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.

2024

    ∞

    Want to know the awesome thing about being reliant on SSRI’s in America? You get to take your boss to get off your ass about being enthusiastic about things and there’s not a fuckin’ thing he can do about it as long as. The meds are actually prescribed to you and you can show it. Now if you’like excuse me, I have a note to request from my doctorr.

    ∞

    Stay tuned to this thread and repost and favorite for the most fun.

    Who, among the sightlings can tell me the names of the #A11yDragons? If You’re blind and a screen reader user, just sit back and enjoy the funn by watching this thread.

    Destiny is seated at a desk, facing a computer screen, with her back to the viewer. She is wearing a blue cloak or robe and has blue hair or a blue head covering that matches the cloak. Surrounding her are five colorful dragons: - Talor, the green dragon, positioned to her left, is relaxed and playful, likely to find Destiny an acceptable playmate and would enjoy playing video games with her. Talor might give up if muzzled. - Brittany, the pink dragon, next to Talor, is friendly and affectionate, likely to cuddle Destiny while singing and would be the best caregiver if Destiny were sick. Brittany is also the most likely to sing "Mary Had A Little Lamb" or "Little Bunny Foo Foo." - Evan, the purple dragon, to the far left, is calm and thoughtful, making him the best choice for a therapist and likely to entertain Destiny's alternative tastes. Evan would hum a song if muzzled and is most likely to sing "Jesus Loves Me" or "The More We Get Together." - Sarah, the blue dragon, to her right, is focused and attentive, making her the most capable of carrying a tune and the best communicator for Destiny if she were unable. Sarah is likely to sing "Shake It Off." - Skylar, the red dragon, to the far right, is intense and ambitious, likely to lead a sing-along and might try to muzzle another dragon. Skylar would persist in singing even if muzzled and is most likely to sing "Crocodile Rock." The overall theme emphasizes that accessibility is for everyone, with each dragon contributing to a supportive and inclusive environment.
    ∞

    📅🧞 June 22, 2024. Transition complete. Those of you who have been paying attention know. Those of you who have been otherwise occupied elsewhere will catch up.

    ∞

    Creating and Using iMessage Links

    by Changeling and Perplexity AI

    Creating and using iMessage links can be a powerful way to streamline communication, especially for businesses or individuals who want to make it easy for others to contact them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process:

    iMessage links are special URLs that, when clicked, open the Messages app on an Apple device and pre-fill the recipient’s information and optionally the message body. These links are particularly useful for initiating conversations quickly without the need to manually enter contact details.

    1. Identify the Recipient: Determine the email address or phone number of the recipient. For example, if the recipient’s email is mail@starshipchangeling.net, the basic iMessage link would be: 
      imessage://mail@starshipchangeling.net
      When this link is clicked on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it will open the Messages app with mail@starshipchangeling.net as the recipient.

    Adding a Pre-Filled Message

    1. Add a Body Parameter: You can also pre-fill the message body by adding a body parameter to the link. For example, to pre-fill the message with “Hello”, the link would be: 
      imessage://mail@starshipchangeling.net&body=Hello
      This way, when the link is clicked, the Messages app will open with mail@starshipchangeling.net as the recipient and “Hello” already typed in the message field.

    Using Phone Numbers

    1. Using Phone Numbers: If you prefer to use a phone number instead of an email address, the format is similar. For example, to send a message to the phone number 1234567890, the link would be: 
      imessage://1234567890
      And to pre-fill the message body: 
      imessage://1234567890&body=Hi
      This will open the Messages app with 1234567890 as the recipient and “Hi” in the message field.

    On Social Media and Websites

    1. Share on Social Media: You can share these links on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, LinkTree, and TikTok. This allows your followers or customers to easily start a conversation with you via iMessage.

    2. Add to Websites: You can also add these links to your website. For example, you can create a button or a widget on your landing page that users can click to contact you via iMessage. This is particularly useful for businesses that want to provide quick customer support.

    1. HTTPS Links: If you need a solution that works across different platforms (not just Apple devices), you can use HTTPS links. These links can detect the user’s device and redirect them accordingly. For example, if the user is on an iPhone, they will be redirected to the iMessage link; otherwise, they can be redirected to another URL or a different messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram.

