Techstravaganza

Ordering a Meal in The Uber App, Thursday, May 14, 2026

WORKSHOP NAME CHANGES Ali and Siena announced upcoming rebranding of the Textravaganza workshop series. * Details * Siena: Confirmed the “Textravaganza” name will be retained as the overarching brand. * Siena: The Wednesday workshop will be renamed “Textravaganza Afternoons.” * Siena: The monthly Thursday evening workshop will be renamed “Textravaganza Evenings.” * Ali: Confirmed the schedule and format remain the same. * Conclusion * “Textravaganza Afternoons” = Wednesday sessions. * “Textravaganza Evenings” = monthly second-Thursday sessions. UBER EATS ACCESSIBILITY TUTORIAL (MAIN SESSION CONTENT) Siena conducted a live, screen-shared VoiceOver demonstration of the Uber Eats ordering experience within the main Uber app on iPhone. The tutorial walked through the full ordering flow from browsing to checkout. * Details * Siena: Explained that Uber Eats exists both as a standalone app and as a tab within the main Uber app; demonstrated using the integrated Uber app. * Palmer: Asked whether Uber and Uber Eats are one app or two — Siena clarified both options exist and recommended the standalone app for users who only use Uber Eats. * Siena: Demonstrated navigating the app’s bottom tabs: Uber (rides), Eats, Courier, and Shops. * Siena: Used the Search Uber Eats field to search for “Swiss Chalet,” yielding 358 results. * Siena: Navigated the Swiss Chalet menu using VoiceOver heading navigation, covering sections: Picked For You, Beef is Back (limited time), Deals and Specials, Starters, Rotisserie Chicken, Barbecue Ribs, Handhelds, Wings and Tenders, Bowls and More, Kids Meals, Desserts, Extra Sides and Sauces, Drinks, and More to Explore. * Siena: Demonstrated adding items to the cart for tutorial participants, including a Deluxe Roast Beef on a Bun (for herself), a Chalet Chicken Soup Bowl (requested by Lily via chat), a Quarter Chicken Dinner with white meat and market vegetables (for Palmer), a Third Rack Barbecue Back Ribs with smoky barbecue sauce, Crispy Chicken Tenders with buffalo sauce and fries (for Ali), and a Ginger Ale. * Palmer: Noted that item descriptions are not shown in the list view and require a double-tap to access — Siena confirmed this. * Palmer: Observed that calorie counts were displayed for most items and sides, which was useful for making informed choices. * Siena: Demonstrated the cart view, showing a subtotal of $101.52 for the full order, with a final total of $123.19 including a $0.99 delivery fee and $20.68 in taxes. * Siena: Showed the checkout screen, including tip options (5%, 10%, 15%, or custom), noting that 100% of the tip goes to the courier/driver. * Palmer: Asked about UberCash — Siena explained it functions like a prepaid balance that can be used instead of a credit card on file. * Siena: Demonstrated removing items from the cart one by one using the VoiceOver Actions menu, adjusting quantity to zero and confirming removal. * Ivy: Suggested there might be a “cancel entire order” option; Siena noted she did not find one during exploration. * Geoff: Suggested the option might exist but be visually hidden or unlabeled for VoiceOver, referencing a similar experience with another app. * Siena: Noted one unlabeled button was encountered in the app but was not relevant to the core ordering flow. * Jackie: Commented that Uber Eats is easy to use but can be expensive. * Conclusion * Uber Eats (within the Uber app) is highly accessible, using standard radio buttons and checkboxes that VoiceOver reads clearly. * Users should ensure their phone is unlocked before screen sharing. * No single “clear cart” button was found; items must be removed individually via the VoiceOver Actions menu. * A future session on the Uber “Shop” (grocery delivery) feature was proposed. PROPOSED FUTURE TUTORIAL: UBER SHOP (GROCERY DELIVERY) Following the Uber Eats tutorial, the group discussed exploring the Uber Shop feature in a future session. * Details * Siena: Proposed covering the Uber Shop section in a future Textravaganza Evenings session. * Lily: Expressed interest and hoped it would be more accessible than Instacart, which she found problematic. * Siena: Agreed, noting she had also encountered issues with Instacart previously. * Jackie: Confirmed interest in seeing how grocery shopping via Uber works. * Conclusion * A future Textravaganza Evenings session will be dedicated to the Uber Shop (grocery delivery) feature. SCRIBEME APP REMOVAL FROM THE APP STORE Ali raised a report from the Blind Apples mailing list about ScribeMe being removed from the App Store. * Details * Ali: Noted he saw a thread claiming ScribeMe had been removed from the App Store, though he expressed uncertainty about the reliability of the source. * Jackie: Said she was glad she had already downloaded it. * Ali: Pointed out that even existing users would not be able to re-download the app if it is no longer available on the App Store. * Conclusion * The removal of ScribeMe from the App Store was flagged as unconfirmed but worth monitoring. TECHNOLOGY REFRESH CYCLE FOR ACCESSIBILITY TESTING Palmer raised a question about how frequently accessibility testers should update their equipment. * Details * Palmer: Asked for a general recommendation on how often to replace devices