Category: GTT Northern Ontario and Rural Call

CCB-GTT Weekly Meetings, October 18 to October 24, 2020 via Zoom

You are invited to the CCB’s GTT Zoom meetings where we focus in on the technology needs and concerns of Canadians who are blind or low vision.  The calls will take place over the accessible Zoom Conference system, which will allow participants to dial in using their landline phones, smart phones, or computers.  You will find the Zoom link and phone numbers below the meeting listings. Please pay special attention to the “(note)” notation after some of the meeting listings. Different zoom platforms are used for different meetings and some require preregistration.

CCB-GTT OPEN CHAT

Monday, October 19, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific:

host, Kim Kilpatrick,

Topic, Open discussion,

CCB-GTT RURAL AND NORTH CALL

Tuesday October 20, 2020, 7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific:

Host/co-host, Dorothy Mc Naughton and Brian Bibeault

We encourage everyone from across Canada to take part.  The topic is Apps – those that are most accessible and useful for people with vision loss, as well as other apps we enjoy using.  Our speaker is Elmer Thiesen.  There will be lots of time for questions and for everyone to share their favourite apps.

CCB-GTT PRESENTATION

Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific:

Topic, All about Aira

Presenter Janine Stanley from AIRA, Host Kim Kilpatrick

CCB-GTT ALL ABOUT ANDROID

Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific:

Tracy and Matthew have put this group together to share their experiences navigating Android devices. We welcome the input from users of all experience levels so we can learn together. For the next three sessions we are going to discuss how to get started with your Android device. Please identify yourself when registering with your proper name and zoom screen name.

(NOTE) Registration required, Email: aaug.canada@gmail.com

CCB-GTT YOUTH ZOOM CALL

Thursday, October 22, 2020, 8:00 PM Eastern/5:00 PM Pacific:

Host, Nolan Jenikov

For individuals between the ages of 16 and 25ish.

(NOTE) The meeting credentials are different for this meeting, preregistration required. For more info contact Nolan at nolan.gtt@ccbnational.net.

CCB-GTT OPEN CHAT

Friday, October 23, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific Time:

host, David Greene,

Topic, Open discussion,

—

Security procedure remains in effect.

When you enter the waiting room before a meeting, please ensure that you give us a recognizable name. If you are calling for the first time or from a land line, please e-mail the CCB’s Receptionist, (Shelley Morris) ahead of time to let us know your name and number so we will let you in. Shelley’s email is ccb@ccbnational.net.

If you need help doing these things or learning to use zoom, please contact us and we can help you.

You can participate by phone or internet from wherever you are:

CCB is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

https://zoom.us/j/9839595688?pwd=N01yeERXQk4rWnhvNCtHTzZwdXcwQT09

Meeting ID: 983 959 5688

Password: 320119

Alberta One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+15873281099,9839595688#

BC One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+17789072071,9839595688#

Manitoba One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+12045151268,9839595688#

Montreal One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+14388097799,9839595688#

Toronto One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+16473744685,9839595688#

Direct Dial:

Alberta: +1 587 328 1099

BC: +1 778 907 2071

Manitoba: +1 204 515 1268

Montreal: +1 438 809 7799

Toronto: +1 647 374 4685

For more information, contact:

Kim Kilpatrick, CCB GTT Coordinator

GTTProgram@Gmail.com

1-877-304-0968 Ext 513

David Greene, CCB GTT Accessibility Trainer

accessibilitytraining7@gmail.com

1-877-304-0968 Ext 509

Corry Stuive, CCB National Program Coordinator

corry.gtt@ccbnational.net 

1-877-304-0968 Ext 550

CCB-GTT Weekly Meetings, August 16 to August 22, 2020 via Zoom

You are invited to the CCB’s GTT Zoom meetings where we focus in on the technology needs and concerns of Canadians who are blind or low vision.  The calls will take place over the accessible Zoom Conference system, which will allow participants to dial in using their landline phones, smart phones or computers.  You will find the Zoom link and phone numbers below the meeting listings. Please pay special attention to the “(note)” notation after some of the meeting listings. Different zoom platforms are used for different meetings and some require preregistration.

—

PLEASE NOTE…..Enhanced security procedure in effect.

