American Council of the Blind
February Braille Forum

The Things I Do Today
Part 1: A Plethora of Possibilities
by Paul Edwards
As I write this article, I have a baseball game on in the background. I am currently using satellite radio to listen to it. Essentially, this means Sirius XM radio. It offers me a range of listening options that, for the most part, did not exist 15 years ago. My subscription allows me to listen to every major league baseball, football, basketball or hockey game. I can listen to the Cable News Network, MSNBC, Fox News, the BBC World Service, three public radio channels, 80 or 90 music channels and much, much more!

I have over 200 Internet radio stations loaded on my Victor Reader Stream, second edition. I have several programs on my iPhone that allow me to choose from among thousands of listening options. I am currently downloading 15 or so podcasts automatically to my Stream or my phone, and get dozens of newspapers through NFB-Newsline both on my phone and on my Stream just as painlessly.

Put simply, I can now get more information every day than I can possibly use, and it has revolutionized some of the ways I spend my time. I am going to use the next few articles to provide more information about some of the things I have talked about so that more of you may have the same problem I have. I have so many options in terms of what I can listen to that I couldn’t possibly access nearly all that I have, even if I worked at it 24 hours a day.

I read books using Bookshare, BARD, Kindle, Audible, Librivox, and Ibooks, to name some of the sources I use. I have probably 25 accessible games on my phone. I have four or five GPS programs, a few scanning programs, a couple of money identifiers, a few calendars, a light detector and a whole host of other applications that I can use whenever I choose.

Does this seem like information overkill? Perhaps it does to some! For me, instead, it represents diversity and choice. Oh, and did I mention that I have almost 5,000 songs on my phone and several music-playing programs?

The truth is, oh best beloved reader, I can choose to read in braille, using high-quality speech synthesis through Voice Dream or listen to human readers. I am writing this article using a notetaker, and my notetaker allows me to access Facebook, Twitter, play music, listen to radio stations, download podcasts, and on and on and on. I probably spend more time with all these toys than most people do because I can! I’m retired now and I never slept much anyway. But, even though you don’t have to be a constantly connected nerd like I am, you should be able to know what’s out there, and ought to know how to do the things I do.

I don’t have to depend on American news sources. I can get my news, and do, from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and a whole range of other countries that make online information available in English. When I was growing up, I did some of the same things using shortwave radio. However, reception was iffy and sunspots would often make reception questionable. While stations occasionally go silent for a few seconds, for the most part, everything I listen to is crystal clear. The quality of the books I receive is essentially “publisher” good!

So, stay tuned over the next few issues for articles about podcasts, Internet radio, satellite radio, Voice Dream, and other stuff too! But don’t blame me if you get less sleep and can’t turn the stuff off. It is addictive to have access to the world, and I don’t want to kick the habit!

I do not consider myself an expert on any of the subjects I am going to be writing about. I hope that one of the things that will happen is that what I write will prompt others who know more than I do to write about their experiences and their approaches. I will be telling you about the way I deal with things and will provide my understanding of how things work. I have not been a real technology guru since DOS went away, which is a very long time ago.

The other issue I will deal with, to a degree, concerns platforms. My next article will be about satellite radio, so the problem will only arise to a minimal extent. For other articles, there are more devices than you can shake a stick at that can do what I will be talking about. I will try to provide some information about which they are, and talk a little about how each works. I do not intend to provide detailed instructions for most things, but I hope that the advice I give will help folks be more prepared to take the plunge! Devices change too, and so do applications. I will be writing about the current versions of both software and hardware. I will tell you what I use, but inevitably there will be changes that will invalidate some of what I will say. That is the way life is in today’s ever-changing digital world, and I have no intention of going back and correcting outdated details.

So, now I have another thing to do with my day! I get immense fun out of what I do! I want more of you to try some of the things I like doing. Let me know what you like and don’t like! If I am making people mad or frustrated, I need to know it. I may not be too old to change!

So come with me! Let me tell you what I know and what I think and what is good and what is bad about the things I do today!

Summary Notes, GTT Vancouver

February 10, 2016

Attendance: Shawn, Matt, Clement, Albert, Betty, Geri, Faye, Carol, Maria, Peg, Victor, Owen, John, Mary and Monty.