used for accessibility consulting. * Ali: Suggested every 3 to 5 years as a reasonable cycle. * Siena: Agreed with 3 to 5 years, noting she has had her current Mac for about three years and it still functions well; also mentioned she is receiving new equipment through Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP). * Palmer: Noted his Mac is nearly 10 years old and that his grandmother is offering him a Windows 11 PC with 16 GB of RAM. * Lily: Said she typically waits until a device has major issues before upgrading, and does not do accessibility testing, so currency is less critical for her. * Ali: Suggested 3 to 5 years as a practical minimum for those doing accessibility work. * Conclusion * A 3-to-5-year refresh cycle is recommended for devices used in accessibility testing. * Individual circumstances (device condition, program funding, type of work) may influence the actual timeline. GOOGLE WORKSPACE FOR BRANDING AND PRODUCTIVITY Ali discussed his use of Google Workspace for professional branding, storage, and workflow integration. * Details * Ali: Explained that Google Workspace allows him to connect his WordPress.comwebsite domain and use a branded email address (e.g., alimusa@themusaslobodionetwork.ca [alimusa@themusaslobodionetwork.ca]). * Ali: Noted benefits include shared drives, Google Meet integration, additional storage, and AI-generated meeting summaries via Gemini. * Siena: Confirmed she is also a Google Workspace subscriber, using the email siena.trigiani@textravaganza.ca [siena.trigiani@textravaganza.ca], and finds the familiar Google Drive/Docs environment more feature-rich under Workspace. * Siena: Also mentioned the support@textravaganza.ca [support@textravaganza.ca] address as a contact point for participants. * Palmer: Asked for clarification on how Workspace connects to a website — Ali clarified his site is on WordPress.com, and Workspace is used for domain email and productivity tools. * Lily: Asked whether Google Meet also generates AI summaries — Ali confirmed it does, via Gemini, and noted it produces more detailed notes with timestamps compared to Zoom’s AI summary. * Ali: Added that Google Meet stores recordings and meeting notes in a dedicated “Meet Recordings” folder in Google Drive, making them easy to locate. * Lily: Noted that timestamped transcripts are very useful for navigating long recordings, such as podcasts on YouTube. * Ali: Confirmed Google Meet also provides a full transcript. * Conclusion * Google Workspace provides meaningful branding, storage, and productivity benefits for both Ali and Siena. * Google Meet’s Gemini-powered summaries and organized recording storage are seen as advantages over Zoom. ZAPIER FOR WORKFLOW AUTOMATION Ali introduced Zapier as a tool he uses to automate recurring event-related email communications. * Details * Ali: Described Zapier as a platform for automating repetitive tasks, not a calendar tool. * Ali: Explained he set up a “Zap” that monitors his Google Calendar for events tagged “Books Panel” and automatically sends reminder emails to all invited guests 24 hours and 1 hour before the event. * Ali: Noted this eliminates the need to manually schedule and send reminder emails each month. * Palmer: Summarized the workflow as writing the email once, scheduling it, and having Zapier execute it automatically — Ali confirmed. * Siena: Added that Zapier includes a Copilot (AI) feature that allows users to describe what they want in plain language, and Zapier builds the automation accordingly. * Ali: Confirmed he uses Copilot regularly as it makes building Zaps more efficient, especially for tricky field configurations. * Lily: Noted Copilot would be especially helpful for new users unfamiliar with the platform. * Ali: Highlighted that Zapier’s support team is highly responsive, often assigning a dedicated point of contact for continuity on open cases. * Palmer: Asked whether Zapier has an app — Ali and Siena confirmed it is web-only. * Conclusion * Zapier is a web-based automation tool useful for reducing manual, repetitive communication tasks. * The Copilot feature lowers the barrier to entry for new users. * Zapier’s support team is considered reliable and helpful. BOOKS PANEL UPCOMING EVENT Ali briefly mentioned the Books Panel event during the Zapier discussion. * Details * Ali: Referenced the Books Panel as a recurring event held on the last Friday of each month, used as an example of a Zapier automation use case. * Siena: Noted the next Books Panel is on May 29th. * Palmer: Asked to be added to the invite list. * Ali: Agreed to add Palmer to the list. * Conclusion * The next Books Panel is scheduled for May 29, 2026. * Palmer will be added to the Books Panel invite list. ACCESSIBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES IN RURAL AREAS A discussion emerged about the difficulties of using ride-sharing and delivery services when living in rural or semi-rural areas. * Details * Lily: Noted that Skip the Dishes does not deliver to her home due to her rural location. * Palmer: Described reliance on parents for transportation, uncertainty about whether Uber would service his area, and challenges with no sidewalks and wind affecting hearing aids. * Lily: Agreed that proximity to a city significantly increases available options. * Palmer: Noted that even in semi-rural areas with nearby houses, the absence of sidewalks creates safety challenges for pedestrians with visual or hearing impairments. * Conclusion * Rural residents face significant barriers to accessing ride-sharing and food delivery services. * Lack of sidewalks and transportation infrastructure compounds accessibility challenges for people with disabilities in non-urban areas. META GLASSES AND THE ORION FEATURE Palmer briefly mentioned the Meta smart glasses and their Orion outdoor navigation feature. * Details * Palmer: Referenced a Double Tap podcast segment where a co-host used the Orion feature outdoors, noting it provided useful environmental information despite not being officially recommended for outdoor use. * Palmer: Explained that using Orion requires the phone app, with the glasses connected to it, and switching back to the Meta AI app via the app switcher when done. * Siena: Expressed interest and suggested it could be a future tutorial topic. * Conclusion * Meta glasses with the Orion feature may be a candidate for a future Textravaganza tutorial. SUBSCRIBER GROWTH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Ali and Siena encouraged listeners and participants to subscribe to the Textravaganza website newsletter. * Details * Ali: Reported the subscriber list is currently at 79 and growing. * Ali: Encouraged podcast listeners and session participants to subscribe at the Textravaganza website. * Siena: Offered to manually subscribe anyone who has difficulty signing up. * Ali and Siena: Reminded participants of available communication channels: Textravaganza Friends group, WhatsApp workshop group, Messenger, and the support@textravaganza.ca [support@textravaganza.ca] email. * Conclusion * The Textravaganza newsletter currently has 79 subscribers; growth is a shared priority. * Multiple contact channels are available for participants needing assistance. Contact the team: Email: support@techstravaganza.ca [support@techstravaganza.ca] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675] Follow the Show: Tunein: http://tun.in/pxXlj [http://tun.in/pxXlj] On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On Audible: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/] On Spotify: https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb [https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb]

Voiceover on the iPhone and Mac Basics, Wednesday, May 13, 2026

WORKSHOP INTRODUCTION AND HOUSEKEEPING Siena formally opened the session, outlined the day’s agenda, and reviewed meeting housekeeping guidelines. * Details * Siena: Introduced the session as a VoiceOver basics workshop covering iPhone first, then Mac, with Ali as the tutorial host. Also announced the next day’s Textravaganza 2.0 on Uber Eats (7–9 p.m. Eastern). * Siena: Reviewed muting/unmuting shortcuts — Command-Shift-A (Mac), Alt-A (PC) — and hand-raise shortcuts — Alt-Y (PC), Option-Y (Mac), Star-6 and Star-9 for phone lines. * Palmer: Added that on iPhone with VoiceOver, a two-finger double-tap can mute/unmute in Zoom, though the first use may briefly drop audio before stabilizing. * Siena: Confirmed and elaborated on Palmer’s tip, noting the brief audio drop is a known glitch on first use. * Conclusion * Participants were reminded to stay muted during tutorials and unmute with raised hands during Q&A. * The two-finger double-tap method for muting on iPhone with VoiceOver was confirmed as functional after the initial use. VOICEOVER IPHONE TUTORIAL — BASIC NAVIGATION GESTURES Ali demonstrated core VoiceOver gestures on the iPhone, including navigating the home screen, activating apps, and understanding flick gestures. * Details * Ali: Explained that a short flick left moves to the previous item and a short flick right moves to the next item; emphasized “short” to distinguish from a long swipe. * Ali: Demonstrated a one-finger double-tap to activate a focused item, opening the Entertainment folder and then YouTube as a live example. * Ali: Showed how to organize apps into folders (e.g., Entertainment, Social, Utilities) and noted his folder structure is preserved via iCloud backup across devices. * Ali: Clarified that folder structures and organization would be covered in a future tutorial. * Conclusion * Core gestures covered: short flick left (previous item), short flick right (next item), one-finger double-tap (activate item). * Folder organization on the home screen is a planned future tutorial topic. VOICEOVER IPHONE TUTORIAL — ACCESSING HOME SCREEN AND APP SWITCHER (DEVICES WITHOUT HOME BUTTON) Ali demonstrated how to return to the home screen and access the app switcher on Face ID iPhones using VoiceOver. * Details * Ali: Instructed participants to touch the bottom middle of the screen; a blip sound indicates entry into the gesture mode. A quick flick up from that position navigates to the home screen; holding longer triggers “Lift for home” or “Lift for app switcher” prompts. * Liz: Asked whether going to the home screen closes the open app; Ali clarified it does not — the app moves to the background in the app switcher. * Liz: Mentioned she prefers closing apps to keep things tidy; Ali noted some apps must remain open in the background to function properly. * Siena: Added a practical use case — keeping two apps