Welcome to iBUG Today
Empowering the Blind Through Accessibility Technology Training
iBUG Today is a non-profit organization promoting the individual independence, social integration, and educational development of the blind community through accessible technology training. iBUG (iBlind Users Group) endeavors to transform the blind community through accessible technology training so they can live extraordinary lives full of independence, productivity, communication and social integration in a world where everything is within the realm of possibility.
More and more of our community are finding the Apple and Android devices to be useful assistive technology tools in their daily lives. Whether at home, at work or school, or on the go – the accessibility features of the Apple (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Mac) and Android (smartphones, tablets, Alexa) devices have cleared new pathways for the blind to be more productive, consume online content, stay connected through social media and have fun.
Please explore our website to learn more about iBUG and our accessibility training and social events.
iBUG Zoom Connect Instructions
iBUG Today uses the Zoom conference platform for the following iBUG training sessions and social events (note all times are Central Time).
- iBUG Buzz (Mondays, 7:00 to 9:00 PM)
- iBUG Café (usually second Sundays, 4:00 to 6:00 PM; also an in-person meeting)
- iBUG Apple Workshop (usually fourth Saturdays, 2:00 to 4:00 PM; also an in-person meeting)
- iBUG Mac-N-Talk (usually fourth Tuesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 PM)
- iBUG Android Insight (usually third Wednesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 PM)
- iBUG Trekkie Talk (usually first and third Thursdays, 8:00 to 9:30 PM)
- iBUG Unplugged (usually first Saturdays, 8:00 to 10:00 PM)
- iBUG VILA Book Club (usually second Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:45 PM; also an in-person meeting)
- It's iBUG's Life (usually fourth Thursdays, 7:00 to 8:00 PM)
- iBUG Night at the Virtual Movies (Fridays, 7:30 PM)
To join the Zoom conference, you may click on the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/7428486329?pwd=M003RmZaa3pTbWRlZ00xbSs4YTlmUT09
Meeting ID: 742 848 6329, Password: 369978
Or you may dial in by phone using the following methods.
One tap mobile (smartphone): +13462487799,,7428486329#,,,,*369978# US
Dial by phone: +1 346 248 7799 US
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aw7ruW090
iBUG Night at the Virtual Movies
Feature: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
PG 2hr 10min, Drama, Family, Fantasy
WHEN: Friday, December 23, 8:00 PM Central Time
You may join in starting at 7:30 PM for the pre-movie social time. Discussion and trivia will follow immediately after the movie. iBUG Night at the Virtual Movies is the audio track (no video) with audio description. Please share with others.
Storyline:
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George, with the promise of earning his wings. He shows George what things would have been like if he had never been born.
Writers: Frances GoodrichAlbert HackettFrank Capra
James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Review: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-its-a-wonderful-life-1946
iBUG Night at the Virtual Movies are conducted on the Zoom conference platform (see Zoom connect instructions above).
This presentation by iBUG Today is for the blind and visually impaired and is produced and distributed exclusively for use by blind, visually impaired, or physically disabled individuals under the authority of Section 121 of Title 17 of the United States Code, or with permission of the copyright owner(s).
iBUG on the Clubhouse App
iBUG is now on the Clubhouse app for the following training sessions (all times are Central Time).
- iBUG Mac Buzz (first and third Tuesdays, 5:00 to 6:00 PM)
- iBUG Mini-Buzz (second and fourth Tuesdays, 5:00 to 6:00 PM)
https://www.clubhouse.com/join/ibug-today-inc/6ZYfIAqP/PAeN8QEe
iBUG Training Sessions Now on YouTube
Did you miss the latest iBUG training session? Do you want to go back and listen again to how to set up that new email account? Are you looking for an alternative way to listen to the iBUG training sessions other than the iBUG Today website archives?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you are in luck. iBUG Today’s training sessions are now also available on YouTube. There are separate playlists within the iBUG Today YouTube channel for the following training sessions:
- iBUG Buzz
- iBUG Apple Workshop
- iBUG Café
- iBUG Mac-N-Talk
- iBUG Android Insight
- iBUG Intro Mac Training
You may use the following link to access the iBUG Today YouTube channel. Please select the subscribe button and then select the notification bell to receive notifications when the latest training session has been uploaded.
Hope you enjoy and find the iBUG Today YouTube channel a useful accessible technology training tool.
iBUG Receives Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award 2018
iBUG Today was awarded the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award on July 8, 2018 at the National Federation of the Blind National Convention in Orlando, Florida. Michael McCulloch, president and founder of iBUG Today, accepted the award on behalf of the non-profit organization whose mission is to promote individual independence, social integration and educational development of the blind community through accessible technology training and services.
The Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award honors individuals and organizations that are a positive force in the lives of blind people and whose work advances the goal of helping transform their dreams into reality.
Dr. Jacob W. Bolotin (1888-1924) was the world’s first physician who was blind from birth. He achieved that goal despite the tremendous challenges faced by blind people in his time. Not only did he realize his own dream, but he also went on to support and inspire many others.
Recipients of the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards break down barriers facing blind people in an innovative way; change negative perceptions of blindness and blind people; and push past existing boundaries to inspire blind people to achieve new heights.
The Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards are funded by the National Federation of the Blind with assistance from the Alfred and Rosalind Perlman Trust, which was created by a bequest left to the Santa Barbara Foundation and the National Federation of the Blind by Jacob Bolotin’s niece-in-law, author Rosalind Perlman.
iBUG is honored to be among such an esteemed group of individuals and organizations that are committed to transforming the lives of blind individuals. To be recognized by the National Federation of the Blind, a venerable organization that has long championed the cause of the blind, is truly humbling. iBUG would like to thank the National Federation of the Blind for this award. iBUG is also very appreciative of the time and efforts of its board members and its many volunteers without whom this award would not have been possible. With this recognition and award, iBUG will continue to empower the blind through accessible technology training so that we can all live the lives we want!
Other 2018 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award winners included: Be My Eyes, Peggy Chong, Carol Begay Green, Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco, and Ski for Light.
Michael accepting the Bolotin Award 2018 from James Daschel, chairman of the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award committee. Mark Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind standing in the right background (mostly hidden by the podium). photo courtesy of the NFB
The six Bolotin Award 2018 winners: Ski for Light, Be My Eyes, Carol Begay Green, iBUG Today, Peggy Chong, and Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired of San Francisco. phot courtesy of the NFB
Michael and Sandhya holding the Jacob Bolotin Award. phot courtesy of the NFB
Sandhya Rao featured speaker at the Empowering Ourselves: thriving in This New Reality - Decenber 3, 2022
Check out the Apple Special Event - September 7, 2022
Apple introduces iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone 14, AirPods Pro 2, AppleWatch Series 8, AppleWatch Ultra, AppleWatch SE 2022, and Apple Fitness+
Check out the Apple WWDC 2022 Keynote - June 6, 2022
Apple introducies iOS 16 iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and watchOS 9.
iBUG highlighted on the Maccessibility Roundtable Podcast - July 2022
iBUG got a shout out on the Maccessibility Roundtable Podcast, Bonus 008 episode, Wordle in a Nutshell.
The iBUG Guy's interview on ABC13 Localis - July 9, 2022
ABC13 Localish ran Michael McCulloch's interview from January 2020 again on July 9 and 13. They are highlighting various disability related stories each week in July for Disability Pride Month.
Check out the Apple WWDC 2022 Keynote - June 6, 2022
Apple introducies iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, watchOS 9, and the new MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 processors.
iBUG Today interview on Sight into Sound Radio - April 7, 2022
Sandhya Rao and Michael McCulloch were recently featured on Sight into Sound Radio. They provided a high-level overview of iBUG Today's training services and social events.
Harshi Trivedi on The Tech Guy Radio Program - March 27, 2022
Harshi Trivedi, co-facilitator of the iBUG Android Insight training session, appeared on the national syndicated The Tech Guy radio call-in program (approximately 1:04:30). Host Leo LaPorte gave a nice shout to iBUG Today.
Check out the Apple Event - March 8, 2022
Apple introduces the all-new Mac Studio and Studio Display, new iPad Air, new iPhone SE, and iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro in two new shades of green.
iBUG at ADA Audio Conference Webinar - December 14, 2021
The Great Lakes ADA Center in collaboration with the ADA National Network hosted the ADA Audio Conference Webinar titled, “Accessible Technology on Smartphones & Tablets for users that are Blind and Low Vision", featuring Michael McCulloch , President, iBUG, Sandhya Rao, Vice President of Training and Special Events, iBUG, Ava Carruth, Android Insight Facilitator, iBUG and Harshid Trivedi, Android Insight Facilitator, iBUG.
Check out the Apple Special Event - October 18, 2021
Apple introduces MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, AirPods 3rd Gen, Apple Music Voice Plan and Home Pods mini in five colors.
Check out the Apple Special Event - September 14, 2021
Apple introduces iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone 13 and 13 mini, Apple Watch Series 7, and the new iPad mini and iPad.
