Summary Notes
GTT Edmonton Meeting June 8, 2015

The second meeting of the Get Together With Technology (GTT) Edmonton group was held June 8at 7pm at the Ascension Lutheran Church 8405 83 Street in Edmonton.
Approximately 20 people attended most of whom were blind or visually impaired.

Church Meeting Logistics
 Gerry Chevalier, the GTT Edmonton coordinator, explained some logistics for future meetings.
 GTT meetings will be every second Monday of the month at 7pm so the next one is July 13.
 We meet in the basement meeting hall.
 Please enter the church from the back door only. There is parking at the back and drop off space for taxis, DATS.
 Try to arrive between 6:45pm and 7:15pm at which time the door will be locked. If you arrive late there is a door bell to the right of the outside door.
 If you have someone helping you your assistant is welcome to remain for the meeting.

GTT Edmonton Team
 Gerry Chevalier is blind. He is retired from HumanWare where he worked as the Product Manager for the Victor Reader line of talking book players.
 Heather MacDonald is the specialist for CNIB career and employment services. She has a wealth of experience helping blind and visually impaired people
with the challenges of finding employment.
 Carrie Anton is visually impaired and is the accessibility specialist for Athabasca University.
 Russell Solowoniuk  is blind and is the accessibility specialist for Grant MacEwan University.
 Lorne Weber is blind and is the accessibility specialist for Norquest College.

GTT Edmonton Overview
 GTT is sponsored by the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
 CCB now has GTT chapters in Ottawa, Victoria, and Nanaimo.
 There is a national GTT monthly teleconference as well.
 GTT Edmonton will foster the same learning experience as the above GTT chapters by holding monthly meetings to help participants with all manner of assistive
technology.
 Each meeting will have a feature technology discussed in the first hour and general question and answer about any other technology in the second hour.
 Small groups or even one on one assistance is possible at the meetings.
 Participants are encouraged to come to each meeting even if they are not interested in the feature topic because the second hour is for any and all questions.
The more participants the better able we will be equipped with the talent and experience to help each other.
 Participants decide what the feature topic will be for the next meeting.

Guest Speaker
Michel Pepin is the Canadian Account Rep for HumanWare. He was in Edmonton for meetings and agreed to join us at our Meeting. Michel talked for a few minutes
about HumanWare. He believes in the value of GTT and HumanWare will do what it can to support us. For example, we could designate one of our meetings where
HumanWare would conduct a workshop on their products including  braille , GPS, and Victor Reader. The group was very interested in this. We talked about
a possible HumanWare workshop at the September meeting. Watch this space!

June 8 Feature Topic – iPhone
 Russell demonstrated basic navigation of the home screen and then used Siri to dictate a text message to Carrie. The audience heard the text arrive on
Carrie’s phone and she then demonstrated how to type a reply text using both the standard split-tap typing and direct typing methods available on the iPhone.
 Gerry then demonstrated the flexibility of using the Siri voice command feature to get information from the web, check the weather, get sports scores,
do calculations, convert measurements, etc. all without the need to type anything.
 Gerry then demonstrated the Blindfold Solitaire app designed for rapid audio play without the need to look at the screen. There are many accessible games
sold under the Blindfold brand name available from Kid Friendly Software through the app store.
 Some asked about iPhone resources. The best free resource for learning about iPhone from a blindness/low vision perspective including tutorials, podcasts
demos, and app reviews is at:
http://www.applevis.com
 Some asked about a comprehensive iPhone book. NBP.org has just the book. It is Getting Started with iPhone and iOS 8 Step by Step for $25. Visit:
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/IPHONE-IOS8.html

Breakout Groups
The second hour of the meeting was devoted to separate discussions in four groups:
 MAC computers
 Creating music with computers
 Continued blind user iPhone discussion including hands on try-out by first time users.
 Continued iPhone discussion by low vision users.

Next Meeting Agenda (Monday July 13, 7pm)
 The group would like to discuss the use of social networking programs Facebook and Twitter using PC, MAC, and iPhone which we will do in the first hour.
 In the second hour breakout groups will discuss any topic you wish. Please bring your technology and your questions.
 There was also interest expressed in learning about GPS. At the July meeting we may be able to take small groups outside to experience GPS orientation.
[End of Summary]

Get Together with Technology

Victoria Chapter Summary Notes

May 4, 2015

Once again, the meeting took place in the Shaw Conference Room at Fort Tectoria, 777 Fort Street,, Victoria. We were pleased to see 16 participants in attendance. Find out more at;

http://forttectoria.ca/

Originally, we were to have a presentation given by Mike Gower regarding accessibility and navigation in the Microsoft ribbon systems and how they are managed differently from the menu system in Windows XP that we all knew and loved. Unfortunately, Mike took ill over the weekend and was unable to attend, but we’ll be sure to schedule him again for a future meeting.

