Before Your First Session
Your first session is about getting to know you, your technology and your goals. Here’s how to get ready.
What you’ll need
- The devices you want to learn on, such as your computer, phone or tablet, charged or plugged in.
- An internet connection good enough for a video or voice call.
- Headphones, so you can hear both your screen reader and your trainer clearly.
- The link to join your session. It’s sent to you when your session is booked.
- A list of goals, if you have one: the tasks you want to do at work, at school or at home.
- Any passwords you’ll need for the apps you want to learn. Keep them to yourself; you’ll type them in, not share them.
Joining your session
Training happens online, so you can learn from home on your own setup.
- A few minutes before your session, open the link you were sent.
- Allow the meeting app to use your microphone. Your camera is optional unless your trainer asks to see something.
- If you can’t get connected, call or text 712-250-7201 and we’ll help you join.
New to joining online meetings with a screen reader? Our cheat sheets are a good place to start, and we’re happy to practice this in your first session.
What happens in the first session
- Getting to know your setup: the devices, screen reader or magnification you use now, and what you want to be able to do.
- A Technology Assessment, if your agency hasn’t provided a recent one.
- A training plan built around your goals.
- Recording: sessions may be recorded for quality and accurate notes, only if you agree. You choose on the intake form, and your choice doesn’t affect your training.
- Practice to try before your next session. Practice between sessions is how new skills stick.
Want to warm up?
Try our screen reader practice page. It’s a safe place to practice moving by headings, landmarks, tables and form fields.