Sterling Creations Blog

If you are in the market for something to help you save time while at the
same time pop a problem; then you have come to the right place.
Below, you will find something to help you just do that and if you would
like to learn more then visit us at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
Follow us on Twitter @accessibleworld and like us on facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan

+++++++++++++++

how can you use be my eyes?
There are many situations where a pair of friendly eyes can be helpful for
those with visual impairments, and Be My Eyes is used to solve a wide range
of daily tasks – no request is too big or too small! You can request help
24/7,
as we connect you based on time zones and language – for example, if you
speak English and is based in the US and need assistance in the middle of
the night, then we will connect you to an English speaking helper in
England,
Australia or another country where it is daytime.
People are always coming up with creative ways to use Be My Eyes. The
following list provides examples of some different ways that you can use
the Be My Eyes app:
Finding lost items
Describing pictures, paintings or other artwork.
Matching or explaining colors
Reading labels on household products
Reading on computer screens if websites are inaccessible or screen readers
are not available
Shopping in supermarkets and stores
Identifying the expiration date on perishable food packages
Familiarizing yourself with new locations
Distinguishing between products (Canned foods, shampoos, and soaps, spices
etc.)
Determining if lights are turned on or off
Finding out when public transportation (busses, trains, etc.) are departing
or arriving
Resolving electrical or technical issues
Right now there are over half a million sighted helpers in the Be My Eyes
community who are ready and willing to assist you.
Remember that Be My Eyes is FREE no matter how much you use it.
http://mailchi.mp/bemyeyes/how-can-you-use-be-my-eyes

Hello everyone and we at the business desk are introducing a new feature to
help you become more aware of those nasty scams making the rounds.
This is going to be a weekly feature and we hope that you take advantage of
our info as it will help you to stay out of the way of scams and scammers!
It’s all about scam alerts!

You need to remember that scams come in the following formats:
As emails, as phone calls both recorded and via a live caller, and o yes!
It can even show up at your door and in your mailbox.
And now they are targeting us through texts being sent to our cell phones.

Before giving you the latest scams making the rounds; we have some do nots
to share with you.
Do not respond to emails that look strange to you.
Do not download attachments from unknown senders.
Do not share your username and password to your online banking and any other
online payments facilities with anyone.
Do not give out any banking or personal details on the phone to unknown
callers.
Do not pay any attention to threats from automated phone recordings or from
live persons with regard to your credit card or that you owe money to any
revenue agency.
Do not entertain any offers either via email or by phone from senders and
callers offering incredible service packages as they may pertain to cable
and tv services, prizes that you have won, or any sort of any type of
service package.
Do not answer the door to unknown callers.
Take extra caution to make sure that the details of your credit cards and
debit cards are fully protected when you make payments at restaurants or at
stores, pharmacies, and elsewhere.
Do not enter your password for Facebook or Twitter in response to a text
request on your cell phone.
The same if you are asked for your Apple ID.
Do not fall prey to a text message telling you that your banking details
have been compromised online.

Scams of the week –

1. Again, no stranger to the scene as this one comes from various senders
asking you to process an invoice.
The attached file is nothing but one that contains code that is meant to
hack into your system and to do great harm to it.
All you need to do is to delete this file and do not download the file.
For if you do then all hell will break loose and then you will need to pay
lots for it to be fixed.

2. An offer to help you make your website the talk of the town? Meaning
that someone can help you to gain top rankings on Google!
Just remember that no one can really help you do this. It comes from simple
hard work and persistence.
Just delete this email and move on.

Until next week.

Greetings and a happy April weekend to all!
Today, we are delighted to share our president’s editorial with you and for
this week Donna J. Jodhan focuses on the present state of the complaints
systems processes within the Canadian Federal Government.
This is an interesting perspective and we urge you to read on.
Enjoy your weekend.
I’m Scott Savoy!

+++++++++++++++

Broken processes and complaints systems
By Donna J. Jodhan

This is probably one of the most difficult editorials for me to write for as
I sit hear today; I am not sure if/when any sort of changes could or would
be made in order to rectify a very obvious and blatant infringement against
the rights of Canadians with disabilities. Am I being dramatic? No! And I
am going to do my best to convince you that my concerns are not just
troubling! They are real and if we do not speak up it would only continue.

