The Recent Canadian Council of the Blind Study Reveals the Stark Reality of COVID-19’s Disturbing Impact on Those Canadians Who are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Partially-Sighted

The Recent Canadian Council of the Blind Study Reveals the Stark Reality of COVID-19’s Disturbing Impact on Those Canadians Who are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Partially-Sighted

BY KEITH D. GORDON PH.D. AND MICHAEL BAILLARGEON

It goes without saying that at this time of crisis for the world, we are all feeling more stress than usual. Now imagine how much more stress you might be feeling if you were facing the dreaded COVID-19 with the additional challenges associated with those living with blindness or vision loss. We, at the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) became aware very early on in the pandemic (late February to early March) that many Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted were being heavily impacted by COVID-19. At the same time it was acutely apparent to the CCB that the many government initiatives and programs being announced in response to pandemic-related challenges were, for the most part, not taking into account what we see as the fundamental needs of not only our community, but all people with disabilities. We perceived the need for all levels of government to provide support and solutions to help those living with disabilities and by extension vision loss, get through these stressful times.

We saw it as being necessary to provide the factual support required by governments to act. Working in cooperation with Louise Gillis, CCB National President, we determined that our best course of action would be to survey the vision loss community and report our findings. The survey was designed to specifically identify what impact COVID-19 was having on those living with blindness or vision loss. We wanted to know their current circumstance and daily experiences due to the pandemic, and what their specific concerns and needs were.

The survey, conducted electronically during the week of April 7^th to April 14^th, attained a robust sample of 572 responses with respondents representing all provinces. We promised to let their voices be heard so that they would not be left behind, or forgotten. Our goal, then and now, was to make sure that the members of the vision loss community would be provided with the support needed, both socially and economically, to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. The results are a call to action and paint a disturbing picture of the experiences Canada’s vision loss community are confronted with, on a daily basis, during this COVID-19 crisis.

Key results of the study showed high levels of stress in the vision loss community. Respondents are very concerned about social distancing – they’re unable to see how far they are from others and are concerned that others don’t realize that they have vision loss and tend to come too close. Respondents feel unsafe when going out.

Those living with vision loss are particularly concerned that the effect of the added stress from the pandemic on their mental health may cause them to become overwhelmed.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada

Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2017

This was re-enforced Thursday May 7, during a virtual conversation live streamed on YouTube, between Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada and Dr. Mona Nemer. Canada’s Chief Science Officer, discussing the importance of research and science in the times of global pandemic. When the conversation turned to a discussion on our vulnerable population and people with disabilities, the Governor General remarked as to having received a communication from the Canadian Council of the Blind; “that was alert particularly to the fact that people who are vision impaired are quite anxious in the time of the pandemic and that it was affecting them in many different ways.”

Survey respondents are stressed about their inability to access a doctor or health care practitioner and to meet their financial obligations, and about their ability to maintain their present standard of living. They’re further stressed due to their already-fragile economic status.

Respondents also expressed concern about having transportation and finding someone to accompany them should they have to go to the doctor or hospital.

Shopping is a concern as plexiglass shields make it difficult to negotiate payment and those with seeing disabilities are uncomfortable interacting with staff. About half of the respondents indicated that they had a personal care worker entering their home, about half of whom weren’t wearing proper personal protective equipment.

Respondents are concerned that when the COVID-19 pandemic is over, they’ll discover that their job no longer exists. Many who were asked to work from home have discovered that they don’t have the proper accessible devices and technology necessary to do their jobs from home, and that their employers have refused to provide or fund them.

The survey succeeded at identifying the challenges confronting those living with vision loss during the COVID-19 crisis. As Respondent 211 commented, “What’s affecting my mental health is this prolonged and extreme isolation. As a blind person, I already live a fairly limited life when referring to freedom of movement and independence and now even that small wedge of my active life has been completely eradicated.”

It’s clear that the vision loss community is being heavily impacted by the pandemic. It’s further evident that there’s a need for immediate action from all levels of government to provide support and solutions to help those living with vision loss get through these stressful times. The CCB’s resulting report includes detailed recommendations for all levels of government to consider.

In open-ended questions we discovered that there were a number of respondents who were concerned about their ability to see their eye doctor and that they might lose vision as a result. They also expressed a concern about not having an accompanying person with them when they went for their eye appointment and concern over maintaining social distancing in the doctor’s waiting room. The following are typical responses we received:

Respondent No.444: “I’m worried how long the pandemic and restrictions will last, and the impact on my appointments with doctor and optometrist.”

Respondent No. 441: “I am not able to get my monthly shots in my eyes, vision is going down.”

Respondent No. 547: “Can’t see my eye doctor. I need a new prescription and would like glasses instead of contacts.”

Respondent No. 465: “…my fear is having to do things like my eye appointment by myself when I am used to having my daughter with me to guide me and point out hazards in my way.”

Respondent No. 462: “Concerned about maintaining social distance in eye doctor’s waiting room.”

The Survey Report on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Canadians Who Are Blind, Deaf-Blind, and Partially-Sighted is fully accessible and available on the link above and on the CCB website at http://www.ccbnational.net.

Editor’s Note: Both Keith D. Gordon, Senior Research Officer and Michael Baillargeon, Senior Advisor Government Affairs and Special Projects are colleagues at the Canadian Council of the Blind, advocating on a daily basis, for Canadians who are living with blindness or vision loss.

GTT New Westminster Meeting Summary Notes, JAWS and NVDA OCR, November 28, 2018 with Link to Podcast Episode

Get Together with Technology (GTT)

New Westminster Meeting

A Chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind

in partnership with

Blind Beginnings

Vancouver Community College

And

Canadian Assistive Technology

Summary Notes

November 28, 2018

Theme: JAWS and NVDA OCR Link to Podcast Recording

Presenters: Matthew Alvernaz, matalvernaz@me.com and Albert Ruel, Albert.GTT@CCBNational.net

Apps Demonstrated and Discussed:

This is an older recording from November 2018 that we thought could still assist those who are struggling to access PDF and other graphical images from their PCs.

Matthew Alvernaz and Albert Ruel demonstrated the use of the JAWS Layered Keystrokes to scan and read printed documents, convert PDF files to text, and how to access some graphics on the computer screen. These features have been available to JAWS users since version 14.

NVDA OCR features were also discussed and demonstrated by Matthew. NVDA may work better at this task with the OCR Add-on installed in order to provide access to PDF files with the keystroke NVDA/Insert R.

NVDA Download Page:

NVDA OCR Download Page: Important: if you are using NVDA 2017.3 or later on Windows 10, please consider using buit-in Windows 10 OCR.

Performs optical character recognition (OCR) to extract text from an object which is inaccessible. The Tesseract OCR engine is used. To perform OCR, move to the object in question using object navigation and press NVDA+r. You can set the OCR recognition language by going to the NVDA settings panel and selecting

JAWS For Windows Download Page:

JAWS Layered Keystrokes for OCR: Layered keystrokes are keystrokes that require you to first press and release INSERT+SPACEBAR, and then press a different key to perform a function in JAWS. Layered keystrokes are easy to use and remember, and they do not interfere with native keystrokes within applications.

Kurzweil Scan and Read for PDF Conversion: Kurzweil 1000 combines traditional reading machine technologies such as scanning, image processing, and text-to-speech with communication and productivity tools.

