A fellow NLS network library in New York is hosting several Tech and Culture workshops virtually this summer. They are inviting patrons from all libraries to attend for free! You can read about each session below, and there will be a contact person or a sign-up link for you to follow. Please note you will need to call the New York library for assistance with these workshops, their contact information is in their introduction. All times are listed in Eastern time.
Tech and Culture Workshops from the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library in New York:
Join our vibrant community for free, interactive remote workshops every week covering tech topics for beginners and seasoned users, book discussions, a Braille study group and more. Below, you will find offerings for August: just use the link within each listing to register. To receive a reminder about each upcoming workshop or find out about additional pop-up offerings, email heiskelltech+subscribe@googlegroups.com or contact our tech team to join our announcement list. Email chanceyfleet@nypl.org or call (212) 206-5400 and ask for zoom links for tech workshops, where available.
iPhone Chat for Voiceover Beginners
First Saturdays (July 2, August 6, September 3), 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. (EST)
If you’re new to using Voiceover on the iPhone or if you’re still working toward confidence, this discussion group is for you. We will spend some time going over the theory of how screen readers work, gestures everyone needs to know, and some strategies for getting help. Then, we will open it up for questions and networking.
This event will take place online.
Join the Zoom for Voiceover Beginners
iPhone Chat for Voiceover Users: Beyond the Basics
First Saturdays (July 2, August 6, September 3), 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (EST)
Talk about customizing gestures and settings, exploring new apps, choosing accessories, dealing with bugs, and whatever else comes to mind. This is a space for any and all Voiceover topics that go beyond the basics of using common gestures and built-in apps.
This event will take place online.
Join the Zoom for Voiceover: Beyond the Basics
The Zoom about Zoom: What Participants and Hosts Need to know
Friday July 1, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (EST)
Get ready to manage microphones, cameras, chat messages, raised hands, polls and breakout rooms with confidence. We will show you everything you need to know to bring your best self to virtual gatherings, whether you’re attending or hosting.
This event will take place online.
Register for Zoom about Zoom
Descriptive Origami
Friday July 1, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)
We will use effective verbal communication and teamwork to learn origami models like a lotus, a goldfish and a card holder. This hands-on event will take place in person: kindly RSVP to ChanceyFleet@nypl.org to reserve your spot!
Intro to NVDA: a Ten-day Summer Immersion
August 8 through 19, Monday through Friday, 3 – 5 p.m. (EST)
There are several Windows screen readers to choose from. Come discover how this free, open-source option compares. If you know how to type, understand Windows basics, can commit to attending ten sessions, and would like to become more confident and proficient with the NVDA screen reader, this workshop is for you! Please plan to join us each week for a hands-on lesson and discussion. This workshop also includes a group mailing list where you can post your questions and discoveries for other members of your cohort to read and respond, as well as a weekly recap that is optional to attend half an hour before the official start of each class. We will cover the basics of customizing NVDA settings, getting around in Windows 10 or 11, working with text, managing files and folders and exploring the web. This workshop will be limited to 30 participants, so please apply to participate soon!
This event will take place online.
Register for NVDA Summer Immersion
Getting Started with Podcasting
Saturday July 16, 2 – 3:30 p.m. (EST)
Join volunteer Brian Fischler from That Real Blind Tech Show to find out how you can get started producing your own podcast. Brian will walk you through the supplies you will need to get started podcasting, easy ways to record both you and guests, hosting services, editing, and publishing your own show.
This event will take place online.
Register For Getting Started with Podcasting
Making Videos with Clips
Saturday July 23, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (EST)
Learn how to use this popular mobile app to create, edit and share your own videos.
This event will take place online.
Register For Making Videos with Clips
Getting Started with Podcasting
Thursday August 4, 7 – 8:30 p.m. (EST)
You probably have heard people discussing fantasy football at school or around the office. What is it, and why are millions of people playing it? Volunteer, Brian Fischler, will share his 20 years of knowledge playing fantasy football with you. He will explain the game and how to play for free on Yahoo Fantasy, discuss different strategies to the game, the live draft where you pick your own players, following your team, making trades of players, and how live scoring works. The great thing about fantasy football is that you can put as little or as much time into it as you want. And as Brian says, fantasy football is the world’s greatest waste of time, but wow is it fun.
This event will take place online.
Register for Getting Started with Podcasting
High- and Low-tech Organization and Labeling Tips
Monday August 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m. (EST)
We all have items around that we need to identify. Whether a document, file folder, containers, books, or clothing, there are eyes-free strategies for identifying things around the home or office. Join this workshop to learn about and share resources and methods for labeling as a blind person. We will cover resources for adhesive labeling with a slate and stylus, Perkins brailler, as well as more high-tech tools to label clothing for laundry and identification, and more.
This event will take place online.
Register for High and Low Tech Organization
Using Braille Displays with iOS
Monday August 22, 7 – 8:30 p.m. (EST)
Your Braille display can be a powerful companion to your iPhone or iPad, but there is so much to know as you begin. We will go through common Braille display commands, settings and customizations, known bugs and workarounds, and apps that work especially well with Braille.
This event will take place online.
Register for Using Braille Displays with iOS
Google Apps with Accessibility in Mind
Let’s explore popular free tools that you can use on the web or with mobile apps to manage your time, share your work and collaborate. Participation in all sessions is encouraged, since we’ll be building your knowledge from week to week.
All sessions meet on Wednesdays, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (EST)
August 24: Drive and Docs Basics
August 31: Drive and Docs: Formatting, organization, editing, and version control
September 7: Docs: Commenting, Collaboration, Track Changes, Sharing Permissions and Publishing
September 14: Calendar (including invitations, shared calendars, and Meet)
September 21: Sheets
September 28: Slides
This event will take place online.
Register for Google Apps with Accessibility in Mind