Remember now: If we do not take steps to right a wrong then it would only
be passed down to our kids and then on to their kids! Is this really what
we want? Are we satisfied and comfortable waking up to this scenario every
day? For me, the answer is a resounding no! Maybe some people could go to
sleep knowing that this does exist and are quite content to keep doing this
every night; but not for me! This is my way of speaking up and speaking
out!

So here are the cold facts as I as an accessibility advisor/consultant and
as a Human Being view it through my personal lens.

Fact 1: There are certain Federal Government Departments that continue to
offer online complaints systems that are either inaccessible or unusable to
Canadians with special needs; in particular to the blind and vision
impaired.
Online forms are inaccessible and websites are still lacking in meeting the
W3C standards.

Fact 2: At the best of times, it is almost impossible to communicate with
staff who can help to explain the complaints process. Too often, they
provide inaccurate info and then they somehow fail to send along
documentation in alternate formats.
When you ask them questions, they defer to their lawyers to write responses
and at the end of the day these responses are extremely difficult to
interpret when it comes to the lay person.

Fact 3: It takes at least two years for a complaint to be resolved if
you’re lucky but the norm seems to be anywhere from at least five years and
upwards.

Fact 4: If your complaint has managed to pass the department’s screening
process, you are then subjected to these departments requiring you as the
complainant to provide info that the said department itself should be
researching on its own.
I find it very difficult to understand why I as the complainant should be
put upon to provide additional info that they themselves can more easily
obtain. For blind and vision impaired complainants, it goes without saying
that it takes double the time for us to complete our forms and retrieve
information.
So why is it that departments can get away with asking a complainant to
determine which party did what? Should this not be their job?

Fact 5: When it comes to the screening process, we have no idea who
oversees these processes and the question needs to be proffered; are any of
the reviewers persons with a disability? Do any of the screening panels
include persons with a disability?

Fact 6: For the most part, we believe that the various decision making
panels within these departments do not include women, persons of diverse
ethnic backgrounds, and persons with disabilities.

Fact 7: As they say, perception is often reality and I can only share what
I have encountered and what others continue to share with me. The
perception out here is that these departments continue to yield to industry.
They are afraid to rock the boat and in addition, they do not even appear to
have the mandate to enforce their own rules and regulations.

So what are we left with? In reality, departments that are just paper
tigers. Industries that continue to bully, intimidate, and use their deep
pockets to get their way. Finally, we the complainants who continue to be
bullied, beaten down, and forced to retreat in total defeat knowing that our
Human Rights continue to be disrespected and trampled upon.

No one is really listening and as a good friend said to me in total
frustration “may be it is easier for us to have our rights violated rather
than continuing to fight.”

Just my two cents for today.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna’s blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
Learn more about Author Donna Jodhan and her campaign against bullying at
www.jodhanmysterybook.club
Now you can enjoy Donna’s detective DJ crime crushers Series by visiting
http://www.donnajodhan.com

And now her weekly podcast at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
From recipes to apps, and from 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs
and alerts on the latest scams
Available for download from iTunes and Google music play.

You can follow me on twitter @accessibleworld
and chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Hello everyone and we at the business desk are introducing a new feature to
help you become more aware of those nasty scams making the rounds.
This is going to be a weekly feature and we hope that you take advantage of
our info as it will help you to stay out of the way of scams and scammers!
It’s all about scam alerts!

You need to remember that scams come in the following formats:
As emails, as phone calls both recorded and via a live caller, and o yes!
It can even show up at your door and in your mailbox.
And now they are targeting us through texts being sent to our cell phones.