open simultaneously (e.g., Safari and Mail) facilitates copy-pasting between them via the app switcher. * Jeroo: Reported difficulty performing the gesture; Ali and Siena advised touching the bottom edge (not left or right corner) and performing a quick flick. * Conclusion * The bottom-middle touch + quick flick up gesture is the standard method to access the home screen or app switcher on Face ID iPhones with VoiceOver. * Some apps require background operation; closing all apps is not always recommended. VOICEOVER IPHONE TUTORIAL — FLICK UP/DOWN AND THE ROTOR Liz raised a question about the function of flick up and flick down gestures, prompting a discussion on the VoiceOver rotor. * Details * Liz: Asked what a flick up does in general, noting she had recently learned the flick down and found it very useful. * Ali: Explained that flick up and down interact with the rotor — for example, if the rotor is set to “Characters,” flicking up moves to the previous character and flicking down to the next. * Liz: Confirmed understanding and expressed appreciation for learning new gestures through the workshop. * Conclusion * Flick up/down behavior depends on the current rotor setting; this enables granular navigation (e.g., by character, word, or line). VOICEOVER IPHONE TUTORIAL — NOTIFICATION CENTER Ali demonstrated how to access and navigate Notification Center using VoiceOver. * Details * Ali: Explained that touching the top middle of the screen and performing a quick flick down accesses Notification Center; a second flick down accesses Control Center. * Ali: Showed live notifications including grouped Gmail, Mona, Discord, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and sports news items. * Ali: Explained that notifications from apps with five or more items are grouped by app; this grouping behavior is configurable and will be covered in a future tutorial. * Ali: Recommended using Notification Center or the lock screen rather than asking Siri “Do I have any new messages?” for more reliable and accurate results. * Ali: Advised against using the mute switch to ask the voice assistant about messages, as this can cause missed notifications; instead, recommended setting up Focus modes with haptics and sounds enabled. * Jeroo: Asked for a repeat of the Notification Center access steps; Ali clarified the top-middle touch + flick down sequence. * Jackie: Asked if there is a way to prevent the phone from locking while reading notifications; Ali confirmed there is currently no way to change this behavior in iOS. * Conclusion * Notification Center is accessed via top-middle touch + quick flick down; it is the recommended method for checking messages accurately. * Grouped notifications appear when five or more notifications exist from a single app. * Phone auto-locking during notification reading is a current iOS limitation with no known workaround. SUPPRESSING VOICEOVER PASSCODE ANNOUNCEMENT Liz raised a privacy concern about VoiceOver announcing her passcode aloud in public. * Details * Liz: Asked how to prevent VoiceOver from speaking her passcode when unlocking the phone in public, noting she is deaf and uses VoiceOver at high volume. * Siena: Suggested sharing the screen only after the phone is already unlocked, or using keyboard/braille screen input to enter the passcode silently. * Siena: Recommended using a three-finger double-tap to toggle speech off before entering the passcode, then toggling it back on afterward. * Conclusion * A three-finger double-tap toggles VoiceOver speech on/off, allowing silent passcode entry in public settings. VOICEOVER IPHONE TUTORIAL — CONTROL CENTER Ali navigated through Control Center, demonstrating its layout and available toggles. * Details * Ali: Accessed Control Center via the top-middle touch + two flick downs; demonstrated three pages of controls including Airplane Mode, AirDrop, Wi-Fi, brightness, volume, screen lock rotation, and connectivity options (Bluetooth, cellular data, VPN, personal hotspot). * Ali: Noted his Braille display (Brilliant BI40X) appeared in the Bluetooth section and expressed appreciation for the device. * Liz: Asked about clearing a recurring Visa payment notification; Ali said he would address notification clearing shortly. * Liz: Asked about VPN and hotspot usage; Ali advised against leaving hotspot on due to data and battery drain, recommending Wi-Fi at home and cellular data only when needed. * Palmer: Added that using cellular data is acceptable when Wi-Fi quality is poor. * Lily: Suggested going into cellular data settings to disable data for high-consumption apps (e.g., video streaming, maps) while keeping it on for email and messages. * Ali: Confirmed he had done this and thanked Lily for the tip. * Conclusion * Control Center provides quick access to key device toggles; accessed via top-middle touch + two flick downs. * Hotspot and VPN should be used sparingly due to data and battery impact. * Disabling cellular data for specific high-usage apps is a recommended data-saving strategy. BACKGROUND APP REFRESH Jackie asked about the impact of Background App Refresh on battery life. * Details * Jackie: Asked whether turning off Background App Refresh saves battery, having heard this recommendation online. * Ali: Recommended leaving Background App Refresh on, as