Natalie M
@nmart.bsky.social
Professor who loves all things braille literacy. Other joys: family, puppies, espresso, chocolate, travel, children's books. 🦮🇨🇦🇮🇹🫖📚✒️
Gaeta the guide dog and I are off to the office on this very snowy day, with style in her purple winter coat ....☃️
January 29, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Gaeta the guide dog and I are off to the office on this very snowy day, with style in her purple winter coat ....☃️
Reposted by Natalie M
Born on 4th Jan 1809, #LouisBraille’s legacy is celebrated on #WorldBrailleDay. Today, Eleanor delivered the keynote speech @newcollegeworc.bsky.social for The Braillists Foundation, highlighting the vital role that #braille still plays in the modern world. #BrailleLiteracy #EleanorsVoice 🤩💜
January 4, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Born on 4th Jan 1809, #LouisBraille’s legacy is celebrated on #WorldBrailleDay. Today, Eleanor delivered the keynote speech @newcollegeworc.bsky.social for The Braillists Foundation, highlighting the vital role that #braille still plays in the modern world. #BrailleLiteracy #EleanorsVoice 🤩💜
Reposted by Natalie M
Don't wait until you know what you are doing.
A) You need to do to learn how to do.
B) You'll always look back and think you didn't know what you were doing (and you'll often be right).
C) No one knows what they are doing. Not them. And not them. And no, not even them.
Start now. And keep going.
A) You need to do to learn how to do.
B) You'll always look back and think you didn't know what you were doing (and you'll often be right).
C) No one knows what they are doing. Not them. And not them. And no, not even them.
Start now. And keep going.
January 4, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Don't wait until you know what you are doing.
A) You need to do to learn how to do.
B) You'll always look back and think you didn't know what you were doing (and you'll often be right).
C) No one knows what they are doing. Not them. And not them. And no, not even them.
Start now. And keep going.
A) You need to do to learn how to do.
B) You'll always look back and think you didn't know what you were doing (and you'll often be right).
C) No one knows what they are doing. Not them. And not them. And no, not even them.
Start now. And keep going.
teachers,researchers and writer friends: alt text is a short written description you can attach to images you post. It's easy and ensures that #blind and #LowVision followers can enjoy your posts too. ✍️
Don't tell anyone, but this is the first time we've posted about Bluesky's alt text reminder this year!
Find it in Settings > Accessibility and tick "Require alt text before posting."
Find it in Settings > Accessibility and tick "Require alt text before posting."
January 3, 2025 at 2:51 PM
teachers,researchers and writer friends: alt text is a short written description you can attach to images you post. It's easy and ensures that #blind and #LowVision followers can enjoy your posts too. ✍️
This was such a fun & informative webinar. As a #blind person, I know that some of my favourite childhood narrators from audiobooks stick with me just as much as the authors
Who doesn't love getting access to a FREE webinar? Sign up for the #12x12PB email list and receive "WELL READ: Creating Stories That Read Aloud Well" with Matthew Winner directly in your inbox 📥
Joining our email list will also alert you immediately: https://buff.ly/3ZyTq8F
Joining our email list will also alert you immediately: https://buff.ly/3ZyTq8F
December 23, 2024 at 7:58 PM
This was such a fun & informative webinar. As a #blind person, I know that some of my favourite childhood narrators from audiobooks stick with me just as much as the authors
Teacher friends, please continue teaching students about #GuideDog etiquette & access. Students are future colleagues, business owners, employers & policy-makers. Please let them hear from people with disabilities & have positive opportunities to address misconceptions that can later impact #a11y
When I get refused entry to restaurants because of my Guide Dog I’m often told it’s because my dog will be disruptive around food.
For reference this is Guide Dog Ava about 2 feet away from a rare steak.
When on duty assistance dogs will not beg for or try to steal food.
For reference this is Guide Dog Ava about 2 feet away from a rare steak.
When on duty assistance dogs will not beg for or try to steal food.
December 23, 2024 at 7:49 PM
We saw this and it was amazing - Plus shout out to the Segal Centre for having an audio described option! #a11y #blind #LowVision
The Secret Chord is a tribute to Leonard Cohen with his beautiful music & his writings to give background on his sometimes mystifying lyrics. Super-talented artists reimagine Cohen’s work so well. It’s a lovely show to immerse yourself in…see it at The Segal Centre!
