June 3, 2026 – 8:00PM ET
Welcome to the June 2026 BITS Board Meeting
Welcome to our June board meeting!
Agenda
- Call to Order – Jeff Bishop
- Roll call – Secretary Robin Frost
- Adoption of May 6 Board meeting minutes – Secretary Robin Frost
- Adoption of proposed agenda and Approval of Consent Agenda – Jeff Bishop
- Treasurer’s Report – Diane Scalzi
- President’s Report – Jeff Bishop
- Committee reports (vital information only)
- Old Business
- BITS Connect iOS Scope of Work and Quote – Everyone
- Dues pricing for BITS Connect Purchase – Brad and Jeff
- 990 EZ Status –Diane and Everyone
- BITSLinky Status Update – Jeff and Everyone
- NFB Convention Status – Jeff and Larry
- New Business
- BITS Name change and IRS Notification – Kayla
- Class prices for remote attendees – Everyone
- Paying for instructors at Convention – Larry and Everyone
- Thumb Drives for Convention – Kayla, Larry, Jeff and Everyone
- Vanguard for investments – Everyone
- Junior Memberships and Parental Access – David
- Member Comments and Questions
- Date and time of next Board meeting – June 3, 2026
- Adjourn
President’s Report
June Board Meeting
Jeff Bishop, President – BITS
Presidential Report to the Board and Membership – Giving Back, Lighting the Way: BITS, Community, Innovation, and the Future We Are Building Together
Spring is a season of renewal. It is a time when the world reminds us that growth does not happen all at once. It begins quietly, beneath the surface, with seeds planted by people who believe that tomorrow can be better than today.
That is how I feel about the work happening right now in BITS.
For many years, BITS has been a place where blind and low vision people come together to learn, teach, troubleshoot, laugh, experiment, and support one another. We have helped one another install software, understand phones, tame operating systems, survive updates, explore new tools, and discover what is possible when people share what they know.
But more and more, I believe our calling is not only to help our own members.
We are also called to give back to the world around us.
That is the spirit behind GLOW, Accessibility Agents, Community Access, BITS Connect, BITS Whisperer, the BITS Appliance Portal, and the many partnerships we are building with creators, developers, educators, mentors, and dreamers across the blindness and low vision community.
GLOW, available at glow.bits-acb.org, is one of the clearest examples of this vision. It is about helping people create more accessible documents, more readable materials, and better experiences for blind and low vision readers. It is also about something deeper: helping organizations understand that accessibility is not a technical afterthought. It is an act of welcome.
Community Access, available at www.community-access.org, carries that same message into the open-source world. Its vision is simple and powerful: accessible by default. Not accessible only when someone complains. Not accessible only when a law requires it. Not accessible only when a person with a disability is finally invited into the room.
Accessible from the start. That phrase matters.
Too often, accessibility is treated like a repair job. Something is built, shared, purchased, published, or deployed, and only later does someone ask whether blind or low vision people can actually use it. By then, the cost is higher, the frustration is greater, and the people most affected are once again asked to be patient.
BITS believes we can do better.
We believe accessibility should be part of the first conversation, the first document, the first line of code, the first design decision, and the first dream.
Remembering Our Low Vision Community
One of the most important parts of this work is our renewed focus on low vision users.
In the blindness community, we sometimes talk so often about screen readers, braille displays, keyboard access, speech output, and nonvisual workflows that we unintentionally forget how many people interact with the world visually, but differently.
Low vision users may need larger print, stronger contrast, better spacing, clearer headings, more predictable layout, reduced clutter, magnification-friendly documents, readable tables, and content that does not fall apart the moment it is enlarged.
They may not identify as blind. They may not use a screen reader. They may not know the language of accessibility.
But they still deserve technology, documents, websites, forms, newsletters, and tools that meet them where they are.
That realization is one of the sparks behind GLOW. We needed to do something practical for low vision members, low vision users around the world, and the many organizations that want to do the right thing but do not always know how.
GLOW is not just about checking boxes. It is about dignity. It is about readability. It is about making sure a newsletter, a handout, a presentation, a form, a guide, or a public document can be used by the widest possible audience. And yes, it is also about magic. Not the kind of magic that hides how things work, but the kind that happens when a person suddenly says, “I can read this.” The kind that happens when a volunteer says, “I finally understand what accessible large print means.” The kind that happens when an organization realizes accessibility is not a burden, but an act of welcome.
Accessibility Agents: Teaching AI to Do Better
Artificial intelligence is changing how people write, build, publish, and solve problems. But if AI learns to generate inaccessible code, inaccessible documents, and inaccessible experiences faster than ever before, then we have not made progress. We have simply automated exclusion.
BITS wants to help bend that future in a better direction. That is why the Accessibility Agents project matters so much. Accessibility Agents exist because AI coding tools need stronger accessibility guidance. Developers should not have to remember every accessibility rule at exactly the right moment, and AI systems should not be allowed to generate inaccessible patterns simply because nobody taught them better.
The knowledge should be nearby. The prompts should be better. The review process should be stronger. The AI assistant should be nudged toward accessible code before inaccessible patterns become part of the project.
Accessibility Agents do not replace human judgment. They do not replace testing with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, magnification, keyboard-only navigation, or real users. But they can serve as a powerful first pass. They can catch issues earlier. They can remind developers about labels, headings, names, roles, contrast, focus order, error handling, document structure, and the many details that make the difference between something that technically exists and something people can actually use.
That is giving back at scale.
Community Access: From Consumers to Contributors
Community Access is also about something larger than tools. It is about helping blind and low vision people become contributors to the open-source world.
Open source software powers the world. It powers websites, apps, libraries, infrastructure, accessibility tools, education, publishing, communication, and countless things we touch every day.
Blind and low vision people should not only be users of open source. We should be contributors. We should be maintainers. We should be reviewers. We should be testers. We should be documentation writers. We should be project leaders. We should be the people shaping the tools that shape the world.
Community Access is one pathway toward that future. It says to our members and to the world: we belong here. We can learn this. We can build this. We can improve this. We can file the issue, open the pull request, write the documentation, test the workflow, and help make technology better for everyone.
BITS at GitHub’s Accessibility Hackathon
That is why I am especially excited about the opportunity to present along with Michael Babcock at GitHub’s Accessibility Hackathon project.
For BITS, this is more than a presentation opportunity. It is a chance to show what our community brings to the table. We bring lived experience. We bring practical knowledge. We bring creativity born from necessity. We bring the wisdom of people who have spent years finding workarounds, teaching one another, writing scripts, building tools, filing bugs, mentoring newcomers, and refusing to accept that “almost accessible” is good enough.
And with Michael Babcock joining in this work, we also get to highlight something beautiful: blind people are not simply asking others to build technology for us. We are building, testing, shaping, teaching, and contributing ourselves.
