Author: Albert Ruel

The Albert A. Ruel Road to Blindness A 21 year old man stood on the beach at the Sproat Lake Provincial Park with friends early in May of 1977, and upon gazing across the lake found the Gulf Oil sign missing from the dock-side filling station there. When this fact was shared with his companions they glanced at him with puzzled looks and said, “No Albert, the sign is still there”. That was the beginning of a road through confusion, anger, isolation, loneliness and discovery for me. It all began with a visit to a local Optometrist who could see that my vision wasn’t right, but that corrective lenses wouldn’t help. He then referred me to a General Practitioner, where I received a clean bill of health and an additional referral. This time to an Ophthalmologist. Immediately upon peering through the dilated pupils, Dr. McKerricher was able to see the problem, Retinal Vasculitis. Now, you would think that all would start to improve at this point, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You see, CNIB, from 1918 until 1985 only served the needs of people who were “Legally Blind”, a level of vision loss I wouldn’t reach until November of 1979. The words of Dr. McKerricher still echo in my mind today, “Albert, I don’t know what has caused this and nothing we’ve tried is helping to stop it, and you’re not blind enough for me to refer you to CNIB”! In the middle of this transition from 20/20 vision to “Legally Blind” came the Motor Vehicle Branch and it’s rules of the road. On August 3, 1978 I drove a car for the last time as my vision had reached the level at which operating a motor vehicle became too dangerous, further intensifying feelings of fear, isolation and anger. Sadly, through this period the only available guidance and support was through family and friends, but not the experienced professionals I needed at the time. Although these support systems are critically important they can often be smothering and facilitating, rather than encouraging and supportive. With gratitude, and some trepidation I finally was able to access CNIB services in November of 1979, and the world opened up then. There I was able to meet other blind people and receive the daily living and mobility skills required to live independently in this sighted world. I learned elementary braille and began to discover technology as necessary tools of independence. Thankfully, in 1985 CNIB’s National Board altered the course of service to visually impaired Canadians forever. They added a third prong to their Mission Statement, “To promote sight enhancement services”. This opened the door to all Canadians who were beginning to lose sight, as well as those who had a fear of vision loss to access the full range of CNIB Support and Rehabilitation Services. So now, whether it’s someone’s Mother who is experiencing Macular Degeneration, or an Uncle experiencing the affects of Glaucoma, all have the ability to seek information, guidance and support as all involved deal with the fear and anxiety that accompanies such life altering experiences. With the help of professional Rehabilitation Workers and Employment Counselors I was able to continue traveling independently within my own community, and even more remarkably anywhere in the world I desired to go. I managed to attend College in Nanaimo and New Westminster, as well as traveling to the Mayo Clinic and to doctor’s appointments in Nanaimo and Vancouver without assistance. All of this while living with some usable vision, but not yet needing a white cane for travel. During the mid 1980’s I was a stay-at-home Dad and did all that was required of that challenging work, from changing diapers to preparing meals, and from cutting the grass to maintaining our home. I even took a woodworking course through Alberni’s Adult Education program and built and restored several pieces of furniture. Of course the 1958 Chevy Impala in the garage was my pride and joy, and I devised ways to do much of the work it required. I also joined and participated in many community activities, like the local Car Club, and a disability support group that catered to the needs of people with many different disabilities. Of course, continued participation in family life remained of critical importance through this period. In 1989 a secondary condition began to extinguish the vision that remained, which set into motion a new stream of professional rehabilitation services and supports. By the spring of 1990 Glaucoma had turned out the lights completely, and the darkness I had feared so desperately was upon me. Strangely though, I found this to be a great relief rather than the tragedy I had imagined it would be. Through several professional rehabilitation sessions, and by joining peer mentoring and advocacy groups I was able to come to terms with this strange feeling, and to learn additional skills and strategies for living with no visual cues of the world around me. This is also about the time that I decided to explore CNIB as an employer, and to see if I could provide the sort of guidance and support to others that had been my pleasure to receive. Those 14 years were a wonderful experience of ongoing discovery for me, as teaching may be the best way to solidify one’s own learning. In other words, those we assist through this transition in turn help us all as we develop best practices and improved service. Following a 14 year career with CNIB I also served the blind community as the first National Equality Director employed by the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), and as a Basic Computer Literacy Trainer with the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB). Most recently I have enjoyed coordinating the CCB’s newly launched Get Together with Technology Program in Western Canada, which brings to the fore my passion for assistive technology and the power of peer mentoring. Without sight I have continued to travel far and wide, with trips to Conventions of and for the Blind in Anaheim California and Melbourne Australia, as well as to many events and activities in Toronto and Vancouver. Of course my work has taken me to many communities throughout Western Canada, and most particularly nearly all regions of BC and on Vancouver Island. None of which would have been possible without the services and support of organizations like CCB, AEBC and CNIB. For most people blindness generates a fear of extended movement, both within one’s home and community, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Independence comes from personal desire and increased skill. Many community organizations can assist with both through their mentoring and skill development programs. I remember always that life has little to do with what happens to me and 100% what I do about/with it. There is a quote I like to use from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA, “With adequate skill development and opportunity blindness can be reduced to the level of a nuisance”, and nothing could be closer to the truth. Helen Keller said many years ago, “There is nothing more tragic than someone who has sight, but no vision”. She also challenged the Lions Clubs of the world to become the “Knights of the Blind, and to take up the crusade against darkness”. I too joined a Lions Club in 1992 and continue to work on the crusade that Helen Keller began in the 1920-s.

GTT National Conference Call Summary Notes, Aira Smart Glasses, March 14, 2018

GTT National Conference Call.

 

Sponsored by the Canadian Council of the Blind

 

Summary Notes

 

March 14, 2018.

 

Theme:

Aira Smart Glasses; Our name is derived from two interesting sources: the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the ancient Egyptian mythological being and symbol known as the Eye of Ra (RA). Steeped in the mysteries of Egyptian mythology, the Eye of Ra has symbolized protection, healing and the power to perceive and interpret both the seen and unseen in the universe.

Check it out at:

https://aira.io/

 

Guests:

Jason Fayre, Debbie Gillespie and Victor Marques are using AIRA glasses and joined the GTT Nat Con Call to tell us about their experience so far.

 

  • AIRA has been around for about a year publicly and is based out of California. They connect users with live agents that can describe the environment, read printed info, and help guide the user through many life situations. Anything you might need eyes for, sort of like having a sighted person in your pocket.
  • It is similar to BeMyEyes, however the major difference is that Aira is not free.
  • BeMyEyes volunteers are not trained in sighted guide technique, nor are they always aware of issues related to blindness and vision loss, whereas all Aira agents are employed and well trained by the company.
  • Aira Agents sign agreements of confidentiality, and the user also signs an agreement regarding amount of information wanted and things they won’t be permitted to request, etc.
  • The presenters agreed they would not have a BeMyEyes agent read credit card information to them, but they may have an Aira agent read such info.

Price:

Cost of service is not cheap.  It needs to be more affordable to more people.

Most basic plan 89 dollars a month USD provides 100 minutes.

$199 USD Premium Plan

$329 USD unlimited plan

No specific Canadian pricing yet.

Victor Marques Said following the call:

A reminder, as I mentioned, that if you do decide to try AIRA, your first three months should be on a double minute promotion. Do not sign up straight away for the $329 unlimited plan because the $199 Premium plan comes with unlimited minutes for the first three months anyway. You can change plans as you wish at any time once you figure out what your usage will be.

 

Also, if a current explorer refers you, you’d get your second month of whichever plan you choose for free.  Feel free to contact any of us who presented tonight for further information so that we can arrange that for you.

 

How it works:

  • The user has an app on their smart phone and a pair of glasses with a camera mounted on the right-hand side.
  • The package includes a Mi-Fi connection device that connects the iPhone and the glasses with the Agent over a high priority high speed cellular connection.
  • The data the glasses use is not part of the user’s cell phone plan.
  • It does use a significant amount of data.
  • Data uses is included in your monthly subscription.
  • The data for the voice portion of the call goes through your cell phone but video does not.
  • Currently all agents are in the USA, so if you have no long distance cell plan to call the USA it could be more expensive to use Aira.
  • If users do not want to use the glasses, they can connect through the phone’s camera, however the call will use the cell phone’s data for the video portion, as well as the cell phone’s long distance charges.
  • You can minute share. Can have up to three users using 1 account.
  • More than one person can be on a call at the same time with agents, however only 1 pair of glasses is issued per subscription.
  • You can connect through your home Wi-Fi or use your phone as a hot spot, and you don’t have to have a North American plan to connect to Aira.
  • AIRA support is a regular long distance phone call to the USA, so if you don’t have a long distance plan on your cell phone it might be wise to Use your land line to call AIRA support.
  • Minutes are determined by the amount of time you use with an agent.

 

What is the advantage of wearing the glasses vs using the smart phone camera:

  • The glasses are good for navigation hands free.
  • Data is optimized for video streaming. Gets priority if wearing the glasses.
  • It is supposed to have better connection.
  • Aira is just about to release a new pair of glasses, which it is estimated will have a wider field of vision and higher resolution.
  • The camera on the phone is better for fine detail because it has higher resolution. For reading small print the phone camera might be better.
  • An agent may ask you to call back using your phone for fine detail.
  • They can take a photo for you in your app and it stays in the app that both the user and the agent can utilize in the future, like photos of people the user will want to recognize in group settings, etc. They can e-mail you photos and other information captured during a session.
  • Aira has apps for iPhone and android.
  • AIRA is not officially launched in Canada, however they are accepting new users.
  • The presenters weren’t sure when the official Canadian launch is slated to be announced.
  • They are currently shipping the Mi-Fi unit AT and T that connects with the Rogers network. It is assumed that Aira won’t work outside of Rogers’s cell coverage areas
  • The presenters recommended that people use AfterShokz or other bone conducting head phones with the glasses.
  • AIRA is your eyes not your brain, you need to be able to cross streets. It is imperative that users have good mobility. Aira can enhance but not replace those good skills to help users do what they want to do.
  • When working with an Aira agent they are trained not to talk to users while crossing streets.

 

When to use it:

  • Jason wanted to go to a store he had never been to before. He looked it up and got close to it by bus, and as there was no one around to offer guidance he contacted an agent and the agent guided him right to the door of the location. From the street, the store entrance was around the back of the building and through a large parking lot.
  • In addition to what the agent sees through the glasses, they have access to GPS so they can look around your location on a map.
  • Aira really helps in unfamiliar Cities, parts of your own City and/or construction areas.
  • You can give them an address and they will help guide you to it from where you are.
  • You can register your Uber and Lyft accounts and the agent can call them for you, and they will stay on the line to help you identify the car when it pulls up and that it is the correct one. They will also guide you to the door if the driver isn’t helpful in that regard.
  • The agents can read hand written charts and other paperwork in a work setting, or anywhere else.
  • They have been used by Victor’s wife for describing diagrams and visual things for University courses.
  • They are often used in busy airports for transferring to connecting gates, or for getting through the airport to begin with.
  • Victor told stories of times when their meet and assist did not show up, so they used Aira to quickly get to the next gate.
  • Aira is good for independent shopping to help find things.
  • Aira is good to use when travelling to a place you’ve never been, and might not ever go back to. Debbie indicated she is often required to go places once, so rather than learning the travel intricacies of accessing such locations she will use an Aira agent.
  • Some folks use Aira agents to read computer screens when screen readers fail to complete a task or action.
  • The presenters have used Aira to order an Uber.
  • Aira provides a convenience and independence factor.
  • After every call you can rate your experience.
  • When you sign up you do have to complete a user profile.
  • Each profile can have a documents/photo folder associated with it, which is available to the agent and/or the user.
  • The presenters indicated that agents will take/save a photo of someone you might wish to find during a conference or seminar, and they will help you find/identify that person when he/she walks in the room.
  • The user can correspond with agents by email to share documents, photos etc.

 

AIRA employment program:

  • Subscribers can use Aira for free for job seeking, guidance for visual resume proof-reading/preparation etc. without using minutes from their personal account.
  • Part of the over-all desire is to have employers pick up the cost of Aira once you are working.

