World Braille Day 2024

It’s World Braille Day! A blind teacher named Louis Braille created this tactile reading system, and now his birthday, January 4, is a day to celebrate this marvelous way to read!

Braille exists in multiple languages, and I recently had the honor of meeting Sabriye Tenberken, also blind, who invented and taught Tibetan Braille.

In the age of audiobooks and AI, do you think Braille reading will die?

Descriptive Transcript

(Sabriye and Haben are sitting next to each other in an auditorium, a sign behind them says, “Kanthari.” Sabriye is a white woman in her fifties with a German accent, and Haben is a Black woman in her thirties with an American accent. As Sabriye speaks, Haben is reading her words on a Braille display.)

Sabriye: So, what I really like about your approach is that you are such a Braille fan and I’m a Braille fan, too. We should both advocate for Braille and make sure that people don’t think that Braille is just old-fashioned, or something ancient. We should empower the blind to understand that Braille is a good old technology that should just be transported into the digital age.

(Typing sounds. Haben reads on the Braille display.)

Haben: There is digital Braille. We can continue modernizing Braille, and I have a Braille device right here that I’m using as a Deafblind person. It’s my access to spoken language as well as to books. Literacy starts with being able to touch the words. Being able to feel it with your fingers gives you so much more access, and I hope teachers continue teaching Braille all over the world.

World Braille Day 2024

Why World Braille Day Is So Important

Each year, World Braille Day is observed on January 4th to celebrate Louis Braille, the inventor of braille, a form of reading and writing used by people who are blind or low-vision.

This day is a platform for advocacy and awareness, showing the importance of Braille to millions worldwide.

The importance of Braille.

Braille is a tactile reading and writing system designed for people who are blind or low-vision. It employs a series of raised dots, allowing users to interpret the text through touch.

Its invention was a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity and accessibility, providing better opportunities for education, employment, and social participation. Beyond alphabetic and numerical symbols, Braille includes musical, mathematical, and scientific symbols, opening a world of knowledge and creativity to those who use it.

Inclusively allows you to connect to jobs from employers that are committed to inclusion. Learn more here.

World Braille Day’s role in advocacy.

World Braille Day serves several critical functions in promoting global inclusivity:

  1. Raising awareness: It highlights the importance of Braille in the lives of people who are blind and low-vision, educating the public about the challenges faced by this community and the solutions Braille provides.
  2. Encouraging inclusive practices: The day encourages governments, institutions, and organizations to adopt and promote inclusive practices. This includes making publications available in Braille, ensuring that physical and digital environments are accessible, and advocating for the rights of people who are blind and low-vision.
  3. Celebrating achievements: It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of the blind and low-vision community, recognizing the talented individuals who made significant contributions in various fields, from education to the arts.

Steps forward: Digital accessibility.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, there is a growing need to ensure that digital platforms are accessible. This means creating content that can be easily navigated and understood by all users, including those who use screen readers and Braille displays. 

By focusing on digital accessibility, we can ensure that everyone has access to the same information and opportunities.

Why World Braille Day Is So Important

Crypto Clarity: Navigating the World of Digital Currencies with Accessibility in Mind

Introduction

Let’s explore the world of crypto investing and figure out why everyone’s talking about it. We’ll break down the basics of digital money, understand why it matters, and see how it’s making space for everyone. Join us on this journey to make sense of the excitement around cryptocurrency in a way that’s easy to understand.

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates on a decentralized network. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (like dollars or euros), cryptocurrencies are not controlled by any central authority, such as a government or bank. Instead, they rely on blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.

Significance in the Financial World:

Cryptocurrencies have gained significance in the financial world for several reasons. They offer a more secure and transparent way to conduct financial transactions, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks. Additionally, cryptocurrencies provide financial inclusivity, allowing people who may not have access to traditional banking services to participate in the global economy.

Emphasizing Inclusivity for Visually Impaired Individuals:

One notable aspect of cryptocurrency is its potential to be more inclusive for visually impaired individuals. Since cryptocurrencies rely on digital platforms, they can be accessed and managed using screen readers and other assistive technologies. This inclusivity empowers visually impaired individuals to participate in financial activities on an equal footing with others.

Understanding Cryptocurrency 

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that uses complex codes (cryptography) for security. Unlike regular money issued by governments, cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they aren’t controlled by a single authority. Instead, they operate on a technology called blockchain, which is like a digital ledger that records all transactions in a secure and transparent way.

Decentralization and Blockchain Technology:

Decentralization means there’s no central authority, like a government or bank, controlling the currency. Instead, the power is spread across a network of computers. Blockchain, on the other hand, is a chain of blocks (information) linked together. Each block contains a list of transactions, and once a block is full, it’s linked to the previous one, forming a secure and unchangeable chain.

How Cryptocurrency Works

Transactions and the Blockchain:

When you make a cryptocurrency transaction, it gets added to a block. This block is then linked to previous transactions in a chain, creating a secure record. This process ensures that every transaction is transparent and cannot be altered once confirmed.