Before giving you the latest scams making the rounds; we have some do nots
to share with you.
Do not respond to emails that look strange to you.
Do not download attachments from unknown senders.
Do not share your username and password to your online banking and any other
online payments facilities with anyone.
Do not give out any banking or personal details on the phone to unknown
callers.
Do not pay any attention to threats from automated phone recordings or from
live persons with regard to your credit card or that you owe money to any
revenue agency.
Do not entertain any offers either via email or by phone from senders and
callers offering incredible service packages as they may pertain to cable
and tv services, prizes that you have won, or any sort of any type of
service package.
Do not answer the door to unknown callers.
Take extra caution to make sure that the details of your credit cards and
debit cards are fully protected when you make payments at restaurants or at
stores, pharmacies, and elsewhere.
Do not enter your password for Facebook or Twitter in response to a text
request on your cell phone.
The same if you are asked for your Apple ID.
Do not fall prey to a text message telling you that your banking details
have been compromised online.

Scams of the week –

1. And this one continues to make the rounds especially at this time of the
year.
It is the one that tells you that either you or your lawyer needs to contact
Revenue Canada as soon as possible because you owe money to Revenue Canada.
The automated call is threatening and rude but all you need to do is to hang
up and go about your business.

2. And this one is no strange either; the one that presents you with some
sort of invoice for some unknown product that you are supposed to have
ordered.
This email is written in very poor English so there is the give away.
Do not download the attached file because if you then you have just given a
hacker the keys to your system an now they can hack into it through the code
contained in the attached file.

Until next week.

If you are in the market for something to help you save time while at the
same time pop a problem; then you have come to the right place.
Below, you will find something to help you just do that and if you would
like to learn more then visit us at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
Follow us on Twitter @accessibleworld and like us on facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan

+++++++++++++++

WElcome to the March 2018 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly
newsletter which aims to
highlight what’s new and noteworthy on the AppleVis website. Below, you’ll
find a selection of the best
content posted to AppleVis – from new app entries, to app updates, to the
latest news and podcasts. For
easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3,
and each individual item is at
heading level 4.
New and Noteworthy App Entries

1. AMI-tv (iOS, Free)
Canada Only
AMI presents the first and only video app made especially for the blind and
partially sighted community.
Access AMI-tv and AMI-télé original content wherever you go and on demand.
Watch AMI content for free. No subscription required. A wide selection of
AMI-tv and AMI-tele content is available at your fingertips with new content
added weekly.
Enjoy full AMI shows, documentaries and digital shorts from across Canada.
The apps’ fully accessible features ensure easy navigation, a convenient
video, frequently asked questions and described video integrated into all of
the content.

Current Version: 1.0.1 (March 13, 2018)
Read AMI-tv’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/entertainment/ami-tv
Visit AMI-tv’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/ami-tv/id1346647134?mt=8

2. Blindfold Slots (iOS, Free With In-App Purchases)
Blindfold Slots is a fully accessible Slot Machine casino game for both
sighted and visually impaired people, designed for rapid audio play.
With Blindfold Slots, you can play on one of several machines, and bet up to
3 lines per machine. Some machines have mini games that you can play to
increase your winnings.
Payoffs on the machines vary from machine to machine, but start at 1 to 1,
and go up to 1 to 25,000 for really big wins. You can change the machine
style include manual pull arm and electronic
spin button. You can also change the way the wheels stop: automatic stopping
after a few seconds, a button to stop the wheels under your control, and a
button to stop each wheel independently.
Upgrades include unlimited coins and more types of slot machines with
mini-games.

Current Version: 1.1.8 (March 29, 2018)
Read Blindfold Slots’ AppleVis App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/games/blindfold-slots
Visit Blindfold Slots’ App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blindfold-slots/id1341496956?mt=8

3. Braille block (iOS, Free)
When a visually impaired person is lost sight of yellow Braille block
(formal name “Visually Impaired Guidance Block”) at a station or a public
facility, its existence and the approximate direction
is estimated by the App, and also Warning block (dotted sureface block) is
detected. Furthermore, the App judges the route of Braille block and informs
how to proceed.
As another function, the App recognizes a railroad track on a station
platform and notifies the approximate position. Also, you can check the
direction you are facing. All of these recognition
results are transmitted by voice.
how to use
Hold your iPhone vertically and hold down the home button. You can use the
App just by tapping the screen towards the front ground. Because it is weak
against the screen shake, please
stop and fix the screen. The App will guide you by voice so that it is
inclined from 25 degrees to 46 degrees with respect to the ground. The
shutter sound does not sound because of
consideration to the surroundings. Also, flash does not shine. Please cancel
manner mode. VoiceOver function can be used either ON or OFF.
> Using iPhone’s Siri, you can also start the App by talking to “Braille
> block”. (To use Siri, press and hold the Home button)
Details of it’s use can be read by displaying the explanation screen with
the “Explanation, Screen” button on the App screen. Please be sure to read
it.

