Phone: 267-437-3098
Fax: 267-385-7300
Email: PASS1@AccessiblePass.net
Website: https://accessiblepass.net
Welcome to the Paschall Power Newsletter, your top source for news and information for the blind community. We are enthusiastic about keeping you up to date on the latest access technology, AI, cool new tech, and important news, all written with blind and low vision readers in mind. Thank you for lending us a moment of your time and blessings in your accessible & digital journey!
Quick accessible fact💡
The first official screen reader for Windows was SlimWare Window Bridge, released by Syntha-Voice Computers in 1992 for Windows 3.1!
Accessibility Note
If you are reading this newsletter with a screen reader, consider using your “say all” feature to enjoy the full experience hands free, including accessible images and other described items. You can also move by headings to jump quickly between articles.
Inspiration Corner – Jane Byrne
Please grab a second and take in the following inspirational quote by Jane Byrne:
“We must recognize our responsibility, gather our forces, summon the spirit that made us great.”
Now, Let us get into some accessible news💡
Trade in all your old electronics at Costco for practical benefits!
Costco’s innovative electronics trade-in program, powered by Phobio, lets members swap outdated gadgets like phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, desktops, and media players for valuable Digital Costco Shop Cards—up to $2,550 for high-end laptops from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. This mail-in service provides instant quotes online based on device conditions, free prepaid shipping labels, and eco-friendly recycling that recovers precious metals while preventing toxic e-waste from landfills. The process takes 9-15 business days, with Phobio wiping data securely upon receipt before issuing your shop card for in-store groceries, gas, or online purchases. For blind and low-vision users, this program shines by clearing clutter from obsolete tech that we once loved, but gradually faded off into the sunset, turning burdensome old hardware into practical Costco perks just makes sense. Yes, we can trade that sluggish laptop or old laptops, gathering dust for bulk essentials that we can truly use today. Come on, in life there are only a few great perks, this is definitely one.
Before trading, prioritize data security, especially on computers and hardware with personal info, even though Cosco says they perform hardware wiping: Back up essentials using cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive via screen reader-friendly interfaces, then factory reset devices (e.g., Windows Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC for full wipe) if at all possible. Remove SIM/SD cards, note serial numbers audibly, and power off; Phobio handles final sanitization, but your prep ensures privacy. The Paschall Power Newsletter Team urges blind and low-vision readers: First, clean up hardware by securely erasing drives as outlined, then trade in if it’s useless to you for those great Costco benefits at the same time! Visit Costco’s trade-in site (powered by Phobio), get your quote, ship free, and shop smarter sustainability meets savings.
- Activate the link below for the (Phobio & Costco) trade in web site💡
Gemini and Siri become the new accessible Dynamic Duo!
Blind Users, Get Ready for a new Siri ride, Apple is teaming up with Google to supercharge Siri using advanced Gemini AI models, with the enhanced assistant set to debut in iOS 26.4 beta as early as late February 2026, rolling out publicly by March or early April. This multi-year partnership lets Siri hand off complex queries to Gemini for smarter responses, just like the current Chat GPT fiasco! Imagine Siri finally nailing those multi-step tasks without the usual “I’m sorry, I can’t do that” blues. Google’s Gemini, especially the cutting-edge Gemini 3.0 and 2.5 Pro versions, is a multimodal beast that crushes reasoning across text, code, images, video, and audio with massive context windows up to 1 million tokens and “Deep Think” mode for tackling thorny problems; by the way, that means more data is being researched, faster and more precise for us. For Siri, this means ditching shallow answers for initiative-taking, context-aware magic—like summarizing articles, drafting emails, or tracking video events seamlessly, all with natural interruptions and low-latency speech. The result? A Siri that evolves from sidekick to strategic genius, deeply woven into apps like Safari, Music, and Health for accuracy, which the new (Apple Intelligence) is supposed to already accomplish.
