If you’re having trouble with the latest Facebook update, here’s a quick workaround that’s been helping me:

Do a double tap and hold, then slide your finger to the right. Make sure your focus is on the text of the post or the person’s profile picture at the top before doing the gesture.

It’s been working pretty consistently on my end. Feel free to share this anywhere it might help others.

#Accessibility #VoiceOver #BlindTech #Facebook #AssistiveTechnology

Smart Keyboard

A keyboard project for disabled users. More details at https://github.com/clackups/smart-keyboard

YouTube

What a week at CSUN 2026 ✨

We loved connecting with so many Explorers, meeting new faces, and giving away a lot of Aira T-shirts along the way.

We shared our upcoming integration with the AI glasses from Meta, enabling hands-free Visual Interpreting through voice and camera interactions.

This integration was featured on the latest episode of DoubleTap alongside other innovations shaping the future.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/csun-special-shelly-brisbins-take-on-the-2026-event/id1309267346?i=1000755418050

#CSUN2026 #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility #BlindAndLowVision #AccessForAll

CSUN Special: Shelly Brisbin’s Take On The 2026 Event

Podcast Episode · Double Tap · March 15 · 56m

Apple Podcasts

Interesting nvda add-on from Tony Gebhard, Interactive NVDA screen reader training add-on — guided, hands-on lessons built into NVDA
Submitted for addon store review, you can check out the Github repo here,
https://github.com/tonygeb23/nvdaCoach-
Thrilled to share something I've been building: NVDA Coach is now available —

a free, interactive training add-on for the NVDA screen reader. 🎉

As an assistive technology instructor, I've worked with a lot of people who are

just starting out with screen readers. The hardest part isn't finding the right

resource — it's the gap between reading about a command and actually using it.

NVDA Coach closes that gap.

Instead of reading a manual, students practice real NVDA commands step by step,

inside NVDA itself, with spoken instructions and instant feedback.

📚 Version 1.0.0 includes 24 lessons across three chapters:

→ Getting Started — the 10 essential commands every beginner needs

→ Reading and Moving Through Text — character, word, line, and selection navigation

→ Browse Mode and Web Navigation — heading, link, form, and landmark navigation

What makes it different:

✅ Everything happens inside NVDA — no PDFs, no videos, no switching context

✅ Live practice forms for hands-on Tab and control navigation

✅ Practice text embedded directly in the lesson window for reading drills

✅ A practice web page auto-opens for browse mode lessons

✅ Completely free. No account. No internet required after install.

✅ Built for beginners, usable independently or with an instructor

If you work with people who are learning NVDA, or if you're learning yourself,

I'd love for you to try it and share it with anyone who might benefit.

This is a beta release with plenty of room for feedback, comments, and suggestions. Please feel free to flood my email inbox. :)

🔗 Learn more: tonygebhard.me/NVDACoach

📧 Questions or feedback: [email protected]

#NVDA #ScreenReader #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility #AT #BlindTech

#DigitalInclusion #AccessibilityTools #A11y #AssistiveTech

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we encourage you to apply.
Apply here: https://www.voiceofsap.org/applydevices/?country=US

Please share so more members of the blind and deafblind community can benefit.
#Braille #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #OrbitResearch #VoSAP

@PACounciloftheBlind
This week I learned how biathlon works for low vision athletes. 1. For the skiing part, a guide goes ahead of the athlete. 2. For shooting, an audio cue plays as the athlete aims. The closer the gun is aimed to the center of the target, the higher the pitch. Neat stuff! #AssistiveTechnology

Check out this blog post from the Digital Learning Institute on the role of AI in assistive technology. The blog briefly touches upon AI ethics, privacy, and the need to focus on user-centered AI design, as well as using AR/VR and wearable technologies.

From the blog:
"AI already impacts every aspect of daily life, and none more so than in assistive technology. According to the World Health Organization, up to 2.5 billion people worldwide require one or more assistive products. And with the ageing population, that number is expected to increase to 3.5 billion by 2050. From employment to education and daily living, assistive technology supports individuals with disabilities in achieving their potential and participating in society.”

Granted, the blog is intended to get the reader interested in signing up for the training that the Digital Learning Institute offers, though it also makes one consider the potential human benefits of AI use in assistive technology rather than just a way to cut costs. ~ Jim

#A11y #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #InclusiveDesign
#DigitalAccessibility #Privacy #DataSecurity #EthicalAI #AIEthics #AR #VR #WearableTech

https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/revolutionising-accessibility:-the-role-of-ai-in-assistive-technology

Revolutionising Accessibility: The Role of AI in Assistive Technology

AI already impacts every aspect of daily life, and none more so than in assistive technology. According to the World Health Organization, up to 2.5 billion people worldwide require one or more assistive products. And with the ageing population, that number is expected to increase to 3.5 billion by 2050. From employment to education and daily living, assistive technology supports individuals with disabilities in achieving their potential and participating in society.

Digital Learning Institute
I just published a new piece on Access Interrupted and I’m incredibly proud of this one. It’s about how I work as a blind host at Applebee’s, and the tactile system I use to run the front of house. After my original seating chart disappeared, a teacher at Michigan’s Training Center for the Blind 3D printed a brand new tactile map for me with Braille table numbers and pegs for my jump rings. I call it the Dragon’s Command Board . This piece is about accessibility, teamwork, and the creative systems blind people build to do our jobs well. And yes… sometimes it even involves listening for chairs sliding back to know a table might be leaving. If you’ve ever wondered what restaurant work is like from a blind perspective, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
🔗 Read it here:
https://accessinterrupted.substack.com/p/the-dragons-command-board
#Accessibility
#BlindLife
#Blindness
#AssistiveTechnology
#WorkplaceAccessibility
#DisabilityInTech
The Dragon's Command Board

How I Run the Applebee's Host Stand as a Blind Host

Access Interrupted

If you’re heading to the 2026 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, make plans to join us on March 11 at 10:20 am for What’s New and Coming Up in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion.

Ryan Jones and Nathan Romney will share live demonstrations of the latest features, answer your questions, and give you a preview of what’s coming next.

Learn more and check out our full list of sessions: https://vispero.com/lp/csun-2026/

#CSUNATC26 #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility

CSUN 2026 Is Almost Here! 🎉
We are excited to announce that Aira is providing a complimentary Access Offer at the Anaheim Marriott during this year’s CSUN Technology Conference. Our on-demand professional Visual Interpreters are ready to enhance your conference experience!
Service Monday at 9:00am PST through Saturday at 12:00pm PST
Available at the hotel, conference center, and parking lots
Find us at Booth #216. and stay tuned for all the giveaway details!
Score an ever-requested tactile Aira T-shirt, be among the first to try the Meta smart glasses integration, and learn how you could be one of 5 lucky Explorers to take home Ollie Octillio, Aira’s adorable mascot plushie.
#CSUN2026 #AccessForAll #BlindAndLowVision #AssistiveTechnology #OnMyTerms