Fourth annual Assistive Technology Month celebrated with educational online workshops

This January is the fourth annual Assistive Technology Month, which promotes assistive technologies and how they can be used, is being celebrated with interactive online technology workshops.

Braille Institute has provided more than 10 free online technology workshops featuring speakers from the field. As well as hands-on device presentations and demonstrations, Braille Institute will hold presentations across a variety of topics and devices.

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.”

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. Hybrid workshops offer on-site attendees the ability to demo the devices first-hand while simultaneously streaming to virtual attendees via Microsoft Teams.

See the full roster of presentations running throughout Assistive Technology Month below.

‘Experience the OrCam Devices’ is a hybrid event, taking place on 18 January from 6pm-7.30pm (GMT) in Los Angeles and remotely online. The event will begin with a live demonstrationm led by a representative from OrCam. Following the demonstration, 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 9.30pm-11pm (GMT) 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 take place on 25 January from 6pm-7.30pm (GMT) 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 an easy to use phone for the visually impaired.

The event will include a live demonstration by BlindShell, and on-site attendees will have the opportunity to experience the technology first-hand by trying out the devices.

‘Microsoft Teams for Low Vision and No Vision Users’ will run on 25 January at 9pm – 11.30pm (GMT) online. Attendees will 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 hands, and more.

‘Get Going with Mike May and GoodMaps’ is running on 26 January from 6pm-7.30pm (GMT) in Los Angeles and remotely online. Mike is 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.