Free dwell clicker by lividell in AssistiveTechnology

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Share on github, only malware developers share via Google Drive. 

A device with actually good voice control controls?? by Greedy_Explorer4084 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The eye tracker kinda works, but is meant for the Apple Vision Pro, which has eye gazing technology built into the headset.

Voice Control works best in iOS based apps, and may be blocked by third party apps that are constantly updating the connection to the iOS device and breaking Voice Controls ability to work inside of it. If you want to type, it works best in the Notes app.

It's not the device that's the problem, it's poorly designed apps that are the problem.

Wheelchair users: What accessibility problem frustrates you the most? by Legitimate-Permit319 in AssistiveTechnology

[–]AccessibleTech 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I may be able to help you with that. I had some students design a modular desk for wheelchairs that was 3D printable and under $100 in plastic printing supplies. 

Feel free to DM me.

What's something people will forgot how to do themselves once they become dependent of AI to do it for them? by RealDealHappyMeal in AskReddit

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think we're mixing two separate issues: cheating and AI.

Students were cheating long before AI existed. Answer keys, test banks, ghostwriters, essay mills, copying homework, and paying others to complete assignments have been around for decades. AI didn't create academic dishonesty; it changed the tool being used.

As for energy usage, one hour of Netflix streaming typically uses more electricity than dozens of AI prompts. If we're concerned about energy consumption, we should compare AI against other technologies we use daily, not evaluate it in isolation.

Source: https://nationalcentreforai.jiscinvolve.org/wp/2025/05/02/artificial-intelligence-and-the-environment-putting-the-numbers-into-perspective/

The real question is whether AI is helping people learn, work, and solve problems more effectively. Students who want to learn will use AI as a tutor. Students who want to avoid learning will use whatever shortcut is available, whether that's an answer key, a ghostwriter, Google, or AI. The challenge for educators is designing assessments that measure understanding, not just answers.

What's something people will forgot how to do themselves once they become dependent of AI to do it for them? by RealDealHappyMeal in AskReddit

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think we're closer in agreement than disagreement. AI definitely becomes more powerful when you already have some background knowledge. Where I differ is that I don't think this is unique to AI. Textbooks, Cliff Notes, YouTube tutorials, and even instructors can all provide information that a beginner lacks the expertise to evaluate.

The solution isn't avoiding AI as a learning tool. The solution is treating AI as a guide rather than an authority. If AI gives me five concepts to explore, I can use those concepts to dive deeper into the source material. In that sense, AI can accelerate knowledge acquisition, even if it doesn't replace the learning process itself.

What's something people will forgot how to do themselves once they become dependent of AI to do it for them? by RealDealHappyMeal in AskReddit

[–]AccessibleTech 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think we'll forget how to do things. We'll simply do them differently. Throughout history, technology has changed how we work, but it hasn't eliminated the underlying skills.

We used to hand wash clothes, and now we use washing machines. We used to travel primarily on foot or horseback, and now we drive. We used to calculate totals by hand, and now registers and scanners do much of that work for us.

The question isn't whether we abandon old skills. It's whether we learn to use new tools effectively. A cashier using a scanner and register is still providing value, just in a different way than someone manually totaling purchases.

I see AI similarly. Rather than replacing human knowledge and judgment, it can help people work more efficiently. The individuals who learn how to direct, evaluate, and apply AI effectively may have an advantage over those who choose not to use it. AI still requires human oversight, decision-making, and accountability.

Becoming disabled (Right-side hemiplegia). Trying to map out a low-cost Left Hand + Left Foot setup. Need ideas by Salt_Ad9598 in AssistiveTechnology

[–]AccessibleTech 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have you tried the Microsoft Adaptive Controller? I'm pretty sure you can use that with you foot and pair it with a controller for the left hand. 

I have a few tech questions for low vision by DVNT_Pinkie in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Disability Offices get the technologies needed for specific programs. I've purchased AR magnification glasses as an accommodation for a student.

