Dr Denise M Robinson

Access Technology & Education Services for Blind and Low Vision

Search results for: “low vision”

  • JAWS UEB/Nemeth Settings + Accessible Math in Word & Braille Editor

    JAWS UEB/Nemeth Settings-Word and Braille Math Editor
    JAWS UEB MATHS/Nemeth Settings-Word and Braille Math Editor

    If you’ve ever struggled to get JAWS to read math correctly on your computer, this walk-through will make your life much easier. In this video, I demonstrate how to set JAWS for either UEB Maths or Nemeth math using the JAWS UEB/Nemeth Settings, then show you how to create accessible math using Word’s Math Editor and the Braille Math Editor. Whether you’re a TVI (Teacher of the Blind), a student, or an AT (Access Technology) specialist, these steps will help you produce clear, accurate, and accessible math every time.

    WORD MATH EDITOR Setup

    1. Open the Math Editor

    • Alt + =

    2. Open the Equation Tools tab

    • Alt + J, E

    3. Open Math Options (Settings)

    • T, 1
      (This opens the Math Options dialog.)

    4. Set Alignment to Left
    Inside the Math Options dialog:

    • Alt + J → moves to Justification
    • L → Left alignment
    • Alt + D → Set as Default
    • Tab, Tab → to OK
    • Enter
    • When asked to save as default, choose Yes
      (This saves the settings to the Normal template.)

    5. Check Conversion (if math looks wrong)

    While inside a math zone:

    • Alt + =
    • Alt + J, E
    • C → Convert
    • Make sure it is set to Professional

    WORD MATH EDITOR — Command Sequence (JAWS + Keyboard)

    Open the Math Editor

    • Press Alt + =
      This inserts a new math zone and opens the Word Math Editor.

    Move in and out of the math zone

    • Right Arrow → move into the math zone
    • Right Arrow again → move through elements
    • Left Arrow → move backward
    • Esc → exit the math zone and return to normal text

    Insert common structures

    • Fraction → Ctrl + /
    • Exponent → Ctrl + Shift + =
    • Subscript → Ctrl + =
    • Square root → type \sqrt then press Space
    • Matrix → type \matrix then press Space
    • Parentheses → type ( then ) (Word auto‑sizes them)

    Insert math symbols using LaTeX shortcuts

    • \pi + Space → π
    • \alpha + Space → α
    • \neq + Space → ≠
    • \le + Space → ≤
    • \ge + Space → ≥
    • \div for divide
    • \times for times
    • \sqrt for square root

    (Word’s Math Editor accepts most LaTeX commands-check out list in link.)

    Navigate inside structures

    • Right Arrow → move to next placeholder
    • Left Arrow → move back
    • Ctrl + Right Arrow → jump out of a structure
    • Ctrl + Left Arrow → jump into previous structure
    • To read the braille the easiest–OPEN BME

    BRAILLE MATH EDITOR (BME) — Command Sequence (JAWS + Keyboard)

    Open the Braille Math Editor

    • Press Alt + Shift + =
      (This opens the BME window for UEB contracted math input.)

    Choose UEB or Nemeth

    Inside BME:

    • Press Alt + M → opens Math Code menu
    • Press U → UEB Math
    • Press N → Nemeth Math

    (You can teach students to confirm the code before typing.)

    Enter math using braille input

    • Type using six‑key entry on the braille display or keyboard
    • Use Space to confirm symbols
    • Use Backspace to correct braille cells

    Navigate inside the math expression

    • Left Arrow → move left
    • Right Arrow → move right
    • Ctrl + Left Arrow → jump to previous element
    • Ctrl + Right Arrow → jump to next element

    Insert common structures

    • Fraction → dots 3‑4 then 3‑4 (opening and closing fraction indicators)
    • Superscript → dot 5
    • Subscript → dot 2
    • Square root → dots 1‑2‑3‑5
    • Parentheses → dots 1‑2‑6 and 3‑5‑6

    (These follow UEB math rules; Nemeth uses different indicators.)

    Send math back to Word

    • Press Alt + S → Save and return to Word
    • The math appears in the document as a fully formatted math object

    Exit without saving

    • Press Alt + F4
    • Choose No if you don’t want to insert the math

    Watch Video for full details and below are essential keyboard commands to teach students.

