[BlindMath] Newly blind student learning to code using VScode

[Steve Jacobson]

Anne,

Realizing that there is only so much information you can provide, it is difficult to give meaningful advice without understanding more about the student's background and circumstances.  The fact that you said the student is not very proficient with JAWS concerns me.  Also, you could consider sending an email to the nFBCS list which is also on NFBNET.ORG.  Members of that list tend to work in or are interested in areas related to computer science.

VSCode is definitely an accessible way to write and run programs.  However any "integrated Development Environment" (IDE) which  VSCode is, at least to some degree, is itself a complex environment regardless of the programming language being taught.  If the student's vision loss was sudden and the student had a background in computer languages, starting with VSCode might be worth trying.  However, if this is the first exposure to computer programming, the idea of using a simple editor to create code as a starting strategy is worth examining as Robert suggested.  The problem with this is that using a simple editor may not meet the requirements of the class.

I hope your student is taking some time to learn some of the alternative skills of blindness if this is a recent loss of vision.  Part of those skills should include some training and time with a screen reader such as JAWS.  Getting a sense of how to navigate applications with a screen reader such as email clients and various websites will put the student in a better place to tackle something like VSCode.

There may be some useful documentation on the Vispero website regarding the use of JAWS with VSCode.  There are also lists of keyboard shortcuts for VSCode on the Microsoft website, but a description of what the keyboard shortcuts do may be pretty mysterious if the student has no background in computer programming.

If something here brings on more questions, please let me know.  I know this is not a satisfying answer.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

-----Original Message-----
From: BlindMath <blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Carpenter, Anne via BlindMath
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 6:13 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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