Matt started the presentation by slowing down the iPhone speech then went over the basic settings of the iCloud app. Phew, thanks for that Matt.

1. Open Settings and one-finger swipe right until iCloud is found;
2. Double-tap with one finger to open it and it will display the iCloud heading;
3. One-finger swipe right to explore the screen where your Apple ID/iCloud account user name/email address is found first;
4. The next item is the Family Sharing icon. This will display nothing if you are not sharing with others, and will display the name of the account being shared. Note that the credit card assigned to the shared account will be available to all who share it. Restrictions can be placed on it so go forth with care.
5. The next item is called Storage and is followed by the amount of space remaining in the free 5GB offered by Apple, or the remainder of your purchased storage. Items stored there are Backups, Photos, Documents, Contacts, Emails and Calendar entries.
6. Next is iCloud Drive and it will display an on or Off Button. This is a file sharing Cloud based storage system like Dropbox, One Drive etc.
7. The next several items allow you to turn On or Off the specific apps access to iCloud. Each can be customized so explore them to see how you wish to have them saved to iCloud.
8. Note that if Voice Over says the word Button after the On or Off indicator it means that you will have other features to customize once you one-finger double-tap on the item. If it merely says On or Off, then it will alter that state when you one-finger double-tap on it.
9. The Backup item in iCloud is where you can customize the things you wish to have backed up and when that will take place. You may have it done automatically, or manually as you prefer. If your iDevice is indicating that a Backup hasn’t happened for some time you can ask it to Backup Now . Just double-tap on Settings/iCloud/Backup/Backup Now.
10. The Find My iPhone can be used to locate your phone if it’s been lost at home or on the bus, and it can be used to delete all data on the device if stolen. A version of the app is available for other iDevices, and can be used using a PC or Mac from a web page to locate the missing iDevice.
11. The Log Out button at the bottom of the iCloud Settings page if clicked will prompt you to delete or save the items you currently have in iCloud so use it with care.
12. Note that your iCloud and Apple ID user names and passwords are key to you having access to these vital services, so ensure that you have a secure means of storing and accessing this info when needed.
13. The end of the meeting saw the group discussing how to upload Photos to Dropbox as a means of removing them from the iDevice. Also, documents can be stored in Dropbox so that they can be accessed from your iDevice while in meetings etc.
14. Discussion also ensued around the management of the storage on your iDevices generally. If your iDevice is getting short on space you can look at the apps that aren’t being used, the books already read and photos no longer needed on the device with a view to removing them as a strategy to free up space.
15. By double-tapping on Setting/iCloud/Storage/Manage Storage icons you can explore which apps are using all the space on your iDevice. The highest users are usually listed at the top. This will allow you to decide what might no longer be needed so that you can go to those apps and start deleting material.

Question: If one doesn’t want to use iCloud are there other options?
Answers: iTunes can be used to backup your iDevice, and photos may be uploaded to Dropbox and similar Cloud storage services. If iTunes is used then your Backups aren’t in the Cloud but right there in your own computer.

Question: Is iCloud safe to use? Will it mean that Apple now has access to my children’s photos?
Answers: It’s not strictly necessary, however it is convenient to use for Backups and to share resources across your devices.
*Security of Cloud technology is similar to that of Credit and Debit Card transactions, and all other forms of online purchasing.
*Risk always exists, and yet Apple’s inscription systems are thought to be more than adequate.
*Apple does retain a master key to all files stored on their servers and will hand it over to Police Agencies when legally required. The Apple servers are located in the USA and are bound by American laws. They may mine the data for target marketing, so the user is wise to read the agreements before using this product.
*It is most helpful when the user loses a phone and wants to have everything restored to the new one.
*If you don’t want your work email account to be saved on iCloud you can customize many of its features.
*It can be used to keep an eye on what children purchase through Family Sharing etc.

Question: What about Syncronizing? What happens if you delete something from one device, will it disappear from the others as well?
Answers: These types of customizations are available in the iCloud app.
*If the same Apple ID is used by others then it is thought that all saved Contacts etc will be shared.
*iCloud Drive allows you to access folders of photos etc, however the Backup system can only be used to Restore the Backup to the device in question.
*For Family Sharing there is a limit of 6 people who can be added to an account, so that means French Catholic families can’t share as broadly as others.