  • Stop Annoying Ding Sounds on Windows Fix Filter Keys & Toggle Keys

    accessibility options in windows i go to keyboard

    Windows + I to settings and find Accessibility on the far left column and open then open keyboard. If you want to stop annoying ding sounds on Windows, the following steps will help you do that.

    If your computer keeps chiming, dinging, or beeping at the worst possible moments, or when you press a particular key, you can silence or customize every system sound in just a few steps.

    If you like to follow a video through the steps, this will help: Stop Annoying Ding Sounds on Windows Fix Filter Keys & Toggle Keys

    In this video, you’ll learn:

    • How to check whether Filter Keys or Toggle Keys are turned on
    • How to turn them off if you don’t need them
    • How to adjust them properly if you do use them
    • How to prevent Windows from enabling them by mistake
    • How to silence or customize the sounds they make

    Commands & Navigation Steps

    Open Windows Accessibility Settings (Keyboard Section)

    • Windows + I → opens Settings
    • down arrow to Accessibility, press Enter, then tab down to Keyboard
    • or press windows (start menu) or using keyboard type Accessibility in the search box

    Check all these Features

    Turn Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, or Toggle Keys On/Off

    • Tab to the setting you want
    • Press Space bar to toggle it on or off

    Hear What Toggle Keys Sounds Like

    • Turn on Toggle Keys → Windows plays a beep when pressing Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock
    • Turn it off again → sound stops immediately

    Notification Preferences for Accessibility Keys

    Windows will play a sound when:

    • Sticky Keys is turned on
    • Filter Keys is turned on
    • Toggle Keys is turned on

    This helps you know when you’ve activated something by accident.

    On‑Screen Keyboard (for mouse users or one‑handed typing)

    • Turn on On‑screen keyboard in the Keyboard settings
    • Click keys with your mouse if typing is difficult

    Underline Access Keys

    • Turn on Underline access keys
    • This shows keyboard shortcuts even when you’re not holding Alt

    Print Screen Behavior (Updated in Windows 11)

    • While you are here adjust Print Screen
    • Arrow to Print Screen and enter → opens the Snipping Tool options at the top of the screen
    • Screen reader users:
      • Tab through options
      • Go to the last one
      • Press Spacebar, then Down Arrow to choose screenshot type-then you have options

    When you cannot do something: Take a Screenshot & Send It to your help person

    • Take screenshot- which literally is copy
    • Press Ctrl + V to paste into an email
    • Send to your tech instructor or support person

    Whether you’re troubleshooting your own device or helping someone else, this quick fix will bring instant peace and quiet — and give you full control over your keyboard behavior.

  • Drop a Pin with iPhone- Google Maps and VoiceOver Navigation for the Blind

    Google Maps, and VoiceOver Skills for the Blind

    Drop a Pin with iPhone using Google Maps and Voice Over to share location with someone to come pick you up

    Blind travelers build custom indoor and outdoor routes using Siri, Apple Maps, Google Maps, VoiceOver gestures, and the Compass app. These tools work together and create a reliable navigation system. Each step supports confidence and helps travelers move safely through any building or surrounding area.

    Google Maps remains helpful outdoors. Apple Maps remains best for dropping labeled pins and using Siri for fast navigation.

    Part 1 — Drop a Pin Using Siri and VoiceOver (Apple Maps)

    Dropping labeled pins works best in Apple Maps, because Siri supports pin creation and VoiceOver announces label options clearly.

    A. Drop a Pin at the Starting Location

    1. Say, “Hey Siri, open Apple Maps.”
    2. Wait until VoiceOver announces “Current Location.”
    3. Flick right until you hear “Drop Pin.”
    4. Perform a double-tap and hold to drop the pin.
    5. Flick right to “Add Label.”
    6. Double-tap.
    7. Dictate a label such as “Main Room.”
    8. Flick right to “Done.”
    9. Double-tap to save.

    B. Drop a Pin at the Next Location

    Repeat the process at any hallway, office, bathroom, or exit.

    1. Say, “Hey Siri, open Apple Maps.”
    2. Flick to “Drop Pin.”
    3. Double-tap and hold.
    4. Flick to “Add Label.”
    5. Double-tap.
    6. Dictate “Bathroom.”
    7. Flick to “Done.”
    8. Double-tap.

