These notes have been revised in order to provide the correct toll free number for Apple Disability supports.
Summary Notes
GTT Edmonton Meeting July 13, 2015
The most recent meeting of the Get Together With Technology (GTT) Edmonton group was held July 13 at 7pm at the Ascension Lutheran Church 8405 83 Street in Edmonton.
Approximately 20 people attended most of whom were blind or visually impaired.
July 13Feature Topic – Social Networking
Lorne demonstrated basic fundamentals of using Facebook and Twitter with iPhone. Here is a demonstration of Twitterrific 5 for iOS:
http://www.applevis.com/podcast/episodes/demonstration-twitterrific-5-ios
And a Demonstration of the Native Twitter iOS App http://www.applevis.com/podcast/episodes/demonstration-native-twitter-ios-app
Freedom Scientific is running a free 2-part training session on how to use Facebook with Jaws or Magic, you can access the recording of the first part, and sign up for the second part on July 31 here:
http://www.freedomscientific.com/Services/TrainingAndCertification/WebinarDetail/F0021
More links are given in the Resources section below.
GPS Demos
Lorne and Gerry took multiple small groups outside to demonstrate 3 GPS technologies for blind people.
- The HumanWare Trekker Breeze+ dedicated GPS device ($880) which can be purchased online from:
http://store.humanware.com/hca/trekker-breeze-plus-handheld-talking-gps.html
- The Blind Square iPhone app available in many languages can be purchased for $30 from the Apple App Store. More information is available at:
http://blindsquare.com/
An audio demo of Blind Square:
- Sendero Seeing Eye iPhone app from Sendero Group LLC available in U.S. and Canada from the iTunes Apple Store for a $100 annual subscription or $300 lifetime. More information is available at:
https://www.senderogroup.com/products/shopseeingeyegps.htm
A demonstration of the Seeing Eye app:
Other Resources
There was general discussion on where to find more information on assistive technology topics. Here are some useful links.
- iPhone resources. The best free resource for learning about iPhone from a blindness/low vision perspective including tutorials, podcasts demos, and app reviews is at:
http://www.applevis.com - A comprehensive iPhone book. NBP.org has just the book. It is Getting Started with iPhone and iOS 8 Step by Step for $25. Visit:
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/IPHONE-IOS8.html
Lorne explained on his GPS demo how it is not safe to walk around with headphones to listen to your GPS device. It is much safer Bone Conducting headphones from Aftershokz which leave your ears exposed to the environment. Here is the link to the latest version, the Aftershokz Bluez 2
- http://www.amazon.ca/Aftershokz-AS500-Wireless-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00JO9Y176
- Top Tech TidbitsNewsletter: You may subscribe to an outstanding weekly email newsletter that highlights what’s new in the ever changing world of assistive tech devices, webinars, books, and more by visiting:
and then activating the button to subscribe to newsletters.
- Top Tech TidBitsNewsletter Archive: If you wish to browse past newsletters go to:
http://www.flying-blind.com/ttt_enews_archive.html
- Microsoft Accessibility Web Site and Telephone Support:
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/
Tel: 1 (800) 936-5900
Apple Accessibility Support Line:
1(877)204-3930
Computer Repairs
There was discussion on servicing computer issues. One of our GTT members, Steve Cardy, is a computer tech. He cannot help with assistive technology but may be able to assist you with Windows software or PC hardware issues. You may contact Steve at:
Next Meeting Agenda (Monday August 10, 7pm)
- The group wants more one on one information on iPhone especially Bluetooth keyboards and basic screen navigation. If you have a Bluetooth keyboard please bring it so participants can see a wide variety.
- GPS: Lorne will continue outdoor demos of GPS Sendero Seeing Eye iPhone app. As Gerry will be away, demos of Blind Square iPhone GPS app and Trekker Breeze are possible only if others in our group are able to demo them.
- In breakout groups we can discuss any topic you wish. Please bring your technology, your questions and answers.
Church Meeting Logistics
Some logistics for future meetings.
- GTT meetings will be every second Monday of the month at 7pm so the next one is August 10.
- We meet in the basement meeting hall.
- Please enter the church from the back door only. There is parking at the back and drop off space for taxis, DATS.
- Try to arrive between 6:45pm and 7:15pm after which the door will be locked. If you arrive late there is a door bell to the right of the outside door.
- If you have someone helping you your assistant is welcome to remain for the meeting.
GTT Edmonton Team
- Gerry Chevalier is blind. He is retired from HumanWare where he worked as the Product Manager for the Victor Reader line of talking book players.
- Heather MacDonald is the specialist for CNIB career and employment services. She has a wealth of experience helping blind and visually impaired people with the challenges of finding employment.
- Carrie Anton is visually impaired and is the accessibility specialist for Athabasca University.
- Russell Solowoniuk is blind and is the accessibility specialist for Grant MacEwan University.
- Lorne Weber is blind and is the accessibility specialist for Norquest College.
GTT Edmonton Overview
- GTT is sponsored by the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
- CCB now has GTT chapters in Ottawa, Victoria, and Nanaimo.
- There is a national GTT monthly teleconference as well.
- GTT Edmonton will foster the same learning experience as the above GTT chapters by holding monthly meetings to help participants with all manner of assistive technology.
- Each meeting will have a feature technology discussed in the first hour and general question and answer about any other technology in the second hour.
- Small groups or even one on one assistance is possible at the meetings.
- Participants are encouraged to come to each meeting even if they are not interested in the feature topic because the second hour is for any and all questions. The more participants the better able we will be equipped with the talent and experience to help each other.
- Participants decide what the feature topic will be for the next meeting.
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