The Chromebook is an Accessible Option for Those who are Blind or have Low Vision

Photo description: Text reads the chromebook is an accessible option for those who are blind or have low vision There is a photo of an open black chromebook below the text

Now that school has begun I want to shine a spotlight on the chromebook. I know that these computer models are not new but I want to highlight the built-in accessibility that is available. I believe that the chromebook is one of the most affordable options for those who are blind or have low vision. 

The chromebook comes with a screen reader called Chromevox, it is fully accessible out of the box. The computer turns on when you lift the top, you will be taken to a sign in page. It is very easy to activate the screen reader right from the sign in screen. 

  • Press control, alt and z at the same time to turn the screen reader on and off. 

I was so thankful that I was able to set up my chromebook on my own without any sighted assistance. 

I will mention that the chromebook is mainly for searching the internet and taking notes and writing papers or creating presentations, and it has a webcam that can be used for meetings. I would not recommend it for gaming. 

Here is a short video I shared on my Instagram page where I give a short demo on how it works.

I hope that this is a helpful tip for anyone looking for an affordable and accessible laptop.

Reflections: You are Strong Enough to Say No!

Photo description Text reads you can say no. There is a banned symbol below the text.
(Bottom graphic is by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay via the Canva library)

Listen to this! Sometimes you just have to say nO and you are strong enough to do this.

It seems that the traditional values and morals once held by society are all but gone. It is becoming even more rare to find people walking in the old paths. 

Photo description Hand drawn word no
(Graphic is from the Canva library)

I am a Christian and I am learning that walking on the correct path can sometimes be a lonely one and there will be times when the answer will have to be NO. I am learning that I have to be willing to say NO to some friendships or other relationships in order to walk on the correct path. I have had to do this a few times. This can be a scary thing to do but I remind myself that it is worth it in the end. I will have to have to say no to certain kinds of music and other content to walk on the correct path. I am not perfect and I am still in this process and I will be on it until I am taken to heaven. 

God gives me the strength to say NO. It is a daily battle but he gives me the strength I need each day. I have started reading the book of Proverbs and it has been very encouraging to me. 

Proverbs 4:25-27 KJV — Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

I hope this encourages you and gives you the strength to just say NO.

My Experience on September 11, 2001

Photo description Text is black and bold in large on a light gray background. Text reads may we never forget

Now that we have come to the 20th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001 I have been reflecting and want to share my experience. I was 3 blocks away from the towers in New York City that day. I truly saw God’s hand of protection on me that day.

You can listen to my story in the video below. May we never forget that day. May we never forget those who died. I pray for those who live on without their loved ones.

Spotlight: The Scripor Alphabet | A Tactile Code for Colors

Photo description Text reads a tactile color code There is a graphic showing the colors of the rainbow below the text. Text is white and the background is black
Rainbow graphic is by stux from Pixabay via the Canva library

Colors can seem like such a mystery to those who are blind and they can be tricky to identify for those who have low vision. There is a solution that may be helpful. I recently found out about The Scripor Alphabet. This is a tactile code for colors as braille is a tactile code for letters.

This post is not sponsored by this company.

This is braille for colors. This video gives more details.

I am on a journey to learning braille myself and I would like to learn this code for colors as well. This is also a great tool for those who are colorblind to have a way to access colors.

I hope that this is helpful for many out there. What do you think of this tactile color code? Do you already use it or do you want to learn it? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Reflections: Hard Work is Rewarded

Text reads hard work is rewarded. Text is black on a light gray background.

Today I want to remind you that your work is rewarded. People here on earth may not acknowledge or appreciate your work but God sees your work.

This is not just about working for a boss, but this goes beyond that. When you help others, that is work. When you share the gospel, that is work. When you read the Bible and pray for others, that is work.

Do not quit doing the work.

1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV — Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

This verse came to my mind today as it is Labor Day here in the United States. I hope this encourages you to keep working whether or not you get paid for it because all work is rewarded in the end.

Here is my latest video