Consensus Mechanisms (e.g., Proof-of-Work, Proof-of-Stake):

Consensus mechanisms are the rules that ensure all computers in the network agree on the validity of transactions.Two common ones are proof-of-work and proof-of-stake. Proof-of-work involves solving complex mathematical problems to validate transactions, while proof-of-stake relies on participants who hold more coins having more influence in the network. These mechanisms ensure the integrity and security of the cryptocurrency system.

Creating a Wallet

Explanation of Wallets: Hot Wallets vs. Cold Wallets

A wallet in the crypto world is like a digital pocket for your coins. There are two main types: hot wallets and cold wallets.

• Hot Wallets (Online): Imagine a hot wallet like an online wallet you access through the internet. It’s quick and convenient for everyday use, like keeping cash in your pocket. But since it’s online, there’s a small risk because it’s connected to the internet.

• Cold Wallets (Offline): Now, a cold wallet is like a safe for your savings. It’s not connected to the internet, making it more secure. Think of it as putting your money in a piggy bank and storing it in a safe place.

Choosing a Wallet Suitable for Visually Impaired Users
For visually impaired users, it’s essential to pick a wallet that works well with accessibility features. Look for wallets that support screen readers or have simple and clear interfaces. This ensures a smoother experience in managing and accessing your cryptocurrency.

Buying Cryptocurrency

Step-by-Step Guide on Purchasing Crypto on Indian Exchanges

1. Choose a Reliable Exchange: Pick a trustworthy platform to buy your cryptocurrency. Some popular ones in India include WazirX, CoinSwitch, and ZebPay.

2. Create an Account: Sign up on the chosen exchange by providing necessary information. It’s like opening an account in a bank.

3. Verify Your Identity: To ensure security, the exchange may ask for some identification. This is like showing your ID to open a bank account.

4. Deposit Money: Link your bank account and deposit money into your exchange account. This is similar to putting money into your wallet.

5. Select Your Cryptocurrency: Choose the cryptocurrency you want to buy. It’s like picking items in a shopping cart.

6. Place Your Order: Decide how much you want to buy and place your order. Think of it as telling the cashier at a store what you want to purchase.

7. Secure Your Purchase: After buying, transfer your cryptocurrency to your wallet for added security. It’s like putting your purchased items in a safe place after shopping.

Importance of Security Measures in the Process
Just like you lock your door for security, it’s crucial to follow safety steps when dealing with cryptocurrency. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your wallet information private. Think of it as safeguarding your money in a digital world.

Types of crypto currency.

here we will discuss about few different types of crypto currencies.

Bitcoin (BTC)

• Overview: Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an unknown person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized network, using a blockchain to record transactions. Bitcoin is often considered a store of value, similar to gold.

Ethereum (ETH)

• Introduction: Ethereum, launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, is more than just a digital currency. It introduced the concept of smart contracts, self-executing code that allows for complex agreements without intermediaries. Ethereum also supports decentralized applications (DApps), fostering innovation in blockchain technology.

Ripple (XRP)

• Explanation: Ripple, created in 2012, focuses on facilitating fast and cost-effective international money transfers. It uses a unique consensus algorithm to validate transactions, making it quicker than traditional banking systems. Ripple aims to make cross-border transactions more efficient.

Litecoin (LTC)

• Litecoin, launched in 2011 by Charlie Lee, is often considered the “silver to Bitcoin’s gold.” It is based on the Bitcoin protocol but with some differences, including a faster block generation time. Litecoin aims to provide a faster and more scalable alternative for everyday transactions.

Cardano (ADA)

• Explanation: Cardano, founded by Charles Hoskinson, focuses on creating a more secure and sustainable blockchain. It aims to provide a platform for the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts with a strong emphasis on academic research and peer-reviewed 

protocols.

When considering these coins, investors should be aware of various factors, including their purpose, underlying technology, and the team behind their development. It’s essential to stay informed about the unique features and goals of each coin to make well-informed investment decisions.

Risks and Challenges

Market Volatility

Understanding and Managing Market Fluctuations:
Imagine the crypto market as a roller coaster. It goes up and down a lot. This is called volatility. Understanding it means knowing that prices can change quickly. To manage this, think of your investment as a long-term ride. Don’t worry about the small bumps; focus on the overall journey.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Investment Returns:
When you invest in crypto, think of it like planting seeds. They need time to grow into big trees. Don’t expect instant results. Set realistic expectations and understand that the market can be unpredictable. Patience is like giving your investment the time it needs to grow.

Security Concerns

Addressing Security Issues in the Crypto Space:
In the crypto world, it’s essential to keep your digital wallet safe, like guarding a treasure chest. Be cautious of scams and only use trusted platforms. Think of it as locking your house to keep your valuables secure. Use strong passwords and double-check before sharing any personal information.