That is the future I want BITS to help create. A future where blind and low vision people are not waiting outside the door of innovation. A future where our members are inside the room, shaping the tools, writing the prompts, testing the workflows, filing the issues, building the apps, reviewing the code, and teaching the world what true inclusion looks like.
Honoring Jamal Mazrui: Standing on the Shoulders of Builders
As we celebrate this work, we must also say something clearly and gratefully:
We would not be where we are without the contributions of Jamal Mazrui.
Jamal’s work has helped shape many of the fixes, features, and ideas that people now see reflected in GLOW. His projects have been practical, keyboard-centered, screen-reader-aware, and deeply rooted in the everyday reality of blind users who need tools that simply work.
That matters.
Jamal has built and shared a remarkable collection of tools over the years, spanning document conversion, PDF extraction, accessibility checking, keyboard-first editing, screen reader scripting, database management, government accessibility resources, developer documentation, voting access, and more.
One of his newest and most exciting projects is DbDuo, an accessible, keyboard-first database manager. That may sound technical at first, but let’s pause and think about what that really means.
Databases are everywhere. They live behind membership lists, volunteer records, schedules, inventories, research projects, newsletters, reports, and organizational work. Yet mainstream database tools can be clumsy, confusing, or inaccessible.
DbDuo says something powerful: Blind and low vision people should not merely receive data. We should be able to explore it, manage it, query it, export it, and shape it.
That is independence. That is power. That is the kind of tool our community should know about.
Jamal’s other tools are equally important. His work includes tools for converting files, extracting information from PDFs, checking accessibility, improving document workflows, supporting JAWS scripting, working with text, improving Excel navigation, supporting WCAG auditing, and preserving practical accessibility knowledge.
That is not just a software catalog. That is a lifetime of contribution.
It is a reminder that accessibility work is often built by people who see a barrier, refuse to accept it, and then quietly create a tool so the next person does not have to fight the same fight alone.
BITS has benefited from Jamal’s work. GLOW has benefited from Jamal’s work. Our thinking has benefited from Jamal’s work.
So it is only right that we also give back to his projects, contribute improvements where we can, and help extend tools that already serve our community.
That is open source at its best. It is not just taking. It is learning, improving, honoring, and returning value.
Techopolis, Perspective Intelligence, and the Power of Community Innovation
We should also recognize the remarkable work happening at Techopolis, members of BITS who are leading and guiding toward the future.
Techopolis, led by Michael Doise with Taylor Arndt as Chief Operations Officer, is building a family of tools that reflects a powerful principle: accessibility is not something you sprinkle on top after the product is finished. It is part of how the product is imagined, built, tested, and improved.
Their Perspective Intelligence work is a beautiful example of this.
Our community does not need AI tools that merely tolerate accessibility. We need AI tools that are shaped by accessibility. We need tools built by people who understand that privacy matters, speech output matters, dynamic type matters, contrast matters, VoiceOver matters, keyboard access matters, and real-world usability matters.
Techopolis is also helping move the broader community toward private, local, accessible AI. Their Perspective Intelligence tools and related open-source projects point toward a future where people can use powerful AI workflows while keeping more control over their data, their devices, and their independence.
These are not small ideas. They are part of a larger movement toward AI that is not only intelligent, but respectful, practical, private, and accessible.
Recognizing Taylor Arndt: A Thought Leader, Achiever, and Community Builder
I especially want to recognize Taylor Arndt. Taylor is one of those gems in our community who deserves to be seen, celebrated, and listened to. She is a developer, accessibility specialist, product thinker, community builder, and leader who understands that empowerment is not a slogan. It is a practice. It is learning the skill. It is building the thing. It is sharing the repo. It is opening the door for contributors. It is proving, by doing, that blind and low vision people belong in every part of the technology lifecycle. Not just as users. Not just as testers. Not just as people giving feedback after the fact. But as architects, developers, operators, strategists, maintainers, accessibility specialists, and leaders.
Taylor represents something our community needs to celebrate more often: people who empower themselves and then turn around and empower others.
She is not waiting for the world to become accessible someday. She is helping build the tools, workflows, agents, apps, and examples that make accessibility real today.
That is leadership. That is achievement. That is thought leadership. And that is community.
Taylor’s work with Techopolis and Accessibility Agents connects directly to the work we are doing through Community Access and BITS. It reflects the spirit we need more of: not one person on a pedestal, not one organization claiming all the answers, but a community of builders saying, “Let’s make this better together.”
BITS Connect: Building the Front Door to Community
We are also building BITS Connect because connection itself is accessibility.
BITS Connect represents another important step in meeting people where they are. The goal is simple: make it easier for members and future members to find BITS resources, manage their connection to the organization, receive important notifications, reach events, and discover the educational content, tools, and opportunities BITS provides.
A community can have wonderful programs, but people still need a door they can open.
BITS Connect is part of building that door.
It is not just an app. It is a bridge between our website, our membership systems, our events, our educational offerings, our announcements, and our people. It helps move BITS from being a collection of good things scattered across many places into a more unified, reachable, and member-centered experience.
That matters because not everyone experiences technology the same way. Some members live in email. Some live on their phones. Some are comfortable navigating websites. Some are overwhelmed by websites. Some want one-tap access to events. Some need reminders. Some are new and do not yet know where to begin.
BITS Connect is about reducing friction. It is about helping people get to the good stuff faster. It is about making sure that the same spirit we bring to our classes, chats, mentoring, and projects also shows up in the way people enter and move through the BITS experience.
When I think about BITS Connect, I think about someone who has just joined us and wonders, “Now what?”
BITS Connect should help answer that question. It should help people find the next event, the next resource, the next person, the next class, the next opportunity, and the next moment of belonging.
That is accessibility, too. The Future We Are Building. A future where low vision users are remembered from the beginning. A future where accessibility is not hidden in a checklist, but woven into the work. A future where AI does not automate exclusion, but helps us catch barriers earlier. A future where the contributions of people like Jamal Mazrui are recognized, honored, extended, and carried forward. A future where leaders like Taylor Arndt are celebrated not only for what they build, but for what they make possible for others. A future where companies like Techopolis show that accessibility, privacy, local AI, and practical innovation can live in the same product. A future where BITS Connect helps people find the community faster. A future where GLOW helps people create content that more people can actually read. A future where Accessibility Agents help developers build better from the start. A future where Community Access helps blind and low vision people move from technology consumers to technology contributors.
That is giving back. That is community. That is open source. That is BITS.
Looking Ahead: The Light Is Only Getting Brighter
And as exciting as all of this is, we are only getting started.
In the months ahead, you will hear much more about BITS Connect, our effort to make it easier for members to find events, resources, announcements, training opportunities, and the many doors into the BITS community.
You will hear more about BITS Whisperer, our professional-grade, accessible transcription tool designed to help people turn audio into useful, structured, searchable content.
You will hear more about the BITS Appliance Portal, where we will begin shining a brighter light on the accessibility of everyday products and the real-world experiences of blind and low vision consumers.
