[BlindMath] Newly blind student learning to code using VScode

[Robin Williams]

I agree that the most effective way of this student increasing their productivity and future chances of success at this stage is to work hard at their screen reading skills. This could perhaps sit alongside some basic coding practice, using a simpler editor as others have suggested. However, in the longer term, the student will be disadvantaged if they are unable to use the same programming environments as their sighted peers, particularly environments such as VSCode which are very much mainstream. Successfully doing so, however, requires competent use of a screen reader, and so we come full circle.
By way of one simple example, while the efforts of Microsoft towards VSCode accessibility are truly commendable, a screen reader user will still need to know how to switch between using the virtual cursor and the system focus, and when to do so. These are things that come as second nature to experienced screen reader users, but will require practice and understanding in the beginning.
Also needless to say, being competent in the use of a screen reader will help in all other aspects of anything that requires use of a computer.

-----Original Message-----
From: BlindMath <blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jonathan Godfrey via BlindMath
Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 5:12 AM
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics <blindmath at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jonathan Godfrey <A.J.Godfrey at massey.ac.nz>
Subject: Re: [BlindMath] Newly blind student learning to code using VScode

WRT braille displays, I would think the syntax of the code is a better justification for a expensive braille display. Screen readers can quite effectively describe the level of indenting via audio. Spelling of names of variables and functions etc. must be perfect, brackets must be matched, and in many programming languages, the nature of the punctuation marks and white space is critical.


-----Original Message-----
From: BlindMath <blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Robert Jaquiss via BlindMath
Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 4:04 PM
To: 'Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics' <blindmath at nfbnet.org>
Cc: rjaquiss at earthlink.net
Subject: Re: [BlindMath] Newly blind student learning to code using VScode

Hello:

     I have two pieces of advice:
1. I would strongly suggest not trying to use VScode. The simpler the editor, the better.
For a beginner, Notepad and then Notepad++ will work fine.
2. This may seem odd, but I would also equip the student with a braille display. I presume the student does not know braille. The purpose of the braille display is to show indents. Since indented lines are part of Python's syntax, the student can feel when a block is indented.
Hope this makes sense.

Regards,
Robert



-----Original Message-----
From: BlindMath <blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Carpenter, Anne via BlindMath
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 5:13 PM
To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
Cc: Carpenter, Anne <carpenta at evergreen.edu>
Subject: [BlindMath] Newly blind student learning to code using VScode

Hi,
We have a newly blind student using jaws to learn Python with VScode.
Is there a beginner's book or manual for them to learn how use JAWS to code?
Right now, they are frustrated and confused.
They are not very proficient with JAWS.
We would like to help them get started before classes begin.
Thank you,
Anne Carpenter
Coordinator, Assistive Technology Services The Evergreen State College Library 2312
2700 Evergreen Parkway SE
Olympia, WA 98505
(360) 867-6090
carpenta at evergreen.edu<mailto:carpenta at evergreen.edu>
Disability is Diversity
Accessibility is Equity & Inclusion!

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