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PROGRAMS

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Transforming Lives, One Individual at a Time.

Our Mission:  We empower people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in assistive technology and independent living skills.

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VLANJ Weekly Technology Programs

Explore Technology with VLANJ 

🌟Empowering Independence Through Innovation  

At VLANJ, technology is more than a tool, it’s a pathway to independence, confidence, and community. We proudly offer technology programming every day as part of our center-based services, along with expanding virtual offerings to meet the needs of blind and low vision individuals wherever they are.  

Led by Anthony Filingeri, VLANJ’s full-time Technology Coordinator, our programs blend hands-on learning, personalized support, and real-world applications. Whether you're just starting out or ready to master advanced tools, there's a place for you in our tech community.  

🗓️ Weekly Technology Programs 

Monday: Introduction to Assistive Technology 

Format: 6-week program (every other week), in-person 
In partnership with: Peer Support Group 
New to assistive technology? This welcoming series is your launchpad. Through live demonstrations and peer-led discussions, participants explore tools like Be My Eyes, WayAround, and Amazon Alexa. It’s less of a formal lecture and more of a guided discovery, perfect for building comfort and curiosity in a supportive space.  

Tuesday: Mobile Tech – iPhone VoiceOver Training 

Format: 12-week course, in-person 
Open to all levels 
Whether you're just starting out or refining your skills, this course helps you master VoiceOver on the iPhone. Students are grouped by experience level to ensure personalized instruction. Learn keyboard navigation, swipe gestures, and essential tasks like emailing, texting, and note-taking. 
An Advanced Mobile Technology course is in development for graduates of this program who want to level up, covering website navigation and more complex mobile tasks.  

Wednesday: Learning Lab – JAWS Basics 

Format: 12-week course, in-person 
Designed for beginner to intermediate users 
This foundational course introduces the JAWS screen reader, with a strong focus on keyboard layout, typing proficiency, and email navigation. Participants also learn basic website navigation, empowering them to book flights, order groceries, and refill prescriptions independently. 
An Advanced JAWS course is coming soon for those preparing to re-enter the workforce, offering support for users with intermediate to advanced skills.  

Thursday: Advanced Assistive Technology 

Format: 12-week course, in-person 
Smaller class size for hands-on learning 
Dive into the future of accessibility with this immersive course. With a small group format, participants receive personalized support while exploring:  

• Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses  

• Amazon Alexa for vision loss  

• Navigation apps like WayAround and NaviLens  

• AI tools such as ChatGPT  

• Be My Eyes with virtual volunteer support  

• Mock website navigation using JAWS, including: 

• Online banking  
• Health systems and patient portals 
  This course is all about real-world application, giving users the confidence to navigate life independently.  

Friday: Tech Corner – Weekly Web Series 

Format: Ongoing, weekly sessions, virtual 
Accessible nationwide 
Tech Corner is VLANJ’s signature weekly web series, led by Anthony Filingeri, that brings Thursday’s advanced content to life in a casual, interactive format. Each session offers:  

• Live demonstrations of assistive technology  

• Guest speakers from leading tech companies and the blind community  

• App showcases and smart device tutorials  

• Open Q&A and community discussion  

• Internal staff and instructors as guest speakers sharing their expertise and lived experience 
  With no geographic limitations, Tech Corner fosters community engagement, reinforces the VLANJ brand, and keeps users informed about the latest in accessible technology.  

📅 Monthly Tech Talks – Special Edition 

Format: Monthly deep-dive session, virtual 
Accessible nationwide 
Once a month, VLANJ hosts Tech Talks featuring extended demonstrations, in-depth app reviews, and exclusive guest speakers from the tech industry and blind community. These sessions go beyond the weekly format to explore emerging trends, new product launches, and advanced accessibility tools in greater detail. 
Perfect for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike, Monthly Tech Talks offers a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and connect with innovators shaping the future of assistive technology.

Interested in presenting? 
If you or your organization have an assistive technology you'd like to showcase, we welcome guest presenters! Whether you're an individual innovator or part of a corporation, please reach out to Anthony Filingeri at afilingeri@vlanj.org to discuss opportunities to join Tech Corner or Tech Talks as a featured speaker. 

💬 1:1 Technology Appointments 

VLANJ offers individual technology appointments, available in-person or virtually, to meet the unique needs of each client. These sessions are ideal for:  

• Preparing for group programs  

• Learning specific apps or devices  

• Troubleshooting accessibility tools  

• Receiving technology evaluations for placement in the most appropriate course 
  Appointments are tailored to each user’s goals and learning style. 
  A fee may apply for individuals not currently enrolled in center-based programs.  

 

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