 

How quickly do you get an agent, and do they try to link you with the same one:

  • They do not connect you to the same agent, but maybe if an agent has a specific expertise they might.
  • At this point most calls are connected in about a minute, and sometimes a little more.
  • Agents are available 7 AM to 1 AM eastern.
  • A rule of thumb is to let the agent know quickly and efficiently what you want to do so that minutes aren’t wasted with long explanations.
  • With the soon to be released new glasses Aira may be eliminating the need for Mi-Fi and the phone. Perhaps all will be built into one device instead of three as it currently stands.
  • It will be good if they include a push button on the glasses for answering/making the call.
  • The presenters indicated that there are too many parts right now, with a smart phone, the Mi-Fi device and the glasses that all need to be connected to each other in order for the system to work.
  • Also, the user has to make sure all these items are charged.
  • It was emphasized that users should always have a backup plan and independent mobility and orientation skills.
  • Debbie leaves the glasses and Mi-Fi on and pared so she can use it quickly.
  • The presenters indicated that having an agent guide you through touch screen devices isn’t always great.
  • They will identify whether or not it’s too dark, which limits their ability to assist.
  • Rural areas may pose issues if the Rogers cell coverage is weak or nonexistent.
  • All Aira plans include one set of glasses and the Mi-Fi device, and the user has to have a smart phone and a cellular service plan in place.
  • There are areas in Canada that do not have Rogers’s cell phone coverage and this might mean that Aira won’t be available in those areas.
  • The glasses are tinted and apparently quite stylish.
  • Some people think they are a little heavy to the right side due to the camera being mounted there.
  • When signing up each user gets an orientation.
  • The presenters were asked if people express problems with their having a camera built into their glasses, and all indicated they’ve never been asked to take the glasses off because of the camera.
  • If users plan to minute share all parties must have their own profile, and when signing up users receive an email and are taken to a profile page where they are asked questions like name, address, email, subscribe to Aira news, mobility skill level, how much description information do you want on a scale of 1-5, and the Type of directions, clock face, cardinal, or degrees, how much vision does the user have, is night blindness an issue, is the user a cane or dog guide user?
  • Users are also asked about their cause of vision loss, however that question is optional.
  • The average length of calls is about 8 minutes for Debbie.
  • Jason and Victor agreed that most of their calls are about 5 minutes long.
  • Victor when he was on the unlimited plan at the start of his use of Aira had the Kamloops Santa Claus parade described to him.
  • If you are running low you can purchase another block of 100 minutes for 50 dollars in a month, and your minutes roll over if unused.
  • If someone refers you you get a free month.
  • Aira has approached several businesses to sign them up as Aira subscribers, so when you use your Aira equipment there you do not use your personal minutes. In addition to some retail outlets, a few Airports in the USA have signed up. Check the Aira website for a listing of supportive businesses. Other places are some grocery stores, Disney world and some Museums.
  • You have to pay your monthly payment in advance by credit card which is kept on file.
  • The presenters were asked if wearing a hat effects the camera, and that only happens if the hat covers the camera that is mounted on the right arm of the glasses.
  • Some thought it might be good to use when looking for lost things, like keys, dog poop and the TV remote.
  • There are some operating buttons on the right side, and it’s a USB cord that is used to charge it.
  • One of the buttons tells you your battery status and the glasses do have a tiny speaker built-in.
  • When a user signs up it is a month to month contract.
  • If you run out of time for the month the agent will not cut you off during a call, and your remaining time can be checked in the app.
  • Like all cell phones and GPS devices, you cannot use them underground.
  • While connected to an Aira agent, you can put it in privacy mode so agent cannot hear or see you until you are out of privacy mode, like in washrooms and other private conversations and situations.
  • The agent sees about 60 degrees with the camera, whereas the human visual field is about 120 degrees. Jason and Victor indicated that the new glasses will have 120 degrees of vision.
  • The camera is good for distance, and not as good for close up or small print access.
  • Soon it will have features similar to the OrCam glasses, where it will read text and identify things in the immediate environment without the need for an agent or the use of precious minutes.
  • At this time Aira will not allow the user to call someone he/she knows through Aira, only trained agents.
  • The agent will tell you what object is in your path, or that the traffic light is green but he/she will not tell you it is safe to cross the street.
  • Some suggested that around the house one could use BeMyEyes unless hands-free is needed, then it might be better to call an agent through Aira.
  • An Aira agent can help you sign documents.
  • Some of the Aira agents have remote control app for computer and can remote in and click on something graphical on your computer that the screen reader can’t identify.

 

GTT National Conference Call Overview

  • GTT National Conference Call is a monthly discussion group of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
  • GTT National Conference Calls promote a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to present and discuss new and emerging assistive technology.
  • Each meeting consists of a feature technology topic, along with questions and answers about assistive technology.
  • Participants are encouraged to attend 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.
  • There are GTT groups across Canada as well as an email distribution list where assistive technology questions are provided by participants. You may also subscribe to the National GTT blog to get email notices of teleconferences and notes from other GTT chapters. Visit:

http://www.gttprogram.wordpress.com/

There is a form at the bottom of that web page to enter your email.

 

National GTT Email Support List

CCB sponsors a GTT email support list to provide help and support with technology for blind and low vision Canadians.  To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to:

GTTsupport+subscribe@groups.io

 

[End of Document]

 

 

Re-Post: Canadian Federation Of The Blind @CFBDotCa launches a six month study on the quality and availability of #DescriptiveVideoService in Canadian #MovieTheatres

Re-posted on behalf of Erik Burggraaf and the Canadian Federation of the Blind, CFB:

Hello,

 

I’m writing to let you know that the Canadian Federation Of The Blind (CFB) this week launched a six month study on the quality and availability of descriptive video service in Canadian Movie Theatres.

 

We’re asking blind theatre-goers who request dv equipment at their theatre to visit:

http://www.cfb.ca/blindside/?p=590, , link

 

and fill out the form to share their experience.  The form can be filled out multiple times, and we encourage participants to leave feedback for multiple movies if they have it.

 

We plan to use the feedback to interest theatres in providing more dv and raise the quality of the equipment that is available, but also to highlight areas or theatres who do descriptive video better to inform the blind public.

 

The Canadian Federation Of The Blind is an organization entirely comprised of blind people working to change what it means to be blind in Canada through training, advocacy,, and research by the blind for the blind.  To learn more about the Canadian Federation Of The Blind, visit:

http://www.cfb.ca

 

If you have questions about the study, please contact Kerry Kijewski at:

kkherheadache@gmail.com

 

For general questions about the CFB, please contact Erik Burggraaf at:

burggraaferik@gmail.com

Or Mary Ellen Gabias at:

president@cfb.ca

 

Thanks and regards,

 

Erik Burggraaf

 

GTT Victoria Summary Notes, Online Shopping, March 7, 2018

Get together with Technology (GTT) Victoria

 

A Chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind

In Partnership with

Greater Victoria Public Library

 

Summary Notes

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

GVPL Main branch, Community Meeting Room

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:20 pm by chair Albert Ruel, There was a bit of confusion in regards to the meeting date and use of the room, thus the slight delay in getting started.

 

Attendance, There were 18 individuals in Attendance.

 

Albert welcomed everyone to the meeting,

 

Albert started the meeting with an explanation about the CCB GTTSupport email list and explained the difference between it and the Blog. The list is enjoying tremendous success and he invited everyone to come check it out. Albert did warn perspective participants that due to the lists popularity, the volume of emails one receives from the list could be an issue for some people, but remember the delete button is only a finger reach and click away.

*Note: Links for both the GTTProgram Blog and GTTSupport email list are found at the bottom of these notes.

 

From there the discussion moved to today’s topic matter, online shopping, banking etc.

 

Some questions about Talking ATMs were addressed and one of the concerns was the need for the end user to provide there own ear buds or listening device. It seams that all ATMs seam to be standardised in regards to function control commands and that the 2 command blanks the screen, offering an extra layer of security for a VI user, using voice.

 

From there online banking and its security were discussed. Mike Carpenter, a former bank employee reconfirmed that a bank like RBC has the maximum amount of security built into there online banking platform. Companies like Amazon would have the same.

 

Online grocery ordering was discussed and the Save on foods service seamed to be the most accessible thus far. Thrifty’s has come a long ways and was also used by a few in attendance. For some individuals the Apps associated with both grocery stores seem to be a little more user friendly than going to the company’s website, although the websites appear to be very accessible.

 

Save-On-Foods Online Grocery Shopping Link:

Save-On Foods iOS App:

Save-On Foods Android App:

 

Thrifty Foods Online Grocery Shopping Link:

Thrifty Foods iOS App:

Thrifty Foods Android App:

 

The importance of dealing with reputable service providers was talked about and also using a service like PayPal for the financial transaction of the purchase was discussed. Using PayPal means only one company has your credit card info, and it too is a large multinational company with a high level of security.

 

Phishing scams were talked about at length and reputable places like banks will never ask you to click on a link to update and account. When in doubt, don’t click. And call the provider to see if they are needing or wanting some sort of information from you. Voice mail messages are also to be viewed as potentially suspicious.  When you receive an email message or voice mail suggesting there’s something wrong with your Visa account for example, instead of accessing the link or toll free number provided in the message, go back to the toll free number on the back of your credit card, or the direct link to their official site to inquire with your service provider in question.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45pm

 

Next meeting, Wednesday April 4 @ 1:00pm.

 

GTT Victoria Overview

  • GTT Victoria is a chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
  • GTT Victoria promotes a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to assist participants with assistive technology.
  • Each meeting consists of a feature technology topic, questions and answers about technology, and one-on-one training where possible.
  • 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.
  • There are GTT groups across Canada as well as a national GTT monthly toll free teleconference. You may subscribe to the National GTT blog to get email notices of teleconferences and notes from other GTT chapters. Visit:

http://www.gttprogram.wordpress.com/

There is a Follow link at the bottom of that web page to enter your email.

 

National GTTSupport Email distribution List

CCB sponsors a GTT email support list to provide help and support with technology for blind and low vision Canadians.  To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to:

GTTsupport+subscribe@groups.io

 

[End of Document]

 

CCB Tech Articles, Donna’s Low Tech Tips, Using the Touch Tone Telephone, March 19, 2018

March 19 2018

 

Hello there and I’m Donna Jodhan thanking you for allowing me to come into your inbox.

 

Today, I’d like to talk about how you go about using the telephone.

So here we go.

 

USING THE TELEPHONE

Touch Tone Telephones

 

 

* All touch tone telephones are identical in the display of the numbered buttons, making it                                    easy to memorize the location of each number.

 

Numbers are arranged in this way:

 

top row from left to right –  1 2 3

second row from left to right-  4 5 6

third row from left to right –  7 8 9

zero is in the centre of the fourth row.

Use your index finger to skim the buttons and locate the desired                 numbers.

 

* Try the three-finger method in which the second row of buttons (4,5, and 6) act as the home row:

Put your index finger on 4, your middle finger on 5 and your ring finger on 6.

With your index finger on 4, reach up to 1 or down to 7.  Likewise with your

middle finger on 5 it can reach up to 2, down to 8 and 0, and with your ring finger on 6 you can move it up to 3 and down to 9.

 

With practice, it won’t be long before you will be able to dial as fast as someone looking at the numbers.

(“Lefties” will have to reverse this process, just as with everything else in this right-                                   handed world.)

 

If you would like to become a member of  my CCB Mysteries chapter you can do so for the price of $10 annually and in return you will receive unlimitted access to either of the following libraries.

Recipes –

http://www.donnajodhan.com/library-recipes.html

Audio mysteries for all ages –

http://www.donnajodhan.com/library-audio-mysteries.html

Or you can subscribe to both for the price of $20 annually.

 

Have a super day and see you next week.

Donna

 

GTT New Westminster and Vancouver Summary Notes, Bluetooth Keyboards, February 20 and March 3, 2018

Get Together with Technology (GTT)

New Westminster and Vancouver Meetings

 

A Chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind

in partnership with

Blind Beginnings and

Vancouver Community College

 

Summary Notes

February 20 in New Westminster and March 3 in Vancouver, 2018

 

Attendance at both meetings totaled 17

 

Summary Notes on Bluetooth keyboards

 

John Ogilvie lead both discussions:

There are Bluetooth keyboards available for the IPhone and IPad.  Some are smaller and fold in half, and others are larger.

Using the keyboard, means you don’t have to use the touch screen and gestures

There are various keyboards which are slightly different

Quick Nav – left and right arrow together puts you in or out of this mode

When we are writing we turn it off, but when we’re reading we turn it on.

Swiping left and right with quicknav on is just using your arrow keys

To get to the top of the screen – control up arrow, or control down arrow to get to the bottom

When it says actions available you can use your up and down arrows to hear what options there are

Double tap on the keyboard is up and down arrow together

Hitting 2 takes you to level 2 headings

Option key with left or right arrow is to go back one word or forward one word – when writing

Command key is like the control key on a PC

Keyboard help allows you to touch any key on the keyboard to figure out where the keys are.

Control option K turns on the keyboard help

To exit keyboard help press Escape

Control option A is read from where your cursor is onwards

Mail

Control up arrow to top of mail

Right arrow will take you through each of your messages

Hit control to stop it from reading

Attachments are always at the bottom of the Emails and you can get there by doing a control down arrow

Up and down arrow together to select or open

Hold down an arrow can skip you forward or back quickly

Roter on the keyboard is up arrow with left arrow, or up arrow with eright arrow and then just arrow up or down to read.

When you are going through the list of your Emails you will hear actions available.  When you hear actions available you arrow up and down to hear the options.  Select more to get to reply

 

When you are moving your arrow to the right it puts your cursor to the right of the character, and when you are arrowing left, it puts your cursor to the left of the character

Option left and right brings you from one screen to the next

Skype

Works similarily to navigate around

Search button on the keyboard – type in what you are searching for

Use QuickNav to look through the options to find the one you want and select it with up and down arrow together

 

next meeting: March 20, 2018

Facebook – using the GTT group

 

For more information about GTT contact:

Shawn Marsolais                  Albert Ruel

Shawn@BlindBeginnings.ca         Albert.GTT@CCBNational.net

604-434-7243                        1-877-304-0968 Ext. 550

 

GTT New Westminster and Vancouver Overview

  • GTT New Westminster/ Vancouver is a chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
  • GTT New Westminster and Vancouver promote a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to assist participants with assistive technology.
  • Each meeting consists of a feature technology topic, questions and answers about technology, and one-on-one training where possible.
  • 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.
  • There are GTT groups across Canada as well as a national GTT monthly toll free teleconference. You may subscribe to the National GTT blog to get email notices of teleconferences and notes from other GTT chapters. Visit:

http://www.gttprogram.wordpress.com/

There is a form at the bottom of that web page to enter your email.

 

National GTT Email Support List

CCB sponsors a GTT email support list to provide help and support with technology for blind and low vision Canadians.  To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to:

GTTsupport+subscribe@groups.io

 

[End of Document]

 

Re-post: Statement to CELA patrons and supporters

Hi GTT Program Blog Readers.  I was asked by Karen McKay, Communications Manager, Centre for Equitable Library Access to distribute this statement.