When you enter the waiting room before a meeting, please ensure that you give us a recognizable first and last name. If you are calling for the first time or from a land line, please e-mail the CCB’s Receptionist, (Shelley Morris) ahead of time to let us know your name and number so we will let you in. Shelley’s email is ccb@ccbnational.net.

If you need help doing these things or learning to use zoom, please contact us and we can help you.

—

CCB-GTT OPEN CHAT

Monday, August 17, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific Time:

Host, Kim Kilpatrick

Open discussion plus: What tech do you use for work?

CCB-GTT RURAL AND NORTH CALL

Tuesday August 18, 2020, 7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific:

The topic will be learning how to use One Drive and Dropbox to store and share files. Your presenter will be Brian Bibeault. There will be lots of time for questions!

CCB-GTT PRESENTATION

Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific:

Presenter, Gerry Chevalier

Topic, Using CELA library, part 2 of 2. This week focusing in on Newspapers and Magazines. Q&A to follow

CCB-GTT YOUTH ZOOM CALL

Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 2:00 PM Eastern/11:00 AM Pacific:

Host, Nolan Jenikov

GTT Weekly Youth Gathering Use this link to attend, provided you’re between the ages of 16 and 25ish.

(NOTE) The meeting credentials are different for this meeting, preregistration required. For more info contact David Green at accessibilitytraining7@gmail.com.

CCB-GTT ALL ABOUT ANDROID

Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific:

Tracy and Matthew have put this group together to share their experiences navigating Android devices. We welcome the input from users of all experience levels so we can learn together. Please identify yourself when registering with your proper name and zoom screen name.

(NOTE) Registration required, Email: aaug.canada@gmail.com

CCB-GTT TORONTO CALL

Thursday, August 20, 2020, 6:00 PM Eastern/3:00 PM Pacific:

This month, GTT creator, Kim Kilpatrick, David Green, CCB’s national GTT tech advisor, and CCB Member Debbie Eva Williams will be presenting the Apple Watch, a wearable world on your wrist!  You can use it for time, apple pay, transit app, messages, calendar, texting, and more! 

(NOTE) The meeting credentials are different for this meeting, To get the call in information please e-mail Gtt.toronto@gmail.com

CCB-GTT OPEN CHAT

Friday, August 21, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific Time:

host, David Green,

Open discussion, Tech and/or other, Come join the community!

—

You can participate by phone or internet from wherever you are:

CCB is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

https://zoom.us/j/9839595688?pwd=N01yeERXQk4rWnhvNCtHTzZwdXcwQT09

Meeting ID: 983 959 5688

Password: 320119

Alberta One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+15873281099,9839595688#

BC One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+17789072071,9839595688#

Manitoba One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+12045151268,9839595688#

Montreal One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+14388097799,9839595688#

Toronto One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+16473744685,9839595688#

Direct Dial:

Alberta: +1 587 328 1099

BC: +1 778 907 2071

Manitoba: +1 204 515 1268

Montreal: +1 438 809 7799

Toronto: +1 647 374 4685

For more information, contact:

Kim Kilpatrick, CCB GTT Coordinator

GTTProgram@Gmail.com

David Green, CCB GTT Accessibility Trainer

accessibilitytraining7@gmail.com

1-877-304-0968 Ext 513

Corry Stuive, CCB National Program Coordinator

corry.gtt@ccbnational.net 

1-877-304-0968 Ext 550

CCB-GTT Weekly Meetings, July 19 to July 25, 2020 via Zoom Conference

This week……..

Weekly CCB GTT Open Chats,

  • (Including a special guest and topic Wednesday)

CCB GTT Rural and Northern Ontario Call

and

 CCB GTT Youth Zoom Conference Call

You’re invited to the CCB GTT’s Zoom Conference call meetings for the week of July 19 to July 25, where we will focus on the needs and concerns of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.  The calls will take place over the accessible Zoom Conference system, which will allow participants to dial in using their landline phones, smart phones or computers.  See below for the Zoom link and phone numbers.

NEW, PLEASE NOTE…..

Enhanced security procedure. Please review, note and implement were required.

Special note about zoom bombing from Kim,

Recently a few of our meetings have been derailed by Zoom Bomber(s). These are folks that come into meetings with no intent to participate. There sole intention is to disrupt the session. There arrival includes vulgar language and/or disturbing video content. Once in the zoom room it is impossible for a host to get rid of them, so…..

