The tool is free, runs entirely in your browser, and you can try it right now at image-colour-contrast-checker.timdixon.net.

Why Existing Image Colour Contrast Checker Tools Did Not Work for Me

Most contrast checking tools assume you can see what you are doing. You upload an image, you manually pick a foreground colour, you manually pick a background colour, and the tool tells you the ratio. That is fine if you can squint at a photo and confidently select the right region. I cannot do that reliably anymore.

There are browser extensions that check contrast on web pages, but that does not help me when someone sends me a poster, a slide deck screenshot, or a social media graphic that I need to review. The image arrives in my inbox and I need to know: does the text in this image meet WCAG standards? That question should not require me to have usable vision.

The problem is common. Anyone working in accessibility, communications, or marketing needs to check images regularly, not just web pages, and the tooling has not kept up.

How Claude Code Helped Me Build It

I want to be honest about this: I am not a developer. I can read code, I can reason about it, and I have spent years in IT architecture. But writing the kind of JavaScript needed to build a browser-based image analysis tool from scratch is not something I would have done on my own.

Claude Code changed that. I worked through the problem step by step, describing what I needed, reviewing what it produced, testing it, and iterating. What surprised me was how well it helped me find and connect open source components I did not even know existed. It was not just writing code, it was helping me navigate a world of libraries and techniques then assembling them into something coherent.

The build took days rather than weeks, and the result is genuinely better than I expected.

What the Image Colour Contrast Checker Actually Does

The tool analyses an image for text automatically. It uses @gutenye/ocr-browser to detect where text appears in the image, powered by onnxruntime-web running PaddleOCR models directly in your browser. It then samples the foreground and background colours around that text and calculates the contrast ratio.

The output is a downloadable report. You can export as a PDF generated using pdfmake, or as a Markdown file if you prefer something you can drop straight into a document or ticket. The report flags every region where text was detected, tells you whether it passes WCAG AA or AAA, and highlights the parts that fail. You do not need to pick pixels. You do not need to know anything about hex codes. You drop in an image and the tool does the work.

I am genuinely taken aback by what the open source community has built. The fact that you can run OCR, contrast analysis, and report generation entirely in the browser, with no server, no account, and no data leaving your device, is something I did not think would be possible when I started.

Why the Image Colour Contrast Checker Runs Entirely in Your Browser

This part matters to me a great deal, and I want to explain why.

Many of the images I need to check are commercially sensitive. Internal communications, draft marketing materials, unreleased product images. I was not willing to build a tool that uploads those images to a server I control, let alone a third-party service. The privacy risk is real, and it would undermine the trust of anyone using the tool in a professional context.

Everything runs client-side. Your image never leaves your device. There is no server receiving your files, no analytics on what you upload, nothing stored anywhere. I made this decision deliberately, and I think it is the right one for a tool that accessibility professionals will use in the course of real work.

Why I Chose Global Accessibility Awareness Day

I chose this week deliberately. Global Accessibility Awareness Day is about more than awareness, it is about action. I wanted to release something practical that people can use immediately to embed colour contrast checking into their processes.

That is my hope for this tool. Not that it becomes a famous product, but that it gets used. That designers start dropping images into it before they publish. That communications teams check posters before they go out. That accessibility consultants have something fast and private they can use with clients.

If you work in accessibility, please try it and let me know how you get on. If it saves you time or catches something that would have slipped through, that is exactly what it is there for.

Tell Me What You Think

You can try the tool at image-colour-contrast-checker.timdixon.net. It is free, open source, and runs entirely in your browser. If you want to dig into the code or contribute, you will find everything on GitHub.

I would love to hear how you get on with it, whether it works for your workflow, whether something is missing, or whether it surfaces issues you had not spotted before.

Tell me what you think in the comments below or on X @timdixon82

The post How I Built a Free Image Colour Contrast Checker That Runs Entirely in Your Browser appeared first on TIM DIXON.

So I’d navigate the menu instead. It worked, and VoiceOver makes that efficient enough. But efficient isn’t the same as optimal. Over time, those small inefficiencies compound.

That was the real issue. I rely heavily on the keyboard, but I’m not truly keyboard-first. There’s still a gap between what macOS can do and what I consistently use.

Why KeyClu with VoiceOver on macOS Matters

macOS has excellent keyboard support. The capability has always been there. The challenge is discoverability.

Shortcuts are hidden in plain sight. Unless you’ve memorised them or deliberately studied documentation, they remain buried in menus. You might notice them occasionally, but you rarely internalise them.