Tips for Visually Impaired Users to Enhance Account Security:
For visually impaired users, it’s like having a guide dog for your digital wallet. Use platforms with good accessibility features, like screen readers. Also, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection. It’s like having a second key to your treasure chest. Keep your access codes safe, just like keeping your house keys secure.
Remember, the crypto journey has its ups and downs, so stay informed, be patient, and prioritize the security of your investments.

Accessible Exchanges

Review of Cryptocurrency Exchanges:

Imagine crypto exchanges as marketplaces where you buy and sell digital coins. Some exchanges are more user-friendly and accessible for everyone. Examples include WazirX, which has a straightforward interface, and ZebPay, which focuses on making things easy for users. These platforms aim to be like a comfortable store where you can easily find and manage your digital assets.

Screen Reader Compatibility and Keyboard Navigation:
For those using screen readers or navigating with keyboards, platforms like CoinSwitch prioritize compatibility. It’s like making sure the store has clear signs and paths, so you can easily move around and find what you need.

Educational Platforms

Recommending Accessible Educational Resources:
Learning about crypto is like reading a guidebook before a journey. For visually impaired users, podcasts and audiobooks are like having a friend explain things to you. “Crypto Frontier” is a podcast that breaks down crypto concepts in simple terms. “Mastering Bitcoin” by Andreas M. Antonopoulos is an audiobook that guides you through the crypto world. Online courses, like those on platforms such as Coursera, are like attending classes where experts teach you step by step.

Conclusion

In our crypto journey, we explored user-friendly exchanges like WazirX and ZebPay, where it’s easy to buy and sell digital coins. Think of these platforms as friendly stores that make your experience enjoyable.
For learning, “Crypto Frontier” and “Mastering Bitcoin” are like friends helping you understand the crypto language. Imagine these resources as your trustworthy guides in the crypto world.
In conclusion, remember to choose exchanges and educational resources that make your journey comfortable. Stay curious, be patient, and enjoy the ride in the world of cryptocurrency. It’s like exploring a new land, and with the right tools, it becomes an exciting adventure!

Crypto Clarity: Navigating the World of Digital Currencies with Accessibility in Mind

 

How to Use LinkedIn In Your Job Search as a Person with a Disability

a laptop at a desk with white text “how to use linkedin as a person with a disability by world services for the blind” with the wsb globe logo in the bottom right corner

At WSB, we work with clients who in the job search process all the time. One of the biggest components of our career training programs includes Employment Preparation classes. These classes go over everything from interviewing skills to searching for jobs. But have you ever thought about how to use LinkedIn in your job search as a person with a disability? It can be a great tool to utilize when it comes to connecting with those in the field and applying for jobs.  

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and this month on the blog we’re focusing on LinkedIn! Below are some tips on utilizing LinkedIn in your job search, especially as someone who is blind or visually impaired.

Fill out your profile fully

One of the biggest keys to utilizing LinkedIn to its fullest is by filling your profile fully. This includes listing your past job experience, volunteer experience, skills, and creating a headline section. If you’re searching for a job, your headline section can highlight your skills an previous experience.

Professional Photo

Make sure you are using a professional photo. A simple headshot is the most common on LinkedIn, especially because you don’t want to use a photo that you might use on other social media sites. A headshot is professional, which is what LinkedIn is all about! If you don’t have one, we recommend having a friend take one of you against a blank wall. You also want to make sure you are wearing professional clothing in the photo. 

Job Search Feature and Save Job Searches

One of the most useful tools when it comes to LinkedIn is the job search feature. Once you fill out your profile fully, the job search function can be a great way to find jobs you might enjoy or fit your skillset. You can also save searches and they will be emailed directly to you!

Create Connections

Another great way to utilize LinkedIn is by creating connections. This may be through people you meet while on-campus at WSB (think of your peers, instructors, etc.), or it can include people in fields you might be interested in pursuing. If you are connecting with people who you may want to pursue an informational interview with, make sure you send them a personalized note when you connect with them. You can mention some of your past experience, and you are interested in talking with them about their career.

Join Groups

When you think of groups, you might just think of Facebook but LinkedIn also has a lot of different groups! Groups can be another way to gain connections and learn from others in the field. If you are new to vision loss, we know that networking in person can feel intimidating. Connecting with others in career fields you’re interested in through LinkedIn groups can be great way to connect online.

 Follow WSB on Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok

https://www.wsblind.org/blog/2023/10/18/how-to-use-linkedin-in-your-job-search-as-a-person-with-a-disability

Wellness Wednesday: Navigating Friendships and Family During the Holidays and All Year Round

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/blindabilities/24WellnessWednesday.mp3?dest-id=254899

In this 24th  episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, respond to a letter from a listener regarding friendships and navigating frendships during the holiday season. Not only navigating friends but navigating family as well. They also glide into some of the trappings of having a disability and when to say no to the 20 questions thrown your way. 

 

Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes.

