[NFBNJ] NFBNJ Technology Committee meeting notes; , December 9, 202

Wed Dec 11 18:07:59 UTC 2024

Hello All

As was discussed Monday  night on our well attended tech committee meeting:

   1.

   Brian shared about the links on our nfbnj.org website for the tech
   seminar
   2.

   Trish shared about what’s new at VLANJ and a  full time job posting
   3.

   And Andy’s Antics segment was very valuable and included here are his
   notes/links
   4.

   Remember, that our tech div list serve is the place to go  to ask or
   answer all things tech!

http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/njtechdiv_nfbnet.org

Now, all the info from Monday follows

Brian share the  info for you regarding our tech seminar 2024 links posted
on our

nfbnj.org

Website

Subject: 2024 state convention tech seminar recordings

The 2024 tech seminar recordings are now available at the following:

https://nfbnj.org/technology-seminars-workshops/state-convention-presentations#2024

The links to each recording is directly from files on the Google Drive. I
was forced to use that route when I had difficulty uploading them onto the
web server.

Please make sure the audio volume in the browser is set to 100 and have
your speakers set to a high volume since some of the presenters weren’t
speaking loud enough through the microphone for one reason or another.

The reason I know that last piece of info is that I tested each link before
saving the updated page.

Andy’s Antics portion notes and links below

The Blind Shell smartphone
<https://www.blindshell.com/us/eshop/blindshell-classic-3-us> (also
available from Independent Living Aids
<https://independentliving.com/blindshell-classic-3-talking-cell-phone/>
is a tactile smartphone designed for people who are blind.  It has a
tactile keypad, high-contrast icons, and basic apps including text
messaging, phone, email, a web browser, and calendar.  This phone is also
capable of reading BARD books and other ebooks, Be My Eyes, AIRA, WhatsApp,
and more.  There is also a voice assistant called Luna for making tasks
easier, and a Tandem Mode for remote control of the phone.  This is a great
phone for those who want a simple, easy-to-use device.

The NFB recently launched Access On <https://pinecast.com/feed/accesson>  a
technology-related podcast hosted by Jonathan Mosen.  Everyone on this list
should certainly listen every week!

HumanWare will be launching a new podcast on 16 January called See Things
Differently
<https://milled.com/humanware-australia/introducing-see-things-differently-with-humanware-an-engaging-podcast-that-_1975Bd_sK4D2fIl>
  Each month, charismatic show hosts Peter Tucic and Rachel Ramos deliver
story-driven content based on human-interest.  Listeners will be able to
access truly engaging conversations with captivating guests, including
HumanWare’s own team members and partners in the blindness and low-vision
space.

Finally, the newest episode of APH's podcast
<https://www.buzzsprout.com/354881?artist=American+Printing+House&client_source=large_player&iframe=true&referrer=https://www.buzzsprout.com/354881.js?container_id=buzzsprout-large-player-354881&player=large&artist=American%20Printing%20House>
(episode 111) discusses gift ideas for the blind.

And Trish Ebel spoke about a job offering and here is her info for you as
well.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Technology Coordinator

Supervisor: Senior VP of Programs

Employment Status: Exempt

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey:

For over 80 years, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has been on the
forefront of serving adults with vision loss, teaching them techniques to
overcome the challenges they face, and promoting their emotional and
physical wellness in a friendly, supportive environment.

Our Mission:

We empower people with vision loss or blindness by providing support,
education, and training in assistive technology and independent living
skills.

Job purpose:

The role of the Technology Coordinator is to oversee the Mobile and Desktop
Technology Programs at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey and provide
instruction in technology.

Job status:

Full-Time: 37.5 hours per week- 30 hours on-site at our location / 7.5
hours remote

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

   -

   Review and update current mobile technology and learning lab
   curriculums. Create new curriculum content and lesson plans for instructors
   to follow.
   -

   Create functional outcome assessment tools to measure progress, train
   instructors in use of the assessment tools, and monitor progress of all
   program participants.
   -

   Oversee and mentor all technology instructors.
   -

   Train instructors on new curriculum and assessment tools.
   -

   Coordinate daily activities in the Technology programs.
   -

   Coordinate and facilitate monthly staff meetings with instructors.
   -

   Instruct individuals/small groups of individuals with vision loss and
   blindness in how to use VoiceOver on the iPhone or iPad.
   -

   Instruct individuals/small groups of individuals with vision loss and
   blindness in how to use Zoom Text screen magnification software and/or JAWS
   screen reading software.