Current Version: 4.2 (March 6, 2018)
Read Braille block’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/navigation/braille-block
Visit Braille block’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/braille-block/id1172646239?l=en&mt=8

4. Microsoft Soundscape (iOS, Free)
Microsoft Soundscape uses 3D audio technology to enhance your awareness of
what is around you, and thereby help you get around and explore your
surroundings.
Soundscape will place audio cues and labels in 3D space such that they sound
like they are coming from the direction of the points of interest, parks,
roads and other features in your
surroundings.
You will need a pair of stereo headsets that you feel comfortable wearing
outdoors. For example, bone conduction headsets, Apple AirPods and in-ear
open headphones have proven to work
well.
Soundscape is designed to live in the background and provide you with
effortless ambient awareness. Therefore, feel free to use it in conjunction
with other apps such as podcasts, audio books,
email and even GPS navigation.
Key features:
As you walk, Soundscape will automatically call out the key points of
interest, roads and intersections that you pass. These can be adjusted and
turned on and off.
An audio beacon can be placed on a point of interest, and you will hear it
as you move around. You can place an audio beacon on a point of interest
that you would like to track such as your
destination, a point to return to or a landmark you are familiar with.
“My location” describes your current location and the direction you are
facing
“Around me” describes nearby points of interest in each of the four cardinal
directions, helping with orientation. Try this out when getting off a bus or
leaving a train station.
“Ahead of me” describes points of interest in front of you, for example when
walking down the street.

Current Version: 1.1 (March 19, 2018)
Read Microsoft Soundscape’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more
information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/lifestyle/microsoft-soundscape
Visit Microsoft Soundscape’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-soundscape/id1240320677?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D8

4. Sleep Talk – Sound Recorder (Apple Watch, US$2.99)
Listen to your Sleep from Apple Watch!
With watchOS 4 and the new background recording — monitor the noises that
occur while your eyes are shut each night.
Using a Speech Detection Algorithm, Sleep Talk only records when it hears
fluctuations in sound that mimic human vocals*. Scrubbing through hours of
audio each morning, and large audio file
sizes are a thing of the past.
Record directly from your Apple Watch (Enable Do No Disturb while using)
Listen and scrub with the Digital Crown through your night’s sound from your
Watch after you wake
Can be used worn, or placed charging bedside (recommended for first gen and
38mm watches)**
Stores the 3 most recent nights on the watch
Syncs in the background with the iPhone app for a full archive
Share the audio from the iPhone app
Optionally save your asleep/in bed duration to Health
Integrates with the sleep tracking app, Sleep Pulse 3 Motion, to provide
your potential sleep talk recordings from your night with a sleep analysis.
Check out the app, “Sleep Pulse 3 Motion” for more
info.

Current Version: 1.03 (January 28, 2018)
Read Sleep Talk – Sound Recorder’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more
information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/apple-watch/utilities/sleep-talk-sound-recorder
Visit Sleep Talk – Sound Recorder’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sleep-talk-sound-recorder/id1269275755?mt=8

5. weather informant (iOS, US$4.99)
Weather Informant allows streamlined access and push notification of all
NOAA National Weather Service forecast, watches, advisories, warnings
observations, statements and discussions
from all 122 Weather Forecast Offices and six specialty centers. This is the
only application that allows access to all NWS products. It is quite simply
NWS in an app ! The redundant database
processes approximately 19,500 products per day.
All NOAA National Weather Service text forecasts, statements, discussions,
observations, tables, matrices, collectives, watches, advisories and
warnings
Valid Time Event Code (VTEC) displayed for all hazard products
View up to 72 hours of previous products (swipe)
Identifies your local NWS office based on current location (GPS).
Browse by individual NWS Office
Browse by active hazard type
Add favorites for any product
Customized favorites by product type, NWS office and keyword search
Enable push notification of any product favorite
Customized alert sounds
Favorite keywords are highlighted for easy viewing
Pinch zoom or zoom in and out
Hazards Around Me feature delivers active NWS watches & warnings specific to
your current NWS zone based on your smartphone location (GPS).