As a VoiceOver user, I can move through menus quickly. That isn’t the bottleneck. The bottleneck is visibility and reinforcement.

KeyClu surfaces every available shortcut for the active application in one place. Instead of wondering whether a shortcut exists, I can confirm it instantly. That simple change alters behaviour more than I expected.

Installing KeyClu on macOS Using Homebrew

If you manage tools via Homebrew, installing KeyClu takes seconds. There’s no need to browse websites or drag applications manually into the Applications folder.

Open Terminal and run:

brew install keyclu

Once installed, you can launch it via Spotlight or from Applications. It integrates quietly into the background, which is exactly how I prefer utility tools to behave.

Configuring KeyClu with VoiceOver on macOS (Persistent Panel)

The default activation method for KeyClu uses a press-and-hold trigger. For VoiceOver users, that approach introduces friction. Modifier keys are already heavily used, and timing-based triggers can clash with normal navigation patterns.

I switched to using the Persistent Panel instead. This allows the shortcut panel to appear and remain visible until I deliberately dismiss it. That predictability makes all the difference.

To configure this, open KeyClu and navigate to Settings. Select General in the sidebar. Under Activation, choose your modifier key — I use Shift because it avoids conflicts with VoiceOver commands. Then scroll down to the Persistent Panel section.

Set both activation and dismiss to “pressing activation key 3 times”. With that configuration, pressing Shift three times displays the panel. Pressing Shift three times again dismisses it.

There’s no holding required and no accidental disappearance. It behaves consistently, which is critical when accessibility tools are involved.

Enabling macOS Keyboard Shortcuts Integration

There is one integration setting that significantly improves the experience. Inside KeyClu, go to Settings and then Integrations. Enable the option labelled “macOS Keyboard Shortcuts”.

This allows KeyClu to pull in any custom shortcuts you create at the system level. When you add a shortcut in macOS System Settings, it appears inside the KeyClu overlay as well. That keeps everything aligned.

Without this integration enabled, your custom shortcuts won’t show up in the panel. That weakens the feedback loop. With it enabled, macOS becomes the source of truth and KeyClu becomes the visibility layer.

How I Use KeyClu with VoiceOver on macOS in Practice

In day-to-day use, my workflow is straightforward. I’m inside an application and I question whether a shortcut exists for a particular action. Instead of diving into menus, I press Shift three times.

The panel appears and I use standard VoiceOver navigation to explore the available shortcuts. VO and the Arrow keys allow me to move through the list and understand what’s possible. That exploration takes seconds.

The important part is repetition. Seeing shortcuts repeatedly makes them familiar. Familiarity leads to usage, and usage builds habit.

This isn’t about memorising lists. It’s about making shortcuts visible often enough that they naturally become part of how you work.

Adding Missing Shortcuts in macOS

Eventually, you’ll encounter commands without assigned shortcuts. When that happens, it’s an opportunity rather than a limitation.

Open System Settings and navigate to Keyboard. Select Keyboard Shortcuts and then App Shortcuts. From there, choose to add a new shortcut.

Select if this is for a specific app or all apps. You must enter the Menu Title exactly as it appears in the menu bar. Capitalisation, spacing and punctuation all matter. Even ellipses must match precisely. I open the app, navigate to the relevant menu with VoiceOver, listen carefully to the exact wording, and type it precisely. Once entered correctly, I assign a logical key combination and save it.

Because macOS Keyboard Shortcuts integration is enabled in KeyClu, the new shortcut immediately appears in the overlay. That confirmation reinforces the system and keeps everything visible.

What Has Actually Changed for Me

KeyClu hasn’t delivered an overnight transformation. It hasn’t introduced new functionality to macOS. What it has done is remove the barrier of uncertainty.

Instead of vaguely intending to “learn more shortcuts,” I now have a practical mechanism for discovering and reinforcing them. The act of checking has become habitual.

Over time, menu navigation reduces naturally. Not because I forced myself to change, but because the faster path became visible and easy to adopt.

I’m still not fully keyboard-first. But I now have a structured way of moving in that direction consistently.

Verdict: Is KeyClu with VoiceOver on macOS Worth It?

For me, the answer is yes. KeyClu doesn’t promise dramatic productivity gains or radical reinvention of macOS. What it provides is clarity.

For a VoiceOver user aiming to become more keyboard-first, that clarity reduces friction and encourages better habits. It makes existing power visible rather than hidden.

