This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza, which will take place tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, November 19, 2025) from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern.
Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
Siena Trigiani is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
On this week’s Techstravaganza, we will take a tour of what’s new in MacOS 2026, as per participants’ request. We will take a look at the new Phone app which is now available on the Mac, as well as some of the new functions of VoiceOver for MacOS 2026. Time permitting, we will also take a look at some of the new features of iOS and iPadOS 26.
If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.
The meeting began with a discussion about new technology, including a new device with reading capabilities and various voice options. Siena then introduced a tutorial on Facebook, covering topics such as writing posts, interacting with timelines, managing notifications, and exploring the Facebook menu. She requested participants to mute their microphones during the tutorial and to use specific commands for raising hands or unmuting. Despite some technical difficulties with screen sharing, the session continued, and Siena encouraged participants to let her know if they could hear the audio.
Facebook Platform Tutorial Overview
Siena conducted a tutorial on Facebook’s interface, explaining various features like creating posts, stories, reels, and live streaming. She mentioned the risks associated with Facebook Marketplace, similar to Kijiji. Ali distractedly shared information about a daily deal on Audible for a book on self-talk. Siena expressed interest and decided to purchase it. The tutorial concluded with a brief explanation of the search and Messenger functions, noting that the search button labeling issue on the iPad had not been fully resolved.
Facebook Tutorial for Techstravaganza
Siena demonstrated how to create and edit a post on Facebook using an iPhone, including typing with braille screen input and using AI features to rewrite text and add backgrounds. She composed a post about doing a tutorial for Techstravaganza 2.0, showing how to use the Facebook app on an iPhone. Ali offered to help Siena get used to typing on the touchscreen, and Siena mentioned she could mention Ali and Jackie in the post.
Facebook Tagging and Mention Features
Siena demonstrated how to use the mention and tag features in the Facebook app on iPhone, explaining the differences between the two and showing how to manually add tags. She encountered some issues with VoiceOver reading characters properly while using mentions, so she switched to using the tag feature instead. Siena also showed how to add emotions to a post, choose a background color, and adjust privacy settings for the post.
Facebook Content and Tagging Guide
Siena demonstrated how to create and post content on Facebook, explaining the tagging feature which sends notifications to tagged individuals. She clarified that tagged users receive notifications both on their phones and when they open Facebook, though the timeline now shows posts in random rather than chronological order. When asked about the home timeline’s randomness, Siena recommended using the notifications tab or following public pages for more organized content.
Facebook Description and Notification Issues
The group discussed issues with Facebook’s image and video description capabilities, noting that while Facebook has built-in image description tools, they are often inaccurate and unreliable. They explored the possibility of using Be My Eyes or Seeing AI to improve video description functionality, as these tools might provide better results. The conversation then shifted to notification problems on both iOS and Android devices, where participants discovered that while push notifications were enabled, many users were still not receiving notifications, with the notification count often being out of sync with the actual number of unread messages.
iOS Update Notification Issues
The group discussed issues with the latest iOS update affecting Notification Center and screen locking behavior. They explored potential solutions and shared experiences with different screen readers across operating systems, with Ali and Siena agreeing that VoiceOver remains more stable than TalkBack. The conversation concluded with a brief mention of Facebook app usage.
Facebook Update Discussion Tutorial
Siena led a tutorial on Facebook for Techstravaganza 2.0, demonstrating features like double-tapping to open full posts. She addressed concerns about Facebook’s recent update that requires users to tap to read full posts, noting this change affects both sighted and visually impaired users. The group discussed the pros and cons of this new feature, with Jackie suggesting it could be beneficial by allowing users to preview content before deciding whether to read the full post. They also touched on the differences between using Facebook on iPhone versus Android devices, with Siena sharing her experience of using an Android tablet and finding it sluggish compared to iPhone.
Facebook Features and User Engagement
The meeting focused on discussing Facebook features and functionality, particularly around notifications and user interactions. Siena demonstrated how to engage with Facebook posts, including liking, commenting, and replying, while also explaining notification settings and birthday reminders. The group discussed the limitations of deleting posts versus comments, with Siena clarifying that only post owners can delete their own content. The conversation ended with a brief discussion about creating a public Facebook group for assistive technology questions.