However, buckle up, because the iPhone reigns supreme as the go-to accessible powerhouse for blind and low-vision folks—surveys show over 70% usage among screen reader users, thanks to Voiceover’s reliability that Android just can’t match consistently. Pair that with Gemini’s multimodal smarts, and Siri becomes a gamechanger: effortless navigation of mixed media, precise spatial reasoning, and hands-free mastery of complex tasks that once required endless retries. For the Philly community and beyond, this could unlock some essential independence—like Siri intuitively managing your important schedules or accessibility checks without breaking a sweat.
Siri’s loyal fans have griped for years about misheard commands, context amnesia, and “garbage” responses that make ChatGPT look and sound foolish,” and unreliable for us as consumers. But here is the hilarious positive aspect for the blind Siri squad: no more yelling “Hey Siri, don’t turn on the lights—wait, wrong room again!” like a bad game of Marco Polo. Gemini’s infusion promises the “great fix” we have craved, turbocharging power for accessible devices and silencing the haters with reliable, witty wizardry that finally lives up to the hype, well, we will see.
- Activate the below link for more about the Gemini & Siri infusion💡
Gridiron Glory Hits the Airwaves! High Power Football’ drops Friday, Feb 6!
“It’s time for some Accessible Football!”
Blind audio gamers, get ready to blitz the field like never before—High Power Football (HPF), the groundbreaking accessible audio game from Paschall Networks, drops this Friday, February 6, 2026! Head to www.AccessiblePASS.net, smash that “Paschall Game Hub” heading, and dive into our server for just $0.99 lifetime access—but hurry, it jumps to $1.99 on March 6 after we squash those launch bugs. This isn’t just a game; it’s a thunderous tackle on barriers, bringing real-deal American football strategy to the blind community with HTML-based play on web browsers, including on mobile devices. Feel the roar as you call plays from authentic NFL and college playbooks, navigating conferences and divisions packed with lifelike HPF teams tied to real cities—think powerhouse squads battling for supremacy in immersive audio cues, crowd noise, and live commentary. Challenge smart computer AI in single matches, grind through full seasons, or clash in multiplayer mayhem, all tuned via customizable settings like speech rate, volume sliders, and enhanced keyboard nav for screen reader dominance.youtube+1
HPF remakes the legendary Jim Kitchen audio football classic into a strategy-packed role-playing beast, where every down demands tactical genius amid pounding sound design. Pumped up with the original “Mango Lemonade” soundtrack, the debut single “Really Lit” by the Crown Kings blasts onto Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all platforms February 6—right as you lace up for gridiron glory, so search for the title on your favorite streaming outlet, and support us, if you can. Massive shoutout to developers Saif Khan and beta tester Tony Ballou for powering this revolution with relentless tweaks and feedback—ongoing updates will amp the experience to pro levels in the future, but for right now, play head-to-head online, or beat up on the computer, its your choice. It’s time for some accessible Football! Right in time for the upcoming NFL Super Bowl!
- Activate the following link to check out a quick reel of the actual HPF’ game
Copilot will be taking a backstep in upcoming Microsoft Windows Updates!
Microsoft is responding to widespread user backlash by reevaluating and dialing back Copilot integrations across Windows 11, offering relief to those overwhelmed by its pervasive presence. This shift, reported in early 2026, includes reviewing unnecessary buttons in apps like Notepad and Paint, pausing new additions, and allowing IT admins to uninstall the app entirely. For screen reader users, this could mean a cleaner interface amid mixed experiences with the AI. Copilot integrates deeply into Windows 11 via a taskbar icon, dedicated key (replacing some Control keys), Win+C shortcut, and buttons in apps like File Explorer, Notepad, and Paint, enabling chats, image analysis, and automation. For screen reader users like those relying on Narrator or JAWS, positives include Copilot-powered image descriptions (Narrator key + Ctrl + D for focused images or +S for full screen), helping interpret visuals linearly read by screen readers. However, issues arise from cluttered UI—extra buttons disrupt navigation, Copilot key remapping lacks native support on some PCs, and chat outputs can clip or read incompletely, frustrating advanced workflows.
