Eye Catcher App Features Demo
Siena demonstrated the sleep timer feature in the Eye Catcher app, showing how users can set the timer for 5 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes during podcast playback. She also showcased other player controls including bookmarks, continuous playback options, and show notes. Ali shared a link to a Facebook tutorial from October 9th during the meeting.
Victor Stream 3 Functionality Review
The group discussed the functionality of the Victor Stream 3, with Roueida confirming she has the latest model and sharing her experience that it works well but can be slow with fast button presses. Siena demonstrated iCatcher’s features, including how to set up a sleep timer, access bookmarks, and adjust playback settings, though she encountered some difficulty accessing the bookmarks menu. Ali and Siena worked through various menus and options to resolve the bookmark access issue, eventually finding that the bookmarks could be accessed through the Now Playing Actions menu.
Media Player and Streaming Setup
Ali and Siena discussed navigating a media player interface, focusing on finding and using bookmarks. They also explored the process of connecting Audible and TuneIn to streaming devices, noting that Audible Sync only works on Windows, which limits its utility for Mac users. Ali read through the steps for configuring TuneIn on a stream device, highlighting the need for an account and the process of pairing devices, which Siena found to be a complex procedure.
Braille Display Comparison and Features
Ali and Siena discussed the challenges and preferences of using different braille displays, including the Braille BI40X and the Mantis Q40, with Ali recommending the BI40X due to its features and ADP funding eligibility. They also explored the functionality of the voiceover rotor, demonstrating how to customize and use it for navigation and accessing various options on an iPhone.
VoiceOver Customization and Tips
Palmer and Siena discussed the customization options available for VoiceOver, including rotor settings, sounds, and hints. Siena explained the use of containers, which she finds more useful on the iPad, and mentioned the availability of screen search and text selection in VoiceOver. Liz raised a question about copying and pasting phone numbers, and Siena provided guidance on using the rotor for text selection and editing. They agreed to schedule a one-on-one session for further assistance, and Siena mentioned an upcoming session on copying and pasting in the new year.
VoiceOver Rotor Customization Guide
Siena demonstrated how to customize the VoiceOver rotor settings on iOS, explaining the functions of various options like text selection, speaking rate, and braille input. She recommended keeping flat navigation for iPhone and iPad, as it allows seamless movement between items. Siena also clarified the differences between standard typing and touch typing for on-screen keyboards. The group discussed the Zoom option in VoiceOver, with Siena suggesting it might relate to magnification features rather than the Zoom app.
Tech Updates and Platform Challenges
The team discussed upcoming sessions, confirming that Facebook Part 2 would be held tomorrow, while “What’s New in iOS” would be presented on December 11th as part of Techstravaganza 2.0. Siena demonstrated text selection functionality and addressed questions about hand control in virtual meetings, noting that Google Meet had technical issues including unreliable audio and difficult access. The group also shared experiences with various email clients, with Ashlyn and others expressing frustration with Outlook’s multi-factor authentication requirements and signing-in processes, particularly after iOS updates.
Zoom Accessibility Training Session
The group discussed Zoom subscription details, with Ali explaining their need for the paid version for longer meetings and advanced features. Siena demonstrated text selection and copying functionality in Zoom, showing how to copy and paste links using VoiceOver. The meeting experienced technical difficulties with audio quality issues on Ali’s end, and Siena and Liz agreed to follow up with a separate session the next day at 10 or 11 AM to continue the training.
Calendar Management Tool Discussion
The group discussed various tools for scheduling and calendar management, with Ali explaining his use of Zoom Scheduler and Fantastical for booking meetings and managing calendar events. Ali noted that while Fantastical offers rich calendar features, it lacks automated email reminders, which Zoom Scheduler provides. Palmer shared his preference for using Outlook’s calendar feature, while Siena emphasized the importance of having a backup tool in case primary services experience issues. The discussion highlighted the need for balancing functionality, accessibility, and redundancy in scheduling tools.
Assistive Devices and Budget Challenges
The group discussed various assistive devices and their costs, with Ali expressing reluctance to pay for certain items like the Victor Reader Stream and the Sense Player due to budget considerations. They explored the availability of the Sense Player in Canada, noting that Terry Scott’s website offers it as a final sale with Canadian shipping only. Palmer shared her experience with independent living, including challenges with cooking and travel, while Ali and Siena discussed their different experiences with social interactions and education. The conversation touched on the limitations and opportunities faced by individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life.
Coming Up Next Week
Join us next week, as we discuss what’s new in MacOS26. Also, stay tuned to the newsletters for the information for tomorrow’s Techstravaganza 2.0.
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