Join BVA’s VetTech Team for an unprecedented double dose of the latest technology this Wednesday, August 2, at both 2:00pm and 7:00pm Eastern Time as we welcome, respectively, representatives from National Convention sponsors WayAround and Dot, Inc. 

WayAround is a mobile application for a Smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach allows the user to identify objects in the immediate area both quickly and accurately. The device can also provide additional details, such as how something works or when it expires. WayAround allows users to do more of the things they want with more confidence and independence.

The DotPad, a product of Convention Platinum Sponsor Dot, Inc., is revolutionizing how the blind and low vision interact with the world through cutting-edge technology that allows them to feel their handwriting, sketches, signatures, grandchildren’s drawings, and much more. The result is doing more of the things they want, with more confidence and more independence. Because the DotPad will be on full display during the BVA 78th National Convention, the session will provide attendees a first glance at what they can expect from the device once they test it out in St. Louis.

Do not miss either of these VetTech sessions! Participants who attend both will receive:

• An overview of WayAround and its history.
• Information about accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss.
• Instructions on obtaining instant access to detailed, contextual signage about a specific item or location with the tap of a Smartphone.
• An overview of the DotPad.
• New features coming soon to the DotPad.

Together, the sessions are the fourth and fifth in a series of Weekly Wednesday Webinars featuring sponsors and technologies to be exhibited and demonstrated at the Convention.

In a more informal setting and exchange than the webinars, join VetTech Talk on Thursday, August 3, at the usual 2:00pm Eastern Time start for a recap, review, and additional discussion of the previous day’s presentations and an opportunity for open conversation. Although there are two Wednesday webinars next week, the 2:00pm Thursday session is the only VetTech Talk scheduled.

This past week, VetTech’s Weekly Wednesday Webinar featured Amanda Ventura, Head of Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs for Waymo, the world’s first fully autonomous ride-hailing service that is already fully available to the public in Phoenix, Arizona. The company also has offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco as it seeks government approvals to operate. VetTech Talk a day later reviewed the information that Amanda presented.

All VetTech webinars and talk sessions are currently open to everyone—blind and low vision veterans and nonveterans, family members, caregivers, blind rehabilitation specialists, and all other parties interested in assistive, adaptive, and accessible technology that can result in greater independence. Membership in BVA or attendance at previous sessions is not a pre-requisite to join the VetTech webinars or VetTech Talk sessions.

Did you miss the most recent session? No problem! VetTech is now available as a podcast on major platforms. Interested parties can listen on demand to missed Weekly Wednesday Webinars as well as original content published solely on the podcast by asking their Smart speaker, Siri, or Alexa, to “play the latest episode of the Blinded Veterans Association VetTech Podcast.” They can also follow the channel via Apple Podcast, Google Play, and Amazon Music. 

To enter any or all three of the upcoming Wednesday and Thursday sessions using the customary Zoom meeting credentials and link, click here. For additional information about VetTech, click here.