Despite the cancellation, we were quick to make good use of the time and come up with discussion topics and activities. Several folks had just come from a press conference at the BC Legislature, where a new “Technology at Work” program had just been announced. Though full details are not yet available, we can say that this program will be implemented through Neil Squire Solutions, and that it is indeed the promised Follow-up to the EATI program which ended last fall. This program is different in that it will provide equipment to people who have worked already, but who need to update it in order to remain employed or make further progress in their careers. The budget for the program is apparently 3 million dollars per year, but the actual duration of the program was not known at the time of the meeting. Find out more at;

http://www.neilsquire.ca/bctechatwork/

Also, people who need extra help with pre-employment preparation can go to Literacy Victoria, which is now located in the Disability Resource centre. Find out more at;

http://www.literacyvictoria.org/

From here we moved into a general discussion of work, and preparing for work. Linda Bartram gave more information about PTC’s efforts in this regard. Find out more at;

http://pacifictrainingcentre.ca/

Work BC is another good resource for those with limited or no work experience. Find out more at;

https://www.workbc.ca/Job-Search-Tools/Specialized-Population-Groups/Pages/Persons-With-Disabilities.aspx

We also talked about the EntreActive – Entrepreneurial / Self-employment program in Victoria, BC provided through the Federal Opportunities Fund and administered through Business Victoria. This is a program specifically serving people with disabilities who wish to bring entrepreneurial business ideas to fruition in the form of a viable business plan, along with coaching in how to identify and access their market. One PTC student has already graduated from the program, and another has just started. Find out more at;

http://entreactive.com/

The basic flow of the discussion explored the idea that entrepreneurialism is fast over-taking traditional employment as a means of earning a living, and that this can potentially be very advantageous for people with disabilities who are willing to work at it.

Speaking of technology at work, we are pleased to say that we had some of that happening during the meeting, in a very practical sense. Thanks to the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre, one of our members, who is very hard of hearing, had a much better experience at this meeting. The interpreter busily keyed the proceedings into her laptop, while the participant read along using an iPad set to display very large print. This worked very well, not only for the participant, but also for GTT, as we were also provided with a copy of the transcript. Find out more at;

http://idhhc.ca/

A number of questions came up around Windows, Screen readers, how to connect to wireless networks, etc. So, for the July meeting, Sky is going to give a presentation in which he will compare the four most popular Windows screen readers: Jaws, NVDA, WindowEyes and System Access.

Once this was determined, some folks went off to the work room to work on connecting laptops and iDevices to Fort Tectoria’s wireless network, while others stayed in the Shaw Conference Room, just sharing information and experience

Just a reminder, that anyone who needs one-on-one help can always get in touch, since we are allowed to use the Fort Tectoria workspace for small group lessons. We are also investigating the possibility of other meetings during the month, probably at the library, and having to do with exploration of all the different possibilities for alternative format book access.

The June 3^rd meeting will consist of a mini-technology fare presented by AbleTech, and possibly including a rep from Humanware. We hope to see you there. Find out more by contacting Albert Ruel or Tom Dekker, and to check out AbleTech’s services point your browser to;

http://abletech.ca/

Respectfully submitted,

Tom Dekker, Proprietor

iHabilitation Canada

This is just a reminder of our regular national teleconference call for GTT.  Our national calls always take place on the second Wednesday of every month.  They are always at 7 PM Eastern and we cover topics suggested by and of interest to our participants. Some of the topics covered so far include: 

Downloading books onto the Victor stream 

Using the plextalk linio and the blaze EZ digital talking book players 

Using the CELA library system 

Using the NNELS library system 

Using bookshare

And our topic on May 13 is social media.  

This is for people wanting to learn about social media, (what it is and how you can use it). 

We will have 3 twenty minute presentations:  One on facebook, one on twitter, and one on linked in. 

We will also have time for questions.  

Our three presenters are: 

Leona Emberson (facebook)

Rebecca Jackson (Twitter)

and Tom Dekker (linked in).

Thanks to those of you who have registered for this call.  Our spaces are limited so please do not call in unless you have checked with me.

I am putting the call in info below for everyone.