some apps require it to update content while running in the background. * Conclusion * Background App Refresh should remain enabled to ensure apps function correctly and stay updated. SCREEN SHARE AUDIO ROUTING ISSUES AND LOOPBACK WORKAROUND Ali encountered persistent issues with Zoom screen sharing not transmitting VoiceOver audio, leading to a workaround using Loopback and QuickTime. * Details * Ali: Attempted to share his iPhone screen via Zoom but VoiceOver audio was not coming through despite the screen being visible. * Ashlyn: Noted similar issues had occurred in previous sessions. * Ali: Decided to route VoiceOver audio through the call directly using Loopback (a Mac audio routing app) and QuickTime Player for audio capture. * Siena: Assisted with setup, advising Ali to select the Loopback device in QuickTime and set volume to 100%. * Ali: Encountered an echo after initial setup; resolved by switching the QuickTime input from the Loopback device back to Ali’s iPhone microphone directly. * Macara: Confirmed audio was working correctly after the fix; Ashlyn also confirmed. * Ali: Explained that Loopback allows routing of audio from sources that cannot natively come through a call, such as VoiceOver output. * Conclusion * VoiceOver audio was successfully routed through the Zoom call using Loopback and QuickTime after screen sharing failed. * Loopback is a useful tool for routing non-native audio sources into calls. VOICEOVER MAC TUTORIAL — DOCK NAVIGATION Ali transitioned to the Mac and demonstrated VoiceOver navigation of the Dock. * Details * Ali: Used Command-Tab to switch to Finder, then Control-Option-D to navigate to the Dock. * Ali: Demonstrated Control-Option-Left Arrow (previous item) and Control-Option-Right Arrow (next item) to move through 53 Dock items, reading each aloud including Finder, Contacts, FaceTime, Mail, Messages, Safari, Zoom, Reaper, GoldWave, Loopback, Discord, and others. * Ali: Used Control-Option-Home to jump to the beginning of the Dock. * Ali: Noted that first-letter navigation also works in the Dock (e.g., pressing “G” to jump to Google Chrome). * Conclusion * Mac VoiceOver Dock navigation uses Control-Option-Left/Right Arrow; Control-Option-Home jumps to the start. * First-letter navigation is also available in the Dock. VOICEOVER MAC TUTORIAL — WEB BROWSING ON CELA Ali demonstrated web browsing using VoiceOver on the Mac, navigating to the CELA library website to search for a book. * Details * Ali: Opened Google Chrome using first-letter navigation (“G”) from the Dock and pressed Enter to launch it. * Ali: Used Command-L to access the address bar and navigated to the CELA website. * Ali: Used Control-Option-Command-J to access the accessibility jump menu and navigated to the search field using heading and list navigation. * Siena: Suggested searching for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon. * Ali: Encountered a search error on the first attempt due to a spelling issue; Lily suggested “nighttime” may be one word, which resolved the search. * Ali: Found multiple results and navigated through available formats: Braille (contracted), Electronic Braille, DAISY Audio (Direct to Player and Zip), DAISY Text, Word, and EPUB. * Ali: Selected EPUB Zip as his preferred format for the demonstration. * Ali: Explained that one-finger double-tap (on iPhone) and Control-Option-Space (on Mac) are used to activate items and expand menus. * Conclusion * Web browsing with VoiceOver on Mac uses heading navigation, list navigation, and the accessibility jump menu (Control-Option-Command-J). * CELA offers multiple accessible formats; EPUB and DAISY Audio Zip are commonly preferred. ACCESSIBLE BOOK FORMATS — EPUB VS. DAISY AUDIO VS. SYNTHETIC AUDIO A discussion arose about the differences between accessible book formats available on CELA and how they work with Voice Dream Reader. * Details * Lily: Asked whether EPUB files can be imported into e-book readers like Kindle; Ali confirmed they can and noted he uses Voice Dream Reader. * Makara: Asked whether EPUB and DAISY Audio Zip function similarly in Voice Dream Reader; Ali confirmed they do, noting EPUB provides the text copy and allows use of a preferred TTS voice. * Palmer: Asked about the difference between synthetic audio and DAISY Zip formats. * Ali: Explained that DAISY Zip is preferred when human-narrated audio is available, as it packages audio and text together for Voice Dream Reader. Synthetic audio uses a pre-rendered TTS voice and is less preferred. * Siena: Clarified that with synthetic audio, users are limited to the voice embedded in the format, whereas EPUB in Voice Dream Reader allows selection of any preferred voice. * Siena: Added that Voice Dream Reader also works with VoiceOver and Braille displays, enabling Braille reading of books. * Ali: Noted that CELA has reduced its human-narrated audio content over time; he prefers audio formats for consistent position tracking. * Lily: Pointed out that CELA does not prioritize human-narrated audio in search results but that filters at the bottom of the page allow users to filter out synthetic audio. * Conclusion * EPUB and DAISY Audio Zip are both compatible with Voice Dream Reader; EPUB allows custom voice selection. * Synthetic audio is limited to the embedded voice and is generally