Dr Denise M Robinson

Author: Dr Denise

  • WEB and JAWS Commands to Make the inaccessible=accessible – Acellus

    Eme explains how to navigate and access websites that may not be fully accessible by using keyboard shortcuts or screen reader commands. She provides step-by-step guidance on utilizing tools like JAWS, or NVDA, to work around common barriers such as missing alt text, improperly labeled buttons, and non-navigable menus. Her tips are invaluable for understanding WEB and JAWS Commands to overcome these barriers.

    By using keyboard shortcuts like Insert + F7 for links and if no information then go to the bottom of the page and up arrow to the unlabeled information. She can also “Tab” or ctrl + home and just down arrow to get to the non-labeled items to move between interactive elements. Eme demonstrates how users can gain control over their browsing experience and interact with content effectively, even on sites with poor accessibility practices. JAWS OCR is another command throughout the site to pull up inaccessible items. The most advanced command is using Print Screen or saving website to pull up the page for information, demonstrating the power of these WEB and JAWS Commands.

    Other WEB and JAWS Commands

    Web and Jaws commands using OCR to make the inaccessible accessible
    Web and Jaws Commands using OCR to make the inaccessible accessible

    Here are the commands extracted from the narrative to help with using WEB and JAWS:

    1. Open Links List: Press Insert + F7 to open the links list dialog.
    2. Navigate Links List: Press B to jump to the next button in the links list.
    3. Go to Bottom of Page: Press Ctrl + End to move to the bottom of the page.
    4. Navigate Up: Use the Up Arrow key to move up through the items.
    5. Activate Link: Press Enter to activate the selected link.
    6. Open JAWS OCR: Press JAWS Key + Space, then O for OCR.
    7. Navigate OCR Results: Use the Arrow Keys to navigate through the OCR results.
    8. Move to Heading: Press Shift + H to move to the previous heading.

    These WEB and JAWS Commands will help you navigate the platform more efficiently. But it still takes a lot of work to master WEB and JAWS Commands on inaccessible sites.

  • Accessible Work at School-What Blind Students Need by Eme

    Emery, a blind ninth-grader at Kalaheo, introduces herself and shares her love for math and technology. She uses a computer with a screen reader and Braille display to access her education. Eme navigates her world with a cane and texts friends using her phone. During the pandemic, her computer became essential for schoolwork. She explains how she uses various tools to access her education, including JAWS screen reader and Braille Display and other access technology. Eme highlights the importance of accessible assignments and demonstrates navigating an online platform despite its challenges. Accessible work at school is critical for her success.

    Emery uses tools like the JAWS screen reader and Braille display connected to her computer to navigate her studies. She emphasizes that accessible assignments are crucial because they allow her to engage with the same content as her peers. When assignments are not accessible, it creates significant barriers to her learning. It is evident that accessible work at school can make a big difference.

    Eme Making Work accessible on an inaccessible site
    Eme Making Work accessible on an inaccessible site

    By ensuring Teachers’ work is accessible, you empower students like Emery to succeed and participate fully in their education. Accessible materials foster a learning environment where all students can be included and thrive. Therefore, focusing on making work accessible at school helps all students.

    She thanks teachers for their commitment to making education accessible for everyone. Providing accessible work at school shows dedication to inclusion and highlights the importance of accessibility.

    Making Work Accessible:

    Complete Advanced Math with LaTex to finish math fast using Mathkicker.AI, JAWS, NVDA and/or display

    Math & AI =Mathkicker.ai convert PDF math or any work into WORD docx.

    Perfect Digital Math at all levels using only audio or tactile Braille or both in Mathkicker.ai

    Math & AI is MathKicker.ai — convert to .docx from clipboard- make inaccessible accessible

    Mathkicker.ai-take an image of math and make it perfect Math in Word Math editor with screen reader

    Mathkicker.AI -change Math PDF to text in WORD Math editor in less than a minute with screen reader

  • Difference between inaccessible and accessible website content

    The difference between inaccessible and accessible website content when using screen readers is significant. It affects how efficiently users can navigate the web. On inaccessible websites, screen readers struggle to interpret poorly structured content. This makes it difficult for users to understand the layout or find essential information. For example, missing alt text on images or unlabeled buttons can leave blind or low vision users guessing about the content. In contrast, accessible websites provide clear navigation with properly labeled elements, such as headings, links, and buttons. This allows users to move through pages with ease. Additionally, accessible sites use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles to improve interactions between the website and the screen reader. By following accessibility guidelines, developers make content more usable for everyone, including screen reader users, creating a more inclusive digital environment.