Openbook Scan and Read for PDF Conversion: OpenBook converts printed documents or graphic-based text into an electronic text format on your PC, using high-quality speech and the latest optical character recognition (OCR) technology. OpenBook is innovative software designed to enhance success for people who are blind or have low vision who need access to printed and electronic materials. OpenBook and the PEARL document camera create a complete scanning and reading system for work, home, and school.

For more information please contact your GTT Coordinators:

Albert Ruel or Kim Kilpatrick

1-877-304-0968,550 1-877-304-0968,513

albert.GTT@CCBNational.net GTTProgram@Gmail.com

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

Windows From the Keyboard Tips, Navigating Ribbons Using the Keyboard, May 6, 2020

Hello. This is Gerry Chevalier from the GTT Edmonton Chapter. This weekly blog provides tips that I find useful as a keyboard user of Windows. The information is for Windows10 and Office 365, although many tips still apply to older versions. The tips do not require a screen reader unless specifically noted. Thus, the tips apply whether you are a keyboard user or low vision mouse user. Here is this week’s tip.

Microsoft Office – Navigating Ribbons Using the Keyboard
In Office apps such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point as well as certain non-Office apps such as File Explorer and Wordpad the ribbon provides the command functions of the app. Note: If you are a JAWS for Windows user, be sure to disable the JAWS virtual ribbon menu feature. Press JAWS key + V to open quick settings and type “virtual” into the settings search box. Tab once to reach the list of resulting settings and ensure the virtual ribbon menu feature is unchecked. Here is a summary of how to use ribbon commands from the keyboard.
• There is a ribbon bar at the top of the screen containing a list of ribbon tabs. You reach the list of ribbons by pressing the Alt key and then using left/right arrow keys to move across the list to find the ribbon tab you want. As you move across each tab in the list its corresponding ribbon opens below it. If you don’t see the ribbon bar, try pressing Control+F1which is a toggle that expands and collapses the ribbon bar. It is best to leave the ribbon bar expanded so it is visible.
• When you reach the desired ribbon, press Tab to move to the first command in the ribbon. You may need to press Tab 3 times to skip over the Minimize and Help buttons that are attached to the ribbon bar.
• Then press TAB and Shift+Tab to navigate the ribbon commands. IMPORTANT: Do not use arrow keys to navigate ribbon commands because you will miss some commands. Only use Tab and Shift+Tab.
• At any time, you may press Escape to close the ribbon and return to your document.
• Commands are often grouped on the ribbons. You can jump back and forth between the groups with Control+Left or Control+Right arrow keys.
• For commands with a list of radio button choices, use arrow keys to choose the desired button and press Enter to activate it.
• You can navigate grid items with all 4 arrow keys and press Enter when you find the item you need to execute.
• Commands with split buttons have a menu of choices. You can accept the default choice by pressing Enter or you can open the menu of choices with Alt+Down Arrow.
• Commands with a checkbox can be actioned by pressing spacebar.
• Commands may have submenus which can be opened with Enter.
• There are sequences of shortcut keys to reach the ribbon commands, usually 2 to 4 keys in sequence. These key sequences are called Key Tips and are displayed in little boxes beside the ribbon commands. If you use a screen reader, it should announce the key tips as you navigate the ribbon commands. If you can remember the key tip for a given ribbon command, you can repeat the command by pressing that sequence of keys.
• For example, in Word, you may reach the Font dialogue of the Home ribbon by pressing the key tip sequence: Alt+H to open the Home ribbon followed by F and another F.
• Note that ribbons are contextual. For example, in Outlook if you are focused in the body of an email message and press ALT, you will encounter different ribbons than if you pressed ALT while focused in the headers of your email.
• Also, don’t forget to try your Applications key while in your document. It will bring up a context menu that has a subset of ribbon commands so you may not even need to navigate the ribbon if the command you want is on the Applications context menu.
• If you find ribbon navigation somewhat daunting, the next two tips will offer strategies to simplify using the ribbons from the keyboard.

GTT New Westminster Meeting Summary Notes, Library and Reading Apps for iOS, November 27, 2019

Get Together with Technology (GTT)

New Westminster Meeting

A Chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind

in partnership with

Blind Beginnings

Vancouver Community College

And

Canadian Assistive Technology

Summary Notes

November 27, 2019

Theme: Library and Reading Apps for iOS

Presenters: Ryan Fleury, Ryan@CanAssTech.com and Albert Ruel, Albert.GTT@CCBNational.net

Apps Demonstrated and Discussed:

Voice Dream Reader/Writer Download from the AppStore.

4 Apps in This Bundle

Voice Dream Reader: demonstrated how to download audiobooks from Dropbox, the Files App and CELA Library.

Voice Dream Writer: demonstrated how to create documents and save them to VDR and how to use it for following an agenda during meetings.

Voice Dream Scanner: not demonstrated, however mentioned in terms of scanning on the fly or downloading from previously scanned documents.

Voice Pack: US English

Safari Browser, CELA Search and Favourites: demonstrated how to search for and download audiobooks to iOS devices, and how to set the CELA Library to the Favourites list.

CELA Library, Daisy Zipped and Direct To Player: demonstrated how to search for and send audiobooks to the Direct To Player bookshelf.

Dolphin EasyReader, CELA Library Direct To Player Download from the AppStore: demonstrated how to download Direct To Player audiobooks to this app from the CELA Library website.

Reading app for Dyslexia & VI by Dolphin Computer Access Ltd

Audible.ca/com: demonstrated how to use the app to listen to purchased audiobooks from the user’s Library.

Google Play Books download from the AppStore: demonstrated how to use the app to listen to purchased audiobooks from the user’s Library.

Other Audiobook Listening Apps Mentioned:

Amazon Speakers

Google Speakers

Overdrive

Cloud Library

Hoopla

Libby

Kindle

iBooks/Apple Books App

For more information please contact your GTT Coordinators:

Albert Ruel or Kim Kilpatrick

1-877-304-0968,550 1-877-304-0968,513

albert.GTT@CCBNational.net GTTProgram@Gmail.com

CCB Backgrounder:

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.

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

GTT Beginners National Conference Call Summary Notes, iOS 13 New Gestures, November 26, 2019

Post from the Past:

Get Together with Technology (GTT)

Sponsored by the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

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.

Show Notes:

GTT Beginners National Conference Call, iOS 13 New Gestures, November 26, 2019

Elmer Thiesen <i.no.see@telus.net> kindly provided this presentation. For questions contact him directly.

Adding The 2-Finger Swipe for Rotor Gesture

The following are instructions for adding the 2-finger swipe right/left to turn the Rotor in iOS 13X.

Scroll to Settings, One finger double tap.
Scroll to Accessibility, one finger double tap.
Scroll to Voiceover, one finger double tap.
Scroll to Commands, one finger double tap.
Scroll to All Commands, one finger double tap
Scroll to rotor, one finger double tap.
Scroll to Next Rotor, one finger double tap.
scroll to Two Finger Swipe Right, one finger double tap to add.
Go back two pages by one finger double tapping the Back Button at the top left corner of the screen twice.
scroll down to previous rotor. One finger double tap.
Scroll to add gesture, one finger double tap.
scroll to Two Finger Swipe Left, one finger double tap to add.
Go back two pages by one finger double tapping the Back Button at the top left corner of the screen twice, or just close the whole Settings page, your newly added actions are now available with a two finger swipe left or right to rotate your rotor.