less preferred. * CELA’s filter options can be used to show only human-narrated audio content. AUDIOBOOK PLATFORMS AND SERVICES Participants discussed various audiobook platforms, their pros and cons, and accessibility considerations. * Details * Ashlyn: Mentioned using Audible and Libby; noted Libby waitlists can be months long for popular titles, which is a key advantage of Audible. * Ali: Acknowledged he has an Audible monthly membership and a growing library; mentioned he used to monitor Audible Daily Deals but has stopped to avoid impulse purchases. * Lily: Noted her family accumulated 120–130 Audible titles over 10 years and retained them after cancelling membership. * Ali: Expressed interest in the Harry Potter Full Cast Edition on Audible. * Makara: Suggested a Libby tutorial for a future session. * Ashlyn: Mentioned Hoopla as another Hamilton library option. * Palmer: Mentioned using Cloud Library through his library board; noted some e-book navigation issues (e.g., large page chunks, getting stuck between pages). * Palmer: Confirmed Libby replaced OverDrive. * Jackie: Suggested Google Play Books as an option for purchasing individual audiobooks or e-books without a subscription. * Siena: Mentioned Apple Books as another potential source. * Palmer: Looked up the audiobooks app Liz mentioned; confirmed it is free to download but books are purchased individually. * Jackie: Noted she has Spotify Premium, which includes 15 hours of free audiobook listening per month; mentioned she used all 15 hours for the first time last month. * Ali: Noted 15 hours per month is insufficient for heavy readers. * Liz: Asked about a specific book — “Expert Tips for Travelers with Vision Loss” — not available on CELA; Ali suggested signing up for Audible for one month, using a credit to get the book, then cancelling. * Ashlyn: Confirmed she had to use an Audible credit for the same book. * Ali: Mentioned he had a 5-credit bundle offer from Audible for $35 but declined it. * Ashlyn: Highlighted that Audible offers full-cast productions and Great Courses content. * Siena: Mentioned she has done accessibility testing for Libby at her sister’s request and may pursue a library card to use it. * Conclusion * Multiple audiobook platforms were discussed: Audible, Libby, Hoopla, Cloud Library,  FUTURE TUTORIAL TOPICS Participants collectively proposed a range of future tutorial topics throughout the session. * Details * Ali: Proposed a future tutorial on customizing VoiceOver commands (tentatively scheduled for June). * Ali: Proposed a tutorial on iPhone folder structures and home screen organization. * Makara: Suggested a Goodreads tutorial. * Makara and Ali: Agreed to do a Voice Dream Reader tutorial. * Ali: Suggested revisiting Audible in a future session. * Ashlyn: Requested more book app tutorials generally. * Lily: Expressed interest in a Voice Dream Reader tutorial. * Siena: Added a Libby tutorial to the reminder list. * Ashlyn: Mentioned Hoopla as a potential tutorial topic. * Ali: Noted the upcoming books panel and expressed enthusiasm for the overlap between book content and Textravaganza. * Siena: Mentioned the Musa Slobodia Network has a Textravaganza commercial; Ali noted a link to a recent episode featuring Becky Coles would be included in the Textravaganza posting. * Conclusion * Confirmed upcoming topics include: customizing VoiceOver commands (June), Libby, Voice Dream Reader, Audible, Goodreads, folder organization, and book app tutorials. * Makara agreed to update the tutorial topic list. Check out the updated topics list for Techstravaganza at the following link: https://techstravaganza.ca/2026/05/13/updated-as-of-may-13-2026-whats-coming-up-on-techstravaganza/ [https://techstravaganza.ca/2026/05/13/updated-as-of-may-13-2026-whats-coming-up-on-techstravaganza/] Contact the team: Email: support@techstravaganza.ca [support@techstravaganza.ca] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675] Follow the Show: Tunein: http://tun.in/pxXlj [http://tun.in/pxXlj] On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On Audible: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/] On Spotify: https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb [https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb]

Cable Management Tips and Tricks plus NVDA Basics, Wednesday, May 6, 2026

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Cable organization strategies vary widely among participants, from minimalist setups to more complex arrangements with multiple devices * NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) is a free, open-source screen reader alternative to JAWS on Windows * Browse mode and focus mode are essential concepts for web navigation with NVDA * NVDA offers quick voice and speech rate adjustments using keyboard shortcuts * Both JAWS and NVDA have distinct advantages depending on user needs and preferences LISTEN TO THE TUTORIAL ON JAWS BASICS FROM TECHSTRAVAGANZA 2.0 IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS ON WINDOWS, FIND IT AT THE FOLLOWING LINK > JAWS Basics, Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 [https://techstravaganza.ca/2026/03/12/jaws-basics-thursday-mar-12-2026/] Contact the team: Email: support@techstravaganza.ca [support@techstravaganza.ca] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675] Follow the Show: Tunein: http://tun.in/pxXlj [http://tun.in/pxXlj] On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On Audible: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/] On Spotify: https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb [https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb]

