Miss Taylin and Dr. Robinson addressed two common accessibility issues students face while navigating educational tools with JAWS. First, they resolved the issue of characters not being heard when typed, which prevents users from verifying their input. After adjusting the typing echo settings in JAWS, they enabled the device to read both characters and words aloud, providing better control and feedback during typing. Fixing Jaws typing echo significantly improved user experience. On the fly, you can also insert + 2 to change echo options.
The second issue involved difficulties navigating through web links in the classroom browser, with JAWS sometimes reporting “no form fields” or “no lists available.” The problem arises when both the virtual and PC cursors are not enabled. Dr. Robinson explained that the virtual cursor is essential for browsing web pages, while the PC cursor helps manage navigation within a page. Miss Taylin accessed the links list and navigated classroom content efficiently by using “Insert + Z” to enable the virtual cursor. She ensured the PC cursor was active with the command “Insert + ;” which improved her browsing experience. Fixing Jaws typing and echo settings along with other settings changes, enhances productivity.
Jaws settings and set default to permanently make changes to typing echo
Dr. Robinson emphasized the need to regularly check both cursor settings whenever JAWS encounters issues. This practice ensures smooth and uninterrupted navigation for users. Additionally, these steps empower students using screen readers to interact more effectively with digital learning platforms. These adjustments create an efficient workflow for students to complete assignments and navigate classroom tools seamlessly. Overall, addressing the issue of fixing Jaws typing echo and other settings ensure that students can fully participate in their learning environment with complete accessibility.
Dr. Robinson offers a step-by-step guide on Schoology platform navigation skills with screen readers. She begins by emphasizing the importance of remembering key commands, such as Insert + F5, Insert + F6, and Insert + F7, which allow students to efficiently access most tasks. These commands make navigating to courses and other elements straightforward. For example, pressing Insert + F7 brings up a links list, though first-letter navigation may not always work, requiring users to scroll down manually. Mastering these Schoology platform navigation skills can significantly enhance the user experience.
Dr. Robinson continues by demonstrating how students can navigate inaccessible or complex areas in Schoology by leveraging JAWS’ built-in features. She highlights that even though certain pages or elements might seem inaccessible at first, students can often find alternative methods to access the information they need. For instance, using the “Insert + Down Arrow” command allows students to listen to the entire page layout. This helps users identify the necessary components, such as graphics or headings, which can be easily navigated with specific JAWS commands like “G” for graphic or “H” for heading, enhancing their Schoology platform navigation skills.
Schoology Platform Navigation Skills on Home Page
Schoology Home Page
When students encounter areas that lack clear labeling or seem hidden, Dr. Robinson advises using a combination of Shift + Tab and heading navigation to move through the interface. This method is particularly effective for jumping to main headings or sections that are not immediately visible. Once users locate the desired area, such as the course updates or assignments, they can then employ the “L” key for lists or “I” for individual items, making it easier to pinpoint the exact content they need. These methods help enhance Schoology platform navigation skills for a seamless experience.
To ensure students stay organized, Dr. Robinson suggests using the “H” command to move between headings and review course details quickly. She emphasizes the importance of practicing these techniques regularly, as they allow students to gain confidence and mastery over Schoology’s navigation. By consistently applying these steps, students can overcome most accessibility challenges, ensuring they have full access to their learning environment and refining their Schoology platform navigation skills.
Dr. Robinson concludes by encouraging students to explore additional JAWS commands and experiment with different navigation methods to tailor the experience to their needs. Constantly improving Schoology platform navigation skills helps students create a more customized and effective way to navigate their learning platform.
Dr. Betsey Doane shared her experience teaching math for over 50 years and the importance of making math accessible to all students, including those with visual impairments. She began by introducing the software MathType, essential for creating accessible math content. The software integrates into Word and allows users to write math that is accessible to both screen readers and braille displays. Her efforts truly embody the concept of Advanced Math Made Accessible.
Dr. Doane explained the basics of LaTeX, a text-based language used for writing math. She demonstrated how to input and translate common math expressions such as fractions, square roots, and equations using LaTeX in Word. Her instructions included using the Focus 40 Braille Display and ensuring proper configurations for students to view math content in braille. This approach makes advanced math more accessible for everyone.
LaTex using Mathtype to insert perfect Advanced math made accessible
She emphasized the importance of understanding both the visual and non-visual ways of presenting math, highlighting that students need the right software and commands to work effectively. By using LaTeX and MathType, both sighted and blind students can access and solve math problems, ensuring inclusion in any classroom setting. This makes advanced math accessible and easier to understand.
She highlighted the use of MathType software, which integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Word, allowing users to create and present math content that is accessible through screen readers like JAWS and braille displays like the Focus 40. Dr. Doane explained how MathType enables students and educators to write complex equations, such as fractions, square roots, and exponents, in both visual and non-visual formats. This ensures that blind students can access the same content as their sighted peers, making advanced math more accessible.
Advanced Math Made Accessible with LaTex
Dr. Doane also provided an introduction to LaTeX, a powerful text-based language used for writing mathematical expressions. She demonstrated how to write math using LaTeX syntax, such as using backslashes for commands like fractions and square roots. By using LaTeX in Word with MathType, math content can be rendered correctly on both screen readers and braille displays, making it easier for blind students to follow along in class and complete assignments. This is another way to make advanced math accessible.
Furthermore, Dr. Doane stressed the importance of configuring braille displays correctly, ensuring that input is set to computer braille and output is set to grade 2. She provided step-by-step instructions for adjusting these settings on the Focus 40 Braille Display, ensuring that students can navigate math content effectively, contributing to the overall goal of making advanced math accessible.
In conclusion, Dr. Doane encouraged educators to adopt these tools and techniques to create an inclusive learning environment where both sighted and blind students can excel in mathematics. Her detailed instructions and practical advice offer a clear path toward accessible math education for all.
Dr. Robinson and Lucas began the session by navigating Canvas, focusing on essential screen reader commands for effective navigation. They highlighted the importance of commands like Insert + F5, F6, and F7 to explore the page layout before moving through various elements. When discussing the Canvas school platform navigation, Dr. Robinson highlighted the need to recognize interactive elements like radio buttons and check-boxes to ensure smooth navigation in Canvas. By understanding these features, students can efficiently move through the platform and complete tasks effectively. Understanding Canvas school platform navigation is key for accessibility.
To streamline their workflow, they used first-letter navigation, such as hitting “C” to quickly jump to courses. This method enables users to navigate faster without manually tabbing through multiple options. Lucas demonstrated how to access different sections of the Canvas interface, including courses and messages, using the appropriate keyboard commands. Mastering the navigation of the Canvas school platform efficiently requires knowing these shortcuts.
InBox Management in Canvas school Platform Navigation
For inbox management, Lucas efficiently used first-letter navigation to filter unread emails and compose a new message. Dr. Robinson guided him through composing an email, showing how typing the recipient’s name narrows down the list of available contacts. Lucas learned how to navigate, select recipients, and send messages within the Canvas interface. Canvas school platform navigation strategies significantly improved his inbox management skills.
After addressing the inbox, they moved on to class assignments. Using heading and link navigation commands, Lucas accessed assignments and checked due dates. Dr. Robinson stressed the importance of using key commands, such as Insert + F7, to bring up lists of assignments and quickly navigate to relevant tasks on the Canvas school platform.
Lastly, they tackled PDF accessibility. Dr. Robinson showed Lucas how to download and convert PDFs into Word documents for better accessibility and interaction. By converting documents, Lucas could add notes, adjust content, and work more effectively. These steps reinforced the power of screen reader commands, helping users stay organized and fully engaged in digital learning environments on the Canvas school platform.
Campbell demonstrates slides today. She opens a new tab (Ctrl +T) in Google Chrome and types “drive.google.com.” She navigates to her Google Drive and selects the presentation. Campbell prefers using the “Recents” tab to find files quickly. Campbell opens the presentation after discussing different search methods. To make her work more efficient, she uses various Google Slides shortcut commands. PowerPoint offers numerous accessibility and design features that enhance usability, making presentations more inclusive and visually appealing. Dr Robinson emphasizes the importance of picture placement and alt text for accessibility. She reviews the slides, noting that the designs are good but the pictures need adjustment. She guides through the process of fixing picture placement in Google Slides.
Google Slides shortcut commands with picture adjusted properly
Emery, a blind ninth-grader at Kalaheo, introduces herself and shares her love for math and technology. She uses a computer with a screen reader and Braille display to access her education. Eme navigates her world with a cane and texts friends using her phone. During the pandemic, her computer became essential for schoolwork. She explains how she uses various tools to access her education, including JAWS screen reader and Braille Display and other access technology. Eme highlights the importance of accessible assignments and demonstrates navigating an online platform despite its challenges. Accessible work at school is critical for her success.
Emery uses tools like the JAWS screen reader and Braille display connected to her computer to navigate her studies. She emphasizes that accessible assignments are crucial because they allow her to engage with the same content as her peers. When assignments are not accessible, it creates significant barriers to her learning. It is evident that accessible work at school can make a big difference.
Eme Making Work accessible on an inaccessible site
By ensuring Teachers’ work is accessible, you empower students like Emery to succeed and participate fully in their education. Accessible materials foster a learning environment where all students can be included and thrive. Therefore, focusing on making work accessible at school helps all students.
She thanks teachers for their commitment to making education accessible for everyone. Providing accessible work at school shows dedication to inclusion and highlights the importance of accessibility.
Years ago, Aubrey was just learning how to learn remotely. Dr Robinson lived close by so was able to come over in person to help her with skills and hand under hand and hand over hand as needed to learn position of fingers. A major part of her lessons is to learn to do work on braille display and computer with keyboard shortcuts. This video is her just learning how to do math in WORD.
To answer a Zoom call using keyboard shortcuts when on a braille display and computer, you can use the following:
These shortcuts help you manage calls efficiently without needing to use a mouse. A braille display and computer can make these tasks smoother.
Here are some additional keyboard shortcuts that Aubrey learned to enhance her navigation and accessibility experience:
General Web Navigation on braille display and computer
Ctrl + L or Alt + D: Focus on the address bar.
Ctrl + T: Open a new tab when using a braille display and/or computer.
Ctrl + W: Close the current tab.
Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab.
Ctrl + Tab: Switch to the next tab.
Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Switch to the previous tab.
Ctrl + R or F5: Refresh the current page.
Ctrl + F: Open the find bar to search within the page on your braille display and computer setup.
Screen Reader Specific
Insert + F7: Open the links list in JAWS.
Insert + F6: Open the headings list in JAWS.
Insert + Down Arrow: Start reading continuously from the current position in JAWS.
Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Keys: Navigate by character, word, or line in NVDA for better synchronization with your braille display and computer.
Aubrey using braille display and computer, to learn how to complete math in WORD
Windows Accessibility commands for display and computer
Windows Key + U: Open the Ease of Access Center.
Windows Key + Plus (+): Turn on Magnifier and zoom in.
Windows Key + Minus (-): Zoom out with Magnifier.
Windows Key + Ctrl + N: Open Narrator settings.
Windows Key + Ctrl + O: Turn on the On-Screen Keyboard.
Text Editing
Ctrl + C: Copy selected text.
Ctrl + X: Cut selected text.
Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut text.
Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action.
These shortcuts can help you navigate more efficiently and make your web browsing and computer use more accessible. If you need more specific shortcuts or have other questions, feel free to ask!
Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired Jordana gives an overview of how to navigate Google Classroom for a Conversational Spanish Level 1 course using JAWS. The instructor, Jordana demonstrates how to join the class, navigate the main page, and access class materials. She is native born from Ecuador so English is her second language.
Here are some useful keyboard commands for Google Classroom:
General Navigation
Tab: Move through links and text fields on the page.
Space Bar: Works like a mouse click.
Ctrl + C: Copy
Ctrl + X: Cut
Ctrl + V: Paste
Ctrl + Z: Undo
Ctrl + K: Add a link (Use Command instead of Ctrl on a Mac)
Google classroom and Spanish with Jaws
Specific to Google Classroom
Ctrl + F: Find specific text on the page.
Ctrl + Shift + N: Open a new incognito window (useful for testing student views).
You want to Rebuild Microsoft Word Template when you close WORD and it starts to ask: There are changes to the Normal Template, “Do you want to save the normal template?” You always want to say “NO” because if you do not it will start opening with the last work you did in it. If you want WORD to STOP asking that question or fix your goof, here is how to rebuild that Normal Template
Commands to rebuild Word template when it gets messed up and constantly asks if you want to save it.Other Lessons to fix Tech
Rebuild Microsoft Word Template with RUN
Open the Run Dialog Box:
Press Windows + R.
Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates and press Enter.
Delete the Normal Template:
In the opened folder, find normal.dotm (or the equivalent for your Office version).
Select it and press Delete.
Reopen Word:
This action will rebuild the normal template automatically.
Reconfigure Your Settings:
Fonts:
Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box.
Set your desired font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12 pt).
Press Alt + D to set as default for all documents.
Paragraph Spacing:
Press Alt + O, then P to open the Paragraph dialog box.
Adjust spacing settings (e.g., single spacing).
Press Alt + D to set as default for all documents.
This process ensures your Word template is reset and configured to your preferences. Here are some more fixes you can do
