Dr Denise M Robinson

Search results for: “platform”

  • Jordan on Learning Computers for the Blind

    Jordan talks about the important aspects of why blind students need to learn a computer. She discusses the benefits of computers for the blind also. She touches on necessary skills and how this will advance them in their dreams and goals in life.

    Jordan on learning Computer for the blind talks about its importance along with a screen reader and display. These are crucial for blind people for several reasons:

    1. Access to Information: Screen readers and braille displays provide blind children with access to digital information, enabling them to read, write, and navigate the internet independently. This access is essential for academic success and staying informed1.
    2. Literacy and Education: Braille literacy is fundamental for developing reading and writing skills. Using a braille display helps children practice and improve their braille proficiency, which is vital for their overall literacy and educational development2.

    Independence on Computers for the Blind

    1. Independence and Confidence: Mastering these technologies fosters independence, allowing children to complete tasks on their own without relying on others. This independence boosts their confidence and self-esteem3. Computers for the blind provide this type of access and more.
    2. Equal Opportunities: Proficiency in assistive technologies ensures that blind children have equal opportunities in education and future employment.  It levels the playing field, allowing them to compete with their sighted peers.
    3. Enhanced Communication: Screen readers and braille displays facilitate better communication by enabling children to use email, social media, and other digital platforms. This connectivity is crucial for social interaction and building relationships1.
    4. Adaptability to Technology: Early exposure to assistive technologies prepares children for future advancements. As technology evolves, being comfortable with these tools will help them adapt to new devices and software more easily3.

    By learning to use a computer screen reader and braille display, blind children gain essential skills that support their academic, social, and personal growth, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered future.

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

  • IXL.com: Accessible Learning Tool for All Subjects

    IXL.com offers accessible learning experiences for students with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired. As an accessible learning tool, IXL.com ensures the platform is compatible with screen readers, enabling students to navigate lessons, answer questions, and receive feedback through auditory cues. IXL’s user interface allows customization of text size, color contrast, and keyboard navigation, enhancing usability for individuals with low vision. Additionally, the platform’s alignment with educational standards ensures that all learners, regardless of ability, can engage with comprehensive curriculum content, fostering inclusion and independence in the learning process.

    Here are some useful JAWS keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate IXL.com an accessible learning tool.

    General Navigation

    • Go Back a Page: ALT + LEFT ARROW or BACKSPACE
    • Go Forward a Page: ALT + RIGHT ARROW
    • Next Link: TAB
    • Previous Link: SHIFT + TAB
    • Open Link: ENTER
    • List Links: INSERT + F7
    • List Headings: INSERT + F6
    • List Frames: INSERT + F9
    IXL.com accessible learning tool
    IXL.com accessible learning tool

    Forms and Fields

    • Enter Forms Mode: ENTER
    • Exit Forms Mode: NUM PAD PLUS
    • Next Form Field: F
    • Previous Form Field: SHIFT + F
    • List Form Fields: INSERT + F5
    • Next Edit Box: E
    • Previous Edit Box: SHIFT + E
    • List Edit Boxes: CTRL + INSERT + E

    Tables

    • Next Table: T
    • Previous Table: SHIFT + T
    • List Keystrokes for Table Navigation: INSERT + SPACEBAR, followed by T, then QUESTION MARK

    Reading and Navigation

    • Read Current Line: INSERT + UP ARROW
    • Read Next Line: DOWN ARROW
    • Read Previous Line: UP ARROW
    • Read Current Word: INSERT + NUM PAD 5
    • Read Next Word: INSERT + RIGHT ARROW
    • Read Previous Word: INSERT + LEFT ARROW

    These shortcuts should help you navigate IXL.com more efficiently with JAWS. More Videos with Commands and Access Training

  • Apply Latest Computer Update-Tech Tip for the Day

    Regularly updating your computer is crucial for keeping it secure, efficient, and running smoothly. It’s important to apply the latest computer update to take advantage of these benefits. Software updates provide important improvements, such as enhanced security, better performance, and bug fixes. These updates also ensure that your computer stays compatible with the latest software and hardware, while offering new features to improve your user experience. Keeping your system up to date is a simple yet effective way to protect your device and ensure it operates at its best.

    Regularly updating your computer as new updates are released is essential for several reasons:

    Reasons to Apply Latest Computer Update

    Regularly updating your computer is crucial for several reasons, starting with security. Updates often fix vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. By keeping your system updated, you protect it from viruses, malware, and cyberattacks.

    Computer updates in Settings
    Computer updates in Settings

    Secondly, updates improve performance by making your computer faster and more efficient. They address bugs and glitches that can slow down your system.