When you enter the waiting room before a meeting, please ensure that you give us a recognizable first and last name.

If you are calling in from a land line, please e-mail the meeting host ahead of time to let us know your name and number so we will let you in.

If you need help doing these things or learning to use zoom, please contact us and we can help you.

Phone 1-877-304-0968 or

email gtt@ccbnational.net

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

Week of July 19 to July 25, 2020:

Monday, July 20, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific Time:

host Nolan Jenakov, email him at nolan.gtt@ccbnational.net

Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific time:

host Brian Bibeault, email him at gtt.northbay@gmail.com

  • Theme: a discussion about podcasts, podcatchers, what are they? How do you use them? CCB GTT Open Chat, use this link to atttend

Wednesday, July 22, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific Time:

host Kim Kilpatrick, , email her at GTTProgram@Gmail.com

  • Theme: Our special guest Wayne Antle will describe and lead a discussion about IPhone reading apps. Followed by open chat starting around 2pm Eastern IPhone reading apps , use this link to attend.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020, 2:00 PM Eastern/11:00 AM Pacific:

host Nolan Jenakov, email him at nolan.gtt@ccbnational.net

Friday, July 24, 2020, 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific Time:

host David Green, email him at accessibilitytraining7@gmail.com

You can participate by phone or internet from wherever you are:

CCB is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

https://zoom.us/j/9839595688?pwd=N01yeERXQk4rWnhvNCtHTzZwdXcwQT09

Meeting ID: 983 959 5688

Password: 320119

Alberta One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+15873281099,9839595688#

BC One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+17789072071,9839595688#

Manitoba One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+12045151268,9839595688#

Montreal One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+14388097799,9839595688#

Toronto One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+16473744685,9839595688#

Direct Dial:

Alberta: +1 587 328 1099

BC: +1 778 907 2071

Manitoba: +1 204 515 1268

Montreal: +1 438 809 7799

Toronto: +1 647 374 4685

For more information, contact:

Kim Kilpatrick, CCB GTT East Coordinator

GTTProgram@Gmail.com

David Green, CCB GTT Accessibility Trainer

accessibilitytraining7@gmail.com

1-877-304-0968 Ext 513

Brian Bibeault, Volunteer, North Call Coordinator:

gtt.northbay@gmail.com

Corry Stuive, CCB National Program Coordinator

corry.gtt@ccbnational.net 

GTT Northern Ontario Summary Notes, Amazon Speakers,, February 20, 2020 with Link to CCB Podcast Episode

Get Together with Technology (GTT)

Sponsored by the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

Summary Notes:

February 20, 2020

Theme: GTT Northern Ontario, Amazon Speakers, use this link to listen to the CCB Podcast Episode.

Presenter: Albert Ruel

AlbertRuel@Gmail.com

Here’s an older recording just found for your enjoyment.

List of Amazon Echo speakers:

  • Amazon Echo Speaker
  • Echo Studio, with high-fidelity
  • Echo Dot
  • Amazon Tap, with battery
  • Echo Look, with screen and camera
  • Echo Show
  • Echo Spot
  • Echo Plus, a hub for setting up compatible devices

The features of the device include: voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, and playing audiobooks, in addition to providing weather, traffic and other real-time information. It can also control several smart devices, acting as a home automation  hub.

Setting up Alexa, use the Amazon Alexa App.

Alexa apps to download, Amazon Alexa App and Alexa Skills.

Here’s how to set up your brand-new Amazon Echo.

  1. Step 1: Download the Alexa App.
  2. Step 2: Plug in the Echo.
  3. Step 3: Connect the Echo to Wi-Fi via the app.
  4. Step 4: Start talking to Alexa.
  5. Step 5: Start using your Echo.
  6. Optional Step 6: Connect smart home devices or an external speaker.

Setting up Alexa Skills:

To enable Alexa skills in the Alexa app:

  1. From the menu, select Skills & Games.
  2. Find a skill you want to use, and then select it to open the skill detail page.
  3. Select Enable Skill, or ask Alexa to open the skill. Tip: Refer to the skill’s detail page for examples of things to say and to learn more.