Question: Are Text Messages also shared through iCloud?
Answer: No, settings are available in the Messages app in Settings that allow sharing between devices.

Resource: The National Braille Press sells a couple of books that are well thought of for those who wish to learn more about their iDevices using Voice Over. They are called iOS 7/8/9 Without The Eye and are written by Jonathan Mosen. They are reasonably priced and come in several different formats. Here is some contact info from his first offering:
iOS 7 WITHOUT THE EYE
Jonathan Mosen
Distributed by:
Mosen Consulting
http://www.mosen.org

Before the break the group was asked if a CCB Chapter can be established provided that at least 6 individuals are willing to become members of the Canadian Council of the Blind. Shawn who has been Coordinating the GTT Vancouver group is already a member of the POCO Youth Chapter, and Clement and Matthew are Volunteer Facilitators so will become Associate Members. Several participants opted to purchase a $10 annual membership so a Chapter was born. Now we need someone to step forward as Co-Coordinator to assist Shawn in that work.

Non-members will always be welcomed, so this doesn’t mean that the meetings are now restricted to only CCB members.

Congratulations and welcome aboard GTT Vancouver.

Respectfully submitted,

Albert A. Ruel
CCB Western Coordinator
GTT Initiative

Hello Barrier-Free BC Supporters,
 
Due to circumstances beyond our control, our Wednesday media event on the Steps of the BC Legislature has been postponed.
Please stay tuned for an announcement regarding the rescheduling of our official launch.
 
Thanks very much,
 
Reed (Barrier-Free BC Oversight Committee member)

*Note: This may be in US Dollars so buyer beware:
For immediate release!

Due to increased production the price on the very popular Talking Infrared Thermometer (model IRT-1) from Brooks Technology has been reduced to just $99.95!

The thermometer was designed specifically for the blind and vision impaired as a cooking and safety aid and can easily measure the temperature of items
being cooked, the oven, fridge, freezer, bath water, coffee, etc. without the need for physical contact. It is powered by 2 AA batteries, weighs just
5 ounces, and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. It includes a built in speech tutorial, and can be set to speak in English, Spanish, or French.

The temperature range is from minus 94 to 716 Fahrenheit. 3 buttons allows the user to change language, and set readout to Fahrenheit or Centigrade.
It speaks clearly and is easy to use.

In the year since I designed and introduced the IRT-1 it has found a multitude of uses, from helping blind auto mechanics do car repairs, a blind restaurant
owner verifying food temperatures, to blind herpetologists maintaining proper tank temperatures for their gecko lizards!

The IRT-1 can help promote safety and independence to vision impaired individuals and is especially useful for the newly blind in overcoming the fear of
cooking!

The IRT-1 is available for $99.95, plus shipping. For organizations that require it my W9 form will be sent on request.

A picture is attached, as well as a few links to podcasts where a demonstration of the thermometer can be heard.

Thank you

Phil Brooks, Owner

Brooks Technology.

Contact information:

website:
http://www.brooks-technology.com

email:
sales@brooks-technology.com

Telephone: 408-781-4577. Hours of operation are 9AM to 5PM Central Time

Links to podcasts:

1.Â
http://www.blind-geek-zone.net/introduction-to-the-irt-1-talking-infrared-thermometer/

2.Â
http://media.serotalk.com/podcasts/SeroTalk/Phil%20Brooks%20Interview.mp33.Â
http://blindbargains2.rssing.com/chan-19002605/latest.php

Summary Notes
GTT Edmonton Meeting February 8, 2016

The most recent meeting of the Get Together With Technology (GTT) Edmonton Chapter was held February 8 at 7pm at Ascension Lutheran Church 8405 83 Street in Edmonton.
14 people attended.

Special Note: The group observed a minute of silence in memory of a dear friend and member, Harold Schnellert, who passed away January 27, 2016. Harold was the husband of Wendie Schnellert our volunteer treasurer. Harold was also the former president of CCB National. Both Harold and Wendie were instrumental in supporting the start of GTT Edmonton. Our hearts and prayers go out to Wendie and her family. We will all miss Harold.