 

Show Hosts:

            Robin Ennis on the web at www.robinennislcsw.com

            Beth Gustin, LPC, NCC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, CAGCS, PLGS

            Www.transitioningthroughchange.com

 

You can message Beth and Robin by calling 612-367-6093or by email. They are looking forward to hearing from you!

New smart glasses help blind people ‘see’ using sound – Inceptive Mind

Assistive technology is an extensive research field that involves designing technologies to enable an individual with a sensory disability to overcome various physical, social, and accessibility challenges they face in their daily lives. One central area within this field is developing assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision (BLV), which affects a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and engage in social activities and interactions.

Therefore, a broad area of assistive technology research focuses on using feedback from different modalities, such as vision, touch, and sound, to enhance the sensory abilities of people with BLV.

Now, researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have developed cutting-edge technology known as “acoustic touch” that helps blind people ‘see’ using sound. This technology could have a huge impact on the quality of life of people who are blind or have low vision.

“Smart glasses typically use computer vision and other sensory information to translate the wearer’s surroundings into computer-synthesized speech,” said Distinguished Professor Chin-Teng Lin, one of the study’s co-authors. “However, acoustic touch technology sonifies objects, creating unique sound representations as they enter the device’s field of view. For example, the sound of rustling leaves might signify a plant, or a buzzing sound might represent a mobile phone.”

Inspired by human echolocation training, researchers explored the concept of “acoustic touch,” which involves using smart glasses to convert objects into distinct sound auditory icons when the object enters the glasses’ field of view. This approach is different from traditional systems and is aimed at providing a wearable spatial audio solution for assisting people who are blind in finding objects.

Researchers developed a wearable Foveated Audio Device (FAD) to study the efficacy and usability of using acoustic touch to search, memorize, and reach items. The system consists of the NReal Light AR Glasses and an OPPO Find X3 Pro Android phone. The NReal glasses were chosen because of the weight (88g), computer vision support, 6-degree-of-freedom inertial measurement unit (IMU), binaural speakers, and compatibility with the Android Unity SDK. The FAD was developed using the Unity Game Engine 2022 that managed the audio input and camera/head-tracking output of the NReal Glasses.

The team’s evaluation study involved 14 participants, seven blind or low-visioned and seven blindfolded sighted participants, who served as a control group. The results showed that the wearable device, which was equipped with acoustic touch technology, significantly enhanced the ability of blind or low-vision individuals to recognize and reach for objects without causing too much mental effort.

“The auditory feedback empowers users to identify and reach for objects with remarkable accuracy,” Dr Zhu said in a statement. “Our findings indicate that acoustic touch has the potential to offer a wearable and effective method of sensory augmentation for the visually impaired community.”

The advancements in assistive technology are crucial in overcoming the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or have low vision, such as locating specific household items and personal belongings. The acoustic touch technology is a promising solution that has the potential to open new doors for such individuals, enhancing their independence and quality of life.

With continuous advancements, acoustic touch technology could become an integral part of assistive technologies, supporting individuals to access their environment more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiYGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluY2VwdGl2ZW1pbmQuY29tL2Fjb3VzdGljLXRvdWNoLXRlY2hub2xvZ3ktaGVscC1ibGluZC1wZW9wbGUtc2VlLXVzaW5nLXNvdW5kLzM1MTMwL9IBAA?oc=5

Could a blind person get a job as a graphic designer using AI?

by David Redmond

Unfortunately, some jobs are simply visual by design. I can’t really write anything outside of my signature, never mind drawing anything or becoming a graphic designer. But could that be about to change? It might seem a stupid question, but could a blind person get a job as a graphic designer with AI? What would this mean for blind people? And what does it mean for the graphic design profession as a whole?

It’s time to try to become a visually impaired graphic designer.

Meet DALL-E

DALL-E is an image generation tool from Open AI. In short, you can give DALL-E images, documents, text, etc., and tell it to create an image based on what it’s given. The latest version of DALL-E is DALL-E 3, which is currently included in a Chat GPT + subscription. It’s not currently possible to sign up for this subscription due to high demand, but we are going to test using this tool as it’s currently the most advanced tool like this out there.

The Challenge

In this article, I’m going to try to give DALL-E 3 realistic tasks a graphic designer might be asked to undertake. I’ll provide any source material/prompts, and let DALL-E do its thing. To proof my work I’m going to use Be My AI, and when I’m happy we’ll submit and go for a sighted person review. I’m going to limit it to 3 corrections, as otherwise, this will go on forever. This should be interesting. Let’s begin.

1. Tech on Tap logo

The source material was the V I Labs logo and the Vision Ireland social logo.

Prompt: create a simple logo for the Tech on Tap newsletter. The newsletter focuses on technology for those with sight loss, so maybe create some kind of visual reference to tech for blind people. I want it on a dark blue background same as the source material, and I want the logo to be flat, orange, and white. Ideas to consider might be screen readers on a phone or someone doing a phone gesture, the smart home, or braille. Include Tech On Tap in easy-to-see orange writing.

