Access For Sight Impaired Consumers

Computer Training

The Accessible Friends Network (TAFN) is A UK registered charity operating over the internet to provide computer training, support and social activities for people who are blind or sight-impaired worldwide.

Blind Cool Tech Podcast offers hundreds of self-produced podcasts from contributing individuals on a myriad of topics. The vast array of subjects covered range from accessible technology assessments, "how to's" on numerous blindness related issues, computer hints and tricks and so on. Despite the fact some of these podcasts are of lesser quality, this site is well worth visiting.

Blind-Corners has dedicated a small section of their web site to sharing some useful tips on "How to" undertake some tasks when using standard or adaptive applications. Over the years, many people have helped the author accomplish many tasks that he was trying to do. He developed this portion of his web site to help others, like many have helped him. You will find a list of programs and other subjects from which you can choose.

Blind Geek Zone offers a variety of informative podcasts, instruction manuals, and valuable documentation that will assist adaptive technology users. This is a site well worth exploring.

The Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) conducts basic computer literacy training courses throughout Western Canada. The program is partially funded by the Federal Department of Human Resources and Social Development Canada, with the rest being contributed by the Canadian Council of the Blind. There is no charge for course participants.

Participants will learn basic computer literacy with both ZoomText or JAWS, with the main focus on getting access to the computer through the keyboard. The program begins with teaching keyboard access to the Start Menu and the Desktop. Students will then learn basic editing and file management processes, followed by the "how to's" of E-mail and the internet, all with less reliance on vision and the mouse. Basic keyboarding and typing skills will also be taught.

This program is hosted by the Canadian Council of the Blind, and is held in various locations throughout BC, Alberta, and other western provinces. To inquire about dates and locations of the next courses, please contactAlbert Ruel via e-mail for further assistance.

Facebook is an Internet phenomenon, with a reported 100,000 new people joining the social networking website every day. But it's also a gold mine for unscrupulous predators focusing on identity theft. You have to give careful consideration to Facebook's privacy settings, or u can reveal too much traceable information about yourself to potential identity thieves, who can then use it to commit crimes against you, others and even companies whose executives are on Facebook.

Sophos, the international company that makes its money protecting computer users from various types of crime and disruption, has written a free, step-by-step, on-line guide entitled Facebook - Privacy settings recommended by Sophos for you to consider for your own Facebook privacy settings.

Inthane's Grab Bag includes an excellent selection of articles about everything from ZoomText and Windows user tips to C++ and scripting instructions. If the site doesn’t have what you’re looking for, you can suggest new topics to be added!

JAWS - Tricks & Tips will prove to be a valuable resource for users of the JAWS screen-reading application. This web site itemizes common problems under nearly 250 alphabetized categories for easy identification and locating of helpful information.

The Mac-cessibility Network is devoted to connecting, compiling, and providing easy access to the best resources for blind, sight-impaired, and other disability groups using Apple products. It is maintained by a dedicated group of sight-impaired volunteers, who are Apple enthusiasts themselves.

Mac-cessibility began in 2007 as a project on Lioncourt.com to provide news and informational materials to low and no vision users of the Mac platform. Additionally, it served as a resource to dispel rumors and false information regarding the accessibility of Apple products.

At MarvelSoft, they have pioneered the art of developing easy-to-use talking software which is completely narrated with pre-recorded human speech. their flagship product is Talking Typing Teacher for Windows , an interactive program for Windows that teaches keyboarding skills. They also offer "Tool Box for Windows", "Math for Windows", "Speaking Spell for Windows" and much more.

The Visually Impaired Adult Program at Vancouver Community College is designed to give both blind and low vision students instruction and training in keyboarding and other computer skills. . Computer courses include Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, using the Scanner and Internet training using speech, braille and large print access. Classes are held from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. An evening class in computer training is available Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.