Society’s Virtual Resource & Technology Fair a Success
By Richard Rueda
We hosted our 4th Annual Resource & Technology Fair virtually on November 13 with more than 75 attendees from across California and even a blind woman from the Philippines who heard about the fair from a friend. Our 2020 event held over Zoom had something for everyone. What normally is a 4-hour in-person event at our agency was adapted to an online platform. Because attendees could participate by computer, tablet, smart phone and even landline, participation was high. From our analytics, we saw that the recorded event captured another 45 views and 29 downloads. Our Executive Director Shari Roeseler provided an agency overview and update followed by Mike Marlin and Laura Kellen from the California Braille & Talking Book Library. Exciting news was shared on how patrons can download talking books and soon enjoy Braille e-readers that will be a part of upcoming book reading options. Our own Cory Hanosh from NorthState Assistive Technology captured audience members with a showcase of available wearable technology options that aid people who are low vision or blind in magnifying items, scanning text, identifying products, and reading with ease.
Because of the outstanding attendance and interest in holding ongoing events, Society will be hosting monthly mini Resource & Technology seminars on the second Friday of each month at 10 am. Presentations will last one hour to 90 minutes, depending on the presenter.
Our next mini Resource & Technology seminar is scheduled for this Friday, December 11 at 10 am. Our presenter will be Access Ingenuity, which will share updates on the latest in portable Braille technology, low vision aids, screen readers and screen magnification for computers. To register and receive your own Zoom link and phone number, please email Richard Rueda at [email protected]