Social 📸 Photography

Rob Whiting 📓<a href="https://mastodon.social/@Edent" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@Edent</a> - Really interested to read <a href="https://mastodon.cloud/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> users' perspective on this. Throws up some really interesting questions from a morphology perspective - at what point does an acronym (such as TV) form into a word in it's own right. 🤔

Fox in the Shell 💜🐾🦊Another one of my posts. This one on the topic of AI tools as assistive technology, what's working, what isn't and why, all without the hype that too many people tend to lean into when discussing this technology:When Independence Meets Uncertainty: My Journey with AI-Powered Vision A blind user's candid assessment of the promises and pitfalls of current AI accessibility tools <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/kaylielfox/p/when-independence-meets-uncertainty?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://open.substack.com/pub/kaylielfox/p/when-independence-meets-uncertainty?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web</a><a href="https://fwoof.space/tags/AI" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AI</a> <a href="https://fwoof.space/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> <a href="https://fwoof.space/tags/Substack" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Substack</a> <a href="https://fwoof.space/tags/ComputerVision" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ComputerVision</a> <a href="https://fwoof.space/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://fwoof.space/tags/Blog" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Blog</a>

🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🇮🇱 🐧 🥦At work I've been making sure our client's site works correctly with JAWS. I learned that JAWS can be very expensive and that there are OTHER screen readers.People who USE screen readers: Is JAWS worth the money and worth being on <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Windows" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Windows</a> for?Is Orca decent?What about the "multiplatform" System Access To Go? Does it do the job decently enough?<a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/ScreenReaders" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ScreenReaders</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/JAWS" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#JAWS</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Orca" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Orca</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/VoiceOver" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#VoiceOver</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/SystemAccessToGo" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#SystemAccessToGo</a> #508

Georgiana BrummellI thought that some of you might find this interesting, since so many in the Fediverse genuinely care about accessibility. Note: The description was taken from the Top Tech Tidbits newsletter. The second link is to the article itself.<a href="https://www.toptechtidbits.com/tidbits2025/06192025/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://www.toptechtidbits.com/tidbits2025/06192025/index.html</a>"This article provides an updated guide for enhancing the accessibility of social media posts, focusing on critical elements like alt text, fonts, hashtags, and content warnings. It emphasizes practical tips to create inclusive content that can be navigated by individuals using screen readers and other assistive technologies."<a href="https://a2i.co.uk/blog/accessible-social-media-content/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://a2i.co.uk/blog/accessible-social-media-content/</a><a href="https://someplace.social/tags/accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#accessibility</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/AltText" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AltText</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/Android" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Android</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/blind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#blind</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/ContentWarnings" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ContentWarnings</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/fonts" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#fonts</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/hashtags" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#hashtags</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/inclusion" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#inclusion</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/IOS" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#IOS</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/NVDA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#NVDA</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/posts" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#posts</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/ScreenReaders" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ScreenReaders</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/SocialMedia" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#SocialMedia</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/Talkback" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Talkback</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/technology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#technology</a> <a href="https://someplace.social/tags/Windows" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Windows</a>

Alfonso Siciliano<a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/FreeBSD" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#FreeBSD</a> provides the Ports Collection, a convenient way to install applications. Some ports allow users to configure options before building and installing. By default, this configuration is done through an interactive menu in the terminal.To improve readability and <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> especially for users with low vision or color blindness, it's important to offer simple and customizable color options. These features have recently been implemented and documented in the preview version of the FreeBSD Accessibility Handbook: <a href="https://freebsd-accessibility-9d667f.gitlab.io/en/books/accessibility/colors/index.html#colors-ports" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://freebsd-accessibility-9d667f.gitlab.io/en/books/accessibility/colors/index.html#colors-ports</a>The next step is to extend these features to all terminal-based graphical components.I'd love to hear from you: Do you use any accessibility features in the terminal? Which color-related assistive technologies make the biggest difference in your daily workflow?Together, we can make FreeBSD more accessible for everyone. <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/ThePowerForEveryone" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ThePowerForEveryone</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/FreeBSD" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#FreeBSD</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/OpenSource" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OpenSource</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/LowVision" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#LowVision</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/ColorBlindness" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ColorBlindness</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/AccessibilityMatters" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AccessibilityMatters</a>