Current Version: 1.3 (March 25, 2018)
Read weather informant’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/weather/weather-informant
Visit weather informant’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/weather-informant/id802517287?mt=8

6. Wordfinder Game (iOS, US$1.99)
Test your skills to see how many words you can find in over 28,000 puzzles.
Features
Intuitive interface.
Fully Voiceover compatible.
Customizable to suit your needs.
No Adverts
No In App Purchases

Current Version: 2.0.0 (March 29, 2018)
Read Wordfinder Game’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/games/wordfinder-game
Visit Wordfinder Game’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wordfinder-game/id1342131235?mt=8

All recent app entries posted to AppleVis can be found at:
iOS
https://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=ios_app_directory
Mac
https://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=mac_app_directory
Apple Watch
https://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=mac_app_directory
Apple TV
https://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=apple_tv_app_directory

Current Version: 1.7.8 (February 9, 2018)
Read Glucose – Blood Sugar Tracker’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more
information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/medical/glucose-blood-sugar-tracker
Visit Glucose – Blood Sugar Tracker’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/glucose-blood-sugar-tracker/id1135157609?mt=8

7. Power Thesaurus
(iOS, Free)

The application has been developed and driven by PowerThesaurus.org (popular
online thesaurus).
20 million synonyms and antonyms.
Lighting fast, convenient and comprehensive
Easy-to-follow look & feel – with powerful assisting tools
Real-time data
Quick search – with auto-correction
Filter synonyms and antonyms – by parts of speech or topics
Flexible sorting – by rating, alphabetically, number of syllables or length
Visitors rate suggested words with handy voting, helping other writers to
find the best term
Crowdsourced, meaning it has been built by a community of writers for
writers
Power Thesaurus is a constantly growing and improving synonym finder with
the collective power of its users and editorial team!

Current Version: 1.1 (January 18, 2017)
Read Power Thesaurus’ AppleVis App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/reference/power-thesaurus
Visit Power Thesaurus’ App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/power-thesaurus/id967211375?mt=8

8. WayAround Tag and Scan
(iOS, Free)

WayAround is the smart assistant that gives on-demand details about everyday
things for anyone with blindness or vision loss. The simple tag-and-scan
approach lets you quickly and easily
identify what’s around you. The result? Better information, faster!
Use the app with our smart WayTags™ to add a description and other helpful
information to items around your home and office. WayTags come as stickers,
magnets, buttons, or clips, so you
can tag anything and everything. It also works as an audio labeling system
for those with good eyesight.
How does it work?
WayAround uses NFC technology (that’s Near Field Communication) to give you
information when you need it. Use the app in Tagger mode to add a
description and other details to your
WayTags. Once you’ve listed everything you want to know, just hold your
device close to the WayTag to write your information.
After tagging an item, use Scanner mode to scan a WayTag anytime to hear the
description and details. You can scan with your NFC-enabled smart device or
a WayLink™.
WayAround works seamlessly with VoiceOver and other accessibility devices,
including braille displays. The interface uses high-contrast colors, icons,
and large font, making WayAround
accessible for anyone with any degree of vision loss, including those who
are blind, low vision, vision impaired, deafblind, colorblind, and sighted.

