Dr Denise M Robinson

Access Technology & Education Services for Blind and Low Vision

Search results for: “WORD”

  • Complete an Excel Graph and Copy into Word Document with Screen Reader

    Kaleigh, one of my (Dr Robinson) students since 2007, learned to Complete an excel graph in this lesson. She began with in-person lessons before transitioning to remote instruction. My husband and I moved 3,000 miles away to care for his parents, and we continued lessons via Skype, later advancing to Zoom. Over time, Kaleigh progressed from basic lessons to more sophisticated ones, covering her educational needs from third grade through graduation. By the time she finished, she was fully prepared for college and capable of completing all the work necessary to succeed in her future academic endeavors.

    In this lesson, I teach her to navigate Excel using keyboard commands. She starts by creating a new document with CTRL + N and merges cells using ALT + H, M to set up graph labels. She inputs data from her Braille Display, with Excel’s talking software aiding her understanding. As she works on the histogram, she ensure she selects the correct cells and counts for the X and Y axes. She then adds and formats axis titles using ALT + J, A, I, adjusting the text orientation as needed.

    Encouragement is Key

    I consistently encourage her to check her data, ensuring she relies on assistive technology for accuracy. For formatting, she uses CTRL + C and CTRL + V to copy and paste sections, speeding up the process. We also cover coloring the graph, where I allow her to choose colors freely. I advise her to use consistent formats for simplicity. She shades sections of the histogram based on her data, using keyboard commands to control her workflow efficiently. This reinforces her independence and accuracy throughout the lesson.

    Complete an excel graph
    Complete an excel graph Settings Option

    After finishing the graph, she reviews her work using CTRL + Home to ensure all elements are correct. Satisfied, she copies the graph into Word and prepares to email it. This exercise demonstrates her effective use of keyboard shortcuts and assistive technology. Her growing independence in mastering Excel for academic tasks shows through her efficient and accurate work. The lesson highlights how the student combines guidance and technology to complete a detailed graph with confidence.

    More Excel Lessons and more math lessons in general from YouTube

  • Efficiently Converting Braille Files to HTML and Word

    To efficiently convert Braille files to text or HTML, you can change extensions as shown in the video or open the Braille file in software like Duxbury Braille Translator or Braille Blaster. Export the file as plain text. Use a text editor to manually add HTML tags or employ a conversion tool for HTML formatting. This method ensures the content is accessible in both text and web formats, making it easier to efficiently convert Braille files to HTML and Word.

    Guidance on converting Braille files into HTML or text files from this video:

    Efficiently converting Braille files to HTML and Word requires specific software and keyboard commands. Below is the method I used in the Video

    1. Extract Files:
      • Applications Key: Press Applications Key, then Down Arrow to select “Extract”.
    2. Rename Files:
      • Rename: Press Applications Key, then Up Arrow to “Rename”, and Enter.
      • Change Extension: Use Right Arrow to navigate, Backspace to delete .txt, and type .html, then Enter.
    3. Open Files in Notepad:
      • Open File: Press Enter on the file to open it in Notepad.
    4. Save As HTML:
      • Save As: Press Alt + F, then Down Arrow to “Save As”, and Enter.
      • Change File Type: Press Tab to navigate to the file type dropdown, select “All Files”, and Enter.
      • Rename Extension: Press Shift + Tab to navigate back, use Right Arrow to move to the extension, Backspace to delete .txt, type .html, and Enter.
    5. Copy and Paste Text:
      • Select All: Press Ctrl + A.
      • Copy: Press Ctrl + C.
      • Paste in Word: Open Word, then press Ctrl + V.
    6. Show File Extensions:
      • Open File Explorer: Press Alt + D.
      • Open Organize Menu: Press Tab to navigate to the “Organize” button, and Enter.
      • Folder Options: Press Down Arrow to “Folder and search options”, and Enter.
      • View Tab: Press Ctrl + Tab to switch to the “View” tab.
      • Show Extensions: Press Tab to navigate to “Hide extensions for known file types”, press Spacebar to uncheck, and Enter.

    These commands should help you efficiently manage and convert your files.

    Here is another way to convert files

    1. Extract the Braille File:
      Use software like Duxbury (DBT) or Braille Blaster Translator to open BRF or BRL files. This software can convert Braille files into readable text.
    2. Export to Text Format:
      After extraction, use the “Export” function in DBT or other Braille translation software to save the file as a plain text (.txt) file.
    3. Convert to HTML:
      Use a text editor to open the .txt file. You can manually add HTML tags to structure it as an HTML file or use a basic converter tool to help automate the process.

    Other Ways to Fix your computer

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

  • 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

  • Track changes in Word-How teachers make corrections in work

    Track changes in Word for a 9th grade. This student was only using a brailler to braille out all work….a very slow process to get it transcribed, then to the teacher, then back to the student. Now, in 2 months the student has moved to completing all work on a computer, emailing to teacher, teacher corrects and sends back.

    Virtual lesson-teaching blind student how to use track changes in Word-how teachers correct

    Track Changes in Microsoft Word using keyboard shortcuts, and you can adjust for Low Vision and mouse

    1. Activate/Deactivate Track Changes:
    2. Navigate Changes:
      • Next Change: Press Alt + Shift + N.
      • Previous Change: Press Alt + Shift + P.
    3. Accept or Reject Changes:
      • Accept Change: Press Alt + Shift + A.
      • Reject Change: Press Alt + Shift + R.
    4. Add a Comment:
    5. Access ALL Comments: CTRL + ALT +’

    Detailed Steps with Keyboard Shortcuts

    1. Activate/Deactivate Track Changes in WORD:
      • Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + E.
      • Action: This toggles Track Changes on or off. When activated, Word will start tracking all edits.
    2. Make Edits:
      • Insertions: Type normally to add new text. It will appear underlined and in a different color.
      • Deletions: Select the text you want to delete and press Delete. The text will show up with a strikethrough.
    3. Navigate Changes:
      • Next Change: Press Alt + Shift + N to move to the next tracked change.
      • Previous Change: Press Alt + Shift + P to move to the previous tracked change.
    4. Accept or Reject Changes:
      • Accept Change: Press Alt + Shift + A to accept the current change.
      • Reject Change: Press Alt + Shift + R to reject the current change.
    5. Add a Comment:
      • Shortcut: Highlight the text and press Ctrl + Alt + M.
      • Action: This will add a comment balloon in the margin where you can type your comment.
    Track changes in Word
    Track changes in Word

    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

  • A Perfect Shot at the Wrong Target: Why Blind Students Need Real-World Access Technology

    A Perfect Shot at the Wrong Target does not work-aim at the right targe
    A Perfect Shot at the Wrong Target does not work-aim for the right target=success

    Here is your post with the accurate Matt Emmons lesson worked in:

    Matt Emmons was one of the best marksmen in the world.

    At the 2004 Athens Olympics, he was positioned to win gold. All he needed was one final shot.

    He aimed.
    And fired.
    He hit a bullseye.

    But it was the wrong target.

    The shot was perfect, but it did not count.

    That mistake cost him the gold medal in that event, but it did not end his story. He kept competing and later won more Olympic medals.

    That part matters too.

    A perfect shot at the wrong target can cost you greatly, but it does not have to end your future.

    That same lesson matters in access technology.

    A blind student can become very skilled with a tool, but if that tool does not prepare them for college, employment, documents, math, email, file management, and real-world digital work with peers, they may be aiming at the wrong target.

    A tablet or note-taker may support some tasks.

    But the world runs on computers and it takes a good decade of instruction from a skilled access tech instructor to teach all the skills needed.

    Students need PC skills, screen reader skills, keyboard commands, Word, Google tools, braille displays, file management, and real digital workflows just as their peers.

    The goal is not just completing today’s assignment.

    The goal is access to college, employment, independence, and a future with options.

    A perfect shot only counts when it hits the right target and prepares the student for a stronger future.

  • Dyslexia and Screen Readers: How Audio Feedback Changes Reading and Writing

    Dyslexia and screen readers: Focus in immersive reader in WORD
    Dyslexia and screen readers: Focus in immersive reader in WORD

    Dyslexia and Screen Readers–Many people think screen readers are only for blind students.

    They are not.

    Audio feedback can also change the life of any student with dyslexia.

    When a student hears letters, words, sentences, spelling, punctuation, and mistakes read back in real time, the brain receives information through another pathway. The student is no longer trapped by what the eyes alone can process.

    For blind students, screen readers paired with a braille display provide access. They connect what students hear to the words under their fingers, which strengthens reading, spelling, and writing.

    For sighted students with dyslexia, audio feedback can provide clarity, confidence, independence, and a way to catch errors they may never see visually. It can also help them hear spelling patterns, punctuation, spacing, and sentence structure as they write.

    This is not cheating.

    It is access.

    This is literacy through technology.

    When students learn to use tools like screen readers, text-to-speech, speech-to-text, keyboard commands, and audio editing, they begin to read, write, revise, and complete work with far more independence.

    The right technology does not lower expectations.

    It raises access so students can meet them.

  • Real-Time Access for Blind Students | JAWS, Braille & Assistive Technology

    Real time access
    Real time access for Blind Students

    Access is Inclusion.

    At TechVision, blind and low vision students learn how to access education in real time using the same technology and workflow skills required in school, college, work, and life so they can keep pace with their peers independently and confidently.

    When instruction begins as early as 3 years of age, students often develop the foundational technology, braille, and academic access skills necessary to progress alongside peers from the very beginning rather than spending years trying to catch up later. Even students who begin later often make remarkable gains and can frequently close significant skill gaps within 1–2 years through intensive real-time instruction and consistent access to technology instruction.

    Our students do not simply learn isolated technology commands. They learn how to actively use assistive technology while completing real academic work alongside their peers.

    Through live instruction, students develop:

    • screen reader proficiency using JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, and VoiceOver
    • braille display fluency using Focus Braille Displays
    • accessible math and science skills using Word Math Editor, Braille Math Editor, LaTex and Nemeth Code
    • Canvas, Google Classroom and Office 365 accessibility and all platforms
    • tactile graphics and STEM access skills
    • keyboarding and digital workflow independence
    • file management and organization skills
    • independent problem solving using real classroom materials
    • and so much more

    Working closely within schools and families, Access Technology Instruction occurs both during live classroom participation and through dedicated 1-on-1 instructional sessions focused on building independence, long-term success, and the ability to independently complete daily assignments and plan workload responsibilities throughout the school week.

    Our team includes both blind and sighted instructors with extensive experience using the same technology students are expected to master. This real-world expertise allows instruction to move beyond theory into practical daily application.

    Accessibility is not about completing work later.
    Access is Inclusion.

    TechVision continues teaching blind and low vision students around the world through remote instruction designed to build confidence, independence, and meaningful academic access.

    Real-Time Access. Real-Time Learning.

    Contact us Now for your evaluation:  TechVisionTraining@yourtechvision.com

  • Blind Student completes Research & Writing Homework

    Blind Student completes Research & Writing Homework
    Blind Student completes Research & Writing Homework

    Many people underestimate how quickly blind and low vision students can learn advanced technology skills when provided with direct, intensive instruction and real-time application within academic work. One inspiring example, of so many, is when a Blind Student completes Research & Writing successfully thanks to these supportive strategies.

    This student entered 10th grade with no keyboarding and computer efficiency skills. Within approximately 2.5 months of focused instruction, she was touch typing over 45 words per minute and independently completing research papers, writing assignments, email communication, and classroom work directly on the computer using a screen reader.

    The speed and confidence demonstrated in this video were developed through:

    • Structured touch typing instruction
    • Screen reader training
    • Keyboard command mastery
    • Real-time academic application
    • Daily repetition and problem solving

    Blind students do not fall behind because of blindness. They fall behind when they are not provided access and proper instruction early enough.

    Once students understand:

    • keyboarding
    • screen reader navigation
    • workflow
    • digital access strategies
    • with consistent instruction

    they can progress very quickly and begin functioning at the same pace as peers.

    Technology instruction is not an “extra.” It is literacy, independence, education, and future employment.

  • Blind Kids Race Using Braille Technology

    Blind Kids Race Using Braille Technology
    Blind Kids Race Using Braille Technology

    Early braille and technology instruction builds confidence, speed, and independence far earlier than most people realize. In this video, you’ll see Blind Kids Race Using Braille Technology as a blind 4-year-old and a 2nd grader race using braille writing tools while developing keyboarding, literacy, and technology skills through play, repetition, and structured instruction.

    These students are not simply “learning devices.” They are learning how to:

    • Read and write independently
    • Build finger strength and tactile awareness
    • Increase speed and coordination
    • Develop early technology confidence
    • Prepare for future academic success

    Young blind children can learn braille and technology skills at the same developmental stage sighted children learn print, handwriting, and keyboarding. When instruction begins early, students gain the ability to keep pace with peers academically while building true independence.

    This type of instruction combines:

    • Braille literacy
    • Keyboarding
    • Listening skills
    • Finger positioning
    • Technology access
    • Confidence through repetition and success
    • Ready for Kindergarten to maintain pace with peers

    The excitement and speed shown in this video demonstrate that blind children are fully capable of mastering complex skills when given access to the right tools and instruction early.

    Other Typing Videos

  • Blind Teen Learns Jaws in 3 Months

    Yelena
    Blind Teen Learns Jaws in 3 Months-Yelena poses for a camera

    When students receive intensive, consistent instruction in access technology, independence changes quickly. This senior, who is was fully blind, demonstrates advanced JAWS screen reader skills. Within her first 3 months of focused instruction she learned English from her Russian Jaws and just continued to advance.

    Watch her hands closely. Her fingers move across the keyboard faster than many sighted users while independently navigating email, documents, research, and computer tasks using speech feedback alone. This level of efficiency is not luck or “talent.” It comes from direct instruction, repetition, structured keyboarding, and access tech instruction while learning how to think through technology nonvisually.

    Far too many blind and low vision students are never taught these skills early enough. Instead, they are often slowed down by inaccessible materials, over-reliance on visual methods, or limited technology instruction. True independence occurs when students learn the keyboard, screen reader commands, workflow, and problem-solving strategies necessary to keep pace with the real world.

    JAWS is not simply a reading tool. It is access to:

    • Education
    • Employment
    • Communication
    • Research
    • Independence

    The speed demonstrated in this video comes from mastering keyboard commands, touch typing, orientation to the computer environment, and daily use of technology in real academic tasks.

    This is why early and intensive technology instruction matters.

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