Copilot aids blind users by describing complex images, charts, or screens that screen readers handle poorly, saving time on “glanceable” tasks via voice or text prompts. It automates tedious actions like drafting accessible documents or summarizing content, with keyboard-only access for those avoiding mice. Third, unified search pulls local files, emails, and web results contextually, streamlining research without tab-switching overload common in screen readers. Users reject Copilot in core apps due to clutter, poor implementation, performance drags, and unwanted intrusions—like listing installed apps or open tabs without clear consent—turning simple tools into bloat. Privacy risks include data sharing for AI processing, over-permissioned accessing Documents/Desktop folders, and additional interface vulnerabilities. Even more fears of autonomous AI mishandling personal files regardless of permissions. General backlash targets AI bots like Copilot gaining system access—spying on tabs/apps, slowing PCs, and eroding user confidence. Yet, this user-driven pushback has prompted Microsoft’s pivot, promising deliberate integrations, and removals, restoring choice. Computer users wary of AI interference can now hope for a balanced Windows 11, with options to disable features and focus on reliable core functions.
- Activate the following link for more about Copilot’s backlash and Windows dial back💡
Microsoft Starts Dialing Back Windows 11 AI Features After User Backlash – gHacks Tech News
Will regulators allow Neuralink’s Blindsight’ access to the public?
Neuralink’s Blindsight offers a groundbreaking approach to vision restoration by implanting a microelectrode array directly into the visual cortex of the brain. This device bypasses damaged eyes and optic nerves entirely, using an external camera on glasses to capture images, process them into neural signals, and stimulate the brain to generate visual perceptions. Blindsight enables blind individuals to perceive their surroundings through artificial vision created by activating neurons in the visual cortex. A small camera feeds real-time images to the implant, which translates them into patterns of light called phosphenes, allowing users to detect shapes, objects like cups or doors, and navigate spaces. Initial vision from Blindsight is low-resolution, similar to early video game graphics such as Atari, but software improvements and brain adaptation are expected to enhance clarity over time, potentially surpassing normal human vision. No human success stories exist yet, as the first implants await approval, though animal tests have shown sustained neural activity.
The device targets those with complete vision loss, including optic nerve damage, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, or retinal issues like detachments, as it does not rely on eye function. It can even benefit people blind from birth, provided their visual cortex remains intact, allowing them to experience sight for the first time by teaching the brain to interpret new signals.
Neuralink received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation to expedite development, but as of January 2026, Blindsight awaits final regulatory approval for its first human implant. Trials are poised to start soon after clearance, initially with a small group of 3-5 participants. Trial participants receive the implant at no cost, with Neuralink covering surgery and care. Post-approval estimates suggest device and procedure costs around $10,000-$50,000, potentially dropping to $2,000-$3,000 with scale; insurance may cover it like other neuroprosthetics such as cochlear implants once proven safe and effective. For those living without sight, Blindsight carries the promise of vision, a humbling step forward that fills us with hope and excitement. That faith is always greater than anything, sustaining us to keep promise of vision, and even if it doesn’t happen today, advancements are happening everywhere and, in many countries, to return, or give eyesight to the blind.
- Activate the following link for more about Neuralink’s Blindsight, and regulatory approvals💡
Neuralink’s Vision Device Awaits U.S. Regulatory Approval
Quietly and productively, Whispr Flow’ may be your favorite Mac voice typing software
Blind Mac users, get ready for a total game-changer—Wispr Flow is the revolutionary AI voice typing app that’s transforming how you work, hitting speeds of 220 words per minute, four times faster than traditional typing. This powerhouse uses intelligent auto-editing to zap filler words like “um,” inserts perfect punctuation, and adapts your tone to any app, earning glowing 4.8/5 stars from over 4,700 App Store fans who rave it’s “life-altering.” Wispr Flow delivers hands-free freedom across your entire Mac workflow, making independence feel effortless and exciting.
