#Development #Reminders
The role of the HTML ‘lang’ attribute · A tiny detail can make it or break it for millions https://ilo.im/168yc1

_____
#Language #Content #Accessibility #WCAG #ScreenReaders #Browser #Frameworks #WebDev #Frontend #HTML

Reposting. Slots available.

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 aaron.graham.hewitt@gmail.com

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from personalized accessibility training, I’d be glad to help.

#Accessibility #Blind #VisuallyImpaired #ScreenReaders #JAWS #NVDA #VoiceOver #TalkBack #Braille #AssistiveTechnology #DigitalInclusion #InclusiveTech #LinuxAccessibility #WindowsAccessibility #iOSAccessibility #AndroidAccessibility #MacAccessibility #Orca #ATTraining #TechTraining #AccessibleTech

It takes skill to break the #accessibility of an event before it has even begun.
#TryHackMe have already managed it with the #AOC2025 page using a countdown that makes #screenReaders read the new countdown value every time it changes, which is every second. This essentially means it has no chance to say anything else, like, for example, the contents of the actual page.

I'm impressed. The TryHarder mentality hard at work here. Amazing job.

#snark #adventOfCyber #adventOfCyber2026 #hacking #tech

Dear #MastoPeeps, When using #HashTags that are more than a single discreet word, like #HashTags, capitalizing each word in the hashtag really helps #ScreenReaders process them and makes life a little easier for folks that use them.

#ThankYou.

🗣️🎤📝  Speech to Text and Text to Speech on GNU/Linux  📝🔊💻

Why This Matters to Me (and Maybe You Too)

If you’re anything like me—a Linux user who counts on voice typing and TTS because of visual impairment—you know that accessibility is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Speaking from experience as someone who depends on voice typing (and TTS) , the quest for a seamless, local, FLOSS speech-to-text (STT) setup on Linux can be frustrating.
Here’s how you can succeed with modern tools using Linux. FLOSS means freedom and privacy; working locally means real control.
Let’s dive in! I’ll tell you what I’ve learned and what I use—and hope you’ll share your favorite tools or tips!

System-Wide Voice Keyboard: Speak Directly in Any App

Want to speak and have your words typed wherever your cursor is—be it a terminal, browser, chat, or IDE? Here’s what actually works and how it feels day-to-day:

- Speak to AI (Offline, Whisper-based, global hotkeys)
This tool is my current go-to. It uses Whisper locally, lets you use global hotkeys (configurable) to type into any focused window, and doesn’t need internet. Runs smoothly on X11 and Wayland; just takes a bit of setup (AppImage available!).
GitHub Repo https://github.com/AshBuk/speak-to-ai) | Dev.to Post https://dev.to/ashbuk/i-built-an-offline-voice-typing-app-for-linux-speak-to-ai-3ab5)

- DIY: RealtimeSTT + PyAutoGUI
For the true tinkerers, RealtimeSTT plus a Python script lets you simulate keystrokes. You control every step, can lower latency with your tweaks, but you’ll need to be comfortable with scripting.
RealtimeSTT Guide https://github.com/KoljaB/RealtimeSTT#readme)

- Handy (Free/Libre, offline, Whisper-based, acts as a keyboard)
I’ve read lots of positive feedback on Handy—even though I haven’t tried it myself. The workflow is simple: press a hotkey, speak, and Handy pastes your text in the active app. It’s fully offline, works on X11 and Wayland, and gets strong accuracy thanks to Whisper.
Heads up: Handy lets you pick your own shortcut key, but it actually overrides the keyboard shortcut for start/stop recording. That means it can clash with other tools that depend on major shortcut combos—including Orca’s custom keybindings if you use a screen reader. If your workflow relies on certain shortcuts, this might need adjustment or careful planning before you commit.
GitHub Repo https://github.com/cjpais/Handy) | Demo https://handy.computer)

Real-Time Transcription in a Window (Copy/Paste Workflow)

If you’re okay with speaking into a dedicated app, then copying, these options offer great GUIs and power features:

- Speech Note by @mkiol https://mastodon.social/@mkiol
FLOSS, offline, multi-language GUI app—perfect for quick notes and batch transcription. Not a system-wide keyboard, but super easy to use and works on both desktops and Linux phones.
Flathub https://flathub.org/apps/net.mkiol.SpeechNote | LinuxPhoneApps https://linuxphoneapps.org/apps/net.mkiol.speechnote/)

- WhisperLive (by Collabora)
Real-time transcription in a terminal or window—great for meetings, lectures, and captions. Manual copy/paste required to get the text to other apps.
GitHub Repo https://github.com/collabora/WhisperLive)

More Tools for Tinkerers

If you like building your own or want extra control, check out:
- Vosk: Lightweight, lots of language support. GitHub https://alphacephei.com/vosk/)
- Kaldi: Powerful, best for custom setups. Website https://kaldi-asr.org/)
- Simon: Voice control automation. Website https://simon-listens.org/)
- voice2json: Phrase-level and command recognition. GitHub https://github.com/synesthesiam/voice2json)

Pro Tips

- Desktop Environment: X11 vs. Wayland affects how keyboard hooks and app focus actually operate.
- Ready-Made vs. DIY: If you want plug-and-play, try Speech Note or Handy first. Into automation or customization? RealtimeSTT is perfect.
- Follow the Community: @thorstenvoice offers tons of open-source voice tech insights.

Screen Reader Integration

Looking for robust screen reader support? Linux has you covered:

- Orca (GNOME/MATE): The most customizable GUI screen reader out there. The default voice (eSpeak) is robotic, but you can swap it for something better and fine-tune verbosity so it reads only what matters.
- Speakup: Console-based, ideal for terminal.
- Emacspeak: The solution for Emacs fans.

💡 Orca is part of my daily toolkit. It took time to get the settings just right (especially verbosity!) but it’s absolutely worth it. If you use a screen reader—what setup makes it bearable or even enjoyable for you?

Final Thoughts

If you’re starting from scratch, try Handy for direct typing (just watch those shortcuts if you use a screen reader!) or Speech Note for GUI-based transcription. Both are privacy-friendly, local, and accessible—ideal for everyday Linux use.

Is there a FLOSS gem missing here?
Sharing what works (and what doesn’t!) helps the entire community.

Resources:
Speech Note on Flathub https://flathub.org/apps/net.mkiol.SpeechNote
Handy GitHub https://github.com/cjpais/Handy
Speak to AI Guide https://dev.to/ashbuk/i-built-an-offline-voice-typing-app-for-linux-speak-to-ai-3ab5
RealtimeSTT https://github.com/KoljaB/RealtimeSTT

#Linux #SpeechToText #FLOSS #Accessibility #VoiceKeyboard #ScreenReader #Whisper #Handy #SpeechNote #OpenSource #Community #voicetyping #LocalSTT #TTStools #SpeechRecognition #A11y #Linuxtools #Voicekeyboard #Whisper #Handy #speech-to-text #SpeechNote #review #ScreenReaders #ORCA #FOSS

#Development #Techniques
Accessible external link · How to tell users that a link opens a new tab/window? https://ilo.im/168ccb

_____
#Icons #Links #Content #Accessibility #ScreenReaders #WebDev #Frontend #HTML #CSS