    Part 2 — Navigate Between Custom Pins (Apple Maps + Google Maps)

    Siri provides indoor headings and distance even when indoor maps do not exist.
    Google Maps adds strong outdoor accuracy when needed.

    A. Navigate to the Main Room (Apple Maps)

    1. Say, “Siri, walking directions to Main Room.”
    2. VoiceOver reads distance and direction.

    B. Navigate to the Bathroom (Apple Maps)

    1. Say, “Siri, walking directions to Bathroom.”
    2. Follow hall cues and maintain alignment.

    C. Use Google Maps When Outdoors

    1. Say: “Hey Siri, open Google Maps.”
    2. Use VoiceOver to choose Walking.
    3. Follow turn-by-turn directions with outdoor accuracy.

    Google Maps excels outdoors. Apple Maps excels for labeled pins indoors.

    Part 3 — Teach Compass Skills for Indoor Orientation

    A. Open Compass

    1. Say, “Hey Siri, open Compass.”
    2. VoiceOver reads the heading.

    B. Teach Basic Directions

    • North equals 0 degrees.
    • East equals 90 degrees.
    • South equals 180 degrees.
    • West equals 270 degrees.

    C. Practice Turning

    1. Face forward.
    2. Listen to the heading.
    3. Turn left or right.
    4. Listen as VoiceOver updates the heading.

    D. Connect Compass to Pins

    1. Say, “Siri, walking directions to Bathroom.”
    2. Listen for cues like “Head west.”
    3. Match the heading in Compass.
    4. Walk in that direction.

    Part 4 — Build Route Memory Using O&M Skills

    A. Notice Landmarks

    Teach the traveler to notice:

    • Floor textures
    • Temperature changes
    • Echo patterns
    • Doorframes
    • Rails
    • Open spaces

    B. Teach Step Counting

    1. Start at the first labeled pin.
    2. Count steps to the next point.
    3. Stop at each turn.
    4. Record distances.

    C. Teach Repetition

    1. Practice with guidance.
    2. Practice with shadowing.
    3. Practice with verbal prompts.

    D. Teach Reverse Routing

    Walk the route backward using opposite turns.

    Using Look around app on iPhone to “see” what is around the traveler

    Part 5 — Use Look Around with Apple Maps

    Look Around helps travelers understand the outside of a building.

    A. When Look Around Works

    • On public streets
    • At building entrances
    • Around sidewalks and driveways

    B. Open Look Around

    1. Say, “Hey Siri, open Apple Maps.”
    2. Search for the building.
    3. Flick until VoiceOver says “Look Around available.”
    4. Double-tap to open it.

    C. What Look Around Teaches

    • Street layout
    • Sidewalk positions
    • Entrance locations

    D. What Look Around Cannot Do

    • No hallways
    • No interior rooms
    • No indoor turn-by-turn directions

    Create Custom Routes

    Part 6 — A Complete Custom Route Routine

    1. Use Look Around outside to understand the area.
    2. Drop labeled pins at important indoor locations.
    3. Use Siri for walking directions to any saved pin.
    4. Use Compass to match the required heading.
    5. Use Google Maps for outdoor paths when needed.
    6. Build step counts and turns for each route.
    7. Use landmarks for confirmation.
    8. Practice until the traveler moves independently.

    Share Location, Get Directions, Add to Favorites and more using Google Maps, Voice Over and Siri

    Part 7 — Share Your Location Quickly for Pickup or Safety

    Blind people often need to share their exact location so family, friends, or rides can find them. Siri and VoiceOver make this process fast and hands-free.

    This skill works indoors and outdoors. It also works when someone feels unsafe, confused, or needs help immediately.

    A. Share Your Location with Siri (Fastest Method)

    1. Say: “Hey Siri, share my location with Mom.”
      (Replace “Mom” with any trusted contact.)
    2. Siri sends your exact GPS location.
    3. VoiceOver confirms: “Sent your current location.”

    This method works even when you cannot identify where you are.

