🧑‍🦯Blindness Issues and Good Times on The Starship Changeling

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

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:46:23 -0400

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.

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:

Go to the Discord website (discord.com) using your web browser.
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.
Once the installer file has downloaded, launch it to begin installation.
The Discord installer is straightforward and mostly automated. You don’t need to take any specific actions during installation - just let it run.
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.
When installation is complete, Discord will prompt you to log in or create an account.
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.
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:

Download and Install Discord: Begin by downloading and installing the Discord desktop application from the official website.
Launch the App: Open the Discord app. Your screen reader will announce the login screen.
Access the Registration: Navigate to the “Register” or “Create Account” button and activate it.
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.
Submit the Form: After filling in the required information, locate and activate the “Continue” or “Create Account” button.
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.
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.
Log In: After verifying your email, you will be logged into your new Discord account.
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.
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.

Navigating the Discord Interface

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:

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

Navigate to the desired voice channel using the arrow keys. Voice channels are typically marked with a speaker icon.
Press Enter on the voice channel to join it. Your screen reader should announce that you’ve connected to voice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

Navigate to the Stage channel using the arrow keys. Stage channels are typically marked with a stage icon.
Press Enter on the Stage channel to join as an audience member. Your screen reader should announce that you’ve joined the Stage.
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.
If a moderator invites you to speak, you’ll be moved to the speaker area. Your screen reader should announce this change.
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.
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.
Use the Quick Switcher (Ctrl + K) to easily jump between different Stages in a server.
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.

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:17:04 -0400

🧑🏼‍🦯🧑🏼‍🦯 Told ChatGPT that I am totally blind. Ever since then, any image it generates for me has alt text automatically with it. This is just too cool!

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 20:42:28 -0400

🧑🏼‍🦯 You might be thinking How could be so people be so blind as to vote for Trump, I’m going to urge you to take a minute to rephrase the question. I won’t tell you how to say it, except that it’s unfair to lump blind people in with Trump supporters. Assigning someone a set of political values based on their physical abilities is a problem we absolutely don’t need to start here.

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 08:38:58 -0400

😎🧑🏼‍🦯 For the graphic design industry upset by generative AI, I want to point out that a few years ago, I wanted to hire someone to make custom emotes for me. None of the designers provided descriptions of their work, nor were they willing. In short the graphic design now has to deal with the fact that they ignored my demographic for several years and will have to actually win me before they win me back from AI designing. Have fun with that.

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:04:49 -0400

🧑🏼‍🦯💻🤖 So I went playing with custom GPT’s. Alt Text Maker isn’t original, but it’s my first, so now onto the originals.

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:52:25 -0400

💻🧑🏼‍🦯 As you encounter the accessibility issues for screen readers in #Fantastical for Windows, you may feel the need to contact Flexibits about these experiences. Please be aware that this company is very receptive to feedback concerning #A11y issues and to please be friendly to them about it. Get ChatGPT to write for you if you must.

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:47:31 -0400

💻🧑‍🦯 Lighthouse Technology Solutions offers tech support, IT services, & computer repair in Sarasota & surrounding counties. All proceeds fund Lighthouse Vision Loss Center’s programs & services, helping individuals with vision loss maintain independence for nearly 40 years.

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:21:19 -0400

🧑🏼‍🦯 The Starship Changeling Merch Store is open. Scan the QR code or click here to go to the store. Many products donate proceeds to local organizations and efforts.

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 10:43:52 -0400

🧑🏼‍🦯 One of my favorite discoveries while on vacation is that in the city of Minneapolis, a lot of the intersections have audio pedestrian signals (more and more common), as well as Braille on the cross-walk buttons telling you which street the button is for. This turned out to be useful as I’d gotten separated from my group and ended up walking a few extra blocks.

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 10:38:10 -0400

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.

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 10:33:32 -0400

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

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:33:48 -0400

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.

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

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 20:54:42 -0400

Foreword

Disclaimer

One More Thing…

Introduction

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.

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.

