Dr Denise M Robinson

Access Technology & Education Services for Blind and Low Vision

Search results for: “low vision”

  • 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

  • Apply Latest Computer Update-Tech Tip for the Day

    Regularly updating your computer is crucial for keeping it secure, efficient, and running smoothly. It’s important to apply the latest computer update to take advantage of these benefits. Software updates provide important improvements, such as enhanced security, better performance, and bug fixes. These updates also ensure that your computer stays compatible with the latest software and hardware, while offering new features to improve your user experience. Keeping your system up to date is a simple yet effective way to protect your device and ensure it operates at its best.

    Regularly updating your computer as new updates are released is essential for several reasons:

    Reasons to Apply Latest Computer Update

    Regularly updating your computer is crucial for several reasons, starting with security. Updates often fix vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. By keeping your system updated, you protect it from viruses, malware, and cyberattacks.

    Computer updates in Settings
    Computer updates in Settings

    Secondly, updates improve performance by making your computer faster and more efficient. They address bugs and glitches that can slow down your system.

    Next, applying the latest updates introduce new features or improve existing tools, enhancing both your user experience and productivity.

    As software evolves, updates also ensure compatibility with the latest programs, hardware, and devices.

    Finally, many updates focus on fixing bugs and stability issues, helping your computer run smoothly and preventing crashes.

    By consistently updating, you keep your computer secure, fast, and fully functional, avoiding many common problems.

    Other Tech Tips

    Schoology with Jaws

    Schoology navigation

    Teach how to set up computer

    Google dictation

    Apply latest update

    APA-MLA tech tip

    Here is how you fix WORD also

  • Changing Inaccessible to Accessible Text Using Google Docs

    Turning images into text in Google Docs is a simple process that uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. This feature allows you to extract text from images, making it editable and searchable. Whether you have a photo of a document, a screenshot, or a PDF, Google Docs can quickly convert the image to text for further use. Changing inaccessible to accessible is an important step, and this post will show you how to upload an image, open it in Google Docs, and extract the text for easy editing.

    To turn images into text in Google Docs, you can use a built-in feature that utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Here’s how you can do it:

    1. Upload the Image to Google Drive

    • Open Google Drive.
    • Click New and select File Upload.
    • Upload the image containing the text (formats like JPG, PNG, and PDF work).

    2. Open Image with Google Docs for Changing inaccessible to accessible

    • Once the image is uploaded, right-click the file in Google Drive.
    • Select Open with, then choose Google Docs.
    • Google Docs will open a new document with the image at the top and the recognized text below it.

    3. Edit the Extracted Text

    • After Google Docs converts the image to text, review and edit the text as needed. OCR isn’t always perfect, so you may need to make corrections.

    Another option from Gmail for Changing inaccessible content to accessible text

    When you receive an attachment in Gmail (you cannot do this in Outlook or other email client), open it in the virtual viewer by pressing Enter on the attachment. It will automatically open in the virtual viewer. You can either tab to “Open with” or press Insert + F5, then down arrow to “Google Docs” and press Enter. Wait as Google Docs uses OCR to convert the image into text. Be patient during this process, as it may take a moment to complete.

    By following these steps, you can easily extract text from images using Google Docs. This is especially useful for making printed documents or screenshots searchable and editable.

    More Google Lessons

    Save a Google Doc as Plain Text Using Keyboard Commands

    Near 1000 Lessons to move you along in all things Access Technology

  • Connect Focus 40 braille display to Jaws

    Connecting a Focus Braille Display to a computer using JAWS screen reader enhances accessibility for blind and visually impaired users. The process of connecting a Connect Focus 40 Braille display allows users to interact with digital content through tactile feedback, improving independence and productivity. By following a few simple steps, you can seamlessly connect the Braille display via USB or Bluetooth and configure it in JAWS for optimal use. This guide provides an easy-to-follow approach for setting up your Focus Braille Display and ensuring smooth integration with JAWS.

    Here are the steps to connect a Focus Braille Display to your computer using JAWS screen reader:

    Connect Focus 40 Braille Display or other displays

    1. Power on the Focus Braille Display

    Ensure the Focus Braille Display is fully charged and powered on before connecting.

    1. Connect the Display to the Computer

    Use either USB or Bluetooth to connect the Focus Braille Display to your computer.

    For USB: Plug the USB cable into both the Braille display and the computer.

    For Bluetooth: Enable your computer’s Bluetooth and pair the Focus display in the Bluetooth settings.

    1. Enable Braille in JAWS

    Open JAWS by pressing Insert + J. Then, press Alt + O to open the Options menu.

    Press B to select Braille or use the arrow keys to navigate, then press Enter.

    1. Select the Braille Display

    In the Braille settings window, ensure the “Focus” display is selected under the Default Braille Display dropdown.

    If it’s not selected, use the arrow keys to choose “Focus” or manually type the model of the Braille display.

    1. Check Braille Display Connection

    After selecting the correct display, click OK or press Enter to confirm the connection.

    JAWS should now detect the Focus Braille Display. Braille output should appear, and the display keys will control JAWS.

    1. Configure Settings (Optional)

    To further customize settings like verbosity and Braille output, go to Braille options via Insert + J, Alt + O, and B.

    1. Test the Connection

    Use JAWS commands on your keyboard or the Focus Braille Display keys to navigate.

    If the connection works, the Braille display will respond to the text output from the computer.

    By following these steps, you should successfully connect your Focus Braille Display to a computer using JAWS.

    Braille Display and Other Lessons

    Quadratic Formulas with UEB Math or Nemeth and/or display with JAWS audio & MathCat

    Complete Advanced Math with LaTex to finish math fast using Mathkicker.AI, JAWS, NVDA and/or display

    Transcribe Math into Word documents for blind students using Math editor, Jaws and a Braille Display

    Track Changes with Commands-inserting comments and editing work

    Essential WORD keyboard commands for setting defaults

    Excel line plot graph-copy to Word for Math

    Complete an excel graph and copy into Word document with screen reader

    Basic WORD JAWS commands with Typing Trick

    Rebuild Microsoft Word Template when it is not working well

    Other Focus Display lessons

  • Excel for Geometry: Create Shapes and Label Graphs with JAWS

    Using Excel for geometry tasks, such as inserting shapes and labeling graphs, can be highly effective, especially for visually impaired students. By leveraging keyboard commands, students can efficiently navigate through Excel’s features. For instance, pressing Alt + N opens the Insert tab, and SH brings up the Shapes menu, allowing users to select and draw shapes. To label a graph, students can use Alt + JC to access the Chart Tools Design tab, followed by A to add chart elements like data labels and titles. These steps not only enhance the learning experience but also demonstrate the power of assistive technology in making complex tasks accessible and manageable

    Start at the top of A1 and start adding data in both A and B. Make sure you add a space between you 2 Geometric shapes so they can mirror each other or whatever the assignment requires.

    Here are other options for Geometry shapes

    Here’s how you can insert shapes and label a graph in Excel using keyboard commands:

    Geometry: create Shapes and label graphs
    Geometry: create Shapes and label graphs

    Excel for Geometry: Create Shapes and Label Graph

    Inserting Shapes

    1. Open Excel and navigate to the worksheet where you want to insert shapes.
    2. Press Alt to activate the ribbon shortcuts.
    3. Press N to go to the Insert tab.
    4. Press SH to open the Shapes menu.
    5. Use the arrow keys to select the shape you want, then press Enter.
    6. Click and drag (or use arrow keys) to draw the shape on your worksheet.

    Labeling a Graph

    1. Select your chart by pressing Ctrl + Arrow keys to navigate to it.
    2. Press Alt to activate the ribbon shortcuts.
    3. Press JC to go to the Chart Tools Design tab.
    4. Press A to open the Add Chart Element menu.
    5. Press D to select Data Labels, then choose the desired position using the arrow keys and press Enter.