Current Version: 1.0.3 (January 30, 2018)
Read WayAround Tag and Scan’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more
information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/lifestyle/wayaround-tag-and-scan
Visit WayAround Tag and Scan’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?ign-mpt=uo%3D8

9. When Was My Last? – Track Life’s Important Events
(iOS, US$0.99)

When was your last tetanus shot? Oil change? Hair cut? Dental cleaning? Job
performance review?
We need to remember — and possibly be reminded of — lots of life events,
but the built-in Calendar isn’t ideal for that sort of thing. (It’s too hard
to find your old events, and many times old events
don’t even sync to your phone. Just entered something and it synced into the
void? Ugh!) Some events are recurring, and we’d like to be reminded to do
them again, such as a hair cut or an oil
change.
“When Was My Last” sits at the intersection of the built-in Calendar app and
Reminders app. When an event happens where you’ll want to recall the date
later, just quicky enter it in the app. With
or without a reminder. Use tags for easy grouping and filtering. You can
even keep notes.
When a doctor asks you when you last had a tetanus shot, you want to know
the answer. And, you don’t want to forget to spit-shine your Hummel
figurines every month. You need this app.

Current Version: 1.10 (February 28, 2017)
Read When Was My Last?’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/productivity/when-was-my-last-track-lifes-important-events
Visit When Was My Last?’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/when-was-my-last-track-lifes-important-events/id793004108?mt=8

10. Writers App – Basic
(iOS, Free With In-App Purchase)

Writers App is the ultimate notepad for writers. It offers you an adjusted
user interface to easily put all your thoughts and ideas about your story
into one single place. Writers App gives you
complete flexibility about the attributes and information you want to enter
for all the parts of your story, regardless of whether you’re editing a
chapter, character, place or item.
I like to call Writers App „Writers little helper“. It is the perfect
supplement in your creative writing process which helps you to outline your
thoughts and ideas and to plan the story you work on;
nothing more, nothing less. Writers App is developed for passionate writers
to help and support them in their daily work.
The main features of Writers App at a glance:
Create your stories in Writers App and outline all important parts like the
chapters, characters, places and items
Export the contents of Writers App as TXT file or print them directly from
your iOS device via AirPrint
Customize the app the way you want with given fonts, font sizes and
background images
You can also unlock the following PRO features with a onetime in app
purchase:
Synchronize your contents between all your iOS devices with iCloud
Organize all categories within the app the way you want to gain total
flexibility in planning and outlining your story
Add additional notes to all the elements to your story to capture extra
information
Customize your stories by adding own cover images to them
Export the contents of Writers App as TXT file with additional with Markdown
formatting
Lock the app with a passcode or even Touch ID
Use automatically created backups to restore contents and to keep all your
work save

Current Version: 2.1.5 (December 9, 2015)
Read Writers App – Basic’s AppleVis App Directory entry for more information
https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/productivity/writers-app-basic
Visit Writers App – Basic’s App Store page
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/writers-app-basic/id688782019?mt=8

All recent app entries posted to AppleVis can be found at:
iOS
https://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=ios_app_directory
Mac
https://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=mac_app_directory
Apple Watch
https://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=mac_app_directory
Apple TV
https://www.applevis.com/apps/latest?type=apple_tv_app_directory

Hello everyone and we at the business desk are introducing a new feature to
help you become more aware of those nasty scams making the rounds.
This is going to be a weekly feature and we hope that you take advantage of
our info as it will help you to stay out of the way of scams and scammers!
It’s all about scam alerts!

You need to remember that scams come in the following formats:
As emails, as phone calls both recorded and via a live caller, and o yes!
It can even show up at your door and in your mailbox.
And now they are targeting us through texts being sent to our cell phones.

Before giving you the latest scams making the rounds; we have some do nots
to share with you.
Do not respond to emails that look strange to you.
Do not download attachments from unknown senders.
Do not share your username and password to your online banking and any other
online payments facilities with anyone.
Do not give out any banking or personal details on the phone to unknown
callers.
Do not pay any attention to threats from automated phone recordings or from
live persons with regard to your credit card or that you owe money to any
revenue agency.
Do not entertain any offers either via email or by phone from senders and
callers offering incredible service packages as they may pertain to cable
and tv services, prizes that you have won, or any sort of any type of
service package.
Do not answer the door to unknown callers.
Take extra caution to make sure that the details of your credit cards and
debit cards are fully protected when you make payments at restaurants or at
stores, pharmacies, and elsewhere.
Do not enter your password for Facebook or Twitter in response to a text
request on your cell phone.
The same if you are asked for your Apple ID.
Do not fall prey to a text message telling you that your banking details
have been compromised online.

