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.

Discord

    ∞

    This sure to be loads of fun, and I’m sure it will be loads of fun, besides.

    Bob and I are doing a joint Halloween show today at 5 PM East. You can join us on WhatsApp and/or Discord if you want to interact. Web URL:
    Http://xtransmissionfm.com/

    ∞

    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.

    ∞

    📰 Did you know Starship changeling has a Discord server? It’s fairly low traffic but interesting things do happen there from time to time. Visit starshipchangeling.net/discord to join.

    ∞

    Here’s the situation: #Discord refuses to let me have the handle changeling. Therefore, I refuse to recreate/update the guide for screen readers. I’m sure at least one of us knows how to fix this.

    ∞

    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.

    ∞

    Creator of first comprehensive guide for using #Discord with #ScreenReaders says they won’t revise/make said guide available again until they get desired Discord username. Open Letter to Discord CEO

    ∞

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

    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.

    ∞

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

    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.

    ∞

    Daily menu for May 15, 2024

    🌅 Good morning, imaginary friends in the shiny box. Are you gorgeous?

    Remember, gorgeous can go beyond physical appearance; it’s a state of mind and feeling.

    📋 On today’s menu…

    • 🪒 Shave
    • 🏊 Swim
    • 📲 Call some people
    • 💻 Maybe fix a computer -🧑‍🏫 Start my figurative Twelfth Step
    • 🛜 Stream an Internet radio show and hang out on Discord.
    • 🥬 Get a little high -📱 Hang online with friends

    🎶 Today’s Changeling Wakeup Song

    I Believe in a Thing Called Love–The Darkness It was their only real hit, but there’s no denying that dude’s got some kickass falsetto.

    Have a good one!

    ∞

    The ultimate Intro Post

    Welcome :)

    Imagine a social media experience where you log into one place and get all your content from across the Internet. Imagine a social media experience where you can follow people who post about interesting things, but also repost a lot of nonsense, and you can enjoy the best of them without putting yourself or the other person out. Imagine a social media experience where the reactions are hidden and what you’re left with are people who take the time to have meaningful discussion with you about your content. This is The Starship Changeling.

    My experience is The Starship Changeling. The developer of micro.blog doesn’t describe his content management system as social media, but he’s got one of the most accessible forms of the future of social media, I feel, so I switched.

    My Name is Randy

    My name is Randy and I often go by Changeling. If you’re wondering why a government name and fun name are being used at the same time, here’s what happened.I used to be an Assistive Technology instructor for people with visual impairments, CATIS certified and all. For reasons way beyond the scope of an introduction post, I am now an accessibility and inclusion specialist for the organization I used to teach for. At the same time I was an instructor, I began interacting with more online communities.

    In these communities, I went and still go by Changeling. Wonderful, right? Nice separation of casual and official life, but here’s the deal. Because I’m blind and it is one of those disabilities that has wide-ranging impacts both subtle and explicit, there’s no way for me to get away from my circumstances by adopting a digital life like many people can and do. Ready Player one? I look forward to it. Player two, I dream about it. Rogue AI god aside.

    Because of this, I still had to advocate to get my needs met. I began doing accessibility testing and checking for people, reviewing their social media posts, online stores, websites and, in one instance, a consultation about image descriptions for an envelope-book via Twitter DM. I always did this without asking for compensation. I wanted in those spaces, and I was the one who knew what I needed to be functional in them, so charging felt wrong to me.

    Furthermore, I didn’t often have the opportunity to teach special topics I thought were awesome. I started writing guides for using online platforms. The ones I’m most known for are Changeling’s Guide to Mastodon and Discord for screen readers. (Note: If you’re wondering about the whereabouts of said guides, I am currently in the process of updating them and reworking them to reflect requests from people who found it useful and saw ways to make it more user friendly.) I was building an extensive though untraditional resume under this name. The Discord guide even made it into an issue of Top Tech Tidbits.

    Then I became an accessibility and inclusion specialist as a day job, and I saw a personal choice for myself. I could do my job based on my traditional credentials alone, collecting credentials more specific to this role as I go, abandoning a resume of experience I came by honestly and fairly and honestly and that directly benefits my knowledge reputation in my day job, or I could spruce up my home on the Internet and turn it into a tool that displays valid though unorthodox credentials. For the record, I think it’s going to be a yes and situation, meaning both methods are going to be used, said method to be determined by the situation.

    About Surface Me

    I love roller coasters, horror novels and music. I am also the human partner in crime to a cat named Alex.

    Content

    Here are the things I talk about. You can also find this information on the the Archive or feeds pages.

    • Accessibility
    • Blindness-related topics
    • Tech
    • Games
    • Music
    • Books
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Observations and humor
    • Events I attend
    • And anything else I want.

    You can also use the Feeds page and an RSS reader of your choice to subscribe to those topics that are of interest to you. Finally, visit the nurture your inner alien page to subscribe to the email newsletter. Be aware, however, this is only set to deliver a weekly digest of all posts. As you may be realizing, this email would be quite large.

    If you are a screen reader user, your best bet for consistent navigation around pages is to use the landmarks or regions feature. There are three main areas.

    • Navigation: Lists all pages for the site.
    • main: The area that displays the most recent posts.
    • Footer: Has links to my other corners of the Internet.

    You can also use the articles feature of your screen reader to quickly move between posts in the main area.

    Interacting

    As mentioned before, my starship is now completely free of likes, reposts and followers counts. I’m not saying you can’t do those things, but I will remain unaware of them. Let’s look at how we can effectively interact with each other.

    • Fediverse: If you’re on Mastodon or any other service that support ActivityPub and The Fediverse, you can hit the reply button, compose your response and send it.
    • micro.blog: If you are following me with your account, the reply link follows each post, as does a link to view an entire conversation.
    • Reply by email: I renamed this link to “send an intergalactic transmission’. Click this, and your default email program prefilled with my email address and the post title or excerpt as the subject line. Compose your email, hit send and I’ll have your message.
    • I’ll respond to you via the method you choose.

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    Thank you, and enjoy your ride on the Starship Changeling!🎢🎢🎢