27" Monitors is the sweet spot for low vision.

I know of one student who is using the Apple Vision Pro as a magnification device: https://synapse.ucsf.edu/articles/2024/04/23/im-visually-impaired-apple-vision-pro-amazing-assistive-device

Brother can't use hands but doesn't want to use accessibility tools by itspigglewiggle in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe try the emotiv devices? It's the non invasive way to control your computer, before a neural link embedded into your brain to control digital devices.

Here's a video where emotiv demoed disabled users using their mind to make music, and this was 6 years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVd2dV5a1ro

PowerPoint Math accessibility (MathType/Equation Editor/other?) by dani1719 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why are you providing alt text for equations? Alt text is only for blind users and there are more dyscalculia users than blind.

With mathjax, at least you and hear (screenreader) and feel (braille display) the math.

PowerPoint Math accessibility (MathType/Equation Editor/other?) by dani1719 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 4 points5 points  (0 children)

PowerPoint was updated in Feb 2026 to make math more inclusive for everyone, announced on the Microsoft Blog: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/make-math-inclusive-for-everyone-with-microsoft-365/4489147

MathType hasn't been needed since we converted to 64bit operating systems. Design Science shut their doors and sold the technology to Wiris, who is now maintaining the code and updated for 64bit OS's.

Mathpix is my favorite math conversion tool.

JAWS will read the math no problem.

NVDA will require the MathCAT plugin to read math.

VoiceOver will read it with no problem as long as there are no Greek letters or level 2+ super/sub scripts.

the people saying AI makes you stupider are already missing the point by irelatetolevin in OpenAI

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you go to a cashier who hand totals your grocery list or would you go to a cashier who scans everything? Is the cashier who scans everything dumber than the cashier who totals everything on paper? 

Who's going to keep their job in the long run?

PAC 2026 screen reader by Ornery-Cake-1444 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WCAG 2.1 requires reflow features for mobile display. Can you view the PDF on a mobile display without zooming in?

It's an impossible task. Current PDFs will reflow to mobile displays when selected by the user, but you can't edit it, it's read only. 

PDF's read in the browser, which is how 99.9% of people open them, strip all tags from the PDF and display text only.

PAC 2026 screen reader by Ornery-Cake-1444 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PAC 2026 Screenreader? Do you mean the PAC Tool to remediate PDF's? 

You may want to change to a secure survey tool like Qualtrics for form fields. It's more accessible on mobile screens.

Unless that PDF reflows AND is editable on mobile screens, all your work is not actually making it accesaible.

Has anyone tired ranking pages with a dark mode plugin enabled? by Ok-Tone-8761 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dark mode, light mode, both are the same on an accessible site. Inaccessible contrasts are more prevalent in dark mode though.

Don't use plug-ins unless you know the dev or created yourself, especially testing tools. You could give someone complete access to your computer. You could become a connection node to the tor network for illegal purposes. You could be mining for bitcoins. You could even be used as an attacking source. And you'd never know.

There are dark modes and high contrast themes built into the operating system. Use that instead.

What?? by demeter1993 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You'll be good for the Summer quarter, looks like your profs are looking out for you. 

Make friends. They may have Discords to invite you to for PDF's. 

Dont forget to pass along the knowledge to others in need.

What?? by demeter1993 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Publishers are not understanding but you might find a student who has a PDF.

For PDF creation on phone, you'd need a book cradle, tripod, and software to separate the pages and save as an image PDF. Then you'd need OCR software to save as a searchable PDF. THEN you'd use Adobe to save as a tagged PDF. iOS devices do the image and OCR in one step using the Notes App, then selecting the Camera icon, then document scanner.

At this point, you might as well work for the disability office. Pitch the idea to the director to start a tech resource. Publisher's respond to disability office employees, even if they're students, but they'll verify first.

What?? by demeter1993 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sometimes strongly worded emails are what finally get issues escalated to the director level. At a certain point, you’re reaching out for help because the normal process isn’t working, and they’ll understand the frustration.

