[NJTechDiv] Fw: Our tech div meeting minutes from April 2021 ; the Agenda for the tech div meeting Monday, May 10, 2021 ; and the zoom details inside

jane degenshein jdegen16 at comcast.net
Tue May 11 20:07:28 UTC 2021


    This is a request from Clark King for Verizon users.
Thanks if you can assist


From: Clarke King
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 9:47 AM
To: jane degenshein
Subject: Re: Our tech div meeting minutes from April 2021 ; the Agenda for 
the tech div meeting Monday, May 10, 2021 ; and the zoom details inside

Hi Jane, I had a question regarding addressing a technology issue. Does that 
include audio description questions for cable television. I purchase a 
Verizon cable package, but I cannot get the audio description to work. I 
have called Verizon five times and it has been difficult as the technicians 
are not familiar with audio description.

I have just grown frustrated with the process and trying to figure out my 
next steps. Not sure if our members have any experience with Verizon cable. 
Not sure if it was appropriate for the list serve.

Thanks,

Clarke


Sent from my iPhone


  On May 10, 2021, at 10:19 PM, jane degenshein <jdegen16 at comcast.net> 
wrote:


  
  As promised, below are the notes I used for tonight’s meeting.
  We need your thoughts, comments and ideas too to assist us in making our 
tech workshop the best it can be.
  So kindly reply and let your voices be heard
  thanks friends
  7. Tech division updates: Janie and Tony
  A. Verizon project
  Many of you were helped and we are down to the last ten hours of 
assistance.
  Thanks to Eileen and those of you that received assistance.
  B. Tech division workshop discussed
  The outline will be shared, and we want your participation too!
  Comments/questions ?
  ***
  After reviewing the outline, we determined there wouldn’t be enough time 
to do one seminar on IOS and another one about JAWS on the same day.
  We shall call this tech workshop part one and the part two may take place 
at the state convention.
  We decided that the workshop should begin with a 30-minute Zoom 
presentation where commands can be explained for the the iPhone, and the 
computer
  Perhaps how to download the zoom client for both the idevice and computer
  Any questions that were sent in on this topic can be answered here as 
well.
  The next 90 minutes will be spent on  Apple, iOS
  demonstrating the use of the calendar with Siri,
  explaining how to flag important messages,
  especially if they contain calendar and Zoom information,
  discussing the various IOS settings,
  especially those under Accessibility,
  Explaining how to use the rotor and the Back Tap featuresand spell check,.
  The value of using siri and loads of items that can be done that way
  The remainder of the workshop will be used to provide information about 
help resources
  and to answer some of the questions which would have been sent in by 
attendees.
  This workshop will be capped at 80 participants so register.
  The registration form will go out after our May 10 meeting.
  So now it is time for you to suggest topics of interest or concerns that 
you may wish to have covered.
  Our tech workshop team will take them into consideration on our next tech 
team meeting this Thursday at 6:30
  Ask members to raise their hands to speak as this is our round the room 
time
  woo hoo!!!
  Keep Smiling,
  Janie Degenshein
  Happiness isn't having what you want, but wanting what you already have!
  Facilitator of ECHO (Eyes Closed Hearts Open)
  state affiliate board member
  President of the senior division of the National Federation of the Blind 
of New Jersey
  to join the senior list serve:
  https://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbnj-seniors_nfbnet.org
  President of the Technology division of the National federation of the 
Blind of New Jersey
  To join the tech div list serve:
  http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/njtechdiv_nfbnet.org
  to join in the membership forms for NFBNJ chapters and divisions, go to:
  https://www.nfbnj.org/chapter-division-membership-forms/#
  NFBNJ Newsline co-ordinator
  jdegen16 at comcast.net


