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.

Hollyland Lark M2: Accessible Wireless Microphones?

I started looking at the Holland Lark M2 as a cost effective wireless microphones system, but when I asked around and searched for information about its accessibility. I couldn’t find anything that gave me confidence that it would be accessible. This model is also dependant completely on there being no interference between the microphone and receiver. I did read about challenges seeing its status when it had the dead cats fitted. The Hollyland Lark M2 comes with a range of connection options, USB C, Lightening and camera along with an option for all three. I need the flexibility of all three, which increased the price. The combination of increase price, dependence on connection and challenges with seeing the status when the dead cats are fitted caused me to rule the Hollyland Lark M2 out.

Update 11 August 2025: I have heard from a trusted friend that they have the Hollyland Lark M2 and they work well for them with no usable vision.

Link: Hollyland Lark M2 on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

DJI Mic 2 Vs Rode Wireless Mic Pro

With the cost effective Hollyland Lark M2 ruled out, I turned my attention to the DJI Mic 2 and the Rode Wireless Mic Pro, both capable of recording locally as well as transmitting live.

The DJI Mic 2 seemed the more cost effective of the two devices, but as I researched them both I discovered the Rode Wireless Mic Pro included lavalier mics. Factoring in the addition cost of lavalier mics for the DJI Mic 2 makes the Rode Wireless Mic Pro better value for money.

The DJI Mic 2 has a touch screen, which isn’t accessible, while the Rode Wireless Mic Pro is setup via an accessible app on a phone or computer, but does need plugging in to change the settings. Fortunately, the settings don’t need changing a lot. Both models have auto gain and 32bit float, this means that audio is always captured and useable.

Links:

• Rode Wireless Mic Pro on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
• DJI Mic 2 on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
• DJI Lavelier Mics on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

The Winner: Rode Wireless Mic Pro

After much debate, I selected the Rode Wireless Mic Pro and also purchase the Rode Interview Go accessory to turn a microphone into an interview microphone. I had a great trip to Sight Village 2025. The microphones helped capture multiple interviews and after much fun learning to edit, they are available in Sight Village 2025 playlist on the Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society YouTube Channel

Links:

• Rode Wireless Mic Pro on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
• Rode Interview Go on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

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

The post Finding Accessible Wireless Microphones appeared first on TIM DIXON.

What is a Password Manager?

A password manager is a secure digital tool that helps you store, organise, and manage your passwords in one central, encrypted location. Instead of remembering dozens of complex passwords for different websites and services, you only need to remember one strong master password to access the manager. It can automatically generate strong, unique passwords for each account, fill them in when you log into sites or apps, and sync them across your devices. This not only improves your online security but also makes it far easier to manage your digital life—especially for those using screen readers, as many password managers are designed with accessibility in mind

Why use a Password Manager?

A password manager is a secure app that creates, stores, and autofills strong, unique passwords for every account you use. Here’s why they’re so valuable:

• Strong Passwords: Automatically generates complex, random passwords that are virtually impossible to guess or crack.
• Unique for Every Site: Using different passwords for each service helps contain breaches to a single account.
• Convenience: No need to remember dozens (or hundreds) of passwords—just one master password to unlock your manager.
• Secure Sharing: Share access to accounts with trusted people (e.g., family or team members) without revealing the actual password.
• Multi-device Syncing: Access your credentials across phones, tablets, and computers.
• Accessibility Features: Good password managers provide screen reader compatibility for blind and visually impaired users.

What is Two Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring two things to log in: something you know (like your password) and something you have (like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app). Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t access your account without the second step, making it much harder for hackers to get in. It’s like needing both a key and a security code to unlock your front door.

What is a Passkey?

Passkeys are a new way to log in to websites and apps without needing to remember a password at all. Instead of typing something in, you use something you already have, like your fingerprint, face, or device PIN, to prove it’s really you. It works a bit like unlocking your phone. Behind the scenes, your device securely stores a digital key that matches a key held by the website, and they work together to log you in. It’s faster, safer, and much harder for hackers to steal than traditional passwords.

Password Managers for the Blind

There are lots of password managers available, but not all of them work well with screen readers. Let’s cover Password Managers that support screen readers.

Built-in Password Managers

There are built-in password managers for Apple, Google and Microsoft that are available out of the box.

Apple iCloud Keychain / Passwords App

Website: Apple Support Article on Passwords App

Platform: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Limited Support for Windows

Accessibility:

• Fully compatible with VoiceOver, Apple’s built-in screen reader.

Strengths:

• Automatically suggests strong passwords.
• Syncs seamlessly via iCloud.
• Autofills in Safari and many apps.
• Integrated two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.
• Supports Passkeys

Considerations:

• Limited to Apple ecosystem.
• No secure sharing with others outside your Family.
• Not ideal for cross-platform users or advanced workflows.