And who knows what else may be waiting just around the corner?
Oh, and did we mention BITS RAID? Somebody should probably ask us what that is. 😀
The point is this: BITS is moving, building, teaching, experimenting, contributing, and giving back. We are not standing still. We are not waiting for someone else to define what accessible technology leadership looks like. We are stepping into that role together, with joy, curiosity, humility, and purpose.
But as we dream big, build boldly, and celebrate technology, we must never forget one of the most important responsibilities we share: supporting, valuing, mentoring, and cherishing the youth among us.
Our young people are not simply the future of this organization. They are part of our present. Their ideas matter. Their questions matter. Their dreams matter. Their voices matter. They deserve to be welcomed, encouraged, guided, and celebrated.
That is why BITS is so pleased that our Emerald Sponsorship at the ACB Convention includes support for ACB’s STEP program. This is exactly the kind of work that reflects who we are. BITS will be there not only to teach technology, but to lead, mentor, guide, and celebrate the young people who are finding their way, discovering their strengths, and preparing to shape the world around them.
That is what makes a community special. Not just the tools we build. Not just the training we provide. Not just the projects we launch, but the people we lift up along the way.
We will also celebrate the ACB scholarship winners, because education is one of the great engines of opportunity. Education gives us power. It gives us choices. It gives us confidence. It gives us language for our dreams and tools for our journey. Combined with hard work, curiosity, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to learning, education helps each of us move closer to the person we are meant to become.
At BITS, we believe every person matters. Every voice matters. Every learner matters. Every young person deserves someone who says, “I see you. I believe in you. Let’s walk this path together.”
As we close out the spring season, I hope each of you takes a moment to celebrate what this community is becoming. Enjoy the remainder of Spring. Enjoy your Summer. Rest when you need to rest. Dream when you need to dream. Build when you are ready to build.
And I look forward to seeing many of you at the ACB Convention, where BITS will shine as an Emerald Sponsor and flourish within the broader ACB community.
You will find us in the exhibit hall. You will find us in our two training rooms. You will find us helping people gain confidence with technology, including Microsoft and Google-based products. You will find us sharing what we are building, learning from others, celebrating community, supporting youth, honoring scholarship winners, and reminding everyone that technology is not just about devices, apps, and platforms.
It is about people. It is about access. It is about independence. It is about mentorship. It is about education. It is about joy. And yes, it is also about celebration.
So come join us. Pick up a GLOW stick. Meet our lovable and adorable BITSLinky. Share a laugh. Ask a question. Try something new. Bring your curiosity, your stories, your ideas, and your sense of fun.
And who knows? You may even find us roaming the halls late at night with a few surprises up our sleeve.
Because BITS stands for more than technology. BITS stands for community. BITS stands for possibility. BITS stands for giving back. BITS stands for mentoring the next generation. And yes, BITS stands for fun.
So smile, come say hello, and remember: we truly meet and greet you where you are.
Isn’t it fun to think boldly and dream big?
BITS is bringing the light, the learning, the laughter, the mentorship, and maybe even a few surprises.
It is a party, and you are invited!
Respectfully submitted,
Jeff Bishop
President
Blind Information Technology Solutions
Committee Chair Reports
Organizational Effectiveness Liaison Team Report
No updates this month.
Finance Committee
Finance Committee Board Report
The Finance Committee has met twice over the past two months and continues to make steady progress in organizing financial information and preparing for future budgeting needs.
As part of our current work, the committee sent an email to all committee chairs requesting budget information for each committee. We are currently awaiting responses and will begin compiling the information as it is received. This input will be an important part of developing a more complete and realistic organizational budget.
The budget we are preparing will be based on both last year’s and this year’s financial numbers. Reviewing these two years together will give us a stronger understanding of BITS’ income, expenses, trends, and anticipated needs. This information will help us develop a more accurate and practical budget for the 2027 fiscal year.
The committee is also working on getting BITS set up with TechSoup. TechSoup is a nonprofit organization that helps other nonprofits access discounted or donated technology products and services. Through TechSoup, eligible organizations can receive reduced pricing on software, hardware, and technology tools from companies such as Microsoft, Google, Intuit, Zoom, Adobe, and others.
Once BITS is approved through TechSoup, we will explore opportunities to reduce costs on several technology-related expenses, including Zoom, QuickBooks, Microsoft, Google, and other tools that may support our operations. These savings could help us manage our resources more effectively as the organization continues to grow.
One specific item we are looking into is QuickBooks. Once approved by TechSoup, the committee would like to consider purchasing QuickBooks to help better organize and manage BITS’ finances. This would be especially helpful as the organization grows and as we continue to improve our financial reporting and recordkeeping. QuickBooks would also assist with the annual IRS filing requirements that BITS must complete.
Through TechSoup, QuickBooks may be available for up to five users for approximately $80, compared to the regular cost of around $400 to $500. This would represent a significant savings for the organization while also giving us access to a stronger financial management tool.
The Finance Committee plans to meet again at the end of June or the beginning of July. At that meeting, we expect to review the budget information received from committee chairs, continue discussing cost-saving opportunities, and move forward with the TechSoup and QuickBooks process.
Thank you!
Kayla Bentas
Blind Information Technology Solutions, Inc.
Email: kayla.bentas@bits-acb.org
Fundraising Committee
BITS Fundraising Committee June 2026 Report
New Project: ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk
Team Name: Bold BITS Brigade
We invite you to support the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS) by making a donation to the 2026 ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk through our team, Bold BITS Brigade.
Every donation, no matter the amount, helps BITS work toward our $2,000 fundraising goal. Currently, we have raised $25.00 toward this effort. Remember, 50% of the funds raised through our team will come back to BITS, directly supporting our affiliate’s work.
Funds raised through the walk support ACB’s national advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, community programs, leadership development, scholarships, and local affiliates across the country. Your support also strengthens BITS’ mission to empower members through accessible technology training, education, and ongoing support.
This walk honors the legacy of Brenda Dillon, a cherished leader whose dedication to community, inclusion, and service continues to inspire us.
Please share the link with family and friends to help us reach our goal:
When donating, please stay on the page and scroll past “View Organization Page” to the donation area where you can select your option before submitting.
You may also participate in the walk during the ACB Convention on July 27. To do so, check the box on the convention registration form. Please note there is a $20 administrative fee, which goes to ACB.
Convention Update
Due to membership feedback, the Fundraising Technology Auction will be rescheduled for a later date. This will allow more members the opportunity to participate and enjoy the excitement of bidding on technology-related items.
Rescheduling also gives us the opportunity to include more than the five items originally planned. As promised, here is a sneak peek: one auction item will be a loaded accessible computer from Computers for the Blind, made possible through our own Marci Duty.
Please keep listening for announcements after convention regarding the auction date, time, location, and full list of items.
Convention Activities
The Trivia Tech Game is still planned, and there will be a great reward for the winner. To participate, you must attend the BITS reception during the convention in St. Louis.
