Tony Gebhard returns to the Blind Abilities studio to introduce NVDA Coach—an innovative, free add-on designed to change how NVDA is taught and learned around the world.

Built from real classroom experience, NVDA Coach supports both beginners and instructors with structured lessons, guided modules, and practical skill-building. Tony created this tool not just for his own students, but for anyone ready to learn NVDA with confidence—no matter where they are.

With over 40 lessons organized into clear chapters, NVDA Coach removes the intimidation factor and replaces it with a step-by-step path to success. Teachers are using it as a ready-made curriculum, while students are gaining independence faster than ever.

And this is just the beginning—new updates are on the horizon, promising even more ways to learn, grow, and explore.

Learn more at:

www.TonyGebhard.me/NVDACoach

Contact: info@TonyGebhard.me

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We return with another Blind Abilities Musical about that first time you heard the screen speak back to you. How you dug in an learned about accessibility and use it in the workplace. And how the ever changing tech world keeps you on your toes.

After the music ends, Pete Lane, Christina Covington, Lori Thompson and Jeff Thompson jump back into the studio for a lively, reflective, and thoughtful conversation about accessible technology and how it has changed their lives. They reflect on the first time they heard JAWS, VoiceOver, or ZoomText Extra speak, and how those early moments opened doors to independence, speed, confidence, and inclusion. The group talks about learning curves, keyboard shortcuts, workplace productivity, iPhone accessibility, adapting to software updates, and the importance of maintaining strong basic skills when technology changes. Along the way, they share memories of older tools, joke about screen readers, sound speed, and emojis, and compare how Macs, Windows PCs, and iPhones fit into daily life. A strong theme throughout the conversation is curiosity: the willingness to explore, problem-solve, and keep learning. The discussion feels warm, personal, and empowering, showing that technology is most powerful when it helps people participate fully and independently.

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Full Transcript

Step into a summer that could change everything. At the Colorado Center for the Blind, the No Limits to Learning program invites blind, deafblind, and low vision students ages 15–21 to live, learn, and grow in a fully immersive experience. You'll stay in real apartments, cook your own meals, travel using public transit, and build independence from morning to night. Days are filled with hands-on training in Braille, technology, orientation and mobility, and independent living skills—taught by blind mentors who've been where you are. Beyond the classroom, adventure awaits with rock climbing, whitewater rafting, martial arts, and more. As past student Christopher shares, this program unlocks confidence and proves what's truly possible. You won't just learn skills—you'll discover your strength, your community, and your future. If you're ready to challenge expectations and gain real independence, this is your moment.

Find out more about the Youth Programs offered by Colorado Center on the web.

Links of interests:

The Spectacle Newsletter

Youth Services at SSB

To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205.

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