  From: jane degenshein
  Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2021 10:22 AM
  To: ada crandle ; alexander kaiser ; alice simone ; andrew rees ; andrew 
smith ; andy rutherford ; angela perone ; anna kay thompson ; anne marie 
harris ; Annemarie Cooke ; annie buxton ; barbara finan ; Beatrice oliveti ; 
brian keene ; Brian Mackey ; brian mcgrath ; callie Van Wallendael ; cecelia 
ragland ; chris franz ; clark king ; Danielle DiBello ; Debbie Bloomer ; 
deloris wright ; Denese Ferdinand ; donna myrick ; Eileen Scrivani ; ELLEN 
SULLIVAN ; geri mcginty ; Ivis Alvarez ; jack johnson ; janet jones ; Janie 
Degenshein ; jay patel ; Jennifer Uchanow ; jerome ritter ; jim hulme ; 
jimmy vonderlinden ; Jo Luland ; joanna mallard ; Joe Ruffalo ; Johanna 
Baccan ; john abbamont ; John Dehmer ; judi lewis ; katie maunder ; Kelsey 
Nicolay ; ken lawrence ; laura falk ; leroy nash ; lester cameron ; linda 
deberardinis ; Linda Melendez ; liz morgan ; lori demarco ; lou jones ; 
marian lee ; marie sawyer ; Mario Brusco ; mark fink ; Mary jo Partyka ; 
michele chaney ; mikayla gephart ; misty hagan ; nimisha rana ; olga 
kronenberg ; pam hayes ; pamela and rebecca drayton ; pat Bunce ; pat kay ; 
Patricia Ebel ; patricia whitley johnson ; peg kane ; Personal ; philip 
harrison ; reggie lancaster ; renee freiling ; Roman Dodia ; Ruth Williams ; 
Ryan Stevens ; sejal kothari ; Teresa Hillman ; tony santiago ; Tracy 
Carcione ; Tyion Lashley ; ursula rucki ; VElorza ; ward biondi ; weston 
pfeiffer ; Zoraida Krell
  Cc: Jerry Nealey
  Subject: Our tech div meeting minutes from April 2021 ; the Agenda for the 
tech div meeting Monday, May 10, 2021 ; and the zoom details inside

  Hello All
  I hope the beautiful weather is brightening your days.
  In this message you will find,
  1. meeting minutes from April
  2. Agenda for the meeting to be held on Monday, May 10 at 7 PM and
  3. the zoom details
  ***
  National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey's Technology Division
  NFBNJ Technology Division Meeting Minutes
  Monday, April 12th, 2021
  1. Roll Call: Ruth Williams
  There were 38 members in attendance.
  Officers:
  Linda Melendez, President, NFBNJ
  Jane Degenshein, President
  Tony Santiago, Vice President
  Mary Jo Partyka, Recording Secretary
  Annemarie Cooke, Treasurer
  Board Members:
  Anne Marie Harris
  Andy Smith
  Members:
  John Abamont, Johanna Baccan, Tracy Carcione, Ada Crandall, Linda 
DeBerardinis, Vincent Elorza, Lori Falk, Chris Franz, Ed Godfrey, Phil 
Harrison, Pam Hays, Theresa Hillman, Peggy Kane, Clarke King, Zoraida Krell, 
Olga Kronenberg, Reggie Lancaster, Ken Lawrence, Marion Lee, Denise Lesko, 
Brian McGrath, Bea Olivetti, Angela Perone, Nimisha Rana, Andrew Rutherford, 
Ellen Sullivan, Ivis Trejo, Jennifer Uchanow, Jimmy Vonderlinden, Ruth 
Williams
  Guest:
  Brian Mackey
  ***
  2. Welcoming Remarks: Janie Degenshein
  Janie welcomed everyone to the meeting. She thanked Misty Hagen for making 
the reminder calls and gave a shout-out to our Zoom Assistant Administrator, 
Tracy Carcione. President Linda Melendez observed Tracy and gave her 
direction, as needed.
  ***
  3. NFB Pledge: Brian Mackey
  I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation 
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; 
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its 
constitution.
  ***
  4. Secretary's Report: Mary Jo Partyka
  Mary Jo asked if everyone had received the minutes, and asked if there 
were any additions or corrections. There were no corrections.
  Motion: Andy Smith
  Second: Ellen Sullivan
  All agreed.
  ***
  5. Treasurer's Report/Dues: Annemarie Cooke
  Starting Balance as of 3-1-21: $1,272.95
  Deposit on 3-29: $287.75
  PayPal Deposits: $107.12 on 3-8, $9.10 on 3-23
  Total Deposits: $403.97
  Working Balance: $1,676.92
  PAC Debit on 3-11: $10.00
  Ending Balance as of 3-31: $1,666.92
  Plus $8.00 Petty Cash
  In terms of membership dues, Annemarie said that almost everyone has paid. 
She said there is still time for those who haven’t already done so. She 
reminded the group that they could pay dues for more than one year. 
Annemarie asked if there was any discussion and no one raised any questions.
  Motion: Linda DeBerardinis
  Second: Jennifer Uchanow
  All agreed. Motion passed.
  ***
  6. iPad Tips/Tricks: Ed Godfrey
  Ed reminded the group that he had won the iPad as a result of Matt 
Vollbrecht’s offer to give one away when he was the guest presenter on our 
tech div call.
  Ed said he is learning how to use it by taking free courses offered by 
Matt Vollbrecht’s
  Tech Juggernaut. Ed stated that he found the iPad to be challenging. With 
the help of Matt’s courses, he is slowly getting acclimated. He provided 
some examples of what he learned, including using the long press to make 
changes to the Control Center and using the triple tap on icons to change, 
share or delete apps.
  He said that typing on the screen of the iPad and getting used to the 
split screen is difficult but he is learning by practicing. The instructors 
explained how to read messages by double-tapping on the left side of the 
iPad and using the rotor to read material pertinent to such a message by 
going to Containers. Ed told the group that the students learned how to 
multi-task by having two different apps open at the same time. Ed mentioned 
that the course contains a great deal of material, which he saves to the 
Google Drive app for future reference. Bea Olivetti asked if Matt’s courses 
were available to everyone. Janie answered that they are, and that Matt 
Vollbrecht is terrific and has a great staff. She said that members can send 
an email to him to sign up for classes. Matt’s email address is:
  m.jvollbrecht at icloud.com.
  Matt Vollbrecht’s website for The Tech Juggernaut is:
   https://ttjtech.net/
  The students are given assignments to make sure they understand what is 
being  taught.
  Janie said that he’s doing an incredible job.

