Insightful Screens: Exploring Accessibility Tech

You will find info, reviews, and tips about tech from a blind user's point of view here.

Introduction

Blogging has become a powerful medium for expressing thoughts, sharing experiences, and building online communities. For many, WordPress is the go-to platform for setting up a blog. However, for individuals with disabilities, particularly screen reader users, navigating WordPress can often be a daunting challenge. In this blog post, we'll explore the accessibility hurdles faced by blind bloggers in WordPress and discuss alternative platforms that offer a more seamless experience.

The Block Editor Challenge

WordPress's transition to the Block Editor was a significant change that promised a more intuitive and flexible content creation experience. However, for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers, this transition has brought about a series of accessibility issues.

  1. Complex Block Editing: The Block Editor's interface can be cumbersome for screen reader users. It involves managing various blocks for text, images, and other content elements, which can be challenging to navigate and arrange effectively.

  2. Limited Accessibility Features: While there have been efforts to improve the Block Editor's accessibility, many aspects remain less than optimal. Screen reader users may encounter difficulties in inserting and managing blocks, as well as understanding the visual layout.

The Elusive Classic Editor

One possible workaround for blind users is the Classic Editor, which provides a simpler interface for creating content. However, there's a catch: it's not readily accessible for all types of content creation.

  1. Inaccessibility for Free Users: While the Classic Editor does provide a simpler interface for creating content, it's important to note that it's not available for free users when editing any pages on my blog. This limitation means that free users who wish to edit pages may find themselves locked out from a more user-friendly editing experience in WordPress.

  2. Discoverability Challenge: The Classic Editor's availability is not prominently featured, making it challenging for new users, especially those on free WordPress accounts, to find and utilize.

Turning to Write.as

Frustration with the limitations of WordPress led me to explore other options. It was my partner, Luna, who introduced me to Write.as, a platform that values simplicity and accessibility. Write.as allows me to create and format content using Markdown, freeing me from the complex interfaces and formatting challenges that often accompany traditional WYSIWYG editors.

The primary reason I turned to Write.as is that, as a free WordPress user, I found myself unable to access the Classic Editor, which I prefer for its simplicity and ease of use. Luna, who has her own blog at lunaverse.blog, also uses WordPress as a paid user and has managed to work around some of the issues. However, I found Write.as to be a more straightforward solution, especially considering my desire to use a more user-friendly editor.

The Write.as Advantage with Limitations

While Write.as has proven to be a reliable and accessible platform for my blogging needs, it's not without its limitations. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer all the features I'd like to have, such as the ability to categorize or tag my posts. As a blogger, organizing and categorizing content can be essential for helping readers navigate and discover related topics.

However, it's important to note that Write.as excels in providing a user-friendly and accessible writing experience. Its simplicity, support for Markdown, and inherent accessibility have made it one of the more usable platforms I've found. While I miss some of the advanced features, the trade-off for an accessible and straightforward writing environment has been worth it for me as a blind blogger.

This underscores the ongoing quest for a blogging platform that not only respects accessibility but also caters to the diverse needs of content creators. While Write.as is a step in the right direction, the search for the ideal platform continues, with the hope of even greater inclusivity and functionality for bloggers with disabilities.

The Self-Hosting Question

While some bloggers opt for self-hosted WordPress sites to gain more control over their blogging experience, I've hesitated to take this path. Self-hosting involves additional expenses and technical responsibilities that I'm not ready to undertake at this point in my blogging journey. I'm still exploring the value proposition of such an investment and whether it's worth the outlay of time, effort, and resources.

Conclusion

My journey as a blind blogger has been marked by both challenges and discoveries. WordPress, with its limitations for free users when it comes to accessing the Classic Editor, presented obstacles to my goal of creating an accessible and user-friendly blog. However, platforms like Write.as, introduced to me by my partner, Luna, have emerged as valuable alternatives, offering a more seamless experience for content creation and management.

While self-hosting remains an option for those seeking greater control over their blogging environment, I continue to weigh the pros and cons, mindful of the expenses and technical demands involved. For now, Write.as has provided me with the accessibility and simplicity I need to focus on sharing my thoughts and experiences with the world, without the frustration of battling complex interfaces and paywalls.

In the end, the journey of a blind blogger is a testament to the power of determination and adaptability in the face of accessibility challenges, with the ultimate goal of making our voices heard in the digital landscape.

Thank you for reading!

