One question I'm frequently asked is how, as a blind person, can I use a computer? Often, this question leads to some interesting follow-up questions such as: do you use a braille keyboard? Do you talk to your computer? How does it know what to say? And of course, how did you learn to do all that? Tonight, on the Assistive Technology show, I thought it might be a good idea to address these questions. But of course it's not about how "I" use a computer, but how do others access their computers? My hope is that although this information may not really be breaking news to most folks currently participating in the show, tonight's program might serve as a resource for others who are just plain curious.

On last week's Assistive Technology show, we introduced you to the world of social media discussing such sites as Twitter and Facebook. We discussed what social networking sites do, why one might want to use them and how to get started. Tonight, on the Assistive Technology show, we continue that discussion with demonstrations of ways you might use to better harness the power of social media. We'll demonstrate easier ways to interact with social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, and will show you how to do it in a way that is both productive and fun. Tonight also marks a slight change in format for the Assistive Technology show, a change I'm hoping will make the program an even more valuable resource.

When I first heard about social networking and sites like Myspace, Facebook and Twitter, I decided, right there and then, that this was something for the teenagers of today and definitely not something for me. After all, I'm not necessarily chomping at the bit to "hook up" with high school classmates , didn't see the point in telling the world "what I'm doing" and writing on peoples' "walls" was just something my mama told me a long time ago I should never do. Be that as it may, I kept hearing more and more about this social networking thing and so, on a dark and stormy night, it came to pass that I took my first step into the world of social networking. What really surprised me is how many people are taking that same first step, not just curious folks like myself, but music groups and even businesses. Yes, many businesses are now using social networking as a way to both advertise their wares in addition to communicating with customers. Tonight, on the Assistive Technology Show, we'll take a look at social networking -- what social networking is and what it's not. We'll also discuss and share experiences about a few social networking sites. Before you disregard this Email and determine that tonight's show just ain't for you, I'd like to say that my journey into the world of social networking has gone much better than expected. I readily admit my initial impressions were wrong and am very happy I gave it a chance. Even if you remain unconvinced, I'd urge you to join tonight's program, if only to learn more of what it's all about.

Although there was no specific topic for this evening's show, the following were discussed: plextalk pocket, Running Leopard on non-Mac hardware, macworld keynote event, Accessible iWorks 9 suite, iTunes going DRM free, New, very expensive macbook ilife humanware having sales on braille products $200 off for month of January audible.com and issues playing samples of books, Possible accessibility coming to the G1, http://is.gd/ePGu accessiblephones.com And of course, much much more.

I'd like to start out by wishing everyone a happy new year! I know that for many tonight will be a night to party, eat good food and hang out with friends. But for the rest of us, those with no friends, or those too lazy to go out anywhere, I bring you another edition of the Assistive Technology show. We won't be having any specific topic for this evening's program, but I thought, it being the end of the year and all, we might just look back at some of the really cool tech products and services that have made 2008 a better year.