It’s not flashy and it’s not complex. It’s simply a practical tool that nudges behaviour in the right direction.

Tell me what you think in the comments below or on X @timdixon82

The post KeyClu with VoiceOver on macOS: Becoming More Keyboard-First (Gradually) appeared first on TIM DIXON.

Phone and Watch

In 2025 I updated to the iPhone 17 Pro Max which has provided better battery life and one of my favourite colours, Orange!. I must say I am liking iOS 26 and while I was concerned about the Liquid Glass, the accessibility settings have actually made the phone easier to see and use. It was also time to update to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and apart from it being a little snappier, and the battery lasting longer, although I haven’t noticed a big difference. The black colour of the watch is a highlight for me. I am using VoiceOver on the watch all the time, and turn it on and off on my iPhone. I am still using the limited vision I have, which is deteriorating.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max gives me all the power, large screen and advanced accessibility features I need along with my Top 5 iPhone Apps for Users with Sight Loss.

Headphones

Being blind, headphones are necessary. I use a range of devices depending on the circumstances. I love my Meta Ray Ban Wayfarer (Gen 1) Smart Glasses, these are my favourite for using and I don’t leave the house without them. They are stylish, with the ability to take photos and call Be My Eyes.

I haven’t used my Sony Linkbuds in 2025, in part due to being out and about less, and also due to the slight discomfort they cause. They are a unique donut design that sits in your ear but allows you full transparency and decent sound quality. They can be found on Amazon: Sony Link Buds on Amazon

2025 saw me upgrade to the Apple AirPod Pro’s 2 after the untimely demise of my Apple AirPod Pro’s. They are my go to for listening to podcasts while I go to sleep. I have an automation setup to play my podcast feed as soon as I put them in, saving me from getting distracted when I pick the phone up to put a podcast on.

The Comply Memory foam tips (Affiliate Link) have improved the comfort and provided a more secure fit for my AirPod Pro’s 2’s, they do need replacing more frequently, but it is worth it.

I also added Sony MDR-7506 headphones to my collection for use with my Macbook Pro; for Zoom calls, podcasting and editing.

Finally, are my Poly Voyager Focus 2 Headset which provide noise cancellation for both audio playback and for the microphone. The most expensive headset I have purchased at nearly £300 (now under £200), but as I wear them for over 8 hours a day, they are worth it. The ability to lift your mic boom and have the call mute is the killer feature. The eighteen hours talk time and comfort make these my favourite. Being Bluetooth, the lag with JAWS is annoying and as I transition to a non-visual working pattern, I will need to consider going wired.

Note Taking

I started using the Plaud Note during 2025 and have found it to be fantastic for in-person meetings and capturing calls on my mobile. The ability to sit down for a meeting and know that you will have a good quality recording, the transcript and even the minutes allows you to focus on the conversation. The device isn’t approved for use by my employer, but I still get significant benefit from using it in my volunteer roles and capturing notes during medical appointments. Listen to my discussion about the Plaud Note with the troublesome duo, Steven and Shaun, on Double Tap from earlier in the year – watch the video below:

There is a new Plaud Note Pro with better battery life, automated transfer and improved microphones, Check out the Plaud Note Pro on Amazon (Affiiliate Link) Note that there is a subscription to be able to access some of the more advanced features. The app has been updated, but is still lacking accessibility.

Recording Equipment

In 2024, I started to do some more recording and invested in the following equipment:

• Microphone: Audio Technica ATR 2100X USB Cardoid Microphone (Affiliate Link). The Audio Technica has the option of XLR or USB connection, making it ideal as a first microphone, providing a path to using the XLR with mixers and more professional equipment. The USB plugs into the bottom of the microphone and then into the iPhone and it works immediately.
• Gimbal: Insta 360 Flow Pro (Affiliate Link) to help keep the camera footage stable and smooth. I picked the Insta 360 Flow Pro because it integrates with Apple Dock Kit, allowing the tracking to be used from any application. This was important as I expected the Insta 360 software to be less than accessible, which I was right to be wary of.
• Phone Stand: Cooper MagStand (Affiliate Link) Magsafe stand to hold the iPhone for video calls.
• Lights: Dual Selfie Clamp on Ring Lights (Affiliate Link) for consistent lighting when on calls/being interviewed.

