[VABS] Nova

Thu Jul 6 06:09:29 UTC 2017

Hello, All:

Today, I went to the NOVA Annandale Campus, And I observed two things: when coordinating with the Disabilities Services, they informed me that they have recently centralized, thus, they typically have only one or two staff/coordinators on site, and most everything is done online. This applies to all NOVA Campuses; This is unlike four-year universities/institutions   where there is a more substantial Disabilities Services staff on site.  Trust me, I love the idea that everything is becoming virtual and that technology is really advancing, this is just an observation I picked up on. Just another reason why we should all be on our best game, and keep up with the ball that is constantly rolling; make sure to keep up-to-date with technology, and always be sure to advocate for yourself and speak up when need be.  Also, this is another reason why the IT (Information Technology) field of study is so very promising.

Another thing that piqued my curiosity, and made me slightly unpleasant, to be brutally honest, is the fact that the computer with the JAWS Screen reading software in the Testing Center that are utilized to complete a test had Braille Labels on all the keys of the keyboard. I mean, in my humble opinion: this was only slightly ridiculous. Please do not  mind my dismissive language, for a lack of better terms...

Aside from that, everything seemed pretty good. Everything appeared to be very well set at the  NOVA Annandale Campus.

I just thought I would just tell you guys/detail my experience earlier today (or technically yesterday.).

Thank you all for listening/reading.

Sincerely,

Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

Sent from my iPhone

tell you guys/detail my experience earlier today.

Thank you for reading/listening

Sincerely,

Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

let you all know my experience. Nothing negative.

Thank you for reading/listening.

Sincerely,

Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 4, 2017, at 11:39 AM, Ashley Bramlett via VABS <vabs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Mark,
> 
> Happy 4th of july to you too!
> I'm planning to go to the fireworks later.
> 
> Nova does not spend much money on accomodations, true.
> However, if you went there a few years back, much has changed.
> Jaws was updated at annandale and I heard other campuses too.
> I personally think Nova needs an OCR program for students to use such as Openbook.
> They have a new accessibility coordinator who is much more responsive about converting inaccessible pdfs into accessible ones.
> 
> You can also take exams on the pc and write your answers on a word file if you want to.
> Jaws should be in all testing centers. It needs to be so blind students can use the pcs.
> At annandale, jaws always worked for me at the testing center.
> Nova policy does not allow you to bring your own
> equipment into the testing centers. You have to use their pcs.
> 
> I totally agree with you that pcs with assistive technology should not be separate!
> You should not be an outcast!
> However that is the case at a large university nearby.
> To anyone needing jaws at GMU, I warn of this.
> GMU has a separate assistive technology lab in the libraries on the main campus. I cannot speak to other campuses. On the fairfax campus wich is the main one, the labs are separate.
> So, you have to be segregated from everyone else.
> I hang around GMU sometimes to see friends or go to their library since I can get into music databases Nova does not have. I've looked up some things for my own knowledge and for my volunteer projects on GMU's computers.
> As a public school, the public can come in to the library. Nova students can also check out a limited number of GMU books. So, Niam, if you have a reader and are working on a paper, you can check out GMU books with your Nova ID card. Then read them with someone in a study room.
> To access GMU computers, anyone else from the public can get on any public computer; no questions asked; no requests needed.
> But for me, I have to be asked and escorted to the assistive tech lab where sometimes jaws is a demo version. Sometimes IT did not install it right so mix ups happen.
> I wish I could get on the regular university computers to do research like anyone else. But at least I do get some access as a guest to the library, albeit a separate place.
> For GMU students, they can get into the lab via a code they are given. But it is still a separate locked place and a  segregated place.
> 
> GMU is george mason university in case anyone did not know.
> 
> Thanks for the info on the surface pro. I'll look at one sometime.
> Very helpful to know it runs like a laptop.
> 
> Ashley
> 
> 
> -----Original Message----- From: Marc Canamaso
> Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2017 8:40 AM
> To: Virginia Association of Blind Students list
> Cc: Marc Canamaso ; Ashley Bramlett
> Subject: Re: [VABS] Nova
> 
> Morning Ya’ll!!
> 
> Happy 4th to all VABS members. I hope that you all enjoy every second of it.
> 
> Ashley,
> 
> To answer your question about JAWS at the Manassas campus I will say the most difficult part is finding a justification in updating the software to a more up to date version. From my expense NOVA fails to do any form of accommodating if there isn’t a huge pay off on their part. Please note, this is just my experience. NOVA is a wonderful school and highly encourage those to attend if they wish save money and unsure of their career goals. Also, another alarming fact that I have come across when visiting the campus library was that the only JAWS computer they had at the time was held in a small room cut off from the rest of the other computers. It was indeed a disappointment and shock to see that a student who needs JAWS has to be treated as an outcast or singled out. Again, this was about 2 years ago from the last time I was at NOVA. I will check again this coming Fall when I start classes.
> 
> Also, just as Naim had said before the Surface Pro can and will allow full access to Microsoft applications for all computer needs. Although it is a tablet, when it is in Laptop mode the Surface can compete as a high functioning computer. Before you buy the Surface Pro please know the operating system may be Windows 10. This is important because the latest version of JAWS does not work so smoothly. I believe my surface pro is running JAWS 16 or 17 which works much easier with some minor complaints. If ya’ll haven’t figured things out yet  I’m kinda of a nerd when it comes to computers. Computers and people are my hobbies.
> 
> Thanks again,
> Marc A. Canamaso = 
> 
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