Also, be sure to wear your BITS gear during convention. If I, Ann, spot you proudly wearing your BITS apparel, you may receive a small gift. With your permission, we may also take a snapshot and showcase you on the BITS website as one of our many members attending convention.
In addition, we are exploring the possibility of having a sample backpack or two, along with a crossbody bag, available at the booth for members to view and provide feedback. Please stop by the booth and check things out.
Blind Girl Designs
If you are wondering where to purchase your BITS fashion wear, visit Blind Girl Designs. Items include T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tote bags, blankets, and more.
BITS will receive our payment at the end of July, and then we will begin another year of this ongoing fundraising project.
If you are attending convention, remember that you may request to pick up your order at the Blind Girl Designs booth. For those unable to attend, you can still update your wardrobe, take a snapshot wearing your BITS gear, and send it to:
Shop here:
https://blind-girl-designs.myshopify.com/collections/bits-blind-information-technology-solutions
RaiseRight Project
The RaiseRight project is still being explored as an ongoing fundraiser, similar to Blind Girl Designs. The percentage BITS earns depends on the store, retailer, restaurant, travel service, or other option selected. Percentages may range from as low as 2% to more than 18%, and daily deals are often available.
We have learned that some retailers offer e-gift cards, which are delivered immediately after purchase, while others offer physical gift cards that may take approximately 18 days to ship. Gift card amounts may range from $5 to over $500, depending on the retailer, and some cards are reloadable.
Options include grocery stores, outlet stores, technology and electronics, gas, food, gaming, sports, movies, restaurants, online shopping, travel services, hotels, rental cars, park tickets, tours, and more.
We are still learning how to best navigate the website and mobile app so we can provide clear instructions for members. Thank you for your patience. To date, BITS has earned $28.00 through this project.
Project Ended: City Pop Popcorn
We are sorry to say that the City Pop Popcorn fundraiser has ended. Thank you to everyone who participated and enjoyed their delicious treats.
Our final total was $819.26, which means we were $180.74 short of our $1,000 goal. Although we did not quite reach our goal, we are very thankful for the funds raised and for everyone’s support. Thank you again.
The Fundraising Committee meets on the second Sunday of each month, except for some holidays, such as Mother’s Day. Our next meeting will be June 14, 2026.
That’s it for now.
Submitted by:
Ann, Chair
Presentations Committee
BITS – Presentation Committee Report for June 2026
Submitted June 3, 2026
The following presentations were held during May 2026:
Tue May 12 – Mac Bytes.
Wed May 13 – Catching Up With Orbit Research.
Wed May 20 – Age Verification and the May 2026 Update for JAWS, Fusion and ZoomText
Wed May 27 – Apple Bytes.
The following presentations are scheduled during June 2026:
Tue June 9 – Mac Bytes.
Wed June 10 – Introducing NVDA 2026.
Wed June 24 – Apple Bytes.
Tue Jun 30 – Introducing The fifth edition of The Windows Screen Reader Primer.
Please note:
1. All BITS presentations are recorded, and once edited are available to BITS members in good standing in the Media section of the BITS website (https://bits-acb.org).
2. In order to receive announcements and Zoom links for all BITS presentations, please be sure you are subscribed to one or all of the following email group list:
Report Submitted by,
Brad Snyder
Presentations Committee Chair
Brad.Snyder@bits-acb.org
Convention Committee
BITS – Convention Planning Committee Report for June 2026
Submitted June 3, 2026
The ACB national Convention is almost here, and plans are wrapping up for all the events that BITS has scheduled for both the virtual and in-person portions of the convention.
Convention Sponsorship
BITS is an Emerald sponsor for this year’s ACB National Convention.
This sponsorship provides maximum exposure for BITS, with the opportunity to promote our name change throughout the entire convention, and beyond.
BITS Reception
The 3rd Annual BITS Reception is planned for Wednesday July 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Convention hotel in St Louis.
Tickets for the reception will be $20, and will include a drink coupon.
Tickets will be available in advance during conference registration, and at the door.
There will be a cash bar, and door prizes will be awarded throughout the event.
The Convention Planning and Fund Raising Committees have decided to hold off on plans for an auction during the reception, in lieu of an online auction to be held at a later date. This will allow for greater participation by all BITS members. More information will be coming after the convention.
Here is the listing of all BITS events throughout the ACB Virtual and In-person convention, as they appear in the convention program, and on the registration form:
Thursday July 16
10:00 AM
Smart Living Stronger Access Appliances Community and Advocacy
Be part of a conversation about appliances and accessibility, and why inclusive design must extend into every part of daily life. Our presentation will highlight the launch of the Appliance Portal, efforts to connect with the community through YouTube, and the importance of bringing greater awareness to vendors, advocates, and consumers alike. By sharing experiences, building visibility, and speaking with a stronger collective voice, we can help drive meaningful progress in accessibility and advocacy.
Presenters:
Larry Watkinson
Technology Project Manager
Olympia, WA
Jeff Bishop
President – Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS)
Application Developer
Tucson, AZ
Lucia Greco
accessibility evangelist
Berkeley, CA
1:00 PM
Capturing The World Through Photography With Confidence
Many of us carry smartphones or wearable devices with built-in cameras, but if you are blind or visually impaired, using them may feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. This session is designed for smart device beginners or intermediate users and will start with the basics of how to take photos using accessible features. We will explore simple techniques to help you understand what’s in your pictures using description tools and apps. By the end, you’ll feel more confident capturing and sharing moments in ways that work for you.
Presenters:
Kelly Ford
Software Developer
Madison, WI
Ann McKay-Bacon
Teacher Consultant for the Blind and Vision Impaired
Detroit, MI
Friday July 17
10:00 AM
What’s new with the Monarch
Come learn about the Monarch multi-line Braille display from the American Printing house for the blind. Discover all about tactile graphics, Monarch apps, and the Monarch RISE project.
Presenters:
Katie Frederick,
Digital Engagement and Accessibility Specialist, Monarch Projects
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Worthington, OH
Jennifer Wenzel
Technology Product Specialist, American Printing House for the Blind
Louisville, KY
1:00 PM
Microsoft Narrator A Tool For Making The Transition From Low Vision To No Vision
If Using screen magnification and a mouse with your Windows PC is no longer working effectively for you due to ongoing vision loss, there is an available alternative. Microsoft Narrator, a free screen reader built into the Windows operating system, can enable you to read the contents displayed on your computer’s screen, as well as hear the text in documents, email, and webpages, as well as any other content on your computer screen. In this presentation, we will show you how to put this powerful tool to work for you, and help you maintain your independence, as your vision continues to Transition From Low Vision To No Vision.
