Accessible computer

It is summertime and holiday are still on for some of us. Why not then taking something to read with you. But when is about reading as a visually impaired person, things become a bit ambiguous, because we talk about accessibility and here are few things which comes in discussion. For me, one of the greatest challenge when I lost my sight was reading and accessibility of desired titles . I will mention here few things like: accessible books formats available where to get accessible books from devices able to play accessible content Apps and other way to consume text and audio books A list of previous podcast episodes about reading accessible. Formats Few formats are accessible for visually impaired, but probably the list will be more focused on the totally blind people, because unfortunately, for partially sighted, large print list of titles is not generous at all. Most of them will read regular books probably using magnification in some way, but they can enjoy listening to audio books along completely blind people, as example. Formats available are as follow: audio books e-books or textbooks Braille format, physical and digital daisy books tactile books large print Audio books When is about audio books they can be available online for streaming or they can be downloaded in various formats and devices for offline consumption. If we are online, we can listen books from websites, smart speakers and through apps on mobile devices as smart phones or tablets. Some of the books are available only online. They can't be downloaded as mp3, as example, in order to be listened in portable media players, and that because DRM restrictions. Some of the audio books are without any copyright protection in place, some are unlocked for short time for some groups like reading clubs for blind. This unprotected books can be manipulated like any other mp3 or audio files in your computer. You can copy files from a device to other, as example from your PC to a memory card or USB dongle in order to listen in a portable media player after. The offer is large, and more and more titles are converted in audio format, this format being very popular these days because even sighted people are enjoying listening to audio books, during driving, commute time or at the gym, for example. e-books or textbooks When is about this format, which is my preferable one, we can talk about regular text files as docx, PDF, or e-pub or other exotic formats, but not last, Kindle books which is an Amazon proprietary format. Talking about Kindle books we have to understand the way of consuming this book because they are delivered also in a kind of DRM protected way. Kindle books like formats mentioned above are accessible on the right devices and excepting Kindle and other protected books formats they are easy to use, navigate, and comparing with audio books does not require so much storage in portable device and band width, when is about to download them. Of course, along formats above we can't ignore other two major players in this industry, iBooks from Apple and Google Play store which also offer e-books for sale or sample of them. Textbooks can be opened in computers, smart phones, tablets but in dedicated devices able to play this book which speech like Victor Stream Reader or some models of Olympus voice recorders. Also, when we talk about Kindle format, they can be played with Alexa smart speaker as long that title is whisper enabled. When we talk about e-books in smart phones or tablets, we can't add in discussion some great apps which makes life easier for screen reader users at list. Apps like Voice Dream Reader in iPhone, Books, All Reader, Kindle app and many others helps us to organize our library and keep tracking what we read. Another aspect what is important when we talk about e-books is the match format for the right device, because just in an ideal world all devices will play all formats. Isn't it?

The inventor of Scripor alphabet is Tudor Scripor, a Romanian artist and inventor. Actually, he invented a code of colours known under the standardised name Scripor Alphabet. This code of colours helps blind people to mark and detect colours and nuances. If we think to the 6 dots coming from the Braille alphabet, which are to columns of 3 dots each , and we add a third column of dots we have the core of this new alphabet. Because this square of dots might cause confusion if is read from the wrong Conner, Tudor decided to have for each simbol an orientation point, which will be always above dot 4. Practically each base colour, out of this 10 basic colours has an representation in this code, and in case of two or more symbols , the colour's nuance and even the full range of colour's chromatic could be marked. In this episode I have an interviu with Tudor, taken for another technology for blind podcast which I maintain in Romanian language. I did a transcription and translation in text out of this interviu and the English translation of that text file was converted in audio MP3 and mixed with the original interviu. Hope to enjoy the half hour interviu which I had the opportunity to make with the inventor of this new thing . I think Scripor Alphabet will remove some of the barriers what blind community have when is about colours and their representation. For any question about Scripor Alphabet you can visit www.scriporalphabet.com or you can drop me an e-mail via contact form. Enjoy!

In this podcast episode David Griffith in his 4th instalment of podcast serie about Global Commands Extension talks about managing Windows applications with the help of this NVDA addon.