    Next, applying the latest updates introduce new features or improve existing tools, enhancing both your user experience and productivity.

    As software evolves, updates also ensure compatibility with the latest programs, hardware, and devices.

    Finally, many updates focus on fixing bugs and stability issues, helping your computer run smoothly and preventing crashes.

    By consistently updating, you keep your computer secure, fast, and fully functional, avoiding many common problems.

    Other Tech Tips

    Schoology with Jaws

    Schoology navigation

    Teach how to set up computer

    Google dictation

    Apply latest update

    APA-MLA tech tip

    Here is how you fix WORD also

  • Make an Electronic Signature — Then Insert It into a Document

    You can quickly create an electronic signature using keyboard commands on various platforms. In Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat, type, draw, or insert a signature image. Keyboard shortcuts simplify the process, making it easy to add signatures to digital documents. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on typing, drawing, or inserting a signature using shortcuts. You can apply this method across all versions of Word for creating electronic signatures efficiently and effectively.

    To create an electronic signature using keyboard commands, follow these steps:

    Make Electronic Signatures in WORD and Adobe

    1. In Microsoft Word:
    • Open a blank document. Press Alt + N, then P to insert a picture if you’re using a scanned image of your signature.
      • This means, hand write out a signature and scan it into computer and save as your signature. Then insert that into your documents and use any where to make an electronic signature process smoother
      • Use a mouse to crop out JUST the signature, application key when you are on the image and save as picture and name it the word signature after your name
    • For typed signatures, press Ctrl + Shift + K to enter text in a signature-like font (if available), then press Ctrl + B to bold the text if needed.
    • To save the signature, press Alt + F, then A to save as a PDF or document.
    Practice making an electronic signature using the name 'Jane Doe
    Practice making an electronic signature using the name ‘Jane Doe
    1. In Adobe Acrobat:
    • Open a PDF and press F6 to navigate the newest Adobe or Alt + T for the tools menu. Navigate with F6 or the arrow keys to “Fill & Sign” and press Enter. Follow prompts to either type, draw, or insert an image of your signature.

    Any issues in WORD, then just rebuild it

    Other access Lessons on YOUTUBE

  • Learn Out Loud Reading – Audio Books Galore

    LearnOutLoud.com offers a comprehensive resource for audio and video learning materials, perfect for those looking to learn out loud reading strategies. The site provides a wide range of educational content, including audiobooks, podcasts, and video courses. Users can explore topics such as self-development, history, and business. The platform makes learning accessible and convenient with high-quality content. You can access the materials anytime, anywhere. Therefore, if you’re looking to learn out loud, this platform is an excellent choice.

    Learn out Loud Reading
    Learn out Loud Reading

    Navigating LearnOutLoud.com is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

    Homepage: The homepage displays featured content like popular audiobooks, podcasts, and video courses.

    Search Bar: Type keywords in the search bar to find specific content.

    Categories: Browse categories like Self Development, History, and Business by clicking the “Browse” menu.

    Featured Content: Click on featured content, new releases, or top-rated materials to explore further.

    User Account: Create an account to save favorites, make playlists, and track progress.

    Audio and Video Players: Use the built-in player to play, pause, and skip content.

    Reviews and Ratings: Read user reviews and ratings to decide on content.

    Newsletter and Blog: Subscribe to the newsletter or read the blog for updates and tips.

    More Digital book management options from Calibre

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

  • How to Adapt Work for Blind or Low Vision Students — Many Options

    The most modern way as of 2024 to adapt work for blind or low vision students is using programs like MathKicker.ai, WORD Immersive Reader and Google Docs, follow these steps to ensure full accessibility for both English, Math and other content:

    1. Use MathKicker.ai for Math Content:
      • Upload or paste math equations into MathKicker.ai. This tool converts complex math problems into formats accessible for screen readers like JAWS or NVDA.
      • Once converted, paste the accessible math text into Google Docs or other word processing platforms for students to use with their screen readers.
    2. Convert Images to Descriptive Text in Google Docs:
      • When images contain important information, use Google Docs’ built-in alt text feature. Right-click the image, select “Alt text,” and enter a detailed description of the image, focusing on its relevance to the content.
      • For math-specific images (e.g., graphs, equations), describe the visual elements and provide the corresponding math in text form or, if needed, through MathKicker.ai to ensure clarity for students using auditory or Braille output.

    How to Adapt Work and Why

    3. Leverage Google Docs Collaboration Features:

    • Share Google Docs with students, allowing them to access the document using their preferred screen reader.
    • Enable real-time collaboration by ensuring that students can work in the document with peers or teachers, making the experience inclusive.

