So questions for #Blind #Edgucaters, #teachers, #school staff and anyone in the #education field as a whole.

I am a university student who originally planned to double major in computer science and elementary education, but I’ve recently faced some concerns that I’d like to address.

I’ve been told that pursuing a teaching certification might not be advisable because schools may be reluctant to hire a teacher with low vision, who is mostly blind, to manage a classroom of thirty or more students. This has been quite upsetting.

My dream was to work with elementary students, focusing on #STEM subjects and teaching technology-related topics like understanding tech, its role in the world, and the basics of programming. Now, I find myself uncertain about what path to take.

Working with kids, especially those in elementary school, is my biggest passion, even more than tech or music. It’s something that would truly fulfill me. Since I can’t have kids myself, guiding and teaching young learners is the next best thing. It’s a career I’m committed to and want to excel in.

Being advised not to pursue a teaching certification and to focus solely on computer science has been quite discouraging. I’ve been told to study elementary education as a secondary focus and combine it with my computer science studies. This might involve developing educational systems for kids, but it would likely mean limited direct interaction, possibly just during product testing, which isn’t enough for me.

So, I have a few questions:

1. Are there any educators with #Blindness or #LowVision challenges working with elementary students? If so, in what capacity do you work with them?
2. How has your disability affected your effectiveness in the field?
3. What challenges did you face in getting certified and qualified, and how did you overcome them?
4. What obstacles have you encountered in the classroom and with colleagues, and how have you addressed them?

If these questions don’t apply, what advice can you offer me in pursuing my goal of working with children? While tech is a focus, I’m open to being flexible, as long as it’s an area I’m confident in.

Finally, if teaching isn’t possible for me, what other career paths would you suggest that align with my goals?

I’d really appreciate any support
and engagement in this discussion.

Boosts welcomed and appreciated.

#BlindEducators #Teachers #Education #AskMastodon #VocationalAdvice #University #TeacherLife #OvercomingAbleism

I have emphasized numerous times in the past why you should not use #HCaptcha, especially in situations where equal access is vital. Their practices are not inclusive, locking out users who have no other way to access whatever the captcha protects. This blog post illustrates one of the scenarios: michaels.world/2023/11/i-was-b…

Here's to better captcha solutions in the future, or to indeed existing ones, such as mcaptcha.org/ #a11y #accessibility #blind #captcha

Following up on my last post: While "Dining in the Dark" uses blindfolds to simulate blindness—a deeply problematic practice—Netflix’s *Love Is Blind* raises a different but related issue: the casual use of "blindness" as a metaphor.

The title refers to the idea that love can transcend physical appearance, but it uses blindness to symbolize ignorance or a lack of perception. This isn’t new—our language is full of metaphors like "turning a blind eye" or "blind ambition" that associate blindness with negative traits like ignorance or inability.

As a blind person, I see how language shapes perceptions. These metaphors may seem harmless, but they perpetuate outdated, ableist notions of blindness as a deficiency. They turn our lived experiences into rhetorical devices, erasing the richness of blind culture and reducing us to symbols of "lack."

No, *Love Is Blind* isn’t offensive in the same way as "Dining in the Dark," which makes a spectacle of our lives. But the metaphorical use of blindness shows how ingrained ableism is in language and culture. Casual metaphors matter—they reinforce unconscious biases that we must challenge.

Blindness isn’t a symbol. It’s a lived reality, full of challenges, skills, and a vibrant community. Let’s think more critically about how we use disability in language and storytelling.

💬 What do you think?

#Disability #Ableism #Blind #LanguageMatters #Inclusion

@quanin

After exploring #R2E, I've decided it might not be the best fit for my needs. Here's why:

1. R2E doesn't support #Inoreader's #OPML format, requiring manual feed addition.
2. I realized I have many feeds and need a more comprehensive solution.

I'm now considering #Miniflux, which can manage #RSS feeds, #Podcasts, and #YouTube subscriptions in one place.

Until I get my #RaspberryPi for Christmas, I'm weighing two options:
1. Self-host Miniflux on my #Windows PC using #Docker
2. Use their $15/year hosted plan temporarily

Fellow #techies, especially those interested in #accessibility and #SelfHosting: What would you recommend? Your insights would be greatly appreciated!