Attempt one:

Be My AI said:

The picture you’ve provided is an illustration on a dark blue background. It features a large circle filled with various icons and symbols, and a hand holding a smartphone. The color scheme is mainly dark blue, white, and orange.

Inside the circle, there are several icons and symbols such as:

– A house

– An eye

– A Wi-Fi signal

– A globe

– A hand

– Arrows

– Plus and minus signs

– Numbers

– Dots and lines

The hand holding the smartphone is white and is positioned at the bottom of the circle. The smartphone screen displays similar icons and symbols as those in the circle. The overall design is modern and seems to represent technology and connectivity.

My response:

Please redo it, and put the words tech on tap front and centre. I don’t want loads of icons, I want one, simple integrated design.

Attempt 2:

Be My AI said:

The picture shows an illustration of a smartphone against a dark blue background. The smartphone is depicted in an orange color. On the screen of the smartphone, there is a stylized eye chart similar to the ones you might see at an optometrist’s office. The eye chart on the screen has letters and numbers in a white color. The letters and numbers are arranged in rows that get progressively smaller as they go down the chart. The top row has the letters “TCH”, the second row has the letters “ONA AP”, the third row has the numbers “126DG”, and the bottom row has the numbers “9786S”.

My response:

I want it to just say Tech On Tap. Make it simple, and easy to see. Make sure you spell it tech on tap.

Attempt 3:

Be My AI said:

The picture is of a square logo with rounded corners. The background color of the logo is dark blue. The logo has text in bold, block letters that say “TECH ON TAHN”. The text is in bright orange. The word “TECH” is on the top, “ON” is in the middle, and “TAHN” is at the bottom. There are two horizontal lines on either side of the word “ON”. The lines are also in the same bright orange color. The overall design is modern and vibrant.

Mission Failed

Because the AI failed in its attempt to write Tech On Tap, this gets a fail mark before we even go to human review.

2. Microsoft Teams background

The source material is the V I Labs logo

Prompt: I want a simple Microsoft Teams background image with the attached V I Labs logo on a screen in the background. The room should have a tech focus.

Attempt 1:

Be My AI said:

The picture shows a modern and sleek office space. The room has large windows that reveal a scenic view of a forest in the distance. The sunlight coming through the windows casts a warm glow on the wooden floor.

There is a large desk in the center of the room with a dual-monitor setup. One of the monitors is turned off, while the other displays a diagram with the text “V/I LABS” in the centre. There is also a comfortable-looking office chair with a high back and armrests in front of the desk.

On the desk, there is a desk lamp, a small potted plant, and some office supplies neatly arranged. Under the desk, there are two CPU towers. On the wall above the desk, there is a large frame with the same “V/I LABS” diagram that is on the monitor. The room gives off a vibe of being a very organized and productive workspace. My response: did you include the logo I attached? I don’t want a diagram, it needs to be that exact logo.

Attempt 2:

Be My AI said:

The picture shows a modern and sleek office space. The room is well-lit with natural light coming from a large window on the left. The window offers a view of a green landscape. The office has a minimalist design with a clean and uncluttered look.

There is a large desk in the center of the room with a comfortable-looking office chair in front of it. On the desk, there is a laptop, some books, and a small potted plant. Above the desk, mounted on the wall, is a large flat-screen monitor displaying the words “VI LABS” along with a graphic design.

To the left of the desk, there is a tall lamp with a modern design. To the right of the desk, there is a wooden panel on the wall which adds warmth to the space. The floor is light-colored and reflects the light coming in from the window. Overall, the office space looks very professional, modern, and inviting.

Mission failed

Again it seems that DALL-E struggled. While it wrote V I Labs, it didn’t copy the logo and it started creating its own designs. While this might be acceptable if I was creating from scratch, I could not send this to a client. As such, I again need to give it a fail mark before it reaches a sighted person.

3. Animated version of me

The source material this time is a standard photo of me. It’s professionally shot, and I’m standing in front of a green screen. This photo was taken in a studio, so it’s as good as images get for this kind of thing.

Prompt: Create an animated version of the man in this image. Put him on a blue background, and go from shoulders up. Make it a professional photo.

Attempt 1:

Be My AI said:

The picture is a portrait of a young boy with a cartoonish art style. The background is a solid bright blue color. The boy has a fair complexion and is wearing a black collared shirt with white stripes on the shoulders. He has short brown hair that is neatly combed, and his eyes are large with brown pupils. He has a slight smile on his face. The image is cropped at the boy’s chest.

My response: can you make him less boylike, and try to match the eye colour from the source image?

Attempt 2:

Be My AI said:

The picture is a portrait of a young male character with a cartoonish or animated style. He has a fair complexion and a very neat and stylish appearance. Here are some details:

– His hair is wavy and voluminous, with shades of brown.