February Feature Topic – Free Screen Readers
Ximena (pronounced Menna) presented her Apple MAC. Highlights:
• Mac has a screen magnification Zoom feature included (Command, Options + or Command options -) The two buttons next to the space bar and + to zoom in – to zoom out.
• Voice over (the built in talking screen reader) is easily accessed (Command F5). Command key is on either side of the space bar.
• VoiceOver has multiple voices to choose from both male & female.
• The Mac even has Described Video Access through the settings Accessibility menu.
• If you have follow-up questions, Menna may be contacted at ximena.perez@shaw.ca

Russel presented Window Eyes screen reader for PCs. Highlights:
• Window Eyes is a powerful screen reader for Windows PCs.
• You may download Window Eyes for Free if you have a licensed copy of Microsoft Office 2010 or later installed on your computer. You can download it from:
http://www.windoweyesforoffice.com/
• Window Eyes provides support for braille.
• eSpeak and the Microsoft Speech Platform are included.
• you can also purchase Eloquence and Vocalizer Expressive voices from any Canadian distributor. There is a list of distributors at the above web site.
• Window Eyes will conveniently unmute your computer if it is muted when you start the program.
• You can easily modify speech rate, volume, and tone using Control+Alt+ arrow keys.
• Window Eyes is a product of AI Squared who also make the Zoomtext screen magnification software.
• If you do not have Microsoft Office you may also purchase Window Eyes from Aroga.

Lorne presented the free screen reader NVDA for PCs. Highlights:
• NVDA (non visual desktop access) is a powerful open source screen reader for Windows PCs.
• It is used by over 60,000 users in over 120 countries and 40 languages.
• The NVDA project was started by two blind programmers in Brisbane, Australia. You can download it free from:
http://www.nvaccess.org/
• They request a donation which helps to continue NVDA development especially to make it available in developing countries.
• NVDA keyboard commands are similar to JAWS.
• NVDA provides support for braille.
The built-in text to speech voice is eSpeak.
Other voices including Eloquence and Vocalizer Expressive can be purchased as add-ons.
• There are many other NVDA add-ons developed by programmers around the world to do many additional tasks. You can learn more about the add-ons at:
http://addons.nvda-project.org/index.en.html
• Because NVDA is free and used extensively, many Windows software companies now test the accessibility of their programs using NVDA as their benchmark.

After Sight Device
• Mike McWilliams asked members if adding a directional audio indicator to his After Sight device would be of use to help you walk a straight line such as when crossing an intersection or open area. Participants were enthusiastic about adding this feature.
• Mike is also hopeful the object recognition database can be expanded from 1000 to 5000 objects.
• You may contact Mike McWilliams at:403-488-1247 or mike.mcwilliams@after-sight.com
Web: http://www.after-sight.com

Next Meeting (Monday March 14 at 7pm)
• Our member, Owais, will present his HIMS BrailleSense note taker and show the power of computing and using the Internet with Braille.
• Gerry will present the online functions of the Victor Reader Stream new generation including Podcasts, Bookshare, radio, Wikipedia/Wiktionary lookups, and Direct to Player books.
• Send your meeting topic ideas to GTT.Edmonton@gmail.com.

Meeting Location and Logistics
• Ascension Lutheran Church 8405 – 83 Street NW, Edmonton.
• We meet in the basement hall. There is elevator access.
• Enter the church from the back door. There is parking at the back and drop off space for taxis, DATS.
• Meetings are typically every second Monday of the month at 7pm.
• If you have someone helping you your assistant is welcome to remain for the meeting.

GTT Edmonton Team
• Carrie Anton is visually impaired and is the accessibility specialist for Athabasca University.
• 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.
• Russell Solowoniuk is blind and works with alternative formats and assistive technology at Grant MacEwan University.
• Lorne Webber is blind and is the accessibility specialist for Norquest College.

GTT Edmonton Overview
• GTT Edmonton is a chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
• There are GTT groups in Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston, Northern Ontario, Sydney, Edmonton, Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, and more to come.
• There is also a national GTT monthly toll free teleconference.
• GTT Edmonton promotes a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to assist participants with assistive technology.
• Each meeting will present a feature technology topic and general question and answer about any other technology.
• Small groups or 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 questions on any technology are welcome. The more participants the better able we will be equipped with the talent and experience to help each other.
[End of Document]