Google Password Manager

Website: Google Password Manager Support Page

Platform: Chrome browser, Android, limited support on iOS

Accessibility:

• Works with TalkBack on Android and screen readers on Chrome desktop.
• Mixed accessibility results depending on the platform and browser.

Strengths:

• Syncs across Chrome browsers on different devices.
• Integrated into Android and Google account.

Considerations:

• Less control over stored credentials.
• Accessibility lags behind Apple in consistency.
• Autofill sometimes unreliable outside Chrome.

Edge Password Manager / Microsoft Authenticator

Website: Microsoft Support Article for Edge Password Manager

Platform: Windows, Android, iOS, Microsoft Edge browser

Accessibility:

• Works with Narrator on Windows and VoiceOver/TalkBack on mobile devices.
• Ongoing improvements to keyboard and screen reader support in the Edge interface.

Strengths:

• Stores and syncs passwords securely across Microsoft services.
• Integrated with Microsoft Authenticator app for autofill and 2FA support.
• Works well for users in the Microsoft ecosystem, especially with Windows and Office 365.

Considerations:

• Autofill mainly optimised for use within Microsoft Edge.
• Feature set is more limited than third-party managers like 1Password.
• Password sharing and advanced breach alerts not yet available.

Third Party Password Managers

While built-in password managers are a great starting point, they are often llimited by their limited cross platform support. For cross-platform support a third party password manager is needed. There are many password managers available, but let’s look at third party password managers that work with well with screen readers.

1Password

Website: www.1password.com

Platform: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, web

Accessibility:

• Strong VoiceOver and TalkBack support.
• Keyboard navigation works well with screen readers.

Strengths:

• Excellent cross-platform syncing.
• Watchtower feature alerts you to compromised passwords.
• Secure password sharing and secure notes.
• Built-in support for 2FA token storage.
• Built-in Passkey support.
• Family and business plans available.

Considerations:

• Paid subscription (though includes generous features).
• Slight learning curve for newcomers.

BitWarden

Website: www.bitwarden.com

Platform: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, web

Accessibility:

• Highly accessible across platforms.
• VoiceOver, NVDA, JAWS, and TalkBack compatibility tested by the community.

Strengths:

• Free tier is generous and includes password generation, syncing, and vault access.
• Open source and regularly audited.
• Option for local hosting.
• Paid plan includes encrypted file storage, 2FA integration, and more.

Considerations:

• UI is more technical than 1Password but still navigable.
• Fewer convenience features like automatic breach notifications on free tier.

Conclusion

Selecting a password manager really depends on your situation. If you are only using one ecosystem then you will likely be happy with on of the built-in password managers. However, if you are using multiple platforms (e.g. Mac and Android) then you will need to go with a third party password manager. 1Password provides a slick interface, lots of features and excellent support for a reasonable subscription cost. However if you are more technical or don’t want yet another subscription then Bitwarden has you covered.

I personally use 1Password with a family subscription – it makes securing and sharing our passwords a breeze. Check out My Blind Tech Setup 2025 to find out what else I use.

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

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What is CPACC?

The IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) is a global organisation that supports accessibility professionals through resources, networking, and certifications to advance accessibility standards and best practices.

CPACC (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies) is a foundational certification in accessibility from IAAP, covering core disability concepts, accessibility principles, and universal design.

CPACC Exam Preparation

IAAP provide a book of knowledge that contains all the information and links to resources that are needed to revise for the exam within a PDF. While the information is there, it doesn’t fit everyones learning style.

However, there are many great resources available to help with preparing for the exam.

Deque are a leader in accessibility, providing consultancy, tools and training. They provide a scholarship with access to their courses for anyone with a disability.

The Deque CPACC preparation course is very good and available via the scholarship or for a fee. I can highly recommend the course.

The amazing Ashley Peacock created this quiz to help with preparation for the CPACC exam. The quiz is in the style of the exam and really helps to build your confidence in the topics.

There are many other resources available, from YouTube videos to online courses.

Exam Process

I took the Exam via the Pearson OnVue remote system with accommodations to allow my screen reader and magnifier. Since taking the exam, IAAP have updated the process, which I hope will have resolved some of the niggles I had in booking the exam.

The Pearson OnVue software was temperamental with a set of requirements that you need to meet. Initially I wanted to take it on my Mac or via a Windows Virtual Machine on my Mac – these are blocked, you must use a Windows machine. The other constraint is not to run it on a corporate PC due to security software like zScaler which may interfere.

Once meeting the machine criteria, I started to have issue with the download performance, this wasn’t my internet connection as I was receiving 100 times the minimum speed. It seemed to fluctuate with how much the service was being used. I had to just retry until it worked. In my case I had to wait an hour after the start time for the invigilator to check my environment and allow me into the exam.