In this episode David Griffith talks about Global Commands Extension Addon for NVDA and how this software could hep with managing volumes. It is the 3rd instalment of the serie. More episodes are coming soon.

In this episode David Griffith takes the second part of his extensive demo of this usefull NVDA addon. It is all about copy and paste in various advanced way, and manage clipboard history in various ways. Enjoy your listening.

NVDA is the free Windows Screenreader for use by Blind or Partially Sighted Computer Users. In this series David Griffith demonstrates how the NVDA Global Commands Extension adds greatly expanded functionality, and ease of use, for NVDA users. Many of the features normally available in commercial screenreaders are provided for NVDA by this addon. Some features even commercial screenreaders will not currently match.

I had the ocasion to test for a while a new app called SuperLidar which is using one of the newest technologys built-in iPhones from Pro level. SuperLidar is able to detect obstacles due the Lidar sensor which is available in iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max but in 13 Pro and pro Max too. The feedback is given via haptic vibration but through a variable sound pitch as well. The app also have a unique feature which helps in this pandemic times: mask detection. In this podcast episode I have Shane Law as invitee from Supersence who will talk mainly about SuperLidar but also a little about Supersence which is available for all iOS devices but for Android too. Here's what's inside of the Supersense Premium Package: The Document Reader, which enables you to read any type of document.The Smart Scanner Mode that detects what you're scanning instantly.The Multi-page Scanner Mode, which allows you to scan longer documents.The Barcode Reader along with the QR Code Reader.The Currency Reader.The Scene describer, which describes the scenery around you and allows you to capture high-quality images of it.The Explore mode that allows you to explore your environment and,The Find Mode, which can detect more than 600 individual objects! And we have updated Supersense's Quick Read feature, which is now super accurate and reads in Non-Latin languages such as Chinese, Devanagari, Japanese, and Korean even when there's no internet connection.  To unlock all these features, upgrade now and get 40% off of annual and 50% off of lifetime subscriptions.*  *Prices may vary by region.  Supersense for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1484547836?mt=8Supersense for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediate.supersense The SuperLidar is free of charge but SuperSense have some features unlocked when a subscription is purchased. A 7 days trial period is available for new instalations when the app can be used in full. You can listen in this episode the most important things what you need to know about this product bundle such helpfull for blind: SuperSense and SuperLidar.#Enjoy your listening and good luck with the product trials.

In this episode I demonstrate how easy is to add a podcast episode in Buzzsprout as a screen reader user. I have used Safari browser on a Mac computer. Learn more about podcasting in Podcasting for blind Page

Libsyn is one of the podcast hosts which I use for a while. It wasn't screen reader friendly for a period but now is working reasonable I will say. Actually, the only thing which I need to do in Libsyn web interface is to upload an MP3 file which is tagged and ready to be published. I have to use an option called "file for download only" and after pressing publish or save Libsyn will generate a URL which is the direct full address of the mp3 file. This URL is placed in a read only edit field and the last thing to do before leaving Libsyn will be to select and copy it in clipboard. Using the PowerPress plugin in WordPress I can handle the rest of podcast episode's aspects til this is online. If you wish to hear a little demo made with Safari in Mac and using Voiceover screen reader, then you are welcome. I used keyboard and trackpad navigation combined to achieve this. As probably you know already, there is a podcasting course available for blind people interested to become podcasters. For more details go to the Podcast course's dedicated page Enjoy listening this little demo.

In this short podcast episode I demonstrate how an e-mail account could be added in Mail app in Mac computer. The demonstration is done by a blind user using Voiceover screen reader . For any question or comments fill free to use the form below or contact details displayed in site.

In this episode I will show how to use NVDA Remote addon as a NVDA screen reader user. It is a very simple installation like any other addon. You can download the addon from nvdaremote.com website. They have a version for NVDA 2019 or newer, and an older version for previous versions of NVDA screen reader. This service is very useful when you need to help another blind person with adjusting settings or to copy details or settings from a computer to other. I have used during the demonstration a feature called push clipboard which allow the initiator of the remote session to copy some text from his machine, and paste it into the controlled machine. Another scenario where this addon is very useful is when you can control a local server from distance. Asuming you have a computer 24/7 turned on, used like aFTP server or online radio station, you can control that station via NVDA Remote addon also. Excepting Jaws, which is featuring a similar service called Jaws tandem, is no other screen reader so friendly when is about remote control between computers of blind people. Third part programs for remote control are not always fully accessible, or some issues with screen readers in particular could make them challanging to be used. Hope to come back soon with a demonstration of Jaws Tandem as well. Enjoy your little tutorial from this podcast.