Installing Discord

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

Go to the Discord website (discord.com) using your web browser.
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.
Once the installer file has downloaded, launch it to begin installation.
The Discord installer is straightforward and mostly automated. You don’t need to take any specific actions during installation - just let it run.
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.
When installation is complete, Discord will prompt you to log in or create an account.
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.
After logging in or creating an account, Discord will launch and you can begin using it with your screen reader.

Creating an Account

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

Download and Install Discord: Begin by downloading and installing the Discord desktop application from the official website.
Launch the App: Open the Discord app. Your screen reader will announce the login screen.
Access the Registration: Navigate to the “Register” or “Create Account” button and activate it.
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.
Submit the Form: After filling in the required information, locate and activate the “Continue” or “Create Account” button.
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.
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.
Log In: After verifying your email, you will be logged into your new Discord account.
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.
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.

Navigating the Discord Interface

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.

Joining Servers

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

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

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.

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.

Voice Chats

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

Navigate to the desired voice channel using the arrow keys. Voice channels are typically marked with a speaker icon.
Press Enter on the voice channel to join it. Your screen reader should announce that you’ve connected to voice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Use the Quick Switcher (Ctrl + K) to easily jump between voice channels.

Stage Channels

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

Navigate to the Stage channel using the arrow keys. Stage channels are typically marked with a stage icon.
Press Enter on the Stage channel to join as an audience member. Your screen reader should announce that you’ve joined the Stage.
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.
If a moderator invites you to speak, you’ll be moved to the speaker area. Your screen reader should announce this change.
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.
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.
Use the Quick Switcher (Ctrl + K) to easily jump between different Stages in a server.
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.

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.

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

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.

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 11:53:56 -0400

💻🧑🏼‍🦯 Just signed up for the #Glide installment plan. This is the closest I’ve ever come to going iPhone fan crazy over any product.

Monsters Described Promo with Description

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 18:14:48 -0400

Here’s the Monsters described video from yesterday with an #AI generated description.

The video shows a black cat sitting in the middle of a group of other cats. The background is dark, but there are streaks of light coming from the top, suggesting a spotlight. The cats all have a very distinct, almost demonic, appearance. Their eyes are piercing and intense, and they have pointed ears and long, sharp teeth. The cat in the middle, however, looks calm and collected, as if it is the leader of the pack. The whole image is designed to give off a sense of mystery and danger.

Monsters Described No. 1: Jeepers Creepers

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:45:41 -0400

Explanation

This post is the first in a series what iconic monsters from the horror movie genre look like.

Disclaimer

I am a totally blind horror fan. Therefore, all descriptions are generated by Perplexity AI unless other wise noted. While create Perplexity pages for each description, I thought I’d store them here just in case the pages Perplexity generates can’t be accessed at any point for any reason.

Jeepers Creepers

Released in 2001, runtime 90 minutes. Jeepers Creepers IMDB page Jeepers Creepers Wikipedia Page (four films currently)

Perplexity Description

The Creeper from the Jeepers Creepers film series is a monstrous, ancient entity that emerges every 23 years for 23 days to hunt and feed on human body parts, which it uses to regenerate and sustain itself.

Physical Description

Humanoid Form: The Creeper has a humanoid shape with a tall, imposing figure.
Skin and Texture: Its skin is leathery and pale green, giving it a reptilian or bat-like appearance.
Facial Features: It has a grotesque face with sharp, pronounced features, including razor-sharp teeth and a pair of extra nostrils near the bridge of its nose, which it uses to smell fear and identify desirable body parts in its victims.
Claws and Talons: The Creeper has long, pointed fingernails and talons on its feet, which it uses for attacking and climbing.
Wings: It possesses large, bat-like wings that enable it to fly and swoop down on its prey.
Apparel: To blend in, it often wears tattered human clothing, including a long coat, hat, and boots.