Once in the exam, the exam software was accessible with a screen reader. The software provided the option to flag questions you are unsure of, so you can return to them later, which was extremely useful. On completing the exam, you must wait 4-6 weeks for the results.

Is it worth it?

Only you can answer that. For me, it has helped expand my knowledge and signals my commitment to accessibility. There is a fantastic growing community of accessibility professionals, learning together to make the world accessible. The Champions of Accessibility Network (CAN) is a LinkedIn group with meetups, sharing best practice and supporting each other to drive accessibility forward.

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

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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.

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.

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

The post Switch to a Mac from PC appeared first on TIM DIXON.

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

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

The post Mac App Installs with HomeBrew appeared first on TIM DIXON.

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.

The post My Blind Tech Setup 2023 appeared first on TIM DIXON.

This post was last updated on 11 August 2024. Jump to updated Section

What is Accessibility?

Accessibility is the practice of designing and creating products, services, and environments that can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Accessibility ensures that people with different needs and preferences can access and interact with information, technology, and society without barriers or discrimination.

Resources for Everyone to Start with Accessibility

This section includes links to resources that everyone will find useful for learning about accessibility:

Fundamentals

• A beginner’s guide to digital accessibility | AbilityNet A great overview of digital accessibility and how to get started.
• Microsoft Accessibility Fundamentals course is a fantastic starting point. The course is free and covers accessibility in many situations for a range of disabilities.
• Giving a damn about accessibility (uxdesign.cc) – An excellent book providing a practical perspective on accessibility.
• Useful external resources on accessibility | Barclays (home.barclays) – a collection of resources on Accessibility, collated by Barclay’s.
• HSBC Accessibility Hub
• An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design | Coursera – Course
• Introduction to Web Accessibility | edX – Course
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility | edX – Course
• Best Practice Guides from the Business Disability Forum > Technology – Business Disability Forum
• Do’s and Don’ts of Accessible Design > Dos and don’ts on designing for accessibility – Accessibility in government (blog.gov.uk)
• Home – The A11Y Project – an extensive accessibility resource covering all aspects of accessibility.
• A11y Cat: the most useful accessibility resources online
• A11y Web Ring – A ring of websites about accessibility
• WCAG Explained Intro (getstark.co) – a great resource for starting to understand WCAG.
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview | Accessible.org
• Confronting ableism to build a more inclusive web (assistivlabs.com)

Document Accessibility

• How to Make Documents Accessible – a post covering a number of resources for making documents more accessible.
• Make your content accessible to everyone – Microsoft Support – a hub of resources from Microsoft for improving your content accessibility.
• Create accessible Office documents – Microsoft Support
• Creating accessible PDFs in Adobe Acrobat – How to create accessible PDF’s with Adobe Acrobat
• Creating accessible PDFs (adobe.com) – How to create accessible PDF’s with Adobe InDesign
• Create and verify PDF accessibility, Acrobat Pro (adobe.com) – Using Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker
• Glossary of accessibility terminology in PDF – PDF Association – Key terms used in Accessible PDF documents.
• WebAIM: PDF Accessibility – Defining PDF Accessibility
• Adobe Acrobat’s New Accessibility Features (theaccessibilityguy.com)
• Checking PDFs for accessibility – Accessible Technology (washington.edu)
• A To Z Of Assistive Technology For Reading Digital Text (veroniiiica.com)

Meeting Accessibility

• Be flexible with the times of meetings, breaks and environments.
• For Microsoft Teams, used PowerPoint Live or Excel Live to provide the most accessible experience for attendees.
  • Present from PowerPoint Live in Microsoft Teams – Microsoft Support
  • Excel Live in Teams meetings – Microsoft Support
• Marie Dubost Accessibility checklists (podia.com) for online and in person events.
• Accessibility tips for inclusive Microsoft Teams meetings and live events – Microsoft Support

Chat and Email Accessibility

• Always provide documents in their native format for their maximum accessibility. For example, send the Word Document or PowerPoint file over sending a PDF or Screenshot.
• Use plain, simple language in emails and chats.
• Minimise the use of emoji’s.

Where do Employers / Managers Start with Accessibility

Accessibility can be a daunting topic for employers and managers, however there a many adhantages to having a diverse workforce and providing accessibility. Here are some resources:

• Disability inclusion and accessibility articles – Scope for Business – a fantastic resource highlighting UK specific resources to support with employment.
• Best Practice Guides from the Business Disability Forum > Technology – Business Disability Forum
• Reading a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) or Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) – Equal Entry
• Accessibility training 2022: A guide to available online resources (businessdisabilityforum.org.uk)
• Disability-Inclusion-and-Accessibility.pdf (mildon.co.uk) A guide by Toby Mildon

Where to Designers start with Accessibility?

