How-to: Step-by-Step Technology Guides
The following is a series of technology-related guides or “how-tos” that cover a wide variety of assistive technology-related subjects. We take a step-by-step approach to each subject, and by adding a visual cue such as a screenshot to each step, we make it exceptionally easy to follow along. If we’re missing something that you’d like to see covered in a future How-to, please let us know(new window).
How-to: Access MS Office and OneNote for free online(new window)
In this guide, we show you how to access a free, online version of MS Office and OneNote.
Related to: Learning, Vision
Related e-bulletins: OneNote’s Accessibility add-ons(new window)
How to: Properly use USB Drives(new window)
In this how-to, we look at some tips and tricks for using USB-based storage devices, and we’ll show you how to safely remove your USB device when your finished using it.
Related to: General Accessibility
How to: Use Guided Access for iPad(new window)
Guided Access is an iOS-based accessibility feature that locks users into specific windows for increased focus and concentration. This guide teaches parents and AT users how activate, use, and shut off Guided Access.
Related to: Learning
Related e-bulletins: iPad as Assistive Technology(new window)
How-to: Work Faster with Keyboard Shortcuts(new window)
Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to more efficiently navigate your computer, and for individuals with mobility challenges, they are a great way to reduce physical strain when using a computer.
Related to: Mobility
How-to: Search for AT Programs and Services in N.B.(new window)
In this How-to, we’ll dive deeper into our online AT database and learn more about what’s available in the province for AT programs and services, who’s offering those services , and how they can be accessed.
Related to: General Accessibility
How-to: Use Inspiration Maps in the Classroom(new window)
In today’s how-to, we’re going to focus on the iPad version of Inspiration Maps, and in particular, we’re going to focus on the ways in which Inspiration Maps can be used to enhance classroom learning and can allow teachers to present information in ways that appeal to multiple learning styles.
Related to: Organization
How-to: Find Accessible Chrome Extensions(new window)
Google Chrome is known for its speed, stability, and its ability to handle mobile browsing like no other by offering extensions (add-ons) for users to heighten their browsing experience, and to allow assistive technology users to access the web in an accessible way.
Related to: General Accessibility
How-to: Use Siri as a Hands-Free Calculator(new window)
As much as we love talking calculators, iOS devices have the advantage of also having access to a built-in, hands-free (and free) calculator. Apple’s virtual assistant Siri is capable of performing some very simple, but very useful, hands-free calculations and it can perform those calculations without VoiceOver support! Related to: Vision, Mobility, Learning Disabilities How-to: Use Dictation for Windows 10(new window) Windows 10 is constantly evolving in its ability to provide built-in accessibility features for its users, with new accessibility features being added with almost every major update. Recently, Microsoft released the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, and with it came the new dictation feature, which allows users to speak instead of typing text. Related to: Vision, Mobility, Learning Disabilities How-to: Use Google Assistant(new window) With the advent of virtual personal assistants (VPA), assistive technology users are able to interact with their smartphones in ways that weren’t possible just a few years ago. These virtual personal assistants employ user-inputted voice commands to perform a wide variety of functions like sending messages, scheduling reminders, and even ordering groceries, giving assistive technology users with impaired vision or mobility an alternative way to interact with their smartphone or tablet. This week, we’re going to look at Google Assistant, the built-in virtual personal assistant that comes pre-loaded on Android smartphones (Android 6.0 and above) and on Android smartwatches. Related to: Vision, Mobility, Organization How-to: Use iPad Accessibility Features – Video Series(new window) In this video series of how-to’s, we explore some of the most popular built-in accessibility features for iPad. Related to: Vision, Mobility, Learning Disabilities How-to: Enable Built-in Word Prediction for Windows(new window) In this short how-to, we’ll teach Windows users how to enable word/text prediction. The process is very straightforward, and within a few clicks, word prediction can be enabled across the entire Windows operating system. Related to: Mobility, Learning Disabilities