Behavior and Abilities

Feeding and Regeneration: The Creeper sustains itself by consuming human organs, which it uses to replace its own failing body parts. This ability makes it nearly immortal, as it can heal from severe injuries by consuming the appropriate human parts.
Hunting Method: It hunts by instilling fear in its victims, as it can detect fear through its enhanced sense of smell. This makes it particularly effective at choosing its prey.
Intelligence and Creativity: Despite its monstrous nature, the Creeper is highly intelligent and displays a morbid creativity. It decorates its lair with the bodies and body parts of its victims, treating them as trophies.
Weapons: The Creeper uses a variety of weapons, many of which are crafted from the bones and flesh of its victims. It is particularly fond of throwing weapons and has a medieval battle axe.
Vehicle: It drives a modified, decrepit 1941 Chevrolet COE truck, which it uses to transport bodies and to chase down potential victims.

Origins and Mythology

Ancient Entity: The exact origins of the Creeper are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to be a demonic or supernatural being that has existed for centuries. Some theories suggest it may be based on the Mayan god Camazotz, associated with death and sacrifice.
Feeding Cycle: The Creeper’s activities are cyclical, emerging every 23rd spring for a 23-day period to hunt and feed before returning to hibernation.

Personality and Traits

Sadistic Nature: The Creeper enjoys the hunt and the fear it instills in its victims, often toying with them before making the kill.
Artistic Tendencies: It has a twisted appreciation for art, creating sculptures and decorations from the remains of its victims.
Resilience: The Creeper is incredibly resilient, able to survive and heal from extreme injuries, making it a formidable and nearly unstoppable force.

The Creeper is a terrifying and complex antagonist, blending elements of horror, supernatural mythology, and sadistic intelligence to create a truly nightmarish creature.

Perplexity Citations:

[1] villains.fandom.com/wiki/Cree… [2] jeeperscreepers.fandom.com/wiki/Cree… [3] www.charactour.com/hub/chara… [4] www.reddit.com/r/FanTheo… [5] screenrant.com/jeepers-c… [6] vuorensola.com/2022/10/3… [7] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep… [8] moa.omnimulti.com/The_Creep…

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:10:16 -0400

🧑🏼‍🦯💻 It just warms my heart whenever a website has a signup process that requires completion of a capcha and not only do they not have an alternative method, their contact form where I might request assistance also requires the solving of a capcha with no alternate method.

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 18:46:06 -0400

🧑🏼‍🦯💻 Some users of google Drive will get woke up on August 1, particularly some #Screen Reader users. Essentially, all the shortcuts have been rewritten from the ground up to allow for first letter navigation. The only way I know to access them seems to be to switch to the new layout. #A11y

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:33:54 -0400

Saw this yesterday and i’m all kinds of curious. It’s about time we start getting our own action figures. Barbie®️ Introduces the first Blind Barbie

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:38:25 -0400

I made the decision last week to incorporate a support cane in my life along with my white blindness cane. The handle is a dragon, so I’ve finally gotten my wish of having a guide

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:58:16 -0400

I’m not in this video about how to vote independently vote in Florida, but I did feel it was important to share.

www.youtube.com/watch

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:00:12 -0400

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:44:03 -0400

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:41:32 -0400

www.imdb.com/title/tt1…

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:22:55 -0400

💻 Switched back to the Siri voices for voiceOver in the #iOS18 public beta, and went and switched my Mac back to the Siri voice. I forgout how muffled the Elloquence voices are on #Apple things.

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 15:16:03 -0400

Just did the annual encrypted backup of my phone and installed the #iOS18 public beta. My favorite thing so far? command mode for #BrailleScreenInput.

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:58:11 -0400

I will be attending this because freedom gives free CEU credits. I figure if they want to give me stuff that is actually valuable to me for taking in advertisements for their products, who am I to stop them?

Want to get the most out of your online shopping experience with JAWS? Join us Thursday, 07/11 at Noon ET to learn how Picture Smart AI can help you gain deeper insights when searching for products. #FreedomScientificTraining
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XZ90_Z66QEuZKGzcaVQW1g
Freedom Scientific https://mastodon.social/@freedomscientific/112752203227720143

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 11:25:12 -0400

I know what my next big tech purchase is, and it’s not from Apple, Amazon, Google or Microsoft. It’ll be the new guide robot from @glidance.io. Had a demo of the device on Wednesday and it’s been decided.