 

Statement to CELA patrons and supporters

 

Over the weekend Global News released a story about the absence of federal funding for accessible book production in the 2018 federal budget. CNIB, one of our key production partners, raised the issue in letters to key members of the federal government which outlined the impact this decision would have for the estimated 3 million Canadians with print disabilities.

 

Federal funding for accessible book production is used to convert published works into accessible formats including human narrated audio, e-text, braille. Since its founding on April 1, 2014 CELA has been managing the collection guided by the CELA Collection Policy and library best practices. Without this funding for accessible book production, CELA’s ability to develop the collection and deliver new materials to patrons would be seriously constrained and would constitute a giant step away from the equitable library service we strive to deliver.

 

We fully support and thank the CNIB for their advocacy on behalf of Canadians with print disabilities. We were heartened to hear that the federal government has now reconfirmed its commitment to funding accessible book production and that it continues to work towards a long-term strategy for the production of accessible materials. CELA remains committed to providing accessible library services to our patrons through CELA member libraries across the country, and to working with the federal government and all stakeholders to devise a long-term solution.

 

GTT Edmonton Summary Notes, CELA Library Newspapers and General Tech Discussion, March 12, 2018

            Summary Notes

GTT Edmonton Meeting March 12, 2018

 

The most recent meeting of the Get Together with Technology (GTT) Edmonton Chapter was held March 12at 7pm at Ascension Lutheran Church 8405 83 Street in Edmonton.

20 people attended.

Reading Tip: These summary notes apply HTML headings to help navigate the document. With screen readers, you may press the H key to jump forward or Shift H to jump backward from heading to heading.

 

March Topics –CELA Library Newspapers and General Tech Discussion

 

CELA Online Newspapers

Gerry demonstrated the free online CELA Library newspaper service that allows you to read 50 local, regional, national and international daily newspapers directly from the CELA Library website.

 

CELA Membership Required

You must have a CELA member online account to use the newspaper service. The CELA online account is free for those with an Edmonton Public Library (EPL) card which itself is free. For Edmontonians who self identify as having a print disability, i.e., Blind, Low Vision, Learning disability, you can register online for free CELA membership or by going to an EPL branch. Membership not only gives you access to the newspapers but also the extensive CELA collection of audio and braille books and Bookshare’s online library of over 350,000 DAISY e-books. More about public library access was provided in the February meeting notes. If you want to talk to CELA customer support, you can reach them at 1-855-655-2273.

 

How to Read the Online Newspapers

  1. Once you have a CELA membership, start by going to the CELA home page. Then select the sign in link and enter your CELA account number and password. You can check to box to have your browser remember your password so that you don’t have to sign in everyday. Also, you may want to create a desktop icon to the CELA home page to quickly reach it everyday.
  2. On the CELA home page, select the Newspapers link. A list of all the newspapers will be displayed. This page also has links to a newspaper FAQ and tutorial. Each newspaper is a link so just activate the link of the newspaper you wish to read.
  3. Then a page will open for the selected newspaper. This page is an index of links to the various sections of the selected newspaper. Activate the link of the section you are interested in.
  4. Then a page will open that contains links to the articles of the selected section. Simply activate the link of the article you want to read.
  5. A screen opens with the article contents. At the bottom of each article are 3 links: the first will return you to the list of newspapers, the second to the index of sections within the current newspaper, and the third to the list of articles in the current section.

 

Note: Because the newspapers are just contained in a website, you can also perform the above steps on any computer or smartphone. Note also that only today’s edition of the newspapers are available. You cannot read prior issues.

 

General Tech Discussion

After the newspaper demo we had very good general discussion on topics such as:

  • Differences between Windows 7 and Windows 10
  • Pros & Cons of Windows browsers: Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. The general conclusion was that people should probably abandon Internet Explorer because Microsoft has already done so some years ago. Consequently, Internet Explorer does not work well with many web sites, frequently crashes, and is more vulnerable to security issues. Microsoft’s new browser called Edge is part of the Windows 10 operating system and is much more secure. However, screen readers are still not fully compatible with Edge, so, many are using Google Chrome or Firefox as their default browser.
  • It was asked how to set the default browser in Windows 10. Simply press the Windows key and type, “Default app”, (without the quotes) and press Enter. This will take you to the Windows 10 settings where you can see the various default programs for apps such as email, music player, browser etc. Press Enter on the browser button and you should be able to TAB through the apps available to you. Select the one you want and press Enter to set it as the default.
  • We discussed the importance of learning Windows keyboard shortcuts to be more productive. These shortcuts have nothing to do with screen readers and are available to all Windows users. They are necessary to learn if you cannot see to use the mouse or just to know because they are often more efficient than the mouse.
  • We talked about the built-in low vision accessibility features of Windows 10. To examine these features, press the Windows key and type, “Ease of access center”, (without the quotes) in the search box and press Enter. Recall that the February meeting notes provided extensive information about Windows 10 low vision access.
  • iPhone accessibility with the Voice Over screen reader. New member, Andrew, recommended a free app that is a Voice Over tutorial. It’s called VO Starter and can be found on the Apple app store at:
    https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/vo-starter/id586844936?mt=8

Also, recall that the February meeting notes provided a list of 12 basic gestures to get started using the iPhone with Voice Over.

Next Meeting (Monday April 9 at 7pm)

  • Our member, Wanda, has volunteered to demonstrate how she uses her Google Home Voice Assistant to help simplify daily tasks at home.
  • As always, for help with technology bring your devices and/or questions to the meeting.

 

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 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 Overview

  • GTT Edmonton is a chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
  • GTT Edmonton promotes a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to assist participants with assistive technology.
  • Each meeting consists of a feature technology topic, questions and answers about technology, and one-on-one training where possible.
  • 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.
  • There are GTT groups across Canada as well as a national GTT monthly toll free teleconference. You may subscribe to the National GTT blog to get email notices of teleconferences and notes from other GTT chapters. Visit:

http://www.gttprogram.wordpress.com/

There is a form at the bottom of that web page to enter your email.

 

National GTT Email Support List

CCB sponsors a GTT email support list to provide help and support with technology for blind and low vision Canadians.  To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to:

GTTsupport+subscribe@groups.io

 

[End of Document]

 

 

GTT Toronto Summary Notes, Accessing Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Information, March 15, 2018

Summary Notes

 

GTT Toronto Adaptive Technology User Group

March 15, 2018

 

An Initiative of the Canadian Council of the Blind

In Partnership with the CNIB

 

The most recent meeting of the Get Together with Technology (GTT) Toronto Group was held on Thursday, March 15 at the CNIB Community Hub.

 

*Note: Reading Tip: These summary notes apply HTML headings to help navigate the document. With screen readers, you may press the H key to jump forward or Shift H to jump backward from heading to heading.

 

March 2015 Topic – Accessing TTC Information:

 

GTT Toronto March 15, 2018 Meeting Summary can be found at this link:

 

Ian opened the meeting. Tonight’s topic is about aps related to the TTC, Toronto Transit Commission. Jason will be presenting.

Before talking about TTC, Jason wanted to let the group know that AIRA has launched unofficially in Canada. There will be an announcement upcoming, and a future GTT meeting will focus on it. It’s a visual assistant where the agents are trained and dedicated. It uses smart glasses with a camera, and your smart phone. The website is www.aira.io and it’s a subscription service. So far the pricing is in U.S. but they may launch Canadian pricing in the future. The official announcement should be next week.

Related to TTC, we’re going to cover new beacons at subway stations, transit aps, and the website, as well as the TTC texting service.

St. Clair subway station now has beacons. If you have BlindSquare turned on, you will get lots of information about the layout of the station as you move through it. There are 16 beacons arranged around the station. You don’t need the paid version of BlindSquare, you can use BlindSquare Event, which is the free version. The TTC hopes to roll this out to other stations eventually. At the moment, BlindSquare Event covers Bloor to Laurence, and Don Mills to Avenue Road. The purchase price is about $65. The beacons at St. Clair station is a pilot project. TTC approached CNIB, responding to feedback of passengers wanting more transit information. Bluetooth must be turned on in order for the beacons to work. There’s a setting in BlindSquare to turn Bluetooth beacons on and off. It’s on by default, but it’s worth checking if your not getting beacon information. You also may need to close BlindSquare and re-launch it. One user reported that beacons plus all the other information was overwhelming, and it can be helpful to change your settings to filter announcements.

A useful resource is to read subway station descriptions. If you want the layout of a subway station, the quickest way is to do a Google search for station description for the station you want. You’ll get a description of street exits and where they’re situated, how many levels the station has and what’s on each level, and roughly where on the platform stairs and elevators are located. You can also access these pages from the TTC website, but a Google search is the fastest way to get the information you want. One useful strategy is to pull this information off and put it into a document so you can download it onto a portable device, and keep it with you.

Jason then moved on to talk about the TTC trip planner. It used to be very good for helping to plan a rout, but it got taken over by Metrolinx, and they destroyed its accessibility. There’s a trip planner on the Triplinx ap which is somewhat useful. An advocacy representative from CNIB says that Metrolinx is working on it, but not quickly. She advised any concerned individuals to try and get on committees for Metrolinx to get our voices heard. There was a lot of frustration in the room over the issue. www.triplinx.ca has a feedback form, unlike the TTC website. Members encouraged each other to give feedback to them about the problem. TTC is obligated to use the regional Metrolinx platform, and it’s nearly impossible to retrofit the trip planner for accessibility. Members agreed that we as a group should take some sort of action. Ian offered to draft a letter, and Debbie G offered to find the right place to send it. Another member reported that, while it’s not a solution, you can call customer service and have them do a trip plan for you over the phone. Ian suggested to all members to take action on as many levels as possible using social media or direct contact with the TTC.

Jason moved on to speak about relevant aps. These give schedule information overall and in real time. Transit aps are generally free, but you need data or Y-Fi. An ap called Transit runs on iPhone and Android. Jason opened the ap to demonstrate. The main screen will show you routes nearby. Double tapping on a route/stop will give information for the same stop going the other way. The information is reading from GPS on the vehicles. It also tells you how long it would take to get an Uber from your location. It gives you times for the next 3 vehicles coming, the route name, and the stop. You can set routes as favourites so they’ll show up at the top. You can also activate something called, ride this route, which tells you the next few stops when you’re riding a vehicle. The accessibility is generally good. In some parts of the ap there’s a repeating message saying, “no places visible,” over and over. They know the bug, which is Voiceover related, and they’re working on fixing it for the next update. It’s available in multiple cities. The map data is updated as you move, so you’ll hear frequent clicks as you travel. If you’re on a street with many bus routes, it’s helpful to choose only the route you want, so that you’re not bombarded with information you don’t need, for example routes with multiple branches.

The next ap Jason discussed is called moovit, note the unusual spelling if you’re looking for it. Jason launched it to demonstrate. These aps generally don’t require much setup. They’ll ask for permission to access your location and permissions for notifications. The search function stores several of your previous searches. Debbie volunteered that the ap works best when you add frequent destinations to your favourites. That way you can populate your search field much more quickly. The walking directions get better when it’s in favourites too. Jason demonstrated running a trip plan. There are fields for start and end points, then you get options of routes, which give you how long the trip will take, and how accessible the transfer points are. You can activate a button that tracks you as you move through the trip, and warns you that your stop is approaching.

Jason tried an ap called NextBus, but found it not very accessible. It’s the TTC recommended ap, which feeds data to other aps, but it’s not as accessible as Moovit or Transit.

Jason then went on to describe the texting function for scheduling. Every stop has a 4 or 5 digit number associated with it. If you text the TTC at 898883, then put the stop number in the body of the text, it will send you the next 3 arrivals in real time. If you’re at a stop with multiple routes, enter the stop number, a space, then the route number. If you put the word, “help” in the body of the message, it will come back with assistance. Stop numbers are posted at each stop on a visual sign, and also available on the TTC website. You can also call customer service to get stop numbers. You can subscribe to TTC e-services, and receive email notifications when there are service disruptions on lines you care about. There’s also a Twitter feed put out by the TTC with alert information going out in real time. Some aps will allow you to request notifications about disruptions on routes of your choice.

 

Upcoming Meetings:

  • Next Meeting: Thursday, April 19 at 6pm
  • Location: CNIB Community Hub space at 1525 Yonge Street, just 1 block north of St Clair on the east side of Yonge, just south of Heath.
  • Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 6pm.

 

GTT Toronto Adaptive Technology User Group Overview:

  • GTT Toronto is a chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
  • GTT Toronto promotes a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to assist participants with assistive technology.
  • Each meeting consists of a feature technology topic, questions and answers about technology, and one-on-one training where possible.
  • 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.
  • There are GTT groups across Canada as well as a national GTT monthly toll free teleconference. You may subscribe to the National GTT blog to get email notices of teleconferences and notes from other GTT chapters. Visit:

http://www.gttprogram.wordpress.com/

There is a form at the bottom of that web page to enter your email.

 

ACB Commends Senate on WIPO Treaty Introduction | American Council of the Blind

ACB Commends Senate on WIPO Treaty Introduction | American Council of the Blind
— Read on acb.org/WIPO-treaty-intro

CCB Tech Articles, Donna’s Low Tech Tips, The Talking Microwave, March 12, 2018

Sorry folks, it seems my first attempt at posting this tip required a password.  That was not the intention.

March 12 2018

Meet the talking microwave

 

Hi there!  It’s Donna and thank you for allowing me to come into your inbox.  As mentioned in my previous blog, I would like to concentrate on the lower levels of technology and today I’d like you to meet the talking microwave.

 

I am happy to tell you that just a few years ago, I got introduced to the talking microwave and since then I have used this gem every day in my kitchen.  The model that I bought at that time was by Hamilton Beech and I am sure that since then there have been additional improvements and other companies manufacturing and selling talking microwaves.

