[BlindMath] Newly blind student learning to code using VScode

[Sarah Erb]

I second the importance of having the refreshable braille display in tandem
with the screen reading software.

Keep in mind that any individual who would like to sign up to be a member
of the NFB’s NOPBC may do so, and with the $15 annual membership, receive a
free freedom scientific/Vispero annual license for home use. Licenses are
usually issued within a week, to the same email used to fill out the form.

http://nopbc.org/become-member

Thanks,

Sarah Erb
Utah Parents Division, NFB of Utah


On Tue, Aug 6, 2024 at 6:17 AM Steve Jacobson via BlindMath <
blindmath at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> 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
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/2700+Evergreen+Parkway?entry=gmail&source=g>
> 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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