Trainings

*NEW* Screen Reader Courses! - Learn everything from basic computer navigation all the way through using JAWS with Google Workspace. Free, self-paced, and no login required!

• Screen Readers 101 - JAWS, NVDA, and Basic Computer Navigation

• Screen Readers 201 - JAWS and Basic Internet Navigation

• Screen Readers 301 - JAWS and Google Workspace

A full list of training materials is available on this page. You can also visit the pages linked below to see trainings for a particular topic. 

Upcoming events are listed below. Would you like training on a particular topic? Use the Contact page to submit a request. 

• See you in the 2025-2026 school year!

2024 Oregon ECC Conference

Our 2024 Oregon ECC Conference in Bend, Oregon, Oct 10-11, was a huge success! You can find all the presentation materials on our conference website. 

3D Printing

This 3D printing Google Drive folder contains several 3D printing tutorials. Some of the topics covered include:

• Easy 3D designs from hand drawn images

• Basic 3D modeling in Tinkercad

• Generating 3D braille labels in OpenSCAD

• Adding braille labels to 3D models

You can also watch these short 3D modeling tutorials to help you get started.

AEM and Transition to Higher Ed

The transition from high school to higher education can be daunting, especially for blind and low vision students! In this session, professionals from K12 and higher education discuss what blind and low vision students need to know to make the transition process as smooth as possible, with a focus on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM). 
Empowering Transitions: Accessible Educational Materials Paving the Way for Blind Students

AI Update, May 2025

BVIS Tech: AI Update, May 2025

AI technology is changing rapidly. This update won’t cover all of the latest tools, but it will hopefully provide you with an overview to be aware of key tools making an impact right now. Everything seems to have the “AI” label these days, but we’ll be primarily focusing on Large Language Models (LLMs) that make up the majority of the recent advances in AI. 

Braille Essentials: Worksheets and Braille Formats

Worksheets and Braille Formats Presentation File

This presentation focuses on the essential braille formats commonly used for worksheet materials. The presentation file includes references to specific formatting rules from various braille standards published by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA).

Braille Formats

A Basic Guide to Braille Formats, ft. Duxbury and SWIFT

One of my favorite topics. This presentation provides an overview of braille formatting basics, and how you can use Duxbury and SWIFT (in Word) to prepare well-formatted braille documents with ease. Email mcantino@nwresd.k12.or.us to access webinar recordings. 

Braille Production Tips

Quick Braille Production Tips - Google Doc and webinar recording

Producing braille materials on the fly is a real challenge, but there are some strategies that can help you quickly turn around materials and spend less time on your Perkins brailler. We’ll look at various methods for accessing braille materials electronically, and we’ll explore tools to help you quickly create embossable braille and tactile graphics for your students. 

BVIS Tech Time

BVIS Tech Time meetings are held on the first Monday of every month, from 3-4pm. These sessions give us all a chance to connect, share ideas, ask questions, and take a closer look at the various tools we're using to support our students.

The BVIS Tech Time Notes are updated each session with key discussion topics and links to helpful resources.

Chromebook Accessibility Features

Explore the accessibility features built into Chromebooks! Learn how to access them and which tools might be a good fit for you and your students. 

Creating Accessible Presentations

Creating Accessible Presentations - AT-TIES Together 2024

This conference presentation explores why we should make all of our presentation materials accessible, even if we haven't already received an accommodation request. We explore popular models of disability and the ins and outs of offering accessible presentations. 

Creating Animated Books in PowerPoint

Creating Animated Books in PowerPoint - OR CVI Extravaganza 2022

A quick overview of how to create animated books in PowerPoint. Make visually engaging books to attract and sustain visual attention.

Creating the PSU Tactile Map

Creating the PSU Tactile Map from One SVG File

This was a really fun project. This map was created using laser cutters, 3D printers, vinyl cutters (similar to Cricut), embossers, and other technologies. This presentation discusses some of the process and how this approach can be used to produce materials in a variety of formats.

Cricut

Learn about all things Cricut on our BVI Cricut page!

Curriculum Adoptions and Braille Production

ODE hosted a webinar focused on Accessibility & Instructional Materials in Oregon K 12 Schools for school district curriculum managers. This webinar provides vital information to help curriculum managers better understand the need and impact of accessible education materials. Information specific to braille production starts at the 27 minute mark.

Desmos

A BVIS Tech and BVIS Math collaboration! The Desmos calculators are excellent tools for blind learners. In our Desmos session, we cover all the basics you need to know to make the most of these calculators with your students.

Document Accessibility - Microsoft and Google

Learn the ins and outs of document accessibility in the Microsoft and Google Suites. This presentation covers Microsoft Word and Google Docs, PowerPoint and Google Slides, and Excel and Google Sheets. Watch the AT-TIES Together Conference recording.

Google Suite and JAWS

JAWS Crash Course #2: Google Suite and JAWS

Presented at PNWAER 2025, this document compiles all the information included in my individual Google app sessions into one document with a focus on the essential settings and keyboard commands required to effectively navigate the Google Suite with JAWS. 