 

Sadly enough though, this product has been discontinued but I am very sure that there are other similar microwaves out there that offers similar functionality.

 

So what can I do with this talking microwave model?  Well, I can do such things as:

Cook or warm food at specified times.

Cook or warm specific foods.

Defrost frozen foods.

Cook and warm food by weight.

Set my timer.

Set my clock.

 

I can warm and or cook anything from frozen to fresh vegetables, potatoes, soups, popcorn, a dinner plate, pizza, and beverages.

 

That’s my talking microwave and I hope you will go out there and make friends with the one that is being sold at Independent Living Aids.

Visit www.independentlivingaids.com

 

If you would like to become a member of  my CCB Mysteries chapter you can do so for the price of $10 annually and in return you will receive unlimitted access to either of the following libraries.

Recipes –

http://www.donnajodhan.com/library-recipes.html

Audio mysteries for all ages –

http://www.donnajodhan.com/library-audio-mysteries.html

Or you can subscribe to both for the price of $20 annually.

 

Have a super day and see you next week.

Donna

 

 

CCB Newsletters: BC-Yukon Division Winter Newsletter, March 2018

British Columbia – Yukon Division

PO Box 531, Chilliwack Main Stn., Chilliwack, BC  V2P 7V5

604-795-3885 OR 1-800-874-4666 – ccbbc-yukondivision@telus.net

Website http://www.ccbbcyukon.com – Facebook CCB BC-Yukon Division

 

Under the Distinguished Patronage of Her Honour

The Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC

Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia

 

Winter 2018 News

 

Hello, everyone! I am sure that you have been very busy over the last couple of months with Christmas and New Year’s holidays and all the festive gatherings. We apologize for the delay in sending this issue and although it is almost Spring, sharing of information is always valuable regardless of the season. Please take note of the fundraising deadline for the CBSVI Chapter as noted in their article that is fast approaching.

 

In this edition of the newsletter, I am writing the president’s message on behalf of Ann McNabb as she is unable to correspond with you at this time due to a very busy schedule and the upcoming Annual General Meeting. More importantly, her husband Gerry has been hospitalized for the past several weeks and Ann has been battling a bad cold. We all of course wish both of them a very speedy recovery. While Ann is distracted I am going to sneak in an official CONGRATULATIONS to  Ann and Gerry as they were married on December 16, 2017. I’m confident that you will all join me in wishing them a long and happy future together!

 

Just a reminder that the CCB BC-Yukon Division 2018 AGM and Workshop will be held at the Best Western Plus Langley Inn 5978 Glover Road on Wednesday April 25th. This year’s Workshop will be Emergency Preparedness. Details and delegate registration forms have been sent to all chapters and all member and chapter dues must be paid in order to be deemed in good standing. Please plan to attend or send a delegate from your Chapter. It’s an opportunity to share ideas and experiences, learn from one another, meet new friends and reconnect with old ones while having fun.

 

We are all looking forward to spring as this year it seems to be coming late, and note there is still a lot of snow across the province.  I congratulate you on your White Cane Week events as I know there were many chapter activities taking place; read on to hear more about WCW happenings.

 

With plans underway for spring and summer activities, I am sure you are very busy. Hopefully you have some very original ideas for events and it would be greatly appreciated if you can share these ideas so they can be printed in our next news letter.

 

I have been enjoying my participation as co-host in the Division monthly chapter call in sessions and encourage all of you to take part. Further details are included in this newsletter.

 

I look forward to seeing you all at the 2018 CCB AGM in Langley. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at any time at 1-604-485-5028 should you have any comments, questions and/or concerns. Your Division Board of directors are here to assist wherever possible. – Submitted by Geraldine Braak Division 1st Vice President

 

 

Membership Tidbits///

For assistance with membership matters please contact your Division National Representative Lori Fry at 250-395-2452 or ODIFRY@shaw.ca; Judy Macdonald at 250-706-0233 or judymacdonaldccbassistant@yahoo.ca  or the Division office.

 

 

 Chapter Call in Sessions///

Calling all Chapters.  Chapter Call In Sessions will continue to be hosted by two CCB BC-Yukon Division Directors. We encourage all chapters to get involved in this opportunity to share information and ideas. To participate please dial 1-866-351-5099 and enter the one time participation code that will be sent to you in a reminder email prior to the session date.

.

In 2018, the Call In Sessions are scheduled on Thursdays at 10:00 AM as follows:  March 15th, April – no session due to Division AGM, May 17th, June 14th, July and August – no sessions for summer break, September 20th, October 18th, November 22nd and December 13th.

 

 

White Cane Week (WCW) 2018///

Article from the Comox Valley Record – Terry Farrell, Editor

Sent to all Black Press websites in BC

 

For 72 years, the first week in February has been “White Cane Week” in Canada.

 

This year, thanks in large part to the work of Comox resident Pat Chicquen, Feb. 4-10 will also be White Cane Week in the province of British Columbia.

 

Chicquen, the 2nd vice-president of the Canadian Council of the Blind, BC-Yukon Division, spearheaded the campaign to have the nationally-celebrated week recognized at the provincial level. She received word of the provincial decision by way of email last month, along with the official proclamation

 

The document, signed by BC Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon, and Attorney General David Eby, reads in part:

“WHEREAS since 1946, the first full week of February has traditionally been ‘White Cane Week’ in Canada due to the initiative of the Canadian Council of the Blind, and WHEREAS the objective of White Cane Week is to provide education and awareness of vision loss to British Columbians through a network of special events and hands-on demonstrations throughout the province, and–WHEREAS White Cane Week has evolved to reflect the changing situations of the blind community and has begun to emphasize equal capabilities and talents of people who are blind and partially sighted, and WHEREAS with the province’s aging population, all British Columbians need to be better informed about the effects of vision loss and to work towards creating more supportive, inclusive communities; NOW KNOW YE THAT, We do by these presents proclaim and declare February 4 to 10, 2018 shall be known as ‘White Cane Week’ in the Province of British Columbia.”

 

“We have never thought about pursuing this before,” said Chicquen, of her motivation to push for the provincial designation of White Cane Week. “So I had this idea do it and I started it… I just feel that people need to be better educated about the blind, and about sight loss in our country.

“Every day in our country, 135 people are pronounced legally blind, or blind.”

 

It is a steadily growing community, but Chicquen said there are steps that could be taken to prevent, or at least slow its growth.

“Optometrist visits are so important,” she said. “At least once a year, or once every two years. So many people say ‘why would I go to the optometrist; I can’t afford glasses.’ But can you afford glaucoma, or all those other things that are basically now arrestable? So many people say they can’t afford it, but they can afford 20 cups of coffee, or the other things that they do. Things like teeth can be replaced. Eyes can’t.”

Community chapters of the Canadian Council of the Blind are known as White Cane Clubs, of which there are 29 in the province.

The Comox Valley White Cane Club meets the first Tuesday of the month, at Berwick Comox Valley (1700 Comox Ave.).

“We are sitting at 41 (members) right now, and we have a couple more who are likely to join,” said Chicquen who is the president of the Comox Valley White Cane Club.

 

The next Comox Valley White Cane Club meeting is Feb. 6 at 1 p.m.

 

 

2018 WCW HAPPENINGS AROUND THE PROVINCE///

 

CCB 100 Mile House & District Chapter – Although a good media campaign took place during White Cane Week including the promotion of the provincial WCW Proclamation, the scheduled annual open house had to be postponed due to extreme cold tempatures and snow storms. The Chapter will be re-scheduling this event for early spring as it is never too late to promote WCW! – Submitted by Lori Fry

 

CCB Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired – Camp Bowen attended the White Cane Week event at Park Royal shopping centre. The event, which is always a great opportunity to connect with individuals and organizations within the blind, visually impaired, and deaf blind community, was a great success. Alex Jurgensen and Peg Mercer were at the Camp Bowen and AEBC table, where we offered information about our programs, Braille bookmarks, and our Braille puzzle books for sighted readers, the latter two by donation. It ran from 10 AM to 2:30 PM on Thursday, February 8 at the South mall section of Park Royal Shopping Centre in West Vancouver. All in all, it was a successful event with much networking being done between Camp Bowen, community members, and other organizations. – Submitted By The Camp Bowen Team

 

CCB Campbell River Chapter – We were at the Indoor Market on Saturday, February 3rd and 10th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm giving out info and talking to people. We had a Banner made for our White Cane Table and other Promos. Kelvin Adams suggested the idea and it turned out really well. It has a yellow background like our buttons, large white letters with a black outline, the words WHITE CANE Chapter in black smaller lettering. The banner includes lettering from the CCB letterhead and the two blue figures joining arms as well as the GTT lettering and the meaning of the letters. It is 6 feet long by about 2 feet high. – Submitted by Lorraine Welch

 

CCB Comox Valley Chapter – We had a great White Cane Week. We spent five days in malls talking to people and getting donations. We had draws for gift cards and a basket that were donated by local grocery stores. The best thing is we got two guest speakers and a new member.  Another plus is our club members get to know each other a lot better chatting to each other. Many thanks to our members that came out to help. – Submitted by Pat Chicquen

 

CCB Kamloops WC Chapter – February 6th, the Safeway manager on Fortune Drive and two staff members wore simulator glasses with 20/200 and 20/600 visual acuities. They used my white cane while wearing the glasses to shop in their own store which they thought they knew well. They experienced the clutter in the aisles and looking for products [they did this for 45 minutes]. Six members from the WCC were there to observe. The response from the manager and staff was very positive and we were invited to come back.

 

February 8th, White Cane Luncheon at Cottonwood Manor.  Our guest speaker was Lion Wanda who spoke on their Guide Dog program.  35 door prizes had been collected and given out at the luncheon.

 

February 9th, Myself and 3 WCC members visited two elementary schools. Children wore simulator glasses to experience different level of vision loss and white cane use, learned about Braille and learned about Goalball.  I also shared the 100 centennial of CNIB and beginning of CCB.   – Submitted by Les Nolin

 

CCB Penticton Chapter – This year we tried something different, we held a coffee party at a local care facility.  We gave information out and held a question and answer period.  It was well received and would consider doing this again. – Submitted by Irene Warlow

 

CCB Provincial Book Club – The Provincial Book Club had an information table this year on the Friday of White Cane Week.  I had help from the Kelowna Lioness, of whom I am a member.  We had balloons and a goodie basket for people to enter for free.  The lady who won it, took the balloons as well and was very happy with them.  We had a donations can, from which we received $21.00. I couldn’t have done it without the assistance of the Kelowna Lioness Club. – Submitted by Kathy Sanness

 

CCB Vancouver Arts and Culture Lovers Chapter-

On February 8 White Cane Week was celebrated for its 6th year in a row! Thanks to the help of Park Royal Shopping Centre, our vendors had a space to gather. This year we were offered a spot in the malls centre court area because our typical spot had a leak in the roof. This meant we had much more public exposure! We have been told by the mall administration that we will not be offered this location again, but you know me, I am going to gently push for it anyway…we will see what happens next year! We had great vendors and supporters again this year including:  The Canadian Council of the Blind, Get Together with Technology (CCB), Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired (CCB), Canadian Assistive Technology, Accessible Media Inc., VocalEye Descriptive Arts Society, BC Blind Sports, BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, CNIB, Canadian Braille Services, Alliance for the Equality of Blind Canadians, Leash of Hope, The North Shore Advisory Committee on Disability Issues,  Local Library Services, Capilano K9 Collars, Blind Beginnings, The Blind Beader and the Alliance for the Equality of Blind Canadians.

 

Yup, that is a lot! We had some fantastic volunteers on hand all day! White Spot donated us wraps, salads, fries and sodas. Loblaw’s City market donated us muffins, Danish’s, cookies and strudels…there was no shortage of food! And Second Cup donated us tea and coffee for the day. A BIG THANK YOU to all who came out and made this day such a success!

 

Two guests stood out for me and I wanted to share with you their stories. One lady came by asking for information on behalf of her 101 year old husband, a man who has had a stroke and is losing his eyesight to macular degeneration but otherwise seems to be in great health and spirits. His major complaint was that he could no longer read the time on a bedside clock. Angela, the wife, had searched high and low for something in the regular marketplace that had large and bold print with high contrast…but to no avail! When she found me I asked her if it was important for her husband to “see” the clock of if he would be interested in a clock he could “hear”. Well, Angela had never entertained that thought before nor did she know that talking clocks were so available. I took her over to receive a demonstration…a clock with a large push button that, when activated, spoke out the date and time. Angela was thrilled!!! She was so thankful and expressed to me that this was such a simple solution that she would have never found on her own. That made my day. Secondly was a mother and daughter. The mother, a woman in her eighties, lives in Surrey and the daughter in West Vancouver. When Shelly, the daughter, read our ad in the North Shore News, she arranged to bus out to Surrey, meet up with her mother and bus back to experience the event. I had a lovely conversation with them both – the mother is having a hard time adjusting to her changing eyesight but found a lot of useful implements that can make daily living just a little easier…and we all know what a big deal that actually is when you find something that achieves a basic result, like a liquid leveler so you can pour your coffee in the morning. Shelly and her mother visited every table and came back to me to share all the valuable information they received and loved being able to interact with the guide and service dogs…a rare occasion when that happens but an opportunity to educate the public on service dog etiquette. Shelly actually won the draw for the $100 Park Royal Gift Card, and she was thrilled. She even asked if we would be back the following day because she would be interested in coming back…this is actually a comment I get every year from at least one person. So we make a difference, even if we just reach one person who needs the resources that we are offering, it is worth all the organization, the expense and effort. As

 

you all may know, I arrange WCW by myself and not part of a chapter. When I started with CCB I was a solo and the mission to get resources to my local community about sight loss services was very personal, and still is. So I reached out to my community connections and put things together- thus the tradition continues in this manner and the mission and goal is still very personal to me.