In 2025, I expanded my recording equipment with the following:

• Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones – a comfortable pair of closed back headphones for monitoring and editing.
• Rode Wireles Pro Microphones (Affiliate Link) – Fantastic wireless microphones with full accessibility. Read my Finding Accessible Wireless Microphones article for more information.
• Focusrite Vocaster Two (Affiliate Link) – This has been a game changer for recording and Zoom calls, the ability to have more control over your Microphone and a button for mute has provided significant improvements in my audio quality.

I used the Rode Wireless Pro Microphones, Insta360 Flow and my iPhone 16 Pro Max to record the interviews at Sight Village Central in July. View the interviews from Sight Village Central for Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society.

Braille Display

The Mantis Q40 by APH and Humanware is my main braille display. The combination of a qwerty keyboard and forty cell braille display make the perfect combination. I am still early in my braille journey, so having the QWERTY keyboard allows me to operate at full typing speed while getting the benefit of having braille at my fingertips. See my blog post on my Braille Journey to read about how I got started with Braille.

In October I received a DotPad X through my employer and Access To Work, alongside an iPad Air and pencil to allow my access assistant to replicate what is on the white board in meetings for me to feel. I am still in my early days of using the DotPad X, but being able to read more than one cell in Excel at a time is a real game changer.

Braille Embosser

In 2024 I aquired an Index Everest V3 Braille embosser. This is my first embosser and I explain my journey in Extending my ways of Embossing Braille post. I haven’t been using it much in 2025. but it is good to know it is available when I need it.

Screen Reader and Magnification

I currently use Fusion 2025 from Freedom Scientific. Fusion is made up of JAWS and Zoomtext. The combination allows me to zoom and invert colours as needed while having all the power of JAWS to read the screen and navigate. I dropped to running just JAWS in 2024 to increase performance and also try to force a non-visual way of working. A year on and I am still on my journey to non-visual working, it is slow progress.

December 2023, I started using a Macbook Pro with VoiceOver for personal use, and I must say that I like the simplicity of the Mac and doubt I will be changing back. I also purchased a Mac Mini in 2024 to run as a Media server and allow me to retire my aging NAS for something a little more power efficient. I continue to enjoy using the Mac, but note that I still need to move away from using the Magnification as much as I do.

Other Software in My Blind Tech Setup

There are many other software products I use as part of my daily life, but the ones I must mention are Lire, SpeechCentral, Todoist, 1Password and browser extension Nighteye

Lire is a fantastic RSS reader for the Mac and iOS – I use it to help me follow multiple websites, saving me navigating crowded websites.

SpeechCentral is a really useful app available on Mac, iPhone, Android and Windows. It will read articles, documents and PDF’s to you in a range of voices. The contents are synced between Mac and iOS, but not on Windows or Android.

Todoist is a fantastic to-do list application available across platforms with Alexa integration. I use it to implement Getting Things Done by David Allen. GTD is a methodology to help you stay on top of what’s important. In 2024, I have been less vigerous with my GTD, and need to refresh my understanding and become more stringent.

I changed over from LastPass to 1Password in 2023 and only wish I had done it sooner. It is very accessible and has features like autopopulating your multi factor codes, which is a game changer for a low vision or blind user. 1Password is available on all platforms and I have had fantastic support from the team when I have had the odd need to contact them.

Nighteye is an extension for most browsers and turns any website into dark mode. This plugin saves my photophobic eyes multiple times per day. Check out my articles: How to turn any website to Dark Mode and How to get Dark Mode websites on iPhone and iPad

What should I include in my Blind Tech Setup 2026?

I am always looking to improve my setup, what would you recommend? What works well for you? Let me know in the comments.

The post My Blind Tech Setup 2026 appeared first on TIM DIXON.

My First Travel Router

Back in 2013 I was travelling for work a lot and the hotel I was staying in limited me to 3 devices, this wasn’t enouch when I have personal and work devices, so I looked for a solution. At the time I got a Zyxel travel router and it just made life so much easier. I connected it to the hotel wifi and confirmed my details once and then all of my devices connected to it. I dragged the router out the draw and realised after a quick search that it had vulnerabilities and was no longer secure to use.

The Hunt for a New Travel Router

The hunt for a new travel router began with a list of must haves:

• Wifi 6 or better
• Small and light
• Can connect to Wifi easily
• Supports Tailscale (a mesh VPN)

It wasn’t long before the GL.inet travel router range was discovered. They run DD WRT and are compatible with Open WRT which is an open source router firmware providing many advanced features and levels of customisation. To top it off, they have competitve pricing and a broad community of users.