    B. Share Your Location in Messages (Manual Method)

    1. Say: “Hey Siri, open Messages.”
    2. Touch the center of the screen.
    3. Flick right until you hear the contact’s name.
    4. Double-tap to open the conversation.
    5. Flick right until you hear “Send My Current Location.”
    6. Double-tap to send it.
    7. VoiceOver confirms the message.

    This method helps when someone prefers not to dictate aloud.

    C. Share Your Location Permanently With a Trusted Contact

    This helps a helper monitor travel when needed.

    1. Say: “Hey Siri, open Messages.”
    2. Open the trusted contact’s conversation.
    3. Flick to “Details” or “Info.”
    4. Double-tap.
    5. Flick to “Share My Location.”
    6. Double-tap.
    7. Flick to “Share Indefinitely.”
    8. Double-tap to activate.

    The trusted person can now find your location anytime you share it.

    D. When Lost

    1. Stop walking.
    2. Hold the phone in both hands.
    3. Face a quiet direction.
    4. Say: “Hey Siri, share my location with Mom,” or person.
    5. Wait for VoiceOver to confirm.
    6. Stay in place until person arrives.

    E. Combine Location Sharing With Dropped Pins

    You can do both:

    1. Drop a pin at the pickup point.
    2. Label it with VoiceOver.
    3. Share their location with Siri so the pickup person receives the exact spot.
    4. Use Compass to stay oriented until they arrive.

    This gives the safest and most accurate pickup routine.

  • Drop Pins and Navigate with Maps: iPhone and VoiceOver Skills for the Blind

    navigation with drop a Pin
    Drop Pins and Navigate with Apple Maps

    Goal:

    • Mark and label the location
    • Walk to the bus stop or another destination
    • Drop a second pin
    • Create a reusable walking route
    • Reuse that same route when returning home

    VoiceOver + Siri Navigation Workflow: Drop Pins, Mark Locations, Save Routes, Reuse Them

    PART 1 — Drop a Pin at Home (Using Siri or VoiceOver)

    Option A: Using Siri

    1. Say: “Hey Siri, drop a pin.”
    2. Siri will place a pin at your exact GPS location.
    3. Say: “Hey Siri, mark my location as Home.”
      • This saves it permanently in Maps.

    Option B: Using VoiceOver

    1. Open Maps.
    2. Touch the screen until you hear “Current Location.”
    3. One‑finger double‑tap to select it.
    4. Swipe right until you hear “More” or “Actions available.”
    5. Use the Actions Rotor → choose “Drop Pin.”
    6. Double‑tap to confirm.
    7. Swipe to “Add to Favorites” → double‑tap.
    8. Type or dictate: “Home.”

    PART 2 — Walk to the Bus Stop and Drop a Pin There

    1. Walk to the bus stop.
    2. Once standing at the exact spot, say:
      “Hey Siri, drop a pin.”
    3. Or use the VoiceOver method again:
      • Current Location → Actions Rotor → Drop Pin.
    4. Add it to Favorites and label it “Bus Stop.”

    PART 3 — Create a Walking Route Between Home and Bus Stop

    From Home to Bus Stop

    1. Open Maps.
    2. In Favorites, choose “Bus Stop.”
    3. Swipe to “Directions.”
    4. Choose “Walking.”
    5. Double‑tap “Go.”
    6. Maps now has a reusable route from Home → Bus Stop.

    Save the Route

    Apple Maps doesn’t have a “Save Route” button, but you can save it by:

    • Keeping Home and Bus Stop in Favorites
    • Maps will always generate the same walking route between two saved points
    • You can also add both to a Guide (optional)

    PART 4 — Reuse the Route When Returning Home After Getting Off the Bus

    When you get off the bus:

    Option A: Siri

    Say:
    “Hey Siri, give me walking directions to Home.”

    Option B: VoiceOver

    1. Open Maps.
    2. Go to Favorites.
    3. Select Home.
    4. Swipe to Directions → choose Walking → Go.

    This automatically recreates the same route you used earlier.

    Easy Summary Script

    Here’s a simple version you can teach directly:

    1. At home: “Hey Siri, drop a pin. Mark this as Home.”
    2. Walk to bus stop: “Hey Siri, drop a pin. Mark this as Bus Stop.”
    3. To go to the bus stop: Open Maps → Favorites → Bus Stop → Directions → Walking → Go.
    4. To go home after the bus: “Hey Siri, walking directions to Home.”