Presenters:
Brad Snyder
Assistive Technology Specialist
Dallas, Texas
Myrna Votta
Instructor of Assistive Technology
New York Metropolitan Area
Saturday July 18
10:00 AM
Trends in AI and making it accessible
Blind Information Technology Solutions, along with a panel of experts, will explore the latest trends in AI from a blind and low vision perspective. The session will highlight how tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, and Accessibility Agents are expanding access, creativity, and innovation. Attendees will learn how blind and low vision people are not only using these technologies, but also helping shape what comes next. It will be a practical and engaging look at how accessible AI is changing the world around us.
Presenters:
Larry Watkinson
Technology Project Manager
Olympia, WA
Jeff Bishop
President – Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS)
Application Developer
Tucson, AZ
Kayla Bentas
Technology Project Coordinator
Peabody, MA
1:00 PM
Accessible blogging with Substack
Substack is an accessible web-based platform designed to allow you to unleash your imagination for creative writing. In this presentation, we will explore this exciting platform, and hear from 3 users, who will share their experiences using Substack as a creative way to reach a wide audience.
Presenters:
Tyson Ernst
Access technology educator, Washington state department of services for the blind
Seattle, WA.
Kaila Allen
Mindfulness, Wellness, & Somatic Coach
Creative Guidance LLC
Mesa, AZ
Taylor Arndt
Mobil Applications Developer
Techopolis Online Solutions
Austin, TX
The following Blind Information Technology Solutions sessions are all in-person only. The day-time sessions are $50.00 per session,
“If you register for 4 or more sessions, BITS will provide you with a $50 gift card.”.
Please note each session repeats twice.
BITS Microsoft SESSIONS:
Monday, July 27 1:00 PM — 2:30 PM and
Wednesday July 29 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
From Blank Page to Polished Professional: Mastering Microsoft Word via Keyboard
Unlock the full power of Microsoft Word without ever reaching for a mouse. This 90 minute intensive session guides attendees through the entire document lifecycle, starting the moment you hit Ctrl+N. We will transition from basic text entry to advanced formatting, including the use of styles, headers, and sophisticated layout commands.
Designed specifically for screen reader users and low-vision attendees, this session emphasizes efficiency and the art of producing “visual-ready” professional documents using only keyboard shortcuts. We will also explore the new Agent Mode in Word, demonstrating how this interactive AI agent acts as a real-time collaborator to summarize feedback, draft complex sections, and refine your document’s structure through simple conversational prompts.
Whether you choose to follow along in real-time or listen and learn, you will leave with a robust toolkit for total document mastery.
Presenter:
Jeff Bishop
President – Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS)
Application Developer,
Tucson, AZ
Monday July 27 and Wednesday, July 29
3:00 – 4:30 PM
The Cloud-First Professional: Mastering OneDrive Accessibility and File Management
Take your digital office anywhere with this deep dive into Microsoft OneDrive. In this session, we bridge the gap between local storage and the cloud, guiding attendees through the essential journey of saving, securing, and syncing documents. We will demonstrate how to navigate the OneDrive interface using only native keyboard commands, with a primary focus on screen reader efficiency and high-visibility techniques for low-vision users.
Attendees will learn the “how and why” of cloud management, including creating and saving files directly to the cloud, protecting sensitive data through advanced sharing permissions, and collaborating with others using accessible sharing shortcuts. We will also explore the integrated AI agent within OneDrive, demonstrating how to use conversational prompts to summarize files, locate specific information across your folders, and gain quick insights without opening every document.
Whether you choose to follow along on your own device or simply listen to the workflow, you will gain the confidence to manage your professional life in the cloud with speed and independence.
Presenter:
Kayla Bentas
Technology Project Coordinator
Peabody, MA
Tuesday July 28 and Thursday July 30
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Dynamic Data Collection Building and Managing Accessible Microsoft Forms
Transform how you gather information with this deep dive into Microsoft Forms.
In this session, we move from the initial spark of a survey idea to the final analysis of results—all without touching a mouse. We will guide attendees through the complete lifecycle of form creation, including the use of multiple question types, branching logic, and advanced settings.
Specifically designed for screen reader users and low-vision attendees, this presentation emphasizes the native keyboard commands necessary to build professional-grade surveys that are accessible to both the creator and the respondent. We will also explore the integrated AI agent within Microsoft Forms, demonstrating how to use conversational prompts to instantly generate relevant questions, suggest survey structures, and analyze response trends for faster insights.
Whether you choose to follow along in real-time or listen to the workflow, you will leave with the skills to confidently lead data collection projects from anywhere.
Presenter:
Jeff Bishop
President – Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS)
Application Developer
Tucson, AZ
Tuesday, July 28 and Thursday July 30
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
The AI Research Partner Mastering Synthesis and Generation with Copilot Notebook
Elevate your research and content creation with this deep dive into Microsoft Copilot Notebook. We explore the advanced “Notebook” interface, which allows for longer, more complex prompts and sustained creative projects. We will guide attendees through the essential journey of feeding the AI extensive context to generate high-quality drafts, outlines, and summaries—all without touching a mouse.
Designed specifically for screen reader users and low-vision attendees, this presentation emphasizes the keyboard commands necessary to navigate the large-scale text areas and manage multi-turn conversations. We will demonstrate how to leverage the Copilot agent to act as a real-time research partner, synthesizing information from your own documents and the web to produce professional-grade content with total independence.
Whether you choose to follow along in real-time or listen to the live demonstration, you will leave with a sophisticated toolkit for mastering the next generation of AI-assisted writing and data synthesis.
Presenter:
Jeff Bishop
President – Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS)
Application Developer,
Tucson, AZ
BITS, Google sessions:
Monday July 27 and Wednesday July 29
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
From Blank Page to Polished Professional Mastering Google Docs via Keyboard
Unlock the full power of Google Docs without ever reaching for a mouse. This intensive session guides attendees through the entire document lifecycle, starting with the essential first step of enabling accessibility features for a seamless experience. We will transition from basic text entry to advanced formatting, including the use of styles, headers, and sophisticated layout commands using native Google Workspace shortcuts.
Designed specifically for screen reader users and low-vision attendees, this session emphasizes efficiency and the art of producing “visual-ready” professional documents using only keyboard commands. We will also explore the integrated AI agent within Google Docs, demonstrating how to use conversational prompts to brainstorm content, rewrite sections for different tones, and instantly summarize your document for faster collaboration.
Whether you choose to follow along in real-time or listen and learn, you will leave with a robust toolkit for total document mastery in the cloud.
Presenter:
Tyson Ernst
Access technology educator
Washington state department of services for the blind
Seattle, WA
Monday July 27 and Wednesday July 29
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
The Cloud-First Professional Mastering Google Drive Accessibility and File Management
Take your digital office anywhere with this deep dive into Google Drive. In this session, we bridge the gap between local storage and the cloud, guiding attendees through the essential journey of saving, securing, and syncing documents. We will demonstrate how to navigate the Google Drive interface using only native keyboard commands, with a primary focus on screen reader efficiency and high-visibility techniques for low-vision users.
