#AskFedi for those of you who are #blind or #VisuallyImpaired , or regularly use #ScreenReaders but aren't either, is it better for readability if I capitalise words in #hashtags or use underscores? My Mastodon app keeps suggesting no spacing or capitalisation, which I've been told is awful for readability, but it will sometimes suggest words separated by underscores instead.
Boosts appreciated so I have a more accurate idea of what is more accomodating.
Sooooo... thinking about the possibility and feasibility of big life changes, namely studying opera seriously in Europe. Would love to connect with other #Blind language learners, especially those using #braille as a component of their learning. Currently learning #French. Am particularly interested in chatting with people who have taught themselves grade 2 French Braille as well as those who are either conversational or fluent and/or who have worked in or currently live in a #Francophone European country. If this is you or you're in any way adjacent to this world, please reach out. Would love to talk to you. Would also love to chat with people who use #MusicBraille / #BrailleMusic in Europe.
A gentle reminder to everyone who uses hashtags. If you capitalise them #LikeThisOne, people using screen readers will hear the words read individually. Not capitalising means it's read as a string of gobbledygook and so excludes visually impaired people. You're welcome.
After a short break, I’m returning to accessibility training services.
I provide one-on-one training for blind and visually impaired users across multiple platforms. My teaching is practical and goal-driven: not just commands, but confidence, independence, and efficient workflows that carry into daily life, study, and work.
I cover:
iOS: VoiceOver gestures, rotor navigation, Braille displays, Safari, text editing, Mail and Calendars, Shortcuts, and making the most of iOS apps for productivity, communication, and entertainment.
macOS: VoiceOver from basics to advanced, Trackpad Commander, Safari and Mail, iWork and Microsoft Office, file management, Terminal, audio tools, and system upkeep.
Windows: NVDA and JAWS from beginner to advanced. Training includes Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, web browsing, customizing screen readers, handling less accessible apps, and scripting basics.
Android: TalkBack gestures, the built-in Braille keyboard and Braille display support, text editing, app accessibility, privacy and security settings, and everyday phone and tablet use.
Linux: Orca and Speakup, console navigation, package management, distro setup, customizing desktops, and accessibility under Wayland.
Concrete goals I can help you achieve:
Set up a new phone, tablet, or computer
Send and manage email independently
Browse the web safely and efficiently
Work with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
Manage files and cloud storage
Use social media accessibly
Work with Braille displays and keyboards
Install and configure accessible software across platforms
Troubleshoot accessibility issues and build reliable workflows
Make the most of AI in a useful, productive way
Grow from beginner skills to advanced, efficient daily use
I bring years of lived experience as a blind user of these systems. I teach not only what manuals say, but the real-world shortcuts, workarounds, and problem-solving skills that make technology practical and enjoyable.
Remote training is available worldwide.
Pricing: fair and flexible — contact me for a quote. Discounts available for multi-session packages and ongoing weekly training.
Contact:
UK: 07447 931232
US: 772-766-7331
If these don’t work for you, email me at [email protected]
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from personalized accessibility training, I’d be glad to help.
I need to get a sign made for the public wild space and I'm struggling to find a signmaker that will do it. Aside from recommendations for anyone who could make a weatherproof B/VI-accessible sign in the UK it would help to know:
We have been told more visually impaired people are able to read raised text over braille. Is that likely, would raised text be the more inclusive option?
We're planning to note the length of the nature path on the sign, which we assume would be helpful (please correct me on that though) but we also want to note the location of a bench. Is this practically useful?
The bench is just off the main path, literally next to it. What would be the best way to indicate its location so it could be found. By distance from the sign?
If you do use signage in community spaces or wish there were more, what other information might you want to have on the sign apart from the above, and contact details? We are reaching out to local organisations to raise awareness of the nature walk too.
As it is the start of the month I would like to invite my fellow #Blind, #DeafBlind, and #VisuallyImpaired people, along with their family, and friends, to #OurBlind. OurBlind comprises the #Discord, #Lemmy, and #Reddit communities operated by the staff of the r/Blind subreddit, as well as those who have joined since the creation of the Discord in 2022, and Lemmy in 2023. We have members from all over the world, and of all ages, hearing and vision levels, and are a welcoming and safe space for Our #LGBTQIA and #neurodiverse friends. Our general community guidelines, and the links to reach our platforms can be found on our website.
Ok I debated making this but it cannot hurt. I hope all my fellow #Blind, #DeafBlind, and #VisuallyImpaired people, along with their family, friends, and others have had a great time at the #ACB and/or #NFB 2025 conventions. I am taking this time, and the increased activity on certain hashtags to do some shameless promotion of #OurBlind. OurBlind comprises the Discord, Lemmy, and Reddit communities operated by the staff of the r/Blind subreddit, as well as those who have joined since the creation of the Discord in 2022, and Lemmy in 2023. We have members from all over the world, and of all ages, hearing and vision levels, and are a safe space for Our LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse friends. Our general community guidelines, and the links to reach our platforms can be found on our website.