The Starship Changeling Profile Photo

The Starship Changeling

Hello everyone, and welcome aboard The Starship Changeling. please move down to the end of each row, filling every available seat, and stand clear of the doors. My name is Randy, and I often go by Changeling. I am an #A11y (accessibility) consultant, lover of horror novels and roller coasters and the human partner in crime to a feline named Alex. I mostly talk about blindness related issues, things i'm personally doing, tech, books and more. For more info, see the page titled "About" in the navigation section, or see the footer of any site page for other corners of the internet where I can be found. Thank you, and enjoy your ride on The Starship Changeling.

2024s

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    I love this idea.

    Do not reply - cards by Dan Hon 

    donotreply.cards

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    This is a test.

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    Burgers on the grill to conclude Labor Day weekend.

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    🍿 Now watching Holes, 2003 fikm

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    I just had the experience of using Braille Entry mode in iOS18 to move to specific posts in my timeline at a moment where I wasn’t too dense to recognize what an awesome benefit that is. It’s an interesting way of addressing the bouncy cursor of VoiceOver without fixing it.

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    This appears to be a full guide while being concise I may revisit these come Christmas.

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    I’m not concerned with whether or not the law does in fact protect children so much as I am curious about how many more of these lawmakers can hope to reign in the Internet under this particular guise. I think the guise of protecting the children has been played so much in relation to the Internet that some are desensitized enough to the possibility of child harm caused by the Internet that they’re actually able to give practical consideration to the proposals and their implications if held up.

    Social networks can’t be forced to filter content for kids, says judge - The Verge

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    Labor Day barbicue. There are also baby-back ribs for those who feel a more traditional approach is in order.> file:///private/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/C9E4D84C-2316-4019-945A-7326124241F2/tmp/documents/C9DA01BD-ACF1-4954-9C0B-8F334CC60E5D/PHOTO-2024-09-01-18-41-20.jpg

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    You know, the whole concept of reading the timeline from the bottom to the top in chronological order is an outdated way of doing things for me. Opening myself up to alternate ways of consuming my socials will actually eliminate a lot of the crap from my timeline.

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    📰💻 Just opened an article from The Verge and experienced Apple Intelligence’s ability to summarize. To did a really good job at answering the 5 W’s and the H%2C then I went on to read the article and found it to be a more fulfilling read about a topic that interested me%2C but I had everything I needed from the summarization. If Apple could make their tech summarize social media feeds%2C that shit would be amazing.

    ∞

    This is a test of the Internet bradcast System (IBS). Had this been on the real Internet%2C there would be a lot more cussin’ and fussin’. This concludes today’s IBS test.

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    📰💻 Got the notification this morning that it was My Time to experience !AppleIntelligence. I’m asking Perplexity questions about it and trying things out.

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    💻📰Took the plunge:

    • Installed #iOS18.1 beta
    • Joined Apple Intelligence Waitlist.
    ∞

    Meet the Accessibility, #A11y Dragons

    Five dragons gathered around a person at a computer.

    Premise

    Each of these dragons failed to completely fit the Dragon Realm somehow. They came here to foster the development of an accessible and inclusive world. Each of them has attributes needed for the job, and they won’t go home until it’s finished.

    Taylor

    Taylor, the green dragon plays a video game at their desk.

    Taylor (they/them) is the most playful and relaxed of the dragons. Their difficulty staying attentive to tasks and seeing jobs through to completion often made them fit out in the Dragon Realm. Their relaxed and playful nature helps keep the team’s morale up, even when the team is working to clean up one of Taylor’s partially completed projects.

    Interests

    • Videogames
    • Pizza
    • Skydiving
    • Attending Taylor Swift concerts
    • Rollercoasters.

    Dislikes

    • Broccoli
    • The legend of Saint George
    • Extremely inebriated humans
    • Strict schedules.

    Brittany

    Brittany, the pink dragon stands on the edge of a forest looking playful.