Adding the 4-finger Swipe Up/Down Gesture to Open the Voiceover Settings Page

To those interested, the following is instructions on setting up a gesture that will take you directly to the Voiceover Settings Page.

Go to settings one finger double tap.
Go to accessibility, one finger double tap.
go to VoiceOver, one finger double tap.
scroll down to commands, one finger double tap.
scroll down to all commands, one finger double tap.
scroll down to voiceover, one finger double tap.
Scroll to open voice settings, one finger double tap.
Scroll to add gesture, one finger double tap.
Scroll down to whatever gesture you wish to choose, one finger double tap.
I chose a four finger swipe down.

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 Backgrounder:

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.

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

Resource: Ten Conference Call Etiquette Tips for better CCB/GTT meetings

Ten Conference Call Etiquette Tips for better CCB/GTT meetings

Have you ever been on a conference call where people become a distraction by forgetting to put their phone on mute, or have sidebar conversations with others not on the call? We all know a few etiquette rules for at the dinner table, but what about etiquette protocol for conference calls?

Here are some easy guidelines to follow when attending a CCB/GTT Program conference call:

Keep track of conference call dates/times. Make sure you know when your conference call is, and be sure to keep the conference call number and pin handy so you are not scrambling to find it at the last minute. Call in to the conference line a couple minutes early and enjoy chatting with others who arrive before the meeting starts.
To know what is happening at GTT and the CCB Open Chat conference calls, register your email address by activating the Follow Link near the bottom of the page on the Blog at GTTProgram.Blog.
Mute your phone when you are not speaking. To help avoid distracting sounds, conversations, or noises that are not applicable to the conference call, the mute button can be your friend. Muting your phone will help you avoid embarrassing sighs, munching noises from eating your lunch, or other background noise. CCB/GTT Zoom conference calls will mostly function with all participants muted, and those who want to comment or ask questions will be encouraged to use the Raised Hand feature. Meeting facilitators will keep an eye on the list of Raised Hands and will invite participants to engage in the order the hands were raised.
The Zoom Conference system allows you to include your name in the Participants Panel. If you use a telephone to dial into a CCB/GTT meeting, ask the Host to add your name so others can identify who’s on the call. Ask a CCB/GTT staff member or volunteer to assist if you don’t know how to ensure your name is included. As Zoom Bombers often don’t include a name in the Participants List we may remove you from a call if unnamed in such instances.
State your name and where you’re from before speaking. Since the conference call attendees are not all in the same room, it is important for others on the line to know who is speaking so that they can better understand the context of your comments.
Be prepared to discuss the topic at hand. Like with all meetings, you should do a little prep work or jot down topics or questions that you would like to bring up on the conference call.
Keep background noise to a minimum. When you take your phone off mute to speak or to get ready to chime in, make sure that you are not distracting the other callers. This noise may be generated from standing outside in the wind, typing on your computer, kids running around, pets barking, side conversations with people in your vicinity just to name a few. It is best to find a quiet location for the conference call.
Maintain a good telephone or Wi-Fi reception. A bad connection often causes static or dropped calls making your input to the conference call hard to understand, in which case you may have to call back into the meeting.
Many CCB/GTT meetings will have an agenda and it will usually be provided before the conference call. Be sure to attend even if it isn’t a topic you need to learn about, as you might be able to assist others in their learning, and bring questions for the Q and A section of the meeting as there is usually time left for general discussion even when there is a topic on the agenda.
CCB/GTT meetings will always have a defined facilitator and technical host. The facilitator will guide the conversation, introduce any presenters, make sure everyone sticks to the agenda and pays attention to time, the host will look after muting and unmuting the call, renaming participants in the Participants List, lowering hands and recording calls that lend themselves to being recorded.

Windows From the Keyboard Tips, Web Browsing – Copying Links, April 22, 2020

Web Browsing – Copying Links
Have you ever wanted to paste a link to a web page into an email or document? While you are on the web page press Alt+D to place focus in the address bar of your web browser. The link of your current web page will be highlighted meaning it is auto selected so you can then just press Control+C to copy the link to the clipboard. Now simply go to the text of your email or document and press Control+V to paste the link. Note: If pasting to an email it’s a good idea to press Enter immediately after pasting the link.

That’s it for this tip. Until next Wednesday, happy computing.

Windows From The Keyboard Tips, JAWS Specific Web Browsing Shortcuts, April 15, 2020

Web Navigation – Using the Keyboard with JAWS
This blog series is about Windows shortcut keys not specific to screen readers. However, I thought it important to devote this one tip to screen reader navigation on web sites because modern screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and now Windows Narrator provide so much value added navigation that it is critical that you are aware how you can enhance your web browsing experience if you use a screen reader. the following examples refer to JAWS, but some of the shortcuts will work in NVDA and Windows Narrator screen readers as well.
• While on a web page, regardless of which browser you are using, press the letter H to jump forward from heading to heading at any heading level or Shift+H to jump backwards to the previous heading.
• Press 1 on the number row to jump to a level 1 heading. Press 2 on the number row to jump to a level 2 heading and so on. Many well-organized web pages will use a level 1 heading to begin the main content of the web page. Thus, when the page opens, you can jump directly to the main content simply by pressing 1 on the number row.
• Hold down the JAWS key and press F6 to bring up a list of headings on the web page. Arrow up and down the list of headings or press the first letter of the desired heading. When you find it in the list, just press Enter to position at that heading in the web page.
• Similarly, press the JAWS key + F7 to bring up a list of links on the web page. Arrow up and down the list of links or press the first letter of the desired link. When you find it in the list, just press Enter to activate the link. Note, if you press TAB within the list of links, you will find a “Move to Link” button which will position you on the web page where that link is located rather than activating the link.
• Press Insert+F5 to bring up a list of form fields on a web page. You may then arrow through the fields and press Enter on any field to position to that field on the page. This is a useful way to review all the fields on a form before you fill it out.
• Press B or Shift+B to jump to the next or previous button on the web page.
• Press C or Shift+C to jump to the next or previous combo box drop down on the web page.
• Press E or Shift+E to jump to the next or previous edit box. For example, most web pages have a search edit box to allow you to search the web site and you can reach this edit field by simply pressing the letter e.
• Press L or Shift+L to jump to the next or previous list on the web page.
• Press T or Shift+T to jump forward or backward between tables on the page. Within a table, you may hold down the Control and Alt keys while pressing up, down, left, and right arrows to move among the cells of the table.
• At the top of the table just above the first row, JAWS will announce the number of rows and columns. At this point, you may press F8 to select the entire table and then Control+C to copy the table to the clipboard. You could then paste that table into a Word or Excel document.
Press X or Shift+X to jump to the next or previous check box on the web page.
You may prefix the above shortcuts (B, C, E, L, T, X) with Control+Insert keys to bring up a list of that control. For example, Control+Insert+B will bring up a list of buttons on the page.
• Press Control+F to do a JAWS search but note that this will only search the current page not the entire web site. It is a useful way to position yourself to a location on the page where you know certain text exists.
• Press P or Shift+P to jump to the next or previous paragraph and speak it. P is often more efficient than pressing down arrow to read lines on the page because P will read multiple lines at a time that comprise a paragraph. The equivalent Windows shortcut is Control+Down Arrow.
There are many more JAWS web browsing techniques. Freedom Scientific, the creator of the JAWS screen reader, offers a free self-paced online tutorial called, Surfs Up, to help you effectively surf the web using only the keyboard.