– He has large, expressive eyes with brown irises.

– His eyebrows are thick and well-groomed.

– He has a small, straight nose and a gentle smile.

– He is wearing a black shirt with white stripes on the shoulders.

– The background is a plain light blue color which contrasts with his dark shirt.

The overall impression is of a friendly and approachable character.

Sidenote

This sounds close enough for me, but I think my eyes are blue. I honestly don’t think they’re brown. As part of my eye condition, my left eye, in particular, is extremely clouded over, so I’m thinking maybe DALL-E can’t tell my eye colour. I’m just going to tell it to turn the eyes blue and call it a day before abuse it’s close enough to be fair.

My response:

Can you make the eyes blue?

Attempt 3:

Be My AI said:

The picture is a portrait of a young male character with a very realistic, yet animated style. He has fair skin and a slender face. His hair is brown and styled in a modern, slightly wavy side part. His eyes are strikingly blue and quite large, giving him an innocent and youthful appearance. He is wearing a black athletic shirt with white stripes on the shoulders. The background is a simple, solid light blue color which contrasts well with his dark shirt and highlights his blue eyes.

Okay, sounds like we can send this for sighted review.

Sighted review

In short, the general consensus is that it doesn’t look like me. The hair apparently isn’t a match, and I look a bit childish. One person mentioned that it looks more like Timothée Chalamet than me.

I did get an accurate reflection of my t-shirt, but that’s about it.

Mission Failed 

Three fails out of three. That’s really not ideal. Maybe with some work, we could have got this one right, but unfortunately, it’s not reliable enough.

Conclusion

This was an interesting experiment, but I think it’s time for a reality check. AI is not going to get me a job as a graphic designer. I honestly believe AI will change everything for people with sight loss, and I’d go as far as to say that Be My AI is the biggest step forward in assistive technology since VoiceOver on the iPhone. With that said I’m not going to pretend it’s a silver bullet that can solve all our problems.

I’ve found legitimate uses for AI images in my job, but I’m not a graphic designer and it’s been simple tasks like the creation of an animated clock. If I was asked to work in a real graphic design firm I’d be fired by midday, maybe even 10am. One of my colleagues recently wanted a logo for their kids pretend YouTube channel, and AI did its job perfectly, but in the real world, the whole idea of designing graphics with no sight becomes more difficult.

I’m sure there are blind graphic designers out there, and this isn’t me saying it can’t be done. Unfortunately, though we’re not quite where we need to be just yet.

The final thing I’ll say is this. There are many creative roles that blind and visually impaired people can be incredible in. I work mainly with audio and I like to think I’m relatively decent at my job. AI is making the workplace even more accessible to blind and visually impaired people, and I hope that continues, but I’m not going to be launching my graphic design business just yet.

Have your say

Are you blind or visually impaired working in a creative role? Have you found an accessible way to make images in your job? If so we’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected]

Could a blind person get a job as a graphic designer using AI?

Not all screen reader users are blind

There’s a common misconception that everyone who uses screen reader software is blind. That’s mostly the case, but not always.

According to the most recent WebAIM Screen Reader User Survey (from 2021), 79.5% of screen reader users are blind. The remaining 20.5% who are not blind may have low or impaired vision, but some may have perfect vision. Let me explain…

According to the British Dyslexia Association:

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which primarily affects reading and writing skills … Dyslexia is actually about information processing

I know a lot of dyslexic people (around 1 in 10 people is dyslexic) and many of them use:

This is because listening to content can make it much easier to digest than reading it on the screen; from dyslexic.com:

Those with dyslexia often find that text-to-speech software provides significant support if they struggle with reading or digesting text on the computer screen.

So there you have it! Some screen reader users can see the screen perfectly well; instead of using the software to access content, they use it to process and understand.

https://www.tempertemper.net/blog/not-all-screen-reader-users-are-blind

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hackers-using-ai-steal-bank-230018917.html

How Hackers Are Using AI To Steal Your Bank Account Password
Thu, November 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM EST

dem10 / iStock.com
Information theft is far from a novel issue. Since the internet exploded in the early 2000s, hackers have taken advantage of security loopholes to infiltrate devices and siphon vital information that puts your finances and safety at risk.

I’m a Financial Advisor: 7 Ways People Become Poor in Their Later Years
Find: What To Do If You Owe Back Taxes to the IRS

But a recent study released in August highlights a chilling new way hackers use AI to steal your bank account password: it listens to you typing. And it’s over 95% accurate.

Sponsored: Open a new checking account and earn early paycheck access; up to 2 days early with Discover® Cashback Debit with Early Pay

How Hackers Steal Your Passwords

Cyberattacks happen once every 39 seconds and cost Americans $6.9 billion annually. However, the problem is growing with AI technology’s rapid development and widespread use.

Although Americans are more wary of scams and suspicious links that allow hackers to access their devices, AI is making it harder to avoid identity theft because compromising your device is no longer required.