Establishing Alexa Routines:

How to set up Routines in the Alexa app

  1. Launch the Alexa app on your phone or tablet.
  2. Tap the menu icon in the top left corner of the screen.
  3. Tap Routines.
  4. Tap the + icon in the top right corner of the screen. …
  5. Select When this happens.
  6. Choose Voice.
  7. Type in your desired trigger phrase.
  8. Hit Save.

Attaching email accounts for calendar, contacts and email messages:

Setting up your email account in the Alexa app.

  1. Open the Alexa app.
  2. Tap the Menu in the top left corner and select Settings.
  3. Select Email and Calendar.
  4. Tap the + button. Select your email provider. …
  5. Log in to your email account.

To Learn more about Alexa:

Listen to the Dot to Dot podcast, a series of 5 minute podcasts showing you how to access various skills, features and activities with your Echo Speaker.  The latest one was posted on February 10 and is numbered 1107.  Robin can be reached at thedottodotpodcast@gmail.com.  Here are a few I thought might be of interest.

Help me get started with Skills:

Built-in Kindle Book Reading Feature:

Reading Kindle Books Revisited:

An article that could help you get more out of your Echo Speaker:

6 essential Amazon Echo tips you’ll use daily

  1. Connect your Echo to your smart home devices
  2. Set an alarm from home or while on the go
  3. Listen to music, audiobooks and podcasts
  4. Play games with your friends or kids
  5. Ask for measurement conversions
  6. Find movies playing in theaters near you

For more information please contact your GTT Coordinators/Trainers:

Kim Kilpatrick 1-877-304-0968 Ext. 513

GTTProgram@Gmail.com

Albert Ruel 1-877-304-0968 Ext. 550

albert.GTT@CCBNational.net

David Green 1-877-304-0968 Ext. 509

AccessibilityTraining7@Gmail.com

CCB-GTT 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™”.

GTT is an exciting initiative of the Canadian Council of the Blind, founded in Ottawa in 2011 by Kim Kilpatrick and Ellen Goodman.  GTT aims to help people who are blind or have low vision in their exploration of low vision and blindness related access technology.  Through involvement with GTT participants can learn from and discuss assistive technology with others walking the same path of discovery.

GTT is made up of blindness related assistive technology users, and those who have an interest in using assistive technology designed to help blind and vision impaired people level the playing field.  GTT groups interact through social media, and periodically meet in-person or by teleconference to share their passions for assistive technology and to learn what others can offer from their individual perspectives.

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

 

Reminder that the rural and northern Ontario GTT teleconference is tonight January 26 at 7 PM eastern.

This is just a reminder of the northern Ontario and rural GTT teleconference taking place January 26 at 7 PM Eastern.
This is an open call with no guest speaker this time.
People are asked to bring any questions, tips, or tech issues to discuss.
Here is the call in info
Time: 7 Pm eastern.
Date: January 26 2017
Call in number 1-866-740-1260
Passcode 5670311

GTT notes for Northern Ontario last call and upcoming meeting announcement.

Hello everyone.
Please find below the notes for the June 23 GTT Northern Ontario meeting.
We discussed gadgets and useful tools and generally had a round table (or rather round the phone) discussion about the most usable and useful gadgets and tools.
Kim and Dorothy have updated the notes with useful information and updated links and information.
On September 29 2016 on our call, we will have representatives from Aroga to talk about their latest products and their services.
Northern Ontario and Rural GTT Teleconference Meeting

June 23, 2016

Topic: Tools and Gadgets

There are some resources on the CNIB website regarding iPhone help and the link is below:
These are resources originally available through the Hadley School For The Blind
http://www.hadley.edu
Albert Ruel with GTT has turned all of the below Ifocus videos into MP3 files which he can share with you.
If you want these, please email gttprogram@gmail.com and Kim will forward your requests to Albert.

http://www.cnib.ca/en/living/how-to-videos/tools-and-tech/Pages/iFocus-Series-on-iPhone-Accessibility.aspx

If you don’t have access to a computer and would like the text of any of the topics, please contact Dorothy at rmacnaug@sympatico and I will copy them into the body of an e-mail for you.