That’s it for this tip. Until next Wednesday, happy computing.

Windows From the Keyboard Tips, Web Browsing Shortcut Keys, April 8, 2020

Web Browsing – General Shortcut Keys

When browsing a web site there are several general keyboard shortcuts that work for all browsers.

Arrow up and down to read line by line.
Press Control+Up and Control+Down to navigate to the previous or next paragraph.
Press Control+Home to jump to the top of the web page and Control+End to jump to the bottom.
Press Tab and Shift+TAB to jump forward or backward from element to element such as between links or form fields.
Press Enter to expand menus or Alt+Down Arrow to open drop down lists.
When focused on a link, press Enter or spacebar to open the link which results to jumping somewhere else on the same web page or opening a new web page.
Press Alt+Left/Right Arrow to move backward /forward among the web pages in your browsing session.
Press Alt to reach the menu of your browser and then arrow among the menu items.
Press Control+Enter to open a link in a new browser Tab. Tabs are useful if you need to have multiple pages open at the same time. You move back and forth between open Tabs by pressing Control+Shift+Tab (previous Tab) or Control+Tab (next Tab). For example, suppose you are on the main table of contents for a web based user manual. You want to follow the link to chapter 3 but not close the main table of contents web page. In that case, press Control+Enter instead of Enter on the Chapter 3 link. Chapter 3 will open in a new browser Tab and you will remain in the main web page. To switch to the Chapter 3 Tab, press Control+Tab, and when you want to return to the main page, press Control+Shift+Tab. You may have many TABS open at the same time.
Press Control+F4 or Control+W to close a browser Tab when you no longer need it.
Press Alt+D to place focus on the current web page address/search bar. When you do this, the web address will automatically be highlighted so you could then do one of 3 things: 1) press Control+C to copy the address to the clipboard, or 2) type another address followed by Enter to open that new web site, or 3) type a search string followed by Enter to search for a new web site.
Pres Control+E to perform a web search. This will also place focus on the address bar but, in this case, the current address bar is cleared so you can type a new web search string.
While on the address bar, you can press Tab or Shift+Tab as well as F6 or Shift+F6 to move forward and backward between different browser controls. The behavior depends on which browser you are using but feel free to try these shortcuts to learn what is available. You will find items such as a history of web pages you visited, or your list of bookmarks and other tool bar items. Of note in the Google Chrome browser is the button to view site information. If you press Shift+TAB on the address bar you will be focused on the View Site Information button which you can press spacebar to activate. It describes the security level of your web page so that you can be confident the information exchanged between you and the web site is done in a secure manner.
This is a good place to discuss security and safe web browsing. In general, when on the address bar you can tell that a web site is secure if its address begins with https where the ‘s’ denotes a secure site. If you are on a web page whose address begins with only http, then be careful about exchanging information with that site. It is not a secure site and may even be masquerading as a company or organization that it is not.

That’s it for this tip. Until next Wednesday, happy computing.

Windows From The Keyboard Tips, How to Use the Recycle Bin, April 1, 2020

Windows File Explorer – How to Use the Recycle Bin

Have you ever accidentally deleted a file and wanted to get it back? In File Explorer a deleted file is not actually removed from your computer. Rather, the file is moved to the Recycle Bin, so it is possible to restore the file. To restore a deleted file, follow this procedure.

Press Windows key + M to go to the desktop.
Press R multiple times until you reach the Recycle Bin icon and then press Enter to open the Recycle Bin.
You will be placed in a list of deleted files. Likely, your deleted file is in this list unless it was deleted a very long time ago. Also, when you deleted the file, if you pressed Shift+Delete to bypass the Recycle Bin, then the file will have been removed from your computer.
You can arrow up and down the list of files to find the file you have deleted. If you know the file name, you may press its first letter multiple times until you reach the desired file. Note that beside each file are details such as the name of the original folder that contained the file and its deletion date. You can read these values with a screen reader by using the right arrow or reading the entire line.
When you find the file, press the Applications key.
From the resulting context menu, select the Restore item and press Enter. The file will be restored to its original folder on your computer.
Press Alt+F4 to close the Recycle Bin.

Sorting the Recycle Bin:

If you have many files in the Recycle Bin, or you cannot remember the name of the file you deleted, it may help to sort the file list as follows.

If the current file you are focused on is selected, then unselect it by pressing Control+Spacebar .
Press the Applications key.
Arrow through the resulting context menu and select the Sort By submenu and press Enter to open it.
Arrow through the submenu and choose the sort option you want. For example, you can sort the list of files alphabetically by name, by their original location, by the deletion date, or by the date the file was last modified. You can also choose ascending or descending order.

That’s it for this tip. Until next Wednesday, happy computing.

Resource: Zoom Keyboard Commands, All Platforms by Ryan Fleury

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

Get Together with Technology (GTT)

Zoom Conference Keyboard Commands, All Platforms

Compiled by Ryan Fleury, Trainer at Canadian Assistive Technology (www.CanAssTech.com.

Reading Tip: This document applies HTML headings to help navigate its content. With screen readers, you may press the H key to jump forward or Shift H to jump backward from heading to heading.

PC Computers:

Zoom Windows Built in keyboard commands

Available Keyboard Shortcuts

F6: Navigate among Zoom popup windows.

Ctrl+Alt+Shift: Move focus to Zoom’s meeting controls

PageUp: View previous 25 video stream in gallery view

PageDown: View next 25 video stream in gallery view

Alt: Turn on/off the option Always show meeting control toolbar in Accessibility Settings

Alt+F1: Switch to active speaker view in video meeting

Alt+F2: Switch to gallery video view in video meeting

Alt+F4: Close the current window

Alt+V: Start/Stop Video

Alt+A: Mute/unmute audio

Alt+M: Mute/unmute audio for everyone except host Note: For the meeting host only

Alt+S: Launch share screen window and stop screen share Note: Will only work when meeting control toolbar has focus

Alt+Shift+S: Start/stop new screen share Note: Will only work when meeting control toolbar has focus

Alt+T: Pause or resume screen share Note: Will only work when meeting control toolbar has focus

Alt+R: Start/stop local recording

Alt+C: Start/stop cloud recording

Alt+P: Pause or resume recording

Alt+N: Switch camera

Alt+F: Enter or exit full screen

Alt+H: Display/hide In-Meeting Chat panel

Alt+U:Display/hide Participants panel

Alt+I: Open Invite window

Alt+Y: Raise/lower hand

Alt+Shift+R: Gain Remote Control

Alt+Shift+G: Stop Remote Control

Ctrl+2: Read active speaker name

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+H: Show/Hide floating meeting controls

Alt+Shift+T: Screenshot

Switch to Portrait/Landscape View: Alt+L

Ctrl+W: Close current chat session

Ctrl+Up: Go to previous chat

Ctrl+Down: Go to next chat

Ctrl+T: Jump to chat with someone

Ctrl+F: Search

Ctrl+Tab: Move to the next tab (right)

Ctrl+Shift+Tab: Move to the previous tab (left)

