Thanks to your valuable feedback and suggestions, the Freedom Scientific Training Department introduced many enhancements this year. As 2020 comes to a close, we reflect on those changes and look forward to 2021.
Software Licensing Offers During COVID-19
In March, Vispero responded to the global COVID-19 pandemic by offering free Home licenses of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion for those living in the U.S. and Canada. A 20% discount was also provided for those purchasing or renewing a Home Annual license. Vispero provided this support to ensure users had the products and information needed to complete school and work tasks during the pandemic.
Connect and Learn
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for completing school and work tasks from home. In response, the Freedom Scientific Training team created “Connect and Learn” to provide valuable information and resources during this time.
These short training events took place in March and April. Topics include:
- Accessing the Kindle App for PC with JAWS
- Accessing the Freedom Scientific YouTube Training Channel with JAWS
- JAWS and ZoomText Certification
Stream or download archives of these training events on our Webinars On Demand page.
Partnered Webinars with APH and Vispero
In May, we began hosting webinars in partnership with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) through their Access Academy. Topics include:
- Gmail with JAWS
- Google Docs with JAWS
- Downloading digital books with JAWS
- Google Classroom and JAWS
- MS PowerPoint with JAWS
Visit the Access Academy page for more information on upcoming webinars and to access archives.
Freedom Scientific Training Podcast
In July, The Freedom Scientific Training Podcast was launched. Access training webinars in audio format on your mobile device or home assistant.
The Freedom Scientific Training podcast enables you to listen to training content and practice on a device other than your computer. Visit the Freedom Scientific Training Podcast page to learn how to subscribe and begin listening right away.
JAWS Training for Teachers and AT Instructors
In August, we launched a new training initiative, “JAWS Training for Teachers and AT Instructors.” This training will assist you when teaching students how to use JAWS.
A new module is added each month. Topics include:
- Accessing training resources
- Starting JAWS
- Creating folders
- Using FSReader
- Accessing JAWS Basic Training
- Reading and edit text
- Using JAWS cursors
- Getting help in JAWS
Visit the Table of Contents to access the training modules and the Teaching Resources page for additional resources.
Honoring Dan Clark
Dan Clark has touched the lives of Freedom Scientific software users around the world with his comprehensive training methods and distinct voice. After nearly 25 years with Vispero, Dan retired in August 2020. Check out this blog post honoring Dan Clark and highlighting a few of his contributions.
Fusion Suite 2021 Release
JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2021 were released in November, 2020. New features include:
- Improvements to Picture Smart
- Enhancements to Convenient OCR
- Voice Assistant
Visit the What’s New pages for JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion for additional information. Download your software from the Freedom Scientific Software page or the Freedom Scientific Software Licensing Portal.
Freedom Scientific Student of the Month
The Freedom Scientific Student of the Month program was introduced in December, and features K-12 students in the U.S. who are blind or low vision and use Freedom Scientific technology in achieving educational goals.
Visit the Freedom Scientific Student of the Month page for all the details and to nominate a student.
Partnered Training for ACB Community Events
In 2020, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) began offering community events to help people connect with one another remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of Vispero partnered with ACB to offer training for some of these events. Topics include:
- Microsoft Teams and JAWS
- Zoom and JAWS
- Gmail and JAWS
Visit the ACB Community Events page for information on how to attend and to view an upcoming schedule.
What’s Coming in 2021?
We continue tailoring topics to meet your personal, professional, and educational needs. Join us in 2021 for live webinars and other targeted training. Upcoming webinar topics include:
- Celebrating Braille Literacy
- Microsoft Teams and JAWS, Beyond the Basics
- Celebrating Braille at Work and School
- ZoomText Screen Magnification Software
Visit the Free Webinars page for information on these webinars and to register. Stream or download archived webinars from our Webinars On Demand page.
If you have training questions or want to suggest a webinar topic, send an email to training@vispero.com. We look forward to hearing from you in 2021!
Really great post. Also very nice to know what is coming up. Thanks much.