Freedom Scientific Workshops, Travel Info,
and FAQs
Workshop Descriptions
Saint Petersburg Workshops
Locations for Workshops Outside of Saint Petersburg
Registration
Course Fee
Travel and Hotel Information
Participant FAQs
Contact Us
Freedom Scientific offers instructor-led workshops for our software products, both on location and at our Saint Petersburg headquarters. Use our workshops to teach your trainers, key personnel, employees, or yourself how to effectively use our products. Our training workshops have no more than 10 or 12 students per class for a low teacher-to-student ratio that keeps the interaction between teacher and students high. JAWS® screen reading software training and MAGic® screen magnification software training occur simultaneously, and participants experience first-hand how these two products work seamlessly together as part of a total solution.
Online learning is now available from the Freedom Scientific Training Department. Learn to use JAWS, MAGic, PAC Mate Omni™ accessible Pocket PC, and more from the convenience of your home or office. With travel expenses on the increase, working online to learn new skills makes even more sense than ever. Visit the e-Learning Webinar page of the Training Department for more information on this new learning opportunity from Freedom Scientific. View the schedule and register now for upcoming Webinars.
Freedom Scientific also offers CEU (Continuing Education Units) Credits for workshop participants. Contact your Professional Board for clarification before you register to ensure that your professional organization accepts our CEUs.
NOTE: The keyboard is used to work with JAWS, MAGic, and Windows during all of our workshops. You are instructed in specific JAWS, MAGic, and Windows keystrokes. However, it is required that you already have good basic keyboarding and typing skills, and a working knowledge of Windows prior to taking any of these workshops.
Workshop Descriptions
Choose the workshop name links for more detailed descriptions.
Learn to use JAWS to test Web pages and other HTML or PDF documents for accessibility and usability. This two-day hands-on workshop is designed for Web page authors, Web masters, accessibility testers, and anyone else who is interested in learning how JAWS can be used to test and validate accessible Web page design.
Emphasis is placed on being able to use JAWS to gather information from the visual appearance of Web pages as well as from the virtual HTML environment, where some text and attributes may not be visible on the screen.
Equal emphasis is placed on testing for usability, and not just accessibility.
NOTE: If you have four or more people interested in taking any of our two-day workshops, we can schedule them at your location or our Saint Petersburg headquarters. At your location, the cost is $5500 for up to 12 attendees, which includes all instructor expenses and training materials on CD. At our location in Saint Petersburg, Florida, the cost of the two-day workshop is $450 per person (for groups of four or more people from the same organization), a savings of $50 per person over individuals attending separately. Call the Training Department at extension 1016 or 4001 to discuss available dates.
This new five-day hands-on workshop is designed for anyone who wants to get specific training on how to use JAWS and MAGic with Microsoft Windows 7 and
Office 2010. Learn specific techniques in Windows 7, Microsoft Word, Excel®, PowerPoint®, and Outlook® using the keyboard (and mouse) with JAWS and MAGic. Heavy emphasis is placed throughout on using best techniques for accessible document design as part of the document creation process.
If you have taken any workshops or classes prior to now on Office 2007, you'll want to take this class to learn the many ways Microsoft has changed the interface and also to learn the changes to key tips you may have learned for Office 2007. Many of the key tips that worked in Office 2007 no longer work because they have changed in Office 2010.
NOTE: If you have four or more people interested in taking any of our five-day workshops, we can schedule them at your location or our Saint Petersburg headquarters. At your location, the cost is $10,500 for a four-day workshop for up to 12 attendees, which includes all instructor expenses and training materials on CD. At our location in Saint Petersburg, Florida, the cost of the five-day workshop is $1125 per person (for groups of four or more people from the same organization), a savings of $124 per person over individuals attending separately. Call the Training Department at extension 1016 or 4001 to discuss available dates.
JAWS and MAGic continue to grow and improve, and so has our training. This five-day workshop brings the latest features of JAWS and MAGic to life in the Windows 7 operating system.
NOTE: All participants in this workshop also receive a personal no-charge copy of MAGic screen magnification software.
We follow successful guidelines for trainer behaviors and presentation methods. The workshop starts out by teaching basics of JAWS screen reading, MAGic screen magnification, and Windows 7 features and quickly moves into more advanced features of JAWS and MAGic.
This training includes MAGic as part of the documentation and training. Use both JAWS and MAGic together during the workshop, and experience the total solution. Hands-on training covers almost everything you ever wanted to know about JAWS, including changing and setting preferences with the new Settings Center in JAWS, DAISY training materials, using the Internet with JAWS, and much more. Using MAGic with JAWS is discussed and encouraged during the workshop. The MAGic user interface is discussed along with how to make changes for personal preferences for MAGic with cursor, mouse, and color enhancements and more.