Wispr Flow aids blind users by turning speech into seamless, formatted text anywhere on your Mac, announced crisply by your screen reader for total control, while blowing past Mac’s built-in dictation that stumbles on noise and lacks smarts with its 95%+ accuracy and whisper mode. Check out these three practical power moves:
- In Notes or Pages, hit your custom hockey and say, “Daily journal: Walked the park path, heard birds chirping, noted blooming flowers AI crafts polished paragraphs ready for Voiceover review.
- Crafting Gmail replies? Dictate “Reply to friend: Suggest movie night Friday, options are comedy or thriller, your pick,” and it auto-formats options into a neat list with friendly phrasing.
- Filling Safari web forms? Hold the hotkey and speak “Enter details: Full name Alex Rivera, phone 555-0123, note interested in updates,” fields populate precisely without endless tabbing.
Download Wispr Flow free from wisprflow.ai or the Mac App Store, grant microphone access, set your global hotkey, and dive in—unlock Pro for unlimited dictation at $15/month or $12/month annually (students snag $7.49/month). For blind users battling hand pain or RSI, this voice revolution slashes fatigue, skyrockets speed fourfold and unlocks pure productivity—far more convenient than clunky typing that strains hands and slows you down. Wispr Flow blasts past Windows Voice Recognition’s clunky basics and Dragon NaturallySpeaking’s pricey training hassles with instant AI setup, flawless Mac-wide action, and unmatched speed, making this groundbreaking gem your ticket to bolder, faster creation—start speaking your world into existence today!
- Activate the following link for more about (Whispr Flow) voice typing for the Mac💡
Whisper Flow – Voice AI Dictation App
Time to blast off! Rockid AI (smart glasses) are here to rival Meta….
The Rokid AI Glasses, particularly the ultra-light Style model at just 38.5 grams, represent a promising leap in wearable AI technology, designed as display-free, voice-centric smart eyewear that acts as an intuitive companion. Powered by advanced models like GPT-5 or open ecosystems including ChatGPT, Qwen, and DeepSeek, they integrate a 12MP camera, directional speakers, and microphones to capture the world multimodally—through voice commands like “Hi Rokid, what am I looking at?” for scene analysis, real-time text translation from images, or object recognition delivered via clear audio feedback. Additional controls include head gestures for calls (nod to answer, shake to decline) and touch shortcuts, making interaction natural and hands-free while supporting prescription lenses for everyday comfort. For blind and low-vision users, these glasses humbly step forward as “digital eyes,” offering audio descriptions of surroundings, objects, and text to give greater independence without overwhelming complexity. Rokid’s accessibility initiative provides a $20 subsidy for purchases on behalf of visually impaired individuals, thoughtfully lowering barriers to entry and recognizing the needs of over a billion people worldwide with vision challenges. This positions the glasses as a useful tool for those who rely on verbal guidance, with seamless integration of AI photo recognition and environmental narration to navigate life more confidently.
When stacked against Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, Rokid AI holds its own impressively, often matching or exceeding in key areas for blind users like object description, text reading, and surroundings awareness through comparable computer vision powered by high-res cameras—both deliver real-time audio insights. Verbal commands shine similarly: Rokid’s “Hi Rokid” triggers photo-based queries or navigation via Google Maps. Rokid edges ahead of most competition with multimodal gestures and meeting transcription for practical, extended use without a display dependency that sighted users’ favor. This parity, combined with Rokid’s all-day battery (12 hours use), signals a competitive shift toward more inclusive smart eyewear. Priced accessibly at $299 for the base model—dropping to $279 with the accessibility subsidy—the Rokid AI Glasses Style are available globally via the official Rokid website and Amazon in the US and EU, with premium bundles like the $398 Golden edition including photochromic prescription lenses. For everyday blind users, they promise transformative help: verbally identifying a crosswalk and providing safe navigation cues during commutes; reading product labels or menus aloud for independent shopping; or describing nearby obstacles and people in a crowded space, turning routine outings into moments of quiet assurance. As this technology evolves, it whispers hope for a more navigable world for the blind community.
