This weekend, I tried out TalkBack 16.2. And rather than rant about the one step forward and a good 3 steps back it took in Braille support, or how it can't take an actual screenshot and describe the screen unless there's one accessible element onscreen it can grab on to, or any of the other stuff I routinely rant about, today, I'll just say thank goodness for the iPhone.

I'm so glad I didn't sell or give away my iPhone 16 or Apple Watch. I'm so glad I got the AirPods Pro 3. I'm so glad it's evident that at least a few blind people work at Apple and are listened to at least when it comes to their most popular product, the iPhone. I'm so, freaking, glad that Apple at least keeps the lights on for Braille on their platforms. And I'm so glad screen recognition is a thing so when I'm playing a video game, I can have the menu read out even though there is no accessible element on the screen. I'm so glad that with AirPods, Voiceover isn't too sluggish and that you can't really tell that, when you swipe passed the visible end of a list, like the settings app, VoiceOver scrolls the screen for you. I'm so glad that at least that bit of magic is still there. You don't *have* to know these things. In Braille, it *feels* like a Braille-first interface, as far as we've made one in the past 30 years. And when VoiceOver gets AI image descriptions, I'll be thankful for those too. In the meantime, hey Siri, describe my screen. I'm so glad that I can almost always keep my iPhone in my pocket and just use Braille. I'm glad I can type my passcode in Braille and it just works! I'm so glad I can read a book and it pans to the next page. I'm so glad I can bind just about any VoiceOver command to arbitrary Braille keys. If I want dots 1-3 with Enter to go to next link, I can make it do so! If I want Space with Enter with O to open the Braille Access app chooser, there it is! Oh also I can press Command, Option, Control, FN, and Shift modifier keys with Braille commands. Just sayin'. At this point, iOS with Braille would be a way more blind-friendly OS than Android. And I think we should make this more clear: Braille-friendly is blind-friendly. Because if your interface is flexible enough to work with Braille, it'll be flexible enough to work with speech.

#android #iOS #VoiceOver #apple #google #tech #technology

Reposting. Slots available.

After a short break, I’m returning to accessibility training services.

I provide one-on-one training for blind and visually impaired users across multiple platforms. My teaching is practical and goal-driven: not just commands, but confidence, independence, and efficient workflows that carry into daily life, study, and work.

I cover:
iOS: VoiceOver gestures, rotor navigation, Braille displays, Safari, text editing, Mail and Calendars, Shortcuts, and making the most of iOS apps for productivity, communication, and entertainment.
macOS: VoiceOver from basics to advanced, Trackpad Commander, Safari and Mail, iWork and Microsoft Office, file management, Terminal, audio tools, and system upkeep.
Windows: NVDA and JAWS from beginner to advanced. Training includes Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, web browsing, customizing screen readers, handling less accessible apps, and scripting basics.
Android: TalkBack gestures, the built-in Braille keyboard and Braille display support, text editing, app accessibility, privacy and security settings, and everyday phone and tablet use.
Linux: Orca and Speakup, console navigation, package management, distro setup, customizing desktops, and accessibility under Wayland.

Concrete goals I can help you achieve:
Set up a new phone, tablet, or computer
Send and manage email independently
Browse the web safely and efficiently
Work with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
Manage files and cloud storage
Use social media accessibly
Work with Braille displays and keyboards
Install and configure accessible software across platforms
Troubleshoot accessibility issues and build reliable workflows
Make the most of AI in a useful, productive way
Grow from beginner skills to advanced, efficient daily use

I bring years of lived experience as a blind user of these systems. I teach not only what manuals say, but the real-world shortcuts, workarounds, and problem-solving skills that make technology practical and enjoyable.

Remote training is available worldwide.

Pricing: fair and flexible — contact me for a quote. Discounts available for multi-session packages and ongoing weekly training.

Contact:
UK: 07447 931232
US: 772-766-7331
If these don’t work for you, email me at aaron.graham.hewitt@gmail.com

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from personalized accessibility training, I’d be glad to help.

#Accessibility #Blind #VisuallyImpaired #ScreenReaders #JAWS #NVDA #VoiceOver #TalkBack #Braille #AssistiveTechnology #DigitalInclusion #InclusiveTech #LinuxAccessibility #WindowsAccessibility #iOSAccessibility #AndroidAccessibility #MacAccessibility #Orca #ATTraining #TechTraining #AccessibleTech

How is the state of PDF #accessibility on macOS for #screenReader users? If I gave someone a PDF that was prepared in a fully #accessible way, what would they use to read it with #VoiceOver, and to what extent would the accessibility be retained?

Note that I'm specifically not interested in applications that strip out all of the text to essentially make a plain version. Those can be useful when you just need to read something and don't care how, but the degree to which accessible semantics like headings, tables, lists, etc. are kept at that point is usually zero.