  Ed said the information Matt offers can be applied to all Apple devices. 
Janie said that a class called the Mac Cafe is offered every two weeks. Matt 
also makes free help sessions available to anyone who needs them. If the 
instructors don’t know the answer right away, they’ll research it and 
contact the person who asked the question. Anne Marie Harris asked if Matt 
commented on linking the iPhone and iPad together. Ed said that this topic 
had not been discussed.
  ***
  7. Technology News: Janie Degenshein/Tony Santiago
  A. Verizon Project
  Janie indicated that there are still a few slots available if anyone needs 
some assistance from Eileen Levin. Those needing help with computer issues 
should email Janie at:
  jdegen16 at comcast.net
  and state the areas in which they need help. In the subject line, write: 
“Verizon Project.”
  B. Zoom Administrators’ Team
  Janie told the group that she put together a one-hour class to train 
members to become Zoom administrators. Over the next few months, they will 
be helping to manage division and at-large Zoom meetings.
  Janie thanked President Melendez for acting as the Zoom administrator for 
the past year. Linda thanked Janie for taking the lead, and expressed her 
appreciation to the participants who are willing to step up and help.
  c. Technology Workshop in June
  Janie said that we will be hosting a 3-hour Technology Workshop on 
Saturday, June 26th. The goal of this workshop is to help affiliate members 
become more confident and independent
  using their technologies.
  Tony said it will be a great Tech Workshop in which we’ll be sharing 
pertinent things to learn on iOS, JAWS devices, etc. Topics to be covered 
include: Windows, NVDA, calendar, Zoom, iOS, locating help resources. Linda 
Melendez said that those who want to attend the technology workshop will be 
required to register for this event and suggested that they do so right away 
in order to secure a spot. Brian Mackey requested that Janie and Tony let 
him know what to put on the registration form.
  Tony suggested that attendees should send in their questions prior to the 
seminar. If there is insufficient time to answer everyone’s question, they 
will be sent to the Tech Division listserv for a response. Phil Harrison 
asked if the workshop will be recorded since he would not be able to attend 
at the time of the presentation. Brian Mackey said he would record it with 
his Victor Reader Stream and post it on the website. Tony said that part of 
what we’re doing is to provide everyone with the resources to do their own 
homework, and that, although a quarterly seminar might be helpful, it is 
important that everyone knows they have the ability to find their own 
information by going to sources like Google, Applevis, JAWS etc.
  ***
  8. Old/New Business
  President Melendez said that anyone in need of help registering for the 
NFB National Convention should email her or reach out to their chapter or 
division presidents for assistance. The registration deadline is May 31st. 
If you’re a dues-paying member, you can vote at the national convention. 
Accessing the national convention schedule and agenda will be one of the 
topics covered in the technology workshop. The affiliate is considering 
sponsoring a senior deaf-blind resource fair. Janie updated the group 
concerning Joe Ruffalo’s condition, indicating that he’s been making great 
progress at the rehab center. He’s eager to become stronger and return home. 
He is starting to feel like himself again. His motivation is so strong that 
he may be able to leave sooner than four weeks.
  ***
  9. Round the Phone
  Clarke King asked why his voiceover volume decreases when he’s using his 
iPhone, or is on a Zoom call. Janie said he should hit the volume while 
swiping. Tony said he should turn the rotor until he hears volume, and it 
may turn up the audio. Tony suggests adjusting the volume before he gets on 
a Zoom call.
  Andrew Rutherford said he’s a new member, and wanted to thank everyone for 
being so efficient.
  Nimisha Rana told the group that this was her first time on a call. She 
said she learned about the technology division from her chapter. She got a 
job as an IT worker in a mental health center. They use Cyber at her 
workplace, a program which isn’t accessible by JAWS. She said she can send 
progress notes and they will upload them. Although this option works, she 
would rather find a way to do her work more independently. She also 
mentioned that she bought an iPad, but was having difficulty with the split 
screen. Janie suggested that she talk to Rick Fox, her Chapter president, 
who is very knowledgeable about technology. Janie asked Nimisha to send her 
an email, which she will send to Eileen Levin, who can also help her. Jimmy 
Vonderlinden said that someone on tonight’s call had asked how to make calls 
on their iPad. He provided the following information: go to settings on your 
iPhone and allow calls on other devices using the same Apple ID and Wifi.
  Angela Perone told the group that she has been taking classes with Eileen 
Levin, who is very knowledgeable. She told everyone not to be afraid to take 
classes because it’s very rewarding. She also asked Janie and Tony what the 
command is to make a folder in Outlook, and they said, Control-Shift-E will 
enable her to create a folder.
  Bea Olivetti asked if the BlindAlive app is available in the app store, 
and Tony said it is on the NFBNJ website in the Sports and Rec calendar or 
on YouTube. BlindAlive lists exercise videos, such as Pilates, yoga, balance 
exercises etc. Here is the link on YouTube:
  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJCXbR__C7IztG4us-8Hjw
  Theresa Hillman said she has an iPhone which she has never used since she’s 
afraid to push the wrong button. She also bought a Mac laptop that she needs 
help using. Janie said she can refer her to Eileen Levin, or Andy Smith.
  Ivis Trejo said that she has a job with Eye2Eye, and has had difficulty 
sending information to her supervisor using her iPhone. Janie will also 
refer her to Eileen Levin.
  Linda Melendez complimented Tracy Carcione on handling her Zoom 
responsibilities on tonight’s call, and everyone agreed.
  Janie reminded the group that if anyone needs help or has a question, 
information on how to join the Tech Division listserv is in the footer of 
her emails.
  Ken Lawrence asked if the Sports and Rec Division had received Denise’s 
dues. Janie said they received them. Ken said he would help her with the 
membership form.
  ***
  10. Adjournment
  The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 10th at 7 PM via Zoom.
  Motion to adjourn: Linda Melendez
  Second: Tony Santiago
  Respectfully submitted,
  Mary Jo Partyka, Secretary
  Ruth Williams, assistant to Secretary
  Reviewed and approved by
  Janie Degenshein, President


