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Freedom Scientific Workshops, Travel Info, and FAQs

Workshop Descriptions
Saint Petersburg Workshops
Locations for Workshops Outside of Saint Petersburg
Registration
Course Fee
Travel and Hotel Information
Participant FAQs
Contact Us

Freedom Scientific offers instructor-led workshops for our software products, both on location and at our Saint Petersburg headquarters. Use our workshops to teach your trainers, key personnel, employees, or yourself how to effectively use our products. Our training workshops have no more than 10 or 12 students per class for a low teacher-to-student ratio that keeps the interaction between teacher and students high. JAWS training and MAGic training occur simultaneously, and participants experience first-hand how these two products work seamlessly together as part of a total solution.

Online learning is now available from the Freedom Scientific Training Department. Learn to use JAWS® screen reading software, MAGic® screen magnification software, PAC Mate Omni™ accessible Pocket PC, and more from the convenience of your home or office. With travel expenses on the increase, working online to learn new skills makes even more sense than ever. Visit the e-Learning Webinar page of the Training Department for more information on this new learning opportunity from Freedom Scientific. View the schedule and register now for upcoming Webinars.

Freedom Scientific also offers CEU (Continuing Education Units) Credits for workshop participants. Contact your Professional Board for clarification before you register to ensure that your professional organization accepts our CEUs.

NOTE: The keyboard is used to work with JAWS, MAGic, and Windows during all of our workshops. You are instructed in specific JAWS, MAGic, and Windows keystrokes. However, it is required that you already have good basic keyboarding and typing skills, and a working knowledge of Windows prior to taking any of these workshops.

Workshop Descriptions

The first workshop listed below is new for 2009. Choose the workshop name links for more detailed descriptions.

Office 2007 with JAWS and MAGic

This new workshop was just introduced in November 2008 as a three-day workshop. The feedback from students was outstanding, and the first graduates voted overwhelmingly in favor of making it a longer workshop going forward. We now are pleased to announce that the March 2009 Office 2007 workshop will be four days in length. It is designed for teachers, trainers, and others who are already familiar with JAWS and MAGic, but who want to get specific training on how to use JAWS and MAGic with Microsoft Office 2007. Learn specific techniques in Word, Excel®, PowerPoint®, and Outlook® using the keyboard with JAWS and MAGic.

Supporting and Teaching Windows with JAWS and MAGic

If you have not attended a JAWS® screen reading software workshop in the last few years, you'll want to get caught up with the latest features and techniques. Sign up now to enhance your skill set.

As JAWS and MAGic® screen magnification software continue to grow and improve, so has our training. This five-day workshop uses international standards for all technical trainers of popular software and uses successful guidelines for trainer behaviors and presentation methods. The workshop starts out by teaching basic JAWS screen-reading keystrokes and quickly moves into more advanced features of JAWS.

Now includes MAGic as part of the documentation and training. Use both JAWS and MAGic together during the workshop, and experience the total solution. Hands-on training covers almost everything you ever wanted to know about JAWS, including changing and setting preferences in JAWS, the JAWS Managers, DAISY training materials, menus and dialog boxes, using the Internet with JAWS, and much more. Using MAGic with JAWS is discussed and encouraged during the workshop. The MAGic user interface is discussed along with how to make changes for personal preferences for MAGic with cursor, mouse, and color enhancements and more. This workshop is generally offered once per quarter.

Basics of Script Writing with JAWS and MAGic

The original Basics of Scripting workshop is back by popular demand. This five-day hands-on workshop is designed for users who want to learn how to begin writing scripts with JAWS and MAGic. Learn how to use the Script manager to write and compile scripts. Learn the difference between scripts and functions, how to use variables and constants, speak or display messages in the virtual viewer, and more.

Script Development with JAWS and MAGic

This comprehensive five-day workshop equips IT professionals, access trainers, teachers, and workforce developers with a thorough knowledge of customizing JAWS and MAGic through the use of the powerful scripting language. Constantly updated to reflect the newest features in JAWS and MAGic, this solutions based workshop is designed to be a perfect continuation of training for those who have completed the Basics of Script Writing workshop or for those who already have basic script writing skills.