Text of the linked webpage:
iFocus Series on iPhone Accessibility
Did you know that all iPhones and iPads are accessible to people who are blind or partially sighted? In fact, the accessibility features within “i” devices are built right into the devices themselves – it’s just a matter of turning them on and knowing how to use them.
In the iFocus video series below, created by The Hadley School for the Blind, you’ll learn how to operate the built-in accessibility tools within the iPhone and iPad so you can make the most of your device.
We send our deepest thanks to our partners at Hadley for allowing us to share these videos on our website.
Using the “Zoom” feature
This group of videos will teach you the ins and outs of using the “Zoom” function on your iPhone or iPad, which allows you to make the text on your phone larger.
• iFocus – Using the Zoom Features
Using the “VoiceOver” feature
This next group of videos will show you how to use the “VoiceOver” feature on an iPad or iPhone, which is similar to a screen reader.
• iFocus – Beginning Gestures in Voiceover
• iFocus – Placing and Receiving Phone Calls
• iFocus – Typing on Your iDevice
• iFocus – Sending a Text Message
• iFocus – Checking Voicemail
• iFocus – Recording a Voice Memo
• iFocus – Setting an Alarm
• iFocus – Using the Timer
• iFocus – Checking the Weather
• iFocus – Using the Notes App
• iFocus – Composing an Email
• iFocus – Using the Rotor
• iFocus – Selecting, Copying and Pasting Text
• iFocus – Using the Notification Center
• iFocus – Accessing the Control Center
• iFocus – Setting Bookmarks in Safari
• iFocus – Advanced VoiceOver Gestures
• iFocus – Handwriting With iOS 7
• iFocus – Creating a Calendar Event
• iFocus – Resetting Your iDevice
• iFocus – Adding Elements to the Rotor
• iFocus – Pairing a Refreshable Braille Device
• iFocus – Introducing Alex in iOS
Learn more about iPhone accessibility…
Click here to browse a list of accessible iPhone apps, listed by category.

Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired has a webpage with technology instructional videos

Instructional Videos

http://www.hadley.edu/InstructionalVideos.asp

If you want individualized help with your I devices please call or email Kim and she can help as well.
1-877-304-0968
gttprogram@gmail.com
Applevis also has very good resources for all things IOS.
http://www.applevis.com
The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired has technology information

http://www.tsbvi.edu/

There is a prototype of a device called the “Buzz Clip”, a small device you wear which buzzes when you are near objects. It will be sold by Microcomputer Science Centre Inc. based in Mississauga.

Shoppers Drug Mart has a device and discs available called “ScripTalk” to allow access to prescription information verbally. You will need to ask for this and then the necessary arrangements can be made.

Talking Watches and Braille Watches from CNIB and also from Future Aids

Victor Reader Stream http://store.humanware.com/hca/victor-reader-stream-new-generation.html

Talking Clock

Atomic Clock – from Independent Living Aids in the U.S.

Talking Timer

Talking Calculator

Lighted Magnifier

Talking Indoor/Outdoor Thermometers

Talking Thermostat (wifi, accessible through iPhone) from NEST

Monoculars – Lee Valley has one that is a jeweller’s loupe and is not very expensive

Magnified glasses

There are many highly tactile dots and shapes from Future Aids

http://www.braillebookstore.com/

Elastics (e.g. use one around the bottle for Shampoo; two elastics for Conditioner)

Magnets on cans; magnetic dymotape from CNIB which can be brailled

Pen Friend (new version)

Pen Friend with washable labels (more expensive)

Talking Scale – Braille Superstore or CNIB or Shoppers Home Health Care

App – Blind Square (navigation aid)

There are also other GPS apps specifically for people who are blind.
Near by Explorer for Android and Iphone which is an expensive app.
Autour is a new free GPS app for IOS which is in development.
App – Find My iPhone

App – People Finder Light

External battery boosters for any device that uses usbs ($10 on Amazon)

Waterproof smart phone case – Lifeproof

Bluetooth headphones – Mpaow

Apple battery case

Smart case (not waterproof)

Portable dictaphone (Phillips)

Recording using iPhone apps include:
dropvox
voice memos
pocket recorder
Just press record

Recording using Victor Reader Stream

Recording using Plextalk Pocket

Olympus recorders

Tap Memo

Slate and stylus

Locator Tags

Money holder for coins

Divider between bills – doubled over aluminum foil

Free credit card holder from banks (heavy plastic)

mp3 Player

Audacity software for multi-track recording and editing http://www.audacityteam.org/
This is available for both windows and mac.