Zoom Mac keyboard commands

Available Shortcuts

Meeting Shortcuts

Command(⌘)+J: Join Meeting

Command(⌘)+Control+V: Start Meeting

Command(⌘)+J: Schedule Meeting

Command(⌘)+Control+S: Screen Share via Direct Share

Command(⌘)+Shift+A: Mute/unmute audio

Command(⌘)+Control+M: Mute audio for everyone except the host (only available to the host)

Command(⌘)+Control+U: Unmute audio for everyone except host (only available to the host)

Space: Push to talk

Command(⌘)+Shift+V: Start/stop video

Command(⌘)+Shift+N: Switch camera

Command(⌘)+Shift+S: Start/stop screen share

Command(⌘)+Shift+T: Pause or resume screen share

Command(⌘)+Shift+R: Start local recording

Command(⌘)+Shift+C: Start cloud recording

Command(⌘)+Shift+P: Pause or resume recording

Command(⌘)+Shift+W: Switch to active speaker view or gallery view, depending on current view

Control+P: View previous 25 participants in gallery view

Control+N: View next 25 participants in gallery view

Command(⌘)+U: Display/hide Participants panel

Command(⌘)+Shift+H: Show/hide In-Meeting Chat Panel

Command(⌘)+I: Open invite window

Option+Y: Raise hand/lower hand

Ctrl+Shift+R: Gain remote control

Ctrl+Shift+G: Stop remote control

Command(⌘)+Shift+F: Enter or exit full screen

Command(⌘)+Shift+M: Switch to minimal window

Ctrl+Option+Command+H: Show/hide meeting controls

Ctrl+Shift+R: Gain remote control

Ctrl+Shift+G: Stop remote control

Ctrl+\: Toggle the “Always Show meeting controls” options in Settings/Accessibility

Command(⌘)+W: Prompt to End or Leave Meeting

Chat Shortcuts

Command(⌘)+K: Jump to chat with someone

Command(⌘)+T: Screenshot

General Shortcuts

Command(⌘)+W: Close the current window

Command(⌘)+L: Switch to Portrait or Landscape View, depending on

Current View

Ctrl+T: Switch from one tab to the next

Using Jaws with Zoom

Pressing Insert W will bring up this list of commands

General keystrokes:

Mute or unmute audio: Alt+A works with nvda

Raise or lower your hand: Alt+Y works with nvda

Open the Invite window: Alt+I works with nvda

Show the In-Meeting Chat panel: Alt+H works with nvda

Show the Participants panel: Alt+U works with nvda

Move between Zoom popup windows: F6 works with nvda

Recording Keystrokes:

Start local recording: Alt+R works with nvda but nothing is spoken as guest you get prompt to aks permission to record from host

Start cloud recording: Alt+C as host works with nvda as guest no feed back

Pause or resume recording: Alt+P works with nvda but doesn’t say anything

Video Meeting Keystrokes:

Switch to active speaker view: Alt+F1: no feed back

Switch to gallery video view: Alt+F2 no feed back

Start or stop Video: Alt+V works with nvda

Meeting Organizer Keystrokes:

Mute or unmute audio for everyone except the host: Alt+M: works with nvda but no feed back it worked

Switch camera: Alt+N no feed back

Enter or exit full screen: Alt+F works with nvda

Gain remote control: Alt+Shift+R not sure if it works with nvda

Stop remote control: Alt+Shift+G not sure if it works with nvda

The following keystrokes are available when the meeting control toolbar has focus.

Launch share screen window and stop screen share: Alt+S works with nvda

Start or stop new screen share: Alt+Shift+S works with nvda

Pause or resume screen share: Alt+T works with nvda but nothing is spoken

Using Jaws Pressing Insert H will bring up this list of commands

These are the commands associated with the Jaws scripts included in Jaws and don’t work with NVDA.

To enable or disable alerts, press Alt+Windows+S.

To hear the most recent alert, press Alt+Windows+A.

To be reminded of whether alert announcements are enabled or disabled, press JAWSKey+Tab.

To review the last 10 alerts or messages, press Control+1 through to Control+0. Press twice quickly to virtualise.

To only allow chat messages when pressing Control+1 through to Control+0 press control+F5.

IOS and Android

Phone controls for meeting host

If you have entered the Host Key to start the meeting, you will have host controls available to you by entering DTMF tones on your dial pad. To hear all available commands, enter ** on your phone.

*4 – End the meeting for all participants

*5 – Lock or Unlock the meeting

*6 – Mute or unmute yourself

*7 – Start or Stop Recording

Note: all participants in the meeting will be notified when recording is stopped or started.

*# – Hear the number of participants in the meeting

99 – Mute or unmute all participants

Phone commands available for meeting participants

The following commands can be entered via DTMF tones using your phone’s dial pad while in a Zoom Meeting:

Star (*) 6 – Toggle mute/ un-mute

Star (*) 9 – Toggle raise/ lower hand

Tech-Ease GTT Regina Summary Notes, Facebook, Aira, BeMyEyes and Meet Me In The Cloud, February 29, 2020

Tech-Ease/ Get Together with Technology

Regina Drop-In Meeting

Summary Notes

February 29, 2020

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

Attendance: Barry, Jerome, Wes, Donna, Sarenia, Blaine D, Michelle, Amber, Patti-Lynn (RPL), Doug (via phone), Camille

Regrets: Linda, Blaine R, Anna, Jessica

Facebook Groups:

Explained Facebook in general
Types of status updated, checking in, etc.
Explained privacy settings generally
Explained pages vs. Groups
explained different types of groups
Explained public groups and private groups
Advantages of FB Groups
- Nice way to make friends you’ll never meet
- Nice to have like minded friends

HOW TO JOIN FB GROUPS INSTRUCTIONS (THANKS TO MICHELLE)

Joining FB group:

Find a Facebook group. Interest you. Type into in the search box.

The page will show up and if you keep swiping to the right or scroll down. There will be a “joined group” button where you can press after that is pressed the Box will turn to ” cancel join request”

some groups will automatically pop up two or three questions pertaining to the group that they want you to answer before your request is accepted.

Also, on that page you can look at how many posts in a day are put up on that page or how many people are in that page or how many of your friends or in the group. who the moderators or group administrators are.

Facebook should notify you when your request to join has been accepted by the group moderator.

If you want to leave the group at any time go to the group page the top right-hand corner has will be visual three dots beside the ” search” option. Is a “member tools button”

You will be presented with options like following options “share. ”

“Following.” “Notifications.” “Favourites. ”

“Add to home screen.” and “report” just keep swiping to the right until you hear.

” leave group button.” You will be asked if you are sure you want to leave group.

When you are approved to a group The General etiquette is to write a short post introducing yourself and the reason why you wanted to join the group in the first place…

Once you have joined the group. If you click on the title of the group name you will be presented with the group rules that are always good to read.

This will present you with additional information like how long the group has been running. how many members in the group how active the group is how many posts per day.

You can also see options like the group history and whether the group is private, secret, or public.

A public group means everybody can see posts in that group whether you’re a member of the group or not.

Private means people can find the group but only members in the group can see individuals’ posts.

Secret groups are groups that only members know about the group or know how to find it. Basically, with this group you have to be added by somebody already in the secret group in order to know about it.