If you have not registered and would like to do so, please contact Kim Kilpatrick (GTT Coordinator) at 

613-567-0311

1-877-304-0968

or gttprogram@gmail.com 

We are testing right now to find the best ways of  recording our presentations so they will be available later.

The call in info is: 

1-866-351-5099 As soon as voice answers, press pound 135. 

Press Release

Supporting Canadians with Disabilities

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – April 27, 2015) – Industry Canada

Canada has one of the top literacy rates in the developed world, but for some Canadians, this privilege also comes with certain limitations.

Today, nearly 1 million Canadians live with a print disability such as blindness or partial sight, and some Canadians have mobility issues that prevent them from turning a page or pointing a cursor. For these Canadians, it can be especially difficult to obtain material such as textbooks or online resources in a format that is both accessible and easy to use. Canadians should not be denied opportunities to read and educate themselves simply because they are print disabled.

Today, Industry Minister James Moore, joined by representatives from the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) and the World Blind Union, announced that the Government of Canada will introduce new measures that expand access to materials in formats vital to those living with a print disability.

Canada will join the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled. The Treaty will give Canadians with print disabilities more and improved access to material from around the world in a variety of languages. It will also increase opportunities to import and export accessible versions of print materials, while ensuring the continued protection of authors’ rights. These changes will help schools, libraries and charitable organizations that work with the visually impaired to reduce their costs.

Once the Marrakesh Treaty is in force, Canada will be one of the first G7 nations to fully implement it, giving Canadians greater opportunities to fully participate in society and the economy.

The Government will table the Treaty in the House of Commons on April 29, 2015.

Quick facts

* * Only 7 percent of published books are ever made available in an accessible format such as an audiobook or a Braille conversion.

* * When these measures come into force, Canadians with print disabilities will have access to 285,000 adapted works from 13 countries, in more than 55 languages.

* * According to Statistics Canada, 35 percent of visually impaired students discontinued their education because of their condition, and approximately one third of Canadians who are visually impaired are not in the labour force.

* * Canada’s current framework already makes exceptions for the print disabled, including new exceptions introduced as part of the Copyright Modernization Act in 2012. As part of that modernization effort, the Government specifically included amendments to facilitate the cross-border exchange of accessible format copies and the circumvention of technological protection measures (commonly known as digital locks) for the benefit of persons with print disabilities.

* * Economic Action Plan 2015 committed to acceding to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled.

Quotes

“Canadians should not be denied access to critical educational, employment or social opportunities simply because of a print disability. Our government is standing up for Canadians with disabilities by implementing the Marrakesh Treaty, an international framework that will ensure Canadians have greater access to the content they desire. Canada is among the first G7 countries to fully implement the Treaty, which is vital to the well-being of persons with print disabilities worldwide.”

– James Moore, Minister of Industry

“I am thrilled to be part of this event today highlighting our government’s commitment to those with print disabilities. Whether a person has difficulties because of blindness or mobility problems from a spinal cord injury like me, I know that the measures our government is taking will help improve the lives of many.”

– Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia

“Our government is proud of the great work done by the CNIB in our riding of Don Valley West, and we are thrilled to further assist them as they increase access to published works for those who are visually impaired.”

– John Carmichael, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West

“I’d like to congratulate the CNIB team and the World Blind Union for the diligence they’ve shown in this important matter over the last decade. Literacy is a fundamental human right, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Canada has signed and agreed to uphold. On behalf of the CNIB community, I’m proud of the Government’s pledge to accede to and implement the Marrakesh Treaty. This is an important day and, as an authorized entity for this initiative, an exciting first step for us to work together to make alternate-format printed materials accessible to all in Canada who need them.”

– John M. Rafferty, President and CEO, CNIB

“As a person who is blind and loves books, this commitment from the Canadian government is exciting. Access to literature is essential for everyone, not just those who can read regular print. Right now only 7 percent of printed materials are available in alternate formats.

This opportunity to improve our limited access to literature is a wonderful step by the Canadian government and will bring about real change for the 3 million Canadians who live with print disabilities today.”

– Diane Bergeron, Executive Director, Strategic Relations and Engagement, CNIB

“On behalf of the World Blind Union, I’d like to congratulate Canada on this important show of leadership. With this commitment to the Marrakesh Treaty, Canada will be one of the first major countries to ratify the Treaty, a hugely influential step that will encourage other countries around the world. This is a significant step to end the book famine for people who are blind and partially sighted.”