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Scheduling and managing Zoom Meetings with JAWS

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

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: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UzaZ034aQ4KRTtfCtFImpw#/registration
#VisperoTrainingWebinars #ACVREP
Freedom Scientific https://mastodon.social/@freedomscientific/112558969005954103

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:07:46 -0400

This is definitely worth listening to, particularly the part about Braille books being burned. If you don’t see parody between that and what is going on now, I’d love to try on your realitiy blinders.

#LivingBlindfully Transcript, Living Blindfully episode 284, celebrating 200 years of Braille and a bright future, lawyers who think all blind people can’t read, and Sonos makes progress while understating the impact of recent events - https://www.livingblindfully.com/lb0284transcript/
Living Blindfully https://livingblindfully.social/@podcast/112559866215261486

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 10:04:49 -0400

In reply to x.com/debramjac…

Thank you for the kind words. also, for the chance to appear as part of this important project.

Take 10 minutes to be inspired…https://t.co/bXBM1BdNq5 @NewLightOnSight @SuncoastCGLR THIS BOOK IS COOL!
— Debra Jacobs (@DebraMJacobs) June 4, 2024

Reply with Your Affirmations to Acknowledge Be my Eyes' New Inclusive language Guide!!!

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:00:51 -0400

Received Be My Eyes’ Inclusive Language Guide. I am surprised by some of the results, particularly the ease with which person-first language (a lot of work for no pay-off in my experienced opinion as a receiver of this language) is being ushered out the door. I acknolwledge I have some unlearning to do in this area, mostly pushing back on the administrations’ idea that person-first language is still correct. FTR, I still taking each person’s lead on which language you use is still the most fullproof way to go.

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 00:48:57 -0400

I mentioned a couple of days ago that I was gearing up for a day at the beach. Someone expressed interest in my experiences as a synesthete and a 🧑🏼‍🦯. All I can say about the motion of the ocean and my own movement to stay up are probably the closest I’ll ever come to knowing how a 🐉 feels when it flies. Trying to go beyond that would just involve a lot of descriptions people wouldn’t be able to process. All I have beyond that are a couple pictures and a playlist of songs that enhance the sounds, texture, color and overall experience of the beach.

This Book is Cool: Featuring guest Randy Reed

Fri, 31 May 2024 16:24:43 -0400

Some of you may remember me talking about being on a webqast called “This Book is Cool.”. I just received the email with the finished product. See my photos page

Helen Keller – This Book is Cool

Thu, 30 May 2024 09:37:43 -0400

The fact of the matter is, I learned to not have a name at an early age. I was always and still often am that 🧑‍🦯. It’s time to try something else. elsev

Tue, 28 May 2024 21:08:29 -0400

Are we seriously not able to sync ringtones between our Mac and our iPhones in 2024 using voiceover? All the articles I can find on how to do it tell me to drag and drop, but I don’t know where to drop the file and all my attempts are failing. Does anyone know how to go about this?

#A11y issue with #UberEats app and proposed solution

Tue, 28 May 2024 12:10:00 -0400

Accessibility Issue with UberEats App

The main point I’m making is that there appears to be an accessibility issue with the UberEats app when using VoiceOver on iOS devices. Specifically, the issue arises when trying to report a problem with an order. Here’s a clearer explanation: When attempting to report an issue with an order on the UberEats app while using VoiceOver (the screen reader for iOS), there are two main problems:

Inaccessible Dropdown Menu: The dropdown menu that allows you to select the specific item with issues is inaccessible, even with Screen Recognition enabled. This feature is crucial for reporting the problem accurately.
Photo Requirement: After managing to get past the inaccessible dropdown menu once, the app now requires you to upload a photo of the item with issues. This step presents another accessibility barrier for visually impaired users.

I Just hacked Sighted People!!!

Mon, 20 May 2024 11:21:33 -0400

For all my kindred spirits in the blind community, I’ve just figured out how to hack sighted people. Next time they forget to provide an accommodation, try saying, “Thank you for paying me the complement of forgetting I am blind. Nevertheless, i am blind.” then tell them what you need. It wakes them up just enough.

