Dr Denise M Robinson

Access Technology & Education Services for Blind and Low Vision

Search results for: “low vision”

  • Proper Touch Typing Methods on the Keyboard

    Proper touch typing methods and sitting positions are crucial for efficiency and preventing strain or injury.

    Here are some key points to consider:

    Proper touch typing methods and Techniques

    1. Home Row Position:
      • Place your fingers on the home row keys: A, S, D, F for the left hand and J, K, L, ; for the right hand.
      • Your thumbs should rest on the spacebar.
    2. Finger Placement:
      • Each finger is responsible for specific keys. For example, the left index finger covers F, G, R, T, V, and B, while the right index finger covers J, H, U, Y, N, and M.
    3. Typing Without Looking:
      • Practice typing without looking at the keyboard. This helps build muscle memory and increases typing speed and accuracy.
    4. Consistent Practice:
      • Regular practice is essential. Use typing software or online tools to improve your skills.

    Proper Sitting Position

    1. Chair and Desk Height:
      • Adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle.
      • Your desk should be at a height where your elbows are also at a 90-degree angle when typing.
    2. Back Support:
      • Sit up straight with your back supported by the chair. Avoid slouching to prevent back strain.
    3. Monitor Position:
      • Place your monitor at eye level, about 20-30 inches away from your eyes. This helps reduce neck strain.
    4. Keyboard and Mouse Placement:
      • Keep your keyboard and mouse close enough to avoid reaching. Your wrists should be straight and not resting on the desk while typing.
    5. Breaks and Stretches:
      • Take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move around. This helps prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and keeps you comfortable.
    correct (sitting straight up and feet flat on floor and incorrect sitting position with legs out and person hunched over keyboard

    By following these techniques and maintaining a proper sitting position, you can enhance your typing efficiency and reduce the risk of discomfort or injury.

    If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

    Proper touch typing methods and Typing Tips

    Let us know what we can do for you with 1:1 instruction

  • Jordan on Learning Computers for the Blind

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

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

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

    Independence on Computers for the Blind

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

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

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

  • Creating PowerPoint Sound Transitions for All Audiences

    It’s important for blind students to use sound transitions in PowerPoint because it helps them follow their presentations without needing to see the slides. Creating PPT sound transitions is essential as the sound cues let them know when a slide changes, making it easier to stay organized and understand the flow of the presentation. This not only builds their confidence in using technology but also helps make their presentations more accessible to everyone, whether they are blind or sighted.

    Here are the keyboard commands to add sound transitions in PowerPoint:

    1. Select the Slide:
      • Use the arrow keys to navigate to the slide you want to add a sound transition to.
    2. Open Transitions Tab:
      • Press ALT + K to open the Transitions tab.
    3. Choose a Transition:
      • Use the arrow keys to select a transition effect from the gallery.
    4. Add Sound to Transition:
      • Press ALT + K, then U to open the Sound drop-down menu.
      • Use the arrow keys to select a built-in sound or press O to choose your own sound file.
    5. Preview the Transition:
      • Press ALT + K, then V to preview the transition with the sound.
    6. Apply to All Slides (if needed):
      • Press ALT + K, then A to apply the transition and sound to all slides.

    These commands should help you efficiently add sound transitions to your PowerPoint slides, thereby creating seamless PPT transitions.  

    Move between PPT and Google Slides

    Access the table and links with screen reader with navigation commands

    Shortcut Commands with screen reader by Campbell

    Google Slides into TEXT -Tech Tip

    New 2024 Google Drive screen reader navigation with keyboard commands

    YouTube Channel with hundreds of lessons.

  • Raveena Fixes Computer Issues, Display Problems, and Uploads Perky Duck Program

    Raveena shows how to fix basic computer and screen problems and then explains how to install the Perky Duck braille program. She starts by helping users solve common computer or display issues with easy steps. After that, Raveena Fixes Computer Issues by walking through downloading and setting up the Perky Duck program, which helps create and translate braille. Her simple instructions make it easier for students and teachers to use the program and keep their devices running smoothly.