#Tech #blind
@mastoblind @main

Hey #VisuallyImpaired / #blind friends: If you see a post containing an image with no alt text, reply to that message and tag @altbot. It'll reply to you with alt text for the image. Tres cool!

(Your reply can also be a private mention, if you don't want others to know. But if you keep it the same privacy as the original, then you'll also help other people)

Hey folks! I'm getting back into Thunderbird as my main email app on Windows and I'm on the hunt for some great add-ons.

I'm especially interested in **accessibility-focused add-ons** that play nice with NVDA and JAWS screen readers. But I'm also curious about any **cool add-ons** that make Thunderbird even better, even if they're not specifically for accessibility.

Got any recommendations? Share them here!

Tagging @mastoblind and @main to spread the word. This is for my fellow blind users, but anyone with a favorite Thunderbird add-on, please chime in!

#Thunderbird #Accessibility #ScreenReaders #EmailAddOns #blind

A must-have #blind survival phrase list for people learning a new language:

1. I can't see the lights on the modem.
2. No, you're not walking too fast.
3. That's interesting, but I don't know your cousin's friend.

This is the line I see over and over again:

“While technology offers promising alternatives, it's essential to recognize the unique benefits that guide dogs provide beyond navigation, such as companionship and emotional support.”

If this is true, if these benefits are so unique, why do only 2% of blind and visually impaired people in the UK currently use a guide dog?

#Accessibility #AI #Blind #Disability #GDBA #Glide #Glidance #RNIB

If you've been looking for that next semi-cheap music-making fix but haven't decided what to get, consider Ableton Move.
If you look at the official videos, literature and documentation, you'd be fooled into thinking that it's not actually accessible. This is incorrect.
It runs a web-server for helping you manage samples,recordings and sets, but it also has an undocumented screen-reader which I demonstrate in this video.
Next to Komplete Kontrol, I can say that this has been the most innovative, fun and game-changing piece of hardware I've owned and I thoroughly enjoy working with it.

#InspiredBySound - Let's Move! (Ableton Move Accessibility Overview) youtu.be/p8IbinbOhY4
Excerpt from Peter Kirn's blog about Move:
‘How do I access Move with a screen reader?
Andre Louis has a walkthrough for you, as pointed out here in comments! And as always, it’s terrific. This is honestly worth a watch for sighted users, too, to understand how these interactions work – and it’s required viewing if you work in instrument design.’
cdm.link/ableton-move-guide/
#Ableton #AbletonMove #Accessibility
#ScreenReader #A11y #Blind

Ableton Move guide: tips, tricks, questions answered, hacks - CDM Create Digital Music

Move, the all-new compact all-in-one hardware platform from Ableton, got your attention - whether you loved it, hated it, or just weren't sure.

^{Peter Kirn (CDM Create Digital Music)}

I'm curious to hear from fellow blind users about your favorite accessible Windows apps! I just reinstalled Windows and would love some recommendations. What apps do you find essential for daily tasks, productivity, or just for fun? Please share your favorites! #Blind #VisuallyImpaired #Accessibility #WindowsApps #AssistiveTechnology #Windows

@mastoblind @main

Is this correct? I always thought Access technology was a UK thing. Later I was told Access Tech was the old fashioned term…

“Access technology and assistive technology are closely related, yet they serve slightly different purposes and audiences. Access Technology is a subset of tools and devices specifically aimed at making mainstream technology usable by people with disabilities. For example, screen readers, like NVDA or JAWS, open up digital content to blind and visually impaired users by converting text to speech or braille. Similarly, captioning on videos makes audio content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Access technology is about creating a pathway to existing environments—digital or physical—so people with disabilities can engage equally with content and experiences designed for a general audience.
Assistive Technology on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of devices and software designed to assist individuals with disabilities in performing functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. This can include mobility aids, like wheelchairs or walkers, augmentative communication devices, or adaptive tools for daily living. For example, a braille note-taker supports daily productivity and communication for someone who is blind, while a prosthetic limb aids physical mobility for someone with an amputation. Assistive technology covers tools that provide support specific to the user’s needs, beyond accessibility in mainstream contexts.