Mon, 20 May 2024 08:25:02 -0400

💻 If Apple Just makes VoiceOver more functional on any of the new OS’s this year, I’d be happy. screen readers’ updates don’t need to be exciting. Stop regarding them as headline makers and think of them a bit more like antivirus software that way. 🧑🏼‍🦯

Randy’s Love Languages: An overview of how to be a good friend and/or leader

Sun, 19 May 2024 23:30:33 -0400

My Love Languages

To Be Included in my users’ manual should it serve me to take the time to right one

Quality time: Essentally, if you don’t have it, can’t give it, won’t share it, please move along. I’m sure you’re a nice person, but we’re just not compatible.
Acts of service: Quality time breeds trust. Once I trust you, I feel comfortable with and demonstrate my appreciation by returning the favor.
Physical touch: I want it; a little goes way.
Gift giving: It only works if the top 3 are firmly established and it’s given because you thought of me, rather than because it’s a certain time of year and you feel obligated toed.
Words of Affirmation: Unless you’re a corporate type and you’re limited by years of conditioning, or HR needs such a statement on record, you can skip this step. By this point, you’re my friefriend. Generally speaking, I don’t need an explanation. CONGRATULATIONs! 🎰

Sat, 18 May 2024 23:58:40 -0400

😎 I’m frustrated with the universe in general; it’s my stasis. Sometimes, I just let loose a big sigh and we all nobody can do anything about it.

Let My Changeling Go! A memoir of Championing Discord in the Blindness Community

Sat, 18 May 2024 00:46:12 -0400

I want to take a minute to express my displeasure (growing whenever I think on it) with Discord. To some of you, it will seem like not a big deal. For those of you who have experienced something like this, you’ll understand. I’m not actually trying to get something done, I’m just talking about it to talk about it.

Background

I wrote my guide for using Discord with screen readers. I expanded and maintained it until 2022 when I became too ill to keep up with the changes, give participation to feedback in Discord’s accessibility server, or write 300 words a week to correct terminology and descriptions for UI changes that were minor, but could potentially cause screen readers to behave unpredictably. For my time and dedication and work to convince as many members of the blindness community as possible to embrace Discord, I received a T-shirt with their logo just before they changed said logo.

Username

I was also a Nitro subscriber and had been for a few years when Discord changed their policy concerning usernames. Prior to, I was Changeling#0001. I checked in preparation for the change, I researched and found that the accounts with changeling in their names, the one where the name was just changeling and no other words were inactive. When it came time for me to choose, I found one of the inactive accounts had gotten my preferred username, Changeling.

No Reply

I contacted support and explained. I then politely requested a change be made so I could have my username. I sent that email back in April of 2022; no response has come. I even tried DMing the account owner and asking if they’d mind switching since they weren’t using the account.

Turning Point

This is when I decided ed that no longer would I offering my services as an accessibilitye consultant for free. Compensation needn’t be monetary, but it needs to go beyond the proverbial Coke® and a smile. See my about page for ways get in touch.

Your Turn

Has this ever happened to youou? Share in the replies.

What We Worry About: A Repost of someone who is exercising their right to be disgusted

Thu, 16 May 2024 15:58:55 -0400

I don’t necessarily agree with the tone of this post, but I do the sentiment. Also, this is my way of reminding you living blind is not a case of God bless us, and we don’t all sit around eagerly awaiting some afterlife where we get back what we never had. This is what we worry about. Sit with that on your next long commute that takes significantly longer by bus, why don’t you. You should.

tweesecake.social/@pixelate…

Thu, 16 May 2024 15:49:37 -0400

micro.blog/post

Shelly Brisbin

Something You Didn't Know About me 05/16/2024

Thu, 16 May 2024 12:31:42 -0400

Something you didn’t know about me…

The first experience I had that showed me I shouldn’t have to fight for accommodation was not actually by anyone in my office or in the field of blindness and low vision. It actually came from the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I used to be a mod for the Discord server for of Sounds Fake But Okay. Before that happened, though, I had occasion to request that they add alt text to their photos. Not only did they not argue, they added descriptions on every social media as well as their online store so I could support them by purchasing their products and know exactly what I was born. Regardless of where we all end up, it was a thing that happened, and will never unhappen.