Scams of the week –

1. We were kind of wondering when this email would start to make the rounds
again!
Well here we go and it is a fake email from Canada Post telling you that you
need to download an invoice for a pacakage.
If you make the mistake to download this then guess what?
The file that you have just downloaded will cause havock in your system?
And why?
Because it is not an invoice; rather it is an executable file loaded with
code that will take charge of your system and destroy it.

2. An automated call from the Marriott Hotel telling you that you have been
chosen to win a prize; a stay at the Marriott.
No, no! just another scam and just hang up!

Until next week.

Greetings and happy holiday weekend to everyone wherever you are and if you
celebrate the feast of Easter; then may the risen Christ be with you!
Today, I am delighted to share our president’s editorial with you and for
this week, Donna J. Jodhan asks a very important question: “Are they the
forgotten ones?”
Please take a moment to read!
Happy weekend everyone.
I’m Christian Robicheau!

+++++++++++++++

Are they the forgotten ones?
By Donna J. Jodhan

Based on the continuing actions on the part of several Federal Government
entities and others; I am wondering out loud today as to whether or not the
blind and vision impaired community should be thinking of themselves as the
forgotten ones?

Certainly, this seems to be the perception out here and I am happy to
provide a few examples.

Example 1: The Canadian Transportation Agency is hosting a two days
conference in Toronto in June of this year. The conference is going to
focus on how Airlines deal with mobility aids on board their aircrafts plus
other related topics. The needs and requirements of blind and vision
impaired persons seem to have been either left out or forgotten. This
subject is of great interest to those who use mobility aids such as
wheelchairs, walkers, and other types of mobility devices. We can only hope
that the CTA will decide to host a similar conference that focuses on such
things as guide dogs, and the needs and requirements of persons who are
blind and vision impaired in the not too distant future.

Example 2: If we take a close examination of the forms that the folks at
the Wheeltrans transportation company in Toronto send out to applicants we
will quickly discover that nowhere in this form do they ask questions
pertaining to the needs and requirements of blind and vision impaired
passengers and in addition; blind and vision impaired persons are forced to
identify themselves in the category labelled as sensory. I find this
troubling and wonder if once more, the needs of blind and vision impaired
persons have been somehow forgotten or missed?

Example 3: The Greater Toronto Airport Authority seems to be extremely
proud of the newly instituted check in kiosks at Pearson International
Airport as they say that these kiosks can now be used by persons with
mobility needs but alas! They cannot be used by persons who are blind and
vision impaired and why not? Because blind and vision impaired persons
cannot operate these kiosks on their own. They need sighted assistance
because
these kiosks have not been outfitted with screen reading technology to
enable those who are blind and vision impaired to hear what is on the screen
and to be able to hear their input when they enter their info.

I think that by now you are getting the picture.
Just my two cents for today.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna’s blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
Learn more about Author Donna Jodhan and her campaign against bullying at
www.jodhanmysterybook.club
Now you can enjoy Donna’s detective DJ crime crushers Series by visiting
http://www.donnajodhan.com

And now her weekly podcast at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
From recipes to apps, and from 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs
and alerts on the latest scams
Available for download from iTunes and Google music play.

You can follow me on twitter @accessibleworld
and chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

If you are in the market for something to help you save time while at the
same time pop a problem; then you have come to the right place.
Below, you will find something to help you just do that and if you would
like to learn more then visit us at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
Follow us on Twitter @accessibleworld and like us on facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan

+++++++++++++++

Meet Codex

This nifty little tool is for the one who is constantly seeking to convert
books that they download from various sites into the format of their choice.

More often than not, we look for ways to be able to read our books in our
preferred formats and why not? We want to enjoy what we read and so this
little tool is one that you may want to include in your daily toolkit.
Please read on.

