{"id":7962,"date":"2023-11-27T18:04:03","date_gmt":"2023-11-28T00:04:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=7962"},"modified":"2023-11-27T18:04:05","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T00:04:05","slug":"screen-readers-simplified-introducing-the-srt-screen-reader-training-website-meet-co-creators-allison-mello-and-max-avendano-assistive-technology-specialists-at-the-california-school-for-the-blind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=7962","title":{"rendered":"Screen Readers Simplified: Introducing the SRT Screen Reader Training Website &#8211; Meet Co-creators Allison Mello and Max Avendano, Assistive Technology Specialists at the California School for the Blind"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_3994\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-7962-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/SRTWebSight.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/SRTWebSight.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/SRTWebSight.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Podcast Summary:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mastering a new screen reader can be a daunting task: with a plethora of screen readers to choose from, and the learning curve of new commands it\u2019s easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, there\u2019s a new website to help you along your screen-reader journey!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant joined Assistive Technology Specialists Allison Mello and Max Avendano in the virtual studio to discuss everything you need to know about the new SRT Screen Reader training website.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can access the site by visiting&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/srt.csb-cde.ca.gov\/\">this link.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The site offers full-length tutorials of some of the most popular Screen Readers such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/srt.csb-cde.ca.gov\/voiceover\/voiceover-index.html\">Voiceover,<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/srt.csb-cde.ca.gov\/jaws\/jaws-index.html\">Jaws,<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/srt.csb-cde.ca.gov\/chromevox\/chromevox-index.html\">Kromevox,<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/srt.csb-cde.ca.gov\/nvda\/nvda-index.html\">NVDA.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested in practicing the information you learned? Take a look at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/srt.csb-cde.ca.gov\/game-portal\/game-portal-index.html\">Game Portal,<\/a>&nbsp;where you can find fun ways to develop your skills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to discussing the features of the website, Allison and Max give an overview of their work at the California School for the Blind, and how they used their lived experiences to compile the site. Don\u2019t forget to check back often, as they plan to provide updates as new information becomes available.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To contact the California School for the Blind, visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.csb-cde.ca.gov\/\">Their Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To contact the SRT development team directly, visit their&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/y8JoeLnp9jGBcPZd6\">Contact Page.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you have enjoyed this interview. If you would like to learn more and contact us, you can follow us on Twitter&nbsp;@<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/blindabilities\">Blind Abilities<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the web at&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.blindabilities.com\/\">www.blindabilities.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Send us an&nbsp;email at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:info@blindabilities.com\">info@blindabilities.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/blind-abilities\/id1085849859?l=es&amp;mt=8\">Free Blind Abilities App&nbsp;on the App Store<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.blindabilities.android.blind&amp;hl=en_US\">Google Play Store<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093. We would love to hear from you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/607027582712671\/\">Blind Abilities Community<\/a>&nbsp;on Facebook, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BlindAbilities\/\">Blind Abilities Page<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/jobinsightsgroup\">Career Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired group.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To contact Simon directly, send him an email at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:sbonenfant2@gmail.com\">sbonenfant2@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_3996\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-7962-3\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/SRTWebSight.mp3?_=3\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/SRTWebSight.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/SRTWebSight.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p>https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/SRTWebSight.mp3 Podcast Summary: Mastering a new screen reader can be a daunting task: with a plethora of screen readers to choose from, and the learning curve of new commands it\u2019s easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, there\u2019s a new website to help you along your screen-reader journey!&nbsp; Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant joined Assistive Technology [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[17,467,512,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bapresents","category-technology","category-tvitoolbox","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6rcRg-24q","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9362,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9362","url_meta":{"origin":7962,"position":0},"title":"From Gestures to Jobs: Learning Assistive Tech That Actually Matters","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"February 5, 2026","format":"audio","excerpt":"Learning assistive technology isn\u2019t just about memorizing shortcuts\u2014it\u2019s about building skills that open doors to school, work, and everyday life. In this episode, Cheryl McIntosh and Sree Roy share how mastering screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver can turn frustration into confidence. They break down why fundamentals matter, how\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9202,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9202","url_meta":{"origin":7962,"position":1},"title":"From Screen Readers to Self-Reliance: Cheryl\u2019s Journey to Becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"October 11, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: In this Blind Abilities conversation, Cheryl McIntosh shares her journey toward becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, or CATIS, and how she empowers others to build independence through technology. Cheryl teaches screen reader users\u2014primarily JAWS and VoiceOver\u2014through personalized virtual training. She explains that success starts with fundamentals\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7925,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=7925","url_meta":{"origin":7962,"position":2},"title":"A One-Stop Shop for Your Assistive Technology Needs! Meet Jeff Gardner: Founder and Team Leader of Irie-AT","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"August 14, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: While attending the 2023 NFB Convention in Houston Texas, Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant sat down with Jeff Gardener, team leader at Irie-at. Founded in 2011, Irie-at offers a wide range of products such as braille displays, braille embossers with tactile graphics, and low-vision aids such as\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8383,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=8383","url_meta":{"origin":7962,"position":3},"title":"Touch the Power of Knowledge and Information: Storm Interfaces Breaks Down Barriers of Inaccessible Touch Screen Technology through Tactile and Screen Reader Accessible Kiosks &#8211; Meet Nicky Shaw.","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"August 29, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: In the age of digital technology, companies are increasingly turning to self-service touch screen kiosks. Partnering with screen reading manufacturers such as TPGI and the Jaws screen reader, Storm Interfaces designs tactile keypads that are accessible for everyone. Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant, live from the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Technology&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Technology","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=467"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4556,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=4556","url_meta":{"origin":7962,"position":4},"title":"Assistive Technology: Choosing the Right Tools for Success &#8211; Meet Jesse Anderson, Assistive Technology Specialist and Accessible Game Advocate","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"February 20, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Show Summary: Full Transcript Screen readers, Refreshable Braille, Magnification, Audio Books, Computers and Smart Devices are just a few of the Tools for Success that are available to the Blind\/Visually Impaired community. From education to the workplace, Assistive Technology enables people with a visual impairment to do just about anything\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Career&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Career","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=373"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6665,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=6665","url_meta":{"origin":7962,"position":5},"title":"Vispero \u2013 Empowering Independence: Vispero Vice President Matt Ater Talks User Experience and How the Vispero Team is Listening to You","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"April 23, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Show Summary: Matt Ater, Vice President at Vispero, joined Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities studio to talk about Vispero and what he and his team is doing to enhance the user experience and opportunities to learn about the products we have all come to know, such as the ever\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7962"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7963,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7962\/revisions\/7963"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}