Today I am going to demonstrate Deliveroo, an iPhone app which gives you multiple options for take away, restaurants orders and grocery too. Using Voiceover screen reader in my iPhone 11 I will show you how to add to basket but also how to check out and pay. If you never worked with this app then start from this link to register and download your app. https://roo.it/adriant-8xu8 It is my referral link which will credit my account with a couple of pounds. It is no extra costs involved for your side if you start from here. Also you can go straight in App Store for download and sign up from there. Good luck with it.

In this episode I make a comparison between 4 microphones: 3 mics dynamics and one condenser. Which one is your pick for your podcast channel? Is no processing in this recording and the EQ is flat. All microphones are connected to same mixer and use the same cable at its turn. Sorry for various volume fluctuation but no way to demo a microphone for podcasting. Isn't it? Each microphone mentioned have a link below where you can go to check the product page for technical specifications. Note! When the comparison starts is a podcast chapter inserted for each portion starts. It is easy navigation in case of your device supports podcast chapter navigation. Sontronics Solo Behringer XM8500 Rode Podmic Rode NT1 condenser microphone Please let me know which one you think sounds better for your podcast? Tweet me @AccessibleCompu Enjoy your listening and have fun podcasting!

Today I will post an episode with my first atempt to create a Signal account using my iPhone 11. The audio demonstration is done from the downloding app stage up to sending first message with Signal, like an end user who never has used the service before. This recording shows the easyness of signing up… Continue Reading Registering with Signal as a blind user of iPhone The post Registering with Signal as a blind user of iPhone appeared first on Accessible computer.

In this episode I will show you how to learn the main shortkey combinations using keyboard help section but also how to manipulate text from an app to other using keyboard navigation shortkeys. All is done having Voiceover screen reader turned on, so completely accessible for blind. Enjoy. The post Bluetooth Keyboard Navigation in iOS with Voiceover screen reader appeared first on Accessible computer.

Few days ago I have had the pleasure to interview Pramit Bhargava, the creator of Louie voice Assistant. You can listen this interview in order to learn more about him but also to find out some answers about this app and its future. But I will leave Pramit to talk about his background and how… Continue Reading Louie Voice Assistant makes life easier for blind people. Listen how! The post Louie Voice Assistant makes life easier for blind people. Listen how! appeared first on Accessible computer.

Learn in this podcast episode how to reset your Apple Watch, how to re-link it to your iPhone and how to set up your preferable face and complications. All demonstration is made with Voiceover turned on and no help was needed from a sighted person. Enjoy! The post Reset and re-link your Apple Watch without sighted help appeared first on Accessible computer.

In this podcast episode I will show how to install Pontes Media Downloader for Mac, but also how to download a Youtube play list with its help. The program could be downloaded from Pontes website. When you try to install the program from application folder, as you do with any Mac OS app, a warning… Continue Reading Pontes Media Downloader for Mac OS – audio demonstration for Voiceover users The post Pontes Media Downloader for Mac OS – audio demonstration for Voiceover users appeared first on Accessible computer.

You can learn in this short episode of podcast today how to make Jaws to read text from pictures or unaccessible documents or websites. Simply, just open that file or document, or maximise your browser window then press Insert and spacebar at the same time followed by O, then S to start the process. Jaws… Continue Reading How to perform OCR with Jaws – audio demonstration The post How to perform OCR with Jaws – audio demonstration appeared first on Accessible computer.

Today I will show you how to insert a Re-captcha Google code into your WordPress site. It is annoying to receive all sorts of automatic e-mails with spam, as comments or messages via contact form. Adding a tick box “I am not a robot” we can avoid all this unpleasant extra work with cleaning spam.… Continue Reading How to add a Google Re-captcha code to your WordPress website The post How to add a Google Re-captcha code to your WordPress website appeared first on Accessible computer.