    Here is a list of commonly used JAWS keyboard commands for navigating websites:

    Basic Navigation:

    • Move to next element: Tab
    • Move to previous element: Shift + Tab
    • Go to the next region: R
    • Go to the next heading: H
    • Go to the next link: L
    • Go to the next form field: F
    • Go to the next button: B
    • Go to the next check box: X
    • Move to the next graphic: G
    • Go to the next list: I
    • Go to the next table: T
    • Go to the next landmark: D
    Accessible question that can be used with keyboard commands
    Difference between inaccessible and accessible website content is in the ease of keyboard commands

    Quick Heading Navigation:

    • Next heading at level 1: 1
    • Next heading at level 2: 2
    • Next heading at level 3: 3
      (Continue for headings 4–6)
    • Next link: L
    • Previous link: Shift + L
    • List of all links: Insert + F7
    • Activate a link: Enter

    Forms and Form Controls:

    • Move to next form field: F
    • Next combo box: C
    • Next edit field: E
    • Next button: B
    • Next radio button: A
    • Next check box: X
    • List of all form controls: Insert + F5

    Tables:

    • Move to the next table: T
    • Next cell in a row: Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow
    • Previous cell in a row: Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow
    • Next cell in a column: Ctrl + Alt + Down Arrow
    • Previous cell in a column: Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow
    • Table reading mode (on/off): Insert + Spacebar, then T

    Miscellaneous:

    • Refresh page: Insert + Esc
    • List of headings: Insert + F6
    • List of frames: Insert + F9
    • List of form fields: Insert + F5
    • Move to the next non-link text element: N
    • Move to the previous non-link text element: Shift + N
    • Move to the next visited link: V

    These commands allow the difference between inaccessible and accessible website content and allow efficient navigation and interaction with web content using JAWS. With properly coding a website, the inaccessible becomes accessible for all users.

  • Miss Aubrey learns to do work on braille display and computer

    Years ago, Aubrey was just learning how to learn remotely. Dr Robinson lived close by so was able to come over in person to help her with skills and hand under hand and hand over hand as needed to learn position of fingers. A major part of her lessons is to learn to do work on braille display and computer with keyboard shortcuts. This video is her just learning how to do math in WORD.

    To answer a Zoom call using keyboard shortcuts when on a braille display and computer, you can use the following:

    These shortcuts help you manage calls efficiently without needing to use a mouse. A braille display and computer can make these tasks smoother.

    Here are some additional keyboard shortcuts that Aubrey learned to enhance her navigation and accessibility experience:

    General Web Navigation on braille display and computer

    • Ctrl + L or Alt + D: Focus on the address bar.
    • Ctrl + T: Open a new tab when using a braille display and/or computer.
    • Ctrl + W: Close the current tab.
    • Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab.
    • Ctrl + Tab: Switch to the next tab.
    • Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Switch to the previous tab.
    • Ctrl + R or F5: Refresh the current page.
    • Ctrl + F: Open the find bar to search within the page on your braille display and computer setup.

    Screen Reader Specific

    • Insert + F7: Open the links list in JAWS.
    • Insert + F6: Open the headings list in JAWS.
    • Insert + Down Arrow: Start reading continuously from the current position in JAWS.
    • Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Keys: Navigate by character, word, or line in NVDA for better synchronization with your braille display and computer.
    Aubrey using braille display and computer to learn how to complete math in WORD
    Aubrey using braille display and computer, to learn how to complete math in WORD

    Windows Accessibility commands for display and computer

    • Windows Key + U: Open the Ease of Access Center.
    • Windows Key + Plus (+): Turn on Magnifier and zoom in.
    • Windows Key + Minus (-): Zoom out with Magnifier.
    • Windows Key + Ctrl + N: Open Narrator settings.
    • Windows Key + Ctrl + O: Turn on the On-Screen Keyboard.

    Text Editing

    • Ctrl + C: Copy selected text.
    • Ctrl + X: Cut selected text.
    • Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut text.
    • Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
    • Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action.

    These shortcuts can help you navigate more efficiently and make your web browsing and computer use more accessible. If you need more specific shortcuts or have other questions, feel free to ask!

  • Google Classroom and Spanish with JAWS

    Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired Jordana gives an overview of how to navigate Google Classroom for a Conversational Spanish Level 1 course using JAWS. The instructor, Jordana demonstrates how to join the class, navigate the main page, and access class materials. She is native born from Ecuador so English is her second language.