According to the study, hackers now use acoustic Side Channel Attacks, or SCAs, to interpret sound signals from your keyboard strokes to get your password. They used MacBook Pro 16-inch laptops to conduct their study and successfully gathered this data using a smartphone, a Zoom call, and deep learning technology.

SCAs collect and interpret signals emitted by devices, including electromagnetic waves, electricity consumption, and the sounds from your keyboard. It then analyzes them and can infer the correct keys you are using.

More Technology, More Problems

There are many ways to “hear” the strokes coming from your keyboard. Examples from the study include microphones, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls, and smartwatches. If you are on a Zoom call with multiple people, you may not be aware that someone is using deep learning tech to analyze your keystrokes and gather information.

With all the benefits of new technology and society’s heavy reliance on WFH meetings after the pandemic, this study highlights the dark side of the AI coin, potentially placing millions of people at risk.

And because people are less aware of how their keyboard strokes may leak their information, they may be more prone to hide their screens instead of reducing the noise from their keyboards to stay safe.

Buying a new, quieter keyboard won’t do the trick either, as the program could still detect even barely audible typing sounds with 90% accuracy.

The research study, while alarming, gives cybersecurity experts greater insight into how hackers use burgeoning technological developments to use information.

Armed with these findings, they can assess how they work, what the source of the problem is, and develop counter strategies to prevent them from wreaking havoc with people’s data.

In the meantime, you can still take several steps to protect your bank account information and devices to decrease the likelihood of hackers stealing your information.

One of the ways you can prevent issues from happening is to make sure your device is secure – including your microphone. Hackers can install malware on your laptop or smartphone that activates your microphone without your consent or knowledge.

To prevent this from happening, always make sure that you report suspicious links that you receive, whether they are text messages, links in your DMs, or email phishing scams.

A strong password significantly decreases the likelihood of becoming a hacker’s next victim. It should look like “ejYB%7&^4@0*52@N4Hqm#” instead of “happyjoy111.”

But it is not just the strong password that does the trick. If you want to stay on top of your digital security, change your password every three months or less if you manage multiple accounts, work in finance, or are a victim of identity theft.

Two-factor authorization reduces the chances of a random hacker accessing your information because the platform uses multiple ways to verify that the right person is trying to log into your account.

You need to enter the correct password and receive a code or link through email or text that adds an extra layer of protection when you sign in.

Companies often lock your account if the hacker makes multiple attempts to get your information and send you an alert. If you receive one, immediately decline any request to access your account and contact your bank or financial institution.

Online banking allows you to turn on alerts on your phone or email when a transaction happens with one of your cards. Some people do not want the constant alerts every time they purchase, but disabling them is an expensive mistake.

Turn on email and text alerts for your accounts and monitor them frequently. Hackers sometimes start with a microtransaction that you may overlook to test the waters. Once they know there is money in the account, they may move on to larger purchases, exposing you to credit issues or troubles with your bank.

Updates are essential to stay on top of your device’s security. These updates may be inconvenient during work hours, but you can schedule them without using your device.

Whether you use a smartphone or a desktop/laptop, these updates contain security patches that reduce the likelihood of phishing and malware.

Multiple platforms nowadays allow you to see the most recent logins to your accounts and where they come from. Sometimes, websites may also email you if a new browser and IP address accesses your account.

These invaluable features help decrease the chances of a hacker stealing your information. If you notice a suspicious login, you can block that IP or browser by clicking “log off on all devices” if that option is available.

If you see logins from one or multiple locations you never visited, that is an immediate red flag that someone successfully guessed your password. Once you see this activity, report it and change your credentials on the spot.

When it comes to your information, remember that hackers can work with very little to take a whole lot. Keep your information private and avoid using public networks to engage in banking activities. Don’t put your personal information online, and avoid social media posts that ask what your mother’s name is, what year you were born, and your favorite color.

While they may seem benign, hackers use this information to guess passwords, and they ask these questions in ways that people may not guess is a loophole to getting information.

The world of AI is indeed ushering in unprecedented advancements in virtually every sector. But it is simultaneously posing significant risks, like being able to guess your password by listening to your keyboard strokes.

Although banks and other financial institutions are working hard to ensure that your information and money stay safe, your actions can also help decrease the likelihood of a hacker using AI to steal your bank account password.

With a little common sense and much vigilance, you can keep your information safe and avoid the risks of emerging technologies.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on :

AI is going great for the blind.

As I was looking at the amount of times platforms died on the web I began thinking about the slow death of AI enthusiasm and what that will do to the Blind community.
It really is a bizarre feeling when you’re the only detractor of a thing within your own community. My first post about AI has gained some attention, as well as the follow up post about this topic. AI is taking the blind community by storm. Be my Eyes has added it into their product to describe pictures, Let’s not mention the fact the particular large language model, LLM they chose, was never designed to do that. Blind podcasters are praising LLMs and saying they’re more accurate than human descriptions, and, well, blind voiceover artists are more than willing to give places like ElevenLabs their voices so they can, well, I don’t even know yet. I guess attempt to make audiobooks.