Attendees will master the “how and why” of cloud management, including creating and saving files directly to the cloud, protecting sensitive data through advanced sharing permissions, and collaborating with others using accessible sharing shortcuts. We will also explore the integrated AI agent within Google Drive, demonstrating how to use conversational prompts to summarize your files, extract key information from stored documents, and organize your digital workspace with ease.
Whether you choose to follow along on your own device or simply listen to the workflow, you will gain the confidence to manage your professional life in the cloud with speed and independence.
Presenter:
Marci Duty
Assistive Technology Trainer
Dallas TX
Tuesday July 28 and Thursday July 30
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Dynamic Data Collection Building and Managing Accessible Google Forms
Transform how you gather information with this deep dive into Google Forms. In this session, we move from the initial spark of a survey idea to the final analysis of results—all without touching a mouse. We will guide attendees through the complete lifecycle of form creation, including the use of multiple question types and advanced settings to customize the user experience.
Specifically designed for screen reader users and low-vision attendees, this presentation emphasizes the native keyboard commands necessary to build professional-grade surveys that are accessible to both the creator and the respondent. We will also explore the integrated AI agent within Google Workspace, demonstrating how to use conversational prompts to instantly generate relevant questions, suggest survey structures, and analyze response trends for faster insights.
Whether you choose to follow along in real-time or listen to the workflow, you will leave with the skills to confidently lead data collection projects from anywhere.
Presenter
Tyson Ernst
Access technology educator
Washington state department of services for the blind
Seattle, WA
Tuesday July 28 and Thursday July 30
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
The AI Research Partner Mastering Synthesis and Generation with NotebookLM
Elevate your research and information synthesis with this deep dive into Google NotebookLM. In this session, we explore how to transform your personal documents, transcripts, and web sources into a powerful, interactive knowledge base. We will guide attendees through the essential journey of uploading “source” materials and using AI-generated summaries to gain instant insights—all without touching a mouse.
Designed specifically for screen reader users and low-vision attendees, this presentation emphasizes the keyboard commands necessary to navigate the notebook interface and manage your source citations. We will demonstrate how to leverage the integrated AI agent to act as a real-time research partner, answering complex questions based strictly on your provided data and even generating audio overviews for a hands-free learning experience.
Whether you choose to follow along in real-time or listen to the live demonstration, you will leave with a sophisticated toolkit for mastering the next generation of AI-assisted data management and creative synthesis.
Presenter:
Tyson Ernst
Access technology educator
Washington state department of services for the blind
Seattle, WA
Monday, July 27 6 PM-8 PM (in-person only)
Opening the Door to BITS Whisperer – Join Us for the App Launch
Join us at convention this July for the official launch of BITS Whisperer, a powerful new transcription application for Windows and macOS designed to make audio more accessible, actionable, and efficient for everyone. Built as an accessibility-first solution, Whisperer combines professional-grade transcription with intelligent AI tools that transform audio into summaries, translations, meeting notes, and more.
With support for 17 transcription engines, speaker identification, advanced audio cleanup, and flexible export options, Whisperer provides a complete workflow from audio input to polished output. Features like live microphone transcription, batch processing, and automated watch folders ensure it fits seamlessly into real-world use.
This launch is more than a demonstration—it is an invitation to experience a thoughtfully engineered application built with privacy, reliability, and long-term growth in mind. Designed to be fully compatible with screen readers and keyboard navigation, accessibility is foundational, not optional.
Free for BITS members and supported by a sustainability model for others, Whisperer represents an important step forward in expanding accessible technology.
Come celebrate this milestone with us and be among the first to explore a tool built to transform how audio is captured, understood, and shared. This event will be in-person and streamed live in BITS Chat.
Tuesday July 28 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (in-person only)
Opening the Door to Accessible Appliances: Join us for the Portal Launch
Join us at convention this July for the official launch of the new BITS Appliance Portal, a community-driven resource designed to help people with disabilities make more informed and confident purchasing decisions. Built as an accessibility-first platform, the portal brings together product information, real-world reviews, ratings, documentation, comparison tools, and community insight across a wide range of appliances and home products. This exciting launch is more than a demonstration—it is an invitation to explore, connect, and help shape a growing resource created by and for our community. Come celebrate this important milestone with us and be among the first to experience what promises to become a trusted destination for accessible appliance information.
Wednesday, July 29
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
BITS reception $20 ($25)
Join all your BITS friends at the 3rd Annual BITS Reception at the ACB Convention in St. Louis. There will be a cash bar, prizes and a live auction, as well as fun and games. Tickets for the event can be purchased during convention registration.
Each ticket includes one drink coupon redeemable at the cash bar
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Building an Accessible Future with BITS, Visual Studio Code, GitHub, and Open Source
(in-person only)
Join us for a welcoming and community-centered evening focused on accessible events, inclusive software development, and the power of open source to change the digital landscape. This session will introduce Community Access, a project built to make accessibility more actionable inside modern development workflows, including VS Code, GitHub, and AI-powered coding environments, with a strong emphasis on WCAG 2.2 AA, screen reader usability, and community-driven contribution. Community Access describes itself as “built by the community, for the community,” and highlights tools designed to bring accessibility checks, trusted guidance, and real-world assistive technology knowledge directly into development work. It also invites contributors to get involved through GitHub by improving agents, documentation, rules, and workflows, making this event a great fit for anyone curious about software development, accessibility advocacy, and open-source collaboration. Come learn, connect, and discover how you can help shape a more accessible digital future.
Report Submitted by,
Brad Snyder
Convention Planning Committee Chair
Brad.Snyder@bits-acb.org
Membership Recognition Committee
Education Committee
Report of the education committee June 2026
The education committee met on May 26 for our monthly committee chairs meeting. We attempted an experiment in having the meeting open for all members of the committee to attend, however due to lateness in sending out the zoom invite, attendance was low, and we will be repeating this for the June meeting.
As of this report, the course on Android smart phone OS has completed its first class, and the Blindshell class will begin on Thursday June 4. It is my intent to include numbers for registration of the two offerings, however, I am unaware of who has possession of this information.
The 5 sub-committees have been busy in planning for a multitude of activities over the Summer and Fall of this year.
Screen reader committee
The Screen reader Sub-Committee is planning the following training activities over the coming months:
- Introduction to the Mac with Voiceover: Klipf Miller and Brad Snyder will carry out this 10-session training beginning on September 14.
- Tools for reading math: Betsy Doane and ??are planning a four-session course to begin in the fall. The start date still needs to be identified.
- Accessing PDF’s with Adobe Reader: This Basics with BITS session will be delivered by David Kingsbury on June 13.
- Quarterly “tech smackdown”: The first of these will be a panel debate on the pros and cons of the Google Workspace versus the MS Office suite. It will be done as a community call on June 18.
- social media: A Googleforms Survey of BITS members to identify the priority platforms for which they would like to receive training was launched on May 25.