Serena (SerenaTori) (ShadowWolf)

Contact me

If you have any questions or would like to connect, you can reach out to me on Mastodon at @SerenaMoana. To check out my content hub, and for more details about me and ways to contact me,, click below. lnk.bio/serenatori

Your Support Matters

If you'd like to support me, you can go to SerenaTori on ko-fi.com

Disclosure:

This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Author: Serena Date: 24/09/2023

Introduction

Braille can be a lifeline to the visually impaired, providing them with access to written information and a means of independence. However, what many people don't realize is that Braille products can be significantly more expensive than their standard print counterparts. In this post, we'll delve into the concept of the “disability tax” and its impact on accessibility.

The Expensive World of Braille Playing Cards

Let's start by examining a simple yet telling example. While scrolling through Amazon one day, I stumbled upon a deck of Braille playing cards. The deck, designed for the visually impaired, can be found here: Plastic Braille Playing Cards, priced at $38 AUD.

At first glance, $38 might not seem excessive, but let's take a closer look. Curiosity led me to search for standard playing card decks for those with no visual impairment. I found a similar set made of plastic and designed for durability, available here: Playing Cards Professional Poker Cards. Surprisingly, this deck is only $16.11 AUD.

That's already a notable price difference; the Braille deck costs approximately 1.35 times more than the first standard deck. But it doesn't end there. I also came across another similar product, Playing Cards, Poker Cards, which is priced at a more reasonable $11.99 AUD.

To put this in perspective, the Braille deck costs approximately 2.17 times more than the second standard deck.

Understanding the “Disability Tax”

The term “disability tax” refers to the extra expenses that people with disabilities often incur to access products or services on an equal footing with their non-disabled counterparts. This concept parallels the more widely recognized “pink tax,” which describes the tendency for products marketed toward women to be priced higher than similar products for men.

In the context of accessibility, the disability tax can manifest in various ways. It's not limited to Braille products but extends to essential items like talking devices. Consider the example of a talking microwave. You could easily purchase a conventional microwave from your local department store for anywhere from $30 to $100, offering standard functionality and accessibility for most users.

However, if you require a talking microwave that ensures complete accessibility, you'd have to place a special order with a specialized company. This might entail waiting several months for delivery and paying a staggering price range of $600 to $1200 for the same microwave.

To put this in perspective, you'd be paying approximately 19 to 39 times more for a talking microwave compared to a standard one, simply because it's designed to meet the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities.

In conclusion, the “disability tax” sheds light on the often substantial financial burden that individuals with disabilities face when seeking equal access to products and services. It's a reminder that while accessibility should be a fundamental right, it's not always affordable. As we strive for a more inclusive society, addressing these cost disparities is a crucial step toward making accessibility a reality for everyone.

Thank you for reading!

Serena (SerenaTori) (ShadowWolf)

Contact me

If you have any questions or would like to connect, you can reach out to me on Mastodon at @SerenaMoana. To check out my content hub, and for more details about me and ways to contact me,, click below. lnk.bio/serenatori

Your Support Matters

If you'd like to support me, you can go to SerenaTori on ko-fi.com

Disclosure:

This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

By Serena

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) has revolutionized the way we interact with our homes. More than just a smart speaker, it's a versatile device that offers a wide range of features and functionalities. In this blog post, we'll explore how the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) can be a game-changer for your home, focusing on its accessibility implications for people who are blind or have low vision. We'll also dive into its impressive sensor capabilities, particularly its use as a thermometer, and its ability to seamlessly integrate with other smart home products. Additionally, we'll discuss how you can take your audio experience to the next level by setting up a stereo pair of Echo devices or even creating a full audio entertainment system with the Amazon Subwoofer. Moreover, we'll explore the possibility of extending this entertainment system to multiple rooms throughout your home.

Accessibility Features for All

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is its commitment to inclusivity. Amazon has made strides in ensuring that their smart speakers are accessible to individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or have low vision. Here's how:

  • Voice Commands: The Echo's voice assistant, Alexa, provides a hands-free experience. Users can simply speak commands to control various aspects of their smart home or access information, making it incredibly accessible for those who may have difficulty with traditional touch interfaces.

  • Screen Reader Compatibility: For individuals using screen readers, the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) has been designed with compatibility in mind. It provides audio feedback for setup and configuration, making it easy for everyone to get started.

  • Skills and Customization: Alexa's “Skills” allow users to add functionalities to their Echo device. These skills can include specialized accessibility features or integrations with apps and services designed for people with disabilities.

A Smart Speaker and Beyond

While the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) excels in accessibility, it doesn't stop there. It's a powerful smart speaker that can do much more:

  • Thermometer Functionality: This Echo device comes equipped with built-in sensors that allow it to function as a thermometer. It can measure the temperature in your home and provide you with real-time updates. This feature is not only convenient for daily use but also crucial for monitoring your living environment, especially if you have young children, elderly family members, or specific temperature-sensitive needs.