Thank you to CCB for the financial support, it would not be possible to host such a large event without that. I hope you all found a unique way to celebrate White Cane Week – Submitted by Amy Amantea

 

A reminder to all chapters to take advantage of the Division’s WCW Subsidy and submit receipts for up to $100 to help offset the costs of your events. The deadline for submission of receipts’ is March 31, 2018. If you have any questions please contact Pat Chicquen at 250-339-3904 or patchicquen@hotmail.com  or the Division office.

 

 

***MORE CHAPTER HAPPENINGS

 

CCB 100 Mile House & District chapter///

We are please to report that the Fall 2017 annual Diamond Raffle was yet another success. The South Cariboo is an extremely generous and supportive community and with the on-going leadership of our president Marilyn Vinson and the involvement of members, this chapter fundraiser has become rather iconic. The chapter also continues their fundraising partnership with the local Cedar Crest Society. For the past two and one half years, chapter members staff the local Thrift Store on Sundays and in return, the chapter receives all proceeds from Sunday sales. This has become a steady source of revenue; is social and fun; as well as a great platform to offer information and create awareness of vision loss to the general public on a regular basis. – Submitted by Lori Fry

 

CCB Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired///

2018 is barely three months old and spring is just around the corner but there are already several announcements from the team here at Camp Bowen we hope you will enjoy. In this edition of Happenings At Camp Bowen, find out how to get some tasty treats while supporting our programs, get details on our work on the Canadian Blindness Services project, find out about what we’re doing to support literacy of blind, visually impaired, and deaf blind Canadians, learn about a new way to keep up with our news, discover where the team was during White Cane Week, and read about our time at Bowfest, Bowen Island’s local community fair. Also in this edition we have some sponsors to recognize.

 

WE’RE HOPPING WITH EXCITEMENT!

Easter will be here before you know it, bringing with it family get togethers, Easter egg hunts for the children, and, of course, lots and lots of chocolate. This year, it is also bringing an opportunity for you to get your fix of Purdy’s delicious chocolates while supporting programs benefiting blind, partially sighted, and deaf blind Canadians. Spring into Easter with both featured items for Easter and regular favourites such as: Easter baskets, Baby Bunnies, Bobbity Bunny – Milk Salted Toffees, Topsy Bunnies, Bunny Bags, Peanut Butter Eggs, Yolk Eggs, Caramel Eggs, Petit Pastels, Georgia Plushies, Jelly Beans, Sweet Georgia Browns, Hedgehogs, Easter Tins – and much more!

 

Purdy’s has been making chocolates in Vancouver since 1907, and it’s still where they craft all your favourites today. Purdy’s uses only the highest quality ingredients like Canadian dairy, crunchy nuts that are roasted in-house, and only 100% sustainable cocoa. On top of supporting the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired, every purchase you make helps improve the lives of cocoa farmers in rural communities. Easter is just around the corner and Purdy’s chocolates are great treats to offer your friends and family over supper, during an easter egg hunt, or just because. After all, who ever needed an excuse to eat chocolate?

Place your order online now! The link below will take you to our online campaign:  https://www.purdysgpp.com/775393

You pay the same as you’d pay in-store or online, and the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired gets 25% of sales.

You will need to register by entering your first name, last name, email address and creating a password. Once registered and logged in, you should be directed to the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired Easter Fundraiser Campaign page. From there you are able to: invite other members, shop online, and pay for your orders. Orders can be picked up at our three pickup locations: Vancouver, Surrey, and Bowen Island. Pickup will take place on the dates below. Please call +1 (604) 947-0021 before March 21, 2018 to arrange a pickup date, time, and location. You don’t pay for shipping!

 

Pickup Dates and locations:

Bowen Island:

Where: In front of the library

When: Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 3:15 to 6:45 PM (Call +1 (604) 947-0021 and press 2 to arrange a pickup time)

 

Surrey:

Where: 5737 180 St., Surrey, BC

When: Friday, March 23 to Thursday, March 29, 2018 (Call +1 (604) 947-0021 and press 2 to arrange a pickup time)

 

Vancouver:

Where: 1720 West 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC

When: Friday, March 23 to Thursday, March 29, 2018 (Call +1 (604) 947-0021 extension 105 to arrange a pickup time)

 

Don’t miss the order deadline:  March 12th

We thank you in advance for your support of programs benefiting blind, partially sighted, and deaf blind Canadians.

 

Please feel free to call us at +1 (604) 947-0021 with any questions you may have about this fundraiser or our program offerings.

From all of us at Camp Bowen, have a happy Easter.

 

Introducing Canadian Blindness Services

The Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired welcomes Canadian Blindness Services to our family of projects. Canadian Blindness Services is designed to be a central and collaborative information exchange and services hub for individuals, families, organizations, and businesses participating within the blind, visually impaired, and deaf blind community in Canada. We believe that collaboration between those involved in the blind, visually impaired, and deaf blind community is important because together, we are stronger. We also understand the need to connect those who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf blind, as well as their families, with information and resources, and we seek to meet this need. This project can be found at canadianblindnessservices.com

Canadian Blindness Services is still in the beginning stages. As always, your feedback is welcome. Feel free to contact Canadian Blindness Services via the contact us link on the project’s website.

 

Camp Bowen Books Project Launches on World Braille Day

“Access to communication in the widest sense is access to knowledge, and that is vitally important for us if we [the blind] are not to go on being despised or patronized by condescending sighted people. We do not need pity, nor do we need to be reminded we are vulnerable. We must be treated as equals – and communication is the way this can be brought about.”

 

Louis Braille

209 years ago, Louis Braille was born in Coupvray, France. He would later go on to develop Braille, the reading and writing system widely in use by blind people today. It is in his honour that World Braille Day is celebrated. It falls each year on January 4, commemorating his birthday.

 

We are very pleased to be announcing our contribution to the literacy of blind, partially sighted, and deaf blind readers. The project launched last month on World Braille Day and we’re very pleased to be able to share it with you now in this newsletter. So, without further ado, here it is, adapted from our original announcement.

 

It is with great excitement that we announce that the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired has now been made a publisher of accessible books by Library and Archives Canada as part of the new Camp Bowen Books Project. The project compliments our summer camps and training initiatives and will not be taking resources away from either. The Camp Bowen Books project aims to produce books in a variety of accessible formats including electronic text, audio, Braille, and others. We don’t plan to stop at the production of accessible books, though. We want to get them into the hands of as many people as possible. To that end we will be offering the books we produce to the public library system and through our website so that they can be enjoyed by readers everywhere, sighted or not. To find out more about the project, visit the “books” tab of the Camp Bowen website.

Like with most things we do at Camp Bowen, volunteers are central. If you would like to volunteer to become a book producer, audio narrator, proof reader, or have another idea on how you can help, please get in touch via the contact page on our website.

We look forward to making this world a more accessible place and doing our part to close the gap between inaccessible and accessible books. We sincerely hope you will join us on this exciting journey.

 

Introducing the Camp Bowen Newsline

We are pleased to introduce the Camp Bowen newsline, a new way to access Camp Bowen news via our telephone system. From now on, all articles on the website will also be available in an audio format by calling either +1 (604) 947-0021 or +1 (844) MYBOWEN (692-6936) and pressing 1. We hope you will find this feature useful. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us.

 

Camp Bowen at Bowfest 2017

The Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired was at Bowfest on Bowen Island on Saturday, August 26. Peg, Jessica, Jocelyn, and Alex were on site to run our two booths and interact with the Bowen Island community. At one booth, the society sold Braille puzzle books that challenged sighted people to decode the Braille messages. We also sold customized Braille bookmarks. At our other booth, Bowfest attendees had a chance to try Showdown, a sport for the blind similar to air hockey and table tennis, that was developed right here in BC by two blind men. Thanks to the Bowfest committee and all the volunteers who helped make the day a success. We look forward to returning next year.

 

 

 

 

Supporter Spotlight

In this month’s Supporter Spotlight, we would like to recognize the following:

 

– The Royal Canadian Legion Cloverdale Branch #6 for their monetary contribution

– Digitally Hip Corporation, David McCullum, and Emily Erickson McCullum for their dedication and financial assistance in acquiring local Bowen Island phone numbers

– The Bowfest organizers for their continued generosity and support.

 

Our supporters are the only reason we are able to continue offering the kinds of programs we do. If you would like to make a contribution by cheque, money order, or online, please visit the below link for instructions.

https://campbowen.ca/donate/

 

As always, if you would like to know more information about Camp Bowen or our various projects, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. WE can be reached by phone at +1 (604) 947-0021 or +1 (844) MYBOWEN (692-6936). Alternately, we can be reached by any of the methods at: https://campbowen.ca/contact/

Submitted by The Camp Bowen Team

 

CCB Dogwood Coquitlam Chapter///

Just a short note about the success of one of our volunteers, Kiyo Breitting, in bringing blind tennis to the Lower Mainland. Blind tennis was first started in 1984 in Japan. It uses a regular tennis ball with a rattler core that makes a sound when it hits the ground. Although the size of the racquet remains constant the length of the handle is shorter and is based on your degree of vision loss. The ultimate goal is for a partially sighted person to hit the ball on two bounces while a totally blind person is allowed three bounces. Kiyo has been working with our Dogwood group the last year offering us blind tennis as another form of activity other than table bowling. She recently made contact with BC Blind Sports who in co operation with Parks and Rec for the City of Coquitlam has set up a weekly session on Monday from 4:30 to 6 at Pinetree Community Centre. This location is easily accessible by skytrain. Should this sound like something you would like to try please contact BC Blind Sports or our Dogwood Club at whitecane@shaw.ca . – Submitted by Pat Roy

 

CCB Kelowna Blind Curlers Chapter///

TEAM CANADA SWEEPS ITS WAY TO GOLD

Team Canada based out of Kelowna was successful in defending the Canadian vision Impaired championship that was won last February, 2017.  The team was made up of skip Donna Loewen, third Frank Costello, second Brian Lechelt, lead Bill Mah, sweeper Kent Stewart, on ice guide Dan Martell and coach Carol McAstocker.  Team Canada had a record of 4 and 2 after the round robin portion of the tournament.  Alberta also had a record of 4 and 2.  We got the bye to the finals based on the fact that we beat Alberta in the round robin portion of the spiel. We played team Ontario in the final and won 6 4.

 

The competition was keen as Alberta and BC tied with a record of 4 and 2 and no less then 4 other teams had records of 3 and 3 which required tie breakers to decide who would play in the semifinals.  Bill Mah of team Canada made the all-star team as lead.

 

The weather in our nation’s capital was cold but the hospitality was warm. Our thanks go out to the committee and volunteers for a very successful bonspiel. – submitted by Bill Mah

 

CCB Penticton Chapter///

The Chapter Christmas party was held in December 2017 with a gift exchange, everyone enjoyed themselves and the plentiful good food. The chapter will hold a volunteer lunch in April to celebrate volunteer month.  – Submitted by Irene Warlow

 

CCB Provincial Book Club Chapter///

The CCB, BC-Yukon Division Book Club is always seeking additional members, so if you’re interested in joining the Book Club please contact Kathy Sanness or Albert Ruel directly.  Contact info is found at the bottom of this article.

 

The following is a list of books the group decided to undertake over the coming months.

 

March 24th: Deadly safari, Author: McQuillan, Karin.;

April 28th: The Orenda, Author: Boyden, Joseph

May 26th: From This Moment On, Author: Twain, Shania.;

June 23rd: Mandala, Author: Buck, Pearl S.; (Pearl Sydenstricker);

 

Other books discussed were:

The Twelfth Mile, Author: Perrault, Ernest G.;

The Child Finder, Author: Denfeld, Rene.;

Wenjack, Born with a tooth, Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont, Through black spruce and Three day road, Author: Boyden, Joseph;

Elephants Graveyard, Author: McQuillan, Karin.;

A brief history of time: from the big bang to black holes, Author: Hawking, S. W.; (Stephen W.) Carl Sagan;

The Immortalists, Author: Benjamin, Chloe;

Wicked Intentions, Maiden Lane Series, Author: Hoyt, Elizabeth.

 

For those who RSVP to join the Book Club monthly conference call, Kathy will circulate the toll free number and call-in code.

The meeting takes place from 9:00 to 10:00 AM Pacific Time on the 4th Saturday of each month.

 

For further information contact:

Kathy Sanness, President at 778-484-2298 or ksanness@telus.net

Albert Ruel, Secretary at 250-240-2343 or  albert.GTT@CCBNational.net

 

VocalEye Descriptive Arts Society:///

As you may remember, VocalEye was a CCB chapter but last year we grew so large that we needed to apply for our own charitable status. We found ourselves writing so many tax receipts, many of them very small, but the paperwork was getting very complicated and so we started the application process.

 

VocalEye has transitioned its members to a chapter by a new name, The Vancouver Arts and Culture Lovers Chapter. This means we can now focus on just social activities and our members get together to see accessible arts and cultural events throughout the metro Vancouver area and usually tag on a social lunch or dinner is possible. The good news is that VocalEye has now been approved as a charity and our new Registered Charity Number: 80166 6702 RR0001. We will send tax receipts for ANY amount that is donated so we hope that you will consider us when making your charitable contributions.