• Playbook for universal design – Universal design methods for more inclusive solutions (universaldesignguide.com)
• Accessibility Handoff: a guide for product designers | by Jahde Vaccani | UX Collective (uxdesign.cc) A guide on how to hand off designs to development teams.
• Harnessing AI for a More Accessible and Inclusive Internet: Tools and Plugins Making Waves | by Hamish Baxter | Jan, 2024 | Medium
• Microsoft Inclusive Design – a toolkit explaining inclusive design and providing resources to help.
• Booking.com Accessibility Case Study > Building accessibility research practices | by Maya Alvarado | Booking.com UX Research | Medium
• Web: How to document the screen reader user experience – Accessibility, Your Team and You (bbc.github.io)
• Conducting Accessibility Research In An Inaccessible Ecosystem — Smashing Magazine

Where Developers Start with Accessibility?

This section includes links to resources developers will find useful in learning how to include accessibility.

• Learn Accessibility (web.dev) – This course is created for beginner and advanced web developers. You can go through the series from start to finish to get a general understanding of accessibility practices and testing, or you can use it as a reference for specific subjects
• Accessibility Developer Guide A resource covering how to get and set up the tools you need to develop and test accessibility.
• Quick and Small Accessibility – Bite-Sized Accessibility (bite-sized-a11y.com) For learning in bite-sized chunks.
• Accessibility First: Rethinking the Way We Approach Website Design and Development – 24 Accessibility (24a11y.com)
• An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design | Coursera – Course
• Introduction to Web Accessibility | edX – Course
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility | edX – Courd
• Accessibility in plain language for programs – The Book on Accessibility – a fantastic resource on how to measure accessibility in enterprises.
• Digital Accessibility Laws around the world – an overview of accessibility laws around the world.
• BBC Accessibility Guidelines a fantastic resource on how to create inclusive content and test it.
• Vox Product Accessibility Guidelines (voxmedia.com) A great checklist for a product team to use for driving accessibility. (Added 15 July 2023)
• A Brief Introduction to JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver | CSS-Tricks – CSS-Tricks – a resource to understand how to use a screen reader for testing.
• Accessibility Testing Best Practices in CI/CD – TestProject – embed accessibility testing into your development processes.
• Accessibility checklist – MagentaA11y a great tool for generating acceptance criteria.
• Five Screen Reader Accessibility Tests Your QA Team Should Do – TPGi
• Apple Developer Resources: https://developer.apple.com/accessibility/
• Google Developer Resources: https://www.google.com/accessibility
• Mobile Screen Reader Cheat Sheets | //TODO: Blog (qbalsdon.github.io) – a useful guide to using screen readers on mobile phones.
• Setting up a screen reader testing environment on your computer – Sara Soueidan, inclusive design engineer – step by step guides for setting up screen reader testing environments.
• GitHub – cvs-health/ios-swiftui-accessibility-techniques: Demonstrates iOS SwiftUI Accessibility programming techniques using live good and bad examples that can be tested with VoiceOver and other AT. Includes documentation for developers explaining how to code accessible
• Mobile App Accessibility: What Blind Customers Want You to Know (ampproject.org)patterns for iOS.
• Accessibility Insights – A Microsoft backed, open-source AI tool to help identify accessibility issues on websites.
• Accessibility testing spreadsheet version 2 – Rachele DiTullio – A fantastic spreadsheet to help with accessibility testing against WCAG.
• iOs & iPadOS for blind users (blindios.uk) – How to use an iPhone or iPad with Voiceover for testing your sites accessibility.
• A11yAutomation (a11y-automation.dev) – A website dedicated to sharing the latest information on tools for automating accessibility testing.
• GAAD Accessibility UI Testing Series’ Articles – DEV Community – Great articles on automating accessibility UI testing released in 2024 by Mark Steadman.
• How to Make CAPTCHA Accessible: A Hands-On Guide – The A11Y Collective (a11y-collective.com)

Where Social Media Managers Start with Accessibility

Social Media is one of the most notable online places to witness a lack of accessibility. The resources listed below will help ensure your social media is accessible.

• Inclusive Design for Social Media: Tips for Creating Accessible Channels (hootsuite.com)
• Social for Everyone
• Your A-Z guide for social media accessibility – Life of a Blind Girl
• Social media etiquette for accessibility | CharityComms
• All In – Inclusive Marketing Insights (all-in.withgoogle.com)

Where Content Creator’s Start with Accessibility

• A complete guide for content creators to start making accessible content – Pope Tech Blog
• How to create audio descriptions for accessible YouTube videos – Pope Tech Blog
• How screen readers read special characters: an update | Eleven Ways

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

The post Where do I start with Accessibility? [Updated 11 Aug 24] appeared first on TIM DIXON.