Dr Denise M Robinson

Search results for: “low vision”

  • 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

  • Geometry Using Excel Shapes: Complete Complex Vertices for Math Graphs

    kaleigh takes images from a PDF and creates Geometry shapes such as vertices in Excel for perfect graphing.

    In Excel, you can create vertices (edit points on a line) when working with shapes or lines. Here are the keyboard commands to manipulate vertices:

    Always create a table with all pertinant numbers based on the math from your Work. Kaleigh took her work from a PDF and transported it into excel. If you make a space in excel leaving cells empty, you can create 2 intersecting graphs.

    Basic Overview of Geometry using Excel Shapes

    1. Insert a Shape:
      • Press ALT + N, SH to open the Shapes menu.
      • Use the arrow keys to select a line or shape and press Enter.
    2. Edit Vertices:
      • Select the shape.
      • Press Shift + F10 (context menu) and choose “Edit Points” by using the arrow keys and pressing Enter.
    3. Move Vertices:
      • Use arrow keys to move vertices around once in edit mode.

    These steps allow for creating and editing vertices in Excel. More Excel lessons.

    Geometry shapes in excel
    Geometry using Excel shapes

    More math Lesson on our YouTube Channel

  • Educational Access

    Remote Instruction with access Technology
    Remote Instruction via access Technology-Finish Real Work in Real Time

    Empowering Blind & Visually Impaired Students Through Technology and Direct Instruction

    Offering Personalized 1:1 remote instruction in technology, Braille, Nemeth, and essential blind skills — for students of all ages, anywhere in the world, enhances their educational access. These services ensure all can access educational opportunities effectively.

    Founded in 2007 by Dr. Denise M. Robinson, a global leader in remote instruction for blind and low-vision education, TechVision brings together a nationally recognized team of blind education specialists, access technology experts, transcribers, and certified braille instructors. The team delivers expert training in access technology, braille, braille math code, screen readers, and comprehensive academic accessibility. Through real-time, individualized instruction, TechVision equips blind learners of all ages to participate equally, work independently, and succeed across educational and professional environments.

    What We Do: Educational Access

    We Provide:

    • Support for families, schools, transition programs, and vocational rehabilitation with the goal of improving access to education.
    • 1:1 specialized instruction in technology, Braille, Nemeth, and all academic access through use of a computer.
    • Training for school teams — Teachers of the Blind & Visually Impaired, transcribers, paras, and School staff
    • Technology setup & independence training using screen readers, braille displays, and computers

    The TechVision Difference

    TechVision, LLC transforms lives through personalized, real‑time remote instruction.
    Our team equips blind and visually impaired students and clients with the technology skills they need to compete equally with their sighted peers — in school, work, and life. We collaborate with families, districts, and agencies worldwide to ensure every learner has educational access and independence.

    Why Educational Access Matters

     With cutting‑edge tools — computers, screen readers, braille displays, and smartphones — our students learn to access information, navigate their world, and build independence. TechVision empowers learners to step into education and employment with the same opportunities as their sighted peers.

    Who We Serve

    • College students needing support for educational access
    • Young adults
    • Adults returning to work
    • Anyone needing access to their world

    Real 1:1 TechVision Instruction

    Students learning to create graphs, write documents, code, and navigate technology independently. Doing Everything their peers are doing.

    Contact us

    Contact US: TechVisionTraining@yourtechvision.com

    you can see student in top right corner of screen using TechVision 1:1 remote instruction while she is working on creating graphs in sheets
    Empowering Blind & Visually Impaired Students Through Technology and Direct Instruction: she is working on creating graphs in sheets

    TechVision Access Instruction

  • Office 365 Online Access with Screen Reader

    Office 365 online is fully accessible with screen readers, enhancing the user experience for visually impaired users. Through straightforward keyboard shortcuts, users can navigate and manage their documents efficiently. The interface supports major screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver, ensuring users can access emails, calendars, and all Office apps without a mouse. This integration empowers users to perform complex tasks seamlessly, from editing documents to collaborating in real time, ensuring a barrier-free environment for all users.

    Here are some other formatting shortcuts for Office 365 that can enhance your productivity:

    1. Align Text:
    • CTRL + L: Align text left.
    • CTRL + R: Align text right.
    • CTRL + E: Center align text.
    • CTRL + J: Justify text alignment.
    1. Text Formatting:
    • CTRL + Shift + >: Increase font size.
    • CTRL + Shift + <: Decrease font size.
    • CTRL + U: Underline text.
    • CTRL + Shift + W: Underline words but not spaces.
    1. Paragraph Formatting:
    • CTRL + M: Increase indent.
    • CTRL + Shift + M: Decrease indent.
    • CTRL + 1: Set single-line spacing.
    • CTRL + 2: Set double-line spacing.
    • CTRL + 5: Set 1.5-line spacing.
    1. Insert Elements:
    • ALT + N, P: Insert a picture.
    • ALT + N, T: Insert a table.
    office 365 online access
    office 365 online access

    These shortcuts are integral for quick editing and formatting within Office 365 online access for applications, streamlining the process of document creation and modification.

    In Office 365 applications like Word, you can quickly apply or change text styles using the Styles pane. The shortcut to open the Styles pane is ALT + CTRL + Shift + S. This allows you to apply predefined styles to your text efficiently. Additionally, you can use CTRL + Shift + S to open the Apply Styles dialog box, where you can type and apply a style name directly to the selected text. These shortcuts help streamline formatting and ensure consistent document styling.

    Other Online Office 365 online access commands

    Here are some essential commands for using Office 365 online efficiently:

    1. Save: Ctrl + S
    2. Undo: Ctrl + Z
    3. Redo: Ctrl + Y
    4. Open: Ctrl + O
    5. Print: Ctrl + P
    6. Copy: Ctrl + C
    7. Paste: Ctrl + V
    8. Cut: Ctrl + X
    9. Bold: Ctrl + B
    10. Italic: Ctrl + I
    11. Underline: Ctrl + U
    12. Insert Hyperlink: Ctrl + K
    13. Refresh the Document: F5
    14. Find: Ctrl + F
    15. Replace: Ctrl + H

    These shortcuts are fundamental for navigating and managing documents in Office 365 online, making your workflow quicker and more efficient.

    Here are more helpful tips for using Office 365 effectively:

    1. Quick Access Toolbar Customization:
    • Customize your Quick Access Toolbar by adding frequently used commands. Right-click any command in the ribbon and select “Add to Quick Access Toolbar.”
    1. Use “Tell Me” Feature:
    • Use the “Tell Me” feature (light bulb icon or ALT + Q) in the ribbon to quickly find features or help with commands you’re unsure about.
    1. Keyboard Shortcut Customization:
    • Customize keyboard shortcuts through the Word Options dialog to tailor your workflow preferences.
    1. Use Version History:
    • Use Version History to view and restore previous versions of your documents, especially useful in collaborative settings.
    1. Collaborate in Real-Time:
    • Use the collaboration tools in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to work with others in real-time, seeing changes as they happen.

    These tips can help you navigate Office 365 more efficiently and make the most out of its extensive features and more lessons here.

  • Find and Restore Deleted Files or Lost Files & Folders

    To find and restore deleted or lost files, open File Explorer. Right-click the folder and select “Restore previous versions.” Choose a version and click “Restore” to recover your files. This method helps you retrieve important data efficiently. So that panic you were or are feeling can go away now as you move through these steps. Take 5 deep breaths first to calm yourself. We have ALL done it!

    Steps to find and restore deleted files or folders

    1. Open File Explorer:
      • Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
    2. Navigate to the Folder:
      • Go to the folder that contained the deleted or lost file.
    3. Right-Click the Folder:
      • Right-click on the folder and select Restore previous versions from the context menu.
    4. Select a Previous Version:
      • In the “Previous Versions” tab, you’ll see a list of available versions. Select the version you want to restore.
    5. Restore the File or Folder:
      • Click the Restore button to recover the file or folder to its original location. Alternatively, you can click Restore To and choose a different location to save the restored version.
    restore deleted or lost files
    restore deleted or lost files

    Other lessons on how to find things on your computer

    If you need to restore your whole system–this fixes all issues

    More secret Weapon lessons:

  • 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

  • Document Formatting Editing Elements: Edit Margins, Tab, Headers, Footers & More

    Document formatting editing elements commands work in ALL versions of WORD.

    Video Lesson to help sighted teachers teaching or just sighted people who want to move faster

    Here is a list of formats mentioned in the video:

    1. Windows key + 5 on my computer: Opens the fifth pinned item on the taskbar (Word in this case).
      • Pin your most used APPS on taskbar for faster document formatting editing elements access.
    2. ALT + V, Z: Opens the zoom option.
    • 2: Zoom to 200%.
    • 7: Zoom to 75%.
    1. ALT: Highlights the menu.
    2. ALT + P: Opens the Page Layout tab.
    • O: Opens orientation options.
    • Arrow keys: Navigate between Portrait and Landscape options and document formatting editing elements within the layout tab.
    • Enter: Select the chosen option.
    1. ALT + P, M: Opens margins options.
    • A: Opens custom margins for better control of document formatting.
    • Tab: Moves around the dialog box.
    • Escape: Closes the dialog box.
    Document formatting editing elements Page elements header
    Document formatting editing elements: Header
    1. ALT + V, H: Opens headers.
    2. CTRL + R: Right-aligns text, a key document formatting function.
    3. ALT + I, U: Inserts auto page numbers.
    4. Down Arrow: Moves to the footer.
    5. Escape: Exits the header or footer.
    6. CTRL + End: Moves to the end of the document.
    7. CTRL + Enter: Inserts a page break.
    8. =rand(): Inserts random text (DOS command).
    9. CTRL + Up Arrow: Moves up one paragraph at a time, assisting in document editing tasks.
    10. ALT + V, Z, 100%: Zooms to 100%.

    These commands offer various ways to navigate, format, and interact with Word documents efficiently. More Document formatting editing elements make these processes smoother and more efficient.

    YouTube Channel of all lessons

  • How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed

    Colleges help visually impaired students succeed by providing various accommodations and resources tailored to their needs. These include assistive technologies like screen readers, braille displays, and magnification software; in addition to hiring Tech Trainers such as TechVision, to teach you when you ask via Vocational Rehabilitation types of Services. Institutions often offer priority registration, allowing students to choose classes that best fit their needs. Additionally, colleges may provide note-taking services, accessible course materials, and extended time for exams. By modifying policies and procedures, colleges create an inclusive environment that supports the academic and personal growth of visually impaired students.

    https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/colleges-helping-blind-partially-sighted-students/

    Go to: How Colleges Help Visually Impaired Students Succeed and get your resources lined up for success

    Earning a college degree can be challenging, especially for students with visual impairments who face additional barriers. This guide highlights the impact of vision loss on education and explores how colleges support visually impaired students. It provides expert advice, resources, and lists scholarships and grants. Furthermore, it offers practical tips for navigating educational challenges and discusses technological advancements that help students overcome obstacles to succeed in their academic journeys.

    Access Training for College Students-learn those computer skills to access your college classes in real time.

    How colleges help visually impaired students
    How colleges help visually impaired students

    If your child still needs reminders to get up: Set up Outlook Alarm with screen reader

  • Family Tree with Smart Art and Screen Reader

    Using your newest WORD version, Create a family tree in Microsoft Word using (1997-2023) keyboard commands is straightforward and efficient. Most importantly, it is accessible. After you open WORD, press F12 for save as and name it then tab to save as an arrow to 1997-2023 and enter. Then press Alt + N to open the Insert tab, then press M to select SmartArt. In the SmartArt dialog box, (typically the first item, so listen) or use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Hierarchy” category and select a suitable layout for your Family Tree with Smart Art, such as “Organizational Chart.” Press Enter to insert the SmartArt graphic into your document.

    This is the method of creating a Family Tree with Smart Art and screen reader. You can then use the Tab key to move between different elements of the chart and Enter to add new family members. To edit text within the SmartArt, simply press F2 to enter text editing mode. This method allows you to create a detailed and visually appealing family tree using just your keyboard and screen reader.

    When you are looking to do sophisticated work such as Family trees, etc., always do as save as to 97-2023 as that Version was fully accessible and still is IF you remember the commands. Here is a few below Family Tree:

    Family Tree with Smart Art and screen reader

    family tree using smart art
    Family Tree with Smart Art

    Here are the keyboard commands for accessing the Insert menu in Microsoft Word (1997-2023):

    1. Open Insert Menu in WORD:
      • Press Alt + N.
    2. Insert Picture:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press P.
    3. Insert Table:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press T.
    4. Insert Shapes:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press S.
    5. Insert SmartArt:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press M.
    6. Insert Chart:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press C.
    7. Insert Hyperlink:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press I.
    8. Insert Text Box:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press X.
    9. Insert Header:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press H.
    10. Insert Footer:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press O.
    11. Insert Page Number:
      • After pressing Alt + N, press NU.

    Another lesson that works just as well: Venn Diagrams with Screen Reader

    These commands should help you efficiently navigate and use the Insert menu in Word. However, if you are experiencing computer issues, fix it and get it setup correctly for speed.

    Now learn to convert braille file into WORD or learn from hundreds of other video lessons

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