Learn to:

• Create and use messages in speech, braille, and the virtual viewer
• Create work shortcuts and make non-standard Windows applications more accessible
• Gather information from different areas of the screen and provide it in a more efficient manner for the end-user, increasing efficiency and productivity at the job site
• Use rectangles to set MAGic focus for magnification
• Use Windows identifiers, hierarchy, and control ID's
• Modify the default JAWS behavior for event functions and scripts
• Understand considerations for writing scripts for PAC Mate Omni™
• And much more

This workshop is generally offered once per quarter. Participants who wish to take this workshop must first complete prerequisites for the Script Development for JAWS and MAGic workshop before attending.

Software Solutions (MAGic, OpenBook, and JAWS)

This five-day Freedom Scientific hands-on workshop now contains the latest JAWS, MAGic, and OpenBook™ scanning and reading software updates. You get instruction in the latest versions of the three major Assistive Technology (AT) software applications from Freedom Scientific: MAGic screen magnification software, OpenBook scanning and reading software, and JAWS screen reading software.

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Scheduled Workshops in Saint Petersburg

IMPORTANT NOTE: All workshops are subject to cancellation if we do not have a minimum number of confirmed attendees. Please let us know if you are even thinking of attending. Freedom Scientific reserves the right to cancel any workshop up to three weeks before the start of the workshop. If you are planning to attend, please make sure you have contacted the Training Department to ensure that we are counting you as a possible attendee before we make a decision to cancel a workshop. Thanks very much.

All classes begin at 9:00 AM unless otherwise specified.

Workshops can also be hosted on location. For more information, contact training_info at FreedomScientific.com.

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Workshop Schedule at Other Locations

Visit here frequently for workshops that might be held near you. For more information about our training workshops or hosting a workshop, please contact the Training Department at Freedom Scientific.

 

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Registration

Fill out our Workshop Registration Form, and FAX or mail the completed form to Freedom Scientific.

If you prefer to receive a registration form by e-mail, please send your training request to training_info at FreedomScientific.com

Cancellations

Student substitutions can be made at any time. Cancellations must be in writing and postmarked 15 business days prior to the start date of the workshop to receive a full refund. Registrants canceling less than 15 business days prior to the start date of the workshop shall be held liable for a 50 percent cancellation fee. Registrants not in attendance for the workshop shall be subject to forfeiture of the entire course fee. Freedom Scientific reserves the right to cancel any workshop up to three weeks prior to the start date of the workshop. In the event of course cancellation, Freedom Scientific shall not be held liable for fees or penalties incurred due to changes in transportation, or other reservations made three weeks or more prior to the scheduled class.

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Course Fee

Tuition must be paid prior to attending class. Tuition includes the cost of the workshop and all workshop materials. Refreshments and lunch will be provided each day of the workshop for workshops held in Saint Petersburg. Computers will be furnished at the training center for your use during the workshop.

We offer a 5 percent discount on the course fee when two people from the same organization register together for the same workshop in Saint Petersburg. We offer a 10 percent discount on the course fee when three or more people from the same organization register together for the same workshop in Saint Petersburg. We also offer a 10 percent discount to any individual taking two or more workshops back-to-back in Saint Petersburg. These discounts may not be combined and do not apply to workshops held at other locations.

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Travel and Hotel Information

Directions to Freedom Scientific for those driving separately.

When you arrive at the airport, please call the hotel (if it provides transportation) to arrange for the hotel shuttle to pick you up.

Note: Due to airport security measures, drivers cannot leave their van unattended so be sure to wait in the area your hotel instructs you to meet them.

Let the hotel know which airline you arrived on and ask how long it will take for the shuttle to pick you up. After you have checked into the hotel, you should reserve a ride back to the airport on the date of your departure with the front desk.

Hotels

No hotels are within walking distance. While several hotels are within a few miles of Freedom Scientific, Freedom Scientific is located near a busy highway without the benefit of sidewalks.

There are several recommended hotels in the area that provide transportation to and from Freedom Scientific. Some also provide transportation to and from Tampa International Airport. Mention you are attending a Freedom Scientific Training Workshop to receive a special reduced rate. NOTE: The prices quoted here can change without notice and are not guaranteed.

Other hotels are within a few miles of our facility. Should you decide to stay at another hotel, be aware that you may be responsible for transportation to and from the airport as well as to and from our classes.