Are you blind and fancy using Twitter on your PC? Then this audio podcast episode is for you. I will show how to download and install TW Blue, an accessible client for Twitter, which can be used in conjuction with any major screen reader. In my case, I have done the demonstration using Jaws 2020… Continue Reading TW Blue – A Screen Reader Friendly Twitter Client for Windows – audio demonstration The post TW Blue – A Screen Reader Friendly Twitter Client for Windows – audio demonstration appeared first on Accessible computer.

Pontes Media Downloader is a program which helps blind people to download and convert video files from YouTube but from other video services as well. The interface is clean, simple and accessible for screen reader users. Now the program has versions for Windows, Mac and Linux. Today I will show you how to use it… Continue Reading Download and convert videos from Youtube with Pontes Media Downloader The post Download and convert videos from Youtube with Pontes Media Downloader appeared first on Accessible computer.

I have decided to post today a new demonstration in the podcast episode, related with Health App in iPhone and Apple Watch. Starting with Apple Watch series 4, there is a new feature built-in which work great for me as a blind user. As one whom encountered some heart issues a while ago because a… Continue Reading How blind users make an ECG test on Apple Watch The post How blind users make an ECG test on Apple Watch appeared first on Accessible computer.

It is not a secret for anyone how popular and useful is an Amazon Echo device today. Just talking with this intelligent device you can find out more about lots of things, you can do shopping, organise your calendar and much much more. I will show today in the podcast episode how to set up… Continue Reading Setting up an Amazon Echo Dot 3rd gen as a blind user The post Setting up an Amazon Echo Dot 3rd gen as a blind user appeared first on Accessible computer.

I will demonstrate today how to send a file via Airdrop between your Mac and your iPhone. The process is quite simple. You must have your Bluetooth connection turned on for each device. Both devices must be in range. Sending from Mac to iPhone I have selected my file on my Mac mini using Finder.… Continue Reading Transferring files between Mac and iPhone via Airdrop The post Transferring files between Mac and iPhone via Airdrop appeared first on Accessible computer.

In this podcast episode I will show how to update your Apple Watch OS as a blind person. I am my self a blind user of Apple Watch and iPhone, and the whole process was recorded just to show you how to perform this task. In order to update your Apple Watch you need the… Continue Reading How tu update your Apple Watch OS as a blind person The post How tu update your Apple Watch OS as a blind person appeared first on Accessible computer.

Borrow Box app is an app used by local libraries in UK for e-books and e-audio-bookx. In this audio demonstration I will show you how to borrow a book from Poole and Cristchurch Library. Also, an overview of the main tabs in the menu will inform you what you can do in this app, as… Continue Reading Borrow Box app accessibility for Voiceover users The post Borrow Box app accessibility for Voiceover users appeared first on Accessible computer.

A while ago I have recorded a podcast episode about WordPress installation via Softaculous, but at this time I have decided to show you how to install a WP website on your server manually. Why manually? Because is coming with some advantages. You can create a DB name as you like, and you can upload,… Continue Reading Installing WordPress manually as a screen reader user The post Installing WordPress manually as a screen reader user appeared first on Accessible computer.

I am wandering to show today how to set up your Apple Watch 3rd or 4th generation, for that time when you go to swimming pool. I am going, when weather allow me, to swim in the sea here at Bournemouth. It is a wonderful beach here and summer time is coming now. I am… Continue Reading How to set up your Apple Watch serie 4 for swimming poole The post How to set up your Apple Watch serie 4 for swimming poole appeared first on Accessible computer.

I have received a request to provide information about working with Twitterrific in Iphone, and few questions came up about. But before answering I have to make some mentions. Let’s say first of all the interface of this app displays a sidebar on top, an area called central stage and few options in between. They… Continue Reading Twitterrific for iPhone, demonstration for Voiceover users The post Twitterrific for iPhone, demonstration for Voiceover users appeared first on Accessible computer.