   -

   Instruct individuals/small groups of individuals with vision loss in how
   to access other accessible technologies, including Android devices, SMART
   devices, etc.
   -

   Provide remote instruction to individuals with vision loss in using Zoom
   Text and/or JAWS.
   -

   Develop and design a comprehensive program curriculum in areas of:  work
   readiness, self-advocacy, job exploration counseling, work-based learning
   experiences, and post-secondary and transition counseling, resume writing,
   interview preparation.
   -

   Conduct 1:1 meetings with individuals to perform technology assessments
   to determine candidacy for programs, and to address individual’s
   professional goals and interests.
   -

   Facilitate VLANJ’s monthly Tech Talks evening program and serve as a
   speaker on various topics, and host guest speakers.

Requirements:

   -

   Ability to work with minimal supervision
   -

   Demonstrate initiative
   -

   Ability to prioritize responsibilities

   -

   Demonstrate a positive attitude and ability to work as part of a team
   -

   Possess strong organizational and time management skills
   -

   Capable of handling multiple priorities
   -

   Possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate
   effectively with staff, instructors, participants, family members,
   potential referral sources
   -

   Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
   -

   Maintain open and timely lines of communication with participants,
   staff, and supervisor
   -

   Possess effective teaching skills
   -

   Possess proficient computer skills- using Microsoft Windows PC

Preferred Qualifications:

   -

   4-year college degree preferably in areas of technology or teaching
   -

   At least 1 year of teaching experience

155 Morris Ave, Suite 2
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/155+Morris+Ave,+Suite+2++Denville,+NJ+07834?entry=gmail&source=g>

Denville, NJ 07834
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/155+Morris+Ave,+Suite+2++Denville,+NJ+07834?entry=gmail&source=g>

973-627-0055 Ext 9

www.vlanj.org

Thanks to all for attending last night and our next tech committee meeting
is slated for Monday, January 13, 2025

Here’s hoping you have a terrific and warm holiday season and see you in
the New Year friends!

With Love,

Janie Degenshein

Chair of the Technology Committee

Andy’s Antics portion notes and links below

The Blind Shell smartphone
<https://www.blindshell.com/us/eshop/blindshell-classic-3-us> (also
available from Independent Living Aids
<https://independentliving.com/blindshell-classic-3-talking-cell-phone/>
is a tactile smartphone designed for people who are blind.  It has a
tactile keypad, high-contrast icons, and basic apps including text
messaging, phone, email, a web browser, and calendar.  This phone is also
capable of reading BARD books and other ebooks, Be My Eyes, AIRA, WhatsApp,
and more.  There is also a voice assistant called Luna for making tasks
easier, and a Tandem Mode for remote control of the phone.  This is a great
phone for those who want a simple, easy-to-use device.

The NFB recently launched Access On <https://pinecast.com/feed/accesson>  a
technology-related podcast hosted by Jonathan Mosen.  Everyone on this list
should certainly listen every week!

HumanWare will be launching a new podcast on 16 January called See Things
Differently
<https://milled.com/humanware-australia/introducing-see-things-differently-with-humanware-an-engaging-podcast-that-_1975Bd_sK4D2fIl>
  Each month, charismatic show hosts Peter Tucic and Rachel Ramos deliver
story-driven content based on human-interest.  Listeners will be able to
access truly engaging conversations with captivating guests, including
HumanWare’s own team members and partners in the blindness and low-vision
space.

Finally, the newest episode of APH's podcast
<https://www.buzzsprout.com/354881?artist=American+Printing+House&client_source=large_player&iframe=true&referrer=https://www.buzzsprout.com/354881.js?container_id=buzzsprout-large-player-354881&player=large&artist=American%20Printing%20House>
(episode 111) discusses gift ideas for the blind.

Our next meeting is slated for Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7 PM on our
affiliate zoom room

Happy Holidays to all

With warmest regards,

Janie Degenshein

Chair, NFBNJ Technology Committee
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