I’m of two minds about this whole thing. While the stuff LLMs is giving us is incorrect information, it’s still information that the sighted world won’t or refuses to give us. While I absolutely hate the hype and even AI nonsense in general, and don’t use any LLM on any of my content, blind and visually impaired people can become audio book narrators if their Braille skills aren’t that great with ElevenLabs.

Even though I’ll never hire a blind narrator that uses ElevenLabs to generate an audio book, am I practicing discrimination by doing this? Someone will say yes. I don’t know what will come of this wave in LLMs and dependance on AI, but I predict that once the hype dies down, well, blind and even legally blind people are probably going to be advocating for more accessibility measures but in a different way.

AI accessibility will have its own challenges. In fact, we’re already witnessing instances of AI developers forgetting disabled people exist so I fully predict that blind people will be advocating to make actual LLM platforms accessible. While that’s a fight that won’t happen for a while, I also predict that the actual text output of some of these generators will be inaccessible, prompting another push to make these interfaces usable by everyone. I also predict web accessibility will actually get worse, not better, as coding models will spit out inaccessible code that developers won’t check or won’t even care to check. But I’m the only one within the community that’s unenthusiastic about the benefits of AI within our community.

I’m old enough to remember when OCR became a huge hit to play video games, scan inaccessible documents, and otherwise. While I also use OCR for speed and efficiency, or just even to get halfway there, I still use a human to read stuff because, even today, OCR isn’t where I thought it was going to be. Same for self-driving cars. Now that AI is a thing now, I doubt OCR and even self-driving cars will get any significant advancements.

About usage, well, that’s what blind people are using LLMs for at this very moment. They’re using it to describe characters from TV shows and movies in great detail. they’re using it to incorrectly describe music videos, but to the blind and visually impaired people that use these tools, they aren’t so much caring about the accuracy of the information. It’s information they’ve never had previously. Accuracy is an afterthought. The only thing that matters is having information that they never had previously. Then again, these are the very same blind and visually impaired people that say that self-descriptions are a complete waste of time and that’s why we shouldn’t do all this woke PC nonsense, so it’s no surprise that the community as a whole would jump on the LLM hype. The blind and visually impaired people advocating for this have been conditioned to believe that technology will solve all accessibility problems because, simply put, humans won’t do it. Humans won’t care. Humans are inefficient squishy things that live in a completely different, subjective, world. Blind and visually impaired people don’t want to wade through a subjective landscape. Objectivity matters to our community, no matter the cost of accuracy.

Another reason the Blind community is enthusiastic about AI is simply because, to other blind people, it makes them feel like less of a burden on society. With an LLM, it will never get annoyed, aggravated, think less of the person, or similar. Humans have been conditioned to think we are useless because we are blind so any help we ask for is viewed as a job or a chore rather than a chance to make someone’s life easier.

Also, most blind people don’t have a sighted person around because sighted people never willingly talk to a blind person just because. An LLM will always be there, well, until the servers go down, but this isn’t even a concern yet within the community and I don’t think it will be a thought until an AI server goes down.

Even though I don’t use AI or LLMs and even though I do have in person and remote friends I can get assistance from without feeling as if I’m wasting their life, I’m also thinking about how our community has just replaced being dependent on humans with being dependent on tech and technology. I wonder, though, what will be the next technology thing our community clings to because humans fail us again, and again, and again, and again. Humans still continuously actually say no to accessibility when designing websites, so it’s also no wonder why some blind and visually impaired people are championing AI accessibility toolbars like AccessiBe. The web is inaccessible, and, with every refusal of our basic access needs, it’s no wonder the community has given up on humans and dove headfirst into putting faith in another algorithm.

My stance is very unique within the community. Have I used these tools to describe a picture when no human was around? Of course. It’s the same with OCR. Even though I’ve used these tools, I just don’t think they are even worth half the hype. In fact, even today, there are incidences happening where AI is starting to look like Web3 hype nonsense. The Facebook thing got rid of their responsible AI team, search engines are useless because AI junk is flooding results now, small search engines are becoming very popular, indicating people are tired of this new wave of content, content, content! OpenAI can’t decide if it wants to fire people or bring them back because of ethics over growth, and more people are trying to block their blogs from being scraped.

There are many more examples of AI going very wrong and basically even making people very angry that big tech is stealing their labor, but I’ll leave you with the best podcast to debunk all the AI hype and nonsense. Well, okay, two podcasts. Tech Won’t Save Us, which is basically a podcast that detests tech and tech culture in general, and my personal favorite, Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000, a podcast that debunks all the AI hype.

Meanwhile, I’ll be reading personal blogs and the small web because the indieweb is cozy and because personal websites won’t die as often nor as quickly as the rest of the web. Tootles!

https://robertkingett.com/aigreat/