Our friends at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library in New York City have an excellent lineup of virtual learning and socializing opportunities planned for the first quarter of 2023. Once again, they have graciously opened up attendance at these programs to members of the blind and print disabled community all over the United States. GLS patrons are welcome to join in any programs of interest.

Please note that GLS does not oversee these offerings, which are the sole responsibility of the New York Public Library. If you have any questions or comments about Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library programs, please contact them at talkingbooks@nypl.org or 212-206-5400.

Crossword Club

Are you a crossword puzzle enthusiast? Join staff from the Andrew Heiskell Library for our virtual Crossword Club and help solve a puzzle as a group! Please call or register in advance to receive a meeting link or dial in number. Meets virtually every Wednesday morning at 10am. Google Meet link: meet.google.com/oyb-faxb-xdd. Dial – in: 513-480-5181‬ PIN: ‪792 497 986#‬

Braille Study Group – Remote

Tuesdays 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM on Zoom

We welcome learners at all levels! Bring your questions, get support for your learning goals and find out how to learn Braille for free from home. To register, please email ChanceyFleet@nypl.org or call (212) 206-5400, extension 3.

Tech and Culture Workshops:

Use the link within each listing to register. To receive a reminder about each upcoming workshop or find out about additional pop-up offerings, email heiskelltech+subscribe@googlegroups.com. Email ChanceyFleet@nypl.org if you need help.

iOS Chat for Voiceover Beginners

First Saturday of every month (January 7; February 4; March 4), 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Bring your questions about iPhone apps, gestures and strategies!
This event will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/86560043336?pwd=MjBERk9LeXgyNHA3MFVQOXpZV1BLUT09

Voiceover for iOS: Beyond the Basics

First Saturday of each month (January 7; February 4; March 4), 2:30 – 4 PM

Join other users to talk about navigating the web, learning new apps, customizing gestures and other advanced topics.
This event will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/82928015567?pwd=VEt4SXhkb2xMZ0JzZ2lsbHR4enFOQT09

Voiceover for Mac Chat Group

Fourth Saturday of each month (January 28; February 25; March 25), 2:00 – 3:30 PM

Bring your questions, strategies and tips for using Voiceover with the Mac operating system.
This event will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/89977146436?pwd=WUFDM3dJb0p1YTFnQ2V2QmRsMlBJZz09

Windows Screen Reader Chat

Second Sunday of each month (January 8; February 12; March 12), 3:00 to 4:30 PM

Join fellow Windows users to share tips and tricks, compare the performance of various screen readers and provide mutual support!
This event will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/82447245173?pwd=RElZMjY4cWNNMVltMkg4Q2kzTFVTUT09

Exploring JAWS: a 12-week Workshop

Wednesdays beginning January 4, 4:30 – 6:30 PM

Gain confidence in using Windows with the JAWS Screen Reader. Learn to customize settings, understand commands, get help, understand important Windows concepts, compose and edit text, browse the web and get help when you need it! Please plan to attend the majority of sessions in this series if you register: concepts will build from one week to the next.
This event will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/85981183065?pwd=UEhOT0Zqc3ptd3VDZCtpRVJjSmZkdz09

Understanding Magnification for iOS

Friday February 3, 2:00 – 3:30 PM

Learn about enlarging text, using magnification, adjusting color, and using the iOS magnifier.
This event will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/84364229599?pwd=V2tuNCtxM1U2MmFSQWdwQ1NOLzY5Zz09

Understanding Magnification for Windows

Friday March 3, 2:00 – 3:30 PM

Join us to explore built-in magnification for Windows, high-contrast themes, and 3rd-party solutions like including ZoomText Fusion.
This event will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/84128867016?pwd=aDltMFA4eUo3STEwR2llSStlbHRpUT09

Easy Origami with Verbal Description

Saturday January 14, 1:30 – 3 PM

We’ll use verbal description to learn origami models without looking. Try creating a tulip, a swan and a wallet!
You can choose to participate in this hybrid event in person or online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/89293112158?pwd=SFptclhOMDBIN1FUSjdPUnZoRWlRdz09

Introduction to Reading Braille Music

Saturday February 18, 1:30 – 3:30 PM

Learn the fundamentals you’ll need to start studying and reading Braille music. We’ll cover basic notation, where to learn more and how to access music scores in the NLS collection.
You can choose to attend this hybrid event in person or online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/87014257761?pwd=UEZKQ1FsMjFTTTFwRlFTdFowaW5iZz09

Using Braille Screen Input for iPhone and iPad

Wednesday February 22, 7 – 8:30 PM

Did you know that you can compose and edit text using Braille right on the screen of your iPhone or iPad? Join us to learn how!
This event will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/89988189292?pwd=dS9hOGxTQnlRZWtJSk9KRExXY0hVUT09

Tips for Blind Baking

Wednesday March 1, 7-8:30 PM

Join us for a discussion of kitchen techniques for baking, including organization, measurement and more!
This event will take place online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/84043669750?pwd=RHhMR051cm9MNXVOQ3lveDkreGNaQT09

Drawing with Your Brailler

Saturday March 11, 1:30 – 3 PM

Your Brailler can create line drawings! This interactive workshop will introduce you to a few classic drawings before you unleash your inner artist to create your own.
You can choose to join us for this hybrid workshop in person or online.
https://nypl.zoom.us/j/81801055216?pwd=cFJDTVVQWUR4Y3RmcDZnWnV3QWw5QT09