Gold Wave audio-video recording software https://www.goldwave.com/

Sound recorder in PC

Recording cassettes onto CDs – Staples

Recording records onto CDs – Staples

Talking Meat Thermometer for the BBQ – iGrill

(Braille Superstore)

Orbit – braille display and reader
The orbit is now available for pre-order at the CNIB store.
http://www.shopcnib.ca
They should be shipping in October.
You will pay a 50 dollar deposit and the final full price is 499 dollars.

Add to game sites – Blindfold Games

Canadian Braille Press

http://www.canadianbraillepress.com/

Tactile Vision Graphics – tactile and braille products

http://tactilevisiongraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/price-list-2016.htm

Our next Northern Ontario and Rural GTT teleconference call will take place on Thursday September 29 at 7 PM eastern time.

Although our GTT northern Ontario meetings usually take place on the third Thursday of every month, this month, our meeting will take place on September 29. This meeting is especially for those who live in areas where it is difficult to meet and connect with a local GTT (Get Together with Technology) group.
If you would like more information, contact Kim Kilpatrick at
1-877-304-0968
Or
gttprogram@gmail.com
Stay tuned for previous meeting notes and more details about upcoming meetings.
Here is the call in info.
1-866-740-1260
Passcode
5670311

Next Northern Ontario/rural GTT Teleconference Thursday June 23 at 7 PM Eastern.  Useful tools and gadgets. 

Our next Northern Ontario/rural GTT meeting will take place on Thursday June 23 at 7 PM Eastern.  Our topic is useful gadgets and tools.  Bring. Your useful gadgets and questions about any you would like to find.  Household things, gardening gadgets, medical and health tools, whatever you like.  This is our last call before September.
Here is the call in information.

1-866-740-1260

Passcode 5670311

Next GTT Northern Ontario and Rural conference call will be on Thursday June 23rd at 7 PM Eastern. Looking for topic ideas. 

Our next Northern Ontario and rural GTT Teleconference call will be delayed a week and will take place on Thursday June 23rd at 7 PM Eastern.  We are looking for possible topics. If you have one of interest or you have one you would like to present, please send them to 

gttprogram@gmail.com 

Call in info and a reminder will be sent out on the week of June 20.

Reminder upcoming NOrthern Ontario and rural GTT teleconference call on Thursday April 21 at 7 PM eastern time.

Hello everyone,
This is a reminder of the Northern Ontario and Rural GTT teleconference workshop on apps for i devices. It will be held on Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m. EST.
Call in information is as follows:

1-866-740-1260 The access code is 5670311
Speakers will be:

Kim Kilpatrick

Shane Wheeler 
I am suggesting that each speaker take half an hour and then we can use the last half hour for questions and for others to add their suggestions for apps which may not have been covered. 

If you want any more information, you can call Kim at 1-877-304-0968

Or e-mail gttprogram@gmail.com

Reminder: Next northern Ontario/ rural GTT teleconference call all about accessible apps for I Devices and android.  March 17 7 PM Eastern. 

Reminder next Northern Ontario/rural GTT conference call Thursday March 17 7 PM Eastern. All about android and IOS apps. Join us if you live in Northern Ontario and/or in a rural area with no GTT group on Thursday March 17 for our regular monthly teleconference call. 

This one is all about accessible apps. 

We will give equal time to Iphone and Android apps during this presentation with experts of both types of devices sharing their favourite apps. 

Here is the call in info. 

Date: 

March 17 2016. 

Time: 7 PM Eastern time

Call in number: 

1-866-740-1260 

Passcode 5670311 

For more information contact Kim at 

1-877-304-0968 X. 513. 

Or 

gttprogram@gmail.com 

Notes from GTT Northern  Ontario  meeting all about CELA Library Services  (reading newspapers, search preferences, and more) 

Below find the notes for the last Northern Ontario GTT meeting. Thanks to Gerry chevalier for leading such an informative discussion. 

Kim 

 
Northern Ontario GTT Meeting

February 18, 2016

 

Introductions were made with 10 people on the call. 

