Braille Institute holds virtual workshops to celebrate Assistive Technology Month
The Braille Institute of America is celebrating January with its fourth annual Assistive Technology Month which aims to promote assistive technologies and how it can be used.
Providing over 10 free, educational and interactive online technology workshops featuring speakers from the field, as well as hands-on device presentations and demonstrations, the Braille Institute will hold presentations across a variety of topics and devices.
With Braille Institute centres now re-opened for in-person services, attendees have two options for free workshop instruction. Virtual workshops enable anyone anywhere to participate by phone or video.
Presentations include ‘Experience the OrCam Devices’, a hybrid event taking place on 18 January from 10-11:30am (Pacific Time) in Los Angeles and remotely online. The event will begin with a live demo led by a representative from OrCam, a supplier of products such as the digital hand reader. Following the demo, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the technology first hand by trying out the devices.
‘Experience the Fusion Software’, will be hosted by Anaheim Center on 18 January at 1:30-3pm (Pacific Time) online. The event will cover, fusion software for those experiencing vision loss, which combines screen magnification and reader in one on Windows computers, and how to use Fusion on personal computers.
‘Experience the BlindShell Classic 2 Phone’ will be held on 25 January from 10-11:30am (Pacific Time) in Los Angeles and remotely online. BlindShell is developing a new generation of phones with the BlindShell Classic 2 Phone featuring unique hardware, tactile keypad, voice control and loudspeaker, creating the perfect phone for the visually impaired.
The event will include a live demo by BlindShell and on-site attendees will have the opportunity to experience the technology firsthand by trying out the devices.
‘Microsoft Teams for Low Vision and No Vision Users’ will be held on 25 January at 1-2:30pm (Pacific Time) online. Hear how visually impaired and blind people are using Microsoft Teams features to join classes, workshops, events and meetings.
The workshop is presented by a sighted, legally blind, and totally blind user and instructor team, it will cover muting and unmuting your microphone, raising, and lowering your hand, and more.
‘Get Going with Mike May and GoodMaps’ will be held on 26 January from 10-11:30am (Pacific Time) in Los Angeles and remotely online. Mike is the Chief Evangelist for GoodMaps, a pedestrian navigation company with an emphasis on accessible navigation for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Mike will discuss the importance and need for detailed location information used inside buildings and public transportation settings.
Phillip Reeves, Director of Client Experience at Braille Institute, said: “Assistive technology can be a real game changer for those who are blind or visually impaired. And the start of the new year is a great time to learn a new skill or improve the way you’re doing something.
“Several workshops will discuss technology from providers like OrCam Technologies, BlindShell, and Fusion software by Freedom Scientific. Learn about the newest low vision devices, as well as artificial vision and computer software that promote independent living.”