This is a friendly reminder of this evening’s Techstravaganza 2.0, which will take place in exactly 15 minutes! The workshop will begin promptly at 7:00 PM Eastern, and will run until 9:00 PM!
Please note that Techstravaganza 2.0 is an ongoing monthly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
Siena Trigiani is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
On this month’s Techstravaganza 2.0, as a follow-up to last month’s workshop, we will continue exploring the Facebook app for the iPhone and ipad. We will begin by recapping how to compose a post, as well as how to read posts on the timeline. Afterwards, we will look at the Notifications, Friends and Facebook Menu tabs.
If you have any questions or topic suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team:
This is a friendly reminder of this evening’s Techstravaganza 2.0, which will take place in exactly one hour! The workshop will begin promptly at 7:00 PM Eastern, and will run until 9:00 PM!
Please note that Techstravaganza 2.0 is an ongoing monthly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
Siena Trigiani is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
On this month’s Techstravaganza 2.0, as a follow-up to last month’s workshop, we will continue exploring the Facebook app for the iPhone and ipad. We will begin by recapping how to compose a post, as well as how to read posts on the timeline. Afterwards, we will look at the Notifications, Friends and Facebook Menu tabs.
If you have any questions or topic suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team:
This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza 2.0, which will take place tomorrow evening (Thursday, November 13, 2025) from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Eastern!
Please note that Techstravaganza 2.0 is an ongoing monthly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
Siena Trigiani is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
On this month’s Techstravaganza 2.0, as a follow-up to last month’s workshop, we will continue exploring the Facebook app for the iPhone and ipad. We will begin by recapping how to compose a post, as well as how to read posts on the timeline. Afterwards, we will look at the Notifications, Friends and Facebook Menu tabs.
If you have any questions or topic suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team:
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.
This is a friendly heads up that our upcoming Techstravaganza workshop will start at 12:30 PM and will run until 3:00 PM Eastern. Please note that we will be starting a bit earlier this afternoon, as we have a couple of small items left to cover from last week’s iCatcher tutorial. I have updated the Zoom event to reflect the time change for this afternoon’s workshop.
Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
Siena Trigiani is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
At last week’s workshop, we took an in depth look at iCatcher, a third party podcast player app for the iPhone and iPad. This week, we will return to our iCatcher tutorial to cover the two remaining items that we did not have the chance to cover last week, i.e. adding and navigating to bookmarks, as well as the sleep timer. Afterwards, we will take an in depth tour of the VoiceOver rotor on the iPhone and ipad.
If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.
This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza, which will take place this afternoon (Wednesday, November 12, 2025) from 12:30 to 3:00 PM Eastern. Please note that we will be starting a bit earlier this afternoon, as we have a couple of small items left to cover from last week’s iCatcher tutorial. I have updated the Zoom event to reflect the time change for this afternoon’s workshop.
Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
Siena Trigiani is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
At last week’s workshop, we took an in depth look at iCatcher, a third party podcast player app for the iPhone and iPad. This week, we will return to our iCatcher tutorial to cover the two remaining items that we did not have the chance to cover last week, i.e. adding and navigating to bookmarks, as well as the sleep timer. Afterwards, we will take an in depth tour of the VoiceOver rotor on the iPhone and ipad.
If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.
This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza, which will take place tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, November 12, 2025) from 12:30 to 3:00 PM Eastern. Please note that we will be starting a bit earlier tomorrow afternoon, as we have a couple of small items left to cover from last week’s iCatcher tutorial.
Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
Siena Trigiani is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
At last week’s workshop, we took an in depth look at iCatcher, a third party podcast player app for the iPhone and iPad. This week, we will return to our iCatcher tutorial to cover the two remaining items that we did not have the chance to cover last week, i.e. adding and navigating to bookmarks, as well as the sleep timer. Afterwards, we will take an in depth tour of the VoiceOver rotor on the iPhone and ipad.
If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.
Techstravaganza 