After reviewing the different models, the GL.inet Beryl AX (affiliate link) was purchased.

Setting up the GL.inet Beryl AX Travel Router

The Beryl AX travel router comes with a USB C power adapter with options for many mains power connections (US, Europe, UK etc) and an RJ45 cable. The device itself is about 12 cm wide by 9 cm deep and 3 cm tall. There are two flat antenas that pivot from the side upwards ensuring it is compact for travel.

On powering the unit up, you scan a QR code on the bottom to connect to the wifi it broadcasts. Once connected you can go to 192.168.8.1 in a web browser and configure the device. I configured the wifi to match my home wifi SSID and Password, so all our existing devices will connect to it without change. From the web interface you can setup repeater mode, where you can connect to a wifi network to provide internet connection to devices connected to the router.

It was a pleasant surprise to find that you can tether your mobile phone to the device via a USB A port. Once tethered the travel router will use your phone’s internet to provide the internet to the travel router wifi network. For this to work with an iPhone, you do need to ensure that Personal Hotspot is turned on. The router includes two network ports, one for connecting and using as a source of internet (WAN), and a second to connect devices to and allow them to use the Travel Routers connection.

Connecting to Home while Travelling with Tailscale

Tailscale is a mesh VPN allowing you to connect many computers together by installing the Tailscale app. Tailscale is free for personal use and computers, phones, tablets, Apple TV boxes and even routers can use it to connect. The Beryl AX supports connecting to a TailScale network, allowing all devices connected to the travel router to connect through to the Tailscale network. By setting up a Tailscale exit node at home and configuring the travel router to use the exit node, you can be sure that all traffic goes via your home network.This can be useful when you are travelling abroad and still want to access streaming services that may be region restricted.

Conclusion

Initial testing shows that the travel router can be powered by a USB power bank and tethered to your phone to provide your home network anywhere. The fear of loosing hours to setting up wifi has been replaced with excitement to test out this solution and enjoy the time saved.

Update 11 August 2025: the travel router is working perfectly at our holiday cottage and has saved lots of hassle and frustration. After trying the interface with Voice Over on the iPhone, it is not accessible. The software includes dialogs that hover while the voice over focus remains behind on the main page. Disappointing.

Listen to me discuss the travel router and tailscale with Callum Stoneman, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece on Double Tap Extra.

Tell me what you think in the comments below or on X @timdixon82

The post Travel Router: Avoiding Hotel Wifi Hell appeared first on TIM DIXON.

Phone and Watch

I have updated to the iPhone 16 Pro Max with Apple Intelligence and the Camera Control button, and I must say I am liking what is available after the iOS 18.2 update. I decided to stick with the Apple Watch Ultra as there was no Ultra 3 released, and to be honest my original Ultra is doing the job. I am using VoiceOver on the watch all the time, and turn it on and off on my iPhone. I am still using the limited vision I have, which is deteriorating.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max gives me all the power, large screen and advanced accessibility features I need along with my Top 5 iPhone Apps for Users with Sight Loss.

Headphones

Being blind, headphones are necessary. I use a range of devices depending on the circumstances. I still love using my Oho Sunshine bluetooth sunglasses, the longer battery life, standard USB C charging point and lower price point make them ideal for most of what I need them for. I wouldn’t use them to listen to music though. In September, I purchased the Meta Ray Ban Wayfarer Smart Glasses, these are my favourite for using now – stylish with the ability to take photos and call Be My Eyes.

I haven’t used my Sony Linkbuds in 2024, in part due to being out and about less, and also due to the comfort of them. They are a unique donut design that sits in your ear but allows you full transparency and decent sound quality. They can be found on Amazon: Sony Link Buds on Amazon

I use my Apple AirPod Pro’s for listening to podcasts while I go to sleep. I have an automation setup to play my podcast feed as soon as I put them in, saving me from getting distracted when I pick the phone up to put a podcast on….

I also added traditional 3.5mm Apple Earpods to my collection for when I am using my Mac Book Pro or for monitoring my microphone.