- Windows Screen reader Primer: David Kingsbury will talk about what’s new in the 5th edition as a Presentation session on June 30 at 8 PM EST.
- Comments and Track Changes in Word: David Kingsbury will do this single session as part of the Presentation series on August 19.
Low Vision committee:
Throughout the month of May, the Low Vision subcommittee has been working to finalize the Low Vision Needs Assessment Survey. At time of writing, the survey has been finalized and is now ready for initial testing, before its official launch to not only BITS members, but the blind and low vision community as a whole. Watch for further information to come across BITS information channels related to this effort. The subcommittee has also started to work on presentation content to bring forward to the community and looks forward to announcing the first offering when it becomes available.
Liz Bottner – CATIS, CVRT
Basics with BITS
The basics with bits committee has continued to develop and deliver presentations designed to inform attendees with trainings they can use to enhance both personal and professional endeavors.
Electronic Braille committee
The Electronic Braille committee continues working on producing documentation for commands of several Braille displays. The number of displays is quite robust, and narrowing the list of those most people use has proven interesting. They are also working on developing training presentations for our Braille enthusiasts and working to prepare for all the new products coming out in the next several months.
The Mentor committee
The Mentor committee continues the work of matching learners with experienced mentors to assist them in tackling tasks which challenge them in the realm of tech. and we are working towards seeding the second group of mentor/mentee pairs. And of course they are ably taking on the task of holding the Ask BITS community call on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, passing along their knowledge to those who come to BITS seeking answers to their unique tech problems.
As chair, I am extremely proud of the work this team is doing and the collaboration happening across all of the committees to bring instruction on topics and applications not done before, while acknowledging the many levels of abilities BITS and the community possess. The education committee is looking forward to many more opportunities to pass along the knowledge we gather for the benefit of all of us.
Tyson Ernst, Chair
Membership Committee
BITS Membership Committee Report
June, 2026
As of 9:00 pm PDT, on June 3, 2026, our membership count stands at 899.
The breakdown is as follows:
2026 expirations: 360
2027 expirations: 39
2028 expirations: 1
Bits life members: 499
Total: 899
The record date for the 2026 ACB national convention is on or about June 24th, which means that AMMS will close and anyone joining BITS after that date will not be permitted to vote in any ACB elections or other convention business, though their BITS memberships will become effective on the date their dues are received. Their AMMS records will be created when AMMS is brought back on line after the convention.
So, the final question is: who wants to bring us to 500 BITS life members for a total membership of 900 as we head into the 2026 ACB national convention?
Respectfully submitted:
John McCann
Chair: BITS membership committee
BITS IT Committee Report
BITS IT Committee Board Report
Current and Upcoming Beta Testing Updates
We are pleased to provide an update on current and upcoming beta testing efforts across several BITS technology projects.
BITS has released public beta testing for BITS Connect. We would like to thank everyone in our community who has written in with feedback. Your comments, suggestions, and bug reports have been extremely helpful. We have been making steady progress in improving the app and will continue using community feedback to guide future updates.
We also have additional beta testing opportunities coming soon for Quill, a text editor, and BITS Raid, a bug reporting tool.
For Quill, we would like to extend a special thank-you to our internal beta testers: Mike Doise, Taylor Arndt, Michael Babcock, Doug Langley, Shane Popplestone, and Becky Knaub. These testers have completed extensive testing and provided a great deal of thoughtful feedback, which has helped us make important improvements to the program.
Looking ahead, we expect to be ready for beta testing of BITS Whisperer and the Accessible Appliances Portal prior to the ACB National Convention. These projects represent important steps forward in expanding accessible technology resources for our community.
We also encourage each of you to consider participating in the BITS Connect beta testing process. If you are interested in becoming part of BITS Connect, please review the information shared in last week’s BITS Bytes, as well as the upcoming issue of BITS Bytes this week.
For those who have not yet received a Google BITS Users account, we appreciate your patience. We are currently working on an automation process that will make it quicker and easier for people to receive their accounts. Before this process can be released to production, however, we need to complete extensive testing to ensure it works properly and reliably.
Thank you again to everyone who has participated in testing, submitted feedback, and supported these ongoing technology initiatives. Your involvement helps us continue building tools that are useful, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the BITS community.
Cheers!
The BITS IT Committee
Email Management Team February 2026 Report
Email Management Team June 2026 Report
BITS Users on Groups.io
We are happy to assist members who have obtained a bitsusers.org email address with updating their email address on bits.groups.io. If you would like your bitsusers.org address to become your primary address on our mailing lists, please contact mervin.keck@bits-acb.org and we will be happy to help.
Mailing List Guidelines
In May, we devoted additional time to helping members understand and comply with our mailing list guidelines. We gently remind all members to be mindful of both our BITS Code of Conduct and our Mailing List Guidelines. Both documents are available in the Handbook and on the BITS website at http://www.bits-acb.org.
The three most common issues we encounter are:
• Advertising on the mailing lists. BITS maintains a no-advertising policy, which includes self-promotion.
• Forwarding messages from other mailing lists. If you find information that may be of interest to BITS members and that does not violate our advertising policy, please consider starting a new discussion on the appropriate BITS list rather than forwarding the original message. Forwarded messages may contain personal information, list-specific content, or formatting that creates accessibility challenges, including complex nested tables that can cause difficulties for some screen reader users.
• Self-promotion. Self-promotional messages continue to be one of the more common guideline issues we encounter. Excessive self-promotion can reduce engagement and distract from the purpose of our discussion lists. Announcements related to podcasts, radio shows, classes, services, or resources should follow our established advertising guidelines. Non-BITS announcements are generally not permitted, while BITS-related announcements should be shared on the lists designated for event announcements rather than on discussion-focused lists such as Technology, AI, Access, or others.
Our goal is to foster a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment where positive and constructive conversation can thrive. We want our mailing lists to continue growing while remaining useful, engaging, and free from spam or excessive promotional content. We are also working to increase awareness of BITS among other ACB affiliates through BITS Bytes and the advertising policies approved by the Board last July. As new members join BITS, we want their experience to reflect the supportive and community-oriented spirit that has long been one of our strengths.
BITS Bytes
Issue 82 of our weekly summary will be published on Friday, June 5, 2026. Keep watching our weekly summary for the latest updates on all things BITS. From Chat to Classes, from Presentations to Perks once each week we conveniently bring everything together in one place for the BITS community.
We have committed to publishing as close to 5:30 p.m. Eastern each Friday as possible. This schedule can present some challenges for our leaders on the West Coast. However, we accept announcements 24/7 at mervin.keck@bits-acb.org, and we actively seek updates beginning each Wednesday. This helps ensure that members have access to the latest news before heading into BITS Chat on Friday evening.
