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Screenshot of Google Docs with focus on dictation button and text, "Today is Sunday. I am writing using dictation."

Educational Example of Using Speech to Text and Dictation

When a student becomes frustrated expressing their ideas in writing in their primary learning medium and it has negative implications on learning and their...
24 month old boy sitting at a child's table with fingers pressing keys on an APH 18 Refreshabraille.

Benefits of Using a Braille Display with Emerging Readers

Refreshable Braille Displays (RBD) are peripheral devices that display braille characters, usually be raising and lowering dots through holes in a flat surface...
Graphic of title text: One-Handed Braille Entry to Windows Computers

One-Handed Braille Entry to Windows Computers

I’ve got a neat new tip to share with y’all today, and it’s all because my student was confident enough to speak up and correct me after I made an incorrect...
Cartoon image of girl with glasses holding a book and text, "Creating and/or Using Simple Digital Books"

Creating and/or Using Simple Digital Books

I still remember that first picture book that I read - ok, memorized - as a preschooler. I read that book over and over again, to myself, to mom and dad, my...
digital recording symbol

Dictation on your Computer: Word, Pages and Google Docs

Dictation, translating spoken word into text, is a popular means for inputting text for text messages. Dictation is accessible with screen readers such as...
Fingers typing on a braille display beside an iPad displaying Cody's O&M Book.

Brian: Learning to Answer Questions using a braille display

Students who are blind with additional disabilities may struggle to read, write and answer questions independently.  However, mainstream technology such as an...
Dysgraphia Accommodations in the classroom: tips for managing. www.veroniiiica.com

Dysgraphia Accommodations in the Classroom

In recent times, I have been talking to a lot of students who have either diagnosed or suspected dysgraphia. Inspired by this, I have put together a list of...
Screenshot of the Mac's Siri Set up page with set up options.

Using Siri on a Mac

Siri is a built-in "intelligent assistant" that enables Apple device users to speak commands to operate their device and to interact with apps. Siri is often...
Screenshot: Top half of screen shows text & bottom shows onscreen keyboard with line following eye gaze from H to selected T.

Microsoft's Eye-Tracking System Review

Microsoft recently announced the new built-in eye-tracking technology for Windows.  This technology is currently available for beta tesing. Eye-tracking...
Man in a wheelchair with head support operating a computer using Eye control.

Eye Control: Eye Tracking in Windows 10

Microsoft recently announced an upcoming accessibility feature for Windows 10, called Eye Control. This feature supports users with severe motor issues to be...
iPad screenshot with App Store app displaying VO Lab review screen.

Is that App Accessible or Not? Support Accessibility

The App Store and Google Play are full of educational apps geared for all levels of students.  Mainstream classroom teachers are using these fun educational...
PowerPoint slide from the Alphabet Book: Airplane image and sound clip.

PowerPoint Lesson Plan for Elementary Students

Students are learning to create PowerPoint (or the Apple equivalent, Keynote presentations) in early elementary school.  Here are some simple PowerPoint themes...
Screenshot of an iPhone virtual keyboard with the Dictation button (located to the left of the space bar) circled

Using Dictation in the Classroom: Mac OS and IOS

Dictation is a voice-to-text feature giving students the ability to talk to his/her device rather than type.  Dictation is available anytime there is text...
Tecla Shield is a small portable box that paired with smart phone, tablet, and/or computer.

Tecla Shield: Use assistive switches to access smartphones and tablets

How can a student with limited mobility use a smart phone, tablet or computer?  One option is the Tecla Shield, a small, portable device that is used by...
Student using technology for digital literacy activities: social media, Internet search, reading, calendar, etc.

Digital Literacy for Students with Multiple Disabilities

Digital Literacy is defined as the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring...
Track a student's typing skills with this typing checklist.

Typing Skills Checklist

Teachers - including TVIs - are responsible for tracking each student's progress in every subject and every type of skill.  Especially in this digital age,...
Teacher holding a manual while instructing a student to use a three figner swipe command on the iPad.

New on Paths to Technology: Software Updates and Curriculum Pages!

We are excited to announce two new sections on Paths to Technology!  Have questions about new features in iOS 10, TalkBack, NVDA, JAWS, Windows 10 and other...
TSBVI Logo.

Let's Go Digital: Using Braille Displays with Screen Readers

Many students who attend Short-Term Programs at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired rely on the use of Perkins braillers and braille...
Book Creator Logo: app that creates accessible books

Book Creator App: Create Your Own Accessible Books on iOS, Android and Windows Tablets

Book Creator is a simple way to create e-books, right on your tablet!  Add text, pictures, video and music, and even record your own voice.  Choose a pen tool...
Cody standing at the front door of Sheetz Gas Station.

Cody went to Sheetz: iBook

Cody, a high school student with traumatic brain injury (TBI), uses an iBook to retell his Sheetz Gas Station O&M lesson.  One of Cody's IEP goals is to be...
Keeble app logo.

Keeble an Accessible Keyboard: iOS App

Keeble is an iOS keyboard app that allows users with fine motor-challenges, switch users and users with visual impairments to type in any app.  The keyboard...
Fingers inputting braille on a refreshable braille display.

Brian: Learning to Write with an iPad and Refreshable Braille Display

WRITING: In this video, Brian demonstrates how he can write braille letters and sight words using an iPad paired with a Refreshable Braille Display (RBD).  ...
Google Forms Logo: Purple page with three horizontal lines.

Creating a Google Form Quiz on the iPad

Need to make a quick accessible homework assignment, quiz or test on the iPad?  Use Google Forms!  Google Forms is accessible with VoiceOver for both the...
red circle with microphone drawing in the center.

Google Voice Commands

Google has introduced a way for select users to edit documents using their voice. If you use the Chrome web browser with Google Docs, you can speak formatting...
Fingers inputting braille on refreshable braille display.

Brian: Learning to Write with an iPad and Refreshable Braille Display Video

WRITING: In this video, Brian demonstrates how he can write braille letters and sight words using an iPad paired with a Refreshable Braille Display (RBD).  ...
Image of a smiling 4 year old boy playing Sami Says on the computer.

Sami Says: Create a Story Web Browser Game

Sami Says is a simple web recorder game for students to easily create verbal stories.  Using the arrow keys, Sami Says encourages very young students and/or...
Image of University of North Carolina's well icon

Tar Heel Reader: Create and Read Accessible Books

Tar Heel Reader is a collection of free, easy-to-read books; students can create their own books or selet books created by others.  Tar Heel Reader is a...