If you have not attended a JAWS® screen reading software workshop in the last few years, you'll want to get caught up with the latest features and techniques. Sign up now to enhance your skill set.
As JAWS and MAGic® screen magnification software continue to grow and improve, so has our training. This five-day workshop uses international standards for all technical trainers of popular software and uses successful guidelines for trainer behaviors and presentation methods. The workshop starts out by teaching basic JAWS screen-reading keystrokes and quickly moves into more advanced features of JAWS.
Use both JAWS and MAGic together during the workshop, and experience the total solution. Hands-on training covers almost everything you ever wanted to know about JAWS, including changing and setting preferences in JAWS, the JAWS Managers, DAISY training materials, menus and dialog boxes, using the Internet with JAWS, and much more. Using MAGic with JAWS is discussed and encouraged during the workshop. The MAGic user interface is discussed along with how to make changes for personal preferences for MAGic with cursor, mouse, and color enhancements and more.
BONUS: Persons attending this workshop are entitled to a free not-for-resale personal copy of MAGic (Standard with Speech) screen magnification software, a $445 value.
This five-day hands-on workshop is designed for users who want to learn how to begin writing scripts with JAWS and MAGic. Learn how to use the Script manager to write and compile scripts. Learn the difference between scripts and functions, how to use variables and constants, speak or display messages in the virtual viewer, and more.
This comprehensive five-day workshop equips IT professionals, access trainers, teachers, and workforce developers with a thorough knowledge of customizing JAWS and MAGic through the use of the powerful scripting language. Constantly updated to reflect the newest features in JAWS and MAGic, this solutions-based workshop is designed to be a perfect continuation of training for those who have completed the Basics of Script Writing workshop or for those who already have basic script writing skills.
Learn to:
- Create and use messages in speech, braille, and the virtual viewer
- Create work shortcuts and make non-standard Windows applications more accessible
- Gather information from different areas of the screen and provide it in a more efficient manner for the end-user, increasing efficiency and productivity at the job site
- Use rectangles to set MAGic focus for magnification
- Use Windows identifiers, hierarchy, and control ID's
- Modify the default JAWS behavior for event functions and scripts
- Understand considerations for writing scripts for PAC Mate Omni™
- And much more
Participants who wish to take this workshop must first complete prerequisites for the Script Development for JAWS and MAGic workshop before attending.
Scheduled Workshops in Saint Petersburg
IMPORTANT NOTE: All workshops are subject to cancellation if we do not have a minimum number of confirmed attendees. Please let us know if you are even thinking of attending. Freedom Scientific reserves the right to cancel any workshop up to three weeks before the start of the workshop. If you are planning to attend, please make sure you have contacted the Training Department to ensure that we are counting you as a possible attendee before we make a decision to cancel a workshop. Thanks very much.
All classes begin at 9:00 AM unless otherwise specified.
Workshops can also be hosted on location. For more information, contact
training_info at FreedomScientific.com.
Basics of Scripting with JAWS and MAGic, April, 2012
Ten seats open
April 16 through 20 at Freedom Scientific in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Workshop cost: $1249
Code: 350000-001
Instructor: Ryan Jones
Script Development with JAWS and MAGic, April, 2011
Ten seats open
April 23 through 27 at Freedom Scientific in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Workshop cost: $1249
Code: TIHJ
Instructor: Ryan Jones
Web Page Testing with JAWS, May, 2012
Twelve seats open
May 14 & 15 at Freedom Scientific in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Workshop cost: $499
Code: 350006-001
Instructor: Ryan Jones
Supporting and Teaching Windows 7 with JAWS and MAGic, June, 2012
Twelve seats open
June 11 through 15 at Freedom Scientific in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Workshop cost: $1249
Code: TIHW
Instructor: Ryan Jones
Office 2010 and Windows 7 with JAWS and MAGic, June, 2012
Twelve seats open
June 18 through 22 at Freedom Scientific in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Workshop cost: $1249
Code: 350016-001
Instructor: Dan Clark
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Workshop Schedule at Other Locations
Visit here frequently for workshops that might be held near you. For
more information about our training workshops or hosting a workshop, please contact the Training Department at Freedom Scientific.
NOTE: If you have four or more people interested in taking one of our workshops, we can schedule it at your location or our Saint Petersburg headquarters. At your location, the cost begins at $5500 for a two-day workshop for up to 12 attendees, which includes all instructor expenses and training materials on CD. Three-day workshops at your location are $8000, and four-day workshops at your location are $10,500. At our location in Saint Petersburg, Florida, the cost for groups of four or more persons from the same organization is $450 per person for two days, $675 per person for three days, $900 per person for four days, and $1125 for five days. Call the Training Department at extension 1016 or 4001 to discuss available dates and options, including having the course materials customized for your particular needs.
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Registration
Fill out our Workshop Registration
Form, and FAX or mail the completed form to Freedom
Scientific.
