Free Online Tech and Culture Workshops from Andrew Heiskell Library in NY
By Alicia Waters | July 18, 2022
Intro to NVDA: a Ten-day Summer Immersion
August 8 through 19, Monday through Friday, 3 – 5 PM Eastern
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’ll 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 [docs.google.com]
Making Videos with Clips
Saturday July 23, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
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 [nypl.zoom.us]
Getting Started with Podcasting
Thursday August 4, 7 – 8:30 PM Eastern
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 in to 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 [nypl.zoom.us]
High- and Low-tech Organization and Labeling Tips
Monday August 15, 7 – 8:30 PM Eastern
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 [nypl.zoom.us]
Using Braille Displays with iOS
Monday August 22, 7 – 8:30 PM Eastern
Your Braille display can be a powerful companion to your iPhone or iPad, but there’s so much to know as you begin. We’ll 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 [nypl.zoom.us]
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 PM Eastern.
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 [nypl.zoom.us]
Topics: Programs, Resources, Training | No Comments »
Talking Books Topic Large Print Catalog
By Alicia Waters | July 6, 2022
Dear Talking Book Topics subscriber,
Due to ongoing paper supply issues and severe cost increases associated with printing, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled has made the hard decision to permanently cease the printing of the large-print version of Talking Book Topics (TBT). NLS will continue production of all other accessible formats of TBT and has made many recent additions and modifications to electronic and audio versions to make this selection of the latest materials easier to access.
Patrons can access TBT in HTML and PDF at https://urldefense.com/v3/ or http://www.loc.gov/nls/tbt. TBT in HTML has direct links to BARD for downloading or adding books to wish lists, and TBT in PDF contains order forms, divided by genre, that can be printed and sent to your local library. TBT in audio is also available through BARD and BARD Mobile, as well on cartridge which can be sent directly to your home. TBT is also available through NFB Newsline. Additionally, TBT Abridged is available through Braille Book Review in hardcopy braille and in BRF downloadable through BARD and BARD Mobile or https://urldefense.com/v3/ or http://www.loc.gov/nls/bbr.
Please contact your reader advisor at your local network library at (401)574-9310 to learn more about options for accessing TBT and the entire NLS catalog or for signing up for BARD. Your library can also be reached by calling 888- NLS-READ (888-657-7323) and following with the prompts to your state by visiting https://urldefense.com/v3/ or http://www.loc.gov/nls/findyourlibrary/ US citizens that reside overseas, please call 202-707-9261.
Topics: General | No Comments »
Online Tech and Culture Workshops from Andrew Heiskell Library
By Alicia Waters | June 27, 2022
Join the Andrew Heiskell Library 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’ll find our 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 PM Eastern
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’ll 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’ll open it up for questions and networking.
This event will take place online.
Join the Zoom for Voiceover Beginners [nypl.zoom.us]
iPhone Chat for Voiceover Users: Beyond the Basics
First Saturdays (July 2, August 6, September 3), 2:30 – 4:00 PM Eastern
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 [nypl.zoom.us]
The Zoom about Zoom: What Participants and Hosts Need to know
Friday July 1, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Get ready to manage microphones, cameras, chat messages, raised hands, polls and breakout rooms with confidence. We’ll 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 [nypl.zoom.us]
Descriptive Origami
Friday July 1, 12:00 – 1:30 PM Eastern
We’ll 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!
Topics: General | No Comments »
New Books From Xavier Society
By Alicia Waters | June 16, 2022
We have some brand new books in audio! Great news for our braille readers, two of these titles are also available in braille and BRF (braille ready file). All of our audio books will play in the talking book machines provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). If you’re interested in these or any of our titles, please reach out to our Client Services Coordinator Saul Buchalter at 212-473-7800 or e-mail clientservices@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org.
Also, as a friendly reminder – we also provide downloadable Propers of the Sunday Mass in hard copy braille as well as downloadable in audio, large print, and electronic BRF (braille ready file). These are the readings, responses, and prayers to the Mass on Sundays and special feast days. Many of our clients use these to lector or just follow along at Mass. If you are a Spanish braille reader, the Sunday readings are now available in BRF. If you need your log-in details, would like to request a title, or need more information please contact our Client Services Coordinator Saul Buchalter at 212-473-7800 or e-mail clientservices@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org.
Topics: Books to Read, Resources | No Comments »
Braille on Demand Pilot Project
By Alicia Waters | June 14, 2022
As part of its braille modernization initiative, NLS is launching the Braille-on-Demand pilot project on Monday, June 20,2022. This project will allow active NLS patrons to request and receive one hard-copy braille title per month, which they can retain for their personal use. If an individual who is not registered as a patron submits an order, NLS will refer the individual to their local network library to begin the process of becoming a patron.