Lanie Molinar CarmeloReally wishing there was a good textbook reading app for someone with both visual and cognitive <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/disabilities" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#disabilities</a>. I just started a new course at Colorado Christian University, and this week's reading is 7 chapters from a book called Introducing Christian Doctrine—which is pretty heavy stuff. I've been struggling just to get through the first chapter.I tried reading in Word with JAWS, but quick navigation keys keep getting disabled, and adding comments isn’t very accessible. So I switched to the ePub version in Bookworm, which lets me add bookmarks, named bookmarks, and comments. That’s been a huge help.For notes, I’m using Joplin, which works well for organizing thoughts in Markdown. And when I hit a sentence I don’t understand—like “propounded dogmatically” (what even is that?)—I just open Copilot in the browser and ask for a plain-language explanation.It’s not perfect, but it’s working. I just wish there were tools designed with both cognitive load and screen reader accessibility in mind. Reading theology is hard enough without fighting the tech too.(My degree is in computer science, but theology is part of the core curriculum.)<a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/disability" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#disability</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/multipleDisabilities" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#multipleDisabilities</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/JAWS" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#JAWS</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/ScreenReader" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ScreenReader</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/CognitiveDisability" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#CognitiveDisability</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/ActuallyAutistic" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ActuallyAutistic</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/Autism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Autism</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/Blind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Blind</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/Neurodivergent" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Neurodivergent</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/NeurodivergentBlind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#NeurodivergentBlind</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/BookwormReader" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#BookwormReader</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/JoplinNotes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#JoplinNotes</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/Joplin" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Joplin</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/Markdown" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Markdown</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/TheologyStudent" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#TheologyStudent</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/Christian" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Christian</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/ChristianUniversity" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ChristianUniversity</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/InclusiveTech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#InclusiveTech</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/EdTech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#EdTech</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/AccessibleReading" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AccessibleReading</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/DisabilityInEducation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#DisabilityInEducation</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/StudyTools" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#StudyTools</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/ePub" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ePub</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://allovertheplace.ca/tags/MastodonEdu" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#MastodonEdu</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/mastoblind" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@mastoblind</a> <a href="https://rblind.com/c/main" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@main</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/actuallyautistic" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@actuallyautistic</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/neurodivergentblind" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@neurodivergentblind</a>

Alfonso SicilianoAbout a month ago, I had the privilege of presenting <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/FreeBSD" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#FreeBSD</a> at the Institute for the Blind in Milan, during an event held in connection with <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/GAAD" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#GAAD</a> (Global Accessibility Awareness Day). It was a profoundly meaningful experience that deepened my commitment to digital accessibility and the development of assistive technologies.I'm excited to share that the <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> Handbook, focused on vision-related assistive technologies in FreeBSD, is nearly complete. This task has been made possible thanks to the tireless dedication of FreeBSD community volunteers and the support of the <a href="https://mastodon.social/@FreeBSDFoundation" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@FreeBSDFoundation</a> for new projects and documentation centered on visual accessibility.<a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/UNIX" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#UNIX</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/OpenSource" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OpenSource</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/A11Y" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#A11Y</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/Inclusion" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Inclusion</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/VisionImpairment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#VisionImpairment</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/ColorBlindness" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ColorBlindness</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/LowVision" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#LowVision</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/Blindness" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Blindness</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/ScreenReader" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ScreenReader</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/Braille" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Braille</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/Documentation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Documentation</a> <a href="https://mastodon.bsd.cafe/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a>

Tony MeredithCalling anyone with ears, England or Wales. There's a clinical trial of assistive technology, EarSwitch, that's running out of time to recruit enough volunteers. (An ad was running today in my local surgery.) You've got voluntary control of your ear muscles? Maybe take a look at helping out. [EDIT they're looking for people with motor-neurological disability. H/t <a href="https://masto.hackers.town/@kestral" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@kestral</a> ]1/2 <a href="https://mastodon.me.uk/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://mastodon.me.uk/tags/rumbling" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#rumbling</a>

EnvisionNog 7 dagen te gaan! Op vrijdag 16 mei van 13:30 tot 16:00 uur vindt de 9e editie van Envisioners Day plaats op ons kantoor in Rotterdam. Kom langs, test de nieuwste functies van de Envision app, de Envision Glasses en de ally app, deel je mening en ontmoet andere mensen die technologie voor mensen die blind of slechtziend zijn belangrijk vinden. Meld je aan via envisionersday@letsenvision.com en doe mee! <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Wearables" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Wearables</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Nederlandse" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Nederlandse</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Dutch" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Dutch</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Netherlands" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Netherlands</a>