    Brittany (she/her) is the nurturer of the group. As part of her final research project in the Dragon Realm, Brittany decided to do a study of human nursery rhymes and children’s songs to determine the overall lessons humans were teaching their young. The project ended, but Brittany’s fascination with the research topic continued. She eventually left dragon Realm after being arrested for nurturing young dragons that had been released in the wild and were struggling. Brittany uses her nurturing and playful inclinations to help the team feel like a family.

    Interests

    • Human children and human parenting techniques
    • Camping
    • Fairytales.

    Dislikes

    • Thunderstorms
    • Scary stories/movies
    • Loud sounds like fire alarms and rock concerts.

    Evan

    Evan, the purple dragon paint on a canvas with various art supplies scattered about.

    Evan (he/him) is the thoughtful member of the group. His hesitancy to try new things without being completely sure about them made Evan an object of scorn in Dragon Realm, and his tormentors would gang up on him causing Evan to not be able to articulate his reasons for being so thorough and analytical about new things—even old things, sometimes.. He finds he is less likely to have an upset stomach for no reason here, or that his body aches and he often feels like he is throwing punches under water just to get through his day. The team gives him the time he needs to do his research, and he gives them thoughtful solutions to team challenges. He is often the calmest one in the group.

    Interests

    • Painting
    • Meditation
    • Camping
    • Listening

    Dislikes

    • Surprises
    • Public speaking
    • Dating
    • Going to the doctor
    • Scary stories/movies
    • Getting his picture taken, but he can be a trooper when he needs to be.

    Sarah

    Sarah, the blue dragon shelves books in a library.

    Sarah (she/her) was the first to leave dragon Realm. She has always been able to perceive an order to the worlds and the things within them, she feels not quite right when things are out of their order and so she has dedicated her life to preserving it. Naturally, this clashed with the chaos of Dragon Realm. She is the most steady team member in any fast-paced, chaotic situation, usually caused or complicated by Taylor or Skyler.

    Interests

    • Libraries
    • Making lists
    • organizing spreadsheets
    • Scary movies/stories.

    Dislikes

    • Messy work areas and file cabinets
    • Meeting friends without first having established a planned friend activity
    • Dealing with strong feelings or emotions
    • Watching her other friends have hard times.

    Skyler

    Skyler, the red dragon wrestles with Taylor, covering their mouth with one claw.

    Skyler (they/them) proved too fierce, even for Dragon Realm. They were a professional wrestler called The Muzzler for their signature take-down move in which they would pin and muzzle their opponent to keep them from roaring. they were forced to flee the realm after killing three other wrestlers in self-defense when they ambushed them and attempted to hurt him such that Skyler could never wrestle again. They now use their passion to be the driving force behind the group’s mission. They are also the groups’ heavy for when any of the #A11y dragons is mistreated by humans and/or other dragons.

    Interests

    • Wrestling and other types of fighting for sport
    • Videogames
    • Roller coasters
    • Scary movies/stories
    • Attending Taylor Swift concerts.

    Dislikes

    • Bullies
    • Mandatory anger management sessions and/or talking about feelings in any other way
    • Sitting still
    • When Sarah, Evan, or Brittany are upset.

    Together

    Together, these five dragons promote the idea that accessibility is for everyone, no matter who you are. Their mission, to guide Destiny toward a more inclusive tomorrow. Nay sayers beware!

    ∞

    One cool thing about this morning’s vaccination clusterfuck: I was able to use #BeMyEyes and #BeMyAI to independently browse the soda coolers and get the right pop I wanted. What kind of pop? Let’s just say I got the right one baby! Uh huh! Maybe someone out there is old enough to get the reference.

    ∞

    If you Don't like long posts complaining about medical stuff, skip this one

    Of all my medical experiences, this was certainly one of them.

    I went to get my COVID booster in preparation for my trip to Minnesota in September. I scheduled a 9:00 AM appointment at the CVS Pharmacy right next to my office, thinking it would be quick and convenient. However, when I arrived, I was informed that they no longer accepted Blue Cross Blue Shield. When I asked about the cost of the shot without insurance, they said they didn’t know how to bill for it without insurance. They then suggested I go to a Walgreens down the road, seemingly oblivious to my sarcasm when I replied, “I’ll just hop in my car and drive over there. Thank you so much for your help.”

