Classifieds: Free tech workshops on iOS, Google Apps, NVDA and more in NYC

Free Upcoming Technology Workshops at the Andrew Heiskell Library
Registration is required for all workshops. To register, email ChanceyFleet@nypl.org or call (212) 621-0627.

Voiceover and IOS for Beginners Short Course with guest expert Ed Plumacher
Patrons are asked to sign up for the entire series, which will orient you to your IOS device, from unboxing to getting online, communicating and organizing your schedule and notes. This course will run on Tuesdays from 4 to 6 PM. When registering please let us know whether you’ll be bringing your own device or borrowing one of ours. Dates are as follows. January 13: Hardware, gestures, and the Phone app. January 27: Contacts and Mail. February 10: Messages, Calendar, Reminders and Notes. February 24: Going online with Safari. March 10: Settings, the App Store, and review.

On the Move: Mar 12, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
This workshop will introduce you to online tools to help you select a destination, get where you’re going and be in the know once you arrive. We’ll cover: HopStop transit directions; Google Business Search; finding menus and retail information online; contacting businesses to arrange assistance; and finding out about accessible cultural happenings.

Discovering Podcasts with guest expert Mark Ramnauth: Feb 26, 5:00 - 6:30 P.M.
This workshop will introduce you to a wealth of free, downloadable audio (and some video) programming. From tech to cooking to true crime, learn how to discover, download, and play podcasts you’ll love. This workshop is open to users of IOS, Android, Mac, and PC.

Tackling Twitter: Jan 24, 11:00 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Learn how to use this social media tool for concise communication to stay informed, connect with far-flung family and friends, spread the word about your business or community project, and engage with individuals and organizations across the world. This workshop will focus on universal Twitter concepts, and is open to all technology users. Patrons with questions about particular devices are invited to stay after the workshop and consult with our coaches.

Android Accessibility Basics with guest expert Walei Sabry: Feb 21, 1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Android tablets and phones include accessibility features for people who are blind, have low vision, or have other disabilities. You’ll learn about what accessibility features are available on different versions of Android; how to enable and use settings for magnification and speech feedback; and where to go online to learn more about using Android accessibility features. This workshop will be demonstration-based, but you may bring your device to follow along.

Siri and Dictation for IOS - January 15, 5:00 - 6:30 P.M.
You can use your voice to compose emails, search the web, set reminders, and do much more. During this workshop, you will learn how to: Dictate text effectively; Ask Siri the “right” questions; Set reminders and alarms; Make calculations and check dates; Search for information on the web

IOS and Android Apps for Independence: February 19, 5:00 - 6:30 P.M.
This discussion-based workshop will explore free and low-cost apps that make life easier or just more fun for people with vision loss. We encourage you to bring your IOS device and prepare to talk for a minute or two about your favorite app. We’ll cover apps that magnify images, describe what’s in front of the camera, read text and labels, identify currency, and more!

IOS with Keyboards and Braille Displays: Mar 13, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Learn how to pair your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad with a bluetooth keyboard or braille display for faster writing, reading and navigation. You’ll learn how to pair bluetooth devices, what to consider when purchasing a bluetooth device, and how to use keyboard and braille commands to control IOS and Voiceover.

BARD Orientations: January 20th, Noon – 2 P.M. February 19, 3-5 P.M.; March 11, 1 -3 P.M.
Learn how to download BARD books with confidence using your Mac, PC, IOS device, or personal book player.

Nonvisual Desktop Access, a Free Screen Reader for Windows: Jan 17, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM; and Mar 25, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
NVDA is a free and powerful screen reader that can provide users with low or no vision with complete access to a Windows computer. This workshop will provide you with the opportunity to install NVDA on your laptop or try it on one of ours. You’ll also learn how to: Set NVDA voice and keyboard settings; Hear what’s under the mouse; Read and edit text; Navigate the Windows desktop and menus; move among programs; and work with popular applications

Accessibility and Advocacy with guest expert Dawn Suvino. Jan 31, 12:00 to 3:00 PM
Have you encountered a webpage, service or piece of technology that seems difficult to use nonvisually? This interactive workshop will help you determine how accessible a website or technology is; articulate your issues with and suggestions for improving accessibility; and re-evaluate your options for pursuing accessibility improvements to the products and services you care about. You’ll also learn where to go online to find other users of assistive technology who can help you investigate and address accessibility issues. We’ll include demonstration and discussion of accessibility advocacy techniques, and an opportunity to address real-world accessibility issues in small groups.

Technology Coaching at the Library
Are you interested in learning to use a computer with screen magnification or screen reading software? Would you like to learn how to use an iPhone or iPad to read books, take notes and manage your calendar? Do you aspire to be more effective at finding information online? The library offers small-group workshops and individualized consultations on a range of technology and information literacy topics. You’ll find a selection of what we offer below, but please call or email to inquire about additional small group trainings that may be organized as patrons request them. Call 212-621-0627 or email chanceyfleet@nypl.org to register for all workshops so that we may anticipate the size and particular needs of each group. Registration is always free.

Literacy Consultations
Would you like to sign up for our Braille Audio and Reading Download service (BARD), the NFB-Newsline newspaper and magazine program, Bookshare’s digital library, the Learning Ally collection of textbooks, or an NYPL library card? We can help! Please call for a 1-on-1 appointment which will give you the opportunity to learn about and sign up for literacy resources in one convenient location.
Smart Brailler Gives a Shout-Out to Braille Learners!
Our new Perkins Smart Brailler combines a traditional brailler (a device similar to a typewriter that produces braille) with a tiny computer to provide real time spoken and very large print feedback while you’re brailling. Learners and writers of all ages can use this brailler to hear and/or see each letter, word or line spoken as they write. Come in and give it a try! (If it’s your first time using the Smart Brailler, please call ahead to register for a brief one-on-one orientation).

New Software, Hardware and Books for Assistive Technology Users:
All of these items are available for patrons to use by appointment. We are happy to provide training too. (No appointment needed for the ClearView): ClearView Plus CCTV with Speech, for reading with magnification and speech together; E.A.S.Y Tactile Drawing Tablet, for creating raised-line drawings; Talking Typing Teacher, for learning to type; National Braille Press titles for onsite reference, including Tweeting Blind, Getting the Picture (on blind photography) and more; iMac, with Voiceover and Zoom built in; NVDA, the free and open-source screen reader; Victor Stream 2nd generation, for learning to download BARD books wirelessly; KNFB Reader (available on iPod Touch devices), an app that allows you to snap a picture of text and have it read out loud and/or magnified; iOS Without the Eye

Contact information

For more information, find us online at talkingbooks.nypl.org, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nyplheiskell, or contact Chancey Fleet, Assistive Technology Coordinator, at (212) 621-0627

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