Using The Mail App with Voiceover On The iPhone and iPad, Wednesday, Apr 29, 2026

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Comprehensive tutorial on iPhone Mail app covering navigation, mailbox management, message composition, deletion, and thread reading * Demonstrated creating new mailboxes/folders within email accounts and reordering mailboxes using VoiceOver gestures * Explained differences between categories view and list view for organizing emails * Discussed limitations of mobile devices versus computers for certain tasks, particularly heavy-duty work in Google Workspace * Gmail notifications in native Mail app are inconsistent due to fetch vs. push limitations; recommended using dedicated Gmail app for reliable notifications * Next session scheduled for May 6th will cover cable management discussion and NVDA basics Contact the team: Email: support@techstravaganza.ca [support@techstravaganza.ca] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675] Follow the Show: Tunein: http://tun.in/pxXlj [http://tun.in/pxXlj] On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On Audible: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/] On Spotify: https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb [https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb]

Scribe Me – A Visual Assistant for iPhone and iPad, Wednesday, Apr 22, 2026

SCRIBEME APP OVERVIEW AND SETTINGS Siena demonstrated the app’s interface, navigation, and customization options. * Details * Siena: Showed five main tabs – Home, Snap and Scribe, Live Assist, Upgrade, and Profile * Settings include haptic feedback, processing sounds, dark mode, language options, and voice selection for Live Assist * Six voice options available: Anna, Sophia, Veena, Leo, Max, and Alex * Ali: Suggested Voice 4 (Leo) as a preference * Siena: Selected Sophia as the Live Assist voice after testing multiple options * Conclusion * App is highly customizable with accessibility features * Voice selection is a matter of personal preference * Settings allow for language customization across different features PDF SCANNING AND READING FUNCTIONALITY Siena demonstrated uploading and scanning a 300-page Roland EX50 keyboard manual. * Details * Siena: Uploaded the manual from iCloud Drive, which took several minutes to process due to file size * Earl: Confirmed that larger files take longer to scan, even smaller 8-9 page files can take about a minute * The app extracted text, labeled headings and lists, generated detailed alt text for images, and allowed navigation by headings * Siena: Demonstrated asking AI questions about the document, such as locating specific buttons * The AI provided contextual answers based on the manual content but acknowledged limitations when diagrams weren’t detailed enough * Conclusion * PDF scanning is highly effective for technical manuals and documents with images * Processing time varies with file size * AI question feature is useful but has limitations based on available information in the document * Paid subscription allows up to 400 pages per file; free version limited to 10 pages POWERPOINT FILE DEMONSTRATION Siena created a PowerPoint summary of the Focus Blue braille display manual using ChatGPT, then scanned it with ScribeMe. * Details * Siena: Used ChatGPT to generate a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the Focus Blue user manual * Demonstrated using the share sheet to open the PowerPoint file in ScribeMe * Earl: Explained that files can be shared directly from Dropbox or other cloud services to ScribeMe via the share sheet * Hans: Asked about accessing files from external sources like Dropbox or pCloud * The app successfully read the PowerPoint content including bullet points and headings * Conclusion * ScribeMe can read PowerPoint files even without PowerPoint installed on the device * Share sheet integration provides flexible file access from various cloud storage services * Useful for accessing presentation content on mobile devices SNAP AND SCRIBE PHOTO FEATURE Siena demonstrated taking photos and receiving detailed descriptions. * Details * Siena: Took a selfie which was described in detail including headset, room features, lighting, and facial expression * New facial recognition feature allows users to save photos of people for identification in future photos * Siena: Added her own photo to the recognition database * Hans: Noted that photos taken in portrait mode sometimes appear rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise * Earl: Confirmed orientation lock works fine for him * Liz: Asked about practical applications like identifying people at dinner tables or reading utility bills * Conclusion * Photo descriptions are extremely detailed, including environmental context * Facial recognition feature requires permission and consent from individuals * Orientation issues may vary by device settings * Useful for scanning physical documents