    To upload a file in the Perky Duck braille transcription program, you can follow these steps using keyboard commands. Raveena Fixes Computer Issues by providing clear steps to follow:

    1. Open Perky Duck:
      • Press Windows Key, type “Perky Duck”, and press Enter to open the program.
    2. Open File Dialog:
      • Press Alt + F to open the File menu.
      • Press O to select “Open”.
    3. Navigate to Your File:
      • Use the arrow keys to navigate through your directories.
      • Press Enter to open folders.
      • Once you find your file, press Enter to upload it.
    Perky Duck free braille translator
    Perky Duck free braille translator

    These commands should help you efficiently upload a file in Perky Duck. If you need more detailed instructions or have any other questions, feel free to ask! That’s how Raveena Fixes Computer Issues efficiently. Other ways to fix your computer

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

  • Love Fast Braille Reading

    Becoming a fast Braille reader requires regular practice, strong finger sensitivity, and familiarity with Braille symbols. It is important to develop consistent reading habits, starting with simple texts and gradually increasing difficulty. Mastery of the Braille code, including contractions in Grade 2 Braille, helps increase reading speed by reducing the number of characters to recognize. Using both hands efficiently—one to read ahead and the other to track—can improve flow and speed. Building tactile sensitivity through exercises or activities that engage the fingers is also important for faster recognition of Braille patterns. To truly love fast Braille reading, it typically requires about 2.5 hours of daily practice for two months to reach up to 450+ words per minute. Then after achieving this speed, maintaining progress involves consistent reading each week to keep improving and retain fluency. This is true of sighted people reading print also.

    Starting to read Braille at the age of 3 helps build a strong foundation for lifelong reading skills. Early exposure to Braille allows children to develop familiarity with the tactile symbols and patterns, making reading feel natural as they grow. As they explore stories and books, they often gain a love for reading, which motivates them to practice regularly. This consistent practice, combined with early learning, can significantly increase reading speed over time, even reaching over 450+ words per minute. The combination of early introduction and a passion for reading helps develop both fluency and speed in Braille. This is true of sighted people reading print also who love fast Braille reading.

    Integrate braille everywhere to reach the standards for Braille Reading Speed

  • JAWS Cursors: Enhancing Navigation and Control for Blind Users by Finn

    JAWS screen reader offers a variety of cursors that allow blind users to navigate and interact with different types of content more effectively. Each cursor has its specific role, enabling users to access information, move between elements, and interact with applications in various ways. Understanding how to use these cursors—such as the PC cursor, JAWS cursor, Virtual PC cursor, and more—can greatly enhance navigation, making it easier to explore screens, web pages, and documents. Mastering these tools provides more independence and control over the user experience, ensuring smoother and more efficient interactions with digital environments.

    JAWS screen reader provides several cursors to help blind users navigate and interact with content effectively. Each cursor serves a different purpose, and knowing how to use them can improve navigation. Here’s an overview of how to use the different JAWS cursors:

    All Those JAWS Cursors: Enhancing Navigation

    1. PC Cursor

    • Purpose: This is the default cursor and follows the system focus.
    • How to Use: Use the keyboard to navigate the screen as a sighted user would, moving between menus, forms, or buttons. This cursor interacts directly with the application.

    2. JAWS Cursor

    • Purpose: It simulates mouse movement and allows you to navigate the screen freely without being tied to the system focus.
    • How to Use: Use the number pad to move the JAWS cursor. The “5” key on the number pad reads the item under the cursor. Use this cursor to explore screen elements or access parts of the screen that may not be reachable with the PC cursor.

    3. Virtual PC Cursor

    • Purpose: Primarily used in web browsers and documents to read content as if it were in a virtual document.
    • How to Use: Navigate with standard keyboard commands, such as arrow keys, or use quick navigation keys (like “H” for heading or “F” for form fields). The Virtual PC Cursor treats the content as a text-based document, allowing easy access to web and document elements.

    4. Invisible Cursor

    • Purpose: Works similarly to the JAWS cursor but remains invisible. It’s useful when you don’t want to disturb the system focus.
    • How to Use: Move this cursor with the number pad keys without affecting other cursors, such as the PC cursor. This is often helpful for reading content while leaving the active focus elsewhere.