People who dismiss Gen Z just for being Gen Z need to get off my lawn.

📗 Yes And

Thu, 16 May 2024 07:14:27 -0400

📗 Yes And

Definition

Pronunciation: Yes. AND!

Derived from the shorthand of the first rule of improv.

No questions. Always respond with Yes and… Before adding more detail to said improv.

Simplification for expression of the often complex state in which two conclusions are true at one time and are technically thought of and are not necessarily exclusively separate from each other, meaning these two conclusions can always be true at the same time, but many people cannot function in a way that allows for true validity of both conclusions, usually for reason of bias, inexperience, or yes and. Depending on the situation, there can be more than two valid conclusions. Bias, inexperience, pride, self-preservation, yes and.

Being able to function in a state of yes and is an indicator of emotional maturity if not good or gradually improving mental health.

Other examples not given as many yes and situations involve socially polarized statements and ideas typically found allover the place.

Then and Now: On blind social media users and their use/choice not to use profile pics, complete with much deeper message for readers who are a step ahead.

Wed, 15 May 2024 19:54:29 -0400

😎🧑🏼‍🦯 Since my newest frontier into the Fediverse, I’ve become aware of just how many blind and visually impaired folks are out there with no profile pics. I remember a time, it seems so not long ago when I remember it, when someone in the blind community would make an argument for why we all need to have profile pics. Then, a bunch of users (I won’t hurt anyone’s dignity by calling them people when they act this way) would dogpile on the person–enough said, okay? What’s important is it was not a random occurrence.

The trend I am seeing now is, it’s accepted that blind people may not always have profile pics. I hope so. If we can have a subtle shift like that, there’s still hope for other… Shifts.

Are you seeing this, too?

Wed, 15 May 2024 17:07:24 -0400

📅 Destination0 Safety Forum

📅 Long-Range Transportation planning Meeting

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:14:00 -0400

📅 Learn about Access AI

Tue, 14 May 2024 23:33:07 -0400

Sonos: Pride cometh before the customer experience.

Tue, 14 May 2024 16:05:51 -0400

📅 1note with JAWS

Tue, 14 May 2024 08:13:05 -0400

📅 It’s time for Google IO2024!!! 🎰

The actual event doesn’t start until 13:00 Eastern for me, but watch this post as I’ll be replying to it with my impressions. You can also interact in real time if you’re registered on the Fediverse.

Sun, 12 May 2024 12:56:17 -0400

In the world of Non-24, there are no late starts, just unconventional ones. Ditto early mornings, late nights, typical days, etc.

Sun, 12 May 2024 06:00:01 -0400

I’m sure this is already making its way around the Fediverse. It has to do with the Sonos post I shared last week. Jonathan Mosen’s Facebook post has all the info about how to get involved. 🧑‍🦯

Sat, 11 May 2024 20:42:36 -0400

🧑‍🏫🧑‍🦯 Dear teachers of the visually impaired,

On behalf of all congenitally blind children and mobility specialists who work with adults, please do us and them a favor. Save us all a lot of time somehow engaged in scoldings about always using our white canes by making sure we’re acquainted with it before we are subjected to, “Stay put.” when the object we want is across the room and we have to make up our own system of finding it. Sincerely, A blind adult who may or may not be guilt tripping

Swimming or Whatever

Wed, 08 May 2024 20:46:53 -0400

Why?

I’m live in the blind community, and one of the things that comes up is trouble accessing physical activity. Reasons for this include but are not limited to access to transportation, accessing the gym, following visual cues in group classes, etc. This means that any time a blind person appears to be getting regular exercise, other blind people want details. That’s why I’m posting this. It’s not an exercise video, just a blog post by someone stuck on the idea that even written casual information needs some structure.

