This portfolio outlines the core competencies and specialized knowledge we teach individuals who are blind or have low vision. The curriculum is designed to foster digital independence and proficiency across essential platforms and tools.
Operating Systems
Mastery of major computing and mobile operating systems, focusing on native accessibility features and third-party screen reader integration.
- Windows: Desktop navigation, system settings, file management, software installation.
- iOS (iPhone/iPad): VoiceOver navigation, touch gestures, accessibility settings.
- Android: TalkBack navigation, exploring by touch, accessibility shortcuts.
Screen Readers and Access Software
In-depth training on the industry-leading screen readers that provide speech and/or braille access to digital content.
- JAWS (Job Access With Speech)
- NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
- VoiceOver
- TalkBack (Android)
Instruction includes, but is not limited to:
- Navigation with screen reader, keyboard and touch gestures
- Reading and exploring content
- Writing and formatting documents
- Screen reader settings, adjustments, configuration, customization
- Troubleshooting, online resources
Productivity and Office Software
Teaching essential skills for professional and personal document creation, data management, and communication.
- Microsoft Office Suite:
- Word (Document creation, formatting, navigation with screen readers).
- Excel (Basic data entry, formula creation, cell navigation, table structure).
- PowerPoint (Slide creation, reading, and presenting, ensuring accessible design).
- Outlook (Email management, scheduling appointments, and contact organization).
- Google Workspace (formerly G Suite):
- Docs (Real-time collaboration, document accessibility features, navigating documents efficiently with screen reader).
- Sheets (Spreadsheet fundamentals, navigation, calculations).
- Slides (Presentation creation and review).
- Gmail (Email organization, advanced filtering, keyboard shortcuts).
- Calendar (Scheduling, managing appointments, sharing calendars).
- Mobile applications
- Calendar: maintaining, scheduling
- Reminders, tasks: organizing, basic project management
- Playing audio
- Reading books: different readers, BookShare, BARD
- Picture recognition, navigating environment
- GPS navigation
Assistive Hardware
Instruction on setting up, using, and maintaining specialized hardware that bridges the gap between digital and physical content.
- Braille Displays: Connecting via Bluetooth/USB, setting up specific screen reader drivers (if applicable), text input, and command usage.
- Note Takers: Device-specific instruction for dedicated blind-friendly computing devices (e.g., Mantis, Chameleon, Apex, BrailleNote).
- Braille Embossers: Formatting documents for braille output, connecting and basic maintenance.
- Scanners: Using optical character recognition (OCR) software to convert printed text into digital, accessible formats.
Advanced Digital Literacy and Independence
Additional topics that build upon core skills to ensure full, independent participation in the digital world.
- Web Accessibility and Browsing: popular browsers (Chrome, Edge), understanding the most frequently used web sites and web applications.
- Strategies for using common apps (social media, banking, ride-sharing, navigation) and identifying accessibility barriers.
- Digital File Management and Cloud Storage: Organizing files and folders, utilizing cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) for backup and sharing, and understanding file types.
- Keyboard Commands and Touch Gestures: Developing efficient, non-visual interaction techniques to maximize speed and productivity across all operating systems and applications.
- Basic Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Skills for diagnosing common software crashes, screen reader hangups, connection issues, and performing updates.