 

Coming up this spring, VocalEye will be describing the following shows. As always, you can visit their website for full show details and how to take advantage of the Theatre Buddy Program (sighted guide assistance from a transit meet up location to the theatre venue and back), as well as the Ticket Access Program. We were donated $1000 to help people with sight loss who may have financial barriers to going to the theatre. The TAP is a pilot project only available in Vancouver, at this time, and will help subsidize the cost of a ticket for one patron with sight loss and one companion ticket.  Sign up is easy and discrete and all the details are available at (www.vocaleye.ca)

 

UPCOMING SHOWS:

“Onegin”Described on Saturday March 3, 2018 at 4 pm at the Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey | 604-501-5566 | https://www.google.ca/maps/place/13750+88+Ave,+Surrey,+BC+V3W+3L1/@49.1626,-122.841187,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x5485d9ec7129e19f:0xd64032af83d69f8bThe Arts Club on Tour comes to Surrey.  Tickets are $29 for VocalEye users, while they last. (eligable for TAP)Please call the Box Office to purchase at 604-501-5566. Described by Rick Waines

 

Pronounced “oh-Nyay-gun” and the winner of ten Jessie Richardson theatre awards, this lush, passionate and acclaimed new musical about trying not to fall in love is based on the famous Russian poem by Pushkin and the opera by Tchaikovsky. When Onegin, a dashing but jaded aristocrat from St. Petersburg, inherits his uncle’s estate in the country, his arrival sets hearts afire and stirs the embers of jealousy. Even the reclusive young Tatyana falls hopelessly under the spell of the aloof Onegin, and professes her love for him. Will playing with lonely Russian hearts reap heartbreak or romance?

 

“Sequence”

Described on Saturday March 17 at 8 pm and Saturday March 24 at 8 pm at Presentation House, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver Tickets are priced at $20 for VocalEye users with Promo Code SEQ2018. Please call 604-990-3474 to purchase. VocalEye’s new Ticket Access Program provides rebates for those in financial need. Please contact buddies@vocaleye.ca for details. Running time is 80 minutes, no intermission. Described by Eileen Barrett

 

We are always thrilled to partner with Realwheels, but especially so on this production, which stars our very own Amy Amantea playing the role of Dr. Guzman, a research professor who is legally blind. Congratulations, Amy! We can’t wait to describe your performance and this exciting production!

 

Sequence, an award-winning thriller written by Canadian playwright (and eye surgeon) Arun Larka, explores the interplay between logic and metaphysics, science and faith, luck and probability, determinism and free will through two narratives that intertwine like a fragment of DNA.

 

A professor confronts a student who has defied probability by taking a multiple-choice exam, only to get every answer – 150 of them – wrong (the probability of achieving this result is one in a pentillion). Meanwhile, the “Luckiest Man Alive” – his status cemented by his uncanny ability to predict the winner of the Super Bowl coin toss for 20 years running – is confronted by a young woman who claims to know his secret.

 

What’s up with Amy Amantea and The Blind Beader?///

I couldn’t miss the opportunity to share with you all what I have been up to. If you just read the VocalEye blurb, you will have noticed that I have been cast in a professional theatre production, yup I am now officially a PAID actor!

 

I have been in full time rehearsals since February 1st and they have been very intense!

 

What is so great about the Realwheels Theatre Production is that they have hired a blind actor to play a blind character. Realwheels has a mandate to deepen the audience’s experience of the lived experience of disability – they do this through community productions, which are volunteer (I just did Comedy on Wheels in May 2017 – a fantastic production with 3 sold out performances on Granville Island)

 

Now I am back in this science thriller playing a genetics professor that is losing her eyesight to RP (retinitis pigmentosa). It is a four character play and my direct scene partner is a person who lives with Autism.

 

Here’s the funny thing. The 80  minute show has a 70 page script…since I had to blow mine up to ARIEL font, BOLD, SIZE 38 – my script is contained in a 4 inch binder and has 300+ pages.

So, the show runs from March 14-24 and VocalEye is describing 2 performances (see above for dates) and a meet up location from Lonsdale Quay Sea Bus station, the theatre is a 10 min. walk or a short bus ride and you can travel in a group.

 

Tickets are extra discounted for those with sight loss as a courtesy to me and my fellow community members!

 

I really hope you will come out and be entertained! Here is a link to the website for more details, you may have to copy/paste into your browser:  https://www.phtheatre.org/show/sequence/

 

And YES!!I will be attending this year’s CCB AGM in April – and I will be bringing BIG RED (as requested) with all The Blind Beader’s creations. I am looking forward to seeing many familiar faces and meeting some new ones! – Submitted by Amy Amantea

 

CCB Get Together with Technology (GTT) Corner///

Apple Accessibility Support, Google Disability Email Address and the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk

 

We all need a little help from time to time, and with our modern devices it’s even more frequent some days.  So, when you get into trouble, or you just can’t figure something out with your iPhone/iPad/iPod/Mac computer, and if you’re an assistive software user below is the number to call.

 

Secondly, for those who use Android phones, or any other Google product with assistive software you can reach out to their Google Disability Support Desk by email only at the address provided below.

 

Thirdly, if you use a PC computer with assistive software you can call the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for expert help and guidance.

 

Apple Accessibility Support

1-877-204-3930

Microsoft Disability Answer Desk

1-800-936-5900

Google Disability Support, no phone number available:

disability-support-external@google.com

 

Get Together with Technology Contacts:

For more information please contact your GTT Coordinators:

Albert Ruel

1-877-304-0968,550

albert.GTT@CCBNational.net

 

OR

 

Kim Kilpatrick

1-877-304-0968,513

GTTProgram@Gmail.com    

 

 

Donna’s Low Tech Tips

Submitted to CCB’s Get Together with Technology Blog

No need to be afraid of technology

I am Donna Jodhan, and through the CCB’s Get Together with Technology initiative I will circulate weekly into your inbox tips on how you might overcome some of your technology fears.  This is my first blog submission and I thank the GTT Team for giving me this opportunity.

 

Many of us did not grow up in the era of technology and it is probably why some of us are so hesitant when it comes to interacting with it.  For me, I am somewhere in between and it never ceases to amaze me how much technology can change our lives.  From the most basic of technology to the most sophisticated; it does not really matter.

 

I want to talk about some of the most basic technology in my blogs and I’ll start with a handy little gadget called:

“Talk to the Wilson” version 6.

 

This state-of-the-art digital voice recorder is simple to use. Record up to 12 hours of voice messages.

Note: Not Available with Quota Funds

 

Features:- NEW for Version 6:

  • Check Message
  • Message Management System
  • LP/SP switch for Long Play or Standard Play (shorter recording time, better sound quality).
  • When memory is full, the oldest recorded message is automatically deleted
  • Will store multiple messages
  • Easy to add or delete messages
  • Clips to your belt, visor, or purse
  • Ear piece (mono)
  • Use to Record:  Phone numbers, Addresses, Shopping Lists, Reminders, To-do lists, Notes, Appointments, Messages, Lectures, Directions, Audio instructions and much more!
  • Measures 2 x 3 x 0.5 inches.
  • Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included).
  • Note: Not compatible with Windows 8.
  • The Wilson digital recorder is not related to the Wilson Reading System product.
  • Downloadable Manual: The Wilson instructions are available free-of-charge as a text file on our downloadable manuals page. We do not sell the manual separately. Please visit :http://www.aph.org/manuals/index.html

 

The Wilson Digital Voice Recorder, Version 6

Catalogue Number: 1-03993-04

Price:    $39.95

Ordering page:

https://shop.aph.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_The%20Wilson%20Digital%20Voice%20Recorder,%20Version%206_36594896P_10001_11051

 

So have fun now with the Talk to the Wilson recorder and see you next week.

 

Donna’s CCB Mysteries Chapter:

If you would like to become a member of my CCB Mysteries chapter you can do so for the price of $10 annually and in return you will receive unlimited access to either of the following libraries.

 

Recipes –

http://www.donnajodhan.com/library-recipes.html

 

Audio mysteries for all ages –

http://www.donnajodhan.com/library-audio-mysteries.html

 

Or you can subscribe to both for the price of $20 annually.

 

 

***OTHER NEWS

Credit Card Scam in a Hotel:///

This is a smart scam; beware! You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. Typically when checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for any charges to your room) and they do not retain your card. You go to your room and settle in. All is good. The hotel receives a call and the caller asks for (as an example) room 120 – which happens to be your room. The phone rings in your room. You answer and the person on the other end says the following “This is the front desk. When checking in, we came across a problem with your credit card information. Please re-read me your credit card numbers and verify the 3 digit numbers on the reverse side of your card.

 

Not thinking anything wrong, since the call seems to come from the front desk you oblige. But actually, it is a scam by someone calling from outside the hotel. They have asked for a random room number, then ask you for your credit card and sometimes other information. They sound so professional, that you think you are talking to the front desk. If you ever encounter this scenario on your travels, tell the caller that you will be down to the front desk to clear up any problems. Then, go to the front desk or call the front desk directly and ask if there was a problem. If there was none, inform the hotel manager that someone tried to scam you of your credit card information, acting like a front desk employee. Always protect your private information.

 

Capilano K9 Collars:///

My friend Jean Chambers has been with her service dog, Annie, for about four years. Annie has changed Jeans life. Jean has a genetic disorder that is degenerative – similar to ALS but it affects the lower half of her body. As jean started to walk slower and the movement of her lower limbs became more argues, she decided to apply for a dog.  It wasn’t long after that that Jean decided to pull out her old sewing machine and create some festive collars for Annie…She had a Canucks one, as they love to watch the game together, cupcakes, musical notes, Christmas bulbs…you name it! Then one Christmas she made on for a friend who had a guide dog and learned that guide gods utilize a special correction style collar called a martingale. Instead of a plastic buckle attachment, the martingale is attached with a length of chain that is used for correction but doesn’t choke the dog. So, Jean created a special collar for guide dog handlers. Jean has discovered a passion for creating dog collars of all sizes and patterns.

 

What a great custom gift! So the next time you are in the market for a unique gift for your pooch or friend of a pooch, contact Jean!

Jean Chambers – 604-281-1987 or jeanchambers@shaw.ca

– Submitted by Amy Amantea

 

***NEW IN THIS ISSUE

 

Letter to the Editor///

An opportunity for readers to provide feedback on newsletter articles or express concerns or opinions pertaining to current barriers and related issues encountered on a daily basis.

 

As you will see, the following advocacy efforts created a positive outcome.

 

Delta Airlines proposed new policy – Submitted by Bill Conway

Deltas proposed new policy in a nut shell:

……all Guide & Service Dog users must seek permission 48 hours prior to flight departure.

…all Guide & Service Dogs users will no longer be permitted to use curb check-in convenience

…all Guide & Service Dog users must fill out a form 48 hours prior to flight departure

…Delta indicates this is due to fake dog teams.

My Opinion:  On January 29, 1929, Morris Franks opened the doors of The Seeing Eye Inc., now located in Morristown New Jersey, and started the pathway of independence for the visually impaired citizens of the United States.  The first Canadian Seeing Eye Guide Dog team was in 1932 and they lived in Thunder Bay Ontario.

Morris advocated and broke down barriers so all Guide Dog teams can travel on trains, boats and airplanes, independently and without permission.  He ensured that the ground breaking work was done at the beginning, so the future can follow a simple path of direction. Never once since that time and even up to now, has a Guide Dog user ever had to ask permission to travel on any mode of transportation.

Delta is indicating that the new proposed policy is due to the increase of ‘FAKE GUIDE & SERVICE DOGS’ and some of these dog teams become unruly on their airline.

To me, whenever traveling, to a provincial, national, or international destination, I travel with my personal identification along with my Guide Dog’s identification. My Dog’s identification consist of, my school’s student identification card…that has schools name and has the IGDF certification logo stamp.  I also have a letter from my vet indicating up-to-date medical information.

This is what all Guide Dog teams should carry and should not be require in filling out a permission slip.  This way when checking through the system, at the airport, you can easily produce information that can be checked via a computer.  The computer could only confirm that the school identification you hold is a credit and certified school.

 

To stop all these fake dogs we can start with the following;

…protest all of the Webb sites that sell dog equipment and accessories that make fake dogs possible.  ….Let Amazon and EBay know of your displeasure of these Webb sites and the damage it is given to certified Guide & Service Dog teams.

 

I am still left with some questions;

…Why does Delta Airlines wish to travel backwards instead of just asking some simple questions at any of passengers check in points?

…When have you heard of anyone seeking permission to ride on a plane?

…Did the terrorist seek permission before they boarded the planes in 2001

 

 

 

Outcome to the above Advocacy efforts

Dear fellow Seeing Eye graduate, As many of you already know, Delta Air Lines announced changes to their policy for service and emotional support animals to go into effect on March 1st. They received a lot of criticism and based on that feedback, have changed some parts of the new policy.

 

Under the revised policy, still scheduled to go into effect on March 1st, passengers with service animals will no longer be required to complete the check-in process at a Delta ticket counter. Instead, passengers will once again have the option of checking in electronically, at a kiosk or at curb side. Also, advance notice is no longer mandatory so you will be able to travel on short notice or transfer from another airline to Delta without restriction. However, Delta’s new policy for service animals still requires you to “travel with the animal’s Veterinary Health Form and/or an immunization record or other proof of vaccination.”

 

One way to help the process go more smoothly is to immediately identify your dog as a service animal that has been specially bred and trained to mitigate your disability. Also, be sure that you understand your rights, and if you are prohibited from checking in online, at a kiosk, or at curb side, immediately ask to speak with a CRO (Complaint Resolution Official). You can read more about your rights at:

 

http://www.seeingeye.org/knowledge-center/rights–legal-information/airlines-and-cruise-ships.html

 

Please call The Seeing Eye at 973-539-4425 or email

advocacy@seeingeye.org if you experience problems on your Delta flight. This will help us track any ongoing issues.

 

In closing, many thanks to those of you who responded to the call for action against Delta’s initial policy. For much of his life, Seeing Eye co-founder Morris Frank tirelessly advocated for the rights of people who are blind to travel by air without the need for special permission, but simply as he put it, “as blessedly ordinary passengers.” Everyone here at The Seeing Eye salutes you for

personifying the pioneering spirit and determination of Morris Frank and other early advocates of the guide dog movement.