    Here are some useful keyboard commands for Google Classroom:

    General Navigation

    • Tab: Move through links and text fields on the page.
    • Space Bar: Works like a mouse click.
    • Ctrl + C: Copy
    • Ctrl + X: Cut
    • Ctrl + V: Paste
    • Ctrl + Z: Undo
    • Ctrl + K: Add a link (Use Command instead of Ctrl on a Mac)
    Google classroom layout and Spanish with Jaws
    Google classroom and Spanish with Jaws

    Specific to Google Classroom

    • Ctrl + F: Find specific text on the page.
    • Ctrl + Shift + N: Open a new incognito window (useful for testing student views).
    • Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab.

    These shortcuts can streamline workflow navigation for ease, especially when using assistive technologies.

  • Starfall.com website-learning games for kids–and the accessible option – YouTube

    Starfall.com is a wonderful website for kids. It provides free and subscription-based learning games and resources for young children. It focuses on early literacy, math, and foundational skills. Initially created to teach reading through phonics, Starfall has since expanded to include interactive content in math, social studies, and more. Go to: https://www.starfall.com/h/accessibility.php which is on the first page so your child can access the site also.

    Key Features of Starfall.com Website for kids:

    1. Phonics and Reading: The website offers various phonics-based reading games and activities, helping children build vocabulary and comprehension skills.
    2. Math: Starfall includes interactive games and exercises that teach basic math concepts such as counting, addition, subtraction, and geometry.
    3. Language Arts: Activities to help kids understand grammar, sentence building, and other language concepts.
    4. Science and Social Studies: Limited resources are available for early science and social studies learning.
    starfall.com website for kids
    Starfall.com website for kids

    Accessibility and Screen Reader Compatibility for young children:

    While Starfall.com website for kids aim to be accessible (most of it is) BUT, you must use: https://www.starfall.com/h/accessibility.php for accessible play for interactive games and animations, which are a major component of Starfall’s appeal.

    1. VoiceOver (iOS): Some parts of Starfall are accessible when using VoiceOver on iOS devices. However, many interactive elements may not be read or described in full by the screen reader, making navigation difficult.
    2. JAWS and NVDA (Windows): Starfall’s web-based activities have mixed results with JAWS and NVDA. Some of the educational content is accessible, but much of the visual and interactive games may not be fully usable. The site does not appear to have been fully optimized for these tools.
    3. Keyboard Navigation: For users who rely on keyboard navigation, Starfall might be challenging since many games require dragging and dropping or clicking on specific items that are visually represented.
    4. Text Descriptions and Audio Narration: Starfall includes a lot of audio instructions and narrated text, which can be helpful for users with low vision or reading difficulties, but this is often tied to specific animations or games that may not be fully accessible to blind children.

    More Video Lessons Here

  • TechVision YouTube Channel Lessons

    Dr. Denise M. Robinson’s TechVision YouTube channel Lessons, @DrDeniseMRobinsontech, features a wide range of content. TechVision YouTube channel focuses on assistive technology, blind skills, accessibility and access to the World of information. The channel offers tutorials, guides, and resources for blind and low-vision individuals, educators, and parents. The channel covers topics like using screen readers, braille technology, and software such as JAWS and NVDA. Additionally, it provides practical tips for navigating various digital tools and environments. Dr. Robinson’s videos aim to empower viewers by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve independence in both educational and everyday tasks. Whether you’re learning skills or teaching them, this site supports your success effectively.

    TechVision YouTube Channel Lessons image of hands on braille display, keyboard and iphone next to keyboard
    TechVision YouTube Channel Lessons

    Access Blind and Low Vision education through hundreds of lesson videos covering all subjects and tools. Learn to use screen readers, braille displays, and other resources to enhance your education and life. Access Blind Low Vision Education @ TechVision YouTube Channel@DrDeniseMRobinsontech

  • Using Focus 40 Braille Display to do Math Work in Word with Jaws

    Using Focus 40 Braille Display to do Math Work in Word with Jaws, Kim demonstrates commands in WORD using FOCUS 40 Braille display exclusively. She can control her computer and complete her math work in WORD with just the display.

