts.com
I would also like to say that the word should be spread around about the site. As more and more people find out about the webpage more and more things can be submitted and discovered.
And on a final note I've found some cool places to get gift ideas. Future Aids has an amazing variety of different puzzles and braille items. Drop in and check them out.
http://www.futureaids.com/
Thanks and enjoy your web surfing.

Up Coming Play. Guys and Dolls.

Do you live in or near Seattle Washington? This is the place to be June 4th.
Guys and Dolls
At the 5th Ave. Theater

On Saturday

June 4th - 2:00 PM Show

Saturday June 4th is the Audio Described Performance of Guys and Dolls a Classic Musical
Come to New York for Gamblers, gangsters, and gals in the city that never sleeps.
The slickest high rollers are in town, and they're depending on Nathan Detroit to score a secret spot for their floating crap game. Trouble is, he's $1,000 shy. Throw in Sarah Brown, who's short on sinners at the mission; Sky Masterson, who accepts Nathan's $1000 bet that he can't lure Sarah Brown to Havana; Miss Adelaide, who's desperate to marry Nathan; the meddling Police Lieutenant Brannigan; and the lively lyrics and music of Frank Loesser, and you've got an afternoon to remember—you can bet on it!

2:00PM matinee performance with Audio Description. Tickets at $25.00 per person. You can also join us for Lunch at the Rock Bottom Restaurant which is right across the street from the Theater

To reserve a seat Call Patt Copeland at:
Vision Loss Connections (206) 282-3913
or E-Mail to info@visionlossconnections.org
Checks should be made out to
Vision Loss Connections ( VLC )
23 West Boston Street
Seattle, WA 98119

Here are the Details:
Date:Saturday June 4th 2011
When: Lunch is at 11:30-12:00 Noon at Rock Bottom Cafe 1333 Fifth Avenue
Access Pick up after the Show is Red Lion Inn at 1415 Fifth Ave. at
5:15PM - 5:45PM

Play is at 2:00 with an audio described introduction of sets and character voices that begins at 1:45PM
Where: Play is at the Fifth Ave. Theater, 1308 Fifth Ave.
Lunch is at the Rock Bottom Restaurant, 1333 Fifth Ave. The restaurant which has a moderately priced menu is across the street from the theater. Our group has a small private dining room which makes for easy conversation and listening.
Suggested Access Pick up Spot after the show is the Lobby of the Red Lion Inn, 1415 Fifth Ave. suggested time is 5:15PM - 5:45PM
Come and Enjoy!

Who What when and how.

Hi viewers.
I'm proud to announce the organizations section, I have added a section for organizations from consumer groups down to support groups. As always feel free to send in any orgs you know of. As I get different catagories I'll expand the page.
I was invited to attend a conference in Seattle Washington, the key speaker was Mr Kevin Carey. His presentation was on the accessibility of art. I was able to record the speech and will upload it as soon as I clean up the audio and make it bit more understandable.
Thanks
Keep safe.

Some exciting news.

Hey Guys,
I've been able to get responses from AFB and GDB Guide Dogs for the Blind. They are will be listed on the site. I'm looking for someone to bounce ideas off and be part of the development team. More changes are on the way.

Sound audio update.

Good news. I was able to get sound working for firefox and safari. If the sound doesn't play on the site let me know what browser you use and what version. Not on the blog but on the site.

updating the site.

Hi guys
I'm revamping the code and cleaning up a few stray bits. Also hoping to get sound support fully going for most browsers. And if your musically talented I am looking for a theme song forthe podcast. E-mail me at info@blindaccessts.com for more info

Welcome

Welcome to the blog of BlindAccessTS

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