Every time privacy settings are changed in a group generally group members will be given a notification sound in your regular Facebook notifications.

Members also have the opportunity to add their friends to groups. some groups have the ability for members to approve other members some it’s the moderators only that do the approving.

Typically, one of the rules is asking your friends before adding them to groups but interest you to make sure they are interested as well…

That’s just common sense but I thought I’d write it anyways.

Here’s how to find all the groups that you’re involved in…

Across the top of Facebook, you have “news feed”

“memories” “dating” “notifications” and then the far right-hand side of the screen there is “menu” option.

When you click on that you will have the first option is to view your personal profile. Then if you keep swiping to the right or scroll down you will have options

“Groups”

” memories”

“friends”

“Marketplace” “videos on events”

“Events”

“saved ”

“Nearby friends” “dating”

” gaming”

If you click on group you have an option for your groups.

If you are a moderator for any of the groups. They will show up first.

Under group you manage. Then under that will be “other groups.” and then the rest of your groups will show up in a list form.

you can also change these click on “the sort your other groups” button right next to other group button. on the right-hand side to show in alphabetical order. For most recent that you’ve posted to.

Etc. if that makes finding a specific group easier.

Moderators also along with you have the ability to shut commenting off on a post if the comments get to negative.

You click on your individual post and you have an option for turn commenting off.

If you would like to edit your post go to the right-hand side of your original post.

The right hand of your post is

” post menu”.

There you can see options like “copy link “ or “edit post”

If you edit the post more than once you can see the edit history which is a recent update with Facebook.

This is also where you can turn commenting off.

there are many different groups depending on your interest there are lots of groups for visually impaired or disability in general. especially support groups. There are even groups like instant pot users or gardening. Funko Pop figurine groups. Etc.

Aira Updates:

Aira equipment includes glasses (2nd generation), tether, controller (which is an Android phone w/ nothing else on it but Aira), or you can use your phone, and you can use a Bluetooth headphones
You can buddy full plans with Aira and now there’s is a 5 minute free call you can use unlimited
Plans: 30 min for $30 USD, 120 minutes for $99 USD, 300 minutes for $299 USD, they got rid of unlimited plan (it was downgraded to 700 minutes plan but only people grandfathered into it retina it)
You can fluctuate between the other plans as needs dictate, you can switch in the middle of the month and pay more or less if you go up or down in plans for remainder of the month
There are a lot of incentives to the plans – if you are looking for a job they will help you with job related job search tasks for 30 minutes for free added to account
If you are a JAWS user and a license holder of it and you call in they will help you with (or team viewer) they don’t charge for this help
They will help with quick books if it’s not reading well as well
The 5 minutes plan, someone can give someone else a referral code, which is 7 days unlimited access to play with it, the person referring gets 30 free minutes plus bonus minutes if the person buys a plan (referrer gets equal to what referee gets for free)
The Aira controller which is the android phone, there is a voice assistant named Chloe, she can help call an agent, check battery, she can check minutes available, etc.
Glasses have a connection port on them, in the middle of the glasses on the front is the camera, the camera has a 120 degree or so camera, they have frameless glasses as well if you wear glasses regularly
The glasses/controller are an add on for people with more than 30 minutes plans ($600 one time for the glasses/controller or $25 a month)
There are no controls on the glasses, only on the phone
Cord is a female to female cable connection
Glasses can see 5 feet more to each side than with phone camera, also can see further into the distance as it has a good quality camera
We did a demo with an agent, he said help with cooking directions, checking mail, described renaissance fair for someone, describe Super Bowl to someone, lots of different things, can call an Uber for you as well
- Not allowed to help with anything involving nudity
- Not allowed to comment on specific safety, can give visual info like when walking light is on, but it is up to someone to choose to cross the street

AIRA UPDATE (THANKS TO BLAINE & MICHELLE)

Aira discontinuing Horizon glasses and phone end of March 2020..

” Dear Horizon User,

The current Horizon Android smartphone no longer accommodates regular Horizon application updates. The current Horizon Android smartphone no longer accommodates regular Horizon application updates so that means our Aira tech team does not have much control to improve the experience. The model of smartphone that supports the Horizon system has been discontinued by Samsung so we must move on and find a new option.

As smartphones, like the latest iPhone, have transitioned away from physical buttons, finding a device to support a one-button access interface is a significant challenge. So what does that mean? It means that Aira’s smart glasses hardware solution is not meeting the Aira standard today and furthermore the Explorer experience with Horizon will continue to decline. Simply put, we need to find a new solution that better meets the demands of our Explorer community. With that, and after considerable analysis, I have decided that beginning on April 1, Aira will no longer support calls made from Horizon smart glasses. This change will allow our technical team to refocus on improving the core service. Below is a FAQ section if you want to learn more.

So the next question is naturally: If Horizon doesn’t meet the Aira standard, what will? We are aligning our hardware strategy with the mainstream devices that you all already use such as an iPhone, Android Smartphone and some new and emerging platforms. We would appreciate your help by sharing your thoughts on new devices and platforms, products and technologies that we should consider integrating into the Aira Explorer experience. Send them to support@aira.io and Customer Care will gather a list of potential smart glasses or other devices to utilize in our future.

Aira was founded on the idea of both creating and leveraging leading technology to bring you the Explorer a modern, useful and one-of-a-kind experience. Our passion for creating the leading experience has never been stronger.

Thank you for your continued support of Aira. Aira agents look forward to connecting with you soon.

We wouldn’t be here without you,

Troy

CEO of Aira”

Be My Eyes:

Specialized partners – Companies that can answer questions through the Be My Eyes app specific to their products:
- Google, Microsoft, ClearBlue, Herbal Essence, P&G, Pantene, National Federation of the Blind, as well as some banks, but as none are Canadian I am not listing them

Next Meeting:

March 28 @ 2 pm

Topics: Windows 10 – the good, the bad and the ugly

ZOOM MEETING INSTRUCTIONS TO JOIN MARCH MEETING IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS:

Tech-Ease Drop In/GTT is a go! We are temporarily changing the format, to accommodate social distancing and civic service closures. Below is the information regarding tech-ease for this month, so you can join us from home!

Q: What if I don’t have zoom on my cell phone or computer?

A: Just follow the dial in information provided below.

Q: What if I have zoom on my computer?

A: select the link for the meeting posted below, and it will take you to the meeting.

Q: are there a list of shortcuts for zoom on the computer?

A: yes, these instructions will be sent in a following email with subject line of: “Zoom Computer shortcuts”

Q: What is one touch dialing:

A: this allows you to select the phone number and is supposed to automatically dial you into the call on your IOS device to the conference line without the need to enter ID numbers. I am unsure how this works otherwise.

Time: Mar 28, 2020 02:00 PM Saskatchewan

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/2049759341

Meeting ID: 204 975 9341

One tap mobile

Please select one of the following Canadian phone numbers for one tap mobile access

+17789072071,,2049759341#

+14388097799,,2049759341#

Dial by your location

Please select one of the Canadian phone numbers below. Please note, Saskatchewan does not have their designated line. 1(587) is an alberta phone number if you choose to join through these numbers.

+1 778 907 2071 Canada

+1 438 809 7799 Canada

+1 587 328 1099 Canada

+1 647 374 4685 Canada

+1 647 558 0588 Canada

Meeting ID: 204 975 9341

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acqVIt5V1L

BASIC ZOOM MEETING SHORTCUTS:

Some shortcuts that would be helpful for the Zoom Tech Meetings if you are joining the meeting with your computer and using a keyboard.