– Penny Hartin, CEO, World Blind Union

Backgrounder

The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for PersonsWho Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled

Backgrounder

Almost 1 million Canadians live with blindness or partial sight. For these individuals, it can be especially difficult to find print material in a format that is both accessible and easy to use.

New technologies can help to address this challenge. However, more can still be done to ensure that copyright laws do not create additional barriers for those with a print disability, and that users have access to the latest and best published material from around the world.

The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled aims to bring the global community together to better address the universal challenge of ensuring timely access to and wider availability of printed material for those who are visually impaired.

The Treaty sets international standards on certain exceptions to copyright so that print materials can be adapted into formats-such as Braille and audio books-that visually impaired and print-disabled individuals can use. The Treaty also makes it possible to distribute accessible-format copies between countries. The negotiations for the Treaty were led by the World Intellectual Property Organization, a United Nations organization with 186 members. Eighty countries from around the world signed the Treaty, signalling their intent to join.

To implement the Treaty, the Government will be making targeted amendments to the Copyright Act to bring it in line with the international standard established in the Treaty.

Once the Treaty is in force, Canadians will have:   * greater access to

books in accessible

formats in a wider variety of languages;

* increased opportunities to import and export accessible versions of books; and

* greater access to adapted versions of published works from other countries, which helps reduce costs and duplication in terms of the production of accessible format versions.

There will be benefits to many different groups of Canadians with print

disabilities:

* Students will have better access to print materials, helping them to continue with their studies and better engage in the Canadian workforce. Recent survey data shows that approximately 35 percent of visually impaired students discontinued their education because of their condition.

* Workers will have greater opportunities. Current data suggests that approximately one third of Canadians who are visually impaired are not in the labour force.

* Seniors-the group with the highest rates of visual impairment-will have better access to reading materials, which helps to maintain their quality of life.

* Canadians from minority language groups will have better access to books in a variety of languages.

* Schools, libraries and charitable organizations that work with print-disabled Canadians will benefit from reduced duplication in the production of accessible works.

Follow us on Twitter: <https://twitter.com/industrycanada>@industrycanada

Jake Enwright

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Industry

343-291-2500

Media Relations

Industry Canada

343-291-1777

media-relations@ic.gc.ca

Regarding the first Edmonton GTT meeting to be held May 11 the previous announcement had an error in the phone number. For more information about that meeting contact Gerry Chevalier at 780.465.7021 or email GTT.Edmonton@gmail.com.

The round table discussion asked participants to tell a little about the expertise they bring to GTT, and what they might hope to gain from their participation.

Linda B: Knows a little about a lot of things related to daily living skills, adaptation to vision loss and entry level computer technology with PC computers.

TJ: Is losing sight so attempting to upgrade his screen reading skills in preparation. He’s interested in accessible cell phone technology with limitations in terms of cost to operate said equipment. He indicated that he knows nothing about nothing. LOL

Douglas C: Douglas said he knows a little bit about some technology like the VR Stream and JAWS, however that he’s still not up to full speed with his assistive software.

During the meeting a discussion ensued about the trekker Breeze and the soon to be announced firmware and hardware upgrade. It’s since been learned that it will be a hardware upgrade that will come at some cost to the owners of older units. Once the upgrade is announced in June all new Trekker Breezes sold will come with the upgrades built-in.

Mike C: Has been a JAWS, VR Stream and Trekker Breeze user for a number of years and is comfortable coaching on those devices. He has recently acquired an iPhone 5 and is quickly coming up to speed in its use as well.

Shari A: Uses an Android phone and is thinking of moving to the iPhone due to the number of people in the blind community using that access device.

Colin L: Colin is still learning to use screen reading technology. He hasn’t yet logged on the NNELS, and will be doing so in the near future. Colin’s background is in Microsoft products.

Gina H: Gina is sorting throughsome of the difficulties she’s having with daily living skills, mobility, access to information and confidence building. She is learning how to use her new iPhone 5, and she’s also learning Braille and white cane travel techniques.

Elizabeth L: Elizabeth uses JAWS on a Windows 7 PC and her iPhone 5.

Elizabeth also announced that the Pacific Training Center for the Blind will host a 3-hour Braille Literacy Workshop on May 31, 2015. This event is free to persons who are blind or partially sighted. Contact Elizabeth for more details.

Sabina E-O: From NNELS indicated that she is a Librarian, and that she knows a lot about Libraries, books, how to access books, and how to get a NNELS password. She is at the other end of the toll free support line and email address found on the NNELS web site, www.nnels.ca.