Finally, are my Poly Voyager Focus 2 Headset which provide noise cancellation for both audio playback and for the microphone. The most expensive headset I have purchased at nearly £300, but as I wear them for over 8 hours a day, they are worth it. The ability to lift your mic boom and have a call mute is the killer feature. The eighteen hours talk time and comfort make these my favourite. Find them ohttps://amzn.to/4gQKwJvn Amazon: Poly – Voyager Focus 2 UC USB-C Headset with Stand

Recording Equipment

In 2024, I started to do some more recording and invested in the following equipment:

• Microphoe: Audio Technica ATR 2100X USB Cardoid Microphone (Affiliate Link). The Audio Technica has the option of XLR or USB connection, making it ideal as a first microphone, providing a path to using the XLR with mixers and more professional equipment. The USB plugs into the bottom of the microphone and then into the iPhone and it works immediately.
• Gimbal: Insta 360 Flow Pro (Affiliate Link) to help keep the camera footage stable and smooth. I picked the Insta 360 Flow Pro because it integrates with Apple Dock Kit, allowing the tracking to be used from any application. This was important as I expected the Insta 360 software to be less than accessible, which I was right to be wary of.
• Phone Stand: Cooper MagStand (Affiliate Link) Magsafe stand to hold the iPhone for video calls.
• Lights: Dual Selfie Clamp on Ring Light.s (Affiliate Link) for consistent lighting when on calls/being interviewed.

Read how I got on recording at Sight Village North East 2024 in my post Sight Village Interviews: Behind the Scenes

Braille Display

The Mantis Q40 by APH and Humanware is my main braille display. The combination of a qwerty keyboard and forty cell braille display make the perfect combination. I am still early in my braille journey, so having the QWERTY keyboard allows me to operate at full typing speed while getting the benefit of having braille at my fingertips. See my blog post on my Braille Journey to read about how I got started with Braille.

Braille Embosser

In 2024 I aquired an Index Everest V3 Braille embosser. This is my first embosser and I explain my journey in Extending my ways of Embossing Braille post.

Screen Reader and Magnification

I currently use Fusion 2025 from Freedom Scientific. Fusion is made up of JAWS and Zoomtext. The combination allows me to zoom and invert colours as needed while having all the power of JAWS to read the screen and navigate. More recently I have dropped to running just JAWS to increase performance and also try to force a non-visual way of working.

Last December I started using a Macbook Pro with VoiceOver for personal use, and I must say that I like the simplicity of the Mac and doubt I will be changing back. I have also purchased a Mac Mini to run as a Media server and allow me to retire my aging NAS for something a little more power efficient.

Other Software in My Blind Tech Setup

There are many other software products I use as part of my daily life, but the ones I must mention are Lire, SpeechCentral, Todoist, 1Password and browser extension Nighteye

Lire is a fantastic RSS reader for the Mac and iOS – I use it to help me follow multiple websites, saving me navigating crowded websites.

SpeechCentral is a really useful app available on Mac, iPhone, Android and Windows. It will read articles, documents and PDF’s to you in a range of voices. The contents are synced between Mac and iOS, but not on Windows or Android.

Todoist is a fantastic to-do list application available across platforms with Alexa integration. I use it to implement Getting Things Done by David Allen. GTD is a methodology to help you stay on top of what’s important. In 2024, I have been less vigerous with my GTD, and need to refresh my understanding and become more stringent.

I changed over from LastPass to 1Password in 2023 and only wish I had done it sooner. It is very accessible and has features like autopopulating your multi factor codes, which is a game changer for a low vision or blind user. 1Password is available on all platforms and I have had fantastic support from the team when I have had the odd need to contact them.

Nighteye is an extension for most browsers and turns any website into dark mode. This plugin saves my photophobic eyes multiple times per day. Check out my articles: How to turn any website to Dark Mode and How to get Dark Mode websites on iPhone and iPad

What should I include in my Blind Tech Setup?

I am always looking to improve my setup, what would you recommend? What works well for you? Let me know in the comments.

The post My Blind Tech Setup 2025 appeared first on TIM DIXON.

Aren’t all PDF’s accessible?

Heck no, far from it. PDF is one of the worst formats for accessibility if there hasn’t been steps taken to ensure it is accessible. While discussing with a family member, they thought that PDF would be accessible because you can select and copy the text. While this is often true, the issue comes with the sequence of the text and navigating the document. A poorly formatted document doesn’t have heading tags to help navigate the document. Also if there are sections of text on a page, they may be read out of sequence, making absolutely no sense to the reader.

Why Create Accessible PDFs?