December 23, 2024 at 12:36 PM
We saw this and it was amazing - Plus shout out to the Segal Centre for having an audio described option! #a11y #blind #LowVision
Guide dog Gaeta and I are off to talk about the fun of #braille to a local group of older adults with #LowVision - Got my briefcase full of fun braille things: games, tactile picture books and slates, oh my!
December 11, 2024 at 5:12 PM
Guide dog Gaeta and I are off to talk about the fun of #braille to a local group of older adults with #LowVision - Got my briefcase full of fun braille things: games, tactile picture books and slates, oh my!
Video showcasing an important part of #blind history in Canada
A version of our new Heritage Minute on Edwin Baker was made with Integrated Video Description in mind. This version has added narration from our lead to describe the scenes in better detail. Check it out here: youtu.be/XnurPB4h5Zk
Integrated Described Video (IDV) | NEW Heritage Minute: Edwin A. Baker
YouTube video by Historica Canada
youtu.be
December 9, 2024 at 4:42 AM
Video showcasing an important part of #blind history in Canada
Reposted by Natalie M
What it's like to do a PhD while #blind - and how your sighted supervisor can be an ally: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.... with @nmart.bsky.social
A Duoethnography on Disability and Allyship Within a Vision Science Doctoral Program: Perspectives on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility - Natalina Martiniello, Walter Wittich, 2024
People with visual impairments (those who are blind or who have low vision) continue to experience an unemployment rate of 70% or higher across all sectors but ...
journals.sagepub.com
December 9, 2024 at 2:33 AM
What it's like to do a PhD while #blind - and how your sighted supervisor can be an ally: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.... with @nmart.bsky.social
#blind & #LowVision friends and colleagues. This week I'll be teaching a class about the future of vision rehabilitation. What is one thing you'd like future blindness & low vision professionals to know? I'll share some comments without names. :) Thanks!
December 7, 2024 at 10:05 PM
#blind & #LowVision friends and colleagues. This week I'll be teaching a class about the future of vision rehabilitation. What is one thing you'd like future blindness & low vision professionals to know? I'll share some comments without names. :) Thanks!
Looking forward to seeing old & new friends at the Vision Science Research Network annual meeting & to presenting pilot data on #braille reading performance across different braille display designs #VisionResearch #blind #LowVision #rehabilitation #a11y
December 3, 2024 at 10:45 PM
Looking forward to seeing old & new friends at the Vision Science Research Network annual meeting & to presenting pilot data on #braille reading performance across different braille display designs #VisionResearch #blind #LowVision #rehabilitation #a11y
Reposted by Natalie M
Every single school should have a library & a librarian, to help every single child find the books that will make them readers, and give them all the lifelong benefits of literacy. Libraries & librarians change children's lives FOREVER!
#literacy #libraries #librarians
#literacy #libraries #librarians
November 25, 2024 at 8:36 PM
Every single school should have a library & a librarian, to help every single child find the books that will make them readers, and give them all the lifelong benefits of literacy. Libraries & librarians change children's lives FOREVER!
#literacy #libraries #librarians
#literacy #libraries #librarians
Reposted by Natalie M
We need more of this. #UDL will remain teacher centric unless the exploration of UX becomes a mindset in education link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Accessibility, Usability, and Universal Design for Learning: Discussion of Three Key LX/UX Elements for Inclusive Learning Design - TechTrends
In this paper, we aim to provide readers with three critical concepts that can maximize inclusivity of learner experience (LX) and user experience (UX) design: accessibility, usability, and universal ...
link.springer.com
November 24, 2024 at 11:41 PM
We need more of this. #UDL will remain teacher centric unless the exploration of UX becomes a mindset in education link.springer.com/article/10.1...
so true! It is also possible for the same #blind reader to enjoy hardcopy #braille, electronic braille & audiobooks at different times, sometimes at the same time, & for different reasons. Having access to & opportunities to learn different methods provides choice and choice equals equity #a11y 📚
I'm going to blow your mind: It is possible for the same person to enjoy paper books, ebooks, AND audiobooks, all for different reasons and at different times.