      Example of an HTTPS Link:

      https://l.imessage.bot/mail@starshipchangeling.net?body=Hello👋

      This link will open an internet browser, check if the user’s device is an iPhone or Mac, and then redirect them to the appropriate messaging app or URL.

    Practical Tips

    Disabling Rich Previews

    1. Disable Rich Previews: Sometimes, you might want to send a link without the rich preview that iMessage generates. To do this, you can place a period before and after the link. For example: 
      .https://www.example.com.
      This will send the link as plain text without the preview.
    1. View Shared Links: If you want to see all the links shared in a conversation, you can tap on the contact’s name at the top of the message thread, scroll down, and find the “Links” section. This feature is available in iOS 17 and later.

    By following these steps, you can create and use iMessage links effectively, making it easier for others to contact you and enhancing your communication efficiency.

    Sources [1] iMessage Link Preview Tool - RenderForm https://renderform.io/blog/posts/imessage-link-preview/ [2] Technical Note TN2444: Best Practices for Link Previews in Messages https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/technotes/tn2444/_index.html [3] What are iMessage deep links and how to use them? https://help.loopmessage.com/en/article/what-are-imessage-deep-links-and-how-to-use-them-77icb/ [4] Links not clickable in iMessage app - Apple Developer Forums https://forums.developer.apple.com/forums/thread/76124 [5] Create an ‘iMessage Me’ link | Beau Giles https://b3.au/2012/02/imessage-me-link/ [6] How to type an address in iMessage that will correctly Hyperlink to … https://www.reddit.com/r/applemaps/comments/ok6cks/how_to_type_an_address_in_imessage_that_will/ [7] How to send a link in a text message (SMS) - Omnisend https://www.omnisend.com/blog/the-best-way-to-send-links-in-text-messages/ [8] Apple Messages for Business Templates — Rich Links Template https://developers.liveperson.com/apple-messages-for-business-templates-rich-links-template.html

    ∞

    Today I learned how to create links that when opened, launch an iMessage conversation. I then discovered I can do this with platforms like Messenger, WhatsApp and Discord.

    ∞

    Scheduling and managing Zoom Meetings with JAWS

    ∞

    My newest creation.

    Description: Two cats float in an inner tube on a river. In the top left of the image is printed River cats.

    Two cats float in an inner tube on a river. In the top left of the image is printed River cats.
    ∞

    Ashley the Dragon Plays Guitar

    As long as the music starts in you, it doesn’t matter who’s playing it.

    Image Description

    The image depicts a detailed black and white illustration of a dragon playing an electric guitar. The dragon has a fierce expression, with sharp teeth and scales, and it is depicted with wings and a long tail. The guitar is white, contrasting with the dragon’s dark, textured body. Surrounding the dragon are the words “Play,” “Sing,” “Love,” “Loud,” “Louder,” and “Loudest” in various colors: “Play” and “Sing” are in pink, “Love” is in red, “Loud” is in yellow, “Louder” is in a darker yellow, and “Loudest” is in the darkest yellow. The background is black, making the dragon and the guitar stand out prominently."

    <img src=“https://starshipchangeling.net/uploads/2024/850e30c4fa.jpg" width=“600” height=“600” alt=“The image depicts a detailed black and white illustration of a dragon playing an electric guitar. The dragon has a fierce expression, with sharp teeth and scales, and it is depicted with wings and a long tail. The guitar is white, contrasting with the dragon’s dark, textured body. Surrounding the dragon are the words “Play,” “Sing,” “Love,” “Loud,” “Louder,” and “Loudest” in various colors: “Play” and “Sing” are in pink, “Love” is in red, “Loud” is in yellow, “Louder” is in a darker yellow, and “Loudest” is in the darkest yellow. The background is black, making the dragon and the guitar stand out prominently.">

    ∞

    Some people got on my ass for using AI as a tool in my art. I hold it’s a piece of access technology. With that in mind, I made the following.

