Dr Denise M Robinson

Access Technology & Education Services for Blind and Low Vision

Search results for: “setup”

  • MLA and APA Format Paper Writing — Tech Tip

    Formatting an APA format paper writing style using keyboard commands is an efficient way to create a properly structured document without relying on a mouse. By using shortcuts within programs like Microsoft Word, you can quickly adjust key elements such as margins, fonts, line spacing, and indentation. This guide outlines the essential steps, including setting up the title page, organizing headings, and formatting the references page. By mastering these keyboard commands, you can streamline the process of formatting your APA paper and ensure it meets academic standards.

    To format an APA paper using keyboard commands, you can use several standard shortcuts within word processors like Microsoft Word. Follow these tips to make APA format paper writing easier:

    1. Setup the Document in APA format paper writing style

    • Margins: The default margins in Word are typically 1 inch, but you can check by pressing Alt + P, then M, and selecting “Normal”.
    • Font and Size: Use Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box. Set the font to Times New Roman and the size to 12. Both settings are essential in APA format paper writing.
    • Line Spacing: To set double spacing, press Ctrl + 2.
    • Indentation: For the first line of each paragraph, press Ctrl + T to create a hanging indent. To undo this and create a regular first-line indent, press Ctrl + Shift + T and then Tab to indent the first line.
    APA format of paper
    APA format of paper

    2. Title Page

    • Running Head: Press Alt + N to go to the “Insert” tab, then H for “Header”, and Ctrl + R to right-align the text. Type “Running head: YOUR TITLE” (in caps) on the first page. On other pages, just type the title without “Running head”.
    • Title: Press Ctrl + E to center the title. Capitalize each major word in the title.
    • Author and Institution: Press Ctrl + E again to center your name and institution. Press Enter between lines. Proper formatting of this section is crucial for APA format paper writing.

    3. Main Body

    • Heading Levels:
      • Level 1: Centered, bold. Use Ctrl + E to center and Ctrl + B to bold.
      • Level 2: Left-aligned, bold. Use Ctrl + L to left-align and Ctrl + B to bold.
      • Level 3: Left-aligned, bold, and italicized. Use Ctrl + L, Ctrl + B, and Ctrl + I.
      • Level 4: Indented, bold, ending with a period. Use Ctrl + T for hanging indent, Ctrl + B, and type your text.
      • Level 5: Indented, italicized, ending with a period. Use Ctrl + T, Ctrl + I, and type your text.

    4. References Page

    • Hanging Indent: Select the references text and press Ctrl + T to apply a hanging indent, following APA format paper conventions.
    • Title: Center the title “References” using Ctrl + E.

    5. Page Numbers

    • Insert page numbers by pressing Alt + N, then N, and selecting “Page Number”. Place the number in the top right by pressing Ctrl + R.

    This approach covers the essential formatting elements for an APA paper using keyboard shortcuts. Let me know if you need specific details on any step for better APA format paper writing! Find MLA Word Format here.

    Other Tech Tip Lessons

    How to Properly Format a Paper

    Teach how to set up computer

    Google dictation

    Apply latest update

    APA-MLA tech tip

    Select Noncontiguous folders

    Braille Display to do work in WORD

    Math for all ages

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

  • 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

  • Training For The Blind & Vision Impaired

    Real-Time Access Through Technology

    Remote Instruction Through Access Technology — Complete Real Work in Real Time for all ages. Our program specializes in providing Training For The Blind to ensure that every individual can succeed and work independently.

    Remote Instruction with access Technology
    Training For The Blind & Vision Impaired-Remote Instruction via access Technology

    Empowering Blind & Visually Impaired Students Through Technology and Direct Instruction-Access Technology that Gives you Vision

    Offering Personalized 1:1 remote instruction in technology, Braille, Nemeth, and essential blind skills — for students of all ages, anywhere in the world, enhances their educational access. These services ensure all can access educational opportunities effectively.

    Founded in 2007 by Dr. Denise M. Robinson, a global leader in remote instruction for blind and low-vision education, TechVision brings together a nationally recognized team of blind education specialists, access technology experts, transcribers, and certified braille instructors. The team delivers expert training in access technology, braille, braille math code, screen readers, and comprehensive academic accessibility. Through real-time, individualized instruction, TechVision equips blind learners of all ages to participate equally, work independently, and succeed across educational and professional environments.