Guest Speaker:  Gerry Chevalier, Edmonton

 

Congratulations to Dorothy on her award from the Ontario Library Association for advocating for equitable library services for people with print disabilities for close to 20 years.

 

Gerry is our guest for this meeting and will be going into more detail about CELA services and audible books.  

Digital Audio Library Tutorial given by Gerry can be found on the CELA website:  http://iguana.celalibrary.ca/iguana/www.main.cls?p=47291264-d2a0-4cc5-8aee-a4095ec1cd74&v=c97386a2-914a-40c2-bd8d-df4c273175e6&t=1456781275627&searchProfile=basicsearch#anchor_Results

You can find this tutorial by going to the Advanced Search and searching by author.

 

 

CELA Library

There was discussion about current CNIB Library patrons transferring over to CELA by the end of December 2016.  The information on the CELA website is laid out the same as on the CNIB Library’s portal.  The CELA customer number is the same as that for CNIB library service.  

What will happen to CNIB library clients in provinces or territories where library service is no longer being supported by CELA?  

Shane (who lives in Newfoundland) called CNIB library and was told that so far no part of Newfoundland is part of CELA yet.  Shane is happy to be the contact person for Newfoundland to find out more about CELA services and what might be happening.  

 

Direct to Player

Gerry explained that Direct to Player refers to a download DAISY audio book format available from CELA which will download from your holds list on the CELA computer direct to your book player device. To get a book on the CELA Direct to Player holds list you may use a computer or have CELA automatically put books on your holds list at regular intervals. Your book player device must be capable of supporting the Direct to Player download method. Such devices include Victor Reader Stream and Stratus from HumanWare and the Plextalk Lineo Pocket and PTX1. Also, there is a free iPhone app called Direct to Player which can be installed from the App Store.

 

Gerry explained that if your device is not downloading the Direct to Player books then you should check its settings to ensure that the device is configured for Internet access. For example, with the VR Stream, you press the Online button above key 2 to switch to online mode, then press menu key 7 to reach the wireless menu. Then press key 8 (down arrow) to find the option to scan for available networks and press the Confirm (pound) key. Then choose your network from the list of available networks and press Confirm again. You will be asked to enter the network password and an optional nickname for your network. This need only be done once and the Stream will now remember that network and connect to it anytime you press and hold the Online button.

 

You can call CELA tech support or the manufacturer’s tech support for additional help.

 

Newspapers

You can’t download newspapers. “Stream” means coming to you in real time like listening to the radio, directly from a website.  The item cannot be saved on a computer like a downloaded item.  

 

Newspapers on the CELA website are updated daily.

Log in to the CELA library site:

http://iguana.celalibrary.ca/iguana/www.main.cls?surl=CELA-Home&theme=celadefault&lang=eng  

(For those using JAWS or NVDA) and keystrokes:

Each time a web page loads, it tells you how many headings and how many links it has.  

 

Windows M for the desktop

Windows R to run dialogue  

Enter

InsertT reads the page title  

Insert f7 brings up links on page  

Arrow down to reach the item on the list you are interested in or

Jump to an item by typing its first letter (e.g.  N for newsstand)

Then press Enter  

This opens a web page with a list of 35 newspapers

Again press Insert f7

Arrow down the list of links to find your desired newspaper or pres the first letter to jump to that newspaper e.g. G for Globe and Mail)

Press Enter to open that newspaper’s index of sections.

Index of Sections

Enter to read article chosen

You can find the number of words in the article.

To find the next paragraph, press P

Insert down arrow for continuous read  

 

Shift P lets you backup and re-read previous paragraphs  

 

At the bottom of the articles in a section, you will find 3 links: return to the list of newspapers, the index of sections of the current newspaper, or return to the list of articles in the current section.

 

If ever in doubt where you are with Windows, use insertT to determine the Title.

 

Newspaper Apps for iPhones:

Lire

Canada News

CBC news app  

 

How would you get another newspaper represented on the CELA website?  Send CELA a request.  www.celalibrary.ca

 

Library Search Preferences

On the home page of the CELA library site, go to M for “My Library” and then “Search Preferences”.

Enter

Press H to jump to headings.