    I then headed to Walgreens, which accepts my insurance, only to discover that they wouldn’t have the booster until September. The problem is that the vaccine needs time to be fully effective. Additionally, the Walgreens “just down the road” is actually across US41 at an intersection that even I—someone who used to film myself crossing major highways regularly—find unsafe. This issue is further complicated by the fact that Uber won’t do a 0.3-mile trip, so I ended up spending an extra $20 on Uber rides to find this out.

    There were plenty of other CVS locations I could have chosen. In fact, this was the second time in two years that I attempted to get a COVID booster at this specific location and was turned away, even though I qualified for the vaccine both times with the same pharmacist. I decided that since they had inconvenienced me significantly, I wasn’t leaving without my booster. I walked back in and, after explaining that the shot I needed wasn’t available at the location they suggested, I insisted on getting the shot there. I succeeded, but the staff at that CVS charged me $202 for it.

    It’s been an expensive morning.

    ∞

    There’s a fun surprise at starshipchangeling.net/discord-g… Everyone should go check it out. You can also visit starshipchangeling.net/discord to join the Starship Changeling Discord server.

    ∞

    Changeling's Guide to Discord for Desktop with Screen Reader Users (2nd Edition)

    Table of Contents

    1. Foreword
    2. Disclaimer
    3. One More Thing…
    4. Introduction 5. Getting Started 6. Key Features for Screen Reader Users
    5. Installing Discord
    6. Creating an Account
    7. Navigating the Discord Interface
    8. Joining Servers
    9. Using Servers
    10. Text Chat
    11. Voice Chats
    12. Stage Channels
    13. Settings
    14. Troubleshooting
    15. Conclusion
    16. Appendix: Discord Keyboard Shortcuts

    Foreword

    This is Changeling. If you’re reading this, it’s most likely because you need or want to use Discord and are wondering how to use the platform with your screen reader, assuming such a thing is possible. I bet at least some of you are just watching for the first significant difficulty so you can declare the whole endeavor a failure and beg your social group to use some other platform you know works. The fact that I haven’t found another platform that does what Discord does as well as Discord does it and the fact that Discord continues to improve its accessibility experience are the reasons a new version of this guide exists.

    Disclaimer

    This guide was written with the assistance of Perplexity AI. This was done to ensure a consistent plain tone throughout the guide to make it more user-friendly. I used what I know to verify and correct the parts written by the AI. And to write the original guide five years ago, of course.

    One More Thing…

    This guide is part of what I do in my spare time, and I do it largely because it makes me happy to provide the information in one place. That said, I live in a chronic spoon shortage, so any monetary donations you might make by visiting changeling.link and clicking the pay button on that page will be greatly appreciated.

    Introduction

    Discord is a popular communication platform that can be effectively used with screen readers, making it accessible to users who are blind or visually impaired. This guide will walk you through the basics of navigating and using Discord with a screen reader, helping you get started and make the most of its features.

    Getting Started

    To begin using Discord with a screen reader:

    • Install the Discord desktop app or access it through a web browser.
    • Log in to your account or create a new one if needed.
    • Ensure your screen reader is active and properly configured.

    Key Features for Screen Reader Users

    Discord offers several accessibility features that work well with screen readers:

    • Keyboard navigation: You can navigate through servers, channels, and messages using keyboard shortcuts.
    • Proper labeling: Most elements are correctly labeled for screen readers to interpret.
    • Voice channels: Easily join voice chats and communicate verbally with others.
    • Screen reader announcements: Discord provides relevant information as you navigate the interface.

    In the following sections, we’ll explore how to navigate Discord’s interface, join servers, participate in text and voice chats, and customize your experience for optimal accessibility. Whether you’re new to Discord or looking to improve your screen reader usage, this guide will help you communicate effectively on this versatile platform.

