Coding in Schools
Unfortunately the most commonly used program to teach the concepts of coding in schools, Scratch, isn’t very accessible. The RNIB can provide guidance to QTVIs on how children can use any accessibility features within SCRATCH or other programming tools as well as magnification and screen reading software, scaling/adjusting screen resolution to make text bigger, and using colour themes/dark mode, etc. The RNIB can also chat about alternative approaches and will support mainstream teachers so they’re welcome to contact us on the same email address.
The Thomas Pocklington Trust Education Advice service can also provide support to students and teachers.
There are a couple of really exciting options for blind and partially sighted students when it comes to learning to code…
Code Jumper
Code Jumper an interactive and tactile system developed to teach blind and partially sighted students fundamental coding principles.
Code Jumper on the Humanware store
CJ Threads
CJ Threads is a software add on to Code Jumper. It aims to build upon the basics taught by the Code Jumper system. It does this by teaching further coding principles using music creation/DJ mixing actions, where the coder uses blocks of music/sounds to create their own music within a coding/programming context.
https://codejumper.com/cjthreads.php
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is quite popular with my students. In addition to support for screen readers there are text adjustments:
https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/configure/accessibility/accessibility
Contacts:
RNIB Education team: cypf@rnib.org.uk.
TPT Education Advice Service: EducationAdvice@pocklington.org.uk
RSBC: connections@rsbc.org.uk