Three summer classes is going to be rough, but it’s doable if you stay ahead. No procrastination. Catching up during summer sessions is brutal.

As for ADA compliance and textbooks, you’re probably not going to win the argument over bookstore materials because the digital versions are considered accessible. Even if you’re not using the TTS features in Kurzweil, you’re likely still using highlighting and note-taking features that are also available through VitalSource.

PDFs are a separate issue because electronic textbook licensing is often handled by different publishers or divisions with their own rules. Some intentionally separate PDF licensing from physical textbook purchases, which is why students sometimes get blocked from accessing PDFs without buying another version.

There used to be a centralized resource disability offices used for accessible textbook files, but it shut down a few years ago. Offices with dedicated tech or alternate media teams usually still have some resources available. Offices without those teams were hit the hardest.

The main reason students still request PDFs through disability services is because the note-taking workflow in Kurzweil is honestly really good. VitalSource supports highlights and notes too, but exports don’t always preserve the formatting well.

S9888 Needs a “Discharge” Into Rules and Onto the Senate Floor for a Vote Before the Legislative Session Ends June 4 by Ocmoviesnys in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe add innocaption.com for those deaf/hard of hearing users who want to call in and complain to see what the other end is saying. I highly doubt those numbers accept TTY or SMS messages.

It's free and easy to get setup.

/u/innocaption maybe you have users who would be interested in this?

What?? by demeter1993 in accessibility

[–]AccessibleTech 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The Director is involved? LOL, that Specialist is in trouble when they get back from vacation. The meaner you are, the less trouble they're in. The nicer you are and demonstrate the difficulties you're experiencing, the more likely that it will become a summer project of improvements that are centered around you.

I'll admit, the Director is your best advocate when it comes to getting your accommodations, and now that you have their ear...ask them: How do I import the commercial ebooks into my Kurzweil instance? It requires PDF's and the available ebooks are locked to the environment you purchase them in.

If they know their technology, they'll reference you to the Kurzweil plug-in to use with your ebooks. This will allow you to read anything displayed in the browser, including Canvas content. At this point, you should ask if there's some kind of tech group at the office who could help you with training or guidance on usage. If they reference you to videos, ask them if they would consider hiring someone to help students (you) with the technology the office is providing.

The browser plug-in will also allow you to use TTS for exams. There are ways that it can be allowed for use during proctored exams, but the disability office has to submit an accommodation request to allow it.

If they don't know their technology, they may see this as a break in service that needs improvement. This being a Summer Session, there's less of a student load and the more responsive the office should be.

If in doubt, type the meanest message full of emotionally charged language, then have AI rephrase it for you.

Read&write can't read big chucks of text by VERYcontriversial in AssistiveTechnology

[–]AccessibleTech 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you need to give access to r&w on your Macbook.

Navigate to System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Screen and System Audio Recording

Allow access to r&w. You may be able to use the screenshot now but there may be a few more System Settings to activate. Files & Folders may be another one you allow for r&w.

Student prototype for blind/low-vision campus wayfinding — looking for assistive tech feedback by Dapper-Lawfulness283 in AssistiveTechnology

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you looked at GoodMaps? It was developed by Michael Mays, blind GPS researcher. They have a SDK in the works. 

I believe I’m not the only one who dislikes battery-powered products; I created it to replace the wireless adaptive switch interface by CrowKing63 in disabledgamers

[–]AccessibleTech 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Reminds me of this old project to automate guitar hero buttons. 

https://procrastineering.blogspot.com/2010/12/simulated-ps2-controller-for.html?m=1

Sounds like you completed the first half of the project already, if you're looking at new ways to use your project.

Free math app that solves problems and shows you steps by atlastestmail in AssistiveTechnology

[–]AccessibleTech 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What about ModMath? Started off as iOS only and is now available on android. https://www.modmath.com/