- Activate the following link for more about the Rokid AI smart glasses💡
Rokid launches Display-less AI-powered smart glasses aimed at everyday use | The Daily Caller
Paschall Power Star of the Month: Michaela “Michi” Benthaus
We have reached the end of our 27th edition—and also our 3rd “Black History,” month edition! Now, you know what that means. It is time to honor the Paschall Power Star for Black History Month, 2026. This month, the spotlight shines on Mr. Demond Wilson. Many of us know him as “Lamont Sandford,” of the hit television show (Sanford & Son.” The Paschall Power team recognizes Demond for his amazing life, his contribution to television, his love for society and common man, and his choice to dedicate his life to Christ!
Demond Wilson emerged as a promising talent in the vibrant entertainment scene of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, his journey marked by perseverance and grace. Born in Valdosta, Georgia, and raised in New York City, young Demond honed his skills in tap dance and ballet, making his Broadway debut at age four, a child prodigy filled with promise. After serving honorably in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, where he was wounded, he returned to Broadway and off-Broadway stages before heading to Hollywood. Guest spots on shows like Mission: Impossible and All in the Family, plus films such as The Organization (1971), showcased his rising star, building toward the joyful breakthrough that would touch millions. In 1972, Wilson’s life lit up with the role of Lamont Sanford on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, opposite the legendary Redd Foxx as his father, Fred—a comedic genius whose razor-sharp timing and raw charisma made the show an enduring treasure. As the exasperated yet loving son navigating his junk-dealing dad’s antics in Watts, Los Angeles, Wilson brought heartfelt authenticity to their generational clashes, filling homes with laughter across America. The series boldly tackled controversial issues of the era—like racial profiling, economic struggles, and civil rights tensions—through comedy’s warm lens, delivering underlying tones of hope, unity, and promise for Black families and viewers everywhere, proving joy could heal and uplift.
After Sanford and Son ended in 1977, Demond Wilson embraced a divine calling, turning his life fully to Jesus Christ in a transformation radiating gratitude and renewed purpose. Ordained as a minister in the Church of God in Christ in 1984, he left Hollywood’s spotlight behind, stepping away from roles like those in Baby… I’m Back! and The New Odd Couple to pursue evangelism and a “normal” family life. Through street ministry, preaching to thousands, and authoring faith-filled books like The New Age Millennium, he spread the Lord’s love with unwavering joy, conquering personal struggles including substance abuse through God’s grace. Demond Wilson’s legacy shines forever, with his dedication to community service, and familial love, impacting society with the promise of redemption and faith. Founding Restoration House of America in 1995, he offered former inmates vocational training, spiritual guidance, and second chances, embodying Christ’s compassion. Married to devoted wife Cicely Johnston since 1974, they raised six wonderful children—Christopher, Demond Jr., Nicole, Melissa, Sarah, and Louise—and grandchildren, nurturing a home filled with God’s blessings. The Paschall Power Newsletter Team honors Mr. Wilson with deepest gratitude for decades of making families, including ours, laugh heartily, and for dedicating his life to God and His Son, Jesus Christ—may his hopeful spirit inspire us all forever.
- Activate the following link for more about the amazing Demond Wilson💡`
Demond Wilson, known as Lamont from ‘Sanford and Son,’ dies at 79
Stay Connected, Share, and Support
On behalf of the Paschall Power Newsletter team, thank you for reading. Do you have questions, suggestions for future content, or interest in submitting an article for a future release? Drop us a line at the contact link below:
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