As a screen reader user, we do things a little different in Outlook when is about saving or insert an attachment. Saving attachments in Outlook In Windows 10 with Jaws 2018 and Outlook 2016 we can do like this in order to save attachments: Open Outlook and press control Y to go at the mail folder Arrow down and then right to the inbox folder Open an e-mal containing an attachment. Jaws announces which one contain one. Press insert A in order to jump to attachment list. Arrow left or right between attached files if they are more than one. Press shift F10 or application key and select save all attachments or save as. From the window opened tab around to choose the folder where the attachment file will be saved Press enter or spacebar You can choose to save selectively what file to save or to select all for this. Also, explore other options available for the attachments in the context menu. Insert an attachment in a new composed e-mail In order to add an attachment into an e-mail you can use one of this 2 methods: 1. Select and copy a file using regular Windows Explorer commands and paste into the message body. 2. In the em-ail body press alt key and arrow right to insert tab, then down arrow to attach button. Press enter and then using tab go to browse this PC button. Please note, when press enter on attach button a list of recent opened files is opened, but keep pressing tab you can find browse this PC button. This button open a regular browse file window which allow you to choose what file to open in order to attach it. Remember, attachment files needs to not exceed the limit mentioned by your e-mail service. Also, not any kind of file could be uploaded as an attachment. A good practice for programs or big files is to archive them before paste in attachments. For a step by step example of saving and insert an attachment listen the podcast episode below.

This time I will show how to add a self-hosted e-mail account in Outlook. I am using Outlook 2016 and Jaws 18 for this demonstration. The instructions below are suitable for blind people using Windows 10 machines and Jaws screen reader. I already have my mail server details from my hosting provider, and the start of adding this new account is not in Outlook interface, but from Windows Control Panel. Follow the steps below in order to perform this task: 1. Press Windows key in order to open search box 2. . Type control panel and press enter 3. A new search box is opened, but Jaws announce nothing. 4. Type mail end press enter 5. In the e-mail tab press tab again to go to the toolbar where you press spacebar on new button. 6. Choose from the new opened window add manually additional mail servers. 7. . Start fill in the form all the information required, like name, e-mail address, incoming and outgoing mail server, password, etc then tab again to more settings button. 8. A new window with 3 tabs is opened: general, Outgoing server and Advance. Navigate with control tab to Outgoing server and tick the box my outgoing mail server require authentication. 9. Control tab again to go to advance and put the right port numbers for incoming and outgoing servers. It is important to know what kind of connection you set up, like secured or none. From each section choose the relevant type of encryption. In my example I have selected ssl/tls encryption for both incoming and outgoing. 10. Navigate with tab key till next button and wait for testing. 11. If things are set up properly a message will come with the test results, and a close button will be on focus. Going with tab around you can see a list box with two bits of info, saying a test e-mail was sent. pressing close button Outlook will report “We have all the information required. Your e-mail account has been set up properly and you are ready to use it.”. 12. Also, before navigating to finish button using tab key it is a checkbox to tick in case you wish to receive a link on your mobile phone pointing you to App Store or Google Play in order to download Outlook app for mobile. When you press enter on finish button the wizard will be closed and the focus will be back to control panel. Alt F4 to close all, and then open Outlook to see the results. If no error displayed, and the test e-mail message is in your new e-mail folder, everything is right. If errors are displayed probably you need to review your e-mail settings. As you probably noticed, I have not opened Outlook in order to add the account, but the add account wizard of Outlook was opened by Windows and closed when things were done properly. Hope to help this, but in case of having issues try to listen first my audio demonstration from the podcast episode below and then use the comments form to ask for help. Please use the contact details provided in the end of podcast.

In the podcast episode today I am going to demonstrate how to import bookmarks and favourites from Internet Explorer in Google Chrome browser, as a screen reader user. The process is simple and needs only few steps. 1. Open Chrome then press tab in order to move away from search field. 2. Press alt F to open the menu 3. Navigate to bookmarks submenu using arrow keys 4. Choose import bookmarks and select Internet Explorer from the combobox 5. Press tab few times until import button and press enter. As you probably notice along your bookmarks the import wizzard is able to move your browser history and saved passwords. If you have any difficulties or wish to know more about managing bookmarks, please listen the audio demonstration and then use the comments form below.