It’s the right thing to do…. Ok, you want to understand the benefits to you. The first is obviously that it makes the document available to more people, but incase that isn’t enough to make you care, there are the following use cases listed by the PDF Association for using Well Tagged PDF (which ensures accessibility)

Use cases for this specification include:

• ensuring accessibility of PDF 2.0 files;
• managing reflow of content (e.g., for responsive layout on mobile devices);
• derivation to other formats, including HTML;
• interoperable structuring of unstructured content;
• content and data extraction (e.g., copy-and-paste);
• selection, annotation and redaction;
• enhancing searchability;
• unlocking content and semantics for use by AI;
• change-tracking;
• round-trip editing (e.g., word processor → PDF → word processor).

The obvious benefits to from the above, is improved search (think SEO) and the context that improves AI responses based on your PDF content. Who doesn’t want better SEO and their content to be included in AI responses?

Check PDF Accessibility Tool

At the time of writing there is PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC 2024) available on Windows to check your PDF for accessibility and compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Visit the PAC website to download PAC.

When you run PAC, you can either click Open Document or drag a PDF into an area of the screen. The PDF is analyses and provides three tabs of analysis. PDF/UA, WCAG and Quality. Each tab lists the high-level results of the analysis.

Along the bottom of the screen you can select to view details, a report, logical structure, document statistics and screen reader preview.

There is a great quick start guide you can use to familiarise yourself with PAC further. View the Quick Start Guide for PAC

Where do I find out more?

With PAC, you now know if your PDF is accessible, but what about other document types, websites and apps? Check out my post Where do I start with Accessibility? for an evergreen list of accessibility resources.

Tell me what you think in the comments below or on X @timdixon82

The post How to Check PDF Accessibility appeared first on TIM DIXON.

How does the Mac Differ?

I found this short video by MacVince a fantastic overview of the key changes between a PC and Mac.

Keyboard Layout

The keyboard on a Mac is different to a PC.

Control, Option and Command Keys

The Command key on a Mac is the equivalent to Control on a PC – despite it being located where you would expect an Alt key on a PC.

The Option key on a Mac is the equivalent to an Alt key but is commonly where you would find a Windows key on a PC.

The Control key on a Mac is different from a Control key on the PC and is located where you would find the control key on a PC.

Function Keys

There is a function key in the bottom left of the keyboard where you would expect to find a control key on most PC keyboards.

The Function keys default to a range of functions like brightness, Spotlight and volume controls. Pressing the Function (FN) key in the bottom left along with the function key on the top row will function as F1 – F12 depending on the key pressed.

Help – where is the @, # or Delete Key?

There is no # key on the keyboard, but you can get the hash key by pressing option and 3.

The @ sign is shift and 2 while the ” (double quote) is shift plus single quote ‘.

There is no delete key, to delete forward, you press FN and the backspace key.

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Command and Space will open Spotlight
• Command and C for Copy
• Command and V for Paste
• Command and Q to quit an application
• Command and W to close a window or tab
• Command and Tab to switch between applications
• Control and Tab to switch between tabs in a browser

For a more comprehensive list, check out this Apple Mac Keyboard Shortcut Support Artiicle

Settings to Change

So, you have your new Mac and know where some of the keys are, but what settings should you be changing to make the most of the Mac? I enjoyed this video by MacVince.

Getting Applications

With your Mac configuration updated, you may want to install some additional applications. Check out Mac App Installs with HomeBrew article on how to use HomeBrew.

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What is HomeBrew?

Homebrew is a package installer, it is a command line utility that helps to install and update applications.

How to get HomeBrew?

Homebrew is easy to install. Go to brew.sh for the latest install instructions. Below are the steps as of Jan 2024.

1. Press Command Space to open ‘SpotLight’
2. Type Terminal
3. Select terminal
4. Copy the code below and paste into terminal. Press Enter and follow instructions.

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Mac App installs with HomeBrew

Now homebrew is installed, it is time to get some key applications installed.

MAS – Mac App Store Command Line

Full details available mas — Homebrew Formulae – run the below command to install.

brew install mas

Python

Install python to run python scripts. Full details pyenv — Homebrew Formulae

brew install pyenv

Visual Studio Code

Install Visual Studio Code by following full details at visual-studio-code — Homebrew Formulae or run

brew install --cask visual-studio-code

1Password

Install 1Password password manager by following the full instructions on 1password — Homebrew Formulae or running the command below:

brew install --cask 1password

Brew Bundle – scripting installs

Right, so you now have a few dozen apps installed and are dreading trying to remember them all, should you reinstall. That is where Brew Bundle comes in. Brew Bundle is installed as standard and has the ability to create a brewfile. Run the code below to create a brewfile listing all the apps installed.

