[BlindMath] Programming with young blind and visual impaired students

[kperry at blinksoft.com]

I have taught 5 different blind home schoolers and 3 other classes on
Python.  I am currently teaching one with a group of co-workers at APH.  We
are using the Crash Course in Python book.  I am 100% blind and have been
coding  for over 30 years.  The python language is easy to learn, and gives
instant gratification in that you don't have to learn compilers or a special
IDE.  It also has a great IDE if you want to use one in that VsCode is fully
accessible. The fear of indentation if you don't use a braille display is a
false fear.  I don't use a braille display on a regular basis. In fact I
lost my sight at 20 and never got fast enough with braille to make it
worthwhile.  I do use braille displays I just don't use them as my  regular
interface.  I took up to the highest levels of Calculus with out one and I
code with out one.   I started with ASM, C, and C++ but I would not suggest
people do that today.  Python and Javascript are the two most used languages
in industry with Javascript on top by a little bit.  Python is a power house
in allowing you to get up and running in only minutes and from that point
you can be making things in no time.  I will also mention that one of my
students is 100% blind and is almost ready to put a game on Steam that both
sighted and blind can play.  

My problem with quorum is just find me one app someone is making for a job
or commercial use in it.  It might be an OK language to get started with but
as it stands it is not a language for industry.  It is in a way a lot like
blockily and other starter languages that you have to unlearn when you start
really programming.

If anyone  wants time to I can setup a zoom and send it out so other
professional blind developers can put their 2 cents in and we can have a
conversation about best practices for both learning and not only learning
but learning in such a way you can work your way into a job, hobby, or a
career.  I mean isn't that what learning is all for?
-----Original Message-----
From: BlindMath <blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Niels Luithardt
via BlindMath
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 3:00 PM
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
<blindmath at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Niels Luithardt <niels.luithardt at googlemail.com>
Subject: [BlindMath] Programming with young blind and visual impaired
students

Hello all,

I have a question that has only limited to do with mathematics, it is more
about computer science.

Is there a particularly well suited programming environment for blind and
visually impaired students and a correspondingly simple programming
language?

Students in this case are children between 8 and 14 years,

I would be very pleased about experiences in this area!

Kind Regards

Niels

Niels

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