Imagine a visually impaired student navigating an online course. Access technology, like a screen reader, bridges the gap by converting on-screen text to speech, allowing her to participate in the course as fully as anyone else. But to take notes or organize her studies, she may rely on a braille note-taker—an assistive technology uniquely tailored to her needs beyond just accessing information. For many, these tools are more than technology; they’re lifelines to independence, connection, and self-expression—bridging gaps and lifting limitations in ways that honour each person’s unique journey.

In simple terms:

• Access Technology helps people with disabilities use mainstream technology.
• Assistive Technology provides personalized support and tools for individuals to live more independently, across both general and unique contexts.

Their paths intersect because many access technologies—like screen readers, magnification tools, or voice recognition—are also considered assistive technology due to their role in supporting independence and empowerment. However, assistive technology is a broader term, often including unique tools tailored for very specific personal needs beyond mainstream accessibility.

As we look to the future, the lines between these two types of technology may continue to blur, with innovations that address complex needs across all contexts. Imagine AI-powered apps that identify objects, read text, or recognize faces in real-time—tools that simultaneously provide access and enhance day-to-day living.

While access technology aims to bridge the mainstream gap, assistive technology offers tailored support that supports each individual's independence.“

#Accessibility #AccessTechnology #AssistiveTechnology #Blind #Disability

One downside to Braille is that you have to use your brain. And if you're like me, you get words confused because your brain doesn't always register every dot your fingers feel. So, Lyft becomes Loft. Just, uncontracted if you're reading this in Braille.

One good thing about Braille, though, is you get to use your brain. So, if your TTS or narrator doesn't pronounce a name correctly, you can read it in Braille any way you want. And if you're like me, you really notice the things.

#Braille #Blind

Hi my friends. I have a new gift for you. I wanted to update the Star Trek soundpack for Mona so here it is, version 2! Enjoy.
1drv.ms/f/s!AlLCVRViUqvZhbZhd9…

#Blind, #Mona

Are you interested how to use Apple notes as an #accessible graphing calculator? Check out this post

nunonuno.micro.blog/2024/11/04…
#accessibility #apple #blind #ios #math #education #tech

A Day with JAWS 2035: When Your Screen Reader Scripts Itself

The morning light filters through your smart windows, casting a warm glow across the room. Your ambient AI assistant hums gently, “Good morning, Lottie. Would you like to prepare your workspace for the day?”

“Yes, please,” you say, stretching as the AI readies your home office. The blinds adjust automatically, leaving just enough sunlight to boost your energy without causing glare on your neuro-linked glasses. You smile, reflecting on the advances in technology since the days of fiddling with manual screen reader settings and customized scripts. Those days feel like a distant memory, thanks to JAWS’ AI-powered self-scripting feature—your personal assistant that knows exactly how to handle your work routine.

“Let’s get started,” you say, and JAWS springs to life, adjusting the audio tone to your preferred voice—smooth, confident, efficient. As your desktop computer powers on, JAWS begins analysing the applications you’ve opened, sensing your usual email, project management software, and a new program you’ve recently started exploring.

JAWS’ Real-Time Autonomous Scripting: A Custom Fit

“Good morning, Lottie. I’ve detected a new application in use: ResearchHub. Would you like me to generate an initial script for it?” JAWS asks in a gentle tone, its voice coming through the bone conduction implant in your ear.

You nod. “Yes, go ahead and script it.” This isn’t just any regular software; ResearchHub is dense, designed for researchers and developers with an intricate layout. In the past, navigating such software would have required hours of manually creating scripts or waiting for accessibility support. But today, JAWS’ AI-driven self-scripting feature allows it to analyse this program’s unique design and build custom commands as you go.

“Noted. I’ll adapt based on your usage patterns,” JAWS replies, instantly highlighting an unlabelled menu item. “I’ve labelled this as ‘Data Analysis.’ Would you like a shortcut assigned for quick access?”

“Absolutely,” you reply. Moments later, JAWS has created a keystroke, Control-Shift-D, which will take you directly to the Data Analysis section.