If you have an announcement that you would like considered for BITS Bytes, please review our advertising guidelines and contact:
mervin.keck@bits-acb.org
Both the advertising guidelines and information regarding our mailing lists are available on the BITS website in the Handbook, or by sending a blank message from any bits.groups.io mailing list. For example:
technology+guidelines@bits.groups.io
Facilitators
Here are our facilitators. We appreciate their contributions and encourage members to engage with them.
Development Facilitators: Darrell Hillacker, Jason Castonguay, Michael Doise, and Taylor Arndt
Technology Facilitators: David Edick and Mervin Keck
Social Facilitator: Herbie Allen
BITS Facilitators: Email Management Team
Access Facilitators: Nicki Keck, Jason Castonguay, and Mervin Keck
Ask Facilitator: Belinda Collins
AI Facilitator: Michael Doise
I would like to thank President Jeff Bishop, Co-Chair Jason Castonguay, David Edick, Robin Frost, and Nicki Keck for their excellent and essential work on our team.
If anyone would like to contact me privately regarding Email Management matters, or if you have a question and wish to email me off list, my email address is:
mervin.keck@bits-acb.org
Respectfully submitted,
Mervin Keck
Email Management Team Chair
From: email@bits.groups.io <email@bits.groups.io> On Behalf Of Mervin Keck via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 1:50 PM
To: email@bits.groups.io
Subject: [Email Management] Check this before I send to Jeff please?
I’m going to send it in email because my headings disappear when it hits the packet anyway. LOLOLOLOLOL!
Jeff wants this later today so if I don’t get any additions, subtractions, or corrections, it is going to President Bishop after I have lunch. I would say that give everyone about an hour or two.
Sorry for the short notice.
Merv
Email Management Team May 2026 Report
BITS Users on Groups.io
We are happy to assist members who have a bitsusers.org email address update their bits.groups.io email address. Once you have your bitsusers.org account, please do not hesitate to contact mervin.keck@bits-acb.org if you would like your new email address to replace your current email address in bits.groups.io.
Mailing List Guidelines:
In May we spent an unusually high amount of time contacting members about our mailing list guidelines. We gently request that our members be mindful of our BITS code of conduct as well as our mailing list guidelines. Both are available in the Handbook as well as on the Bits web site: http://www.bits-acb.org.
The three most common issues we encounter are:
• Advertising on the mailing lists. We have a zero advertising policy. That includes self-promotion.
• Forwarding messages from other lists. If you find something interesting that does not violate our advertising policy then start a conversation on the appropriate list. Please don’t forward keeping the other list information including private information from non-BITS members email and possibly other information intact. This also often creates nested tables that hangs some screen readers.
• Self Promotion. This clutters up list and alienates members to the point they unsubscribe. I briefly mentioned this under advertisement . However, this had a big upswing in May. Self-Promotion of podcasts, radio shows, classes, services or resources either outside or within BITS have their appropriate place. If they are not BITS they are not permitted. If they are BITS events they are permitted on the BITS lists designated for announcing events and not to be self-promoted on the technology, AI, Access or other lists.
Our goal is to encourage a safe, warm and welcoming, respectful environment where positive and constructive conversation occurs. Our sincere hope is that our lists will grow, conversation will flow, and our members will be able to truly enjoy themselves without having to worry about spam, either from within or without the affiliate. We are also working hard to market our affiliate to other ACB affiliates through BITS Bytes and the advertising policies that were board approved last July. When new members join BITS we want them to have a Family experience rather than a feeling of being inundated with duplicate messages due to advertising and self-promotion.
BITS Bytes:
Issue eighty-two of our weekly summary will post on Friday June 5, 2026. Keep watching our weekly summary for the latest updates on all things BITS. From Chat to Classes, from Presentations to Perks, once a week we conveniently put everything in one place for our BITS Family.
We have committed to posting as close to 5:30 p.m. eastern each Friday as possible. This makes it a bit more difficult for our leaders who live on the West Coast. However, we do accept announcement 24/7 at mervin.keck@bits-acb.org and we actively seek updates beginning each Wednesday. This makes it easier for our members who are seeking news before heading into BITS Chat on Friday evening.
If you have an announcement that you would like to be considered for BITS Bytes, please consult our advertising guidelines and contact:
mervin.keck@bits-acb.org
Both the email and the advertising guidelines are available on the BITS web site in the handbook. Or by sending a blank message from any of the bits.groups.io mailing lists. For example, technology+guidelines@bits.groups.io.
Facilitators:
Here are our Facilitators:
We know you’ll appreciate their contributions as we do. Please do not hesitate to interact with them.
Development – Facilitators: Darrell Hillacker , Jason Castonguay, Michael Doise, and Taylor Arndt
Technology – Facilitators: David Edick, Mervin Keck
Social – Facilitator: Herbie Allen
Bits – Facilitators: Email Management Team
Access – Facilitators: Nicki Keck, Jason Castonguay, Mervin Keck
Ask – Facilitator: Belinda Collins
AI – Facilitator: Michael Doise
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to mervin.keck@bits-acb.org
I would like to thank President Jeff Bishop, Co-Chair, Jason Castonguay, David Edick, Robin Frost, and Nicki Keck for their excellent and essential work on our Team.
If anyone would like to contact me privately in regard to issues related to Email Management, or if you have a question and wish to email me off list, my email is:
Mervin.keck@bits-acb.org
Respectfully submitted,
Mervin Keck
Email Management Team, Chair
Publications Committee
Publications report for May 2026
Publications met in May and continue to work on various projects.
Social Media
As of today, our mastodon status is 360
Our Facebook page continues to grow. You will find events and announcements here along with some fun and informational postings. Many thanks to MaryAnn for getting the information up on Facebook.
The BITS Bulletin
We have received a number of great articles for the spring bulletin. Many thanks to Jason for his great work on this project. We will be looking for articles for the summer bulletin soon.
Handbook
The handbook has been updated with the new branding and the revised mission statement as of May 6, 2026. Many thanks to Robin for her work on this update.
Marketing
Look for some great tech tips on Facebook and mastodon. Some are also being put into BITS Bytes.
As we come to the end of spring, summer will be busy with convention. There will be lots of great takeaways. Wishing everyone a great convention and a fun filled summer.
Rosanna beaudrie
Publications Chair
Chat Committee
BITS Chat Committee Report
We held BITS Chats on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as on most Sunday evenings throughout May. We also hosted chats on a few Mondays. Participants joined from various countries around the world, reflecting the global reach of our community. It has been wonderful to see both familiar faces and new participants. If you have not yet attended a BITS Chat, we encourage you to join us.
We also hosted a Game Night this past Sunday, which was well attended and a great success.
Thanks to all the hosts and participants who make BITS Chat a success. Remember, Chat is not the same without you there!
If you have any thoughts, comments, suggestions or questions about chat, please email the chat team/committee at chat@bits-acb.org
Thank you very kindly,
David Edick
Zoom Meeting Information
June 3, 2026 – 8:00 PM ET
Meeting ID: 133 060 658
Passcode: 144468
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Meeting ID: 133 060 658
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