Halison Junior LunardiHello <a href="https://tweesecake.social/tags/Blind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Blind</a> and <a href="https://tweesecake.social/tags/VisuallyImpaired" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#VisuallyImpaired</a> community! 👋 I'm having trouble signing PDF documents with a digital certificate using my <a href="https://tweesecake.social/tags/screenreader" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#screenreader</a> (NVDA on Windows). I can do it in Adobe Reader but it's quite cumbersome and requires sighted assistance. Does anyone have a more accessible workflow or software recommendation for signing PDFs with a digital certificate using the keyboard and a screen reader? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated! Could you please <a href="https://tweesecake.social/tags/Boost" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Boost</a> this so it reaches more people? Thank you in advance! 🙏 <a href="https://tweesecake.social/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> <a href="https://tweesecake.social/tags/NVDA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#NVDA</a> <a href="https://tweesecake.social/tags/PDF" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#PDF</a> <a href="https://tweesecake.social/tags/DigitalSignature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#DigitalSignature</a> <a href="https://tweesecake.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://fosstodon.org/@NVAccess" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@NVAccess</a>

Ian RobinsonSome websites on Guided Access for anyone else looking at this in the future:<a href="https://accesstechnology.co.uk/blog/guided-access-on-the-ipad" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://accesstechnology.co.uk/blog/guided-access-on-the-ipad</a><a href="https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/how-to-use-guided-access-in-ios-18-on-your-iphone-or-ipad" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/how-to-use-guided-access-in-ios-18-on-your-iphone-or-ipad</a><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/a11y" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#a11y</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Autism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Autism</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/@ianRobinson/114168128872286766" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://mastodon.social/@ianRobinson/114168128872286766</a>

Damian Yerrick<a href="https://mastodon.social/@mcc" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@mcc</a> We already have a tragic example of law 3 in a recent SF movie: Disney's 2022 remake of Pinocchio. The puppet gets expelled on his first day of school because he is not human, after which he ends up on the street to get exploited by the fox and cat.Not to mention that law 2 could unduly restrict power consumption of assistive devices for humans with disabilities.<a href="https://peoplemaking.games/tags/Pinocchio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Pinocchio</a> <a href="https://peoplemaking.games/tags/Pinocchio2022" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Pinocchio2022</a> <a href="https://peoplemaking.games/tags/discrimination" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#discrimination</a> <a href="https://peoplemaking.games/tags/Disney" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Disney</a> <a href="https://peoplemaking.games/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a>

C.<a href="https://mindly.social/tags/Fedi" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Fedi</a>, looking for people with experience in <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/accessible" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#accessible</a> software.I have a friend with serious vision issues. Not blind, but can't easily read text that isn't 6+ inches high, and his vision is degrading. He is looking for a way to deal with email -- he's a writer -- because he says Gmail is now a nightmare to use even with a screen reader.Preferred solution would be a mail program / <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/MUA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#MUA</a> that runs on Windows and supports <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/OAUTH" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#OAUTH</a> authentication, so he can continue to use his Gmail address.What's the MUA with the best <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#accessibility</a> on Windows? Thunderbird brags about its support for screen readers and assistive technologies, so I had him try it, and he says it's almost as bad as Gmail - flashing colours, animating controls. I haven't personally touched Thunderbird in many years, so it was a surprise to me.I use a text/console mail flow that relies on a local MTA, so nothing I use is of any use in this.Thanks, appreciate any pointers.<a href="https://mindly.social/tags/mail" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#mail</a> <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/MailProgram" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#MailProgram</a> <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/GMail" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#GMail</a> <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/Windows" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Windows</a> <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/blind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#blind</a> <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/vision" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#vision</a> <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/software" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#software</a> <a href="https://mindly.social/tags/disability" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#disability</a>