  ***
  Agenda for our tech division meeting on Monday, May 10 at 7 PM via Zoom
  1.  Roll Call
  2.  Welcoming remarks: Janie Degenshein
  3.NFB Pledge: Who wants a crack at it?
  4. Secretary's Report: Mary Jo Partyka /Ruth Williams
  5. Treasurer's Report: Andrew Rees
  6. Tech tips and tricks: Jerry Nealey
  Jerry is our wonderful zoom admin from our state convention and he is an 
technology instructor  for Utah.
  He will share a few of his favorite tips with us.

  7. tech division updates: Janie and Tony
  A. Verizon project
  B. Tech division workshop discussed
  The outline will be shared and we want your participation too!
  Comments/questions ?
  8. Old/New business: All
  9. State Updates: Linda Melendez
  10. Final comments/adjournment
  Agenda submitted by
  Janie Degenshein
  ***
  The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is inviting you to a 
scheduled Zoom meeting.
  Topic: NFBNJ May Technology Division Meeting
  Date, Mon, May 10, 2021
  Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
  Join Zoom Meeting
  https://zoom.us/j/6477660103?pwd=Qkw0RGxYdGc5TjVBdVZmUnFYYnlCQT09
  Meeting ID: 647 766 0103
  Passcode: 612068
  One tap mobile
  +16468769923,,6477660103#,,,,*612068# US (New York)
  +13017158592,,6477660103#,,,,*612068# US (Washington DC)
  Dial by your location
  +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
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  Meeting ID: 647 766 0103
  Passcode: 612068
  Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ac6QQfYM3L



  Keep Smiling,
  Janie Degenshein
  Happiness isn't having what you want, but wanting what you already have!
  Facilitator of ECHO (Eyes Closed Hearts Open)
  state affiliate board member
  President of the senior division of the National Federation of the Blind 
of New Jersey
  to join the senior list serve:
  https://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbnj-seniors_nfbnet.org
  President of the Technology division of the National federation of the 
Blind of New Jersey
  To join the tech div list serve:
  http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/njtechdiv_nfbnet.org
  to join in the membership forms for NFBNJ chapters and divisions, go to:
  https://www.nfbnj.org/chapter-division-membership-forms/#
  NFBNJ Newsline co-ordinator
  jdegen16 at comcast.net
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