    5. Touch Cursor

    • Purpose: Designed for touch screens, it allows for navigating and interacting with touch gestures.
    • How to Use: Utilize touch gestures on a touch screen to control JAWS. This is ideal for tablets or laptops with touch screens, making the experience more interactive.

    6. Routing and Review Cursor

    • Purpose: Used for reviewing content on a braille display and routing the cursor to specific points.
    • How to Use: On a braille display, you can move the review cursor to read through text or route the PC cursor to a specific point by pressing routing buttons on the display.

    By mastering these cursors, a JAWS user can efficiently navigate various environments, whether it’s desktop applications, web pages, or documents, enhancing both productivity and accessibility. Using proper touch-typing methods on keyboard allows great freedom and ease.

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

  • Teaching a Guardian to Set Up a Computer with a Braille Display for a Blind Child

    Teaching a guardian or parent to set up a computer with a braille display for their blind child is key to supporting the child’s learning and independence. In this video on teaching guardian computer setup, you’ll see me, Dr. Denise, working with the child’s guardian as I explain how to set up the technology and guide her on how to assist her granddaughter. When guardians understand how the technology works, they can help their child access school materials and keep up with their classmates. This not only makes learning easier for the child but also equips the guardian with the tools to actively support their education at home, creating a positive and inclusive environment for the child’s growth.

    Teaching a guardian how to set up a computer with a braille display for their blind child provides many benefits. Here are the key advantages:

    Teaching Guardian Computer Setup Reasons

    1. Increased Independence: When a guardian knows how to use the technology, this enables more independence. The child can access learning materials, without always needing help.
    2. Consistent Learning: A properly set up computer with a braille display ensures the child has the needed tools.
    3. Empowerment for Guardians: When guardians understand the technology, they feel more confident in helping their child. This allows them to play a bigger role in their child’s progress.
    4. Better Communication: A braille display allows the child to share schoolwork. This makes it easier for the child to keep up with assignments.
    5. Building Future Skills: Learning to set up and use a computer with a display teaches the child life skills. Guardians who know the technology can guide their child in mastering these tools.
    6. Access Anytime, Anywhere: Knowing how to set up and fix the technology allows the child to access learning materials at home. This removes barriers to their education.

    Teaching tech skills gives the child a strong support system at home. It helps them achieve greater independence and success in learning. More on YouTube

  • 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

  • Google Slides into Text — Tech Tip

    Using keyboard commands in Google Slides allows for quick and efficient navigation, text formatting, and slide management without relying on a mouse. These shortcuts help streamline tasks like adjusting font styles, aligning text, creating lists, and organizing slides. Whether you’re working on a new presentation or editing an existing one, mastering these commands can significantly boost your productivity. This guide provides essential keyboard shortcuts to help you format text and manage slides more effectively in Google Slides.

    Change slides into text quickly Alt + F or Alt + Shift+ F to file and do to download and all your options are right there, making Google Slides into text more versatile and faster to read.

    Here’s a guide to using basic keyboard commands in Google Slides, focusing on formatting text and making presentations easier to navigate without a mouse. Embedding your text efficiently into Google Slides can enhance your workflow.

    Google Slide into text
    Google Slide Menu under FILE

    1. Basic Navigation

    • Move between slides: Use Up or Down arrow keys to navigate between slides in the sidebar.
    • Open menus: Press Alt + Shift + F (Windows) or Ctrl + Option + F (Mac) to open the menu.
    • Select text box: Press Tab to cycle through objects on the slide, including text boxes. Navigating through Google Slides without a mouse allows you to focus more on your content.

    2. Text Formatting

    • Bold text: Select text and press Ctrl + B.
    • Italicize text: Select text and press Ctrl + I.
    • Underline text: Select text and press Ctrl + U.
    • Change font: Press Ctrl + Shift + F to open the font menu. Use arrow keys to navigate and press Enter to select a font.
    • Change font size: Press Ctrl + Shift + P to change font size. Use arrow keys to adjust size and press Enter.
    • Align text:
      • Left: Ctrl + Shift + L
      • Center: Ctrl + Shift + E
      • Right: Ctrl + Shift + R
      • Justify: Ctrl + Shift + J
    • Bulleted list: Press Ctrl + Shift + 8 to create a bulleted list.
    • Numbered list: Press Ctrl + Shift + 7 to create a numbered list.