Corry S: Corry indicated that he’s an avid iPhone and iPad user, as well as PC computers from a low vision perspective. He is not a screen reader coaching source.

Barbara A: Barb thought she was quite proficient at operating MS Office products, however the advent of the Ribbons in those products has set her way back. She would rate herself as a 30 to 40% proficient JAWS user, with some struggles on the internet and other applications. She knows nothing about iDevices. She uses a Trekker Breeze, however hasn’t used it in a while so might need some brushing up. Barb indicated having some sight, however that she uses screen reading technology due to eye fatigue. She said she’s frustrated at how quickly things are changing in the computer and assistive technology sectors.

Someone in the room asked for a Ribbons workshop. This will be looked at for a future session, or a one-on-one coaching opportunity.

Skye M: He is totally blind and uses all the currently available screen readers, like System Access, NVDA, JAWS and Window Eyes. He is a technical wizard and a wealth of knowledge.

At this point in the meeting a discussion took place about the accuracy of scan and read systems like DocuScan, Openbook and the KNFB Reader app for the iPhone. Lighting was identified as an important issue, and still some fonts don’t scan well. The KNFB Reader app was thought to be a very good and accurate device for accessing short pieces of information on the go.

Ken H: Ken is totally blind, and he doesn’t have any technology yet.

Tom D: Tom is the iPhone guy, however he indicated that he’s not really a techy person. His knowledge is more from the perspective of a Rehab Teacher, whereby he looks at daily living and independence needs when viewing the many apps, strategies and devices available for blind users. Tom is also connected to many Facebook, LinkedIn and other assistive tech and Rehab Groups where he finds information about assistive technology and strategies for living with vision loss. He embraces and keeps abreast of new and emerging trends. If anyone wants to meet up with Tom to learn more and to explore what might be coming down the road please be in touch with him.

The Café at Fort Tectoria is always available as a meeting place downtown. All they ask is that we buy coffee from time to time, and that we Tweet and Facebook about the facility.

Jill M: Jill has had the iPhone for three years, however due to her vision having declined she is very frustrated with it, and all technology. She indicated that she learns slowly. She has a MacBook Pro and has recently upgraded to the iPhone 6, so now needs to learn Voice Over. Tom has started to lend a hand with that. Dr Mary Lou Jackson has suggested that she move to VO rather than fighting to use the magnification features of her Apple products, so she’s involved in transitioning.

Greg M: He is a low vision musician and computer user. He uses Odacity to play and record music as it allows him to slow down the music when learning.

Trevor J: Trevor has a pretty good background with JAWS, the VR Stream and the Trekker Breeze, and he’s soon going to upgrade to another cell phone and might need guidance in that transition. He’s looking forward to learning more about iPads, iPhones and Mac computers.

Aryana R? Aryana is active with a newly formed Arts and culture group focused on providing support to blind citizens interested in such pursuits. She is sighted so has no expertise in assistive software or devices, however provides voluntary support to the participants of these groups.

Erin L: She has recently graduated from the Pacific Training Center for the Blind. She is a good user of JAWS and the iPhone, and has recently moved away from the Android platform with Talkback software. She could assist people with both types of cell phone.

Albert R: Albert is working on behalf of the CCB at coordinating the GTT Program in Western Canada. He is totally blind and offers training in small groups and to individuals on the PC operating system with JAWS, scan and read software, the iPhone and on GPS devices. Albert will be travelling to Prince George and Kamloops to meet with groups there who are interested in similar gatherings, so if anyone knows of people in need of assistive technology support in those communities please pass on the info.

The second hour of the meeting was dedicated to a discussion on the cost of cell phone plans, and how to manage the costs of data as well as the calling features of mobile devices of this nature.

The notion of receiving a “free” phone when cell phone companies push their contracts was discussed, and participants were urged to investigate the true cost of those contracts. The phone is not free as it actually is paid for in the monthly cost of said contract.

If the phone is purchased outright, or secured with the help of local Lions Clubs a far better month-to-month fee arrangement can usually be worked out.

It was determined that diligence is required when managing the amount of telephone talking time allowed through the negotiated plan, as well as the data usage.

Some use Pay-As-You-Go plans with no data, so WIFI becomes critical when accessing many apps on the iPhone. Some people who use Shaw as their internet service provider have access to WIFI where ever Shaw Open is available.

GPS apps don’t use data as they connect to Satellites according to some in the room, and it was recently tested on a trip from downtown Victoria to Langford with the cellular data turned off. The GPS app functioned the entire trip.