like bills or cooking instructions LIVE ASSIST REAL-TIME VISUAL ASSISTANCE Siena demonstrated the Live Assist feature with real-time AI-powered descriptions. * Details * Siena: Used Live Assist to describe her workspace, including laptop, keyboards, and braille display * Demonstrated identifying buttons on the Roland EX50 keyboard with mixed accuracy * The AI voice (Sophia) provided conversational, real-time responses * Jackie: Impressed by how realistic the AI voice sounded, initially thought it was a human volunteer * Liz: Asked about using Live Assist while walking in a mall to identify stores * Hans: Clarified that free users get 10 minutes per day with a 24-hour reset period from time of use * Jackie: Expressed interest in using it for cooking instructions and thermostat adjustments * Conclusion * Live Assist provides conversational, real-time visual assistance * AI voice quality is highly realistic and natural-sounding * Free version limitation of 10 minutes per day may be restrictive for complex tasks * Useful for navigation, object identification, and reading labels * Works with Meta glasses for hands-free operation SUBSCRIPTION COSTS AND VALUE DISCUSSION Participants discussed the pricing and whether the subscription is worthwhile. * Details * Siena: Confirmed the paid subscription costs $24 per month * Multiple participants: Expressed concern about having too many subscriptions * Ali: Mentioned cutting back on subscriptions * Earl: Acknowledged it’s a good product but questioned how many subscriptions one wants to pay for * Liz: Called it pricey but acknowledged value depends on individual needs * Jackie: Preferred to use the free version as much as possible to avoid extra costs * Hans: Noted the free version recently increased from 4 to 10 minutes of Live Assist per day * Conclusion * Subscription cost is a significant consideration for many users * Value depends on frequency of use and specific needs * Free version provides enough functionality for occasional users * Recommendation to try free version before committing to paid subscription SECURITY AND PRIVACY CONCERNS Discussion about data security when scanning sensitive documents. * Details * Liz: Raised concerns about security when scanning financial documents * Earl: Explained that ScribeMe processes content through the internet, not on-device * Earl: Recommended VDScan for on-device processing of sensitive documents * Ali: Asked about VDScan’s development status by Winston Chen * Earl: Confirmed VDScan hasn’t been updated recently but Voice Dream Reader (sold to Applause group) is actively maintained * Conclusion * ScribeMe is not suitable for highly sensitive financial documents due to internet processing * VDScan offers on-device processing for security-conscious users * Users should consider security implications when choosing which app to use for different document types PRACTICAL USE CASES AND LIMITATIONS Participants explored various applications and constraints of ScribeMe features. * Details * Liz: Questioned advantages over VoiceOver’s built-in PDF reading * Siena: Explained ScribeMe excels at describing images, tables, and charts that lack alt text * Jackie: Interested in using for cooking instructions and thermostat adjustments * Liz: Asked about identifying people in social situations like church gatherings * Siena: Explained facial recognition works best in static situations like seated dinners, not mingling crowds * Jackie: Expressed frustration with taking photos due to focus and positioning challenges * Hans: Noted Snap and Scribe allows one photo at a time on free version, similar to Be My Eyes * Conclusion * ScribeMe adds value beyond standard screen readers for image-heavy documents * Live Assist is more practical than photo-taking for real-time needs * Facial recognition has limitations in dynamic social situations * Free version restrictions are manageable for basic use cases * Live Assist sessions cannot be saved for later reference FILE HISTORY AND SESSION RECORDING Discussion about saving and accessing previous scans and sessions. * Details * Siena: Demonstrated accessing previously scanned files through Profile > File History * Jackie: Asked if Live Assist sessions can be saved * Hans and Siena: Confirmed Live Assist sessions cannot be saved * Siena: Explained file history only works for scanned PDFs, PowerPoints, and images, not Live Assist sessions * Conclusion * Scanned documents are saved in file history for future access * Live Assist sessions are not recorded or saved * Users must complete tasks within their Live Assist time limit Stay tuned for the updated topic schedule for the next couple months of workshops, coming very soon! Contact the team: Email: support@techstravaganza.ca [support@techstravaganza.ca] Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675] Follow the Show: Tunein: http://tun.in/pxXlj [http://tun.in/pxXlj] On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On Audible: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/techstravaganza/id1846930800] On iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/ [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434/] On Spotify: https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb [https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb]