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As it is the start of the month I shall do some shameless promoting of https://ourblind.com/ for all the #blind, #deafblind, #lowvision, and #visuallyimpaired people around. @mastoblind
As it is the start of the month I shall do some shameless promoting of https://ourblind.com/ for all the #blind, #deafblind, #lowvision, and #visuallyimpaired people around. @main @mastoblind
@NVAccess So if this is a known thing I cannot find it, when closing some applications, Edge for example, with alt+f4 #NVDA does not focus anything afterward and instead just says "Window" which
@main @NVAccess So if this is a known thing I cannot find it, when closing some applications, Edge for example, with alt+f4 #NVDA does not focus anything afterward and instead just says "Window" which is also displayed on my braille display as a window marker and blank otherwise. This blank window requires using alt+tab, the windows key, or the like to get out of.
Blind people interested in #Linux will want to bookmark https://linuxaccess.org/ for when they launch! I have no clue when that will be, but still, bookmark https://linuxaccess.org/ @mastoblind
Blind people interested in #Linux will want to bookmark https://linuxaccess.org/ for when they launch! I have no clue when that will be, but still, bookmark https://linuxaccess.org/ @main @mastoblind
@mastoblind Update on my #miniPC, it has been the best experience I have had with a computer since becoming #blind. has been up almost constantly for the not quite 2 weeks I have had it, only
@main @mastoblind Update on my #miniPC, it has been the best experience I have had with a computer since becoming #blind. has been up almost constantly for the not quite 2 weeks I have had it, only restarting for updates and such, it's happy as a clam to just be left alone and do its thing.
@NVAccess @main @mastoblind Android so no Siri here lol, yeah my Bi40x is what I use to operate my PC.
@dhamlinmusic @main @mastoblind Lean on the strengths of each. Your phone is portable so it's great for reading email on the go (or just in the other room / backyard / wherever).... but not so great for writing..... Your computer on the other hand has a keyboard you can write all your replies on without constant swiping or trying to convince Siri to copy what you actually said not what it made up :)
@fastfinge Yeah maybe, the machine I got should be able to handle some of that.
Ok, @mastoblind so I have a quandary, I got a new PC, it works great, I have been using it ton with #NVDA and my #BrailleDisplay, and I have realized I have no clue what to do with a PC… I have
Ok, @main @mastoblind so I have a quandary, I got a new PC, it works great, I have been using it ton with #NVDA and my #BrailleDisplay, and I have realized I have no clue what to do with a PC… I have Discord, Outlook, and Reddit open almost always, but that's all things I do on my phone as well.
@NVAccess @main @mastoblind Yeah, I found that placing the focus over something like the system clock prevents it from requiring pulling out the qwerty keyboard to get the display working after a few hours, the object updating every minute seems to be enough to get the display out of just showing "braille display" when it reconnects and I enter terminal mode. It just seems to need something to trigger the focus enough to need it to update the display.
@dhamlinmusic @main @mastoblind One of the features in NVDA 2025.1 is "Added a general setting to prevent the display turning off during say all or reading with braille." which should at least fix the display dropping out in some cases while reading long pieces of text - it won't help if you leave the PC entirely for long enough that it goes to sleep though
@main @mastoblind I did find making sure the focus is over the system clock when disconnecting the display and leaving the PC idle does work for this, the clock causes #NVDA to update every minute which will update the display and bring it back to working without needing to do anything with the qwerty.
@mastoblind Ok anyone know if there's a screen saver type add on for #NVDA that will update focus? Due to either something with NVDA itself, or just good old #Microsoft being stupid it appears
@main @mastoblind Ok anyone know if there's a screen saver type add on for #NVDA that will update focus? Due to either something with NVDA itself, or just good old #Microsoft being stupid it appears that #BrailleDisplay connected over bluetooth cannot clear screen savers, or do really anything after being disconnected for any amount of time without first moving the focus via something like a Qwerty keyboard. All that's needed is something that would overlay a few objects after nothing has updated focus for a bit, and then just juggle it between them.
@NVAccess @main @mastoblind This a applies to screen savers as well, the braille display cannot wake the PC from it.
@NVAccess @main @mastoblind Ok so the braille display not working on secure screens I'm thinking is a microsoft being stupid issue, I realize that this also happened when using a display over USB with narrator itself, bet they are blocking peripherals beyond m&k from interacting with those. The issue where the display is unable to do anything when the PC is first turned on, or has been disconnected for more than like 10min until something is pressed on the qwerty however seems to be #nvda, I checked all the bluetooth and power settings and they are correct.
@NVAccess @main @mastoblind Oh additionally if the PC is left idle for a while or restarts the braille display will just read "braille display" until focus is moved with the qwerty.
@NVAccess @main @mastoblind Not sure, this is the first time I have had a working PC and time to get the display set up with it and NVDA, but this happened' right away. Best I can tell is it's the same issue. Also where do I go to clear the secure screen profile, cannot figure that out, do not need it if it's not fixing this.
@dhamlinmusic @main @mastoblind is this a new issue for you though? I got the impression this just started happening?
@NVAccess @main @mastoblind Ok found this issue being reported back over a decade. https://github.com/nvaccess/nvda/issues/2315
I found a handful of others that were closed for being duplicates of this original issue, or one of a couple other identical ones.
@NVAccess @main @mastoblind Yeah I will try and get to that, the consistant things are that any screen that is flagged as secure cannot be acted on by the #brailledisplay, even if #nvda is running with elevated permissions, examples are the lock screen and the windows UAC dialogues, such as the one that pops when giving NVDA permission to run on the lock screen. Saving a config to use on secure screens did not make any difference.
@dhamlinmusic @main @mastoblind I can't readily see an issue similar to that - would you be able to write one up please?
@NVAccess @main @mastoblind Assuming April 2024, whatever one is downloaded from the main download page, and using a Bi40x, the display connects and shows the information o the lock screen, but cannot move focus or do anything itself.
@dhamlinmusic @main @mastoblind By latest version of NVDA, do you mean 2024.4.2 - or the 2025.1 beta? Also which braille display are you using?
@main @mastoblind @NVAccess additionally, even after enabling #NDA on the login screen it refuses all input from a connected braille display, preventing unlocking the PC. Also, interacting with Windows UAC dialogues does not work either, and was not accepting qwerty input, which meant to place focus on the desired choice required someone to move focus with the mouse.
Windows 11 Pro 2024h2 latest updates, and latest version of NVDA downloaded today.
@mastoblind @NVAccess is there a way to have #NVDA input commands like Win+I or Alt+F4 when operated with a #BrailleDisplay? I cannot find an option to do this.
@main @mastoblind @NVAccess is there a way to have #NVDA input commands like Win+I or Alt+F4 when operated with a #BrailleDisplay? I cannot find an option to do this.
Hello, RBlind Lemmy theme designer here - we appreciate the feedback!
At least in terms of post nesting, I made another comment about this but the short of it is that our ability to change it is limited right now because the values relating to the width and colour of the left border is not defined in the CSS: Lemmy RBlind Post about Comment Nesting Styles
You make some good points about the dividers and distinguishing comments being different for the Light and Dark theme. We can look into if things like the comment fields can be made larger, as well. This theme is still in alpha so we appreciate all the feedback we can get at this stage.
We appreciate the feedback! (Designer of the RBlind themes here).
We originally wanted to increase the thickness of the lines (and change the colour) of the post nesting next to comments, however these elements in particular are hard coded outside of all CSS themes and are inserted by some dynamic code that will "count" the number of comments in order to nest them correctly and add the style accordingly. So it is a limitation we cannot change (yet).
We've made a Github Issue about this, requesting for the lemmy-ui to define the thickness and colour inside CSS so theme developers can edit them: Define comment tree post left-border colour in CSS #2890 and Define comment tree post left-border width in CSS #2889. Once lemmy-ui address this issue we will be able to style the comment nesting border differently.
I would personally really like to change this as in web design it is best practice to separate style from function and for the most part the Lemmy CSS themes do this, but this is one area where they don't.
What I mean with OP color, is that there's no difference between the blue color of your name, and the blue color of my name. In reddit, you as OP would have a different color than me a commenter.
It's fine as is, it's just different than reddit. It's like when admin are distinguished red or mods green OP or [S] gets to stand out from the regular comments.
I see you have OP and that's good, it just literally gets lost in the crowd of clutter to me without a color change.
Announcing RBlind custom dark and light themes for Lemmy
As part of OurBlind's continued efforts to provide accessible online spaces for the blind and visually impaired community, we've developed custom themes for Lemmy, to use on our Lemmy instance on Rblind, and to make available for others, in keeping with the themes' license terms and the spirit of free and open source software.
If you're reading this on www.rblind.com and are not signed in, you're using RBlind-Dark. We hope you're enjoying it! If you log in, you can switch to RBlind-Light. Once logged in, go to your username, then Settings and, use the Themes dropdown to make your selection: we suggest RBlind-Dark or RBlind-Light at the end of the list.
Why these themes matter to us
We started this Lemmy instance back in 2023, prompted by the Reddit API protests. Reddit Inc., the company that controls the website our community r/Blind is on, had announced policy changes that made the apps most of us used to participate in the Reddit community impossible to
A Brief Introduction to RBlind
Welcome to rblind.com, a community for blind folks and friends! This is one of the communities affiliated with the OurBlind network. Here, you can interact with both blind and sighted folks alike, in an open, friendly, environment. Just as with Reddit, you can, and are encouraged, to upvote and downvote posts and comments, post your own links and topics in communities, and participate in discussions with others.
Signing Up
As with any community, the first step to participating is to sign up for an account. To do so, you can use the "sign up" link, located in the navigation landmark. You'll be presented with a form that asks for a username, email, password, and asks a question about why you want to join. You'll also be asked if you'd like to see NSFW (not safe for work) content.
Don't worry! We approve all accounts fairly quickly. There's no need to over-think the "why do you want to join" question. We do things this way in order to kee
@quanin
After exploring #R2E, I've decided it might not be the best fit for my needs. Here's why:
- R2E doesn't support #Inoreader's #OPML format, requiring manual feed addition.
- I realized I have many feeds and need a more comprehensive solution.
I'm now considering #Miniflux, which can manage #RSS feeds, #Podcasts, and #YouTube subscriptions in one place.
Until I get my #RaspberryPi for Christmas, I'm weighing two options:
#Blind #techies, I just found out #vmware doesn't officially support #ArchLinux, and I think that could be part of the reason why things aren't working right. Is there another accessible virtual
Blind #techies, I just found out #vmware doesn't officially support #ArchLinux, and I think that could be part of the reason why things aren't working right. Is there another accessible virtual machine option for #Windows?
accessibility #tech #Linux #VirtualMachine #VirtualMachines #VM #techSupport #technology
@main @mastoblind
So I'm trying out some Rayband glasses, and I have some questions about the AI for any blind people that use it:
So I'm trying out some Rayband glasses, and I have some questions about the AI for any blind people that use it:
Is it best to just say "look and describe" or ask for specific questions? I tried asking about lighting in a room "look and tell me if the lights are on" but it said no when the switch was flipped both ways. Could be AI issues, could be that the controllable light was set too dimly.
What have y'all found them useful for as far as describing?
Any specific way to prompt it that you use, like "look and describe" or "look and describe in detail" that you use?
Shout out to a moderator - an NVDA Certified Expert Moderator :)
Shout out today to one of our illustrious moderators @rumster - who recently acquired NVDA Expert Certification!
I must admit I am not sure of all the other mods so apologies if I've missed anyone else out there :)
NVDA Expert Certification is an online exam you can sit, which tests your knowledge of the NVDA screen reader. The exam is free for anyone to sit, with a cost if you wish to purchase the certification - purchasing gets you a certificate you can print, a badge you can put on your email or other online presence, and a warm, fuzzy feeling from helping us continue to provide NVDA for free to anyone, anywhere in the world!
If interested, find out more at: https://certification.nvaccess.org/ - and in any case, know that we have a wonderful, knowledgeable and supportive community here, so thank you!
Video call app - cross-platform & Siri/Voiceover friendly
Hello,
I'm trying to help my Dad talk to his brother (my Uncle).
Can you recommend a voice calling app that:
- works on Android and iPhone
- supports Siri "Call [contact] using [voice calling app name]"
- supports VoiceOver two finger double tap Magic tap to answer or end a call
- does not require an actual phone number
- bonus points if it supports video
Long winded background follows...
Uncle lives in UK and can see just fine, but does not like Apple or Facebook so he's got an Android phone. Dad is in Canada and has an iPhone. He's pretty good with Siri and making good progress with VoiceOver. He does not have a phone plan so no phone number.
If my Mum is around my Uncle sets up Zoom calls and they can talk. If my Mum is not around Dad can call Uncle's regular phone number using a VOIP client "Hey Siri, call Uncle using GroundWire." However for some bizarre reason the UK reverted to 1990's phone rates after Brexit so these Canada-UK calls cost $0.4361/min vs the Can-US VOIP rat
Brailliance App TestFlight and Beta
Join the Brailliance native app beta!
iOS TestFlight: https://testflight.apple.com/join/PSwzeHVM
Android Beta: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.exceptionullgames.brailliance
We are testing app versions of Brailliance, our new game where you count braille dots to guess the word. This version incorporates a ton of your feedback from the web version of the game, all while benefiting from the advantages of being a native app.
To download the beta on iOS TestFlight, download Apple's TestFlight app on the App Store. Once you do, you can follow the link above and TestFlight will allow you to register for early access. Once you do, you can find a download button for Brailliance directly within the TestFlight app.
To download the beta on Android, so long as you have Google Play, follow the link above and tap "Become a Tester." After a moment, you'll see a link to
Linux Distro Accessibility
Which Linux distributions are most accessible? I researched the accessibility of Linux distributions before choosing Ubuntu. My sources included 8 accessible Linux distributions by Opensource.com and 5 Linux distros for visually impaired people by It's FOSS.
I opted for Ubuntu as a solid base distribution with the Gnome desktop environment. I now question this choice, because "Ubuntu Software" does not distinguish which application packages are apt, snap, or flatpak. How do other distributions compare for accessibility?
How to make a PDF accessible -- or what to use instead of PDF (msWord? Nooooo!)
Some of you might be interested in this Mastodon thread. It’s a bit of bashing PDFs for having poor accessibility, and some guidance on improving PDFs for accessibility.
Some people are saying they prefer MS Word over PDF for accessibility reasons. Of course the elephant in the room is that “accessibility” is an over-loaded word. It usually refers to usability by impaired people, but in the case of being generally usable to all people on a broad range of platforms, MS Word is obviously inaccessible due to being encumbered by proprietary tech by a protectionist corporation.
Good evening, #JAWS users. Have a question. How does one configure #Windows11 such that the list of system tray icons is always fully expanded? Thanks in advance for any help. @freedomscientific
Good evening, #JAWS users. Have a question. How does one configure #Windows11 such that the list of system tray icons is always fully expanded? Thanks in advance for any help. @freedomscientific #JAWSForWindows #JAWS2024 #Blind #VisuallyImpaired #LowVision #BlindMasto #BlindMastodon #BlindFedi @mastoblind @main
On the latest (https://equestria.social/tags/ios) with (https://equestria.social/tags/voiceover) how do you tell if your in private browsing mode with (https://equestria.soc
On the latest #ios with #voiceover how do you tell if your in private browsing mode with #safari? Apparently the address bar is a different color, but voiceover gives no indication of that. #blind @main
Seeking feedback on the UX of my app
I'm an indie web developer that's finishing up an app I've been building over the past three years, a platform to advocate for Medicare For All. One of my top priorities is ensuring the app is accessible to everyone. It gets a perfect score on Google Lighthouse for Accessibility, but accessibility isn't just a checkbox for me; it's a practical representation of my commitment and I want to make sure there are no obstacles to use for the disabled.
I'd love to get feedback on the overall user experience from those who use screen readers or related technology. I do have one known issue to start with. There's a keyboard navigation problem on a particular element that I'm already working on. But in general I took great care building the app at every interactive or visual element with accessibility in mind, and even in choosing my development stack. If you encounter any challenges or have suggestions to make **powe