Some in the room offered their expertise to assist during the investigation and purchase phases if anyone finds their not confident enough to negotiate a cell phone contract, or monthly plan if they already own the phone.

Cell phone providers are mostly interested in selling contracts, however the end user must work diligently at ensuring that their needs are met by the plan they sign on for. If you’re not receiving the level of service you need from the person who is serving you, you have the right to see another service provider, or to come back another day.

*Note: The next meeting will be on Monday, May 4, 2015 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at Fort Tectoria.

Hi all.

I’m in search of a used iPad that might be surplus in your home. Someone I know who lives with low vision wants to try it out for a week or so to determine whether she’ll get sufficient service from it to abandon her old XP computer for good. The thought is that she might just be able to do all that she needs to do with an iPad rather than undertaking the huge learning curve of getting a new Windows 8 or 10 computer. If you have one sitting around that might be for sale, and if you’re willing to loan it for a week we’ll be most appreciative.

Please call Albert at 250-240-2343 or email at GTTWest2015@Gmail.com.

Hi all.  I have used these text books and recommend them highly to anyone who’s struggling to learn how to use a screen reader effectively in Windows, or with the MS Office programs.

Thx, Albert

Three new textbooks are available at www.blindtraining.com/shop/ <http://www.blindtraining.com/shop/>

You’ll find:

An Immersion into Window-Eyes 9

An Immersion into JAWS for Windows 16

An Immersion into Word 2013 with JAWS for Windows 16

CathyAnne

CathyAnne Murtha

CEO

Access Technology Institute, LLC

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CathyAnneMurtha <http://www.twitter.com/CathyAnneMurtha>

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

cathy@blindtraining.com <mailto:cathy@blindtraining.com>

www.blindtraining.com <http://www.blindtraining.com/>

_______________________________________________

News mailing list

News@lists.blindtraining.com

http://lists.blindtraining.com/listinfo.cgi/news-blindtraining.com

Seedlings Braille Books for Children’s

2015 Book Angel Program

Register to receive 2 free braille books for your V-I child!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We would like to invite you to register your child and/or students for two free braille books through Seedlings’ 2015 Book Angel Program!

If your child/student is visually-impaired, 21 or under, and living in the US or Canada, he/she is eligible to receive two free braille books each calendar year, so sign up today <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SEpTuQeMd0Mwn0rhceOL7w82NZS4pstl0WmenK9b1Y6JwZcjiPkrndlsBM9aYSITsm2iwWRWsDvR-swwvVZsumAcKcNpC16LNgakZdakBlDENHW7dHu9sXo5ePCnc2t9nye4nzVdgYRMfQo9JAJsUKsvG8D88V6eTxM6aWeLKk2dbdn080SFz40MCkLWMtfd <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SEpTuQeMd0Mwn0rhceOL7w82NZS4pstl0WmenK9b1Y6JwZcjiPkrndlsBM9aYSITsm2iwWRWsDvR-swwvVZsumAcKcNpC16LNgakZdakBlDENHW7dHu9sXo5ePCnc2t9nye4nzVdgYRMfQo9JAJsUKsvG8D88V6eTxM6aWeLKk2dbdn080SFz40MCkLWMtfd&c=o4cQiapaTvDHb3utqm5dHtx9sOAI-neRH2UB1aMiOFjwxDb6NCqzPg==&ch=y3WFnDH1dsMUypVTZf81S9fJB6jrVzv0MQHth4wdsfakArptFXbebw==> &c=o4cQiapaTvDHb3utqm5dHtx9sOAI-neRH2UB1aMiOFjwxDb6NCqzPg==&ch=y3WFnDH1dsMUypVTZf81S9fJB6jrVzv0MQHth4wdsfakArptFXbebw==> !

This program has been a huge success, bringing much joy to young braille readers. The children love receiving two free books that they can read and re-read to their heart’s content.

This is also a great way to introduce braille to V-I toddlers and preschoolers who may become braille readers. Just sign them up for some of our Print-and-Braille books, and they will be able to enjoy reading time with their sighted friends and family members while picking up some important pre-reading skills. We have lots of great braille books for older, more independent readers as well!