    Other iPhone Lessons

  • How Blind People Drop a Pin to Share Location on iPhone

    Man taps share my location on phone
    How Blind People Drop a Pin to Share: A blind man waits outside a building with his long white cane leaning against his shoulder while he taps his phone to share his location.

    Share Your Location Using Siri and VoiceOver

    Blind people can stay safer and more independent by learning how to share their location quickly using Siri and VoiceOver. If you want to know how blind people drop a pin to share location, the iPhone offers simple tools that allow blind users to contact trusted people, send their exact location, and request help with only a few commands. These steps explain how to set up location sharing, how to flick and navigate with VoiceOver, and how to share your location anytime support is needed.

    Step 1: Add a Trusted Contact

    A trusted contact can be a parent, partner, caregiver, or friend.

    Open Contacts

    Say, “Hey Siri, open Contacts.”

    Add the contact

    1. Touch the middle of the screen to find the list.
    2. Flick right until VoiceOver says “Add Contact.”
    3. Double-tap to open it.
    4. Enter the person’s name.
    5. Flick right to the phone number field.
    6. Double-tap and enter the number.
    7. Flick right until you hear “Done.”
    8. Double-tap to save.

    This contact becomes the person you can share your location with anytime.

    Step 2: How Blind People Drop a Pin to Share and Turn On ‘Share My Location’

    Location sharing must be activated before Siri can send your location.

    Open Settings

    Say, “Hey Siri, open Settings.”

    Open your Apple ID

    1. Touch the top of the screen.
    2. VoiceOver speaks the user’s name.
    3. Double-tap.

    Open Find My

    1. Flick right slowly until you hear “Find My.”
    2. Double-tap to open it.

    Enable location sharing

    1. Flick right until you hear “Share My Location.”
    2. Double-tap to turn it on.

    Your iPhone can now send your live location when requested.

    Step 3: How blind people Share Location With a Trusted Person Permanently

    Open Messages

    Say, “Hey Siri, open Messages.”

    Open the trusted person’s conversation

    1. Touch the center of the screen.
    2. Flick right until you hear their name.
    3. Double-tap.

    Open contact details

    1. Touch the upper right corner.
    2. Flick right until VoiceOver says “Info” or “Details.”
    3. Double-tap.

    Share permanently

    1. Flick right until you hear “Share My Location.”
    2. Double-tap.
    3. Flick right to “Share Indefinitely.”
    4. Double-tap.

    Your trusted person now sees your location anytime you choose to share it.

    Step 4: How Blind People Drop a Pin to Share Your Location Quickly Using Siri

    This is the fastest and safest method.

    Say:
    “Hey Siri, share my location with Mom.”
    (or the name of your trusted contact)

    Siri sends your exact GPS location through Messages.
    VoiceOver confirms the action.

    This works indoors and outdoors.

    Step 5: Share Your Location Manually in Messages

    Open Messages

    Say, “Open Messages.”

    Send location

    1. Open the trusted person’s conversation.
    2. Flick right until you hear “Send My Current Location.”
    3. Double-tap.
    4. VoiceOver confirms the message.

    This is helpful when you prefer not to dictate aloud.

    Step 6: When Blind People Should Share Their Location

    Location sharing helps when you:

    • Feel lost
    • Feel unsafe
    • Need help quickly
    • Need a ride
    • Experience a sudden change in plans
    • Want a trusted person to monitor your travel safely

    This step protects blind travelers and supports independence in public places.

    Step 7: A Simple Safety Script to Teach

    Blind users can use this script anytime they need help:

    1. Stop walking.
    2. Hold your phone securely.
    3. Face a quiet direction.
    4. Say, “Hey Siri, share my location with Mom.”
    5. Wait for VoiceOver to confirm.
    6. Stay where you are until help arrives.

    This gives blind travelers control during stressful or uncertain situations.

    Why This Skill Matter

    Location sharing supports blind people in daily travel.
    It strengthens communication and confidence.
    – helps families and caregivers respond quickly in emergencies.
    It enhances safety without reducing independence.
    – empowers blind users to manage real-world travel with greater security.