If you prefer to receive a registration form by e-mail, please send your
training request to training_info
at FreedomScientific.com
Cancellations
Student substitutions can be made at any time. Cancellations must be
in writing and postmarked 15 business days prior to the start date of
the workshop to receive a full refund. Registrants canceling less than
15 business days prior to the start date of the workshop shall be held
liable for a 50 percent cancellation fee. Registrants not in attendance for the
workshop shall be subject to forfeiture of the entire course fee. Freedom
Scientific reserves the right to cancel any workshop up to three weeks prior
to the start date of the workshop. In the event of course cancellation,
Freedom Scientific shall not be held liable for fees or penalties incurred
due to changes in transportation, or other reservations made three weeks or
more prior to the scheduled class.
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Course Fee
Tuition must be paid prior to attending class. Tuition includes the cost
of the workshop and all workshop materials. Refreshments and lunch will
be provided each day of the workshop for workshops held in Saint Petersburg. Computers will be furnished at the
training center for your use during the workshop.
We offer a 5 percent discount on the course fee when two people from the same organization register together for the same workshop in Saint Petersburg. We offer a 10 percent discount on the course fee when three or more people from the same organization register together for the same workshop in Saint Petersburg.
We also offer a 10 percent discount to any individual purchasing two or more workshops either back-to-back or at the same time in Saint Petersburg. These discounts may not be combined and do not apply to workshops held at other locations.
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Travel and Hotel Information
Directions to
Freedom Scientific for those driving separately.
When you arrive at the airport, please call the hotel (if it provides
transportation) to arrange for the hotel shuttle to pick you up.
NOTE: Due to airport security measures, drivers cannot leave their van unattended so be sure to wait in the area your hotel instructs you to meet them.
Let the hotel know which airline you arrived on and ask
how long it will take for the shuttle to pick you up. After you have checked
into the hotel, you should reserve a ride back to the airport on the date
of your departure with the front desk.
Hotels
No hotels are within walking distance. While several hotels are within
a few miles of Freedom Scientific, Freedom Scientific is located near
a busy highway without the benefit of sidewalks.
There are several recommended hotels in the area that provide transportation
to and from Freedom Scientific. Some also provide transportation to and
from Tampa International Airport. Mention you are attending a Freedom
Scientific Training Workshop to receive a special reduced rate.
NOTE: The prices quoted here can change without notice and are not guaranteed.
Homewood Suites by Hilton
2233 Ulmerton Road
Clearwater, FL 33762
727-573-1500
Includes full, hot breakfast seven days per week and lite dinner Monday
through Thursday evenings. Also includes free Internet access, guest laundry on premises, "suite shop," and complimentary transportation to and from local grocery store.
The current rate is $151.50 per
night for one through four nights. If you stay longer than four nights, ask for length-of-stay discounts.
Provides transportation to and from our classes, but not Tampa International
Airport. For transportation to and from the airport, use SuperShuttle
service. SuperShuttle has a booth located in each baggage claim area and operates
24 hours a day. The cost for a one-way ticket from the airport is $27.
Should you wish to contact SuperShuttle, the phone number is 727-572-1111.
Driving directions to
Homewood Suites
La Quinta Inn, Tampa Bay Clearwater
Airport
3301 Ulmerton Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: 727-572-7222
Or toll free: 800-531-5900 (mention Freedom Scientific)
Freedom Scientific rate is $79 per night. Includes complimentary continental
breakfast, free local calls, outdoor heated swimming pool and jacuzzi,
fitness center with sauna, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron with ironing
board, voicemail, high speed wireless, and more. Refrigerator and microwave
in every room. Pets welcome.
Provides transportation to and from our classes, but not Tampa International
Airport. For transportation to and from the airport, use SuperShuttle
service. SuperShuttle has a booth located in each baggage claim area and operates
24 hours a day. The cost for a one-way ticket from the airport is approximately
$27. Should you wish to contact SuperShuttle, the phone number for SuperShuttle
is 727-572-1111.
Driving directions to La Quinta
Inn
Hampton Inn and Suites Clearwater/Saint Petersburg
4050 Ulmerton Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: 727-572-7456
Or toll free: 800-426-7866 (mention Freedom Scientific)
The Freedom Scientific rate is $89 per night for a single room, or $99 for a suite. Includes complimentary:
- Hot breakfast buffet
- High-speed Internet access in guestrooms and lobby area
- In-room movie channels along with pay-per-view premium movie choices
- Copy of USA TODAY in the lobby each morning
- Coffee and tea in the lobby 24 hours a day
- Shuttle within a 5 mile radius including Freedom Scientific
- Hilton HHonors loyalty program that offers travelers both points and miles for free travel
- Heated outdoor pool
- Fitness center, business center, and guest laundry
Provides transportation to and from our classes, but not Tampa International Airport. For transportation to and from the airport, use SuperShuttle service. SuperShuttle has a booth located in each baggage claim area and operates 24 hours a day. The cost for a one-way ticket from the airport is approximately $27. Should you wish to contact SuperShuttle, the phone number for SuperShuttle is 727-572-1111.
