This program includes a 6-part series of webinars offered via Zoom every 2 weeks. These webinars will take place every other Wednesday, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. These group discussions introduce new tools, while allowing for open discussion and strategizing. Participants will also work privately with instructors to learn desired new techniques, set and meet personal goals, and work at their own pace to master the most popular and affordable low vision apps and tools available today.
Welcome! Program Kick Off Event
- Program Overview: discuss class schedule, setting goals, attendance, etc.
- Team Building Time: Let’s get to know each other! Introductions, interests, and more. The next few months of group discussion provides the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas and encouragement.
- Overview of Assistive Technology: compare and contrast different devices, related assistive technology and/or screen readers, accessible mobile apps. Learn what other team members use and how.
Session 1 - Quick Organizing & Communication Principles
- Welcome/intros for new participants.
- Course Overview: What topics will be covered, and when.
- Information breakdown - how we will use Zoom and Dropbox to participate each week.
- How to take notes regarding things that come up throughout your day.
- Microsoft Word/Pages,
- iOS (notes and voice memo apps)
- Victor Stream (ask Jane).
- Phone app: Making and receiving calls.
- Create schedule for individual student lessons.
- Ask about
Session 2 - Connecting Through Written Communications
This week, we will focus on simple and effective ways to plan our day, and the best ways to communicate with others. Here we will discuss the strategies we already use, and what skills and applications fit our lifestyle.
- Email: Basic email composition, sending and receiving messages and including attachments in email.
- Email lists and newsletters: how to subscribe to email lists for topics that interest us. Newsletters for shopping, products, and services. How to unsubscribe from unwanted content.
- Reminders and Calendars: How to use tech to keep track of appointments, set reminders and save essential information. How to create a method that keeps you up to date on daily activities.
- Alarms and Timers: how to use mobile devices to set up alarms, both manually and through voice guidance (ex. Siri). We will explore the use of Smart speakers for these purposes in a future webinar.
These concepts apply to all sorts of areas, including email writing, blogging/web development, and writing to family, friends, and people with whom you do business.
Session 3 - Applications and Services for the Blind
In this discussion, we will learn more about services specifically designed for the visually impaired, and how to access them. Learn more about visual interpretation services, document reading, identification and beyond! This discussion also includes tips and tricks about screen readers and magnifiers.
- Visual interpretation Apps: Explore services like Aira and Be My Eyes, how to subscribe and access assistance. There are several services available within Be My Eyes, and these will be demonstrated here.
- Text recognition: applications that will scan and read text documents. These are helpful for independent reading of mail and other forms of text encountered in daily life.
- News and current events. Go beyond the nightly news! We will explore accessible ways to stay informed. Services include the Massachusetts radio reading services, NFB Newsline, current events podcasts and online news outlets.
- Travel: there are several GPS services designed specifically for low vision users. Please note that we will go into further detail regarding travel during Session 4.
- Additional online and email list resources to learn more about accessible technology will also be covered.
Guest Speaker – Adjustment to Blindness
In this session, we are joined by guest speaker Heather Tuck, a certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist to explore the role that vision loss plays in our lives.
- We will share our experiences with one another, explore what blindness means to each of us and learn tools for success.
- Blindness Identity: What does low vision mean to you? Participants discuss what they can/cannot see, how long they’ve been legally blind and how they remain independent.
Session 4 - Using Tech for Hobbies and Enjoyment
Time to explore and have some fun! In this session, we will explore the ways we can stay involved in hobbies and topics that interest us. Vision loss does not have to define our interests and activities!
- Reading and Podcasts: both forms of media are accessible everywhere! We will discuss how to enroll in book services like BARD, and how to download and follow podcasts.
- Travel: no matter for necessity or leisure, there are numerous ways to access navigation, including Accessible GPS, Bus/Train routes, rideshare and more.
- Email lists: continuing from week 2, there are email lists and forums for virtually every interest, accessible via email, social media, and virtual gatherings.
- Accessing community activities: here we will talk about how to plan and travel to events in your community.
Session 5 - Smart Home Technology
One of the easiest and most entertaining ways of staying organized is by talking to your smart devices! Many tasks like calendars, news and task management can be performed by working with a digital assistant.
- Learn about leading platforms on the market today.
- How to access information through your devices. Instances include managing a grocery list, planning appointments, and creating routines. Use your subscriptions for books, music, and podcasts for an immersive experience.
- Other devices and accessories that can be linked to your phone and/or smart speaker.
- Learn how to make the most of your smart home technology through accompanying apps.
Session 6 - Navigating Your Daily Life
This class will discuss how to combine each of these lessons to your everyday life. These elements can enhance all aspects of daily life. Whether you are looking to be more organized, get back to enjoying hobbies and interests and beyond, these elements will enhance your independence! Discussion will include:
- What we have learned through this process.
- Additional resources for independent living skill building.
- How to troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and ways to access customer service when needed.
- Ways to combine these skills with low tech solutions for independence (examples include talking devices, labelling tips, mobile device accessories and beyond). Group discussion will allow us to share tips and learn from each other.
We will wrap up the webinar series with Q&A and discussions about how to continue this learning journey!