Google Drive, Gmail, and Screen Readers

Google Drive and Gmail are helpful productivity tools that many of us use every day. For screen reader users, these tools may be confusing at first, since they use unique keyboard commands that are not used on other web pages. Fear not! In this session, we’ll cover all the basics you’ll need to navigate these sites with any screen reader. 

Google Docs and JAWS

In this session, we go beyond the basics of reading and writing in Google Docs with JAWS. We take a deeper dive into utilizing Google Docs features with JAWS,  like spell check, comments, formatting tools, and more!  

Google Slides and JAWS

Rounding out our Google suite sessions, we take a closer look at using Google Slides with JAWS. Learn how to navigate the Google Slides environment, edit slides, present your work, and more!

Is it Accessible?

Learn about the basic components of digital accessibility and how to quickly test for accessibility in a document, app, or web page. This presentation covers the POUR principles, simple tricks for quick accessibility testing, and the use (and limitations) of automated accessibility checkers. 

iPad Accessibility Features

iPads have so many excellent accessibility features built right into the device. This iPad Accessibility Features overview gives a brief introduction to some key features for BVI users. Email mcantino@nwresd.k12.or.us to access webinar recordings. 

JAWS and NVDA: Basic Computer Navigation

An introduction to completing basic computer tasks with JAWS and NVDA. This document covers everything you need to know to get started with JAWS or NVDA, including navigating the desktop environment, working with applications, managing files, and working with text.

Presented at PNWAER 2025, this presentation file includes an updated overview of the basic computer navigation document, with a focus on just the essentials needed to navigate the desktop effectively with JAWS.

JAWS: Basic Internet Navigation

Navigating the internet with JAWS can be intimidating, but once you know the basics, it’s not so bad! You don’t need to memorize every single keyboard command or shortcut. You just need to know a few simple strategies, and that will be enough to get you around pretty much any web page. This Basic Internet Navigation document will walk you through the essentials.

Magnification: Settings, Apps, and Text-to-Speech

This magnification document covers various approaches to enlarging digital content on iPads, Chromebooks, PCs, and Macbooks. An overview of common magnification features is provided, as well as a quick review of how text-to-speech can be utilized to reduce visual demands. 

MathKicker.ai

MathKicker.ai Presentation materials

Creating accessible math documents can be difficult! Specialized editors are expensive and tedious to use, and once you have your document prepped, how will your student demonstrate their work to their teacher? Fortunately, MathKicker.ai has come up with an excellent, free solution. In this session, we'll learn how to prepare documents in seconds using MathKicker.ai, and we'll explore how students can use the MathKicker Editor to solve problems and effortlessly demonstrate each step of their work to a sighted instructor.

Screen Readers and Word Processors

This short Screen Readers and Word Processors Google Doc covers the basics of using programs like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Pages with JAWS and VoiceOver. A lot of this information will also apply to NVDA and ChromeVox. 

SETT Framework

The SETT Framework is used to help educators assess the AT needs for a student in a given situation. A Brief Introduction to the SETT Framework covers the basics of the SETT process. This document outlines the Student, Environment, Task, and Tools concepts, provides things to consider for each area, and includes links to training sessions from Joy Zabala, creator of the SETT Framework.

Sonification for Math and Science

A collaboration between BVIS Tech and BVIS Math! This engaging session explores the innovative world of sonification, a groundbreaking technique that converts complex mathematical and science concepts into immersive auditory experiences. Make STEM accessible and enjoyable for visually impaired students, their peers, and teachers too!  

State Testing

For all things state testing, visit our State Testing page.

Success Ahead: Guiding Blind and Low Vision Students Through Higher Education Transitions

Transitioning from high school to higher education can be challenging for blind and low vision students. In this session, K-12 and higher education professionals will share essential strategies for a smooth transition, including accessible materials, assistive technology, and key differences between high school and college. We’ll highlight support systems students can rely on and provide practical tips to help teachers guide students confidently through this next phase of their education.

Tactile Graphics

Illustrator and Tactile Graphics Drive folder

Adobe Illustrator is an incredibly powerful graphic design program, and it can be used to create excellent tactile graphics. The folder linked above provides Adobe Illustrator tactile graphics templates and lots of other great resources. Email mcantino@nwresd.k12.or.us to access webinar recordings.

VoiceOver Gestures on iPad and iPhone

VoiceOver Gestures

Learning to use a screen reader for a mobile device (i.e. phone or tablet) is a crucial skill for our students to master, and the VoiceOver screen reader on Apple devices is a particularly powerful (and popular) option. Gesture commands are an excellent place to start with these devices, since no braille or keyboarding skills are required. That also makes VoiceOver a great starting point for students just getting acquainted with screen readers. 

Working with Crummy Documents

Working with Crummy Documents Presentation Materials

Our students encounter all kinds of documents in various formats, and those documents are not always easy to work with. In this session, we'll learn some tips and tricks to help you and your student quickly adapt and access documents on a variety of devices.