I'm also not asking about applications that reinvent the accessibility for PDFs and ignore what's already there, as many browsers do.

Slots still available.

After a short break, I’m returning to accessibility training services.

I provide one-on-one training for blind and visually impaired users across multiple platforms. My teaching is practical and goal-driven: not just commands, but confidence, independence, and efficient workflows that carry into daily life, study, and work.

I cover:
iOS: VoiceOver gestures, rotor navigation, Braille displays, Safari, text editing, Mail and Calendars, Shortcuts, and making the most of iOS apps for productivity, communication, and entertainment.
macOS: VoiceOver from basics to advanced, Trackpad Commander, Safari and Mail, iWork and Microsoft Office, file management, Terminal, audio tools, and system upkeep.
Windows: NVDA and JAWS from beginner to advanced. Training includes Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, web browsing, customizing screen readers, handling less accessible apps, and scripting basics.
Android: TalkBack gestures, the built-in Braille keyboard and Braille display support, text editing, app accessibility, privacy and security settings, and everyday phone and tablet use.
Linux: Orca and Speakup, console navigation, package management, distro setup, customizing desktops, and accessibility under Wayland.

Concrete goals I can help you achieve:
Set up a new phone, tablet, or computer
Send and manage email independently
Browse the web safely and efficiently
Work with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
Manage files and cloud storage
Use social media accessibly
Work with Braille displays and keyboards
Install and configure accessible software across platforms
Troubleshoot accessibility issues and build reliable workflows
Make the most of AI in a useful, productive way
Grow from beginner skills to advanced, efficient daily use

I bring years of lived experience as a blind user of these systems. I teach not only what manuals say, but the real-world shortcuts, workarounds, and problem-solving skills that make technology practical and enjoyable.

Remote training is available worldwide.

Pricing: fair and flexible — contact me for a quote. Discounts available for multi-session packages and ongoing weekly training.

Contact:
UK: 07447 931232
US: 772-766-7331
If these don’t work for you, email me at aaron.graham.hewitt@gmail.com

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from personalized accessibility training, I’d be glad to help.

#Accessibility #Blind #VisuallyImpaired #ScreenReaders #JAWS #NVDA #VoiceOver #TalkBack #Braille #AssistiveTechnology #DigitalInclusion #InclusiveTech #LinuxAccessibility #WindowsAccessibility #iOSAccessibility #AndroidAccessibility #MacAccessibility #Orca #ATTraining #TechTraining #AccessibleTech

After a short break, I’m returning to accessibility training services.

I provide one-on-one training for blind and visually impaired users across multiple platforms. My teaching is practical and goal-driven: not just commands, but confidence, independence, and efficient workflows that carry into daily life, study, and work.

I cover:
iOS: VoiceOver gestures, rotor navigation, Braille displays, Safari, text editing, Mail and Calendars, Shortcuts, and making the most of iOS apps for productivity, communication, and entertainment.
macOS: VoiceOver from basics to advanced, Trackpad Commander, Safari and Mail, iWork and Microsoft Office, file management, Terminal, audio tools, and system upkeep.
Windows: NVDA and JAWS from beginner to advanced. Training includes Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, web browsing, customizing screen readers, handling less accessible apps, and scripting basics.
Android: TalkBack gestures, the built-in Braille keyboard and Braille display support, text editing, app accessibility, privacy and security settings, and everyday phone and tablet use.
Linux: Orca and Speakup, console navigation, package management, distro setup, customizing desktops, and accessibility under Wayland.

Concrete goals I can help you achieve:
Set up a new phone, tablet, or computer
Send and manage email independently
Browse the web safely and efficiently
Work with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
Manage files and cloud storage
Use social media accessibly
Work with Braille displays and keyboards
Install and configure accessible software across platforms
Troubleshoot accessibility issues and build reliable workflows
Make the most of AI in a useful, productive way
Grow from beginner skills to advanced, efficient daily use

I bring years of lived experience as a blind user of these systems. I teach not only what manuals say, but the real-world shortcuts, workarounds, and problem-solving skills that make technology practical and enjoyable.

Remote training is available worldwide.

Pricing: fair and flexible — contact me for a quote. Discounts available for multi-session packages and ongoing weekly training.

Contact:
UK: 07447 931232
US: 772-766-7331
If these don’t work for you, email me at aaron.graham.hewitt@gmail.com

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from personalized accessibility training, I’d be glad to help.