November 24, 2024 at 11:32 PM
#braille #a11y & #blind hive: interested in pursuing a PhD under my supervision with a focus on #braille technologies? Currently recieving expressions of interest. Email me if interested https://recherche.umontreal.ca/english/our-researchers/directory-of-professors/researcher/is/in36760/
November 22, 2024 at 6:53 PM
#braille #a11y & #blind hive: interested in pursuing a PhD under my supervision with a focus on #braille technologies? Currently recieving expressions of interest. Email me if interested https://recherche.umontreal.ca/english/our-researchers/directory-of-professors/researcher/is/in36760/
exploring the use of smartphones & tablets among #blind & #LowVision users: Are mainstream tools replacing traditional assistive devices? https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10400435.2019.1682084
November 22, 2024 at 6:01 PM
exploring the use of smartphones & tablets among #blind & #LowVision users: Are mainstream tools replacing traditional assistive devices? https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10400435.2019.1682084
The shifting landscape of digital #a11y for students with visual impairments in k-12 schools: #UDL #blind #LowVision #braille https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/the-shifting-landscape-of-digital-accessibility-for-students-with-visual-impairments-in-k-12-schools/353179
November 22, 2024 at 5:57 PM
The shifting landscape of digital #a11y for students with visual impairments in k-12 schools: #UDL #blind #LowVision #braille https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/the-shifting-landscape-of-digital-accessibility-for-students-with-visual-impairments-in-k-12-schools/353179
Enablers & barriers encountered by working-age & older adults who learn #braille: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2020.1833253
November 22, 2024 at 5:49 PM
Enablers & barriers encountered by working-age & older adults who learn #braille: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2020.1833253
Reposted by Natalie M
Every academic:
“Yay. My proposal was accepted.”
1.73 seconds later, “Oh, shit. Now I have to do this project. Can I do this project?”
I dunno. But it is something to celebrate.
“Yay. My proposal was accepted.”
1.73 seconds later, “Oh, shit. Now I have to do this project. Can I do this project?”
I dunno. But it is something to celebrate.
November 20, 2024 at 10:41 PM
Every academic:
“Yay. My proposal was accepted.”
1.73 seconds later, “Oh, shit. Now I have to do this project. Can I do this project?”
I dunno. But it is something to celebrate.
“Yay. My proposal was accepted.”
1.73 seconds later, “Oh, shit. Now I have to do this project. Can I do this project?”
I dunno. But it is something to celebrate.
Sharing a cool announcement from APH: The #tactile Shape Slate is designed to function like familiar #braille slates, while allowing users to create raised point shapes and symbols. If you’re a creator of any kind, this is for you! https://www.aph.org/product/tactile-shape-slate/
November 20, 2024 at 4:15 AM
Sharing a cool announcement from APH: The #tactile Shape Slate is designed to function like familiar #braille slates, while allowing users to create raised point shapes and symbols. If you’re a creator of any kind, this is for you! https://www.aph.org/product/tactile-shape-slate/
Today I taught a class about the impact of blindness stereotypes & why it's important for future #blind & #LowVision rehabilitation professionals to understand the importance & role of the blindness advocacy movement. Passionate about #braille & #a11y? The #vrt program option may be for you!
Looking for a profession where you can make a difference? Become a vision rehabilitation professional! Our programs are available in both English and French - Application deadline is February 1st each year to start in the following September admission.umontreal.ca/en/programs/...
Master in Vision Sciences - Visual Impairment and Rehabilitation (English)
Gain the required knowledge and skills to provide rehabilitation services, in English, to people living with visual impairment.
admission.umontreal.ca
November 20, 2024 at 2:34 AM
Today I taught a class about the impact of blindness stereotypes & why it's important for future #blind & #LowVision rehabilitation professionals to understand the importance & role of the blindness advocacy movement. Passionate about #braille & #a11y? The #vrt program option may be for you!
Check out the comments for some great resources #a11y
Hey pals, who has great example accessibility statements for a syllabus and/or favourite resources discussing how to approach this?
I know many of my critdis and adjacent mutuals have some stellar ones and I would like to learn from them please
I know many of my critdis and adjacent mutuals have some stellar ones and I would like to learn from them please
November 18, 2024 at 10:56 PM
Check out the comments for some great resources #a11y