To start off 2021, we are going took at some new features that have been recently added to Zoom. This free videoconferencing app has proved itself to be more than useful during the recent pandemic, and as we continue to rely on videoconferencing technology to connect with each other, apps like Zoom keep adding more features and improvements along the way.

Recently, Zoom released a series of updates and improvements designed to make the app more accessible, functional, and customizable, so let’s get into some of these new features.

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Have you ever been on an important phone call, and you missed an essential word or phrase, and you’re left wondering what was said? Most of us have been in this situation at least once, regardless of any medically recognized hearing challenges. And for those who do have documented hearing challenges, there are relay services available for assisted phone calls, but those services are generally quite costly, and require the help of another person. The app that we are going to look at today provides a unique solution to the problems discussed above, and it does so without the need of a third party.

RogerVoice uses real-time transcription technology to caption phone calls as they’re happening. All that’s required is a smartphone and an internet connection. Once you download and register for the app, you’ll be prompted to configure your preferences. Here you can adjust the transcription/ conversation language, voice gender, and text size.

Using the app is simple. To begin a transcribed conversation, open the RogerVoice app and dial the phone number and area code with which you wish to connect. Once the other party answers, the transcription process begins. As the other party talks, their words are instantly transcribed into text, making the phone conversation feel more like a text message conversation. Users can then either respond vocally or type their reply. As the RogerVoice user is typing, the other party will be informed via voice AI that the RogerVoice user is typing a reply. Once the phone call is complete, RogerVoice saves the transcription on your phone, allowing you to revisit the conversation later if necessary.

Note: RogerVoice provides 30 free minutes of service without requiring any credit card information. After the initial 30 minutes, users will then be required to choose a pricing plan and payment method, but, calling other RogerVoice users is always free. To learn more about pricing/plans, click here.

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In past e-bulletins, we looked at text to speech options that allow users to dictate text into their phones, tablets, and PCs. Voice Access takes that concept to the next level by allowing users to fully control their device using only their voice. This feature is especially helpful for users with mobility or vision challenges who may struggle with gestures and other physical interactions.

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It’s not always easy to stay on task; we live complicated lives split between work and play, between what we want to do and what we need to do, and it’s easy for things to get lost along the way. This is especially true for individuals who struggle with executive functioning or attention-based challenges. One way to stay on task and organized is to look at using a task management app. These apps allow users to digitally write, plan, view, and track daily tasks with ease, so instead of spending mental resources trying to remember what needs to be done, the focus can instead be put on the task itself.

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Android has recently released version 11, and with it comes some interesting new accessibility features and improvements. We’ll include the link to complete Android 11 accessibility page at the bottom of the article, but since there’s a lot to look at, we’ve taken the liberty of identifying and listing the biggest changes and improvements to come out of Android 11.

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Staying focused and on-task while working digitally can be a real challenge, especially for individuals who struggle with executive functioning and other similar attention-based challenges. In case you’re not familiar, executive function refers to a set of skills that we use to work, learn, and manage our daily lives. These skills include working memory, self-control, and flexible thinking. Those who struggle with executive functioning struggle with focus, directions, and even emotions. In previous e-bulletins we’ve explored apps that are specifically designed to alleviate some of these challenges. Today, we’re going to explore Windows 10 features and settings designed to customize and reduce the “distractibility” of Windows in order to create an ideal work/study experience.

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With another school year beginning, we thought it would be a great time to talk about using Microsoft 365 in the classroom. This suite of productivity apps is constantly growing and improving, and new accessibility features and educationally focused improvements are constantly being added. Especially with the unique challenges that we are faced with in 2020, virtual learning has never been more essential, and Microsoft 365 has improved greatly in its ability to provide students and teachers with an accessible, dynamic, and user-friendly learning and productivity platform.

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In recent years, Google has gone to great lengths to bolster the accessibility of Android devices. And although iOS still wins top honors for built-in accessibility, Google has released some interesting accessibility add-ons that warrant some further discussion.

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Since the recent COVID-19 epidemic, educators, parents, and students have been forced to re-examine at-home learning. And while it’s still too early to say for sure, it looks like in a lot of locations around the world, at-home learning is going to account for at least half of a student’s education, at least for the short term. With that in mind, our upcoming e-bulletins will put extra emphasis on learning strategies that can be used at-home.

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Since the recent COVID-19 quarantine, many of us have been forced to re-think the way that we approach traditional, classroom-based learning and education. Last week, we explored at-home learning resources for students from kindergarten to grade 12. This week, we’re going to continue along with that theme and explore at-home resources for adults who are just about to graduate and beyond. All of the resources listed here are either free or offer some free content.

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