As you dive into your tasks, JAWS continues observing your interactions, quietly scripting shortcuts and macros that save you time with each click. You switch over to an email thread about your latest project, and JAWS dynamically adjusts, making sure to read each new message aloud with just the right level of detail. It’s responsive, intuitive, and seems to understand the flow of your work better than ever.

### Adaptive Behaviour Learning: Anticipating Your Needs

JAWS has learned over time what works best for you—like knowing when you prefer concise summaries over detailed descriptions or when to read full email threads aloud. Today, though, as you work through complex calculations in ResearchHub, JAWS picks up on repeated actions, noting your frequent need to access specific data fields.

Without you having to prompt it, JAWS speaks up, “Lottie, I’ve noticed you’re navigating back and forth to the Analysis Settings panel. Would you like me to create a macro for this?”

“Yes, that’d be great,” you reply, surprised at how quickly JAWS anticipates these needs. It assigns a simple command, Control-Alt-S, making it even easier for you to access the settings. With each task, JAWS quietly observes, creating personalized shortcuts and learning how to refine your workflow without interrupting your focus.

Your screen reader feels less like a tool and more like an assistant that adapts to your habits, reducing unnecessary actions and helping you move seamlessly between applications. You take a moment to appreciate the leap from manually scripting these shortcuts to having them generated in real-time, tailored perfectly to your unique style.

Dynamic Accessibility Adjustment: Visual Recognition on the Fly

Halfway through the day, you open a report in a new format. The document is packed with complex graphics, diagrams, and untagged elements—historically a nightmare for accessibility. But JAWS, equipped with advanced AI-powered visual recognition capabilities, is ready.

“Diagram detected: This appears to be a bar graph comparing quarterly performance,” JAWS announces, automatically analysing the content. “Would you like a detailed audio description, or should I just provide the key values?”

“Let’s go with the key values,” you respond, eager to save time. In seconds, JAWS summarizes the data, translating it into accessible content without needing additional third-party support. When you encounter z buttons in another application, JAWS instantly identifies them and provides real-time labels, adjusting the accessibility on the fly.

The thought crosses your mind how revolutionary this is. You’ve moved past needing someone else to make documents or software accessible for you. Instead, your screen reader adapts and scripts the solution independently, as if it’s actively learning how best to support you.

A Collaborative Community of Scripts

As the day wraps up, JAWS asks, “Lottie, would you like to share the custom scripts I created for ResearchHub with the community repository? Other users might find them useful.”

“Yes, please,” you reply. Knowing that the scripts you and JAWS have tailored today could now benefit others brings a sense of community to your day. In the past, each user’s customization stayed personal, but today, JAWS’ community sharing feature allows anonymized scripts to be uploaded to a shared repository, where other users can download them for similar applications. This feature isn’t just a convenience—it’s a small way to contribute to something larger than yourself.

You smile, thinking about the ripple effect of this community effort. As JAWS users across industries contribute their self-generated scripts, the database grows, improving access for everyone.

Reflecting on Progress: A New Kind of Independence

As you finish your work, JAWS reads aloud your notifications, wrapping up your day with a recap. You reflect on how far technology has come since those early days of assistive devices. Back then, using a screen reader required you to work around its limitations, painstakingly scripting or finding ways to access inaccessible software. Today, your screen reader does the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on your work without the constant barrier of inaccessible content.

Looking back, you remember those initial frustrations, the hours spent tinkering with manual scripts, and the reliance on tech support for inaccessible programs. Now, JAWS’ AI-powered self-scripting has not only given you more control but also reinforced your independence. It’s not just a tool—it’s a partner in productivity.

As you power down, you realize that technology has not replaced your determination; it has amplified it. JAWS has become a proactive assistant, predicting your needs, adjusting to your habits, and making the inaccessible accessible. With the day’s tasks complete, you feel a renewed sense of autonomy—knowing that the tools at your fingertips truly work for you, enhancing not just your productivity but your entire work experience.

The screen fades to black, and the AI’s voice recedes, leaving you with a quiet appreciation for a world where technology supports your strengths, not your limitations.

#Accessibility #AccessAssistive #AI #AssistiveTechnology #Blind #Disability #JAWS #ScreenReader