 

Here are some helpful resources for your next Delta flight.

Delta’s accessibility assistance line: 404-209-3434

Delta – Service and Support Animals:

https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/special-travel- needs/service-animals.html

 

Sincerely,

Ginger Bennett Kutsch

Advocacy Specialist

The Seeing Eye, Inc.

Morristown, New Jersey

(973) 539-4425

http://www.seeingeye.org

 

 

FOR SALE///

Humanware, Explore 5 Electronic Magnifier

Description

–  Size 6.5”x4”

– Automatic light

– Up to 22x magnification adjustments

– Has rechargeable battery and power chord-

– Variety of colour adjustments-

– Stands on it own or hand held

–  Freeze frame capabilities

– 7 months old

– Reason for sale – can no longer use it

– Brand new $800

– Asking Price $500.

– Call Monica 604 701 9869

 

Your CCB BC-Yukon Division Board of Directors///

Ann McNabb, President – 604-795-7230 – ann4council@telus.net

Lori Fry, National Representative – 250-395-2452 – ODIFRY@shaw.ca

Gerry Braak, 1st Vice President – 604-485-5028 -gbraak@shaw.ca

Pat Chicquen, 2nd Vice President – 250-339-3904 – patchicquen@hotmail.com

Bill Conway, Director – 604-740-5896 – 5122wac@telus.net

Linda Hall, Director – 250-376-4900 – lhall12@shaw.ca

Kathy Sanness, Director – 778-484-2298 – ksanness@telus.net

 

CCB-GTT News: Usability Tester Showcase: Bruce Turner’s Story — Knowbility

Fellow GTT Members and Participants.  Here’s a story about one of our own, Bruce Turner of the GTT Victoria Chapter.  Today was his 69th birthday, so we congratulated him during the GTT Victoria meeting.  The full story is below the link to the original page.

 

https://knowbility.org/blog/2018/usability-tester-showcase-bruce-turners-story/

 

Bruce Turner’s Story — Knowbility

knowbility.org

 

Bruce Turner’s Story — Knowbility

by Marine Menier

 

For several years now, Knowbility has recruited people with disabilities to participate in usability studies. During that time, we’ve added hundreds of

people from across the United States and beyond to our

AccessWorks

user testing panel, which partners testers with disabilities with companies interested in improving the accessibility and usability of their products.

So, when a popular Canadian media company reached out to our AccessWorks team with a request for Canadian testers with different disabilities, we were

prepared. Bruce Turner was one of these testers, and we’re proud to share his experience.

 

Born with retinitis pigmentosa and profoundly deaf, Bruce uses a variety of assistive technologies to get things done. He uses ZoomText, a screen magnification

program to change the color scheme on his computer. Bruce prefers his text to be white on a black background.

 

To be more productive on the phone, Bruce uses a relay service. An operator types what is heard on the line, Bruce reads it, and then he responds. It was

with this suite of technology and the marvels of off-the-shelf video conferencing software that Bruce successfully completed the usability study. The retired

civil servant credits today’s tech in playing a role in promoting social and economic integration.

 

“If I didn’t have this technology in front of me I don’t think I would be doing as well as I am,” Bruce said. “This technology I wish the heck I had when

I was younger. I like the fact that I can do email, I can go online, I can do my banking, I can talk to people, I can communicate.”

 

Bruce says he enjoys learning how to accomplish tasks online, for example, the steps that are needed to arrive at a website’s homepage.

 

“It’s like playing a brand-new game for the first time, not knowing what to do, but simply getting there and getting my feet wet and see what I can do,”

Bruce said.

 

Bruce first heard about AccessWorks via a post on the website of

Get Together with Technology (GTT),

a program run by the Canadian Council of the Blind. Though at first leery about the program’s claims—that people with disabilities could earn extra money

working as usability testers—GTT’s Albert Ruel reassured him that Knowbility could be trusted.

 

“Bruce did a great job! He provided us with a different perspective. He actually helped us to consider other ways of communicating….and we actually did

it….we were so thrilled. We learned so much and as a result, we feel very confident going into it!” Marine Menier, AccessWorks Project Manager, said.

 

Bruce was born and raised in Kamloops, British Columbia. He graduated from the University of Victoria in 1973 and worked for the Canadian federal government

for 35 years. As a child, he attended school alongside people of many different ethnicities and varying abilities. He feels that this has influenced his

attitudes towards inclusiveness.

 

“The way I look at the word inclusiveness is getting along with people who have all kinds of disability,” he said. “People who are blind, people who are

low vision, people who are deaf, we all share a little bit of everything.”

 

He considers Knowbility’s usability tester program a force for good, both for companies that need knowledge about the accessibility of their products and

for people with disabilities who want to help make websites more accessible.

 

“The AccessWorks program also increases the self-esteem of those who participate, and that is an important benefit,” he added.

 

Now retired, Bruce lives with his wife in Victoria, British Columbia. In addition to reading online articles from ZDNet and GTT to learn about the latest

tech, he enjoys photography, gardening, and taking walks along the Gorge Waterway, a scenic inlet near his home.

 

GTT Articles, Donna’s Low Tech Tips, Identifying Money, March 5, 2018

March 05 2018

 

Hello there and I’m Donna Jodhan thanking you for allowing me to come into your inbox.

 

Today, I’d like to talk about IDENTIFYING MONEY

and I have some great tips for you re how you can go about dealing with your money.  Dollar bills, coins, and cheques.

 

PAPER CURRENCY

There are many different ways to identify bills and it really doesn’t matter how you do it as long as your method works for you.

Here are some tips.

 

* Some individuals prefer to separate bills by denomination,                        placing them in different                                            sections of their purse or wallet.

 

* You can purchase a special                          billfold which has different                            sections for different bills.

 

* You can fold your bills in a                         special way for easy                                                    identification. For example:

  • Leave five dollar bills completely unfolded.
  • Fold ten dollar bills in half lengthwise.
  • Fold twenty dollar bills in half, end to end.
  • Fold fifty dollar bills end to end, then lengthwise.
  • Fold hundred dollar bills in half and in half again.

 

* When you receive money from others, ask what each bill is and fold it right away or put it in a               special section of your wallet so you will be able to recognize it later.  Take your time, don’t be                 hurried.

 

*                      An electronic bank note reader is available (through the CNIB) to identify paper currency. The                                     device is easy to use.

Insert a                                    Canadian bank note, push the button at the front of the device, and the reader will announce by voice (in either English or French) the denomination of the bill.

 

COINS

* Coins can be identified by touch.

Select one coin at a time and use a fingernail or your fingertips to feel the different sizes and edges of                 each coin:

 

  • A dime has a serrated edge.

 

  • A nickel has a smooth edge.

 

  • A quarter has a rough grooved edge and is larger and thicker than a nickel.

 

  • A dollar coin (loonie) has an eleven-sided smooth edge and is larger and thicker than a quarter.

 

  • A two dollar coin (toonie) is larger than a loonie. The edge of the coin alternates from rough to smooth.  The centre of the toonie is gold in color and the outer edge is silver.

 

*A special purse or coin organizer with separate slots for nickels, dimes, and quarters may be a useful item.

 

CHEQUES

 

* Large print/tactile cheques are available from your bank. You may find it helpful to make your own cheque template with sections cut out for date, cheque amount, and so on.

 

So have fun now with your money and see you next week.

 

If you would like to become a member of  my CCB Mysteries chapter you can do so for the price of $10 annually and in return you will receive unlimitted access to either of the following libraries.

Recipes –

http://www.donnajodhan.com/library-recipes.html

Audio mysteries for all ages –

http://www.donnajodhan.com/library-audio-mysteries.html

Or you can subscribe to both for the price of $20 annually.

 

Have a super day and see you next week.

Donna

CCB Initiative: Health and Fitness, Engage-Educate-Empower

CCB Health & Fitness

Engage-Educate-Empower

 

Who we are:

The Canadian Council of the Blind Health & Fitness program is aiming to engage, educate and empower persons who are blind and visually impaired to live an active and healthy lifestyle.  Managed by Ryan Van Praet, a Registered Kinesiologist, blind athlete and experienced healthcare professional; this program is for every CCB member coast to coast.

 

What we do:

The CCB Health & fitness Program is your free national resource to leading a life full of physical activity and well being.  Content delivered through podcasts, video, email group list, Twitter, Facebook, one on one phone coaching calls; your questions are what drives us.

 

Choose your LOCAL CHAMPION!!!

Your chapter is critical to our success!

We are looking to create ‘LOCAL CHAMPIONS’ in every chapter nation wide.

 

1) Designate 1 (one) person in your chapter to liaise with the Health & Fitness program.

2) Promote CCB Health & Fitness initiatives within your chapter, promoting physical activity and accessible sport

3) Convey to the Health & Fitness program all questions, topic ideas, barriers, around health, sports and fitness.

4) ‘Champion’ the cause of a balanced, healthy, active lifestyle locally.  Empower your chapter to get up and get moving!

 

Your body doesn’t care that you are blind – you still require appropriate physical activity and healthy habits to prevent chronic disease and common illness and injury.  You don’t get a free pass on the requirements of health!

 

What you get in return:

  • Free professional health & fitness advisor/coach
  • Support on advocacy, accessibility for sport, fundraising ideas and more…
  • Access to the network for resource sharing
  • Local Champions will be part of upcoming Champions Training conference calls and training.
  • Knowledge that you are doing your best to promote health & fitness lifestyles within your community.

 

Designate your LOCAL CHAMPION today and put them in touch with Ryan!  Not a huge time commitment BUT a potential to make a huge difference.

 

Ryan Van Praet (R. Kin.)

Email: ccb.healthandfitness@gmail.com

Mobile: 226-627-2179

 

CCB Health and Fitness on Social Media:

“Like” us on Facebook (CCB Health & Fitness)

“Subscribe” to our Podcast (The Canadian council of the Blind) on your favourite pod-catcher.

 

CCB Health and Fitness Blog:

CCB Health and Fitness on Twitter:

CCB Health and Fitness on Facebook:

 

CCB Backgrounder:

 

The CCB was founded in 1944 by a coalition of blind war veterans, schools of the blind and local chapters to create a national self-governing organization. The CCB was incorporated by Letters Patent on May 10, 1950 and is a registered charity under the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

The purpose of the CCB is to give people with vision loss a distinctive and unique perspective before governments.  CCB deals with the ongoing effects of vision loss by encouraging active living and rehabilitation through peer support and social and recreational activities.

CCB promotes measures to conserve sight, create a close relationship with the sighted community and provide employment opportunities.

 

The CCB recognizes that vision loss has no boundaries with respect to gender, income, ethnicity, culture, other disabilities or age.

The CCB understands in many instances vision loss is preventable and sometimes is symptomatic of other health issues.  For the 21st century, the CCB is committed to an integrated proactive health approach for early detection to improve the quality of life for all Canadians.

As the largest membership organization of the blind and partially sighted in Canada the CCB is the “Voice of the Blind™”.

 

CCB National Office

100-20 James Street Ottawa ON  K2P 0T6

Toll Free: 1-877-304-0968 Email: info@ccbnational.net URL: www.ccbnational.net

 

Fred’s Head from APH, a Blindness Blog: Throwback Thursday Object: the Atkinson Braille Writer

Fred’s Head from APH, a Blindness Blog: Throwback Thursday Object: the Atkinson Braille Writer
— Read on www.fredshead.info/2018/03/throwback-thursday-object-atkinson.html

TechEase-GTT Regina Summary Notes, iPhone and iPad Gestures, January 27, 2018

Tech-Ease/ Get Together with Technology

Regina Drop-In Meeting

Summary Notes

January 27, 2018

 

Sponsored by Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN),

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

And the

Regina Public Library

 

Assistive Technology Peer Support by and for people who are blind/low vision

 

In Attendance Jan 27, 2018: Camille, Amber, Ashley, Donna, Wes, Joanne, Jerome, Lori, Michelle, Barry

 

iPad/iPhone Gestures: (unless otherwise noted the gesture uses 1 finger)

  • To open apps manager, double Tap Home button  Swipe up with 3 fingers to clear all apps, to hear the apps swipe right or left, to open and app double tap after hearing its name
  • To open rotor  pinch and spin 2 fingers to the right
  • To configure the rotor, go to settings  General  Accessibility  rotor  then add the settings you want to it
  • Double tap and hold down and it can define words if that is set in rotor
  • To turn on screen curtain, 3 fingers triple tap, do the same to turn it off (this only works with voiceover on)
  • To turn speech off (like when listening to music or an audio book), 3 fingers tap
  • To pause speech, 2 fingers tap and to whatever the next gesture is un pauses it
  • To swipe to the next page (in any app or on apps screens), 3 fingers swipe to left or right
  • To go to homepage, click the home button
  • To delete, move or group apps, double tap and long hold and then you can do whichever
  • To answer or hang up a phone call, 2 fingers double tap
  • To copy/paste text, double tap and long hold
  • Turn off iPad, Hold down button opposite volume and double tap screen
  • To go home in iPhone X, use bottom of screen where home button was
  • To take a picture in voiceover, swipe right and then up to take the picture
  • With Braille input on  turn screen horizontal and then hold fingers as if on a Brailler and type

 

Other Notes about iPhone/iPad:

  • Grammarly is a great app to help with grammar in written documents on iDevices

The app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grammarly-keyboard/id1158877342?mt=8

  • Grammarly Keyboard on the App Store

itunes.apple.com

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Grammarly Keyboard. Download Grammarly Keyboard and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

 

  • You can ask Siri to spell a word for you if you are not sure

Voiceover  Settings  You can change the dictionary to pronounce words phonetically instead of mechanically, you can also add words phonetically

  • If you have a hand shake a stylus can really help with single swipes and single finger gestures
  • Seeing AI is a great free app  short text, long text, people, scenery, handwriting, currency, colour detector, light detector and products (on iPhone 6 and later)

Swipe up or down to move through channels (above choices)

Each channel has notes to let you know what the channel does that come on automatically the first time you use it

An overview of the app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwpAheJxTY0&t=582s

Seeing AI – Great App For VIP – The Blind Life – YouTube

http://www.youtube.com

Seeing AI – Great App For VIP – The Blind Life Seeing AI is a new app, currently for the iPhone, that offers a wide variety of accessibility features. App …

 

The app: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/seeing-ai/id999062298?mt=8

Seeing AI on the App Store

itunes.apple.com

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Seeing AI. Download Seeing AI and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

 

  • Advantage to using speech over sight for using iDevices  it affords the VI user privacy as most sighted people can’t understand the speed we can listen at, if you are not yet at a high speed/low volume with voiceover gradually adjust your settings over time (weeks) until you can

 

  • Learning to touch type is a real advantage as well, as Siri and voice to text can often get words wrong
  • Make sure to proof read anything you are sending, letter by letter, to ensure grammar and spelling are what you want them to be, especially for important texts or e-mails
  • If you connect a Bluetooth keyboard to an iDevice you can use Mac keyboard shortcuts on it and they will work on the iDevice

There are a variety of options out there for cord lengths and sizes (thickness) as well as external battery packs to enhance your device, check around and find the ones that work best for you

 

  • At the end of our meeting we connected with Saskatoon, the group there included: Doug, Melanie, Tina, Ray and Gary.