    Installing Discord

    To install Discord using a screen reader, follow these steps:

    1. Go to the Discord website (discord.com) using your web browser.
    2. Navigate to the download link, which should be easily accessible near the top of the page. Press Enter on this link to start the download.
    3. Once the installer file has downloaded, launch it to begin installation.
    4. The Discord installer is straightforward and mostly automated. You don’t need to take any specific actions during installation - just let it run.
    5. You can use the up and down arrow keys or your screen reader’s Say Dialog command to read the installation progress, but the installer will handle everything automatically.
    6. When installation is complete, Discord will prompt you to log in or create an account.
    7. If you’re creating a new account, follow the on-screen prompts to enter your details. Make sure to use a username that identifies you clearly, especially if joining specific servers.
    8. After logging in or creating an account, Discord will launch and you can begin using it with your screen reader.

    For the most accessible experience, it’s recommended to use the Discord desktop app rather than the browser version. The app tends to work better with screen readers and offers more customization options. Remember that Discord is generally quite accessible, with most elements properly labeled for screen readers. However, you may encounter some challenges navigating its complex interface at first. Take some time to explore the layout and familiarize yourself with Discord’s structure of servers, channels, and chat areas.

    Creating an Account

    To create a Discord account from the desktop app using a screen reader, follow these steps:

    1. Download and Install Discord: Begin by downloading and installing the Discord desktop application from the official website.
    2. Launch the App: Open the Discord app. Your screen reader will announce the login screen.
    3. Access the Registration: Navigate to the “Register” or “Create Account” button and activate it.
    4. Fill Out the Registration Form: You will see a form to complete. Use your screen reader’s navigation commands to move through the fields: 5. Enter your email address. 6. Create a username. 7. Choose a password. 8. Enter your date of birth.
    5. Submit the Form: After filling in the required information, locate and activate the “Continue” or “Create Account” button.
    6. Complete the CAPTCHA: Discord may present a CAPTCHA challenge. Look for a text-based option that is more accessible for screen reader users and follow the prompts to complete it.
    7. Verify Your Email: Once your account is created, Discord may ask you to verify your email address. Check your inbox for a verification message and follow the instructions to confirm your account.
    8. Log In: After verifying your email, you will be logged into your new Discord account.
    9. Explore the Interface: Take some time to familiarize yourself with Discord’s layout. The app has improved its accessibility, with most elements properly labeled for screen readers.
    10. Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts: Discord supports many keyboard shortcuts that can enhance your navigation experience. You can access a list of these shortcuts by pressing Ctrl + Shift + ?

    If you encounter any accessibility challenges, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in the Privacy & Safety settings to help improve your experience.

    Here are some key tips for navigating the Discord desktop application with a screen reader:

    • Use keyboard shortcuts to move between different sections:
      • Ctrl + 1: Main user tab
      • Ctrl + 2-9: Switch between servers
      • Ctrl + Tab: Cycle through tabs
    • Navigate messages:
      • The most recent messages are at the bottom, above the chat input box.
      • Each message is marked as a heading, so you can use heading navigation (e.g., H key) to move between messages.
      • Shift + H will jump to the most recent message.
    • Use element navigation:
      • Channels appear as links.
      • Voice channels and other controls appear as buttons.
      • Settings categories appear as tabs.
    • Access settings:
      • Press Ctrl + , to open general settings.
    • Chat input:
      • There are two edit boxes - the first is search, the second is chat input.
      • Use Enter to send a message, Shift + Enter for new lines.
    • Enable screen reader usage tracking:
      • Go to Privacy & Safety settings to allow Discord to track screen reader usage for improving accessibility.
    • Utilize Discord’s keyboard shortcuts:
      • Press Ctrl + Shift + ? to access the full list of keyboard shortcuts.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with its structure of servers, channels, and chat areas. If you encounter any accessibility issues, you can provide feedback to help improve the experience.

