[BlindTlk] Google Earth Accessability?

Sun Mar 22 21:17:53 UTC 2020

Dear Kendra,

Thanks for posting your message on the Blind Talk list.

Last time I checked, Google Earth is currently inaccessible with JAWS. It uses visual mapping technologies to run, and just like in Google Maps, those features are not accessible unless they provide description, which they do not provide unfortunately.

I personally feel your pain with this accessibility shortcoming. I have been through many situations where my online classes were not accessible to me.  And this is like 2 years ago, when this COVID19 wasn't even a thing. But right now, as students at all levels have to do online course work, is even more important to consider the accessibility. I know this can be super frustrating for you not having full compensatory access to the curriculum. I know what it's like.

I haven't tried Google Earth on an iPhone with VoiceOver and I'd suspect that the access there might be the same as in the PC. I wouldn't have to lose anything by trying it if I were you. If all else, I'd use AIRA and say you need help with the content of your online classes. Right now due to this COVID 19 they are providing free assistance for all students. Also, they provide up to 30 minutes at a time for any help JAWS related. You can find more info at:

http://aira.io/

That's just my $0.02, although I realize that I am a very tech-minded person and I love using the tech myself as much as possible and I know some people aren't as comfortable with the technology.

I wish you the very very best in your provisionally online education and hope you get something resolved soon. Talking to your prof may also help. But good luck, and don't let the inaccessibility frustration halt you entirely. There are many ways to accomplish things and we all in the Blind Talk list are more than willing to help!!

Humberto

“Positive thinking leads to a positive attitude which leads to positive actions which lead to positive outcomes.”
— ME

On Mar 21, 2020, at 8:51 PM, Kendra Schaber via BlindTlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

Hi all!
I’m taking an environmental science class this spring term at my local community college. As the result of the political, economical and demographically affects of the Corona Virus, my school is being forced to go vertual for at least half of spring term. Because of this, my environmental science class practically had to be reborn; built for the online world. Since the orriginal face to face counterpart which is what I signed up for envolves fieldtrips, they also have to go vertual. I found out today that my environmental Science teacher has to use Google Earth to translate the fieldtrips to the vertual and distance learning world. I suspect this is the tip of the iceburgh. I took a look at Google Earth and discovered it’s inaccessible. Does anyone know of any accessible counterparts to Google Earth that are comparable? Does any one know of tricks and tips to be competitive with Google Earth? Does anyone even know of ways to even come close to meet disability standards to survive education around this inaccessible gap in my college education?

As the result of attending school, I discovered that writing is one of my gifts. On the other hand, I have eighth grade spelling. Because of my eighth grade spelling, I’m currently working on improving my spelling where it is possible. I also discovered that math is my biggest weakness. Because of my weakness of math, I’m going for an English major with Environmental Science minor instead of an Earth Science major.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email!
Blessed be!
Kendra Schaber
Honor Roll student, Fall term, 2019
Vice-President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students(ORABS)
Oregon Association of Blind Students(ORABS)
National Federation of the Blind of Oregon(NFB-O)
(503) 599-9991
Redwing731 at gmail.com
Kschaber at my.chemeketa.edu
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