 

Next Meeting:

February 24, 2018 – Getting Around. (Listed below are some apps if you want to put them on your device to follow along)

 

  • Trekker, BlindSquare & beacons, Apple maps – Ashley

BlindSquare: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/blindsquare/id500557255?mt=8

BlindSquare on the App Store – itunes.apple.com

itunes.apple.com

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots and learn more about BlindSquare. Download BlindSquare and enjoy it on your Apple TV.

 

  • Apples maps comes with iDevices
  • Google Maps – Amber

Google Maps: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps-gps-navigation/id585027354?mt=8

Google Maps – GPS Navigation on the App Store

itunes.apple.com

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Google Maps – GPS Navigation. Download Google Maps – GPS Navigation and enjoy it on your …

 

  • Moovit app – Michelle

Moovit: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/public-transit-app-moovit/id498477945?mt=8

Moovit: Public Transit App on the App Store

itunes.apple.com

Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Moovit: Public Transit App. Download Moovit: Public Transit App and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

 

  • Regina Transit Live – Amber & Michelle

Website, not an app: https://transitlive.com/?display=d

  • TransitLive

transitlive.com

  • Always know where your bus is. … Leaflet | OpenStreetMap contributors | Regina Transit

 

  • Older Trekker – Jerome

 

  • ParaTransit & rules around it – Amber

 

  • Cab Companies – all, who do you use and why? – all

 

  • City of Regina & Audibles, how do you deal with issues? – all

 

  • Uber & Lyft coming to Regina soon – Ashley & Amber

 

Connect with us:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GTTTechEaseRegina/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/techeasesk

Tech-Ease YQR YXE (@techeasesk) | Twitter

twitter.com

The latest Tweets from Tech-Ease YQR YXE (@techeasesk). Are you Visually impaired, Related to someone visually impaired, or an educator of someone visually impaired …

 

TechEase-GTT Regina Summary Notes, Screen Readers and Magnifiers, October 28, 2017

Tech-Ease/ Get Together with Technology

Regina Drop-In Meeting

Summary Notes

October 28, 2017

 

Sponsored by Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN),

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

And the

Regina Public Library

 

Assistive Technology Peer Support by and for people who are blind/low vision

 

In Attendance Oct 28, 2017: Amber, Michelle, Wes, Lori, Kari, Barry, Jerome, Blaine, Anna, Donna, Jessica

 

SaskTel Accessibility Forms – To get accessibility credit go to this website:

https://www.sasktel.com/special-needs/vision-solutions

and download the form under Wireless Accessibility Credit section (pdf and word available). Take it to a SaskTel store or e-mail it to the contact on the form.

 

Other notes before starting:

We had a logistics conversation as many were finding past meetings frustrating, we need to take turns and respect when others are speaking, the facilitators will enforce this. All were in agreement

 

GTT National is going to post our minutes to the National board. If you’d like the minutes of our meetings they will be e-mailed to you and posted on our Facebook group here:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/gtt-regina/

www.GTTProgram.WordPress.com

 

Screen Readers:

The different types of Screen readers are: JAWS, NVDA, System Access, Windows Eyes, Window Narrator (comes with every copy of Windows) & Voiceover for Macintosh (comes with every copy of Apple iOS)

 

Mac Voiceover uses trackpad and/or keystrokes – ctrl+F5 turns it on

If you are using an iPad/iPhone you can connect an Apple branded Bluetooth keyboard and still use the keystrokes, they will not work with a Windows branded keyboard due to the lack of an apple key

 

Windows Eyes is no longer supported, so you can use it but there is no tech support for it

 

Here are two comparisons of NVDA & JAWS (the first from CNIB we listened to at our meting):

http://www.cnib.ca/en/living/how-to-videos/tools-and-tech/Pages/A-comparison-of-screen-readers.aspx

https://www.second-sense.org/2017/07/jaws-vs-nvda/

 

Screen Magnifiers:

The different types of screen magnifiers are: ZoomText, Windows Magnifier (comes with every copy of Windows) & Zoom for Macintosh (comes with every copy of Apple iOS)

 

ZoomText has 3 products under it’s umbrella: ZoomText Magnifier (just the magnifiers), ZoomText Magnifier + Narrator (magnifies and reads out loud) and ZoomText Fusion (which incorporates magnifier and JAWS branded narrator, to help people transition easier from ZoomText to JAWS)

 

Video on Fusion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt9LPUZNNa8

 

Voice to Text:

The different types of voice to text are Dragon Naturally Speaking and Dolphin Hands Free neither work well with JAWS or ZoomText but Dragon can be made to work with JAWS by also installing JSay interface

 

Next Meeting:

Please note there was a meeting scheduled for Nov but as no facilitator was available it was cancelled, we had previously cancelled the December meeting

 

Connect with us:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GTTTechEaseRegina/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/techeasesk

 

GTT Prince Edward Island Summary Notes, What is GTT and Brainstorming Session, February 28, 2018

GTT Prince Edward Island Conference Call Meeting

 

Sponsored by the Canadian Council of the Blind

 

Summary Notes

February 28, 2018

 

The first GTT  Prince Edward Island Provincial Conference Call meeting was held on February 28, 2018 starting at 7:00 PM PEI Time.

Attendance: 9 people attended this first brainstorming meeting.  Jude, Sandra, Stella, Serge, Nicholas, Irene, Brian, Phil and Albert.

 

Theme: Outline of what GTT is, and Brainstorming for future meeting topics

 

  • Albert Ruel, GTT Coordinator from CCB attended in order to introduce the participants to CCB’s Assistive Technology programs, especially the Get Together with Technology initiative (GTT) that Kim Kilpatrick started in Ottawa in 2011 with Ellen Goodman.
  • Brian Bibeault from the North Bay CCB Chapter and the Northern Ontario Conference Call GTT also attended, and they both talked about a variety of assistive Technology and their relative accessibility features.
  • The 9 participants were very engaged as they were lead through a discussion about the apps and devices currently being used, and what else might be available to support ongoing learning and support. We discussed the cost of screen readers like JAWS, and how it compares with the free screen reader called NVDA.  The differences between the range of talking book players produced by Humanware was discussed, with more to be talked about next month.  The topic of smart phones was also brought up, with more detailed discussions to follow during subsequent meetings.  Some educational resources were mentioned, like Hadley Institute and tutorials from Freedom Scientific.  Finally, the following contacts for tech support were shared: Apple Accessibility Support 1-877-204-3930; Microsoft Disability Answer Desk 1-800-936-5900; Google Disability Support, no phone number available: disability-support-external@google.com
    • The potential of inviting all blind and low vision people from the 4 Atlantic Provinces was discussed and the group was open to trying it out for a while to gage the level of interest in the region. If a GTT Atlantic Canada group eventually becomes too large we will be able to break it up into smaller Provincial groups then.
    • Before closing the meeting the group was asked to come up with a topic for the next, and subsequent meetings. So far, March will see a brief demo of and discussion about the features and benefits of the new generation VR Stream talking book player.  For April Sandra wants to have a demo of how to access websites using screen readers and magnification software.  As the Newfoundland group had requested a discussion on smart phones and the like, that too will be placed on the upcoming agendas.

 

Next meeting: Wed, March 28, 2018, 7:00 PM PEI Time.

Theme: VR Stream talking book device and smart phone technology.  This will be a basic introductory discussion on the features and benefits of using dedicated talking book devices like the VR Stream, versus the features of smart phone technology for our access to information needs.

 

GTT Atlantic Canada Conference Call Group Overview

  • GTT Atlantic Canada is a group of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
  • GTT Atlantic Canada promotes a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to assist participants with their assistive technology needs.
  • Each meeting consists of a feature technology topic, and questions and answers about technology.
  • Participants are encouraged to attend 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.
  • There are GTT groups across Canada as well as a national GTT monthly toll free teleconference. You may subscribe to the National GTT blog to get email notices of teleconferences and notes from other GTT chapters. Visit:

http://www.gttprogram.wordpress.com/

There is a form at the bottom of that web page to enter your email.

 

National GTT Email Support List

CCB sponsors a GTT email support list to provide help and support with technology for blind and low vision Canadians.  To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to:

GTTsupport+subscribe@groups.io

 

[End of Document]

 

Accessibility Support: Apple Accessibility Support, Google Disability Email Address and the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk

Apple Accessibility Support, Google Disability Email Address and the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk

 

For those who use access technology with the below noted systems, apps and devices, you may access free technical support by contacting Apple, Microsoft and Google using these toll free numbers/email address.

 

Apple Accessibility Support

1-877-204-3930

 

Microsoft Disability Answer Desk

1-800-936-5900

 

Google Disability Support, no phone number available:

disability-support-external@google.com

 

Thx, Albert, GTT Coordinator

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

Get Together with Technology (GTT) Initiative

Albert.GTT@CCBNational.net

Mobile: 1-250-240-2343

 

TechEase-GTT Regina Summary Notes, Regina Public Library Outreach, September 30, 2017

Tech-Ease/ Get Together with Technology

Regina Drop-In Meeting

Summary Notes

September 30, 2017

 

Sponsored by Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN),

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

And the

Regina Public Library

 

Assistive Technology Peer Support by and for people who are blind/low vision

 

In Attendance Sept 30, 2017: Amber, Doug, Joanne, Darlene, Donna, Wes, Barry, Jerome

 

Further Notes from Last Month (Sept 2017) on Watching TV with DVS:

 

Blindy.TV has 5 channels of old shows audio only –> some of the channels are Brain, Comedy & Drama

Sero app has podcasts and blind resources on it

On SaskTel channels 3,4,5 & 7 are DVS

There is also AMI TV & Audio on both Access & SaskTel that are all DVS

 

Today we learned about Outreach Services and Regina Public Library in General:

Outreach is open Monday-Friday 9:30-5, there are 5 staff to help in various capacities.

They help people with print disabilities and people who have been homebound for 3 months or more.

They have audio books in .mp3 and Daisy Spoken word CDs.

There is extended borrowing period for Outreach patrons.

The ladies will be happy to help you find the books you are looking for, they will read the backs of books or suggest books by your favourite author or in your favourite genre.

There is a computer workstation in Outreach for public use, it is equipped with a large monitor, JAWS, ZoomText, a large print keyboard, a scanner and an acrobat reader CCTV.

There are also CCTVs available for public use at Bothwell (upstairs), Sunrise & Regent branches.

They have a small supply of Victor Stratus and Stream machines to lend out for a 3-month loan with the option of one renewal.

There is an audio book club that meets the last Wednesday of the month.

They help with GTT-Tech Ease as a co-host by supplying us a host and a space to meet. (thank-you)

There is Unique Like Us Blind Social Group that meets the second Tuesday at 7pm in the library.

 

CELA:

Canadian Equitable Library Association.

Through CNIB and libraries that pay a subscription to them (SK does).

You can access through outreach with your library card and a referral from CNIB.

They have Daisy (works on .mp3 players), e-text w/ adaptive technology, Braille books and magazines as well as picture books with Braille overlay and DVS movies

These work with compatible devices as well as through apps like Dolphin, Voice Dream, Read 2 Go, Voice 2 Go & Direct to Player.

With a CELA membership you can get access to the American alternative known as Book Share.

 

NNELS:

National Network for Equitable Library Service.

Funded through provincial government at all SK libraries.

It is managed through the BC Libraries Co-Op.

Daisy & e-text formats.

Talk to Outreach to sign up, just need a Regina library card.

There is a wish list through NNELS to get titles made into accessible format.

 

Notes from Michelle about reading apps (thanks Michelle):

The Dolphin EasyReader app has recently been updated. The new version 1.3 of the app fixed many of the issues you might have experienced with the previous version. One of the improvements is that CELA patrons no longer need to add a “CELA_” prefix for logging in. You now only need to use your account number and password.

 

If you haven’t tried the new EasyReader app yet, head over to the Apple store and download it, free of charge. Need help setting it up? Check out our EasyReader quick user’s guide.

 

Next Meeting:

Oct 28, 2017 – Screen Readers & Screen Magnifiers

 

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