ing with. Teaching learners how to combine these approaches increases their flexibility and can reduce the cognitive load of navigating between tasks. Screen magnification software adds further customiza- tion and efficiency. Windows Magnifier, ZoomText, and Zoom, for example, provide multiple magnification modes such as full screen, lens, and docked views, each supporting differ- ent workflow needs. Screen magnification commands allow for seamless transitions between magnification levels, text smoothing options, and other enhancements, including color filtering, tracking, and pointer customization. Also, notably, the combination of magnification and speech can be particularly effective in reducing eye strain and supporting lengthier read- ing tasks. Ultimately, effective screen magnification configura- tion is about combining ergonomics, system tools, application commands, and specialized software into a coherent workflow that matches the user’s visual functioning and task demands. When these components are thoughtfully taught and aligned, learners gain independence, reduce fatigue, and work more fluidly across academic, vocational, and everyday tasks. Continuing with the topic of configuration, we discussed methods for configuration for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365. Some areas discussed included exploring settings for key- board, including keyboard repeat rate and delay, power op- tions, sound settings, display settings and appearance, screen resolution, mouse pointer and cursor settings, making text bigger and adjusting scaling, and various accessibility settings. Next, we explored customization options for screen readers, including options for Job Access with Speech (JAWS) to adjust the Quick Settings, keyboard shortcuts to navigate between different areas of windows (e.g. F6, Shift with F6, Tab, and Shift with Tab), screen reader commands to adjust the typing echo settings, and punctuation level adjustments. This included a discussion of commands to access screen reader settings, such as opening Narrator settings using Windows with Control and the letter “N,” opening the Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) Menu using NVDA key with the letter “N,” accessing the Run JAWS Manager dialog box using JAWS key with F2, focusing on the JAWS interface or JAWS System Tray menu using JAWS key with the letter “J,” and searching for JAWS commands using the layered command JAWS key with Space followed by the letter “J.” Various settings can be adjusted for Microsoft 365 pro- grams. We discussed settings specific to the desktop versions for Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Excel. Some of the options discussed included using the accessibility checker, Backstage view settings when saving or opening files using keyboard shortcuts, disabling the Start screen, language settings, accessibility options, and Trust Center settings. Some additional Outlook options to consider adjusting are the view settings, disabling attachment previews,
and adding properties to attachments. Finally, we discussed configuration options for the still in- creasing number of non-computer computers. Smart home de- vices mean that everything from a refrigerator to a coffee mak- er may have digital accessibility options built in, which need to be enabled and configured. Interoperability with smart home control centers allow for a unified interface, and shortened learning curve. In addition to practical tips on configuration, data from a national study were shared on how blind and low vision users use patterns differ from non-disabled Americans, grounding practice recommendations in emerging research. ADDITIONAL TECH TOPICS INCLUDED IN THE PRE- CONFERENCE SESSION During this one-and-a-half-day session, there were many additional tech topics covered beyond the broad topic of con- figuration. Several of these additional topics are summarized next. There were additional components of this pre-conference session also that go beyond what is included in this manuscript. Those interested in the full iteration of this pre-conference ses- sion are encouraged to attend this annual one-and-half-day ATIA pre-conference session in the future. BRAILLE AND TACTILE DISPLAY DERBY The “Braille and Tactile Display Derby” part of this pre-con- ference session provided participants with a hands-on oppor- tunity to explore a wide range of braille display technologies. During this one-hour session, attendees were led through a structured comparison of several devices, highlighting both their shared features and the unique capabilities that sup- port learners who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind. The goal of this component of the pre-conference session was to build familiarity, confidence, and instructional insight by allowing participants to handle each device, experience real-time dem- onstrations, and discuss use real world user case examples in educational, professional, and everyday contexts. The session featured a guided exploration of the Focus 14 and the Brailliant as well as other commonly used refreshable braille display devices. The new BrailleNote evolve (Human- Ware, 2026) was presented and discussed as well as the Brail- leSense 6, examining the interfaces of these devices, built-in productivity suites, and commands and workflows for naviga- tion, writing, research, and classroom participation. A special portion of the derby featured the Monarch and the Dot Pad X, allowing participants to experience access through the full-page or multi-line tactile display and tactile graphics. This segment focused on how the Monarch and the Dot Pad X have transformed the teaching and learning of math, science, maps, and more by giving learners immediate, tactile content at their fingertips in ways never experienced before.
38 https://www.closingthegap.com/benefits-of-membership/ | February / March, 2026 Closing The Gap © 2026 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
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