I have using Google Home mini for a while now, and all about it is great. It is not the case to enumerate what this little device is capable of, because probably everyone knows already. The idea is, my daughter has found this device helpful for her, so she moved it into her room. I was lucky enough to have a spare one, so I was landing in setting up a third Google Home mini because another one is in my son's room. I have recorded the process of setting up from start to end into a podcast episode what is available with this article. Also, I have demonstrated few options available in this smart device. The process is quite straight forward. Along the smart speaker you need a wireless connection, which I think it is obvious, a Google account and another device like a phone or tablet. In order to install the app which will configure the smart speaker for you you really need a device like this. In my case, I have the app already installed into my iPhone X, so just ready to go. Once you have opened the Google Home app, it is available a button called set a new device. This will appear when a Google device it is in range but is not yet configured. Double tap on this button and the wizard starts. Window after window you'll be asked to provide information's like your wi-fi network name and password, and what room will be used for this device I was in the situation to choose between two Google devices which were not configured yet, but available in range. If you have selected the right one, you'll hear a signal generated by your device. You must confirm into the app you have heard the sound tapping yes button and then next. Some options and offers will be introduced during the wizard, but keep going with next, next until finish, of course, not before changing each option which is relevant for you, hopefully a finish button will appear. From that moment your Google Home mini is fully configured and ready to use. Because Google Home mini does not have a jack connector, I have had to post a second microphone standing just few centimetres above it. Also, in the middle of the demonstration I have realised the Voiceover volume from my iPhone was not so high, but once altered it was a bit too much, thing which caused my voice to be a little too low. But all together the demonstration is good enough to be followed. More details about how to work with it you can listen in the podcast episode, for sure. For any other questions or details about how to configure Google Home as a blind user do not hesitate to contact me or to ask in the comments form.

Today I would like to demonstrate how to buy an audio book on Audible website using Jaws 2018 screen reader and Internet Explorer on Windows 10 machine. I do the following tasks during the audio demonstration. Search for a book author using the regular search field and advanced search. navigate through search results and check the book details add to basket and proceed to checkout, buy chosen book using credits navigate to new purchased book in order to start listening Also, when the new book is into my library I will take my iPhone to open the book in the iOS Audible app. I would like to mention about this demonstration being done at the regular web interface of Audible, not at the accessible one which is available at the same address followed by forward slash access. Hope to make soon a demo with this page too, and also in Mac and iPhone. Just to summarize, I would like to mention one thing wich I thing will help the most of you to navigate around the search results. Use H to jump from heading to heading but the key number 2 will take you straight to filter criterias, and heading level 3 will take you only to book titles. Also, if you wish to navigate from button to button you can press B repeatitively after performing search and you'll be taken on the listen sample button for each result. After each sample button the next two buttons are add to cart or add to wish list, then keeping pressing B you'll go to the next title sample, and so on. I think this are the most easiest ways to navigate around . Enjoy your episode and please leave any questions or comments below.

I have requested a Natwest talking card reader some time ago and received it finally. the little talking card reader it is what I will introduce you today during this episode. I have had some interesting experiences over this time, first one being the way of obtaining this device. If you never had such a device from Natwest you have to order one, and this must be done online only, and the form of ordering card readers does not display any option for large print readers or talking one. So, you make the regular order then go back next day to Natwest website and enter in chat conversation with an agent, in order to make the change. In first instance you are in chat with a virtual agent. If this one is not able to give you a good answer and looks confused will put you in contact with a human agent. You have to explain why you need to change the order for your recent ordered card reader then the agent will make the change in Natwest systems. I have heard other blind people complaining about receiving the regular card readers even, as in my case, I have mentioned I do not need any regular. I was into the local Natwest brunch and returned the regular reader and asking for the talking one. As you probably imagine was no one able to give me right information, but after a waiting I was in contact with the same ridiculous system to order the talking reader and the officer from desk help me to re-order again. I was not notified in any way when the reader was posted or expected to be received. When the reader came I was not sure if is the good one or is a newer model yet. When I have found a mono headset into the little box I was sure it is whaat I have ordered ages before. As other complained the reader is coming only with regular print, not audio, not braille or large print. Lucky me, I was able to figure out how it works inspired being about similar units from Barclays and no documentation was need it any more. Two big missing points for Natwest from start yet: no phone number where a blind person could order a talking card reader No alternative format for card reader instruction. Not every blind person have OCR facilities in place at home in order to read the regular manual . Limited number of blind people are familiar or able to have a chat conversation on web chatroom. The card reader is very simple and just good for what is done to do, having only one major misssing: no volume adjustments available. I am good with my ear but the Barclays model have also a speaker build-in and loud enough . I thing for blind and death people will be difficult to work with, unless connecting the device to the prefered earing aids. The rest of card reader description is in audio, so , please listen it. You will have the ocasion to hear the talking reader voice as well. You have also the chance to hear how to navigate around the Natwest Banking webssite including login process. enabling card reader and making a bank transfer. What I found also confusing was to hear Jaws 18 announcing all sorts of errors which are not actually there. Good part was to be able to go forward with my task down to the end , weather some difficulties here and there along the process. Conclusion: Natwest website is manageable with Jaws and a talking card reader but the experience must be polished to be even better. I have made also an episode with Natwest app for iPhone which could be interesting for you. Listen an audio demonstration of Natwest talking card reader and Natwest Banking website. Using Jaws 18 screen reader I demonstrate how to enable a card reader and how to make a bank transfer as a blind user.