The Loans link – list of your books on loan

​  – Loan History link shows books you have read

Holds – books you have requested which are on ​  ​hold ​

Reading lists – wish list, sort books by topic  Search preferences – use space bar to check or remove check

• choose language (English or French)

• show the formats you would like to read or not read (Direct to Player or DAISY CD)

• choose types of books (e.g. no children’s or young adult)

​  

Audible book companies:

• audible.com – buy each book or $150/year subscription which includes 12 books

• librivox.com – free  https://archive.org/details/librivoxaudio

• Project Gutenberg Canada http://www.gutenberg.ca/

• Internet Archive https://archive.org/

• American Printing House for the Blind

http://www.aph.org/

• National Braille Press – cost for downloading books and text download http://www.nbp.org/

• gizmo’s freeware – listing of sites to find free downloadable books  http://www.techsupportalert.com/free-books-audio

 We discussed some of the challenges of downloading books from public libraries using Overdrive.

We also made people aware of the free podcasts and webinars at the Hadley School for the Blind.  http://www.hadley.edu/

The mac and the I devices can also be used to browse and read newspapers, select books for your holds, and change your preferences. If you need help with mac or Iphone Ipad Ipod touch, contact Kim at 

1-877-304-0968 

gttprogram@gmail.com 

Next Meetings of the N ON Get Together with Technology (GTT) (and others who live where there is no face-to-face group are also welcome):

March 17  Topic:  Useful Apps for people with vision loss

## ​Speakers:  Kim Kilpatrick and Shane Wheeler- apps for Apple products

​Speakers:  Jeff Stark and Hedi Kment – apps for Android devices

April 21  Topic:  Useful Internet sites (specific urls)  for people with vision loss

 
 

 

Next GTT northern and rural Ontario Conference call. Explaining the ADP system if you are blind or have low vision. Others in Ontario are welcome if they RSVP. 

Our next northern Ontario GTT teleconference call will take place on Thursday November 19 at 7 PM Eastern time.  The topic is ADP and a better understanding of it.  Find out what is covered and how it works from an assessor’s perspective. If you live in another part of Ontario and want to join in for this call, please RSVP to Kim at 613-567-0311 Xt. 513. Or email 

gttprogram@gmail.com 

Here is the call in info. 

1-866-740-1260 

Passcode 5670311 

Reminder first ever Northern Ontario GTT group meeting by teleconference tonight October 15 7 PM Eastern. 

Hello. 

This is just a reminder that our first ever northern Ontario GTT group will take place tonight at 7 PM Eastern time by teleconference.

We will  be brainstorming topics for future teleconferences, discussing what high and low tech solutions we use every day, and deciding how often to have our meetings.  

Please come and also share with anyone who would like to call in from Northern Ontario. 

The call in information is: 

1-866-740-1260 

Passcode 5670311

First ever GTT Northern Ontario teleconference call October 15 2015 7 PM. 

‘See the note below from Dorothy who is helping to start a northern ontario GTT group. 

I am very excited about this too and will be on the first call. 

Just a reminder that if anyone in any community is interested in starting a GTT group, get in touch. We can help you with ideas, logistics, suggestions and of course post your announcements, resources, and notes to the blog. 

Kim 

Hello everyone,
Here is information about our first CCB Northern Ontario Get Together with Technology (GTT) teleconference call. Everyone is welcome, so please share this information with anyone you know with vision loss.
It will be on Thursday, October 15 at 7 p.m. Eastern time.
The number to phone is 1-866-740-1260. The access code is 5670311.

It is pretty straightforward.  
Kim Kilpatrick from the CCB National office, who is in charge of the GTT program in the East will be co-facilitating with me.
The topic we’ve chosen for the first teleconference is “Adaptations we’ve made in daily living situations and technology that can help”. We will share ideas that range from simple, common sense ideas that work to low tech devices to high tech devices, including apps available for iPhones, iPads, and android phones and tablets. You may want to find out how others label items like cans in their cupboards, how to identify colours of clothing, how to keep track of appointments and other practical ideas. Kim has vast experience, as do some of the people in our CCB group who will be joining the call. 

We will also have time at the end of the meeting to talk about ideas for future workshops, as we want these GTT workshops to meet your needs.
Looking forward to this first teleconference and hope everyone can be involved.
Dorothy