[VABS] Nova

Thu Jul 6 16:47:30 UTC 2017

Thank you, Michael.

Sincerely,

Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 6, 2017, at 10:33 AM, Michael Munn via VABS <vabs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Thank you that's good to know. I appreciate
> By the way, Don't forgot we have a conference call at  7:00 Pm tonight.
> Warmly  Michael Munn
> 
> 
> On Thu, Jul 6, 2017 at 2:20 AM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via VABS <vabs at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> 
>> Okay, I do not know what happened/what went glitchy with that last
>> message, just to reiterate why we must keep up-to-date with technology.
>> Anyway, you guys get the point of the end of that message, just a
>> disclaimer and I am not trying to put anything in life in a negative
>> light.  The statements in the previous message were just observations, of
>> course. Also, I thank you all for listening/reading......
>> 
>> 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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