Dear TBBC Members:

We have great news! We are pleased to announce that the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) is continuing and expanding the Library Equal Access Program (LEAP). The LEAP program will have assistive technology computers & iPads in seven public libraries to offer FREE training in assistive software to NJ residents 55 and older with vision loss. There are beginner and advanced classes for the computers & iPads that offer a better way to read with magnification and speech.

FREE training classes will be provided by Advancing Opportunities and will be held this Fall at seven public libraries, September through December. You must register for a class. To register, please call Advancing Opportunities, Assistive Technology Services, 888-322-1918, extension 595.

Here is a list of the classes offered:

iPad Class – Basics - Voice Over: Have you heard about the iPad but am not sure what it is? Do you have an iPad but are not sure how to use it? In this very beginner class you will learn how to use Voice Over, Apple’s built in screen reader, to access the iPad.

iPad Class – Basics - Zoom Magnification: Have you heard about the iPad but am not sure what it is? Do you have an iPad but are not sure how to use it? In this very beginner class you will learn how to use Zoom, Apple’s built in magnifier, to access the iPad.

iPad Class – Advanced Voice Over: Are you currently using Voice Over to access your iPad or iPhone but want to learn more? Want to share your tips and tricks and learn some from others? In this advanced class, you will learn advanced features of Voice Over. Prerequisites: This class is for those who have some knowledge of the iPad and basic VoiceOver gestures. If you do not have these prerequisite skills, register for the beginner iPad class, iPad – Basics - VoiceOver!

iPad Class – Advanced Zoom: Are you currently using Zoom to access your iPad or iPhone but want to learn more? Want to share your tips and tricks and learn some from others? In this advanced class, you will learn advanced features of Zoom. Prerequisites: This class is for those who have some knowledge of the iPad and basic Zoom gestures. If you do not have these prerequisite skills, register for a beginner iPad class, iPad – Basics – Zoom Magnification!

Basic Computer Skills Class: Are you new to using computers? Have you used them in the past but not for several years? Do you find that computer terminology of lingo is confusing? In this beginner class, you will learn basic computer terminology, learn basic mouse and keyboarding skills as well as how to navigate your computer.

Access your home computer - Magnification class: Are you someone who needs magnification to access the computer? Would you like to learn how to use it more efficiently? This moderately advanced class will show you how to use a screen magnification software called Zoom Text as well as use the Ease of Access Center to navigate your computer and the Internet. Prerequisites: This class is for those who have keyboarding and mouse skills, strong computer skills and prior experience accessing the internet. If you do not have these prerequisite skills, register for the Basic Computer Skills Class!

Access your home computer - Screen Reader Class using JAWS: Are you someone who needs a screen reader to access the computer? Would you like to use it more efficiently? This moderately advanced class will show you how to use JAWS to navigate your computer and the Internet. Prerequisites: This class is for those who have keyboarding and mouse skills, strong computer skills and prior experience accessing the internet. If you do not have these prerequisite skills, register for the Basic Computer Skills Class!

Classes will be held at these seven public libraries in New Jersey. All of these libraries are NJ Transit Access Link stops:

Atlantic County:

Atlantic City Library, 1 N Tennessee Ave, Atlantic City (classes start in November at this library)

Atlantic County Library– Mays Landing branch, 40 Farragut Ave., Mays Landing

Bergen County:

Johnson Public Library, 274 Main St, Hackensack

Camden County: Cherry Hill Public Library, 1100 Kings Hwy N, Cherry Hill

Essex County:

South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Rd, South Orange

Middlesex County:

East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center, East Brunswick

Ocean County:

Ocean County Library – Toms River, 101 Washington St, Toms River

We are pleased to make you aware of this training opportunity from CBVI. If you have questions about the LEAP Program, please feel free to call Mary Kearns-Kaplan at TBBC at 800-792-8322, extension 834.

Enjoy this wonderful opportunity sponsored by CBVI.

Best regards,

Adam Szczepaniak, Director New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center