    Video Lessons on all blind skills at YouTube

    More Access Tech

  • LinkedIn with JAWS Commands

    Person navigating linkedin using braille display and screen reader
    Person navigating LinkedIn with JAWS commands using braille display and screen reader

    Navigating LinkedIn with JAWS commands or any screen reader doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right JAWS commands, blind and visually impaired professionals can confidently connect, network, apply for jobs, and build a strong online presence. This guide walks you through the essential JAWS shortcuts and navigation strategies that make LinkedIn fully accessible — whether you’re a student preparing for your first job search, a professional expanding your network, or an educator supporting blind learners. TechVision is committed to empowering every user with the tools they need for independence, confidence, and success online.

    Keyboard shortcuts for LinkedIn with Jaws

    Use LinkedIn with JAWS commands to move quickly through the interface. Press Ctrl+Home, then Tab through the first three items until you reach the options you want. Press Enter to open the shortcut menu and enable quick‑navigation features on the page. These are essential LinkedIn with JAWS commands for efficient navigation

    Change your cursor insert z on or off based on what you need to do

    To read every line insert z on and insert ; on then down arrow

    Other shortcuts below

    ActionShortcut
    Open cheat-sheetShift+?
    Search/
    Go to Homeg h
    Regionr
    move through menu itemsi
    Go to Messagingg m
    Go to Notificationsg n
    Start a post-cursor offn
    Next updatej
    Previous updatek
    React to updatel
    Comment on updatec
    Repost updater
    Share updates

    Watch Full Video of steps here: Navigating LinkedIn with JAWS screen reader

  • Fix and Speed Up Windows Computer in Minutes

    woman sitting at computer smiling as it is fixed and fast
    Fixed and Cleaned up Computer for Speed

    Computer acting up, freezing up, slowing down, moving like a snail so you have to walk away (before you do something you will regret to it)?
    Browser freezing?
    Apps slowing down or refusing to open?

    Network working like a snail?

    These issues affect every Windows user — teachers, professionals, students, and anyone trying to get work done. The good news is that many of the most common problems can be fixed quickly with a few simple steps.

    Here are essential Windows fixes every user should know:

    1️. When your browser freezes

    • Press Ctrl + R or F5 to refresh the page.
    • If a site should be loading but isn’t, use a force refresh: Ctrl + Shift + R.
      This clears cached elements and forces the browser to reload everything.

    2️. Speed up your computer by managing startup apps

    • Open Task Manager instantly with Ctrl + Windows + Escape.
    • Press Ctrl + Tab to move to Startup Apps.
    • Right‑click any program you don’t need at startup and choose Disable.

    This doesn’t remove or break anything — it simply gives you control over what opens and when. Most computers are slowed down by unnecessary bloatware launching automatically. If you do not disable what you do not need it is slow to start up and remains slow because those programs are ALWAYS running in the background whether you know or not. Most do not hence the slow speed of your computer.

    3️. Uninstall programs you don’t use

    • Press Windows and type in remove a which will take you to add remove programs
    • Arrow down through all programs and uninstall what you do not need or use. Picture yourself weighing 500 pounds and you are taking off 50 pounds at a time with each remove. You get lighter, you move faster.
    • With commands, Find programs you no longer need, press Tab once to reach the three dots, then select Uninstall.

    Removing unused software frees space, reduces background activity, and improves overall performance.

    4️. Fix sound issues quickly

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
    • Type Sound and open Sound Settings.
    • Check each device (input and output) and adjust as needed.
    • Go through all options and adjust it to fit your needs.

    This solves many audio problems without needing a full restart.

    5️. Clear your Temp folder daily to improve speed

    • Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
    • Type %temp% and press Enter.
    • Press Ctrl + A to select everything.
    • Press Shift + Delete to permanently remove the files.
    • When prompted, enter on Yes, and another box opens, check the box that says do this for all (or ctrl A) , and press Alt + S to skip files currently in use.

    Clearing this folder removes clutter and can even improve your internet speed by eliminating old cached data.

    Clean Out System Garbage with Disk Cleanup

    Next, press your Windows key and type disk.
    You’ll see Disk Cleanup populate — press Enter to open it.

    Once it opens, press Enter again to scan your system.
    This reveals all the garbage that’s quietly collected on your computer.