#Accessibility #Blind #VisuallyImpaired #ScreenReaders #JAWS #NVDA #VoiceOver #TalkBack #Braille #AssistiveTechnology #DigitalInclusion #InclusiveTech #LinuxAccessibility #WindowsAccessibility #iOSAccessibility #AndroidAccessibility #MacAccessibility #Orca #ATTraining #TechTraining #AccessibleTech

One week with the iPhone Air. Setup, hand feel, thinness, drops, battery, VoiceOver, and all the ways it works (and doesn’t) when you actually live with it.

fireborn.mataroa.blog/blog/one…

#iPhoneAir #Apple #Accessibility #VoiceOver #TechReview

Les lecteurs d’écran restituent-ils par défaut les textes en gras et en italique ?

Selon les tests menés par @juliemoynat, la réponse est non. C'est le style CSS qui est restitué et non la présence d'une balise (strong, em, b ou i).

Un paramétrage spécifique et complexe du lecteur d'écran est possible, mais la restitution peut être lourde.

a42.fr/restitution-le

#a11y #NVDA #JAWS #VoiceOver

Will browsers and screen readers respect the #html lang attribute #WordPress allows us to set on paragraphs?

TL;DR; most browsers "read aloud" feature ignores element specific lang attribute, but dedicated screen readers like #NVDA and Apple #VoiceOver do fairly well!

I've installed the 20 most spoken languages in #europe on my PC and virtual Mac.

Blog post is in the making, so feel free to ask questions and send me on even more side quests 😁

Teaser at oldrup.dk/en/teaser-testing-th…

Teaser: Testing the 20 most spoken languages in Europe, with NVDA and VoiceOver – oldrup.dk

WordPress has basic support for the HTML lang attribute, but how does that actually sound in browsers using assistive technology?

^{Bjarne Oldrup}

***Attention! If you miss MSN/Windows Live Messenger, AIM, and/or ICQ, this is for you! If you use a screen reader and want a 100% accessible messenger client, this is also for you.*
This works with Windows XPthrough 11, and I'm logged into it as I write! It's called Escargot, and it revives Windows Live/MSN Messenger. This is the original software, but it has been patched so that it connects to the escargot.chat server and not the Microsoft one. It is 100% free and accessible with NVDA and I'm sure JAWS as well. They also have projects for AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) and ICQ, including for Android and IOS, and are working on a web client for MSN. (I don't know if AIM or ICQ are accessible with screen readers, as I have never tried them). Anyway, if you're over twenty-one (my personal request), have read my profile here, and wish to add me, I am dandylover1@escargot.chat. You can find everything here.

escargot.chat

Note: If you already have Windows Live/MSN Messenger on your system, you will still need to download their version and create an account. Your Microsoft, MSN, or Hotmail one won't work for signing in. Also, remember to click on RUN_AFTER_INSTALL.exe, in order to patch the program to the Escargot server.

#accessibility #AIM #Android #AOL #blind #chat #Escargot #EscargotChat #ICQ #IOS #Messenger #MSN #MsnMessenger #Microsoft #NVDA #Talkback #technology #Voiceover #Windows #WindowsLiveMessenger

After reading this thread, I don't want a new Mac anymore. I do wish there were posts like this going over Android and Windows' accessibility frameworks, but I'll take what I can get.

applevis.com/comment/188396#co…

#apple #accessibility #VoiceOver #MacOS #mac #blind

First, they shut down the Basic HTML site, forcing many of us to switch to clients such as Thunderbird. Now, they're using qr codes which are not only inaccessible to the blind but also to those who don't use smartphones! This is ridiculous! Yes, they do still have the option to click whether it's you trying to sign in or not (which still requires a smartphone and a carrier, which they claim to be concerned about), but how long before they remove that, too?

pcmag.com/news/google-is-repla…

#accessibility #Android #authentication #blind #Google #GMail #IOS #Narrator #NVDA #sms #Talkback #technology #Voiceover #Windows

Right, I'm going to do something I dislike, but I literally don't know how else to get support to follow up with me.
I have indeed submitted two support requests in the intervening time, i'm not just being lazy I promise.
On 17 Aug I made a video about #FloatPlane accessibility and how not good it is.
I wasn't a troll, I was constructive and thoughtful, and yet I cannot get a hold of anyone at either Floatplane Media or LTT.
If *anyone* happens to know someone at one of these companies and could get my video to them, I'd be extremely grateful.
The other thing I really dislike doing is asking if people could boost for reach, but I'll make an exception.
Fedi is big now, and far more reaching than modern-day xitter, so all help gratefully received.
I thank you in advance.

Accessibility Issues With Floatplane (from a VoiceOver Perspective) youtu.be/2sZTsrek08M
#LTT #LinusTechTips #Accessibility #VoiceOver #iOS

Accessibility Issues With Floatplane (from a VoiceOver Perspective)

I've never made a video I wanted to age as badly as this one, but needs must.There are some glaringly obvious issues with LTT's Floatplane app for iOS if you...