    The image is a composite of two distinct parts. &10;&10;The top part features a cartoonish illustration of two green aliens with large black eyes. They are set against a pink background with stars. Above them, there is text that reads: "We Ain't Stealin', We're just taking back. Simple statement of fact" -- Jimmy Buffet.&10;&10;The bottom part is a vibrant, colorful illustration of a woman singing on stage. She has curly hair and is wearing a bright yellow jacket over a white top. She is holding a microphone and appears to be very happy, with a big smile on her face. The background is filled with colorful lights and confetti, and there is a crowd of people behind her, suggesting a lively concert atmosphere.
    ∞

    😸 Changeling has a new medical laert bracelet. It’s big, shiny, dangly and more fun than any of my toys.

    ∞

    I enjoy telling sightlings I put nuclear launch codes in my alt text. This usually follows an exclamation of “Even you have to be able add alt text to images?

    ∞

    Join us on Thursday, June 13 at Noon Eastern for the webinar, ClearView GO: Fold and Go to Work or School. Learn how the ClearView GO and foldable video magnifiers enable individuals with vision loss to continue reading and writing independently. ACVREP credits available during live presentation. Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist

    #VisperoTrainingWebinars #ACVREP

    ∞

    Arriving by August, 2024!

    The Changeling Crew stands outside a shop entrance. At the top center of the image in bold, block letters: Changelings. SUPERIMPOSED over the crew, also in block letters: By Design. The image is styled to be an Etsy shop cover photo.
    ∞

    Got my first T-shirt back from the printer. Not bad.

    Changeling standing against a wall wearing a grey shirt with the navigating life among humans logo and text.
    ∞

    One good thing about the world slowly slipping into the dark ages as the number of platforms that make crowd funding easy is that I’ll finally be able to have a guide dragon like this medieval blind boy.

    The image is a whimsical illustration featuring a young boy and a dragon. The boy is standing on the left, looking up at the dragon with a smile. He is dressed in medieval-style clothing, including a tunic, belt, and boots, and is holding a small sword in his right hand. The dragon is sitting on its haunches to the right of the boy. It has green scales, a cream-colored underbelly, and orange wings. The dragon is wearing a harness with a large ring on its chest. The overall scene has a friendly and adventurous feel.
    ∞

    If there were a contest awarding a prize for the best graphic demonstrating the importance of accessibility for all, what would you submit? Text only descriptions of the graphics are perfectly fine.

    The image shows a scene with a person sitting at a desk, facing a computer screen. The person is surrounded by five colorful dragons, each with a unique color: green, blue, red, pink, and purple. The dragons appear to be interacting with the person or the computer. Above the image, the text reads "Accessibility," and below the image, the text reads "Is For Everyone!" The overall message seems to emphasize the importance of accessibility for all.
    ∞

    BPI Fall Social

    I’ve been playing with canva and exploring its accessibility and whether or not alt text transfers out. in case it doesn’t, here’s a description of the imbedded design: The image is a promotional poster for an event called the “BPI Fall Social” happening in September 2024. The text “Join the fun at bpi.gay” is written at the top. The central part of the image features a colorful, fantastical dragon with vibrant scales in shades of blue, green, purple, and red. The dragon is perched on a bridge over a river, with a city skyline in the background. The sky is filled with dramatic, colorful clouds, suggesting either sunrise or sunset. The text “BPI Fall Social” is overlaid on the image of the dragon.

    BPI Fall Social by Randy Reed (Changeling)
    ∞

    Thrust Your Opinion On Me! No really. It's fine.

    I’m almost sorry when new tech features come out now. They always seem to promote the new wave of people with a “truly unique” opinion they just have to thrust upon you without geeting your concent to become aware of said opinion. I liked the world better when things like religion, politics and personal choices were matters of the heart and not a branding avenue.

    ∞

    Realtime Reflections of WWDC2024 KeyNote

    Auto-generated description: A green alien is sitting on a futuristic pink fountain surrounded by trees and a park-like setting.

    It’s #WWDC2024!!! Watch this thread for my reactions. And watch the actual event on Apple’s Official Events site

    ∞

    I’ll be watching #WWDC2024 today at 13:00 Eastern and putting my thoughts as replies to one post. scan the QR code at 13:00 Eastern to be taken to my thread and to be provided with a link to the official event.

    QR code with Changeling logo and the directive Scan to be redirected to the content.
← Newer Posts Older Posts →