    Here are some essential commands for using the Focus 40 Braille Display to do math in Microsoft Word:

    Basic Navigation to braille Math Work in WORD

    • Move to the next word: Dot 5 + Dot 6 + Space
    • Move to the previous word: Dot 2 + Dot 3 + Space
    • Move to the next line: Dot 4 + Dot 5 + Space
    • Move to the previous line: Dot 1 + Dot 2 + Space

    Selecting Text with Focus 40 Braille Display

    • Select a word: Dot 5 + Dot 6 + Space + Dot 7
    • Select a line: Dot 4 + Dot 5 + Space + Dot 7

    Math Commands using Focus 40 Braille Display

    • Insert an equation: Alt + = (use the Braille display to type Alt + =)
    • Navigate within an equation: Use the same navigation commands as above to move through the equation.

    Editing and Formatting for Math Work in Word

    • Bold text: Ctrl + B (use the Braille display to type Ctrl + B)
    • Italicize text: Ctrl + I
    • Underline text: Ctrl + U
    Kim using the Focus 40 Display for math
    Kim using the Focus 40 Display for math

    Using JAWS with Math

    • Read the current equation: Insert + 5
    • Move to the next equation: Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow
    • Move to the previous equation: Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow

    These commands will help you efficiently navigate, select, and edit mathematical content in Word using the Focus 40 Braille Display.

    Calculator commands: with JAWS

    Basic Navigation

    • Read the current display: Insert + Up Arrow
    • Read the previous calculation: Insert + Shift + Up Arrow
    • Move to the next button: Tab
    • Move to the previous button: Shift + Tab

    Performing Calculations in Windows Calculator

    • Clear entry: Delete
    • Clear all: Esc
    • Equals: Enter

    Memory Functions

    • Store in memory: Ctrl + M
    • Recall from memory: Ctrl + R
    • Clear memory: Ctrl + L
    • Add to memory: Ctrl + P
    • Subtract from memory: Ctrl + Q

    These commands will help you efficiently navigate and perform calculations using the Windows Calculator with JAWS12.

  • Rebuild Microsoft Word Template when it is not working well

    You want to Rebuild Microsoft Word Template when you close WORD and it starts to ask: There are changes to the Normal Template, “Do you want to save the normal template?” You always want to say “NO” because if you do not it will start opening with the last work you did in it. If you want WORD to STOP asking that question or fix your goof, here is how to rebuild that Normal Template

    Commands to rebuild Word template when it gets messed up and constantly asks if you want to save it. Other Lessons to fix Tech

    Rebuild Microsoft Word Template with RUN
    Rebuild Microsoft Word Template with RUN
    1. Open the Run Dialog Box:
      • Press Windows + R.
      • Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates and press Enter.
    2. Delete the Normal Template:
      • In the opened folder, find normal.dotm (or the equivalent for your Office version).
      • Select it and press Delete.
    3. Reopen Word:
      • This action will rebuild the normal template automatically.
    4. Reconfigure Your Settings:
      • Fonts:
        • Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box.
        • Set your desired font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12 pt).
        • Press Alt + D to set as default for all documents.
      • Paragraph Spacing:
        • Press Alt + O, then P to open the Paragraph dialog box.
        • Adjust spacing settings (e.g., single spacing).
        • Press Alt + D to set as default for all documents.

    This process ensures your Word template is reset and configured to your preferences. Here are some more fixes you can do

    Other WORD Lessons

    Optimizing Windows 11 Efficiency for Screen Reader with Key Settings and Configurations

    WORD Efficient Text Navigation and Selection

    Basic WORD JAWS commands with Typing Trick

    Rebuild Microsoft Word Template when it is not working well

    Microsoft Word MLA format with Christopher Duffley

    WORD accessible food chain for class using talking software

    Commands to change mouse -access programs fast, basics in Word font & movement

    Excel line plot graph-copy to Word for Math

    Complete an excel graph and copy into Word document with screen reader

    Essential WORD keyboard commands for setting defaults

    Track changes in Word-How teachers make corrections in work

    Track Changes with Commands-inserting comments and editing work

    Let us know how we can help you: Contact US: TechVisionTraining@yourtechvision.com

  • Games online for Blind Users

    Games online for Blind Users created by zanosoft.net, are associated with RS Games. This is a platform that provides accessible games for the blind and visually impaired. The RS Games client allows users to play various board, dice, and card games against each other through a central server. The platform supports multiple games and is designed to be accessible, making it easier for visually impaired users to enjoy gaming.

    RS Games for blind users
    RS Games Online for blind users

    RS Games – Over 20 games are currently available including Monopoly, Uno, Blackjack, Yahtzee, Farkle, and Cards Against Humanity. Click here to see a full list of games.

Accessibility by WAH