    What We Do: Educational Access

    We Provide:

    • Support for families, schools, transition programs, and vocational rehabilitation with the goal of improving access to education.
    • 1:1 specialized instruction in technology, Braille, Nemeth, and all academic access through use of a computer.
    • Training for school teams — Teachers of the Blind & Visually Impaired, transcribers, paras, and School staff
    • Technology setup & independence training using screen readers, braille displays, and computers

    The TechVision Difference

    TechVision, LLC transforms lives through personalized, real‑time remote instruction.
    Our team equips blind and visually impaired students and clients with the technology skills they need to compete equally with their sighted peers — in school, work, and life. We collaborate with families, districts, and agencies worldwide to ensure every learner has educational access and independence.

    Why Educational Access Matters

     With cutting‑edge tools — computers, screen readers, braille displays, and smartphones — our students learn to access information, navigate their world, and build independence. TechVision empowers learners to step into education and employment with the same opportunities as their sighted peers.

    Who We Serve

    • College students needing support for educational access
    • Young adults
    • Adults returning to work
    • Anyone needing access to their world

    Real 1:1 TechVision Instruction

    Students learning to create graphs, write documents, code, and navigate technology independently. Doing Everything their peers are doing.

    Contact us

    Contact US: TechVisionTraining@yourtechvision.com

    you can see student in top right corner of screen using TechVision 1:1 remote instruction while she is working on creating graphs in sheets
    Empowering Blind & Visually Impaired Students Through Technology and Direct Instruction: she is working on creating graphs in sheets

    Tips & Tricks on learning Word and Braille Math Editor with UEB math, FOCUS Braille display and screen reader

  • Blind Dog Guided by Sighted Dog

    Blind Dog Guided by Sighted Dog

    Blind dogs navigate well by relying on their powerful sense of smell, which helps them create a mental map. They recognize familiar scents and use markers to move confidently. As they detect air currents, they sense nearby objects, avoiding obstacles. Over time, they memorize the layout of their home, combining scent and memory to maneuver effectively. This story is of a Blind Dog guided by Sighted Dog but in general, they just roam together, loving life.

    The compassion and love dogs offer, as any owner knows, is so deep that you want them always by your side. Whether sleeping next to you or riding with you wherever you go, their bond can be as close and meaningful as that of a child. If you have more than 1 animal, they too bond with one another and caregiver in a tight knit bond. When you have multiple animals, they bond not only with each other but also with their caregiver, creating a close-knit connection.

    Lily is a Great Dane that has been blind since a bizarre medical condition required that she have both eyes removed. For the last 5 years, Maddison, another Great Dane, has been her sight. The two are, of course, Inseparable. Lily does not really need Maddison to guide her due to her incredible smell but is done more out of wanting to be close with each other as they are best friends. The compassion and love from dogs as any dog owner know, is so close you want them sleeping with you, riding with you when you go places and can be just as close as a relationship as a child. 

    Pictures of Great Danes Lily and Maddison

     

    Great Danes, Lily rubbing her head against Maddison with love Blind Dog guided by Sighted Dog
    Great Danes, Lily rubbing her head against Maddison with love

     

    Lily and Maddison "talking" to each other while lying on the ground--saying something like "I LOVE YOU!" Blind Dog guided by Sighted Dog
    Lily and Maddison “talking” to each other while lying on the ground–saying something like “I LOVE YOU!”

     

    Lily and Maddison running together as Maddison holds a lease connected to Lily. Blind Dog guided by Sighted Dog
    Blind Dog guided by Sighted Dog: Lily and Maddison running together as Maddison holds a lease connected to Lily

     

    Great Danes Lily and Maddison running together with no lease and grinning ear to ear. Blind Dog guided by Sighted Dog
    Great Danes Lily and Maddison running together with no lease and grinning ear to ear

    “People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did.  But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

    Other great stories about success.

    Parents being there for their children

  • Essential Word Keyboard Commands for Setting Defaults

    Essential WORD keyboard commands to help teachers who teach blind with talking software or sighted who just want to move faster. These are some of the most essential commands everyone should know, especially those mastering the essential commands for WORD keyboard users.

    Here’s a summary of essential WORD keyboard commands for video users.

     Keyboard shortcuts for all WORD versions.

    1. Open Word: Press Windows + 5 to start Word from the taskbar.
    2. Zoom In: Use Alt + V + Z to zoom to 200%.
    3. Change Defaults:
      • Open Paragraph Spacing: Press Alt + O + P.
      • Set Spacing to Single: Press Alt + P and change to single spacing.
      • Set Default for All Documents: Press Alt + D followed by Alt + A and then Enter.

    Customize Document further

    1. Change Font:
      • Select All Text: Press Ctrl + A.
      • Open Font Dialog: Press Ctrl + D.
      • Change Font to Times New Roman: Type “Times New Roman” and set size to 12.
      • Set Default for All Documents: Press Alt + D followed by Alt + A and then Enter.
    2. Create Columns:
      • Open Page Layout: Press Alt + P.
      • Select Columns: Press J for columns.
      • Set Number of Columns: Press Alt + O + C and choose the number of columns.
    3. Change Page Color:
      • Open Page Layout: Press Alt + P.
      • Open Colors: Press PC.
      • Select Color: Use arrow keys to choose a color and press Enter.
    4. Add Border:
      • Open Borders: Press Alt + O + B.

    These commands will help you efficiently navigate and customize documents. See other Setup options 

    windows page setup for defaults
    Essential WORD keyboard commands for windows page setup for defaults

    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

  • Document Formatting Editing Elements: Edit Margins, Tab, Headers, Footers & More

    Document formatting editing elements commands work in ALL versions of WORD.

    Video Lesson to help sighted teachers teaching or just sighted people who want to move faster

    Here is a list of formats mentioned in the video:

    1. Windows key + 5 on my computer: Opens the fifth pinned item on the taskbar (Word in this case).
      • Pin your most used APPS on taskbar for faster document formatting editing elements access.
    2. ALT + V, Z: Opens the zoom option.
    • 2: Zoom to 200%.
    • 7: Zoom to 75%.
    1. ALT: Highlights the menu.
    2. ALT + P: Opens the Page Layout tab.
    • O: Opens orientation options.
    • Arrow keys: Navigate between Portrait and Landscape options and document formatting editing elements within the layout tab.
    • Enter: Select the chosen option.
    1. ALT + P, M: Opens margins options.
    • A: Opens custom margins for better control of document formatting.
    • Tab: Moves around the dialog box.
    • Escape: Closes the dialog box.
    Document formatting editing elements Page elements header
    Document formatting editing elements: Header
    1. ALT + V, H: Opens headers.
    2. CTRL + R: Right-aligns text, a key document formatting function.
    3. ALT + I, U: Inserts auto page numbers.
    4. Down Arrow: Moves to the footer.
    5. Escape: Exits the header or footer.
    6. CTRL + End: Moves to the end of the document.
    7. CTRL + Enter: Inserts a page break.
    8. =rand(): Inserts random text (DOS command).
    9. CTRL + Up Arrow: Moves up one paragraph at a time, assisting in document editing tasks.
    10. ALT + V, Z, 100%: Zooms to 100%.

    These commands offer various ways to navigate, format, and interact with Word documents efficiently. More Document formatting editing elements make these processes smoother and more efficient.

    YouTube Channel of all lessons

  • Type directly on PDF for Geometry with screen reader

    You can perform all these tasks using current PDF versions, even with inaccessible scanned images. First, demonstrate how to write text directly on scanned PDFs, then save the edited file. Next, show students how to type directly on PDF and email the completed PDF to their teacher for submission. Perfect touch typing is always preferred for ease.

    For low vision users, all math content with voice output offers additional support. Combine this tool with text manipulation in PDFs to make materials more accessible. This approach ensures students can interact with complex materials efficiently, despite any visual challenges.

    Here are some useful keyboard commands for working with PDFs in Adobe Acrobat, focusing on enlarging the screen and typing on the document:

    Type directly on PDF commands

    Enlarge Screen (Zoom In/Out)

    1. Zoom In:
      • Press Ctrl + + (Plus sign) on Windows.
      • Press Cmd + + (Plus sign) on Mac.
    2. Zoom Out:
      • Press Ctrl + - (Minus sign) on Windows.
      • Press Cmd + - (Minus sign) on Mac.
    3. Fit to Screen:
      • Press Ctrl + 0 (Zero) on Windows.
      • Press Cmd + 0 (Zero) on Mac.

    Typing on a PDF

    Typing on PDF
    Type Directly on PDF
    1. Add Text:
      • Select the Text Box Tool by pressing Ctrl + Shift + T on Windows.
      • On Mac, you might need to manually select the tool from the toolbar.
    2. Type in a Form Field:
      • Navigate to the form field using the Tab key.
      • Press Enter to start typing.
    3. Add a Comment:
      • Press Ctrl + 6 to open the comment tool on Windows.
      • Press Cmd + 6 on Mac.
    4. Save Changes:
      • Press Ctrl + S to save the document on Windows.
      • Press Cmd + S on Mac.

    More PDF Lessons:

    Math and taking inaccessible to accessible in WORD

    Type directly on a PDF

    Transcribe Math Images from PDF

    Take Large PDFs and Print to PDF for a few pages

    If you have any computer issues, fix it up yourself and get going on work.

    These commands should help you navigate and edit PDFs more efficiently.

    Video on How to SEE your computer better with Low vision is also very helpful.

  • Set up Outlook Alarm with Screen Reader

    Set up Outlook alarm with screen reader

    Set up Outlook Alarm
    Scheduling an Outlook Alarm

    To set up an alarm in Outlook with JAWS, press Ctrl + 2 to switch to Calendar view. Next, press Ctrl + N to create a new appointment. JAWS announces each field as you navigate through the form. Enter the subject, then press Tab to move to the location field. Continue pressing Tab to set the start and end times. To adjust the date, use Alt + Down Arrow to access the date picker.

    Press Alt + H to open the appointment tab, then A to set the reminder. Use arrow keys to select the desired reminder time, then press Enter to confirm. Finally, press Ctrl + S to save the appointment. At the scheduled time, JAWS will announce your reminder.

    If you discover your computer is not working well, check your Setups on windows and if you are low vision, here are setup options also for better viewing.

    More Outlook Lessons

  • Family Tree with Smart Art and Screen Reader

    Using your newest WORD version, Create a family tree in Microsoft Word using (1997-2023) keyboard commands is straightforward and efficient. Most importantly, it is accessible. After you open WORD, press F12 for save as and name it then tab to save as an arrow to 1997-2023 and enter. Then press Alt + N to open the Insert tab, then press M to select SmartArt. In the SmartArt dialog box, (typically the first item, so listen) or use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Hierarchy” category and select a suitable layout for your Family Tree with Smart Art, such as “Organizational Chart.” Press Enter to insert the SmartArt graphic into your document.

    This is the method of creating a Family Tree with Smart Art and screen reader. You can then use the Tab key to move between different elements of the chart and Enter to add new family members. To edit text within the SmartArt, simply press F2 to enter text editing mode. This method allows you to create a detailed and visually appealing family tree using just your keyboard and screen reader.

    When you are looking to do sophisticated work such as Family trees, etc., always do as save as to 97-2023 as that Version was fully accessible and still is IF you remember the commands. Here is a few below Family Tree:

    Family Tree with Smart Art and screen reader

    family tree using smart art
    Family Tree with Smart Art

    Here are the keyboard commands for accessing the Insert menu in Microsoft Word (1997-2023):

    1. Open Insert Menu in WORD:
      • Press Alt + N.
    2. Insert Picture:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press P.
    3. Insert Table:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press T.
    4. Insert Shapes:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press S.
    5. Insert SmartArt:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press M.
    6. Insert Chart:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press C.
    7. Insert Hyperlink:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press I.
    8. Insert Text Box:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press X.
    9. Insert Header:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press H.
    10. Insert Footer:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press O.
    11. Insert Page Number:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press NU.

    Another lesson that works just as well: Venn Diagrams with Screen Reader

    These commands should help you efficiently navigate and use the Insert menu in Word. However, if you are experiencing computer issues, fix it and get it setup correctly for speed.

    Now learn to convert braille file into WORD or learn from hundreds of other video lessons

  • 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.

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