Alt+V: Start/Stop Video

Alt+A: Mute/unmute audio

Alt+Y: Raise/lower hand

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+H: Show/Hide floating meeting controls

MORE IN DEPTH ZOOM MEETING INFO CAN BE FOUND AT LINK AT END:

Meet Me Accessibly is a three-hour audiobook, written and narrated by Jonathan Mosen. It takes you from the basics of attending your first Zoom meeting, all the way to content sharing of your video and audio from a computer or iDevice.

Just some of the things Jonathan shows you in Meet Me Accessibly include:

Attending your first Zoom meeting

Working with and configuring the Windows client

Working with and configuring the iOS client

Creating compelling and effective online meetings of up to 100 participants for discussions or webinars

Using Zoom to have a sighted person take control of your computer, even a Mac user can control a Windows PC and vice versa

Running visually attractive presentations using PowerPoint, or by sharing the output of any application on your computer

Using the high-quality, low-latency audio capabilities of Zoom for one-on-one conversations

Holding global Internet and telephone conferences

Taking advantage of the exceptional audio for use in a podcast, including creating separate audio files for every participant for use in a multitrack editor such as Amadeus Pro or Reaper

Recording meetings and podcast interviews on your iPhone, thanks to the Zoom cloud recording capability

Recording top-quality tech demonstrations thanks to the easy-to-use ability for Zoom to capture your computer’s sound

Sharing the screen and audio from apps on your iDevice

Enabling stereo audio

Turning off Zoom’s audio processing for pure, top-quality sound

Scheduling meetings

Holding instant meetings

Using your personal meeting ID

As you can see, there’s so much that Zoom can do, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

In Meet Me Accessibly, Jonathan uses JAWS for Windows, the world’s most used screen reader when working with Windows. When discussing Zoom’s mobile offerings, he uses an iPhone running VoiceOver, the screen reader built into all iOS products. But the user interface of Zoom adheres closely to accessibility standards, so even if you use a different platform or screen reader, you should still be able to glean much from the demonstrations and descriptions.

Download Meet Me Accessibly free

To help any blind person who may need to telecommute during the COVID-19 outbreak, we have made Meet Me Accessibly free to download. You may distribute it for download anywhere, as long as the files are not modified in any way.

When you download, you get a zip file with the book divided into 19 MP3 files to make it easy to get to the sections you want. An included M3U playlist allows you to easily play the book from beginning to end. We’ve taken care to number the files sequentially, so the book imports beautifully into Voice Dream Reader on an iDevice.

Download Meet Me Accessibly free.

https://mosen.org/zoom/

Connect with Tech-Ease Regina:

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 …

Resource: CCB 3-Times Weekly Open House Chat Zoom Calls Expanding to 3-Days Per Week

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

CCB Weekly Open House Chat Zoom Calls Expanding!

The COVID-19 pandemic means that we all must observe ‘social distancing’ in order to ‘flatten the curve’ and stem the spread of the Coronavirus. Whether you are distancing or in isolation, there is no need to feel isolated. Now more than ever, technology allows us to be more ‘connected’ even when we have to spend time apart.

CCB 3-Times Weekly Open House Chat :

Building Community among Canada’s blind and low vision population

Starting on March 27, 2020 for 90 minutes each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (Eastern), CCB staff and/or volunteers will host a vision loss and blindness related Zoom call to discuss all manner of adjustment to blindness issues that are on your mind. All calls will be facilitated.

These Open Chat format calls are free of charge and will address a variety of needs. Connect with us through your landline telephone, iDevice, Android device or computer as best suits your interests and abilities. Here’s how to get connected:

Join the CCB Weekly Open House Chat Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/9839595688

Meeting ID: 983 959 5688

Toronto One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+15873281099,,9839595688#

Toronto: +16473744685

Alberta: +1 587 328 1099

BC: +1 778 907 2071 Canada

Manitoba: +1 204 515 1268

Montreal: +1 438 809 7799

Contact CCB Staff:

Toll Free: +1-877-304-0968

Kim Kilpatrick, GTT Coordinator, Extension 513 GTTProgram@Gmail.com

Albert Ruel, GTT Coordinator, Extension 550, Albert.GTT@CCBNational.net

David Greene, GTT Trainer, Extension 509 AccessibilityTraining7@Gmail.com

Brian Bibeault, Volunteer Trainer:

GTT.NorthBay@Gmail.com

CCB and GTT on Social Media:

GTT Blog: https://GTTProgram.Blog/

CCB National Office: http://CCBNational.net/fresco/

CCB Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/CCBNational

GTT Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/414313508657159?refid=27

GTT Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GTTatCCB/

Twitter: @GTTWest @GTTProgram @CCBNational

Windows From the Keyboard Tips, File Explorer – Delete File Confirmation, March 25, 2020

Windows File Explorer – Delete File Confirmation

When you press Delete to delete a file Windows may or may not ask you to confirm. You can ensure there is a confirmation prompt by doing this:

Press Windows key + M to focus on the desktop.
Press R multiple times until you are focused on the Recycle Bin icon.
Press Alt+Enter to open the Properties of the Recycle Bin.
TAB to the check box to Display a Delete confirmation prompt and press the spacebar to activate it.
TAB to the OK button and press spacebar to activate it and return to your desktop. You will now be prompted to confirm each time you delete a file. The files you delete will be moved to the recycle bin so you can recover them if you need to. You can selectively bypass moving the deleted file to the recycle bin if you press Shift+Delete when deleting a file.

That’s it for this tip. Until next Wednesday, happy computing.

Upcoming events to help with social distancing from Braille Literacy Canada

Dear parents, teachers, braille users, and friends,

Over the past few weeks, we have all, like you, been impacted by the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation. Staying at home and practising self-isolation will continue to be critical for overcoming this global pandemic. Many children are home as schools suspend their operations. Many people are working from home, while others may be feeling anxious if they are among those whose work has been impacted.

For some people with disabilities, this global pandemic may be presenting even more challenges. Some may have lost the social activities they once relied on, or may be experiencing the effect of temporarily suspended supports and services. For those who can’t drive, accessing essential services may be posing even more challenges.

We at BLC recognize that these are unusual and stressful times for many. On behalf of the entire board, I want you to know that we have been thinking about what we can do to help.

First, if you have a friend, colleague or family member with a disability (or without!), reach out (by phone or text). Ask if they need any help ordering groceries online. Check in with the people around you with a friendly social phone call.

