Category Archives: Educational Resources

Free Online Courses from DigitalLearn.org

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Are you new to the world of technology or maybe you just need a little refresh in your technology skills? Digitallearn.org is offering free online courses to help you in learning the skills you may need.

The “Starting Out” section includes modules for navigating a web site; intro to email, Google Maps, and YouTube; and how to operate both Mac and PC computers.

The “Being Safe Online” section includes information about passwords, privacy, and online scams.

The “Job Skills” section provides guides on how to search and apply for jobs online, as well as creating a resume.

There are also sections for “Being Productive,” “Connecting with Others,” “Mobile Devices,” and “Online Shopping.”

Modules range from 6 to 36 minutes long and include closed captioning.

Visit www.digitallearn.org to access free training modules about aspects of computing.

Free Workshops on Accessible Tech from New York’s Talking Book Library

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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

Virtual Introductory Dark Room Ballet Course

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If you have vision loss and would like to learn about ballet, a free eight week course is available online.

Movement Research is offering a course starting this Saturday, April 9 from 3-4:30 p.m. (CST) running through the next seven Saturdays.  The course introduces students to necessary concepts such as turnout, torso stability, foot sensitivity and mobility, sightless balancing, and the use of a taped floor for orientation.

The course is taught via Zoom, and there is an option to attend by phone, as well.

To register, send an e-mail to info@darkroomballet.com or call 929-367-0025.

For more information on other virtual courses, visit https://movementresearch.org

Online Technology Classes from the Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library

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The Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library in New York is offering free online technology classes for people who are blind or have low vision.

Some of the classes occur just once and some are multi-week courses.

A few examples of the classes are: Intro to NVDA, Exploring JAWS, Intro to Facebook with Accessibility in Mind, and iOS Shortcuts.

For more information on these online courses, you can view the library newsletter at https://www.nypl.org/node/601185 or contact the Talking Book Program’s Disability Information & Referral Center at 1-800-252-9605 (toll free in Texas), 512-463-5458, or by e-mail at tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov.

Workshops from the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area

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The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area will soon offer two workshops of interest to seniors and their caregivers:

  • The Chronic Pain Self-Management workshop is available to seniors age 60 or older. This six-week virtual course is available online or by phone and will run for two and a half hours each Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. beginning on May 13 and ending on June 17.
  • The Caregiver workshop is for anyone who provides care for a senior who is 60 or older. This six-week virtual course is available online or by phone and will run for two and a half hours each Wednesday from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. beginning on April 14 and ending on May 19.

Both workshops are free, but registration is required, and class size is limited. Contact Jessica Martone at 512-916-6180, or email jmartone@capcog.org for more information, or to register.

The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area serves the counties of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and Williamson.

Other Area Agencies on Aging in Texas will have these workshops available at various times. To find the office that serves your county, visit https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/contact/aaa.cfm or call 1-800-252-9240.

A Mighty Good Time Programming for Seniors

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A Mighty Good Time is a web site for older adults living in the Central Texas area that lists online and in-person programming designed for senior citizens. As most events are virtual for the foreseeable future, this programming can now be accessed from anywhere. These events include a variety of exercise options, virtual tours of museums and world landmarks, cooking demonstrations, book clubs, current event discussions, learning about technology, history lectures, games, and much more. Some of the programs are limited to seniors fifty years and older, but many have no age requirement. And most of the programs are free. Most require Internet access, but some may be accessed by phone or Internet.

During this time of isolation, A Mighty Good Time offers a wealth of social, physical, and intellectual enrichment opportunities. Visit www.amightygoodtime.com and start filling up your calendar.

Senior Planet’s Aging Connected Technology Sessions

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Senior Planet is a national organization committed to providing free online programming to older adults. Every week seniors can access a variety of events such as types of exercise, book clubs, and learning opportunities. There are Senior Planet offices in a few cities, including San Antonio.

Recently Senior Planet launched Aging Connected, with the goal of helping seniors learn about technology. Each week Aging Connected highlights the one hour programs that Senior Planet offers about different aspects of current technology, such as getting connected, online shopping, mobile health apps, virtual platforms such as Zoom, transportation apps, and much more. These sessions are interactive, and participants are encouraged to ask questions, and share ideas and resources.

For more information, visit https://seniorplanet.org/aging-connected. You can also call the Aging Connected hotline at 877-745-1930.

Coronavirus Resources

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Here are some helpful resources about COVID-19 and the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines:

Combat COVID

https://combatcovid.hhs.gov/

Combat COVID-19 features resources about prevention trials and treatment trials, as well as information on donating plasma if you have recovered from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines

https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/whats-new/

This site from the National Institutes of Health contains the most up-to-date information on what treatments are available for people who contract COVID-19.

Coronavirus in Texas

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus

The Department of State Health Services has established this web site for Texans who need information about the virus and about vaccine distribution. You can also contact your County or City Public Health Department for more details about vaccine distribution.

V-Safe

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html

V-Safe is a smartphone app that helps you track any symptoms you may experience after taking a COVID-19 vaccine. The app will also remind you when a second dose of the vaccine is needed, if applicable.

COVID-19 Accessible Resources

https://cidi.gatech.edu/covid

The Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech has set up a microsite for people with disabilities who need resources about COVID-19. Individuals can request information in alternative formats such as braille and accessible PDF’s. The site also features coronavirus-related articles, and the Center is producing a series of webinars for people with disabilities about topics related to COVID-19. Past webinars are archived on the site.

Fall Prevention Checklist

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Unfortunately, falls among older people are common, but they don’t have to be a normal part of aging.

Falls can be the result of tripping over objects, falling from stools or ladders, or losing your balance, possibly due to vision or hearing problems, or because of the side effects from some medications.

Click on this link for a free quiz to assess your risk for a fall: https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/falls-free-checkup/

You have the option to sign up for a free report and follow-up after you take the quiz.

Regular exercise can help reduce your risk for a fall. The National Institute on Aging has a helpful web site on exercise and physical activity: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity

It is advisable to consult with your doctor before you begin an exercise routine.

Prepare for Disasters with Ready.gov

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September is Emergency Preparedness month, but being ready for a disaster is a year-round necessity.

Whether it’s a pandemic, fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster, this national website can help you make a plan to protect your home, family, and business.

The Ready.gov site includes a section for people with disabilities: https://www.ready.gov/disability

You can also download the FEMA app to your Apple or Android mobile device. Content within the app is available in English and in Spanish.