Techstravaganza

* The session was a Techstravaganza workshop held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, focused on a tutorial of the Goodreads app using VoiceOver on iPhone 15. * Siena led a comprehensive walkthrough of Goodreads, covering the Home tab, My Books tab, Discover tab, Notifications, account creation, and adding friends. * The team confirmed that Zoom will remain the platform of choice for all Techstravaganza s...

Workshop Introduction: Gmail Native App on iPhone Ali formally opened the Techstravaganza Extra session, introducing the topic as a tutorial on the Gmail native app for iPhone. He outlined the session’s goals. Gmail App: Navigation Menu and Labels Ali demonstrated the Gmail app’s navigation menu, walking through the various sections available including inboxes, labels, and […]

Libby App Tutorial — Obtaining a Library Card Online Siena demonstrated how to obtain a library card directly through the Libby app using the Hamilton Public Library as an example. She walked through the full online registration form, including selecting a home branch, entering personal details, choosing a PIN, and accepting the statement of responsibility. […]

Session Introduction and Workshop Format Ali formally opened the Techstravaganza workshop and outlined the session structure and ground rules. Gmail on the Web (Mac) — Navigating the Inbox and Selecting Messages Ali demonstrated how to navigate through the Gmail inbox and select/deselect messages using keyboard commands in Chrome on a Mac with VoiceOver. Gmail on […]

Upcoming Workshop Roadmap (Announced by Ali) Ali opened the session with an announcement outlining planned future workshop topics based on frequently asked questions and community interest. Apple Music Tutorial — Home Tab and New Tab Siena shared her iPhone screen and walked participants through the Apple Music app, starting with the Home and New tabs. […]

YouTube Premium Tutorial – Ad-Free Playback Siena demonstrated the ad-free playback feature of YouTube Premium using a Double Tap podcast video about the Mantis Q40. YouTube Premium Tutorial – Background Playback and Screen Lock Siena demonstrated the ability to lock the phone screen and switch to other apps while a YouTube video continues playing. YouTube […]

Adding a Phone Number to Contacts from a WhatsApp Message Ali demonstrated how to locate a phone number within a WhatsApp message and add it to the iOS Contacts app. Adding a Contact Card Shared via iMessage Ali demonstrated how to add a contact card received in the iOS Messages app to the Contacts app. […]

Introduction to LibreOffice — Overview and Navigation Siena introduced LibreOffice as a free, open-source office suite comparable to OpenOffice but more accessible on both Mac and Windows (and Linux). She demonstrated the LibreOffice Start Center, navigating through its components using the Tab key. LibreOffice Writer — Document Creation and Formatting Siena opened LibreOffice Writer, typed [&#823...

VoiceOver Touch Gesture Customization — Overview and Reset Ali demonstrated how to access VoiceOver touch gesture settings and reset all commands to defaults before reassigning them. VoiceOver Touch Gesture Customization — Assigning Specific Commands Ali walked through reassigning specific touch gestures to preferred system functions, demonstrating the process live. Q&A: Navigating to VoiceOve...

Workshop Name Changes Ali and Siena announced upcoming rebranding of the Textravaganza workshop series. 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. Proposed Future […]

Workshop Introduction and Housekeeping Siena formally opened the session, outlined the day’s agenda, and reviewed meeting housekeeping guidelines. 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. VoiceOver iPhone Tutorial — Accessing Home Scree...

Key Takeaways 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

Key takeaways

ScribeMe App Overview and Settings Siena demonstrated the app’s interface, navigation, and customization options. PDF Scanning and Reading Functionality Siena demonstrated uploading and scanning a 300-page Roland EX50 keyboard manual. PowerPoint File Demonstration Siena created a PowerPoint summary of the Focus Blue braille display manual using ChatGPT, then scanned it with ScribeMe. Snap an...

DocuScan Plus Overview and Main Features Siena introduced DocuScan Plus as the main topic of the workshop, explaining it is an application by Numa Solutions that allows users to scan documents and read PDFs with screen readers. Mac Version Interface and Navigation Siena demonstrated the Mac version of DocuScan Plus, showing the main interface options […]

1. Smart Lists Setup and Configuration The session focused on creating and configuring smart lists in the Reminders app, demonstrating how filters automatically sort reminders. 2. Creating Location-Based Reminders Discussion covered setting up reminders that trigger based on geographic location using the arriving home feature. 3. List Organization and Reordering Extensive discussion on moving and...

FaceTime Overview and Basic Features The session covered FaceTime’s core functionality as Apple’s video and voice calling application available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Live Voicemail Setup and Functionality Discussion focused on activating and using the live voicemail feature in FaceTime. Answering FaceTime Calls Participants discussed methods for accepting incoming FaceTime calls. A...

Introduction to Zapier and AI-powered automation Ali introduced Zapier as an automation tool that uses Microsoft Copilot integration to build automated workflows called “Zaps.” Building a Zap with Copilot integration Ali demonstrated creating an automated workflow using Zapier’s Copilot feature to send email reminders for calendar events. Real-world applications of Zapier automat...

Music to Ringtone app demonstration Siena demonstrated the Music to Ringtone app for iPhone ringtone creation. Screen sharing audio troubleshooting Multiple attempts were needed to get screen sharing audio working properly in Zoom. Downloading audio from YouTube using ezconv.cc Siena demonstrated downloading full songs from YouTube for ringtone creation. Reaper audio editing for ringtone crea...

Discussed Topics YouTube Premium Features and Benefits The session focused on demonstrating YouTube Premium’s key features compared to the free version. YouTube Music Service and Capabilities Discussion covered the features and advantages of YouTube Music included with Premium. Keyboard Shortcuts in YouTube Music The team reviewed available keyboard shortcuts for navigating YouTube Music. Co...

Desktop Navigation Basics Siena demonstrated fundamental JAWS navigation techniques for the Windows desktop. Web Navigation Techniques Comprehensive demonstration of navigating websites using JAWS keyboard commands. JAWS List Features Detailed explanation of JAWS condensed list dialogs for efficient navigation. System Information Shortcuts Demonstration of JAWS shortcuts for accessing system infor...

Accessing Techstravaganza Recordings via Email Siena demonstrated how to access podcast recordings from the email notifications sent to subscribers. Accessing Recordings from Techstravaganza Website Siena demonstrated navigating the Techstravaganza.ca website to find past tutorials and recordings. Using Heading Navigation for Accessibility Liz asked about heading navigation, leading to a...

Discussed topics Google Tasks overview and accessibility The session began with an introduction to Google Tasks as a cross-platform task management tool. Keyboard shortcuts A comprehensive review of keyboard shortcuts available in Google Tasks was provided. Creating and managing tasks The session demonstrated how to create and manage tasks with various options. Recurrence options The […]

Discussed topics Configuring email accounts in Outlook on iPhone Siena demonstrated the process of adding email accounts to the Outlook app on iPhone. Attaching files to emails using copy-paste method Siena demonstrated a technique for attaching files to emails by copying them from the file manager and pasting them directly into the email body. Cloud […]

Discussed topics Outlook for iOS email functionality Amanda demonstrated the basic features of the Outlook app on iOS, showing how to navigate through emails and use various functions. Copilot feature in Outlook The group attempted to test the “Draft with Copilot” AI feature in Outlook but encountered difficulties. Outlook Calendar functionality Palmer demonstrated how to […]