Dear All,
Apologies, I did not realise that the list would not allow attachments.
Here is the truly final version produced by contributions from ten members
so I think we can say it reliably reflects the majority view.
The FB-Exchange Club
The Exchange Club is an informal gathering of people living with varying
degrees of sight loss who wish to improve their daily lives through
assistive technology.
Essentially, members share their recollections of how they found solutions
to problems accessing technology, and ask for support with any technological
difficulties they may be experiencing.
The focus is mainly on assistive technology such as the Talks and VoiceOver
screen readers on Android and iOS devices respectively, and JAWS, NVDA,
Narrator, and VoiceOver on Windows and Mac computers.
Many members attest to learning so much in a short time from colleagues
that they, in turn, can help new arrivals with their technology problems.
Many other discussions take place around such topics as visits to art
exhibitions, info about libraries, social events taking place and the
general exchange of information useful to blind and visually impaired
people. Do check it out - you might be surprised at what you can offer and
what you can learn.
Remote Access
Thanks to the wonders of smart phones and tablets, members who cannot
physically come to the club, regularly join in using WhatsApp, Facetime or
landline.
The Technology Reviewed
Initially, The FB-Exchange Club focused on desktop issues and quickly moved
on to include laptops, iPads, smart phones, fitness devices and
voice-activated home technology.
Some of the more significant topics covered to date have included:
* Social Media Platforms;
* iPhones;
* Android Phones;
* Tablets;
* Useful Apps for IOS or Android;
* Troubleshooting;
* Websites;
* VI-friendly Tools and Features;
* Instant Messaging and opportunities of joining in with the global
texting community,
* Skype, WhatsApp and Facetime conferencing
* help in setting up robotic assistants like the Alexa Echo Dot and
the Google Home Player
The Wish List
The members of the FB-Exchange Club would like to see:
* All sites become WC3 compliant (as are Government websites
generally);
* All products and designs made accessible to non-visual use from
their inception;
* Dedicated call-centre agents who are specifically trained to resolve
the technological problems encountered by people with a visual impairment.
If you have any questions or helpful suggestions, please don't hesitate to
contact us and we will pass them on to the group.
Venues
Dublin:
The Dublin FB-Exchange Club meets on Monday mornings from 11am to 1pm, at
Fighting Blindness on the 3rd Floor, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2.
Cork:
The Cork FB-Exchange Club meets every Saturday in Cork City Library, Grand
Parade, Cork City between 11am and 12.30pm, except on bank holiday weekends
or on the second Saturday of the month.
Contact
If you would like more information on the FB Exchange club near you, please
contact John or Mahon at 01 674 6496 or insight@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
All the best,
Cearbhall
m +353 (0)833323487 Ph: _353 (0)1-2864623 e: cearbhall.omeadhra@xxxxxxx
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