Braille titles will be limited to books that are currently available on BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download service. At this time, requests are limited to one book per patron per month. Only complete titles will be distributed. Requests for partial titles (for example, volume one of a three-volume book) will result in receiving the entire book.
The form to request a braille-on-demand book can be found linked from https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NLSbrailleondemand. Patrons may complete the form themselves or contact their network library for assistance. They may also contact NLS Reference at nlsref@loc.gov for assistance in completing the form.
Topics: General | No Comments »
NLS Patron Corner Virtual Programming
By Alicia Waters | June 3, 2022
On June 13, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the Patron Engagement Section at the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress will hold the first event as part of their Patron Corner programming. Each quarterly program will provide an opportunity for patrons to learn more about various services directly from NLS staff. The program will be interactive, last for one hour, and have a designated topic of discussion. The topic for the June 13 session is Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Collection Selection but, Did Not Have the Vehicle to Ask. Our guests will be members of the Collections Division at NLS who are responsible for selecting the books in the NLS collection. Bring your questions and your thoughts about the NLS collection and join us at:
https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1600983343?pwd=VW9tRWtwY3BsdHRac0s2MmJkN0RCZz09 [loc.zoomgov.com]
The full Zoom invitation, including call-in numbers, is included below.
Join Zoom Meeting
One tap mobile: US: +16692545252,,1600983343# or 16468287666,,1600983343#
Meeting URL:
https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1600983343?pwd=VW9tRWtwY3BsdHRac0s2MmJkN0RCZz09 [loc.zoomgov.com]
Meeting ID: 160 098 3343
Passcode: 164674
Join by Telephone
For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location.
Dial:
US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 669 216 1590 or +1 551 285 1373
Meeting ID: 160 098 3343
International numbers [loc.zoomgov.com]
Join from an H.323/SIP room system
H.323: 161.199.138.10 [161.199.138.10] (US West)
161.199.136.10 [161.199.136.10] (US East)
Meeting ID: 160 098 3343
Passcode: 164674
SIP: 1600983343@sip.zoomgov.com
Passcode: 164674
Skype for Business (Lync)
https://loc.zoomgov.com/skype/1600983343 [loc.zoomgov.com]
Topics: General | No Comments »
Virtual Interview with Author Joe Koury on June 7
By Alicia Waters | June 1, 2022
June 7: Listen to a Live Virtual Interview with Author Joe Koury [librarypoint.bibliocommons.com]
CRRL’s Talking Books Library, in conjunction with the Talking Books Center of Staunton, invites all Talking Books users and interested parties to join us online Tuesday, June 7, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. A Talking Books user himself, Mr. Koury is the author of Seeing Without Eyes: One Man’s Journey Out of Darkness (DB 105487), whichis the story of his experience transitioning through sight loss at 19 and learning to “see” using echolocation techniques and survival instinct. The interview will be streamed live at facebook.com/crrlnews [facebook.com], where a recording of the event can be found afterwards. You do not need a Facebook account to watch.”
Topics: Programs | No Comments »
New Book in the RI Collection
By Alicia Waters | May 24, 2022
Thanks to your donations, the RI Talking Books Library is continuing to record materials of local interest.
Untold Stories from WWII Rhode Island by Christian McBurney (DBC 27010)
The smallest state in the United States played a big role in World War II. Future presidents John F. Kennedy, George H. W. Bush and Richard Nixon all received naval training here. Many wartime innovations were developed, such as radar used on night-flying aircraft and a pontoon aircraft landing field. The book is also filled with many personal stories about life in Rhode Island during that time.
Topics: Books to Read, News & Info | No Comments »
More Magazine Changes
By Alicia Waters | May 17, 2022
In addition to the recent magazine changes, there are two more changes. Martha Stewart Living (braille format) and People en Español (audio format) have ceased publication. Potential replacements for these magazines will be announced at a later time. Patron subscriptions will no longer be available via BARD and the Magazine-on-Cartridge program (MOC), although patrons may still download existing back issues from BARD.
Topics: Magazines, News & Info | No Comments »
Changes to NLS-Produced Magazines
By Alicia Waters | May 12, 2022
The following NLS-produced magazines have ceased publication. Patron subscriptions will no longer be available via BARD and the Magazine-on-Cartridge program (MOC), although patrons may still download existing back issues from BARD:
Eating Well, braille format
ESPN: The Magazine, braille format
Popular Science, braille format
2) The following network-produced QA magazine has ceased publication. No new issues will be released, although patrons may still download existing back issues from BARD:
Cowboys & Indians, audio format
3) The following magazine will be replaced in October 2022:
Parents, braille format
Taking its place is Today’s Parent magazine.
Topics: Magazines, News & Info | No Comments »
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