Check out the Apple WWDC 2021 Keynote - June 22, 2021
Apple introducies iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, and watchOS 8.
Check out the Apple Special Event - April 20, 2021
Apple introduces the new iMac, iPad Pro, iPhone 12 in purple, AirTag, and Apple TV 4K.
Sandhya Rao on BlindAbilities - April 17, 2021
iBUG Today on BlindAbilities - March 23, 2021
iBUG Today on Accessbile World Tek Talk Program - March 1, 2021
Check out the Apple Special Event - November 10, 2020
Apple introduces the new MacBook Air, 13‑inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, all with the Apple M1 chip.
iBUG assists Houston METRO in testing new beacon system for bus and rail stop identification
The iBUG Guy was featured in the business section of the Houston Chronicle on May 29, 2018. He is part of a beta test team for the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority's (METRO) new app and beacons system identifying bus and rail stops in the Houston area. Other iBUG members on the beta test team include Raul Gallegos, Stacie Hardy, George Battiste, Richard Petty and Louis Maher. See the full article here.
Michael showing iPhone with new METRO app feature for beacon identification
iBUG Named Agency of the Month - February 2018
Check it out! iBUG Today is the featured Agency of the Month on the American Foundation for the Blind's (AFB) VisionAware website.
Sandhya Rao Receives Community Service Award
Sandhya was honored to receive a community service award for her work with iBUG Today from Sneha Hastham on February 11, 2017. She shares this award with Michael McCulloch, (the iBUG Guy) and all of the other members of the iBUG team.
The iBUG Guy appears on iAccessVO
The iBUG Guy, Michael McCulloch, appeared on the May 21, 2016 edition of the iAcessVO program. Michael was interviewed by iAccessVO hosts Brian Fischler and Ed Plumacher as he described the resources and services provided by iBUG Today to the blind and visually impaired community.
Listen to the recording of the iAccessVO program here. Note the iBUG Guy comes on at about 25 minutes into the program.
The iBUG Guy appears on the Accessible World Tek Talk
On Monday, December 1, 2014, the iBUG Guy, Michael McCulloch, appeared on the Accessible World Tek Talk program along with about a dozen other technology based groups. Dean Martineau who produces the Flying Blind, LLC Top Tech Tidbits newletter, moderated the program discussion as each group spokesperson described the resources and services they provide.
Listen to a recording of the Tek Talk program here. Note the iBUG Guy comes on at about 43 minutes into the program.
Subsidy for iPhones
iPhones are available through Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) for Texas residents.
Contact Carolyn McMahon: 409-904-2368
Apple Accessibility Support
For questions about assistive technology on your Apple device
Phone: (877) 204-3930
Email: accessibility@apple.com
App Accessibility Issues
Contact the app developer - here is a sample letter that you may use to send an email to an app developer regarding the inaccessibility of their app.
iBUG Buzz Radio Program
iBUG Road Show
A 90-minute presentation given by several advanced iBUG members that will provide your group or staff an introduction to the iPhone and its accessibility capabilities (currently limited to the Houston area). Read more...
One Step At A Time Documentary of Blind Hiker Michael McCulloch
Michael McCulloch, a retired NASA engineer, would like to bring you along on an incredible journey – the 4-day trek along the Classic Inca Trail to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, Peru. It is a little over 26 miles and scales two nearly 14,000-foot mountain passes. The appeal of this particular trek is the stunning combination of Inca ruins, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. The trail goes over high passes with unforgettable views, through cloud forests, and finally into subtropical vegetation.
At 64, Michael is the oldest blind person to hike this amazing trail. He had three able-bodied volunteers who helped train and get him in shape for the trek. He trained and prepared for more than a year. Then, the three sighted guides provided him step-by-step instructions in undertaking one of the most demanding hiking trails in the world in June 2019. The film highlights the teamwork, commitment, and personal and physical obstacles Michael had to overcome on his journey. It will empower you to get out of your comfort zones, take on new challenges and see that all things are possible regardless of your abilities.
Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/_043vAPMSVI
iBUG Guy's Favorite NASA Video
One of The iBUG Guy's favorite composites of video shot by Space Station astronauts. Even after all these years, he finds it hard to believe that he had the priviilege of helping develop and build this fantastic "flying" machine. Please enjoy "Walking on Air"
iBUG Guy Receives CARE Award
The iBUG Guy received the CARE Award 2014, presented by the Houston Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities for his outstanding dedicated service to citizens with disabilities in the City of Houston, Texas, September 26, 2014.
1 iOS is the operating system of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.