Codex is a free, donation-ware e-book conversion tool. With Codex, you can
take the books you’ve legally purchased from sites like Amazon, Smashwords,
and popular eBook stores using Adobe Digital
Editions or Barnes & Noble via NookStudy and convert them to a format of
your choice, be it ePub for reading on the latest devices, plain text to
read in Notepad, or any of the other supported output formats:

Codex

Enjoy your new tool!

Hello everyone and we at the business desk are introducing a new feature to
help you become more aware of those nasty scams making the rounds.
This is going to be a weekly feature and we hope that you take advantage of
our info as it will help you to stay out of the way of scams and scammers!
It’s all about scam alerts!

You need to remember that scams come in the following formats:
As emails, as phone calls both recorded and via a live caller, and o yes!
It can even show up at your door and in your mailbox.
And now they are targeting us through texts being sent to our cell phones.

Before giving you the latest scams making the rounds; we have some do nots
to share with you.
Do not respond to emails that look strange to you.
Do not download attachments from unknown senders.
Do not share your username and password to your online banking and any other
online payments facilities with anyone.
Do not give out any banking or personal details on the phone to unknown
callers.
Do not pay any attention to threats from automated phone recordings or from
live persons with regard to your credit card or that you owe money to any
revenue agency.
Do not entertain any offers either via email or by phone from senders and
callers offering incredible service packages as they may pertain to cable
and tv services, prizes that you have won, or any sort of any type of
service package.
Do not answer the door to unknown callers.
Take extra caution to make sure that the details of your credit cards and
debit cards are fully protected when you make payments at restaurants or at
stores, pharmacies, and elsewhere.
Do not enter your password for Facebook or Twitter in response to a text
request on your cell phone.
The same if you are asked for your Apple ID.
Do not fall prey to a text message telling you that your banking details
have been compromised online.

Scams of the week –

1. Well, what can we say. It’s tax time and the continuing threatening
automated phone calls telling you that Revenue Canada is after are nothing
but garbage and hoaxes.
So just hang up and go about your business.

2. O yes and here comes this one; nothing new.
You get a phone call offering you great long distance packages from your
communications carrier.
No, not very true! Yes, these calls originate from India and you are being
harrassed by folks who do not even know where New York is let alone their
broken English.
Just hang up!

Until next week.

Greetings! I’m Christian Robicheau; assistant editor at
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca and for today I hope that everyone is
continuing to enjoy the month of March.
Today, I am pleased to share our president’s editorial with you and for this
week Donna J. Jodhan focuses on the concept of one size does not fit all.
I strongly encourage you to read on.
Happy weekend everyone!

+++++++++++++++

One size does not fit all
By Donna J. Jodhan

When it comes to how companies and entities view the needs and requirements
of persons with disabilities, this is the concept that we need to pay very
close attention to.

It appears that too many of these believe that when they provide solutions
for one group of persons with disabilities, it can also address the needs of
other groups of persons with disabilities. In the normal scheme of things,
this concept could work in that if you provide a certain solution for blind
and vision impaired persons, it could also benefit seniors.

However, in too many cases, it does not work and here is an example. The
Greater Toronto Airport Authority recently gloated over the fact that they
now offer accessible check in kiosks to meet the needs of persons with
disabilities. Not quite so! And why not? Because they somehow failed or
forgot to include accommodations for blind and vision impaired travelers.
As it stands today; there is no way that a blind or vision impaired person
could independently do their own check in.

There are also so many circumstances when both agencies for the blind and
others provide products and services for perssons with vision impairments
but then they fail to understand that what helps persons with partial vision
cannot help persons with no vision. There are other examples but I’ll leave
it here for now.

Just my two cents for today

I’m Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna’s blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
Learn more about Author Donna Jodhan and her campaign against bullying at
www.jodhanmysterybook.club
Now you can enjoy Donna’s detective DJ crime crushers Series by visiting
http://www.donnajodhan.com

And now her weekly podcast at www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
From recipes to apps, and from 5 minutes mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs
and alerts on the latest scams
Available for download from iTunes and Google music play.

You can follow me on twitter @accessibleworld
and chat with me on Skype at habsfan0526.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan