Google Drive Keyboard shortcuts become much easier — and faster — when you know the right screen reader keyboard commands. In this TechVision tutorial, I walk you through how JAWS and NVDA users can move through folders, open files, switch views, and manage Drive content without ever touching a mouse.
These skills build confidence, speed, and independence for blind and low‑vision users, students learning digital literacy, and anyone who prefers keyboard‑based navigation. You’ll learn how to open menus, jump between items, select files, search your Drive, and access settings with predictable, repeatable commands.
Whether you’re organizing schoolwork, managing shared folders, or teaching students how to work in the cloud, these shortcuts make Google Drive more accessible and efficient for everyone.
TechVision: Empowering real‑life tech skills with clarity, accessibility, and confidence.
Is your computer running slow, freezing, or taking forever to start up? Speed Up a Slow Computer with a few simple maintenance steps can make a huge difference. This is especially true for beginners and blind/low‑vision users who rely on consistent performance with JAWS or NVDA.
In this TechVision tutorial, I walk you through practical, real‑life steps to speed up your PC and keep it running smoothly:
✔ Update your .NET Framework Having the latest .NET installed in your Control Panel helps programs run correctly. It also reduces system errors.
✔ Manage your startup programs Too many apps launching at boot can slow everything down. Turning off unnecessary startup items gives you a faster, cleaner start.
Keep Windows and Office updated
Regular updates improve performance, stability, and security — and prevent many common slow‑computer issues.
✔ Declutter your system Uninstall programs you don’t use and delete temporary files to free up space. This also reduces background load.
✔ Run a full antivirus scan Malware can dramatically slow down your system. A full scan helps identify and remove hidden threats.
✔ Perform regular maintenance Disk Cleanup, defrag (for HDDs), or optimize for SSD and clearing temp files all help your computer run more efficiently.
These steps are simple, effective, and perfect for anyone building independence and confidence with their technology.
TechVision: Empowering real‑life tech skills with clarity, accessibility, and confidence.Video with steps here
Struggling to find your drives or open File Explorer quickly? Adding the This PC icon to your desktop is one of the fastest ways to navigate Windows — especially for beginners, blind/low‑vision users, and anyone building confidence with their computer.
In this quick TechVision tutorial, I show you how to turn on desktop icons, place This PC right where you need it, and get instant access to your drives, folders, and storage. A simple change that makes a big difference in independence and efficiency.
Whether you’re teaching students, supporting a family member, or learning for yourself, this step gives you a clean, predictable starting point every time you sit down at the computer.
TechVision: Building real‑life tech skills with clarity, confidence, and accessibility at the center.
The Hidden Setting Causing the Problem of Microsoft Edge Switching Accounts
Microsoft Edge includes a feature called Automatic Profile Switching. It’s designed to “help” by choosing the profile it thinks matches the website you’re visiting.
In reality, it often does the opposite—forcing you back into the first account ever used on the device.
To quickly change profiles: Ctrl+Shift+M
How to turn it off
Open Microsoft Edge
Go to Settings
Select Profiles
Click or Tab to profile preferences
Turn OFF: Automatic sign in on Edge and Tab and turn off Allow single sign-on..
Once this is off, Edge will finally stop overriding your login and let you choose the account you actually want.
What If You Want Both Accounts to Share the Same Information?
This is the part that confuses most persons.
Turning off automatic switching stops Edge from forcing the wrong account, but it does not merge or sync data between accounts. Microsoft does not allow two accounts to share:
bookmarks
passwords
OneDrive files
emails
sync history
app licenses
school‑managed content
So the person must decide what they actually want:
Option 1 — Keep the Accounts Separate (Recommended for Most Persons)
This is the cleanest, safest setup.
Do this if the person wants:
A school or work account and a personal account
No mixing of data
No login conflicts
A simple way to choose which account to use
How to set it up:
Create two separate Edge profiles
Turn OFF automatic profile switching
Turn ON sync only for the primary profile they use daily
Keep both profiles visible in the top‑right corner: Ctrl+Shift+M allows for fast switching so tab to other profile and enter
This keeps everything organized and prevents school-work restrictions from spilling into personal life.
Option 2 — Move Data From One Account Into the Other
If the person wants “everything in one place,” they must choose a primary account and manually move what’s movable.
What can be moved:
Bookmarks → export from one profile, import into the other
Passwords → export/import through Edge Password Manager
Files → manually move from OneDrive A to OneDrive B
Emails → forward or export/import
What cannot be merged:
Sync history
School‑managed settings
Microsoft Store purchases
Xbox/Game Pass data
Anything tied to an organizational account
This is more work and not always advisable for persons on school or work‑managed devices.
How to Help a Person Decide
Here’s the exact question to ask:
“Do you want your accounts to stay separate, or do you want everything from your school-work account to move into your personal account?” Typically you do not.
Once they answer, the path is clear.
TechVision Bottom Line
If Edge keeps logging you into the wrong account, it’s not you—it’s the browser. Turn off Automatic Profile Switching, and the problem disappears instantly.
If you use two accounts, keep them separate with two profiles. If you want everything in one place, choose a primary account and migrate what you can.
20/70 Vision Looking at whiteboard 20 feet ahead in a room
Overview
Many people wonder, What Does 20/70 Vision Look Like in everyday life? 20/70 vision means a person must stand 20 feet away to see what someone with typical 20/20 vision can see at 70 feet. It represents moderate low vision and often affects reading, recognizing faces, and seeing details at a distance — especially in classrooms, hallways, and outdoor environments.
This page gives you:
A simple explanation
Real‑world examples
Functional impact
Classroom implications
Technology supports
A visual simulation (we’ll add images next)
Simple Definition
20/70 vision is a measurement of visual acuity, describing how clearly a person sees detail.
20 = the testing distance
70 = the distance at which a person with 20/20 vision sees the same detail
So:
If a student with 20/20 vision can read a sign at 70 feet, a student with 20/70 vision must move to 20 feet to see it.
What 20/70 Vision Looks Like in Daily Life
People with 20/70 vision often describe:
Blurry details at a distance
Difficulty reading small print
Needing to move closer to see faces clearly
Trouble with classroom boards or projectors
Missing fine details in worksheets or diagrams
Needing brighter lighting to see comfortably
They can usually navigate independently but may struggle with:
For students who are blind or legally blind, accessing visual information on a computer screen can be one of the biggest barriers to learning unless you have an APP like Be My Eyes on Computer. Whether it’s a graph in science class, a diagram in math, a picture in a digital textbook, or an unlabeled image on a website, visual content often goes unexplained — unless someone is available to describe it.
Be My Eyes now solves this problem directly on your computer.
What Be My Eyes Can Do on a Computer
When installed on a PC or Mac, Be My Eyes can:
Describe graphs, charts, and diagrams
Explain pictures, illustrations, and maps
Identify objects or images in digital textbooks
Summarize visual layouts on websites
Clarify icons, buttons, or menus that are not labeled
Provide context for images that screen readers cannot interpret
This is especially powerful for students who are legally blind and need immediate access to visual information without waiting for a teacher, aide, or parent.
How It Works
Open the Be My Eyes app on your computer.
Take a screenshot or upload the image you want described.
Use the “Ask About This Image” feature.
Type your question — or simply ask:
“What is shown in this graph?”
“Describe the picture on the screen.”
“What does this diagram represent?”
“What is happening in this image?”
The AI will give a clear, detailed description that students can use immediately for classwork, homework, or studying.
Why This Matters for Blind and Low‑Vision Students
Visual content is everywhere in school — especially in math, science, social studies, and digital learning platforms. Without access, students fall behind academically and lose independence.
Be My Eyes gives students the ability to:
Access visual information instantly
Work independently without waiting for help
Understand graphs and diagrams in real time
Participate fully in class assignments
Build confidence and autonomy
For students who are legally blind, this tool is not optional — it is essential.
When to Use Be My Eyes vs. Other Tools
Be My Eyes: For describing images, graphs, diagrams, pictures, and anything visual.
Screen Readers (JAWS/NVDA): For reading text, navigating websites, writing, researching, and completing assignments.
CCTV: Only for viewing pictures or visual diagrams — not for reading.
Together, these tools create a complete access system.
Set Up iPhone Security with VoiceOver using Face ID
Goal
Student independently sets up device security and understands how to authenticate downloads. This lesson will help you Set Up iPhone Security with VoiceOver for a more accessible and safe experience.
PART 1: Set Up a Passcode (Must Be Done First before you can acquire apps)
Face ID and Touch ID require a passcode.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press and hold Side button.
Say:
“Open Settings.”
Step 2: Go to Face ID & Passcode
(Or Touch ID & Passcode on older phones)
• Flick right until you hear: “Face ID & Passcode” • Double-tap.
If it says “Turn Passcode On,” double-tap.
Step 3: Create a Passcode
You will hear:
“Enter a six-digit passcode.”
• Double-tap each number OR • Use braille display if connected
Enter code twice.
Choose a code the student can remember but others cannot guess.
Teach: Do not use birthdays.
Passcode is now active.
PART 2: Set Up Face ID (Newer Phones)
Step 1: In Face ID & Passcode Menu
• Flick right to “Set Up Face ID” • Double-tap.
VoiceOver will guide.
Step 2: Position Face
If by yourself, place phone on your forehead then move straight back
iPhone-Setting Up Email Using Siri & Voice Over-sending a text
Phase 1-Setup Email
Goal
Student independently adds an email account and verifies it works. This guide covers iPhone-Setting Up Email Using Siri & VoiceOver to simplify the process for users who need accessibility support.
Step 1: Open Settings with Siri
Press and hold the Side button. Or Say “Hey Siri” if set up
Say:
“Open Settings.”
VoiceOver will say “Settings.”
Double-tap if needed.
