As the brisk breeze of September, in this the Noongar season of Djilba, welcomes us, I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. It’s my pleasure to reach out to you with some significant updates from the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association.
Official Notice: ASCCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) Details
Whilst the Annual Conference has been cancelled, the 2023 ASCCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will still be held, as per previous years, on the date originally scheduled for the Conference. Member participation is of utmost importance as we gather to discuss critical matters and chart the course for our association’s future. Kindly take note of the following information:
Picture this: you’re all set for your epic journey or a holiday off to see the grandkids
So, you know those fabulous airport selfies where you proudly showcase your travel spirit along with that snazzy boarding pass? Turns out, there’s a bit of a twist in this digital tale. Sharing those excitement-loaded selfies and boarding pass pics on your favourite social networks can open up a digital doorway for some uninvited trouble.
Innovative QR Codes Transform Packaging Accessibility for People Who Are Blind or with Low Vision.
By Laetitia L. Thompson, Senior Digital Content Editor at the Centre for Accessibility, Australia.
A pioneering solution is transforming packaging accessibility for individuals who are blind or with low vision. Developed by UK-based Zappar, these groundbreaking QR codes are tailored to provide essential product information with ease. These specialised ‘accessible QR codes’ have made their debut on UK store shelves, marking the collaboration of technology and social responsibility.
Join the ACCAN 2023 Communications Consumer Congress in Sydney!
We are thrilled to announce that ACCAN is hosting a remarkable Communications Consumer Congress at the Aerial UTS Function Centre in Sydney, taking place on Tuesday, 12th, and Wednesday, 13th September 2023.
Become a Digital Mentor with ASCCA’s Be Connected Training!
Unlock the power of technology and become a Digital Mentor with ASCCA’s Be Connected Training! As a Be Connected Capacity Building Network Partner, ASCCA offers FREE training in September both in person (Perth) and online to help you guide seniors on their digital journey. Join us in making a meaningful impact.
We are excited to announce the latest Be Connected Digital Mentor training dates for September, 12th September in Perth – in partnership with the Centre for Accessibility Australia, and 20th and 22nd September online option (two half day sessions form the full day – registrants must be available for both sessions).
Google Introduces Image-to-Text Feature for Enhanced Accessibility in Chrome on ChromeOS.
By Laetitia L. Thompson, Senior Digital Content Editor at the Centre for Accessibility, Australia.
Google has unveiled a new image-to-text feature in Chrome on ChromeOS. This functionality aims to assist screen readers in working with PDFs, particularly when images lack alt-text descriptions. With the ability to analyze image contents and convert text saved as an image back into machine-accessible text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, this feature enables users who are blind or with low vision, to access PDF content more effectively.
Opportunity for Sydney-siders on Wednesday, 20th September 2023!
The CogSleep Centre of Research Excellence is collaborating with the Sleep Health Foundation to bring you a captivating event on “Harnessing the Power of Sleep for Healthy Brain Ageing.”
Loyalty points programs are a popular way for businesses to reward their loyal customers, offering them various incentives and benefits. However, cybercriminals have identified these programs as a new avenue to exploit innocent consumers. Loyalty points scams have been on the rise, with criminals sending deceptive messages to unsuspecting individuals, aiming to steal both their valuable rewards and personal information.
Apple Announces New Accessibility Features Coming Later This Year
By Laetitia L. Thompson, Senior Digital Content Editor at the Centre for Accessibility, Australia.
In a recently released announcement, Apple revealed that they will be introducing new accessibility features to their devices, set to be released later this year.
The 2023 Not-for-profit Treasurers’ Awards are open and we’re sharing to encourage you to participate in this free recognition and awards program for your club.
The awards are designed to recognise the contribution that not-for-profit treasurers make to their community groups, to the not-for-profit sector and to Australian society, Our Community would love your help in celebrating our community treasurers (and we’d love to see some ASCCA clubs celebrating their Treasurers!)
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As we enter the month of June, which signals the beginning of the Ngoongar season of Makuru, which is cold and wet between now and July! I am delighted to share this month’s news and updates with you through the ASCCA eNews.
Brisbane Seniors Online prepares to run an upskilling and training day for volunteer mentors in Brisbane.
Brisbane Seniors Online Publicity Officer Dick Bennett, Events Manager Chelsea Ardrey and QCC club manager Jacob Fullwood meeting in respect to the event.
New International Plain Language Standard being Introduced
A major challenge in reading information online is the use of language. With new terms and acronyms it can seem like things are getting more complicated all the time. Fortunately on 20 June a new international plain language standard will be released which can help make the web an easier to understand place.
As the financial year draws to a close in Australia, it’s essential to remain vigilant against scammers who often exploit this time of the year to target us. These fraudsters employ various tactics, such as email and SMS phishing, to deceive people into divulging sensitive financial information or making fraudulent payments.
In early April, I had the pleasure of attending the Linkwest conference as a member of the Walpole Community Resource Centre team, that was the first CRC in the State-wide Network to become a member of ASCCA back in 2007, when the Walpole Seniors Computer Club was born.
Many of our children and grandchildren often tell us how much they enjoy gaming online. Whether it’s using a video game console, a powerful Windows PC or casual gaming on a mobile phone or tablet, it has definitely got their attention. Seniors often ask themselves if this is an area where they can join in, and this is even more true of seniors with disabilities.