I have been a PC user for many years. People have ttold me that the Mac is better and eiseasy to use. I have an iPhone and that works well for me. I just brought the mac book pro with the new bar for function keys. I have found that the genious bar in most of the apple stores do not know how to teach accessability. It is not easy to learn on your own. Where and how can you find a class that will give instructions on how to use the Mac? Wish a webinar class could be set up for this reason. Right now I am frustrated. I have both ios and windows on my Mac. Not sure how to get from one to the other yet. It would be good if Apple or Hadley could over an online class.I also find that remembering the vo keys hard. When there are a number of them in combination it is not easy to do and takes time to learn. Don't know how to use the track pad for accessability yet. I look forwaed to responces to this ppost.
Rosanna B t
By Rosanna Beaudrie, 2 September, 2017
Forum
macOS and Mac Apps
Comments
i did the same transition
Hello, I did the same transition (although I do not have a touchbar). I'd be happy to help you, if you'd like. my e-mail is:
harrytu3@gmail.com
and i'm happy to work with you through facetime.
Are you a veteran?
I am a trainer for the VA. I train Vets on the Mac, IOS, and Windows. The training is provided to blind/VI Vets for free. I have also worked in the state of Texas as a DARS trainer. They will provide training if you are attempting to get a job or if you are going to school. If none of the above applys, check with your local "Lighthouse for the Blind." Good luck.
Seeking Training on How to Use the Mac
Rosanna,
It looks like a lot of people are already offering their help individually to you regarding your mac and the new touch bar. One other suggestion I can make is if you live near a major city their public libraries may offer classes regarding learning how to use a mac. I know the D.C. public library offers classes to people who want to learn how to use a mac. If you do live near a major city you may want to see if the public library or an organization offers formal classes. This is just another suggestion to add to the mix. It looks like a lot of people already would like to be of assistance though from the responses already posted on this thread.
Some More Resources
Hello. While I've not used the touch bar since my Mac doesn't have one, I'd like to offer up some more good resources for Mac training. The first is Mac for the Blind, which is owned and operated by John Panarese. He is Apple-certified, and although I've not taken his training I have heard him on a few podcasts. He really seems to know his stuff and is able to communicate it well to the learner. His site is http://www.macfortheblind.com . Please note that while he does offer some free stuff on there, most of his training is done for pay. Another resource is Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired, formerly The Hadley School for the Blind. They recently posted some Mac videos on their site. I have taken courses from them before, and they do an excellent job. Their stuff is all free of charge. Just go to http://www.hadley.edu . Finally, Apple has some great resources right on their website. My mom and I attended an on-site training session right after I got my Mac. The trainer did a wonderful job, but unfortunately those sessions are no longer being offered. I have no idea if and when Apple plans to offer them again, but my guess is no due in part to the fact that their stores are so packed which makes it difficult to hear VoiceOver. Hth and best of luck finding training that suits your needs.
Hi,
Hi,
For learning the mac side of things, I'd strongly recommend this site. As you know, new mac users go on here to ask there questions/thoughts. Look thru the podcast archives, and possibly the guides on here for using the mac. Also, I'd strongly recommend looking thru the help literature. Sure there are a lot of keyboard commands for VO, but once you grasp them, you'll be off and running! I can't strongly recommend enough for a new mac user, to check out this site, applevis . It's a wonderful resource for those who are new or a veteran to macs, like myself.
Hi
Hi. I have been using my mac for about three years now, mine doesn't have a touch bar, but I'm willing to help. My email is: ignatriay@gmail.com, I can facetime or skype also.
About the touch bar on the mac
Good day to all. I do use a mac with a touch bar. I describe it to people as a dynamic component that changes depending on what app you are using. Example, if you use safari you'll see items such as back, forward, reload an more. Pages will have a very different set of icons. when you jump in to finder you'll see more generic controls. It works like the iOS devices in the fact that one can move there finger across the bar without accidentally setting off a function. double tapping is the way an item is activated on the touch bar. Sadly, they haven't incorporated split tap yet which could be useful. Holding the FN key turns the number row in to function keys so voiceover commands can easily be accessed. For me the touch bar really hasn't been something that I embrace. I know how to use it but It's not a game changer. I have a MacBook air at home and love the thing.
Conclusion: Don't fear the touch bar. It's just another tool Apple has provided.
Hi,
Hi,
I totally agree with ya John. For me, I've disabled the app touchbar shortcuts, so it acts like function keys.