Here is what BLC will be doing to help:
1. Braille Zoomers Group: You may have seen our announcement in January that we will be launching a virtual group for adults who are learning braille. In light of the current situation, we have decided to start these meetings sooner than planned. They will take place on the first Saturday of each month at 1 PM Eastern, beginning on April 4th. If you are an adult braille learner, please email info@blc-lbc.ca (or call 1-877-861-4576) to join our group. We will be sending the Zoom link and call in details for the first meeting in the coming days. We invite any adult braille learner regardless of where you are in your braille journey. Come join us for this social get-together through Zoom, and meet other adult braille learners just like you!
2. Resources: We are compiling a list of resources that may be especially helpful to the Canadian braille community – online shopping apps and resources, distance learning and online homework assistance, methods for accessing alternative reading materials to maintain student skills, social get-togethers through telephone or online platforms, resources for learning how to use Zoom, and much more. If you have specific resources that you think would be helpful, please write to us at info@blc-lbc.ca and we will add it to the list. We will circulate this list in the coming days both by email and on our Facebook page, and will update it as more resources become available.
3. Parent support: For parents with blind and low vision students, we want to do our part to support you while your students are not at school. Though we are not all teachers, we still can play a role in supporting you in a variety of ways. We will be circulating an announcement directed specifically to parents, inviting them to write to us with any questions they may have about the braille code, how their child’s assistive technology works, and ideas for maintaining braille and braille technology-related skills during this time. If you are a parent of a braille using child with a specific question or if you are looking for a resource, write to us at info@blc-lbc.ca (or call 1-877-861-4576).
4. Special teleconference: We are organizing a special teleconference to take place in early April (date TBD) specifically directed to parents (though all are welcome). We will use this opportunity to share resources that support home learning and ideas for home-based braille activities. We will also answer any questions you may have about braille and braille-related technology. If you are a parent (or student) with questions, please join us. Registration will be free of charge for members and non-members alike for this special online workshop.
5. Facebook page: Keep an eye on our Facebook page. Whenever we come across a resource that we feel might be helpful, we will share it there, with the hashtag #SixDotsStrong
We hope that these measures provide some added support during this time. Please let us know if you have any questions, and stay tuned for all of the above in the coming days and weeks!

With friendship and solidarity,
Natalie Martiniello and your entire Braille Literacy Canada board

Re-Post: Audible just made hundreds of audiobooks completely free – Radio Times

Free audiobooks include novels narrated by Thandie Newton and Dan Stevens

Dear GTT Followers, I have clarified what is available and how to access it with this post revision.

Audible.com free books.

Here is further clarification for my post on Friday regarding the free Audible.com books. They seem to be mostly for kids while school is in recess, however this is the process for accessing some classics as well as kids books. They appear to be for streaming only and don’t seem to provide any download links.

Go to, Audible just made hundreds of audiobooks completely free
On the page that shows up find the link, audible.com and press Enter.
Navigate to the Start Listening Button and press the Space Bar.
From this page you may search for books, or navigate through the categories and lists available. They are available in a few other languages as well as English. It seems the reading speed can be adjusted once you begin playing a book, and the Navigation Quick Keys screen reader users are accustomed to will work when accessing this from a PC. Pressing the letter P will take you to the Play/Pause button, the letter E will bring focus to the Search Edit Field and so on. Links lists with Insert F7 is another good way to navigate to the books you want. I couldn’t sort out how to minimize the Player once it is activated, however all other controls can be found below the Audio Player, or with Nav Quick Keys.

— Read on www.radiotimes.com/news/radio/2020-03-20/audible-just-made-hundreds-of-titles-completely-free-to-help-during-coronavirus-crisis/

Thx, Albert

Resource: CCB’s GTT “Zooming” Forward through the current Social Distancing Situation

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

Get Together with Technology (GTT)

GTT Zooming Forward through the current Social Distancing Situation

Blindness and low vision sometimes causes the need for additional supports like sighted guides and visual assistance in our homes and communities, which is greatly impacted by the need to “Socially Distance” ourselves. In such instances it isn’t just the virus that is isolating us, it’s blindness or low vision that is intensifying the situation.

The CCB’s GTT program is making plans to support Canadians who are blind and partially sighted. We will help you to learn how to stay connected while you ensure your personal safety. If you need assistance with your technology, this will now be provided through one-on-one telephone training sessions and with weekly 90-minute open chat calls, and through the already-available GTTSupport email distribution list, WhatsApp Group, GTTProgram.Blog site and on Facebook. One-on-one telephone coaching sessions can also be facilitated should people need to learn how to download audiobooks from Canada’s accessible Libraries, or to learn how to get sighted assistance through BeMyEyes and Aira services using smart phones and tablets. See below for booking information.

Zoom Conferencing One-On-One Tutorial Sessions:

Starting on March 18, 2020 GTT staff and volunteers will be available for one-on-one telephone sessions aimed at assisting those who want to learn how to install and use the very accessible Zoom Conferencing system on iOS devices, Android devices, or PC and Mac computers. For one-on-one training sessions contact GTT staff and volunteers as per below.

In the meantime, download the app for your device by following the below links to download the Zoom Cloud Meeting app for:

Zoom For Windows Computers;

Zoom for Mac Computers;

Zoom for iOS from the AppStore;

Zoom for Android from the Google Play Store.

GTT Weekly Open Chat: Building Community among Canada’s blind and low vision population

Starting on March 18, 2020 for 90 minutes each Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (Eastern), GTT staff and/or volunteers will host a GTT Zoom call to discuss all manner of assistive technology and adjustment to blindness issues that are on your mind. These calls are free of charge, and the topics are open, and will address a variety of needs. Connect with us through your landline telephone, iDevice, Android device or computer as best suits your interests and abilities. Here’s how to get connected:

Join the GTT Weekly Open Chat Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/9839595688

Meeting ID: 983 959 5688

Toronto One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+15873281099,,9839595688#

Toronto: +16473744685

Alberta: +1 587 328 1099

BC: +1 778 907 2071 Canada

Manitoba: +1 204 515 1268

Montreal: +1 438 809 7799

GTT Audiobook Download Tutorial Sessions:

While in-person book clubs may have been cancelled and libraries may have closed, staying at home means that you have more time to catch up on your reading. Are you struggling to download audiobooks from your favourite Library; has the volunteer who usually does this for you had to self-isolate? GTT staff and volunteers can help you learn how to download the audiobooks you need into the listening device you own.

BeMyEyes and Aira for Sighted Assistance:

If you can’t have visits with people in your community and/or your family supports you count on to get those important things done around home or beyond on a daily basis, and if you have a smart phone or tablet, let GTT show you how to connect with sighted volunteers and staff of these two services so they can help. Contact GTT staff and volunteers for your one-on-one session to learn how to utilize the free BeMyEyes and subscription based Aira services.

Online Shopping:

If you need to do more online grocery and other types of shopping, and your access to such apps and websites is a struggle, contact GTT staff and volunteers and book a time for someone to coach you to learn the app or website that best meets your shopping needs. Please be sure to let us know the specific store(s) where you want to shop so the right person can be assigned to coach you.

Podcasts and Streaming:

Are you finding yourself with more time on your hands these days? Would you like to learn how to stream movies, podcasts and other forms of entertainment? GTT may be able to help, so contact us and book a time for a telephone or Zoom coaching session.

GTTProgram.Blog Site, for all GTT Events and Activities:

On the GTT Program Blog site you will find postings of all the upcoming events and activities we have planned, as well as some useful resources that might help you to stay connected. Register your email address on this site and all that gets posted there will land seamlessly in your Inbox in an easy to read format. If you’re not successful at the below steps, ask Albert Ruel to add you by email at:

Albert.GTT@CCBNational.net

To get started, go to:

https://gttprogram.wordpress.com/

Near the bottom of the page find and click on the Follow Link, type your email address and click on the Submit Button. That will prompt the system to send you a Confirmation email message, and once you have clicked on the Confirm Button within that message you’ll be registered. Welcome aboard.