    Now Tab to or click on “Clean up system files.”
    Press Enter — and be patient. If you’ve never done this before, it may take a while to populate.

    When the box opens, select everything you can see.
    You’ll notice gigabytes of waste clogging your system — old logs, temp files, update leftovers, and more.

    Delete it all.
    One caveat: don’t delete your Downloads folder from here.
    Instead, go to Downloads manually and clean it out one item at a time.
    You may still need backups or haven’t saved things to proper folders yet.

    These steps help all users, and they’re especially important for blind and visually impaired individuals who rely on consistent system behavior with JAWS or NVDA.

    A few quick fixes can save time, reduce frustration, and keep your computer running the way it should.

  • Access Tech Lessons

    Access Tech Lessons for all ages
    Students of all ages using Technology

    Access Technology: Your Path to Independence

    Accessibility opens the world for blind and low-vision people. Access Tech Lessons can help users get the most out of these tools by offering step-by-step guides and support. It removes limits, builds confidence, and gives you real control of your daily life. With the right tools, navigation becomes possible, learning becomes smoother, and work becomes fully accessible.

    This page brings together practical lessons that teach you how to use the technology that matters most. Each lesson stays simple, direct, and hands-on so you can learn with confidence. You will explore screen readers, braille displays, iPhone navigation, accessible math tools, and the skills needed to work, study, and travel independently.

    As you move through each lesson, your skills will grow, and your world will open. Access becomes freedom. Freedom becomes opportunity. And opportunity builds a future filled with purpose and vision.

    Welcome to Access Tech Lessons. Your journey starts here. Contact: TechVisionTraining@yourtechvision.com
    For inspiring stories about family and living with blindness, explore our Stories section.

    Career & Job Skills

    Screen Readers & OS

    AI Tools

    Typing & Keyboarding

    Math & STEM

    Graphing & Math

    PDFs & eBooks

    Braille Displays

    Documents & Productivity

    iPhone

    Embossing & Tactile Graphics

    Education Platforms

  • Blind Teen Masters JAWS

    Blind Teen Masters JAWS on computer
    Blind Teen Masters JAWS on computer

    A remarkable transformation unfolded in 2000 when a blind teenage girl arrived from the Ukraine–Russia border region. Her journey would soon be defined by the inspiring story of how a Blind Teen Masters JAWS. She had lost her sight due to a brain tumor and survived medical hardship. In addition, she entered the United States without knowing a single word of English. She faced dozens of surgeries to remove the tumor. She was brave, brilliant, and determined — but she faced a world that she feared. Her first English words to me were: “I want to die cause blind can’t do anything!”

    I was determined to change that idea as done with other Students.

    When she first sat down at the computer, the only screen reader available to her was English JAWS. To bridge the gap, I sought out someone who became friend in Russian to get Jaws scripts for Russian JAWS. This allowed her to switch seamlessly between Russian and English. This simple act opened a doorway. She could hear her native language, type in English, and move back and forth between the two as she learned. Within 3 months she was interpreting the language for her family. She could speak smoothly and understandably to her peers and teachers. The next crucial skill skill was connecting her to friends in Ukraine via email. THAT was the secret. The journey was possible because this blind teen truly mastered JAWS and pushed through the barriers.

    And she learned fast. Within that 3 months, she told me: I do not want to die anymore because the technology has changed everything for me and shows me my future. I can do what I want and need.

    Every day she practiced navigating the keyboard, reading with JAWS, writing, and communicating. She used the bilingual setup to teach herself English while mastering the technology that would give her independence. Her confidence grew with every keystroke.

    Three months later, the young teen who once arrived frightened and silent was now speaking fluent English. She was using JAWS like she had been doing it for years. In the video below, she demonstrates her skills entirely in English: reading email, writing messages, attaching files, and navigating her computer with flawless precision. Her success is a striking example of what happens when a blind teen sets out to master JAWS. She is breaking new ground for herself and others.

    Her journey is a powerful reminder that access changes everything.
    When students receive the right tools, the right training, and unwavering belief, they rise. They thrive. They discover who they were always meant to be.

    This is why access technology matters. Watch her incredible journey in 3 months.

    Another Inspired Story

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