Check out the details below, and sign up today <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SEpTuQeMd0Mwn0rhceOL7w82NZS4pstl0WmenK9b1Y6JwZcjiPkrndlsBM9aYSITsm2iwWRWsDvR-swwvVZsumAcKcNpC16LNgakZdakBlDENHW7dHu9sXo5ePCnc2t9nye4nzVdgYRMfQo9JAJsUKsvG8D88V6eTxM6aWeLKk2dbdn080SFz40MCkLWMtfd <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SEpTuQeMd0Mwn0rhceOL7w82NZS4pstl0WmenK9b1Y6JwZcjiPkrndlsBM9aYSITsm2iwWRWsDvR-swwvVZsumAcKcNpC16LNgakZdakBlDENHW7dHu9sXo5ePCnc2t9nye4nzVdgYRMfQo9JAJsUKsvG8D88V6eTxM6aWeLKk2dbdn080SFz40MCkLWMtfd&c=o4cQiapaTvDHb3utqm5dHtx9sOAI-neRH2UB1aMiOFjwxDb6NCqzPg==&ch=y3WFnDH1dsMUypVTZf81S9fJB6jrVzv0MQHth4wdsfakArptFXbebw==> &c=o4cQiapaTvDHb3utqm5dHtx9sOAI-neRH2UB1aMiOFjwxDb6NCqzPg==&ch=y3WFnDH1dsMUypVTZf81S9fJB6jrVzv0MQHth4wdsfakArptFXbebw==> !

Best wishes and happy reading,

Debra J. Bonde, Director

Seedlings Braille Books for Children

AEBC WORKSHOP: “GETTING STARTED WITH BLOGGING”

Have you been wondering what blogging is and how you can get involved with AEBC’s blog, whether as a “blogger” or simply by commenting on blog articles?

You are invited to join a workshop run by AEBC’s Leadership Development committee on Saturday, April 18, 2015 that will give AEBC members information about how to get involved in this form of social media.

The workshop will provide you with information about what blogging is, how you can contribute (including methods for getting inspired to write), and a live walk-through of how to navigate and comment on AEBC blog posts using a screen reader.There will be an opportunity for members to get any questions they may have answered. In addition, the first 15 minutes of the workshop will be a walk-through demonstration of hwo to access the live stream for AEBC’s upcoming national conference.

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2015

Time: 2:00 – 3:15 pm EST

This workshop is open to everyone – no special “expertise” is necessary to become a blogger, just some thoughts or experiences and a willingness to write about them to spark some ideas or a conversation. Space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible by contacting AEBC’s National Secretary atsecretary@blindcanadians.ca.

The Leadership Development committee looks forward to your participation in this workshop.

Check out this CNIB Blog on a great new feature in iOS8.

http://blog.cnib.ca/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?List=9028a3c9-88f2-49e1-bd91-28de3e292019&ID=611&Web=cf0574a6-eb20-48b0-b0f8-124d7617ad52

Hi all. Some have asked if there will be a GTT Nanaimo meeting this weekend as it’s our usual First Saturday, however due to the Easter weekend we’ll postpone the meeting.

Stay tuned for further announcements.

Thx, Albert

***

Albert A. Ruel, GTT Coordinator

Get Together with Technology Program

Canadian Council of the Blind

Cell: 250-240-2343

Email: GTTWest2015@Gmail.com

GTT Blog: www.GTTProgram.wordpress.com

URL: www.CCBNational.net

Facebook: Albert A Ruel

Twitter: @GTTVanisle

Reminder: GTT Victoria meeting tomorrow, April 1, 2015 at 1:30 PM in the Shaw Conference Room at Fort Tectoria, 777 Fort Street.

Empowerment is what results from opportunities to share.

GTT empowers members of the blind community by sharing information about assistive tools, strategies and technology to help gain equal access to information, download audio books, music and other reading materials through accessible Library Services, and use GPS for mobility and independent travel and so much more.

During our April meeting we will set aside time where everyone is welcome to meet, share and learn, and I will also ask each of you to state what you hope to get out of your involvement in GTT so that we can build an inventory of needs. From that we will recruit the resources needed in order to satisfy participant’s needs.

We will also engage in conversation about the cost of operating and maintaining smart phone contracts. Bring your thoughts and questions for the group to discuss.

GTT believes in sharing information and working together with our community and/or other organizations to build confidence through better understanding of adjustment to vision loss and using tools and technology to improve access to information. If you have any questions about the technology you’re currently using, bring you’re: Lap Top/iPad/eBook Reader/DAISY Player/Cell Phone along and we’ll set you up with someone who has answers. Perhaps you have questions about Accessing Music or Finding books and magazines. No question is too difficult to answer if we work together.