Disclosure I Hope Makes Me less Intimidating

I’m not particularly fitness oriented. I call any sporting event Sportsball, and some of my highlights in this portion of human existence include:

Throwing a bowling ball backwards, not in the Nintendo Wii game.
At the same bowling alley, I took out the bumper and got a gutter ball. We called it getting a gutter ball in a lane with no gutters.
Tagging the barbecue grill in a game of horseshoes.

I’m also the one ordering the supersized order of fries This is why anyone who knows me is saying, An exercise routine? You? It’s also why this is not a training material

The fact of the matter is endorphins help manage my chronic pain and are cheap, comparatively speaking. Exercise is also good for helping to manage circadian rhythm disorders, from my own research to deal with my stuff. The existence of necessity combined with my general contempt for gym memberships, exercise videos, etc. (a completely different story) allow me to go into this with the understanding that I have no reason to be attempting physical activity. I don’t care what I look like. I’m there to meet a need. I have, however, included a screenshot of a recent tracking session(https://starshipchangeling.net/uploads/2024/image.jpg) recorded by my Apple watch to show the results for myself.

I bring this up to tell you that if you are a blind person and if you want to be successful at something like this, you’ll have to get comfortable with the idea that, when it comes to your exercise, you’ll tell someone what their opinion is when you want it as long as you’re not in any danger. You may even need to say so out loud. If you can get comfortable with that, you can own your exercise and are more likely to stick with it/return to it following a break. This is an underlying principle of fitness in general, I believe. The turning the not worrying about what I look like long enough to do the exercise is my personal struggle as a congenitally blind, fitness disoriented person.

Considerations

I live in Florida. My pool is outdoors, useable most of the year and appears to be open 24/7, though the earliest I have been out there is 7 in the morning. I based these adaptations on my own comfort and needs.

Start and end in the same spot: I usually have my smartphone playing music and I set it on the corner of the pool. The distance of the sound tells me where I am. I also use markers along the length of the pool such as jets, steps and ladders for orientation. Finally, if the sun is out, I can use its position on my face to keep me on track.
Empty Pool: I’m introverted and blind, making me an object of curiosity to people (another topic, etc., etc., etc.). My favorite thing about the pool in my apartment is I can hit the pool at 7 in the morning and be finished long before the children are out of school. This also makes it less of a problem if I veer.
The same place for my things every time: My place is just inside the door against the fence. I know how far the pool is from there and I’m most comfortable starting from that spot. I also know how to get from the steps when I get out to my things.

The Routine

Before we begin, one final disclosure. The names of the moves are what I call them in my head. That’s all. I didn’t invent the moves, and please don’t spend your energy replying to me with corrections. I really had to do some personal rewiring to get here, so on my starship, I call the moves what I call them. If you’re reading this and yelling, “That’s not what that’s called!” At your computer, please relax. You can call these exercises whatever you like in your house of no imagination.

Start the motor: Skip the stairs, take the plunge. My body deals with the shock of the cold all at the same time and I can get down to business. This is especially helpful on mornings are in the low ‘50’s.
Warm-up; Move my legs and arms like Gymnast Barbie for the verse and chorus of a song. I like to move everything at the same time so my body doesn’t feel like it has a lot of extra parts coming out of it that I don’t know what to do with, but there are a few ways to go about warming up. Also, to move like Gymnast Barbie, get to a place in the pool that is shallow enough that I can touch if I need to, but deep enough so I don’t stub my toes. Then, move my arms and legs in a dog-paddle motion. I know when my body’s ready to go, another benefit of regular activity.
Free-style: I prefer to dog-paddle. I do this for a song and a half, or five plus however many laps I can take before I get tired if it’s raining and my phone is safe and dry in my apartment. My pool’s a rectangle with an elbow for the stairs. I estimate it at about four yards long.
The Big five: I do five of each of the following.

a. Ghost arm: Move around the pool using both legs and one arm in a forward motion. The total number of laps is 10. I alternate arms for a more comfortable workout, or use each arm 5 times consecutively for a more challenging session. My ghost arm, arm I’m not using, can either stay curled against my torso, or it can be used as a makeshift feeler to find walls.