^YouTube

Here's a video I want to age like curdled milk. Age so quickly it's out-of-date a week after it's made. The issues I've outlined here should be fairly simple fixes if they follow Apple's accessibility guidelines, so here's hoping someone at Floatplane Media can get some eyes on this.
I've tried to be as fair as possible, not just to make a 'bitch and ditch' style video, and to showcase the issues I have.
Please boost if you have an interest, or know that it can potentially reach someone who can make a difference.
Not my cup of tea to ask for those under normal circumstances, so I will not be making a habit of it.
Thanks.

#Accessibility Issues With #Floatplane (from a #VoiceOver Perspective) youtu.be/2sZTsrek08M

Accessibility Issues With Floatplane (from a VoiceOver Perspective)

I've never made a video I wanted to age as badly as this one, but needs must.There are some glaringly obvious issues with LTT's Floatplane app for iOS if you...

^YouTube

Reminder that you can use AccessibilityAttributes on your AttributedStrings to have more fine-grained control over how assistive technologies interact with your Text, such as modulating the pitch or pronunciation #VoiceOver uses! #accessibility #iOS

developer.apple.com/documentat…

AttributeScopes.AccessibilityAttributes | Apple Developer Documentation

There's never been a better time to develop for Apple platforms.

^{Apple Developer Documentation}

A massive thanks to @davetaylor2112 for alerting me to the UK train ifo app for iOS, 'Nearly Departed.'
Why I didn't know about this or use it sooner is beyond me. It was invaluable yesterday. They also explicitly mention #VoiceOver on the main page, so props to them for that.

'Accessible
The app has been extensively tested with iOS accessibility features, such as VoiceOver and Dynamic Type.'

If you take a lot of national rail trains in the UK and use iOS, you need this app too.

nearlydeparted.app/

Calling All Blind and Low Vision Users!

Exciting news! I’ve reached out to Apple Accessibility, and they’re on board to collaborate with us. They’ve asked me to put together a team so we can work directly with their team and engineers.

Are you passionate about improving accessibility features for blind and low vision users? Do you use VoiceOver, Zoom, or other low vision features on your devices? We need your help!

We’re looking for individuals who are interested in providing feedback and testing new features from our point of view. Your input will be invaluable in making technology more accessible for everyone.

If you’re interested in participating, please fill out the form below:

forms.microsoft.com/r/eRQAsmMb…

Let’s make a difference together!
Feel free to share this post.

Best,
Matthew Whitaker

#Accessibility #BlindUsers #LowVision #VoiceOver #Zoom #AppleAccessibility #TechForAll #Inclusion #AccessibilityMatters #blind #lowvision

I've just pushed a bunch of #accessibility changes for screen readers to the main branch of FediThready. ( It makes long texts into post sized chunks)

I've run through it with #VoiceOver and it _seems_ ok. HOWEVER it all feels like it's "usable" instead of "good".

If there's a #a11y geek out there who uses screen readers regularly I would REALLY appreciate some suggestions on how to make this actually feel good for folks who rely on screen readers.

github.com/masukomi/fedithread…

GitHub - masukomi/fedithready: A tool for splitting up long posts in to fediverse sized chunks. It's a web page that lives on your computer.

A tool for splitting up long posts in to fediverse sized chunks. It's a web page that lives on your computer. - masukomi/fedithready

^GitHub

@nick #Sonos has replaced its app not because they truly think the app is better. But because they can replace specialised Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS teams with one generic team who know how to use cross-platform tools.

It goes beyond that, though. Look at the ideas behind the new home screen, which essentially can be described as: "put what you want on it". Is that primarily a user-facing improvement? No.

Rather, it's a reason to not rely on designers who can carefully think through information architecture, viewport sizes, user flows, and the best ways to present information. Make it the user's problem so that they can fire the people whose responsibility it used to be, or move them to another team where they won't be able to do their best work and will eventually quit and not be replaced.

This update goes way beyond #accessibility. It's a fundamental shift in how they do business, and it will be shit for everyone. That, more than the lack of #VoiceOver support, is what will probably cause me to move away from their ecosystem.

@x0 @simon @talon

I wrote an article about how to make hastags accessible. Did some #ScreenReader testing with #JAWS, #NVDA, #VoiceOver and #Narrator, which was fun!

Pretty long one though, contains a bunch of tables for comparison. Enjoy the ride!

stevefrenzel.dev/posts/easy-we…

#accessibility #a11y #html #JavaScript #WebDev #frontend

Easy web accessibility wins: Hashtags

Is there a way to create hashtags that work for everyone? I did some screen reader testing and was surprised by the outcome!

^{Steve Frenzel}