brew bundle dump

Store the Brewfile safely for your next reinstall. You can pass the brewfile into Brew Bundle and it will install all the apps for you. You can edit the brewfile to add/remove applications. I found this post extremely useful > Use Homebrew Bundle to manage software installation on macOS – DEV Community

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Phone and Watch

No change here, the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Apple Watch Ultra are my tools of choice. The increased screen size on the Watch Ultra has helped me with seeing the time. However, I started to use VoiceOver on the watch, especially for telling the time in the middle of the night. The longer battery life of the Ultra means I don’t need to worry about the any additional power consumed by VoiceOver.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max gives me all the power, large screen and advanced accessibility features I need along with my Top 5 iPhone Apps for Users with Sight Loss.

Headphones

Being blind, headphones are necessary. I use a range of devices depending on the circumstances. I still love my Anker Soundcore Frames, but they have stpped being manufactured. However, I have found I am using my Oho Sunshine bluetooth sunglasses more, the longer battery life, standard USB C charging point and lower price point make them ideal for most of what I need them for. I wouldn’t use them to listen to music though.

Next are my Sony Linkbuds, they are a unique donut design that sits in your ear but allows you full transparency and decent sound quality. They can be found on Amazon: Sony Link Buds on Amazon

Finally, are my Poly Voyager Focus 2 Headset which provide noise cancellation for both audio playback and for the microphone. The most expensive headset I have purchased at nearly £300, but as I wear them for over 8 hours a day, they are worth it. The ability to lift your mic boom and have a call mute is the killer feature. The eighteen hours talk time and comfort make these my favourite. Find them on Amazon: Poly – Voyager Focus 2 UC USB-C Headset with Stand

Braille Display

The Mantis Q40 by APH and Humanware is my main braille display. The combination of a qwerty keyboard and forty cell braille display make the perfect combination. I am still early in my braille journey, so having the QWERTY keyboard allows me to operate at full typing speed while getting the benefit of having braille at my fingertips. See my blog post on my Braille Journey to read about how I got started with Braille.

During 2023 I used the Mantis to take notes in meeting and reading back in Braille, a game changer for being able to listen and take notes the same time.

Screen Reader and Magnification

I currently use Fusion 2024 from Freedom Scientific. Fusion is made up of JAWS and Zoomtext. The combination allows me to zoom and invert colours as needed while having all the power of JAWS to read the screen and navigate.

However, in December I started using a Macbook Pro with VoiceOver for personal use, and I must say that I like the simplicity of the Mac and doubt I will be changing back.

Other Software in My Blind Tech Setup

There are many other software products I use as part of my daily life, but the ones I must mention are Todoist, Lastpass and browser extension Nighteye

Todoist is a fantastic to-do list application available across platforms with Alexa integration. I use it to implement Getting Things Done by David Allen. GTD is a methodology to help you stay on top of what’s important.

I changed over from LastPass to 1Password in 2023 and only wish I had done it sooner. It is very accessible and has features like autopopulating your multi factor codes, which is a game changer for a low vision or blind user. 1Password is available on all platforms and I have had fantastic support from the team when I have had the odd need to contact them.

Nighteye is an extension for most browsers and turns any website into dark mode. This plugin saves my photophobic eyes multiple times per day. Check out my articles: How to turn any website to Dark Mode and How to get Dark Mode websites on iPhone and iPad

What should I include in my Blind Tech Setup?

I am always looking to improve my setup, what would you recommend? What works well for you? Let me know in the comments.

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The chances are that the very people struggling to access your email will not inform you. They will find a way around it or just ignore it. This is because they face these challenges tens, if not hundreds, of times per day, and educating everyone they encounter is exhausting. We have the tools at our fingertips to make documents accessible and minimise the barriers for the recipients to consume them.

Microsoft 365 users can use the Accessibility Checker in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to identify and fix accessibility issues in their content while they work. In Outlook, the Accessibility Checker runs automatically while composing an email and users can select when to receive accessibility notifications. In Word, Excel, and PowerPoint users can keep the Accessibility Checker running while they work and access it from the status bar.

While additional steps will be needed to make your content accessible to begin with, over time you will learn what is and isn’t accessible. It will become second nature to include Alt-Text for images, and other slight changes that make your document accessible, and the effort will reduce to an unnoticeable level.

Follow Microsoft’s Guide on how to Check accessibility while you work in Office apps – Microsoft Support  

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