    Adding a Chart Title to Excel for Geometry

    1. Select your chart.
    2. Press Alt to activate the ribbon shortcuts.
    3. Press JC to go to the Chart Tools Design tab.
    4. Press A to open the Add Chart Element menu.
    5. Press T to add a chart title, then type your title and press Enter.

    These steps should help you efficiently create Shapes and label graphs in Excel using keyboard commands. If you need more detailed instructions or have any specific questions, feel free to ask!

    Other Excel Lessons

    Another Student Mastering Excel with PPT integration

    Create a Histogram

    Scatter plot with trendline

    Excel line plot graph-copy to Word for Math

    Complete an excel graph and copy into Word document with screen reader

    If your fingers need to see multiple lines on your display, then this lesson will help

  • Focus Display Navigation options

    Dr. Robinson demonstrates how to navigate with the Focus 40 Braille Display, highlighting various commands and features for efficient use. She introduces the Focus 40 Braille Display, explains the importance of navigation commands, and demonstrates various navigation techniques. Additionally, she covers Focus Display Navigation Options to help users maximize their efficiency.

    Focus Display Navigation Options Video Highlights

    • Introduction to navigation
      • Dr. Robinson introduces the Focus 40 Braille Display.
      • Explains the importance of navigation commands.
      • Prepares to demonstrate various navigation techniques.
    • Basic navigation commands
      • Shows how to move to the top and bottom of the display.
      • Uses specific key combinations for navigation:
        • Move to Bottom: Press dots 4-5-6 + Space.
        • Move to Top: Press dots 1-2-3 + Space.
      • Emphasizes the logic behind the commands.
    • Line and word navigation
      • Demonstrates moving one line at a time.
      • Uses key combinations for precise movement:
        • Move Down One Line: Press dot 4 + Space.
        • Move Up One Line: Press dot 1 + Space.
      • Explains how to navigate by words:
        • Move Forward One Word: Press dot 5 + Space.
        • Move Back One Word: Press dot 2 + Space.

    Other Display Navigation

    Focus braille display navigation options using router key
    Focus Braille Display navigation options using router keys
    • Router keys and mode buttons
      • Highlights the use of router keys for quick cursor movement.
      • Introduces mode buttons for different navigation options:
        • Router Keys: Press the router key above the desired character.
        • Mode Buttons: Located on the left and right sides.
      • Shows how to navigate by paragraphs and sentences:
        • Move Forward One Paragraph: Press the right rocker switch down.
        • Move Back One Paragraph: Press the right rocker switch up.
        • Move Forward One Sentence: Press the left rocker switch down.
        • Move Back One Sentence: Press the left rocker switch up.
    • Panning and rocker switches
      • Explains the function of panning buttons:
        • Move Forward One Display Width: Press the right panning button.
        • Move Back One Display Width: Press the left panning button.
      • Demonstrates the use of rocker switches for line navigation:
        • Move Up One Line: Press the right rocker switch up.
        • Move Down One Line: Press the right rocker switch down.
      • Highlights the benefits for sighted individuals working with Braille learners.

    Benefits of Focus Display

    The Focus 40 Braille Display offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it enhances Braille literacy through intuitive navigation commands. Additionally, its versatile features support efficient reading and writing. Moreover, students can easily move through text, improving their skills. The Focus Display can be used exclusively to control the computer–that means, you DO NOT need to use the keyboard if you cannot or do not want to. This makes for VERY efficient math calculations. The device’s compatibility with various screen readers ensures accessibility. Furthermore, its portability allows seamless use in different environments. Overall, the Focus 40 empowers users, boosting their independence and confidence in learning.

    Options for going between the display to take notes and the computer give many more options also

  • Switch Focus Braille Display Modes Quickly

    Dr. Robinson explains the three toggles to Switch Focus Braille Modes quickly on your Braille display. One toggle puts you into Braille mode for all Braille tasks. Another toggle switches to computer braille which inputs direct Nemeth code for math. The third toggle is for computer in and contracted out for either Nemeth or UEB math.

    Access Jaws settings to set up Focus Braille Mode Options

    First, press Insert + 6 to check your settings. Type “braille m” and down arrow to “Braille mode.” You can access options one by one with arrow keys or press F6 to jump to structured then Alt+T to jump to output. Press down arrow to UEB Grade 2 then tab to input and c to computer braille first to uncheck the box that says “Show current word in computer Braille”. Shift tab back up to input and choose UEB for both input and output. You can have other options also but this is what used here.

    Tab through back to For structured Braille mode, check “Active cursor follows Braille cursor” and “Braille cursor follows active cursor.” These settings help beginners, especially when working with sighted personnel learning Braille to following along visually for instructor. Always have a certified Braille instructor (TVI) to teach reading and writing Braille correctly.

    Always press Alt + A to apply settings before exiting. However, if you do not like the extra information at the start of your display, shift tab back to search in settings and type status and enter. Down arrow to status and F6 and down to right (to place status on the right of display) and down to none and apply that and close. When you first turn on your Braille display, the status characters may be confusing to young learners. Additional Braille Display Lessons here.

    Focus Braille Display Image with Button options

    switch Focus display modes quickly on display
    Switch Focus Braille display modes quickly on display

    For advanced users, status dots help in tables and other navigation. Beginners should start with “none.” Press Alt + A to apply changes, then enter to close. The Braille display functions like a Braille writer. Keys 1 2 3 are on the left, and keys 4 5 6 are on the right with space in between the left and right side. The left pinky key is backspace, which changes to dot 7, and the right pinky is enter or dot 8 in combination with other keys.

    More Videos Lessons

  • Cleaning the Focus Braille Display and Running Diagnostics

    Before you begin, remember when you are using your devices to maintain upright posture to protect your spine and neck. So, regularly cleaning the Focus 40 Braille Display and running diagnostics is crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity. Dust, dirt, and oils from your hands can accumulate on the Braille cells, potentially causing malfunctions or reducing the tactile quality of the display. By keeping the Braille cells clean, you ensure that the device remains responsive and accurate. Running diagnostics helps identify any issues early, allowing for timely repairs and preventing more significant problems down the line. This proactive maintenance not only extends the life of your device but also ensures a reliable and efficient user experience12.

    Here are the steps to clean the Focus 40 Braille Display and run diagnostics:

    Cleaning the Focus 40 Braille Display

    1. Turn Off the Device: Ensure the Focus 40 Braille Display is turned off and unplugged.
    2. Prepare Cleaning Materials: Use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
    3. Clean the Braille Cells: Hold the device upside down or at a downward angle. Gently wipe the raised Braille dots with the dampened cloth, ensuring all dots are cleaned. Use as much of the cloth’s surface area as necessary to avoid spreading dirt1.
    4. Dry the Device: Allow the device to air dry completely before turning it back on.
    5. Try it out and if you need training on reading as fast as you can on the display, let us know.

    Running Diagnostics

    1. Turn On the Device: Power on the Focus 40 Braille Display.
    2. Enter Diagnostic Mode: Press and hold the Menu button while turning on the device. Continue holding the button until the device enters diagnostic mode.
    3. Run Tests: Use the navigation keys to select and run various diagnostic tests, such as checking the Braille cells, buttons, and connectivity.
    4. Review Results: Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the diagnostic mode to review the results and identify any issues2.
    Cleaning the Focus 40 Braille Display and running diagnostics
    Cleaning the Focus 40 Braille Display and running diagnostics

    Regular cleaning and diagnostics help maintain the performance and longevity of your Focus 40 Braille Display, ensuring it remains responsive and reliable.

    Here is a video to demonstrate braille reading speed

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