Sep 27
Tech Together - September 2022 (online)
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Sep 27
Join the Access Technology team for a series of informal conversations on technology topics relevant to these current times. Tech Together is a chance to share your knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other blind technology users. Our Access Technology Specialists and Trainers share their expertise, tips, and handy resources on each week’s topic. Afterward, there is time for our students and friends to add to the conversation, as we all learn from each other.
RSVP online using the links below or by voicemail at 415-694-7618.
September 6: Open Forum
Do you have a favorite tech tip or trick to share? Do you have questions about your tech setup? Do you have ideas about future Tech Together events? Join the Access Technology team for a fun and freeform discussion where we can all nerd out and learn about tech, together!
September 13: Smart Speakers - Setup and Basics
If you're an access technology user, you likely spend lots of time listening to machines. Today, let's discuss completing tasks by talking to them! We'll cover setup and configuration of smart speakers featuring Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant and share some ways all three virtual assistants can help you get things done.
RSVP for Smart Speakers - Setup and Basics
September 20: Smart Speakers - Next Steps
After last week's introduction to Siri, Alexa and Google, let's take a deeper dive into each assistant's skills. We'll share the tasks that each assistant performs the best. All three have their strengths and struggle points, but which one will be the winner for you?
RSVP for Smart Speakers - Next Steps
September 27: Let's Label It
From the file cabinet to the kitchen pantry, from low-tech to high-tech, join the Access Technology team, and we'll discuss ways you can label anything and everything in your life.
Introduction to Accessible Wayfinding (online)
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Sep 27
Access Technology instructors Kacie Cappello, Fernando Macias, and Orientation & Mobility instructor Katt Jones are teaming up to present a virtual five-part class series on Accessible Wayfinding. Learn the ins and outs of GPS terminology, Microsoft Soundscape, Apple Maps, Google Maps, and transit apps. The class will be limited to eight students.
Students interested in the course must live in one of the following counties: San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin or Humboldt to qualify. Students must use an iPhone, have a Apple account and be able to download apps to their iPhone, and be comfortable navigating the screen semi-independently.
Class Schedule
September 8: GPS Concepts and Terminology
In this class, we will learn the basic terminology of digital wayfinding such as POI and turn-by turn. We'll also use virtual assistants and the Compass app to obtain basic location and directional information.
September 15: Soundscape Part 1: Automatic Callouts and Markers
In this class, we will review the functions of automatic call-out applications and start to explore Soundscape's informational controls, in order to obtain information about immediate physical surroundings as well as create markers for points of interests (POIs).
September 22: Soundscape Part 2: Audio Beacons and Street Preview Mode
In this class, we will continue to use the various features and functions within Soundscape to travel virtually to new locations for route-planning purposes, and we will compare/contrast Soundscape with other automatic call-out applications.
September 27: Getting Directions with Apple Maps and Google Maps
In this class, we will review Apple Maps and Google Maps' features and functions to obtain information for local businesses and search for public transit directions to points of interests as well as for walking directions to points of interests.
September 29: Transit Applications and Review
In this last class, we will explore and use the Moovit and Transit applications to look for departure time information for nearby stops and lines and to search for directions to a point of interest. We'll also review the applications discussed during the course to mark, obtain directions for, and virtually travel to points of interests.
Thursdays, September 8, 15, 22 & 29 + Tuesday, September 27 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Please RSVP to Julie Koh at JKoh@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7684.
The events for the upcoming week are read aloud on our event hotline every Friday, which can be accessed by calling 415-694-7325. For more information about visiting the Adaptations Store, head to our shop page.
The LightHouse is scent-free. Please abstain from wearing colognes, perfumes, or other scented products. Additionally, coffee must be securely lidded at all times and citrus should not be peeled on the premises. Thanks for supporting our efforts to respect chemical sensitivities!