    Joining Servers

    Here are some key steps for joining Discord servers using a screen reader:

    1. Open the Discord app and log into your account.
    2. Use the Quick Switcher feature by pressing Ctrl + K (on desktop) to search for servers to join.
    3. Type in the name or invite code of the server you want to join in the search box.
    4. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the search results.
    5. Press Enter on the server you want to join.
    6. If it’s a public server, you can join immediately. For private servers, you’ll need an invite link.
    7. With an invite link, paste it into the “Join a Server” dialog (accessible via the + icon on the server list).
    8. Press Enter or activate the “Join” button to join the server.
    9. The new server will appear in your server list on the left side of the Discord interface.
    10. Use Ctrl + 1-9 shortcuts to quickly switch between your joined servers.
    11. Navigate channels within a server using the arrow keys.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the layout of servers, channels, and chat areas. If you encounter any accessibility issues, you can enable screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience.

    Using Servers

    Here are some key tips for navigating within Discord servers using a screen reader:

    • Use Ctrl + 1-9 keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch between servers.
    • Navigate channels within a server using the arrow keys. Channels appear as links, while voice channels and other controls appear as buttons.
    • Use heading navigation (e.g., H key) to move between messages. Each message is marked as a heading.
    • Press Shift + H to jump to the most recent message in a channel.
    • The chat input box is typically the second edit box on the page. Use Enter to send a message, Shift + Enter for new lines.
    • Access server settings and options using Ctrl + , (comma).
    • Use the Quick Switcher feature by pressing Ctrl + K to search for specific channels or users within a server.
    • Most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the layout.
    • Remember that Discord uses both “Browse Mode” and “Focus Mode” for navigation. Browse Mode allows using screen reader shortcuts, while Focus Mode enables native keyboard support.

    If you encounter accessibility issues, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience. By utilizing these navigation techniques and keyboard shortcuts, screen reader users can effectively move through Discord servers and access the various features and content.

    Text Chat

    Here are some key tips for participating in text chat on a Discord server using a screen reader:

    • Navigate to the desired text channel using the arrow keys. Channels appear as links.
    • The chat input box is typically the second edit box on the page. Focus on it to start typing your message.
    • Use Enter to send a message, and Shift + Enter for new lines within a message.
    • To read recent messages, use heading navigation (H key) to move between messages. Each message is marked as a heading.
    • Press Shift + H to jump to the most recent message in a channel.
    • Use Ctrl + K to open the Quick Switcher and search for specific channels or users within a server.
    • Enable screen reader announcements for new messages in Discord’s accessibility settings. This allows you to hear new messages as they arrive.
    • Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Up/Down arrow to scroll through your message history.
    • To reply to a specific message, navigate to it and use the appropriate keyboard command to open the reply interface.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the layout of channels and chat areas. By utilizing these techniques, screen reader users can effectively participate in text chats on Discord servers. If you encounter any accessibility issues, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience.

    Voice Chats

    Here are some key steps for participating in voice chat on Discord using a screen reader:

    1. Navigate to the desired voice channel using the arrow keys. Voice channels are typically marked with a speaker icon.
    2. Press Enter on the voice channel to join it. Your screen reader should announce that you’ve connected to voice.
    3. To mute/unmute yourself: 4. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + M. 5. Or navigate to the mute button near the bottom of the Discord window.
    4. To deafen/undeafen (turn off all audio): 7. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + D. 8. Or navigate to the deafen button near the bottom of the Discord window.
    5. To adjust voice settings: 10. Press Ctrl + , to open Settings. 11. Navigate to the Voice & Video section. 12. Adjust input/output devices, volume levels, etc.
    6. To disconnect from voice: 14. Press the disconnect button near the bottom of the Discord window. 15. Or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + E.
    7. Use the Quick Switcher (Ctrl + K) to easily jump between voice channels.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the layout of voice controls. If you encounter accessibility issues, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience. By utilizing these techniques and keyboard shortcuts, screen reader users can effectively participate in voice chats on Discord. The key is to familiarize yourself with the layout and available controls.