b. T-Rex: Propel myself forward around the pool using only my arms. It gives my legs a chance to rest before the next set of exercises. If I’m not feeling it, I put my feet out behind me and just keep them stationary and remind myself I’m longer than normal when I make the turns. If I want to work my belly muscles (reminder: Not fitness oriented), I point my feet straight down and lift my legs in shallow areas. Another advantage here is my legs aren’t completely stationary durning the time it takes me to do this exercise.

c. I forgot my kick board!: Fold my hands in front of me and use only my legs to go around the pool in a forward motion. Easier for me to write than to do.

d. Bizarro-cycle: Pretend I’m sitting upright on a bicycle, facing my feet out in front of me and use just them to move myself around the pool in a backward motion. If I’m having a hard day, I pretend I’m on an exercise bike and use my arms to help me move. If my back starts to spasm, the bicycle becomes a manually operated crotch rocket that also goes in reverse.

e. Flying chair: Sit in an upright position with my feet in front of me so my toes point up, and my soles are facing out. Then, move my arms in concentric circles to move around the pool in a forward motion. I use this one when my legs have giving up their grumbling about having to go through this routine agin in favor of an outcry to please stop what I’m doing. The extra challenge is to maintain the upright position. If my legs only grumble, this exercise usually stays on the bench as it is very time consuming.
Cool-down: Return to Gymnast barbie position until my body doesn’t feel like a coiled spring, then a shower.

Conclusion

When I first sat down to write this, I hadn’t intended for it to be a long-form post. I also hadn’t intended for it to be all about me. However, as I was reviewing the first draft, the part about not being fitness oriented, it hit me that the only way to write this in a way appropriate to my station was to make it personal. I’m not an exercise instructor, but a troubleshooter. In this case, the thing I needed to fix was my own personal attitudes toward exercise.

I’ve enjoyed the water since forever, so I’ve figured out ways to enjoy pools independently. There’s also just something about the smell of a swimming pool, the mix of chlorine and sun lotion, that I find invigorating. Combine that with changing what I was doing according to how my body felt before, during and after, and that’s how I found what worked for me. And the music, of course. That works for me more than trying to keep time.

All I wanted was a link I could give people that ask what I’m doing so I don’t have to keep repeating myself. I need a way to count words because based on the length of this, I’m the only one who read it. :P

🧑‍🦯Blindness Issues and Good Times on The Starship Changeling

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

Table of Contents

Foreword

Disclaimer

One More Thing…

Introduction

Getting Started

Key Features for Screen Reader Users

Installing Discord

Creating an Account

Navigating the Discord Interface

Joining Servers

Using Servers

Text Chat

Voice Chats

Stage Channels

Settings

Troubleshooting

Conclusion

Appendix: Discord Keyboard shortcuts

Basic Shortcuts

Navigation Shortcuts

Message Shortcuts

Voice and Video Shortcuts

Chat Shortcuts

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

Table of Contents

Foreword

Disclaimer

One More Thing…

Introduction

Getting Started

Key Features for Screen Reader Users

Installing Discord

Creating an Account

Navigating the Discord Interface

Joining Servers

Using Servers

Text Chat

Voice Chats

Stage Channels

Settings

Troubleshooting

Conclusion

Appendix: Discord Keyboard shortcuts

Basic Shortcuts

Navigation Shortcuts

Message Shortcuts

Voice and Video Shortcuts

Chat Shortcuts

Monsters Described Promo with Description

Monsters Described No. 1: Jeepers Creepers

Explanation

Disclaimer

Jeepers Creepers

Perplexity Description

Physical Description

Behavior and Abilities

Origins and Mythology

Personality and Traits

Perplexity Citations:

Reply with Your Affirmations to Acknowledge Be my Eyes' New Inclusive language Guide!!!

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Accessibility Issue with UberEats App

Suggested Solution

I Just hacked Sighted People!!!

Randy’s Love Languages: An overview of how to be a good friend and/or leader

My Love Languages

To Be Included in my users’ manual should it serve me to take the time to right one

Let My Changeling Go! A memoir of Championing Discord in the Blindness Community

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What We Worry About: A Repost of someone who is exercising their right to be disgusted

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