I have seen lots of visually impaired people hunting across the internet for any information about WordPress and its accessibility for screen reader users. Also, the numerous practical questions involved about its performance in carrying out an assortment of tasks under a WordPress blog without a satisfactory answer. Because of this, I have decided to start up a new serie of podcast named WordPress for Blind. I will take on the task to make a blog from scratch. To be more precise, I will buy a domain name, put on hosting, install WordPress, customise it, and then carry out the heavy work, publishing content. Before starting I would like to clarify: I am talking about self hosted WordPress, not about a free blog under wordpress.com domain. They may look similar but the differences could cause confusion for a newby blogger. First, a subdomain blog on wordpress.com it is a good choice to start with, but this will have some limitations. Will be slow, later when you start to populate your blog with that very much wanted content. One solution would be at this moment is to upgrade wordpress.com to pro which will bring you in the same situation with a self hosted WordPress. So, why not start pro straight forward? Second, all what you can have under a wordpress.com hosting, including the premium one, you can bring into your self hosted WordPress site through JetPack plugin. We will talk about this later. For a trial, or a play only to see what you can do or not with WordPress, will be great to start for free with the subdomain on wordpress.com , but if your intention is to be serious about blogging you need a domain name and a self hosted WordPress for sure. Good, we are dealing here with self hosted WordPress, therefore I will get first step, to talk about hosting and web domains. A hosting account gives you a certun amount of space on a server, somewhere into a data centre. We talk about shared hosting, when multiple customers are sharing the same server being isolated in such way, to not exceed the space limit on the hard disk, or the bandwith connection of the server. Dedicated servers are only for one entity, person or business, where they have an entire server discretionary. Of course, such a luxury it is not just afordable for anyone. VPS stands from virtual private server which is in one way it is the same like a dedicated server with the exception of having your data stored into a virtual server. This one have a guaranteed amount of space memory ram and speed in terms of connection. Some of the data may be at distance, or accessed in various ways, but it is not a machine what you can see it in one place, for example. But the dedicated server it is a phizical machine which is all yours as long you pay the rent. For start a shared hosting it is all we need. I have an account with a company in UK, having the data centre in Manchester. All good, excelent technical support by e-mail 24/7 and by phone during the office hours. For just 36 gBP per year it is good value and tested over and over in various situations. Right, not asking to go for the cheapest on the market, but the crucial thing is to be sure the support it is available 24/7. Nobody is happy to have the blog shut down over night or week-end, and no help available from the hosting provider till Monday or bank holiday ends. I will recommend to buy the domain and hosting from same provider, simply because you avoid setting up domain name servers which are essential for a website to work. A name server tell to the browser where to go when somebody tipe your website name or click on it. When you buy the domain and hosting from same provider they will set up this for you. Anyway, if you have different providers you need to be sure the domain name server it is exactly as your host mentioned to you. Other way your website will be not available on the internet, weather you purchased it. Listening the audio podcast you have the chance to hear exactly what I have d...