DebbyBalancing Privacy and Assistive Technology: The Case for Large Language ModelsIn today’s digital world, the tension between privacy and technology is more pronounced than ever. I’m deeply concerned about the implications of surveillance capitalism—especially the spyware embedded in our devices, cars, and even our bodies. This pervasive technology can lead to a loss of autonomy and a feeling of being constantly monitored. Yet, amidst these concerns, assistive technology plays a critical role, particularly for those of us with neurological impairments.I recently read a thought-provoking post by <a href="https://babka.social/@serge" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@serge</a> that highlighted the importance of sharing perspectives on this issue. <iframe src="<a href="https://babka.social/@serge/113754269997543779/embed" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank">https://babka.social/@serge/113754269997543779/embed</a>" width="400" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms"></iframe>With the rise of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, we’re seeing a shift toward more accessible and user-friendly technology. Local LLMs offer a viable alternative to big tech solutions, often running on specially laptops or even compact devices like Raspberry Pi. For many, including myself, LLMs are invaluable tools that enhance communication, summarize information, transcribe voice, facilitate learning, and help manage tasks that might otherwise feel overwhelming. They can help strike the right emotional tone in our writing and assist in understanding complex data—capabilities that are especially crucial for those of us facing neurological challenges.While the goal of eliminating surveillance capitalism is commendable, banning technology outright isn’t the answer. We must recognize the significance of LLMs for individuals with disabilities. Calls to remove these technologies can overlook their profound impact on our lives. For many, LLMs are not just tools; they are lifelines that enable us to engage with the world more fully. Removing access to these resources would only isolate individuals who already face significant barriers. Instead, we should focus on utilizing local LLMs and other privacy-focused alternatives.This situation underscores the need for a nuanced approach to the intersection of privacy and assistive technology. Open-source LLMs, like Piper, exemplify how we can create locally run voice models that are accessible to everyone, even on low-cost devices. Advocating for privacy must go hand in hand with considering the implications for those who rely on these technologies for daily functioning. Striking a balance between protecting individual privacy and ensuring access to vital assistive tools is not just necessary; it’s imperative.In conclusion, LLMs represent a promising avenue for assisting individuals with neurological impairments. By embracing local and open-source solutions, we can protect our privacy while ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive. The conversation around privacy and technology must continue, focusing on inclusivity and empowerment for all.I use SpeechNotes installed locally all the time, and I’d love to hear how you use LLMs as assistive technology! Do you run your LLM locally? Share your experiences!<a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/PrivacyAdvocate" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#PrivacyAdvocate</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/LLM" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#LLM</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/SurveillanceCapitalism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#SurveillanceCapitalism</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/Neurodiversity" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Neurodiversity</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/TechForGood" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#TechForGood</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/a11y" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#a11y</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/LocalLLM" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#LocalLLM</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/LocalAI" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#LocalAI</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/FOSSai" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#FOSSai</a> <a href="https://hear-me.social/tags/opensource_ai" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#opensource_ai</a>

Serge from BabkaI'm a big privacy advocate. I don't want spyware on my device, in my car, on my body, etc.I completely understand concerns about surveillance capitalism and all the hidden dangers it brings.I also have neurological impairments. Some activities are hard for me, such as writing, getting the right emotional tone in my speech, initiating certain tasks, and being able to understand certain types of information.To that end, assistive technology has been a big part of my life. When I was a teenager, I had a laptop to help me write, when laptops are still a novelty. Other kids and even teacher said typing, and spell check, were a crutch.Today, LLMs have been transformational. I use them to help strike the tone I need in communication, to learn certain concepts, and help me with tasks that would otherwise take me days. Let's get rid of the surveillance capitalism, but when people say they want LLMs all gone- they're talking about taking away a lifeline for me.<a href="https://babka.social/tags/LLM" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#LLM</a> <a href="https://babka.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://babka.social/tags/AI" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AI</a>

Lanie CarmeloI just got my new <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/RaspberryPi500" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#RaspberryPi500</a>, but I’m finding <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/RaspberryPiOS" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#RaspberryPiOS</a> isn’t very accessible. I’m thinking of installing another <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Linux" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Linux</a> distro. Any recommendations from fellow <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Blind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Blind</a> Raspberry Pi users? I’m most familiar with <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/ArchLinux" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ArchLinux</a>—would it work well on this device? Also, what’s the best way to install it without an SD card reader? Looking forward to your insights! <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Tech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Tech</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Technology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Technology</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/LinuxAccessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#LinuxAccessibility</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/mastoblind" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@mastoblind</a> <a href="https://rblind.com/c/main" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@main</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/accessibility" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@accessibility</a>

Lanie CarmeloLooking to switch from <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/MicrosoftEdge" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#MicrosoftEdge</a> to <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Firefox" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Firefox</a> as my main browser! Fellow <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Firefox" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Firefox</a> users, especially in the <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/BlindTech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#BlindTech</a> community - what are your must-have extensions and about:config tweaks for optimal performance?I'm particularly interested in solutions for: • Managing multiple tabs efficiently • Keeping browser speed up while running <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/WebGames" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#WebGames</a> • <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> features and extensionsPrevious Firefox versions got sluggish for me, but I'm ready to give it another try! Share your tips!<a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Blind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Blind</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/ScreenReader" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ScreenReader</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/BrowserExtensions" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#BrowserExtensions</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/WebAccessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#WebAccessibility</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/DisabledTech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#DisabledTech</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Tech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Tech</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Technology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Technology</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/mastoblind" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@mastoblind</a> <a href="https://rblind.com/c/main" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@main</a>