    Stage Channels

    To participate in Live Stages on Discord using a screen reader:

    1. Navigate to the Stage channel using the arrow keys. Stage channels are typically marked with a stage icon.
    2. Press Enter on the Stage channel to join as an audience member. Your screen reader should announce that you’ve joined the Stage.
    3. To raise your hand to speak: 4. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + R. 5. Or navigate to the “Raise Hand” button near the bottom of the Discord window.
    4. If a moderator invites you to speak, you’ll be moved to the speaker area. Your screen reader should announce this change.
    5. To mute/unmute yourself when speaking: 8. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + M. 9. Or navigate to the mute button near the bottom of the Discord window.
    6. To leave the Stage: 11. Press the disconnect button near the bottom of the Discord window. 12. Or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + E.
    7. Use the Quick Switcher (Ctrl + K) to easily jump between different Stages in a server.
    8. To follow along with text chat during a Stage: 15. Navigate to the text chat area, typically to the right of the Stage interface. 16. Use standard screen reader commands to read messages.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the Stage interface and familiarize yourself with the layout. If you encounter accessibility issues, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience. By utilizing these techniques and keyboard shortcuts, screen reader users can effectively participate in Live Stages on Discord. The key is to familiarize yourself with the layout and available controls.

    Settings

    Here are some key tips for accessing and navigating Discord settings using a screen reader:

    • Open Discord settings:
      • Press Ctrl + , (comma) to open the general settings menu.
    • Navigate settings categories:
      • Settings categories appear as tabs.
      • Use arrow keys to move between categories.
      • Press Enter to select a category.
    • Adjust individual settings:
      • Use up/down arrow keys to move through settings options.
      • Press Enter or Spacebar to toggle switches or open dropdown menus.
      • Use arrow keys to select options in dropdown menus.
    • Access Privacy & Safety settings:
      • Navigate to the “Privacy & Safety” tab.
      • Here you can adjust privacy options and enable screen reader usage tracking.
    • Close settings:
      • Press Esc to exit the settings menu.
    • Additional tips:
      • Most elements in Discord settings should be properly labeled for screen readers.
      • Use heading navigation (H key) to jump between sections quickly.
      • The Tab key can be used to move between interactive elements.

    Remember that Discord uses overlays for many menus, including settings. These typically appear at the bottom of the page, so you may need to navigate to the bottom to find newly opened menus. Take some time to explore the settings interface to familiarize yourself with the layout and options available.

    Troubleshooting

    Here are some common issues when using Discord with a screen reader and how to troubleshoot them:

    • Messages not being read automatically:
      • Enable screen reader announcements for new messages in Discord’s accessibility settings.
      • Use keyboard shortcuts like Shift + H to jump to the most recent message.
    • Difficulty navigating between channels and servers:
      • Use Ctrl + 1-9 shortcuts to quickly switch between servers.
      • Use arrow keys to navigate channels within a server.
      • Utilize the Quick Switcher (Ctrl + K) to search for specific channels or users.
    • Focus getting lost or jumping unexpectedly:
      • Take time to familiarize yourself with Discord’s layout and focus order.
      • Use heading navigation (H key) to move between sections more predictably.
      • If focus jumps unexpectedly, try refreshing the app (Ctrl + R).
    • Trouble with voice chat controls:
      • Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + M to mute/unmute.
      • Navigate to the bottom of the Discord window to find voice control buttons.
    • Difficulty reading message history:
      • Use heading navigation (H key) to move between messages.
      • If focus jumps unexpectedly when scrolling, try navigating from the most recent message.
    • Inaccessible elements or unlabeled buttons:
      • Enable screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve accessibility.
      • Check for Discord updates, as accessibility improvements are frequently made.
    • Overlays not dismissing properly:
      • Try pressing Esc multiple times (up to 10) to dismiss overlays.
      • If overlays persist, refresh the app (Ctrl + R).
    • Issues with the mobile app:
      • Consider using the desktop app instead, as it tends to be more accessible.
      • Keep the mobile app updated, as accessibility improvements are ongoing.

    Remember that Discord is continually working on improving accessibility. If you encounter persistent issues, consider providing feedback through Discord’s accessibility feedback channels.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, using Discord with a screen reader can be a rewarding experience that allows users to engage in vibrant communities through text and voice communication. While there may be challenges, such as navigating the interface or accessing specific features, the improvements made by Discord in terms of accessibility have significantly enhanced usability for screen reader users.