    4. Use Heading and Structure Tools:

    • Make sure to structure documents with proper headings and styles in Google Docs to aid screen readers in navigating the document efficiently.

    By combining MathKicker.ai for math accessibility and using Google Docs to convert visual content into descriptive text, blind or low vision students can access both English and math content effectively.

    There are many ways to adapt work for inclusion. Inaccessible work creates barriers—choose the right tools, because together we achieve more than apart.

     Here are a few ways to do just that.

    Adapting work using Jaws OCR-how to tell if work is image or text in PDF

    The fastest way to adapt inaccessible PDF with graphics when you run out of time

    How to adapt work for low vision–continue on with skills

    Adapt work for Low Vision using shapes for Math or Chemistry

    How to adapt work for blind/low vision students

    Access Technology for Low Vision-See your computer screen better

    Tricks for students to adapt last minute work fast –right in class

    How to adapt More work in general

    Let us know how we can help you!

  • Search HathiTrust’s Digital Library

    Search HathiTrust’s Digital Library who is part of a partnership of academic & research institutions, offering a collection of millions of titles digitized from libraries around the world.

    Find your book to read today: Sign up and sign in HathiTrust Digital Library

    search Hathitrust digital library
    Hathitrust digital library

    HathiTrust is a digital library that preserves and provides access to over 18 million digitized books and documents. It empowers scholarly research by offering transparency and fostering curiosity through vast collections, including rare and special items. Users can explore materials digitized from libraries worldwide, access technical reports, government documents, and unique collections, and participate in HathiTrust’s mission to safeguard knowledge. The platform emphasizes accessibility and innovation, supporting academic research and discovery. Gutenberg and BARD are also other sites that offer free books

    Learn Out Loud Reading-Audio books Galore is another option

    Search HathiTrust’s Digital Library for more details and also TechVision for more books.

  • Braille Reading Speed Standards

    So many people ask, “How fast should my child be reading?” When discussing Braille Reading Speed Standards, it’s essential to remember that blind children are just as intelligent as sighted children so standard reading speed should be used for all children. Braille Reading Fast.

    The Jerry Johns Basic Reading Inventory is a widely used tool for assessing reading speeds and comprehension levels in students. It helps educators determine a student’s instructional, independent, and frustration reading levels. This is done by evaluating their speed, accuracy, and comprehension. This inventory is particularly useful for identifying students’ reading capabilities and tailoring instruction to meet their needs. By measuring reading speeds, educators can see how students process text and find areas where they need more help to improve fluency and comprehension.

    Here are the national standards as presented by Jerry Johns, a leading reading specialist in the country. 

    Braille Reading Speeds for Blind Student 
             
    Grade Fall Target Winter Target Spring Target  
    1 10 20 50  
    2 50 70 90  
    3 75 90 110  
    4 95 110 125  
    5 105 125 140  
    6 130 140 150  
    7 130 140 150  
    8 130 140 150  
             
             
             
             
    Jerry Johns: Silent Reading Rates for Students in Grades K-12 who understand the material 
      
             
    Grade12345678
    WPM<8182-108109-130131-147148-161162-174175-185186-197
             
    WPM9101112    
     198-209210-224225-240241-255+450+   
    Braille Reading Standards Chart

    Use the SAME Braille Reading Speed Standards

    For another extensive list of information on Braille standards go to California Reading Standards

    The TechVision Team use these same standards for all blind and low vision students. To name just a couple, Batya reads both Hebrew and English Braille and Dani excels to the top of her class also. If you set high standards then children will meet those standards. We have taken on beginner students and told them how fast they would be reading braille in a couple months, even in middle and high school. Just remember the older you start the longer it will take for them to gain speed.  At the end of the 2 months, as their fingers would fly across the page reading braille, as they were timed with a fast speed, We would ask, “So did you really think you would be able to read that fast?” They would reply, “Of course, because you told me I would be able to.”

    So, tell them, they can, and they will. Our Mission and Purpose is to have students (especially with similar intelligence) at the highest levels they can be with hard work and instruction to get them there as their peers.

    Get to the Highest Levels

    Tricks to use
    Time them every week (sometime everyday), so they see their progress
    Have them reread the same material to get flow and fluency
    Have them braille the material first using contractions, then read what they wrote

    braille reading speed chart
    Visual braille reading speed chart as above accessible version

    Make sure you add in Computer skills with Perfect touch typing to truly allow students to be at the highest levels of learning.