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Freedom Scientific Workshop Participant FAQs

Is transportation available for special needs in the area?

All of the hotels we recommend here provide transportation to and from our workshops daily at no additional charge. Many (but not all) of them also provide free transportation to and from Tampa International Airport. If you are interested in going elsewhere in Pinellas County during your stay, there is a low-cost alternative available to qualifying persons.

A paratransit program is available here in Pinellas County. To use it you need to provide proof of certification for paratransit service in your home area. Once you have done that, you can take advantage of the Demand Response Transportation (DART) service. For more information on what documentation is needed, please contact the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) at 727-540-1873. We suggest doing this as soon as possible because the PSTA then has to send your certification to the DART provider. Since this is a process involving more than one company please try to make arrangements well in advance. Once you have given your info to the PSTA, follow up as often as you can to make sure everything is set up before you arrive.

Here are just a few of the more basic rules of using DART:

1. You can call up to one month before your scheduled trip to make a reservation, but no later than 5:00 PM the day before your trip. DART operators are available to take reservations between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays. The reservation numbers are as follows:

• Ambulatory Trip Reservations/Cancellation 727-724-0440
• Wheelchair Trip Reservations/Cancellation 727-585-9900
• Demand Response Information 727-540-1800

2. Trip availability is based on the bus route that is closest to your home address. In the case of students attending workshops, this would be the hotel you are staying at.
3. If you need to cancel a trip you have scheduled, you should call 727-724-0440 no later than two hours before your scheduled pick-up time.
4. You must be ready to go within five minutes after your scheduled pick-up time. For example, if you have a scheduled pick-up time of 5:00 PM, you have until 5:05 PM to be at the DART vehicle. If you are not ready after the five-minute window is up, the driver can leave you and call you in as a "no show."
5. You have a 30 minute pick-up window. For example, if you schedule a 5:00 PM pick-up time, the DART vehicle can show up any time between 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM. So, it is always a good idea to take into account the 30 minute window.

Can I bring a notetaker to class?

If you bring a notetaker to your class, you may also wish to bring the disk drive accessory and any AC power adapters. Many of the class documents which are given to you on CD are also available in DOC, HTML, or TXT format. Having the capability to transfer these files to your notetaker will give you the opportunity to further explore some of the lessons in the evenings if you wish to do so. Each computer station in our lab has extra power strips on the table in case you need to run your notetaker with the AC power adapter. Blank formatted diskettes are provided upon request, however you may also bring your own personal USB storage device for transferring files and information.

Can I bring a laptop/notebook to class?

Many students ask if they can bring notebook or laptop computers to the class. The answer is "yes," and it can be helpful for note taking and for doing work at your hotel in the evenings. However, we do not conduct the class using students' personal computers. We prefer to keep everyone using the computers provided in our training lab, as all of them are set to the same operating system, same software versions, and all other settings on those computers are identical. This facilitates the training because we don't have to slow down to overcome differences in operating systems, other versions of software, or different system settings.

Can I bring my own keyboard?

Sure thing. If you have a keyboard with the keys marked that you are accustomed to, we can put it on our computer for the duration of the class. Some of our computers only have USB keyboards and not PS/2, so you should also bring a PS/2 to USB converter for your keyboard just to be safe.

Does Freedom Scientific have a dress code?

Dress for class is business casual. No ties or jackets are required. Shorts are not allowed, but Friday is casual day at Freedom Scientific, and many of our staff wears blue jeans that day. The training lab sometimes gets rather cool, so you may wish to bring a sweater to class for your own comfort.

What time does class get out on Friday?

Class officially ends at 3:00 PM on Friday, but this can depend on the number of attendees in a workshop and how quickly the workshop moves along during the week.

What are class hours?

Class hours are 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily, with the exception of Friday as mentioned above.

Are there any hotels within walking distance?

The hotels we recommend are within one to two miles of our location. However, there are no sidewalks adjacent to the roadways, so we do not recommend walking to our headquarters. The hotels we recommend provide free transportation to and from our workshops daily.

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Freedom Scientific Contact Information

Freedom Scientific, Inc.
Attn: Training Department
11800 31st Court North
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33716-1805
Phone: 800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000 extension 1016 or 4001
Fax: 727-471-7927
E-mail: training_info at FreedomScientific.com

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