Introduction to Software Development and Coding Challenges for Blind and Low Vision Coders -- Part 4

An introduction to the field of software development, coding, and coding accessibility challenges   

Instructor: Florian Beijers 

Instructor’s Title: Developer 

Instructor’s Affiliation: Freelancer, acting under the name Dexxit 

Instructor’s Email: florianbeijers@gmail.com

Target Audience: Adults and young adults 

Pre-requisite knowledge:

At least intermediate familiarity with a screen reader with speech and/or braille, or intermediate familiarity with a screen magnification program

Ability to use the internet to accomplish tasks such as searching for and reading information, completing forms, and using keyboard shortcuts to navigate, read, and edit

Ability to follow written instructions to independently download and install programs and extensions

Willingness to participate in the entire course consisting of 4 weekly sessions; each session will last 90 minutes

Willingness to spend at least two hours per week on review and homework    

Lesson Plan Goal: Introduce students to multiple coding modalities and how to navigate barriers encountered.   

Learning Objectives:

Identify three tips for building resilience and preparing to enter the software development field.

Demonstrate a basic understanding of four core programming concepts

Differentiate three basic tools coders use in software development (HTML, Visual Studio, and Github) and how each is used.

Explain three barriers blind and low vision coders sometimes face using these coding tools with screen readers, screen magnification, and Braille displays.

Practice three techniques blind coders have used to address these challenges.  

Materials Needed: Computer with Internet access; screenreader with speech output or Braille display and/or screen magnification program