  • Free eBooks | Project Gutenberg

    Free eBooks | Project Gutenberg and self-publishing site has a mobile website,  where you can download many classic books free of charge. If you love reading, you should definitely explore the Free eBooks available on Project Gutenberg.

    Free eBooks project Gutenberg
    Free eBooks | Project Gutenberg

    No fee or registration! Everything from Project Gutenberg is gratis, libre, and completely without cost to readers. If you find Project Gutenberg useful, please consider a small donation to help Project Gutenberg digitize more books, maintain its online presence, and improve Project Gutenberg programs and offerings. Other ways to help include digitizing, proofreading and formatting, or reporting errors.

    Project Gutenberg</strong>, a platform offering >free eBooks. You can download or read online thousands of digitized books, focusing on older works with expired U.S. copyrights. The site emphasizes that no special apps are needed, and all eBooks are completely free. Additionally, Project Gutenberg encourages donations and volunteer contributions to help digitize and proofread more books. BARD is similar but more options are always better when it comes to reading.

    Where to find other eBooks. You can also explore Free eBooks at Project Gutenberg for a variety of options. Many classic Free eBooks from Project Gutenberg are available for download. Don’t miss out on your Free eBooks.

    Reading Options

    Search HathiTrust’s Digital Library

    Project Gutenberg Self-Publishing – eBooks | Read eBooks online | Free eBooks

    Braille Reading Speed Standards

    Download books from BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download)

    Learn Out Loud Reading-Audio books Galore

    For Parents: Thought-Provoking Ideas on Raising Children

  • Access Training

    Empowering Blind and Visually Impaired Students Globally

    Under the leadership of Dr. Denise M. Robinson, the TechVision Team equips blind and visually impaired students—and the educators who serve them—with the technology skills needed to thrive in school, work, and life. Our team integrates computers, screen readers, braille displays, mobile devices, and AI into daily instruction, ensuring equal access to academics and independence.

    Access to laptop and braille display with Screen reader
    Access Training to laptop and braille display with Screen reader

    Personalized Instruction

    Every learner is unique. TechVision provides customized, 1:1 instruction for students, clients, and educators. We teach the exact tech skills needed to access information, complete tasks efficiently, and compete equally with sighted peers—whether mastering keyboard commands, transcribing work, or navigating digital platforms.

    Equal Access in Action

    Equal access is foundational to our mission at TechVision. We believe every learner, regardless of visual impairment, deserves the ability to participate fully in school, work, and life. Our video lessons and real‑world demonstrations show exactly how students use technology to complete their work independently. These resources equip both students and educators with the practical skills needed to thrive in any environment and ensure that equal access is not just a goal, but a daily reality.

    Global Reach and Collaboration

    TechVision serves learners worldwide through remote instruction and digital resources. We collaborate with families, school districts, businesses, private organizations, and vocational programs to expand educational and employment opportunities.

    TechVision also provides high‑quality transcription in electronic format for immediate access, ensuring students receive the materials they need without delay. We train school personnel when possible, and when districts are unable to take on this work, our team continues providing all transcription to maintain accuracy, consistency, and equal access for every learner.

    Technology & AI for Independence

    We teach students and clients to confidently use:

    • screen readers
    • braille displays
    • mobile devices
    • AI‑powered learning tools
    • voice and image recognition
    • accessible navigation and productivity apps
    • and so much more

    These tools build independence, problem‑solving skills, and real‑world readiness. AI enhances learning by adapting to individual needs, converting print to accessible formats, supporting navigation, and assisting with daily tasks.

    Early Instruction & Long‑Term Success

    Starting early with proper academics—ideally at age 3—keeps students on pace with their sighted peers. TechVision teaches braille, technology, and digital output from the beginning, enabling students to complete and submit work just like everyone else.
    As students grow, they learn to make inaccessible tasks accessible, upload assignments, and use advanced tools for math, science, and daily life. These skills open doors to employment, independence, and lifelong success.

    Community Engagement & Ongoing Support

    We work closely with parents, teachers, schools and communities to build strong support systems. Our personalized training empowers everyone involved and creates a community of confident learners and educators.
    Together, we remove barriers and expand possibilities for every student.

    Our Commitment

    TechVision is transforming access education. Through innovative technology, tailored instruction, and a deep commitment to equal access, we ensure every learner’s journey is marked by growth, independence, and success.
    We remain dedicated to providing top‑quality education to visually impaired learners and educators worldwide.

    We are Here to Help: Contact US: TechVisionTraining@yourtechvision.com

    Dr. Denise M. Robinson, TVI, AT, IT, PhD
    CEO, TechVision
    Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired
    Access Technology Specialist

More posts

Accessibility by WAH