Step 2: Navigate to Mail
• Flick right until you hear “Mail” • Double-tap
Inside Mail:
• Flick right to “Accounts” • Double-tap
Step 3: Add Account
• Flick right to “Add Account” • Double-tap
Choose account type:
iCloud
Google
Outlook
Yahoo
Other
Flick to correct provider. Double-tap.
Step 4: Enter Email Information
You will land in a text field.
To type:
• Double-tap in field • Dictate email address OR • Type using keyboard
Move to next field:
• Flick right
Enter password carefully. VoiceOver will say “Secure text field.”
After entering:
• Flick right to “Next” • Double-tap
Step 5: Verify Mail is Turned On
After account connects:
Make sure “Mail” toggle is ON.
Flick to it. Double-tap if needed.
Then flick right to “Save.” Double-tap.
Email is now active.
Phase 2 – Open and Use Mail
Now the student can begin using Mail.
Activate Siri:
“Open Mail.”
Proceed with:
• Flick right to inbox • Double-tap to open messages • Reply and send
Important Teaching Notes
Teach these concepts early:
✔ Every text field requires a double-tap before typing ✔ Listen fully before moving ✔ Flick slowly and intentionally ✔ Passwords must be entered accurately
If login fails:
• Recheck password • Ensure Wi-Fi is connected • Use Siri to say “Turn Wi-Fi on” if needed
Skill Check
Student should be able to:
Open Settings with Siri
Add an email account
Open Mail
Read one message
Send one reply
You are building digital independence.
Phase 3
Setting Up and Using Email with Siri & VoiceOver
Goal:
Student can open Mail, read messages, and send a simple email independently.
Step 1: Open the Mail App
Activate Siri: Hold the Side button or say:
“Hey Siri, open Mail.”
VoiceOver will announce: “Mail.”
Double-tap if needed.
Step 2: Navigate Inbox
• Flick right to move through emails • VoiceOver reads sender and subject • Double-tap to open
Teach: Listen fully before moving.
Step 3: Read Email
• Flick right to move line by line • Use rotor to change reading level
Signs of Low Vision in Children: Cannot see board work
Many children pass school vision screenings but still struggle to see clearly. Screenings check distance blur, not functional vision. Parents and teachers should watch closely for signs of low vision in children, because children may look fine on paper, yet daily tasks reveal hidden challenges. They squint at the board, lose place in text, miss expressions, and tire quickly. These behaviors reflect low vision, not lack of effort.
Many children pass school vision screenings but still struggle to see clearly. Screenings check distance blur, not functional vision. Children may look fine on paper, yet daily tasks reveal hidden challenges. They squint at the board, lose place in text, miss expressions, and tire quickly. These behaviors reflect low vision, not lack of effort.
Short Attention Span Optimized
1. They squint at the board even from the front row
Squinting signals effort, not attitude. The student works harder to sharpen distant detail.
Strategy:Increase contrast, use bold markers, and provide digital access. Squinting means they’re working hard, not misbehaving.
2. They move reading material close to their face
Children may hold books only inches away. They are trying to capture clarity, not misbehaving.
Strategy: Allow close viewing without correction. Offer magnification, larger print, or digital zoom. This is a strategy, not a problem.
3. They lose place or skip lines while reading
Low contrast and visual strain make tracking difficult. This shows visual fatigue, not poor skills.
Strategy: Use line guides, high‑contrast text, and uncluttered layouts. Tracking improves when visual strain decreases. Use immersive reader on laptop in WORD. Teach Screen reader to listen to content versus all visual.
4. They avoid worksheets with dense text
Heavy print strains the eyes. Students may stall, fidget, or rush because the task hurts.
Strategy:Break text into smaller chunks, increase spacing, and reduce clutter. Avoidance is often about discomfort, not motivation. Teach screen reader Access technology.
5. They miss facial expressions and social cues
Low vision reduces detail in faces. Children may misunderstand reactions, jokes, or emotions.
Strategy: Pair spoken cues with visual ones. Teach peers to use clear gestures and verbal confirmation. Low vision makes faces low‑contrast.
6. They trip or bump into objects others avoid easily
Low detail and reduced depth perception affect safe movement. These students need clear pathways.
Strategy: Keep pathways clear, reduce visual clutter, and ensure consistent classroom layouts. This is an access issue, not coordination.
7. They tire long before they complain
Visual fatigue builds fast. A child may appear distracted after lunch simply because their eyes are tired.
Strategy: Build in visual breaks, rotate tasks, and allow alternative formats. Visual fatigue shows up as “inattention.”
8. They improve dramatically with better contrast or lighting
When small changes help instantly, the issue is vision, not motivation.
Strategy:Adjust lighting, reduce glare, and use bold, high‑contrast materials. Quick improvement means the issue is vision, not effort.
Low Vision Issues
A child can pass a screening yet still experience low vision daily. These signs reflect access needs, not ability. With early support and the right tools, children learn confidently and keep pace with peers.
Understanding Vision in Children: What Visual Acuity Really Means