Lanie CarmeloJust installed AutoHotkey and looking for recommended scripts! I'm a <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/blind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#blind</a> user who uses my computer for <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/programming" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#programming</a> (learning Python and web development), writing, <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/gaming" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#gaming</a>, web browsing, email, and social media. Any suggestions for useful AutoHotkey scripts that could enhance my productivity or accessibility? <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/AutoHotkey" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AutoHotkey</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/BlindProgrammer" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#BlindProgrammer</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/productivitytips" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#productivitytips</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Tech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Tech</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Technology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Technology</a>

Lanie CarmeloI'm considering writing a <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Blog" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Blog</a> post about how <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Technology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Technology</a> can be more <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Accessible" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessible</a> and <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Inclusive" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Inclusive</a> for people with <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Disabilities" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Disabilities</a> and <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/ChronicIllness" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ChronicIllness</a>. One example that comes to mind is the need for more personalized customization in health tracking features on <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Wearables" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Wearables</a> like the <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/AppleWatch" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AppleWatch</a>. For me, the exercise and stand goals aren’t realistic due to my health limitations. On bad days, the constant reminders to move can feel discouraging rather than motivating. While there’s the option to turn notifications off entirely, I still want to track my movement or standing progress in a more flexible way. It would make a huge difference if the activity rings and goals could be fully customizable to accommodate individual abilities and needs. To my fellow <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Disabled" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Disabled</a> and <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/ChronicPain" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ChronicPain</a> warriors: What other areas do you think tech could be more inclusive? Whether it’s device features, apps, or software design, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Would you also be okay with me including your name or username and a quote from you in the blog post? I want to uplift your voices as part of the conversation. Although this post is meant to elevate disabled voices, developers, designers, and usability experts are welcome to join the discussion and learn how to create more inclusive tech. Let’s brainstorm ways to make tech work better for everyone! 🌟 Thank you in advance for sharing your insights! <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/DisabilityRights" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#DisabilityRights</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/InclusionMatters" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#InclusionMatters</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/PWD" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#PWD</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/TechForGood" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#TechForGood</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/UX" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#UX</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/DigitalInclusion" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#DigitalInclusion</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/HealthTech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#HealthTech</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/NEISVoid" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#NEISVoid</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Disability" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Disability</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/Blogging" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Blogging</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/WordPress" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#WordPress</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/WebAccessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#WebAccessibility</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/InclusiveDesign" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#InclusiveDesign</a> <a href="https://caneandable.social/tags/ContentCreation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ContentCreation</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/disability" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@disability@a.gup.pe</a> <a href="https://beehaw.org/c/disability" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@disability@beehaw.org</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/disabilityjustice" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@disabilityjustice</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/mastoblind" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@mastoblind</a> <a href="https://rblind.com/c/main" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@main</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/actuallyautistic" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@actuallyautistic</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/spoonies" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@spoonies</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/a11y" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@a11y</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/disabilitytech" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@disabilitytech</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/accessibility" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@accessibility</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/blind" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@blind</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/neurodivergent" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@neurodivergent</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/neurodiversity" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@neurodiversity</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/neurodivergentblind" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@neurodivergentblind</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/spooniechat" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@spooniechat</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/chronicallyill" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@chronicallyill</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/wordpress" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@wordpress</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/technology" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@technology</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/opensource" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@opensource</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/disabilityadvocates" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@disabilityadvocates</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/accessibledesign" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@accessibledesign</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/programmers" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@programmers</a> <a href="https://a.gup.pe/u/usability" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@usability</a>

Matthew WhitakerI’m diving into Reddit for the first time and decided to start with the Dystopia app, which is designed to be more accessible for blind users. I’ve found the r/Blind subreddit, and it seems like a great place to connect with others, but I’m still figuring out how to post on there. If anyone has tips or guidance on how to navigate the process, I’d really appreciate the help!I’m excited to explore Reddit and see what the community has to offer. Any advice for a first-time user would be awesome!<a href="https://dragonscave.space/tags/Reddit" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Reddit</a> <a href="https://dragonscave.space/tags/BlindCommunity" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#BlindCommunity</a> <a href="https://dragonscave.space/tags/Accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#Accessibility</a> <a href="https://dragonscave.space/tags/ScreenReaders" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#ScreenReaders</a> <a href="https://dragonscave.space/tags/DystopiaApp" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#DystopiaApp</a> <a href="https://dragonscave.space/tags/AssistiveTechnology" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#AssistiveTechnology</a> <a href="https://dragonscave.space/tags/TechForAll" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#TechForAll</a> <a href="https://dragonscave.space/tags/RedditForBlindUsers" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#RedditForBlindUsers</a>

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