    3. Slide Formatting

    • Duplicate slide: Press Ctrl + D.
    • Insert new slide: Press Ctrl + M.
    • Delete slide: Press Delete after selecting the slide. Managing slide formatting effectively in Google Slides can enhance how content flows into the text.

    4. Slide Show Mode

    • Start presentation: Press Ctrl + F5 (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Enter (Mac) to start from the current slide.
    • Exit presentation mode: Press Esc.

    5. Text Box Management

    • Insert a text box: Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X to insert a new text box. Proper text box management helps integrate Google Slides seamlessly into text formatting tasks.
    • Select a text box: Use Tab to cycle between different text boxes and other objects.

    6. Undo/Redo and Save

    • Undo: Press Ctrl + Z.
    • Redo: Press Ctrl + Y.
    • Save presentation: Google Slides automatically saves your work, but pressing Ctrl + S can also trigger a save.

    Using these keyboard commands in Google Slides can make text formatting and navigation faster and more efficient, giving you greater control over your presentation without needing a mouse. Efficient management of Google Slides makes text editing a breeze.

    Many Google slides Video Lessons

  • Google Dictation Using Speech — Tech Tip for the Day

    Google Dictation, also known as “Voice Typing,” enables users to write and edit text using their voice instead of a keyboard. By using simple voice commands, you can dictate text, add punctuation, and format documents hands-free, making the process faster and more accessible. Additionally, with a few keyboard shortcuts, you can easily start or stop dictation and manage the flow of your work. For a more comprehensive experience, mastering Google Dictation using Speech can be a game changer. This guide outlines essential keyboard shortcuts and voice commands to help you navigate and edit documents more efficiently using Google Dictate.

    Google Docs Dictation, also known as “Voice Typing,” allows users to dictate text using voice commands instead of typing. Here are the keyboard commands for using Google Dictate:

    Google doc Dictation mode
    Google Dictation using Speech in Docs

    1. Start Voice Typing

    • Windows & Chromebook: Press Ctrl + Shift + S. Also, under Tools Menu
    • Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + S. This command opens the Voice Typing tool in Google Docs.

    2. Pause/Resume Dictation

    • Once Voice Typing is active, click the microphone icon to pause or resume dictation. There is no direct keyboard shortcut for pausing or resuming dictation, but you can toggle it by pressing Ctrl + Shift + S (or Cmd + Shift + S on Mac) again.
    Google Slide dictation mode
    Google Slide Dictation mode

    3. Voice Commands for Editing (While Dictating):

    • New line: Say “New line” to move to the next line.
    • New paragraph: Say “New paragraph” to start a new paragraph.
    • Select text: Say “Select [word/phrase]” to highlight specific text.
    • Delete text: Say “Delete” or “Backspace” to remove the selected text or go back one character.
    • Bold text: Say “Bold” to bold the selected text.
    • Italicize text: Say “Italicize” to italicize the selected text.
    • Underline text: Say “Underline” to underline the selected text.
    • Go to the end of the document: Say “Go to end of document” to move the cursor to the end.
    • Go to the beginning of the document: Say “Go to beginning of document” to move the cursor to the start.

    4. Punctuation Commands

    • Period: Say “Period” to insert a period.
    • Comma: Say “Comma” to insert a comma.
    • Question mark: Say “Question mark” to add a question mark.
    • Exclamation mark: Say “Exclamation point” to add an exclamation mark.
    • Colon: Say “Colon” to add a colon.
    • Semicolon: Say “Semicolon” to insert a semicolon.

    5. Editing Commands (While Typing or Dictating)

    • Undo: Say “Undo” to undo your last action.
    • Redo: Say “Redo” to redo the last undone action.
    • Copy: Say “Copy” to copy selected text.
    • Paste: Say “Paste” to paste the copied text.

    These commands allow you to efficiently dictate and edit documents using Google Voice Typing, streamlining the process for those who prefer hands-free typing.

    More on YouTube

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

More posts

Accessibility by WAH