[BlindMath] Coding Course for Blind Coders

[Michael Cantino]

Hi everyone,
I was following the discussions around coding resources on this list in
recent weeks. I just stumbled across a coding course that APH is putting on
starting next week, and I thought you all might be interested. I'm
including APH's announcement below. I originally learned about this through a
post on Reddit
<https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/szgq8z/announcement_coding_course_for_the_blind_from_aph/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf>,
which has some helpful details that aren't covered in the APH announcement.

Thanks to a generous grant from CDW, The American Printing House for the
Blind (APH) is proud to offer introductory coding courses for blind and low
vision college students and adults. These courses are designed to
familiarize blind and low vision students with basic coding tools,
challenges navigating these tools with assistive technology such as screen
readers, and techniques for navigating those challenges. Register at this
link <https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R70Q9TGgQcyfAf4v85-KQQ>, or
read below for details.



Join Florian Beijers, a blind developer, as he guides students through
coding basics. Content covered will include HTML, ARIA, and Python.
Students will be introduced to VS Code and GitHub coding tools.



This is the first in a series of four courses. This first course takes
place the first four Tuesdays in March, March 1, 8, 15, and 22, from 1:00
PM to 2:30 PM Eastern, but all sessions will be recorded and available soon
after the live class for those who cannot attend at the scheduled time.
*Prerequisites*

   - At least intermediate familiarity with a screen reader with speech
   and/or braille, or intermediate familiarity with a screen magnification
   program.
   - Ability to use the internet to accomplish tasks such as searching for
   and reading information, completing forms, and using keyboard shortcuts to
   navigate, read, and edit.
   - Ability to follow written instructions to independently download and
   install programs and extensions.
   - Willingness to participate in the entire course consisting of 4 weekly
   sessions; each session will last 90 minutes.
   - Willingness to spend at least two hours per week on review and
   homework.

 *Lesson Plan Goal:*

Introduce students to multiple coding modalities and how to navigate
barriers encountered.
 *Learning Objectives:*

   1. Identify three tips for building resilience and preparing to enter
   the software development field.
   2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of four core programming concepts
   3. Differentiate three basic tools coders use in software and web
development(HTML,
   Visual Studio, and GitHub) and how each is used.
   4. Explain three barriers blind and low vision coders sometimes face
   using these coding tools with screen readers, screen magnification, and
   Braille displays.
   5. Practice three techniques blind coders have used to address these
   challenges.

Materials Needed: Computer with Internet access; screenreader with speech
output or Braille display and/or screen magnification

Register for the course at this link
<https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R70Q9TGgQcyfAf4v85-KQQ>.

Michael Cantino (he/him)
BVIS Technology Professional Development Specialist
Northwest Regional Education Service District
(503)614-1339