  • Seamless Smart Home Integration: The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is not just a standalone device; it's the central hub for your smart home. With its compatibility with a wide range of smart home products, you can control your lights, thermostat, locks, and more with simple voice commands. This integration provides a holistic in-home solution, making your life more convenient and efficient.

Expanding Your Echo Experience

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) offers even more possibilities when it comes to creating an immersive in-home entertainment system that spans multiple rooms. With its ability to be set up in different parts of your house, you can enjoy a seamless and synchronized audio experience no matter where you are. Here's how:

  • Multi-Room Audio: If you desire a whole-home audio solution, you can easily set up multiple Amazon Echo (4th Gen) devices throughout your house. Whether you're in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, or any other room, these devices can be synchronized to play the same music or audio content simultaneously. This creates a harmonious atmosphere, perfect for entertaining guests or simply enhancing your daily routines.

  • Voice-Controlled Multi-Room Audio: The convenience of voice commands extends to multi-room audio as well. You can instruct Alexa to play music in specific rooms or group Echo devices together for a coordinated listening experience. For instance, you can say, “Alexa, play jazz in the living room and kitchen,” and enjoy your favorite tunes spreading throughout your home.

Conclusion

With the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), your possibilities for audio enjoyment, home automation, and in-home entertainment are virtually limitless. You can create a personalized stereo setup, transform your living space into a full audio entertainment system by adding the Amazon Subwoofer, and even extend these experiences to multiple rooms throughout your home.

To explore these possibilities and enhance your home audio experience across multiple rooms, you can find the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) and the Amazon Subwoofer on Amazon using the following affiliate links:

Invest in multiple Echo devices and the Amazon Subwoofer to transform your house into a seamlessly connected, in-home entertainment system that offers accessibility, convenience, and immersive audio experiences for you and your family. With the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), your home will not only be smarter but also more entertaining than ever before.

Thank you for reading!

Serena (SerenaTori) (ShadowWolf)

Contact me

If you have any questions or would like to connect, you can reach out to me on Mastodon at @SerenaMoana. To check out my content hub, and for more details about me and ways to contact me,, click below. lnk.bio/serenatori

Your Support Matters

If you'd like to support me, you can go to SerenaTori on ko-fi.com

Disclosure:

This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Introduction

In the world of smartphone photography and videography, the Pivo Pod stands as a versatile and innovative device. Designed to assist users in capturing creative and dynamic shots, it offers features like automated 360-degree rotation, face tracking, and more. But what sets it apart is its potential to empower individuals with visual impairments to become more independent creators. In this article, we explore the Pivo Pod from the perspective of a blind user and how it transforms the photography and videography experience for them.

Understanding the Pivo Pod

The Pivo Pod is a smartphone accessory that, at its core, enhances the capabilities of your smartphone camera. It provides automated functions such as tracking subjects and rotating the phone to capture sweeping panoramic shots or dynamic video footage.

Challenges for Blind Users in Photography

For individuals with visual impairments, photography and videography can be challenging endeavors. The absence of visual feedback makes it difficult to frame shots accurately and ensure that the subject is in focus. Blind users often have to rely on assistance from others, limiting their creative freedom.

Pivo Pod's Accessibility Features

The Pivo Pod addresses these challenges with a suite of accessibility features: – Face Tracking: The device can automatically detect and follow the user's face or any chosen subject, ensuring they remain centered in the frame. – Automated Rotation: With the Pivo Pod's ability to rotate the phone, users can capture 360-degree views without physically moving the camera. – Voice Commands: Blind users can control the Pivo Pod through voice commands, making it a hands-free experience.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The Pivo Pod is not just about photography; it's about breaking down barriers and making creative pursuits accessible to all. Technology like this demonstrates how innovation can empower individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity in all aspects of life.

Other Use Cases

While the Pivo Pod's accessibility features are a game-changer for blind users, it's also a valuable tool for sighted photographers and videographers. It can be used in various creative scenarios, such as vlogging, live streaming, or capturing memorable family moments.

Conclusion

The Pivo Pod is more than a gadget; it's an enabler of creativity and independence for blind users in the realm of photography and videography. Its accessibility features, like face tracking and voice commands, offer a newfound sense of control and freedom. As technology continues to advance, we can look forward to more innovations that make the world a more inclusive place, one device at a time.

Thank you for reading!

Serena (SerenaTori) (ShadowWolf)

Contact me

If you have any questions or would like to connect, you can reach out to me on Mastodon at @SerenaMoana. To check out my content hub, and for more details about me and ways to contact me,, click below. lnk.bio/serenatori

Your Support Matters

If you'd like to support me, you can go to SerenaTori on ko-fi.com

Disclosure:

This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

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