[Home-on-the-Range] Free Individual Technology Training Sessions in Wichita

[Mika Pyyhkala]

As a follow up to information we presented at the convention, I wanted to share details and logistics on the free individual training made possible through Envision's ARPA grant funding.

Here is the information in a question and answer format:

Q: What topic areas are available for training?
A: This training program can be used for just about any assistive technology, mainstream technology, or job readiness training of interest to a participant. Examples of training include:

  *   Learning keyboarding and typing skills;
  *   Learning how to use screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver for iPhone iPad or Mac;
  *   Learning how to use a mobile phone such as the BlindShell 2;
  *   Learning how to navigate in Windows or Mac OS and use common operating system functions;
  *   Learning how to use the Microsoft Office suite or the Google suite or the Mac suite of productivity software. Including Gmail, Outlook mail, etc.'
  *   Learning how to use any number of iPhone apps from Seeing AI, to the new Be My Eyes AI picture recognition, to Uber, to the home automation Homekit services;
  *   Learning how to use smart speakers such as Amazon Echo Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomePod;
  *   Learning how to use reading services such as BARD, NFB NewsLine, Bookshare, Audible, or other streaming services;
  *   Learning how to setup or update your LinkedIn profile including obtaining an updated photo.



These are just examples of the types of available training, but other topic areas are also available.



Q: What is the format of the training?

A: Most training is delivered in individual one on one sessions of about 60 minutes. However, small group training is available upon request. Most training is delivered at Envision's North Main Street or South Water Street Wichita locations. You can sign up for multiple days of training as needed.



Q: What types of individuals are eligible for training?

A: Training is prioritized for people who are blind or low vision. However, the training is also available for teachers, family members, or parents of blind children, etc.



Q: What other prerequisites are involved to receive training?

A: In many cases, we provide an initial technology assessment consultation as part of your first training visit.



Q: How  do I book the training?

A: The training is primarily booked using an online scheduling tool called Calendly. The Calendly tool is largely screen reader accessible.



You can check availability and book training times with Terese Goren at:

https://calendly.com/pyyhkala/training01

Terese is based in Wichita and training time slots are available on most business days.



You can check availability and book training times with Mika Pyyhkala at:

http://calendly.com/pyyhkala/meeting

Mika is based in Boston, but available in Wichita about one week per month. He may also be available for virtual training sessions.



Q: Is there another way I can book or ask questions besides the online Calendly scheduling tool?

A: Yes, you can also contact the Workforce Innovation Center by email at

Mika.pyyhkala at envisionus.com<mailto:Mika.pyyhkala at envisionus.com>

Or by phone at

316-440-1573



Q: Do I need my own equipment like a computer or iPhone?

A: If you have computer, mobile phone, or tablet  devices of your own, its often best to bring that to your training session so you can receive training on the equipment you will use day to day. However, Envision also has Windows computers, Mac computers, mobile phones, and smart speakers in house that can be used for training sessions.



Q: Can you help me obtain devices, software, etc.?

A: We can help recommend and connect you to resources that provide free or discounted technology equipment for use at home.



Q: Who is eligible for complimentary training under the ARPA grant?

A: Individuals who live, work, go to school, or are in the process of relocating to Wichita, Kansas. We are also exploring ways the training could be provided to those in other cities and towns in Kansas.



Thanks to everyone for a great convention in Wichita, and we look forward to working with you!



Best,

Mika


​
Mika Pyyhkala
Dir. of Digital Accessibility - BVI Workforce Innovation Center
Envision, Inc.
610 N. Main St.
Wichita, Kansas 
67203
Direct: 316-440-1573
Mobile: 617-308-1114
www.envisionus.com

​Envision Mission: To improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research.

​NOTICE: This electronic mail message and any attached files are confidential. The information is exclusively for the use of the individual or entity intended as the recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, copying, printing, reviewing, retention, disclosure, distribution or forwarding of the message or any attached file is not authorized and is strictly prohibited. If you have received this electronic mail message in error, please advise the sender by reply electronic mail immediately and permanently delete the original transmission, any attachments and any copies of this message from your computer system.
​
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/home-on-the-range_nfbnet.org/attachments/20231107/d4b7b7be/attachment.html>