Keywords

accessibility, blind, braille notetaker, editing, refreshable braille display, screen reader

Abstract

In the US, hundreds of thousands of individuals with visual disabilities work in occupations that typically entail editing text. Editing technologies for blind or visually impaired people have been analyzed by researchers for usability, accessibility, and feasibility. However, a tutorial is needed to provide blind or visually impaired workers with information on how to use these technologies. Key concepts: Technologies that blind or visually impaired individuals can use for editing text present challenges. Such challenges include the lack of usability in word processors’ text-editing features, navigational and sense-making issues with screen readers, limited text displayed by refreshable braille displays, and extensive commands needed to operate braille notetakers. Key lessons: The study’s blind coauthor (who prefers this terminology) draws on her academic and professional experience to provide procedural information for blind or visually impaired practitioners and students who need to open email attachments, navigate files, select text, navigate the Review tab of Microsoft Word, add comments, and use Nav Quick Keys. Implications for practice: This tutorial indicates that word processors, screen readers, refreshable braille displays, and braille notetakers provide ways for blind or visually impaired practitioners and students to edit text. The tutorial also provides insight into one blind editor’s editing process and provides instructions for duplicating this process. This information can increase the awareness of sighted practitioners and teachers who seek to make workplaces more accessible for blind or visually impaired colleagues.

Original Publication Citation

Baker, M. J., Bills, S., & Nightingale, E. (2021). An Editing Process for Blind and Visually Impaired Editors. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 64(3), 275–287. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPC.2021.3090722

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2021

Publisher

IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication

Language

English

College

Humanities

Department

Linguistics

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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Linguistics Commons

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