Other hotels are within a few miles
of our facility. Should you decide to stay at another hotel, be aware
that you may be responsible for transportation to and from the airport
as well as to and from our classes.
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Freedom Scientific Workshop Participant FAQs
Is transportation available for special needs in the area?
All of the hotels we recommend here provide transportation to and from our workshops daily at no additional charge. Some (but not all) of them also provide free transportation to and from Tampa International Airport. If you are interested in going elsewhere in Pinellas County during your stay, there is a low-cost alternative available to qualifying persons.
A paratransit program is available here in Pinellas County. To use it you need to provide proof of certification for paratransit service in your home area. Once you have done that, you can take advantage of the Demand Response Transportation (DART) service. For more information on what documentation is needed, please contact the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) at 727-540-1873. We suggest doing this as soon as possible because the PSTA then has to send your certification to the DART provider. Since this is a process involving more than one company please try to make arrangements well in advance. Once you have given your info to the PSTA, follow up as often as you can to make sure everything is set up before you arrive.
Here are just a few of the more basic rules of using DART:
- You can call up to one month before your scheduled trip to make a reservation, but no later than 5:00 PM the day before your trip. DART operators are available to take reservations between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays. The reservation numbers are as follows:
- Ambulatory Trip Reservations/Cancellation 727-724-0440
- Wheelchair Trip Reservations/Cancellation 727-585-9900
- Demand Response Information 727-540-1800
- Trip availability is based on the bus route that is closest to your home address. In the case of students attending workshops, this would be the hotel you are staying at.
- If you need to cancel a trip you have scheduled, you should call 727-724-0440 no later than two hours before your scheduled pick-up time.
- You must be ready to go within five minutes after your scheduled pick-up time. For example, if you have a scheduled pick-up time of 5:00 PM, you have until 5:05 PM to be at the DART vehicle. If you are not ready after the five-minute window is up, the driver can leave you and call you in as a "no show."
- You have a 30 minute pick-up window. For example, if you schedule a 5:00 PM pick-up time, the DART vehicle can show up any time between 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM. So, it is always a good idea to take into account the 30 minute window.
Can I bring a notetaker to class?
If you bring a notetaker to your class, you may also wish to bring the
disk drive accessory and any AC power adapters. Many of the class documents
which are given to you on CD are also available in
DOC, HTML, or TXT format. Having the capability to transfer these files to your notetaker will give you the opportunity to further explore some of the
lessons in the evenings if you wish to do so. Each computer station in
our lab has extra power strips on the table in case you need to run your
notetaker with the AC power adapter. Blank formatted diskettes are provided upon request, however you may also bring your own personal USB storage device for transferring files and information.
Can I bring a laptop/notebook to class?
Many students ask if they can bring notebook or laptop
computers to the class. The answer is "yes," and it can be helpful for
note taking and for doing work at your hotel in the evenings. However,
we do not conduct the class using students' personal computers. We prefer
to keep everyone using the computers provided in our training lab, as
all of them are set to the same operating system, same software versions,
and all other settings on those computers are identical. This facilitates
the training because we don't have to slow down to overcome differences
in operating systems, other versions of software, or different system
settings.
Can I bring my own keyboard?
Sure thing. If you have a keyboard with the keys marked that you are accustomed to, we can put it on our computer for the duration of the class. Some of our computers only have USB keyboards and not PS/2, so you should also bring a PS/2 to USB converter for your keyboard just to be safe.
Does Freedom Scientific have a dress code?
Dress for class is business casual. No ties or jackets
are required. Shorts are not allowed, but Friday is casual day at Freedom
Scientific, and many of our staff wears blue jeans that day. The training
lab sometimes gets rather cool, so you may wish to bring a sweater to
class for your own comfort.
What time does class get out on Friday?
Class officially ends at 3:00 PM on Friday, but this can depend
on the number of attendees in a workshop and how quickly the workshop
moves along during the week.
What are class hours?
Class hours are 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily, with the exception of Friday as mentioned above.
Are there any hotels within walking distance?
The hotels we recommend are within one to two miles of our
location. However, there are no sidewalks adjacent to the roadways, so
we do not recommend walking to our headquarters. The hotels we recommend
provide free transportation to and from our workshops daily.
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Freedom Scientific, Inc.
Attn: Training Department
11800 31st Court North
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33716-1805
Phone: 800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000 extension 1016 or 4001
Fax: 727-471-7927
E-mail: training_info at FreedomScientific.com
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