    By familiarizing yourself with keyboard shortcuts, utilizing the Quick Switcher, and understanding the layout of servers and channels, you can effectively navigate and participate in discussions. Additionally, enabling screen reader usage tracking can help Discord continue to improve its accessibility features, ensuring a better experience for all users.

    As you explore Discord, remember that practice and patience are key. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the community for support or to provide feedback on your experience. With the right tools and knowledge, you can fully enjoy the benefits of this dynamic platform while connecting with others.

    Appendix: Discord Keyboard shortcuts

    Here is a comprehensive list of Discord keyboard shortcuts:

    Basic Shortcuts

    • Show all keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + / (Windows) or Cmd + / (Mac)
    • Search for servers, channels, or DMs: Ctrl + K (Windows) or Cmd + K (Mac)
    • Search for a message in a channel: Ctrl + F (Windows) or Cmd + F (Mac)
    • Get help: Ctrl + Shift + H (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + H (Mac)
    • Scroll chat up: Page Up
    • Scroll chat down: Page Down
    • Jump to the oldest unread message: Shift + Page Up
    • Upload a file: Ctrl + Shift + U (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + U (Mac)
    • Navigate between servers: Ctrl + Alt + Up/Down Arrow (Windows) or Cmd + Option + Up/Down Arrow (Mac)
    • Navigate between channels: Alt + Up/Down Arrow (Windows) or Option + Up/Down Arrow (Mac)
    • Go to the next screen/previous text channel: Ctrl + Tab (Windows) or Cmd + Tab (Mac)
    • Toggle between last server and DMs: Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow (Windows) or Cmd + Option + Right Arrow (Mac)

    Message Shortcuts

    • Edit message: Up Arrow (when focused on a message)
    • Delete message: Backspace (when focused on a message)
    • Pin message: Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac)
    • Reply to message: Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac)
    • React to message: Ctrl + Shift + Y (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Y (Mac)
    • Copy message text: Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac)
    • Mark message as unread: Ctrl + Shift + U (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + U (Mac)

    Voice and Video Shortcuts

    • Toggle mute: Ctrl + Shift + M (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + M (Mac)
    • Toggle deafen: Ctrl + Shift + D (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + D (Mac)
    • Start new call: Ctrl + (backtick) (Windows) or Cmd + (backtick) (Mac)
    • Answer incoming call: Ctrl + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Enter (Mac)
    • Decline incoming call: Esc

    Chat Shortcuts

    • Mark server as read: Shift + Esc
    • Mark channel as read: Esc
    • Create a private group DM: Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + T (Mac)
    • Show pinned messages: Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac)
    • Show channel members list: Ctrl + U (Windows) or Cmd + U (Mac)
    • Open emoji picker: Ctrl + E (Windows) or Cmd + E (Mac)
    • Open GIF picker: Ctrl + G (Windows) or Cmd + G (Mac)

    These shortcuts can significantly enhance your efficiency and navigation within Discord, making it easier to communicate and manage your interactions.

    ∞

    😸 Remember when Changeling asked, “If there was someone in your life who could only be comforted by singing them Mary Had A Little Lamb, would you do it?” They were talking about me. Attempting to manage me in any way without singing that will not end well for .

    ∞

    See? My Friends by me the best gifts. My friends could learn a thing or two… Note the first instance of Friends is capitalized. #BlindBarbie #NonbinaryThings

    The image shows a person sitting indoors, holding a Blind Barbie® doll. The person is bald and wearing a dark blue T-shirt with a graphic design on it. They are smiling slightly and looking towards the camera. The Blind Barbie® doll they are holding has long brown hair and is dressed in a pink top and a purple skirt. The doll is also holding a small white cane, similar to those used by visually impaired individuals. In the background, there is a table with some items on it, a large plant, and a window with curtains. The setting appears to be a casual indoor environment, possibly a dining or living area.
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