Although it isn’t necessary, if you let the Coordinator know a few days before the meeting it will help us ensure that you get your specific questions answered, or work with you on the device you are bringing to the meeting.

Braille isn’t [quote] embattled–we’re on the cusp of a golden age for blind people

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/22/braille-golden-age-blind-people-technology

Far from heralding the death of a great medium, technology may be ushering in a new era of access and greater independence

Ian Macrae

The Guardian (UK), May 22, 2014.

Imagine a situation where you walk into your favourite restaurant and ask for the menu, only to be told it isn’t available. Chances are it wouldn’t stay your favourite for very long.

As a braillist–someone who uses braille–the dream for me is when the opposite happens. A small number of chain restaurants offer menus in braille; sometimes, they’re even up to date.

It is difficult to over-express the sense of liberation at being able to browse and choose your preferred pizza independently. And in Co-op supermarkets, where some of the own-brand labels feature braille, there is pride in being able to identify a bottle of wine from a label that few if any other people in the store are able to read.

All too often, though, finding anything in shops is a matter of random selection, peering in earnest, or asking for help. And just when it seemed the situation couldn’t get any worse for braillists, along come headlines suggesting the end is nigh for braille, that this communication lifeline is about to be cut off.

This week, Dr Matthew Rubery, curator of an exhibition on alternative methods of reading for blind people, described braille as [quote] embattled.

He went on to say its biggest threat [quote] is computer technology, which makes it much easier not to have to learn it. A lot of people fear braille won’t survive because it will be read by so few people. The use has declined and there are concerns about funding to keep it going.

This seems to me a rather glass-half-empty view, although there is some evidence to support his argument. Anecdotally, it is claimed blind children are no longer being taught braille. This is said to be owing to sighted teachers who believe computer technology, and in particular synthesised speech, has rendered it redundant. Therefore, the teachers don’t need to learn braille either.

If this is true, and no other factors were to come into play, then the outlook might really look bad. But, like print, braille has gone through a process of evolution. It started out in classrooms as the equivalent of the slate – my five-year-old hands punched out each dot individually through a sheet of thick manilla paper. We learned to write it backwards and read it forwards.

Then Harold Wilson’s [quote] white heat age of technology ushered in the mechanical era. Classrooms echoed to the deafening collective rattle of 15 or more braille machines – the Stainsby, the Perkins, the Lavender – pounding away at dictation or composition.

And now, like print with its tablets, Kindles and touch screens, braille has gone digital. And it is my belief that this could well mean it becomes more widely available and infinitely more useful. This is important because it means all children in future will be able to enjoy the same degree of literacy, not to mention the same levels of liberation and pleasure, as I do now.

Think of this: I am writing and editing this piece on an Apple computer using braille from an electronic display that drives pins into the correct shapes to form a line of braille text. Once the piece is published I will be able to go to the Guardian website on my iPhone or iPad, use Bluetooth to connect up a portable braille device, and read it along with you. The main problem currently is the cost of the braille-reading equipment: the cheapest is 900 [pounds].

But, fellow reader, we are now in the age of the app and of haptic technology, which communicates through vibration and touch. It is already possible for me to download an app that will create on my touch screen a virtual braille keyboard on which I can compose texts, emails, tweets and Facebook updates in braille.

Meanwhile, the search is already on for the holy grail of braille–a means of creating dots without using expensive mechanical cells that make the shape of braille characters using pins. Then the world would truly be at our fingertips.

What is needed is an app that would turn digital text on your device into electronic impulses in the shape of braille characters, transmitted by the screen of your iPad or other tablet, to be read by touch. To go back to my restaurant quandary, all I would need to do would be to call up the menu online, put it through my haptic braille app, and read it on my screen.

Add into that mix a scanning app, and I could point my device at what was on the supermarket shelf and have the haptic braille app produce the package information.

And if you think this is hopelessly optimistic pie in the sky, it’s worth remembering that less than five years ago 96% of all books produced would never be turned into forms accessible to blind people. But with the advent of e-books and existing technology, I am now able to read pretty much any book I want to in electronic braille.

So rather than seeing the end of braille, we could be entering a golden age of access and communication. Here’s to more pizza, more wine, and more braille.

Hello all,

This is Tom, aka the iHabilitation man, checking in from Victoria. Just wanted to let you iPad users know that my new book is now available from National

Braille Press. It is called: “iFeelaGrams: Tactile Screen Shots for iPad, iOS8”. And you can find out more here:

http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/IFEEL-IPAD-8.html